The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Neconde vs First Trustees, FBN Quest: Court suspends powers of purported receiver, Abubakar Sulu Gambari

• Orders maintenance of ‘status quo ante bellum’

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Receiver appointed by First Trustees and FBN Quest in their ongoing dispute with Nestoil Limited and Neconde Energy Limited.

Justice Peter Lifu, on December 1, 2025, ordered all parties in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2534/2025 to maintain the status quo ante bellum (the situation as it existed before the war) in Neconde Energy Limited’s suit against the Nigerian Navy, Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, SAN, and First Trustees Limited.

The interim order suspends the Receiver’s authority to act pending further determination of the case.

By this ruling, the Receiver is prohibited from taking any further steps, actions, or decisions in relation to Nestoil and Neconde until the court has heard and determined the substantive applications before it.

In the enrolled order signed by Justice Peter Lifu, the court further admonished parties, relying on Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 627, to refrain from taking steps capable of destroying the subject matter of the litigation and to abide by the doctrine of lis pendens.

Justice Lifu also ordered that the case file in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2534/2025 be transferred to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a judge in the Lagos Division, noting that the proper parties are domiciled in Lagos.

The matter is set for accelerated hearing and has been adjourned to 15 December 2025, to be heard in Lagos.

Neconde, through its counsel, had sought interim protection against alleged interference by Sulu-Gambari and his agents in the company’s operations, particularly its role in managing the OML 42 Joint Venture, in which the company holds a 49 percent equity stake alongside the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC/NNPC).

Supported by a 54-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Pamela Nwabueze, Neconde argued that urgent judicial intervention was necessary to forestall further disruption in crude oil production and operational management.

READ ALSO: Why I apologised to Afeez Owo – Wumi Toriola

The court, after reviewing the affidavit, exhibits, and legal submissions, held that the application raised weighty and triable issues deserving preservation of the res.

Justice Lifu cited the principles governing interim injunctions, relying on appellate authorities such as Obeya Memorial Hospital v. Attorney-General of the Federation and Kolawole v. CBN (1989) NWLR (Pt. 98) 419.

He ruled that refusing the application could result in more hardship to Neconde, particularly given the sensitivity of crude production to national revenue.

The court clarified that while it would not grant the interim order in the exact form requested by the applicant, a preservative order was necessary.

It therefore directed all parties to revert to and maintain the status quo ante bellum while temporarily setting aside the “purported powers” of the second defendant, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The orders read “That all the parties in this suit are ordered to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice, as the purported powers of the 2nd defendants are hereby put on hold.

“That parties are admonished, on the authority of Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) NWLR (Pt. 18) 627, not to destroy the res and to abide by the doctrine of lis pendens.

“That Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2534/2025 and the entire case file are hereby remitted to the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to any Judge in the Lagos Division of the Court, since the proper parties are resident in Lagos.

“Accelerated hearing is granted, and the case is adjourned to Tuesday, 15 December 2025, to be heard in the Lagos Division.

“That the Deputy Chief Registrar, Federal High Court, Abuja, shall transmit the case file expeditiously in line with the above orders.”

December 4, 2025
Kwara teachers hail BBYDI’s AI flashcards, storybooks

Teachers across Kwara State have commended the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) for introducing AI Flashcards and Storybooks designed to help young learners understand the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence. The resources were unveiled during a two-day AI Literacy Workshop for teachers in Ilorin, which attracted participants from public and private schools across the state.

Developed under BBYDI’s AI Literacy for Everyday People programme, supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, the flashcards and storybooks were described by teachers as “long-overdue tools” capable of modernising teaching and improving pupils’ digital readiness.

The materials, which simplify AI concepts through age-appropriate storytelling and colourful illustrations, were tested live in the workshop as teachers worked in groups to develop stories, lesson notes, and classroom activities using the resources. Facilitators demonstrated how storytelling could break down technical concepts for children in basic schools, helping them understand how AI appears in everyday life—from digital assistants to translation apps and smart devices.

A highlight of the training was a practical session where teachers used AI tools such as Gemini and NotebookLM to create children’s stories within minutes. One group developed an illustrated story on “contentment” for pupils aged six to eight, prompting AI to generate characters, narration, and accompanying images. Others used AI to craft short lesson summaries, video animations, and reading passages tailored to different age groups.

READ ALSO; AMCON repays N3.6tr to CBN, says MD

Many teachers said the experience revealed how much AI could simplify lesson planning and classroom delivery. They also noted that pupils were already interacting with AI-driven apps at home, making the flashcards and stories timely and necessary for guiding safe and responsible use.

One teacher, Ms. Barakat Alli, described the training as “a major shift in how we think about teaching,” adding that the workshop opened her eyes to “endless possibilities” for blending AI tools with classroom instruction. Others said the resources would help them introduce pupils to emerging career paths and strengthen comprehension, especially for younger learners who respond better to stories.

The teachers also learned how to use AI to generate lesson notes, create animations, design slideshows, prepare assessments, and conduct research. Several said the training would significantly reduce workload, giving them more time for personalised teaching.

The workshop received support from the Kwara State Ministry of Education, whose leadership praised BBYDI for equipping teachers with skills aligned with global best practices in digital learning. Officials noted that integrating AI into classrooms had become increasingly vital as the world moves toward technology-driven economies.

BBYDI’s Communications Director, Sanni Alausa-Issa, said the goal of the materials was to ensure that no child grows up digitally excluded. “If the future of work is AI-driven, the foundations must be laid in primary and secondary schools,” he said. “These flashcards and storybooks allow teachers to introduce AI in a way children can understand, enjoy, and apply safely.”

December 4, 2025
Senate panel grills ambassadorial nominees, clears three after intense screening

The Senate on Wednesday subjected three ambassadorial nominees to rigorous questioning before eventually clearing them for appointment, following a tense but detailed screening session that focused heavily on issues of national security and competence.

The three nominees cleared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs are former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. Ayo Oke, career diplomat and former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Amin Muhammad Dalhatu and former Director General of the State Security Service, Lateef Kayode Are.

The session came alive when one of the nominees, a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, addressed controversies that had trailed his tenure and publicly responded to allegations recently revived in the media and political circles.

He began by thanking the Senate for the opportunity to speak, specifically acknowledging Senators Seriake Dickson and Adams Oshiomhole for raising issues he described as “already in the public domain.”

Seeking the committee’s permission to address the concerns, he stated that while he would not delve into sensitive operational details, he was prepared to clarify key points.

Oke said that between 2013 and 2017, under his leadership, the NIA recorded what he described as “unprecedented progress—organizational, operational, and infrastructural.”

He cited, as an example, the construction of what he called “the best conference centre in the country,” noting that he built it on what he met as an empty field when he assumed office.

He insisted the agency reached heights it had never attained in its three decades of existence prior to his appointment.

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

Touching on the controversial covert operation that has trailed his name for years, he stated that the “clandestine operation” enjoyed the approval of two Presidents, stressing that his actions were taken strictly in service of national security.

Quoting author Philip Yancey on the unpredictability of life, he likened his ordeal to the biblical trials of Joseph, Job, Esther, and Ruth.

He said he bore the turbulence with equanimity and faith, anchored by three personal principles—God, country, and honour—values he said guided his 38-year career in public service.

However, he revealed that the ordeal deeply affected him and his family, recalling that he lost his 86-year-old mother during the period, which he attributed partly to distress caused by “lies and damaging narratives” surrounding the case.

Members of the committee acknowledged the sensitivity of the issues raised and commended the nominee for his responses.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Sani Bello reminded all nominees to formally engage senators from their home states, saying endorsement from at least two state senators remained a requirement for clearance.

Despite the intensity of the session, committee members noted that all three nominees brought strong credentials to the table, with longstanding experience in public service, diplomacy, intelligence, and administration.

They concluded that the nominees possessed the requisite expertise and discipline to serve effectively as ambassadors.

The chairman described President Bola Tinubu’s selection as “a very good choice,” adding that the nominees had demonstrated competence and readiness for the task ahead.

At the end of deliberations, the committee unanimously recommended their confirmation by the Senate.

December 3, 2025
New population commission chair vows transparent, credible national census

Newly inaugurated Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Aminu Yusuf, on Wednesday pledged to deliver a transparent, credible and nationally acceptable population and housing census for Nigeria.

Yusuf made the commitment at the State House, Abuja, shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside newly appointed federal commissioners of the Commission.

Speaking with journalists at the State House, the NPC Chairman underscored the importance of accurate population data to national planning and assured that the forthcoming census would be conducted with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

“Nigeria needs a transparent and acceptable census, which I have promised. I have taken an oath with my commissioners that we will be transparent in whatever we do regarding the conduct of the census, so that at the end of it all, it will be acceptable to Nigerians”, Yusuf said.

Describing the commitment as a solemn pledge, he expressed confidence in the capacity of the Commission’s leadership team.

“This is a promise, and by the grace of God, we will achieve that with the team. With the calibre of federal commissioners that I have, and a very versatile and experienced Director-General, I don’t have any fear, because it’s a mandate that the President has given us, and he has given us a marching order”, Yusuf said.

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

Yusuf said the NPC’s responsibilities extend far beyond census exercises, noting that the Commission continues to address numerous tasks central to national development.

In addition to conducting periodic population and housing censuses, the NPC registers births and deaths, advises government on population matters, collects and analyses demographic data, and monitors the implementation of the national population policy to support economic and development planning.

The new chairman said these functions would be strengthened under his leadership to ensure that Nigeria’s population data remains accurate, credible and useful for long-term national planning.

December 3, 2025
FG rolls out MOFI awards for public enterprises

The federal government has introduced a new national initiative aimed at promoting accountability, high performance, and strong corporate governance across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises.

The initiative, known as the MOFI Excellence Awards, is the first event dedicated to recognising outstanding governance practices and institutional performance within Federal Government-owned and linked enterprises.

Speaking at the launch and the inauguration of the MOFI Excellence Awards Panel, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the new programme represents a major step toward strengthening governance and operational standards in the public sector.

According to him, the establishment of the awards “signals government’s unwavering commitment to raising the bar of performance and governance in Nigeria’s public sector.”

Edun said the awards were conceived to serve a critical purpose, noting that “The MOFI Excellence Awards are not about applause for its own sake; they were conceived to promote corporate governance excellence, high institutional performance, and strategic alignment across MOFI’s portfolio of public enterprises.”

He explained that the programme is designed to “shine a spotlight on those boards and management teams that exemplify transparency, accountability, and strong performance.”

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

The minister added that the government intends to commend agencies and leaders who consistently demonstrate sound stewardship in the management of public assets.

“We intend to recognise agencies and their leaders who demonstrate high standards of transparency, accountability, and performance in managing public assets,” he said.

According to him, “by doing so, we send a clear message that good governance and results will be rewarded, and that every entity under MOFI should strive towards the highest ideals of service and stewardship.”

Edun stated that the credibility of the awards rests heavily on the independence and expertise of the judging panel. He described the panel as central to ensuring a fair and transparent process, noting that “At the heart of this initiative is the independent judging panel supported by an expert advisory consultant. Your role is pivotal – you are entrusted with overseeing a fair, transparent, and rigorous evaluation process for all participating entities.”

The panel is composed of experts and institutional leaders from organisations known for advancing good governance, including the Financial Reporting Council, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Directors, the Nigeria Exchange Group and the Chartered Risk Management Institute.

Edun said this selection “underlines the independence and professionalism with which the assessments will be conducted,” adding that the panel’s mandate is “to uphold integrity, impartiality and diligence at every step, so that the eventual outcomes command public trust and respect.”

Addressing the panel members, the Minister of Finance stressed the importance of their work, describing them as pioneers of a process that will shape expectations in the public enterprise sector for many years.

He said, “I cannot overstate the weight of responsibility that rests on your shoulders. You are pioneers in this endeavour, custodians of a process that will set the benchmark for years to come. The decisions you make, the standards you uphold, will have profound implications for our nation’s public sector. We must get it right. This is an open, independent process, and it must be seen by all to be merit-based and free of favouritism.”

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Takang, described the awards as a groundbreaking development in Nigeria’s approach to public asset management.

He said, “It is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria dedicated to recognising excellence in corporate governance and performance across Federal Government-owned and Linked Enterprises.”

Takang explained that MOFI’s broader reform agenda over the past year is aimed at transforming how Nigeria manages its public investments.

“From launching the MOFI Corporate Governance Scorecard to now instituting an awards programme that recognises outstanding performance, we are translating reform ideas into tangible outcomes,” he said.

According to him, MOFI’s strategy is anchored on “honest investments and transparent strategies,” which are essential for sustaining growth.

Reflecting on the launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard earlier this year, Takang said the tool has initiated a shift in mindset across public enterprises.

“When we launched the Scorecard earlier this year and conducted a pilot implementation round with participation from more than half of MOFI portfolio companies, it was more than just unveiling a new tool – it was the start of a culture shift,” he said. He added that the scorecard “fundamentally redefines governance as a strategic asset, driving transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation.”

Takang also noted that MOFI is applying the same standards internally. He said the organisation has strengthened board effectiveness, ethics policies, and risk management systems within its operations.

“This approach ties our reputation to the performance of the enterprises we oversee and sends a clear message: MOFI is not just an asset manager; we are a partner and a participant in this collective effort” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the MOFI Board, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, represented by Hajia Fatima Nana Mede, said the awards are intended to motivate public sector agencies to raise their performance standards. “We want to send a clear message across the public sector that transparency, accountability and performance will be noticed and rewarded,” he said.

Usman added that MOFI also hopes to foster positive competition among its portfolio companies. “We also want to foster a healthy sense of competition and peer learning among our portfolio companies. When an agency sees a peer celebrated for excellence, I expect it to spark inspiration: ‘If they can do it, so can we.”

The Chairman of the Awards Panel, Chief JK Randle, said the initiative represents a timely opportunity to elevate governance standards and inspire stronger performance across public enterprises.

The inaugural MOFI Excellence Awards will be conducted through a fully independent process, with the judging panel expected to begin evaluating qualifying agencies in the coming months.

The go says the programme will become an annual benchmark for excellence in Nigeria’s public enterprise ecosystem.

December 3, 2025
First Lady splashes N1.9bn on persons with disabilities

…empowers 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday marked the 2025 World Disability Day with a massive economic empowerment programme, disbursing ₦200,000 each to 9,500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) nationwide — amounting to ₦1.9 billion in direct business support.

She formally launched the disbursement at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, with 250 physically challenged military and police veterans, describing the initiative as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to inclusion and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the programme holds special significance as it coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is being implemented simultaneously across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said “our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully.”

Quoting American disability rights advocate Helen Keller, Senator Tinubu added “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

She said the words serve as a reminder that “a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to our collective progress.”

Senator Tinubu said fostering a disability-inclusive society remained a deliberate pathway to advancing social progress, noting that this year’s intervention aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked,” she said.

The First Lady highlighted the scale of support provided since the creation of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in 2023, disclosing that its business recapitalisation scheme had strengthened over 100,000 businesses, including those owned by persons with disabilities.

“It is worth noting that, over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over one hundred thousand (100,000) women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses,” she said.

She added that RHI interventions span agriculture, education, health and social welfare, all aimed at improving the well-being of families across the country.

Looking ahead, Senator Tinubu announced that the RHI Governing Board has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event.

“In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she stated.

She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, saying “to all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity. Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented, described the intervention as “a clear demonstration of compassion in action,” noting that it aligns with RHI’s ongoing social investment initiatives, including medical and food outreach programmes.

The ceremony, attended by military families, disability groups and senior government officials, underscored the First Lady’s drive to make economic inclusion a national priority and ensure that no citizen is left behind in Nigeria’s development journey.

December 3, 2025
Senate seeks two-year mandatory pupillage for new lawyers

The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking sweeping reforms to the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, including the introduction of a compulsory two-year pupillage for lawyers newly called to the Nigerian Bar.

The proposed amendment is part of a broader effort to modernise the regulation of legal practice in Nigeria and align it with global standards in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Kenya.

Debated during plenary and sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill aims to overhaul the country’s nearly 60-year-old legal regulatory framework, which lawmakers said no longer reflects the complexities and demands of contemporary legal practice.

Presiding over the session, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, put the bill to a vote after extensive deliberations, with the chamber unanimously approving it for further legislative action.

The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters was mandated to organise a public hearing and report back within two weeks.

In his lead debate, Bamidele described the existing Legal Practitioners Act as “almost six decades old in context and structure,” stressing that the evolution of technology, digital court processes, cross-border commercial transactions and heightened expectations for ethical conduct had rendered the current framework inadequate.

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

“The nature of legal practice today has drastically evolved,” he said. “Accordingly, our regulatory framework must evolve to meet these new realities.”

A major plank of the proposed legislation is the restructuring and empowerment of the Body of Benchers as the apex regulatory institution for the legal profession.

The bill seeks to grant the body corporate legal personality, financial autonomy, a strengthened secretariat, clear rule-making powers and a more robust institutional structure for committees and oversight.

Bamidele also flagged persistent weaknesses in the existing disciplinary mechanism for lawyers, noting that the current system is slow, centralised and incapable of responding effectively to professional misconduct.

The bill therefore proposes a restructured Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), with multiple panels sitting across the country, clearer sanctioning powers—ranging from suspension and striking-off to restitution, compensation and formal apology—and mandatory publication of disciplinary decisions for transparency. Aggrieved practitioners will retain the right of appeal to the Supreme Court.

Another innovation in the bill is the creation of an Ethics, Adherence and Enforcement Committee, which would serve as a professional investigative body empowered to inspect law offices, demand documents, investigate public complaints, enforce compliance with regulatory standards and prosecute cases before the LPDC.

A key highlight of the reform package is the introduction of a mandatory two-year pupilage programme for newly called lawyers, except where special circumstances apply.

This, Bamidele said, would ensure young practitioners acquire practical skills, professional grounding and mentorship before operating independently.

The bill also introduces compulsory continuing professional development as a requirement for renewal of practising licences, a measure designed to keep lawyers up-to-date throughout their careers.

In addition, the legislation criminalises unauthorised legal practice—a response to growing concerns about impostors posing as lawyers and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

It clearly defines what constitutes legal practice and sets penalties for violators.

Beyond discipline and training, the proposed law also touches on the regulation of foreign lawyers, reforms to the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and enhanced safeguards to protect clients and their finances.

Contributing to the debate, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who recalled his experiences at the bar more than three decades ago, said the reforms were long overdue.

He maintained that Nigeria’s legal profession must adapt to the realities of the digital age if it must remain competitive and credible.

“This bill is apt and germane,” Monguno said. “We are in a digital age, and our legal profession must reflect these realities.”

December 3, 2025
14m girls vaccinated against HPV, 30m children receive measles–rubella shot – FG

…approves agricultural mechanisation centres, 4,000 telecom towers nationwide

The Federal Government on Wednesday announced significant progress in Nigeria’s immunisation drive, with more than 14 million girls vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and nearly 30 million children receiving the new measles–rubella vaccine within the past year.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the milestones reflect the administration’s commitment to social welfare and human capital development, as captured in the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

Salako added that sustained financing for primary healthcare and immunisation will allow further expansion of nationwide vaccination programmes in 2026.

According to him, the renewed emphasis on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is enabling the government to revitalise primary health centres across the country.

“More than 4,000 PHCs have been revitalised, and the plan for an additional 8,000 remains intact under Mr President’s directive to make primary healthcare the cornerstone of our national system,” he said.

The minister noted that Tinubu’s support has made it possible for the health sector to roll out large-scale, innovative immunisation campaigns, including the nationwide HPV vaccination initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls.

He added that the swift uptake of the measles–rubella vaccine demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to execute high-impact public health interventions when adequately funded.

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

“For us in the health sector, today’s FEC was another opportunity to appreciate Mr President for sustaining priority attention on human capital and social welfare. These interventions directly touch the average Nigerian,” Salako said.

Providing further details from the FEC session, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Council also approved the establishment of agricultural mechanisation service centres in all six geopolitical zones.

The centres will offer mechanised farming support aimed at boosting year-round food production and reducing reliance on manual labour.

Idris explained that the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader agricultural reform agenda to improve yields and strengthen food security nationwide.

He added that Council directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to hold quarterly meetings with the Ministry of Finance, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Economic Management Team to ensure strict prioritisation and monitoring of capital projects.

The minister also announced that FEC approved the deployment of 4,000 telecommunications towers to underserved communities across the country, under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

He said the rollout is expected to significantly improve rural connectivity, stimulate commerce and enhance security surveillance in areas currently lacking network coverage.

“With millions of Nigerians still underserved digitally, the erection of 4,000 new towers will be a major step toward bridging the communication gap and supporting economic activity in rural communities,” Idris said.

December 3, 2025
Nigeria is great, nobody can intimidate us, says Gen Musa

The Senate on Wednesday screened former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his nomination as Minister of Defence during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In his opening remarks, General Musa emphasised national unity, collaboration, and collective resolve in tackling insecurity.

He warned that Nigeria faces adversaries “that don’t mean this country well,” stressing that security agencies require sustained support from both the government and citizens.

Musa highlighted the deteriorating situation in the Sahel region and called for strengthened border security, empowerment of security agencies, and enhanced cooperation with neighbouring countries to prevent instability from spilling into Nigeria.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for the support he received as Chief of Defence Staff.

Senate President Akpabio commended Musa’s professionalism and responsiveness during his tenure as CDS, noting his role in stabilising the South-west and urging him to apply similar strategies in the North-west and North-central regions.

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

Other senators, including Senator Mohammed Monguno and Senator Ahmad Lawan, praised Musa’s operational experience, patriotism, and firm leadership, with calls for adequate funding to support his work as minister.

“No investment in our armed forces is too much. Let’s give them what they need so they don’t operate in a vacuum,” Lawan said.

Raising a critical concern, Akpabio noted that over 200 schoolchildren were still being held in the bush, and insisted that Musa must give Nigerians reassurance, not merely “take a bow and go.”

Senators also demanded answers concerning the abduction of Brigadier General Uba and the withdrawal of troops 30 minutes before kidnappers attacked a school in the Maga area.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu asked about the military’s technological shortcomings, querying why soldiers still confront criminals armed with superior weapons.

Senator Ali Ndume raised concerns over premature retirement of young, well-trained officers, which he described as a “waste of talent.”

Responding, General Musa reassured Nigerians of a firm, coordinated and accountable security posture:

“We will not stand by and see terrorists have the capacity to capture a brigade commander. We will investigate fully. No indolence or cowardice will be entertained. All those found culpable will face the law.”

He condemned the mysterious withdrawal of soldiers before the Maga school abduction, “It is unacceptable. We will investigate and ensure those responsible face appropriate action.”

Musa said his 39 years of military experience had exposed him to the depth of Nigeria’s security challenges, and he pledged to undertake a full review of operations from day one.

He noted existing gaps in the armed forces—especially in technology, logistics and inter-agency coordination—warning that without adequate funding, success would be extremely difficult.

He emphasised a whole-of-society approach, insisting that security is localised and communities must be active participants.

“If we do not carry communities along, we will continue to run into problems. Governors must also work together regionally, because bandits do not respect borders.”

He also called for stronger engagement with neighbouring countries—Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin—because insecurity in those territories directly affects Nigeria.

On legal reforms, Musa argued that obsolete laws slow down justice and fail to deter criminals.

“When punishment is swift, it serves as deterrence. We must modernise our laws,” he said.

Akpabio informed Musa that the Senate had already introduced a bill classifying kidnapping as terrorism, with death sentence as penalty.

“We want to give you the enabling framework. If they are not deterred, they will face death sentence,” he said.

December 3, 2025
Senate summons finance, education ministers over ‘collapse’ of $30m Safe School Initiative programme

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to appear before its ad-hoc committee investigating the ‘collapse’ of the $30 million Safe School Initiative.

Also expected to appear before the committee are the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; and representatives of school proprietors.

The appearance is scheduled for Tuesday next week.

The summons, issued Wednesday, followed the adoption of the committee’s work plan during its maiden meeting.

The panel, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), is probing why the multi-million-dollar initiative—launched in 2014 to protect schools from violent attacks—failed to achieve its objectives despite significant funding from government and international donors.

Briefing journalists after the inaugural sitting, Senator Kalu vowed that the Senate would “unravel all issues surrounding the implementation of the Safe School Initiative and ensure full accountability.”

He described Nigeria’s persistent vulnerability of schools to violent attacks as a national embarrassment.

He disclosed that no fewer than 1,680 school children have been kidnapped and 180 educational facilities attacked since 2014.

READ ALSO; How I will tackle insecurity, by Defence minister-designate, General Musa

“It is unacceptable that our schools remain soft targets for terrorists and kidnappers,” he said.

According to him, the committee will scrutinise every fund released for the initiative, including the $30 million mobilised between 2014 and 2021 and the recent N144 billion allocated by the Federal Government.

“Nigerians deserve to know why, despite enormous investment and global support, our schools remain unsafe,” Senator Kalu said. “The committee will undertake a comprehensive financial and operational audit, engaging federal ministries, state governments, security agencies, and civil society partners.”

He emphasised that the probe is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to strengthen accountability and ensure Nigerian children can learn without fear. “We owe parents the assurance that their children can go to school safely,” he said.

The areas of investigation include: Utilisation of funds allocated since 2014, deployment and effectiveness of security personnel, early warning and emergency response mechanisms, Infrastructure upgrades in vulnerable schools and partnerships with international donors and private-sector contributors

The Senate’s action follows renewed national outrage after the recent abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and more than 200 students from St. Mary Catholic School in Niger State.

Senator Kalu said the committee is determined to get to the root of the Safe School Initiative’s collapse and recommend reforms that will restore confidence in the nation’s education security framework.

December 3, 2025