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  • Ndume congratulates Revd Mohzo on re-election as COCIN President

    Ndume congratulates Revd Mohzo on re-election as COCIN President

    Former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has congratulated Reverend Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo on his re-election as President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN).

     Mohzo, who first assumed the leadership of the church in 2021, was re-elected last week to serve another four-year term.

    In a congratulatory message, Senator Ndume described Mohzo’s re-election as a recognition of his diligence, leadership acumen, and the trust he has earned over the years from colleagues in the service of God.

    The lawmaker, who represents Borno South, commended the COCIN President for his humility and long-standing commitment to spiritual and community development.

    “I have known you over the years as a humble and God-fearing personality, which has guided your divine calling,” Ndume said.

    “You have remained an asset to our community in Gwoza where you started early in life, imparting knowledge and mentoring others as a trained teacher.”

    Read Also: Ndume urges Tinubu to engage US over Trump’s ‘Country of Concern’ tag on Nigeria

    He recalled Mohzo’s steady rise within the church hierarchy, from Deputy General Secretary, to General Secretary, then Vice President, and now President, noting that his “enviable records speak volumes.”

    Ndume added that Mohzo’s humility and integrity exemplify the biblical principle that “he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

    At a time when divisive elements are attempting to sow religious discord, Ndume said the COCIN leader’s wealth of experience in managing diversity would be invaluable.

    He urged Rev. Mohzo and other leaders of faith-based organisations to continue fostering peace, tolerance, and mutual trust among Nigerians of different religious backgrounds.

    “At this critical period in our national life, faith leaders must stand as bridge-builders, assisting government efforts to promote unity and understanding among our people,” Ndume said.

  • Ndume urges Tinubu to engage US over Trump’s ‘Country of Concern’ tag on Nigeria

    Ndume urges Tinubu to engage US over Trump’s ‘Country of Concern’ tag on Nigeria

    Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently engage the United States Government following President Donald Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

    Ndume, who represents Borno South, accused the Federal Government and the Senate of complacency in responding to earlier warnings by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore before Trump’s announcement. 

    He said the silence allowed misconceptions about Nigeria’s religious crisis to fester internationally.

    “I have alerted the government. I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state, it’s not about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern,” Ndume said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    He called on the Federal Government to present verifiable facts to Washington, stressing that terrorism in Nigeria affects all citizens irrespective of faith.

    “We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians but Nigerians generally,” he added.

    The lawmaker further advised the Tinubu administration to involve seasoned diplomats in any engagement with the U.S., naming respected figures such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed.

    “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage experienced diplomats. The good thing about America is that if they know the truth, they will stick to it,” Ndume said.

    He suggested that Nigeria should work to be reclassified as a “country of special concern” instead, to attract U.S. support and access to arms to combat terrorism effectively.

    President Trump had on Friday declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern” in response to allegations of Christian persecution. 

    In a post on Truth Social, later shared on the White House’s X handle, Trump said Christianity was facing “an existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging that “radical Islamists” were responsible for the killings of thousands of Christians.

    He directed Congressman Riley Moore, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, and other U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter and report back.

    A “country of particular concern” designation, under U.S. law, applies to nations that violate human rights or act contrary to U.S. interests. 

    Such nations may face restrictions on military aid, trade, and diplomatic engagement, while senior officials linked to repression could face visa bans.

  • Ndume seeks increased motivation for troops

    Ndume seeks increased motivation for troops

    Former Senate Leade Ali Ndume has urged the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede and the  Service Chiefs to push for better remuneration for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to boost their motivation.

    The lawmaker gave the advice on in a statement in Abuja following the decoration of the new service chiefs with their new ranks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    General Oluyede and three other service chiefs were screened and  confirmed for appointment by the Senate on Wednesday.

    Aside the new Chief of Defence Staff, others confirmed by the Senate were  Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

    The Senator representing Borno South, who incidentally was former Chairman Senate Committee on Army in the Ninth Senate, maintained that better remuneration is key in boosting the morale of the military in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other  threats, inimical to security of lives and property of Nigerians.

    Ndume said: “I have identified four pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats at bay.

    “This is what I have tagged as TEAM. The first is Training, second is Equipment, Ammunitions and Motivations in that order.”

    Read Also: Tinubu’s security strategy paying off, says Ndume as Army restores peace in Kirawa

    The lawmaker also advocated that the present administration should ensure that the military budget be accorded priority by being placed in the First Line Charge.

    “The annual budget of the Armed Forces and Other Security forces should be in the First Line Charge and it shouldn’t be discretionary. They should be front loaded,”he said.

    The former Senate Leader noted the salary and allowances of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are nothing to write home about compared with their counterparts in neighboring West African states.

    Ndume said: “In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about ₦180,000 per month; in South Africa, the basic pay for enlisted personnel starts at about ₦250,000 monthly (when converted).

    “In Egypt, junior enlisted officers earn the equivalent of ₦230,000–₦280,000 monthly; and in Kenya, a private earns about ₦200,000, excluding operational allowances.

    “In Nigeria, the average private soldier earns significantly less despite higher deployment frequency and operational demands.

    “The current remuneration and minimum entry-level wage for many personnel across these services have been outpaced by rising living costs, with knock-on effects on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness, particularly for personnel deployed in high-risk theatres and remote locations.”

  • Short-changed

    Short-changed

    Puzzling and shocking. These words aptly describe information revealed by Senator Ali Ndume, while raising a motion that was adopted by the Senate on October 21.  It was titled, “Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies.”

     The lawmaker representing Borno South said, “The current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces ranges between N50,000 and N60,000, depending on rank.” He argued that the pay was “grossly inadequate in light of current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and the soaring cost of living.”

    Ndume said the country’s troops and security operatives deserved better compensation, considering the scale of risks they face and sacrifices they make to preserve national security. He noted that Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities in restoring order when called upon.

    It is puzzling that the figures fall below the national minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law in July 2024, after months of intense negotiations with labour leaders who had demanded a much higher minimum wage.

    The question is: Doesn’t the national minimum wage apply to the country’s armed forces and other security agencies?

    Read Also: Okpebholo asks lawmakers to investigate MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    Also, the senator cited the minimum pay for soldiers in some other African countries, where he said they were better paid.  “In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about N180,000 per month; in South Africa, N250,000; in Egypt, N230,000–N280,000; and in Kenya, about N200,000, excluding operational allowances,” he stated.

    It is shocking that as Nigeria faces a security crisis worsened by terrorists and secessionists, the country pays the same category of soldiers far less. Banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, and oil militancy also contribute significantly to insecurity in the country, demanding the attention of its armed forces.

    The Senate adopted Ndume’s motion, and urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to review the pay and allowances of members of the armed forces.

    The Senate’s Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force are to “liaise with the relevant ministries and agencies to determine realistic remuneration benchmarks for different ranks, taking into account comparative international standards.”

    It is condemnable and inexcusable that the authorities failed to act appropriately before this motion came up. They must not fail to do the right thing after the fact.  

  • Group faults Ndume over comment on PENGASSAN-Dangote dispute

    Group faults Ndume over comment on PENGASSAN-Dangote dispute

    A civil society group, Frontier Waves, has faulted remarks by Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South at the Senate over his call for President Bola Tinubu to issue an executive order in resolving the dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

    Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Ndume had said the president could act decisively, even “like a dictator,” to end the crisis that reportedly arose after the alleged disengagement of over 800 refinery workers.

    “The best thing is for the president to sign an executive order calling them off. He has the right to dissolve them. In this case, I don’t mind if he acts like a dictator because some situations require very drastic measures,” Ndume had said.

    Read Also: Ndume urges political leaders to avert fresh crisis in Rivers

    Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Frontier Waves expressed concern over the senator’s position, saying it did not reflect the role of a lawmaker in a democracy.

    The statement, jointly signed by the group’s President, Oluwa Vincent, and Secretary, Ramsey Nede, noted that rather than recommending strong-arm measures, the senator should have encouraged dialogue to resolve the dispute between the refinery management and the union.

    The group stressed that trade unions such as PENGASSAN and NUPENG are recognized under Nigerian law and have historically played important roles in protecting workers’ rights in the oil and gas sector.

    According to Frontier Waves, “When two parties have issues, the best way is to look for ways to resolve their differences amicably. Calling for dictatorial action against unions undermines the democratic values Nigerians uphold.”

    The group further urged President Tinubu to promote dialogue and reconciliation in the matter, adding that respect for union rights is central to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system.

  • Ndume urges political leaders to avert fresh crisis in Rivers

    Ndume urges political leaders to avert fresh crisis in Rivers

    Former Senate Majority Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has appealed to the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State to prevent a resurgence of political crisis in the state.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the just-concluded 2nd 2025 ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar in Port Harcourt, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance and Development in the ECOWAS Region”, Ndume urged the Rivers House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to work in unity for the benefit of the people.

    Ndume said, “They have to work together. Democracy exists on three arms, independent but independent. That is the executive, the judiciary, and the legislature. They have to exist as an institution to make democracy work.

    “If you remove the legislature from democracy, what do you have? You don’t have democracy, and at the same time, you can’t have democracy without the executive.

    Read Also: Ndume urges caution in Dangote Refinery dispute with oil workers, marketers

    “So, also you can’t have democracy without justice, and that is the judiciary. They are supposed to work independently, but independently to have government of the people for the people and by the people.”

    Ndume commended Fubara for maintaining a peaceful disposition throughout the period of the emergency rule, explaining that he demonstrated maturity in leadership.

    He said, “It takes exceptional maturity as a leader to say that let the past be past and let’s move forward, and that is what a leader is supposed to do. And I hope that everybody, including you, every Nigerian, will now concentrate on making sure that democracy is sustained. “

    Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said Rivers were important to the country and should not be allowed to snowball into crisis.

    He said, “Now with this kind of mix-up and running government discretionary and personalizing government or even privatising it, that is the main thing that is setting Nigeria back.

    “Nigeria has everything! What Rivers alone has about 15 countries in Africa put together doesn’t have.

    “The God-given natural resources to Rivers people, Rivers alone is more than 20 countries in Africa out of the 54, yet most of you are suffering, or all of us are suffering.”

  • Ndume urges caution in Dangote Refinery dispute with oil workers, marketers

    Ndume urges caution in Dangote Refinery dispute with oil workers, marketers

    Amid tensions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has appealed for caution in the ongoing dispute involving Dangote Refinery, oil workers, and marketers.

    The Borno South Senator was reacting to a face-off between the refinery’s management and two major groups, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

    NUPENG had recently embarked on an industrial action, accusing Dangote Refinery of refusing to allow its truck drivers to unionize as required by the Trade Union Act. 

    At the same time, DAPPMAN alleged that the refinery was undermining local marketers by selling products at cheaper rates to international traders than to Nigerian buyers.

    Although the Department of State Services (DSS) has since brokered peace between the refinery and oil workers, Ndume expressed worry over what he described as “a poisonous media narrative to paint Dangote in a bad light before Nigerians and the international community.”

    He recalled that while previous administrations encouraged private operators to establish refineries, most license holders merely exploited the benefits without making real investments—unlike Dangote, who took deliberate steps to build one.

    Ndume said, “Before Dangote took the risk to build his refinery, previous administrations had granted licenses to many Nigerians. What did they do with it? Some of them only cashed out on the incentives of crude oil allocation.

    “If my memory serves me right, licenses were granted to 12 private operators as far back as 2002 to build refineries and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

    “The second round of licensing was done in 2007  by the then Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)  after revoking the first batch, and granted nine new licenses to private investors.

    “Those parading themselves as fuel importers today didn’t seize the initiative to come together to build refineries.

    “Again, during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, licenses were granted to private investors to build modular refineries.

    “How many of them actually scratched the surface, but they are ganging up to falsely accuse Dangote of monopolising the market.”

    The ex-Chief Whip of the 10th Senate decried the animosity against the Dangote Refinery and maintained that the Federal Government, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, has done everything possible to promote deregulation of the oil industry and encourage healthy competition.

    “It is wrong to talk about monopoly in a deregulated industry. There are no deliberate bottlenecks against anyone, and no player has been accorded special concessions to the detriment of others.”

    He specifically called on the regulatory agency in the industry, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to take more than a passing interest in the feud among the players, to avoid detrimental antics that could disrupt effective petroleum products distribution.

    He said, “I urge NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and all concerned stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue with Dangote rather than inciting division and undue sensationalism in the media.

    “Our common goal should be to balance labour rights with the imperatives of national development and not put ordinary citizens at the receiving end of a needless power tussle.”

  • Ndume to Tinubu: ignore calls for service chiefs’ removal

    Ndume to Tinubu: ignore calls for service chiefs’ removal

    …seeks adequate funding, training for Armed Forces

    Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard calls for the removal of the nation’s service chiefs.

    Ndume, who is also the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, made the appeal in a statement on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to recent agitations by the Northern Ethnic National Forum.

    The forum, through its Convener, Dominic Alancha, had on Tuesday issued a statement expressing dissatisfaction with the current security leadership and calling for changes in the nation’s defence architecture.

    Ndume, however, maintained that the service chiefs deserve continued support, urging stakeholders to focus on strengthening collaboration in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

    “We angrily and unequivocally demand the immediate dismissal and replacement of all Service Chiefs. The President must appoint fresh and innovative military leaders with a clear mandate and timeline for results,” Alancha said in a statement.

    However in his reaction, Senator Ndume maintained that what was required is adequate funding in terms of procurement of arms and ammunitions and better remuneration of officers and men of the Armed Forces.

    Ndume said, “Those pushing for sack of the present crop of Service Chiefs have ulterior motives and they do not mean well for the present administration and Nigerians.

    Read Also: Ndume seeks special projects for North East

    “I want to restate my call for a proactive TEAM approach, which means: Training, Equipment, Ammunitions and Motivation. These combination would go a long way in counter terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

    “It is outlandish and uncharitable for any group of individuals to accuse the present Service Chiefs of professional incompetence. All of them have the requisite training and experience in Theatre operations.

    “All they need is adequate ammunitions and motivation.

    The salary of a private army in Nigeria is about N100,000.00 ($67.00) per month. Their daily allowance (N5,000.00) is unconscionable and nothing to write home about.

    “People should desist from pronouncement that could dampen the morale of our Soldiers and Officers on the field of operation.”

    Senator Ndume also commended the present administration for what he called its sense of ethno-religious balancing in the composition of present security architecture unlike what was obtained in the recent past.

  • Ndume seeks special projects for North East

    Ndume seeks special projects for North East

    Senator Ali Ndume has urged the Federal Government to initiate special priority projects in the North East region of the country,  in order to address crippling social infrastructural challenges facing the zone.

    The Senator representing Borno South made the appeal in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    His suggestion was on the heels of Wednesday’s  visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the six governors in the region.

    Special Presidential Priority Projects are national infrastructure initiatives,  distinct from routine operations which demand dedicated focus and resources,  due to their strategic importance or urgent need of completion.

    At the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, who is the Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, listed 17 vital road projects neglected for decades, seeking urgent attention.

    The roads include Kano-Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Maiduguri Railway line, Bama-Mubi-Yola Road, Wukari-Jalingo-Yola Road, Duguri-Mansur Road (NNPC Project ongoing), Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Damaturu Road, Damaturu-Geidam Road, Bauchi-Ningi-Nasaru-Babaldo Road and Gombe-Potiskum, Damaturu-Biu Roads.

    Others are  Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Maiduguri-Damboa-Yola Road, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo Road, Biu-Gombe Road, Ibi-Shamdam Road, Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga Road and Maiduguri-Ngala-Bama-Banki Roads.

    Read Also: Board appointments: Ndume lauds Tinubu, seeks inclusion of South East region

    The Governors also requested for resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells, particularly the Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.

    The Senator, who commended the North East Governors Forum for  their bold move, said that the region deserved such attention as he noted that infrastructures in the six states in the  North east region have been left comatose for over 15 years, occassioned by security challenges created by the menace of the insurgents.

    The lawmaker pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accommodate the needs of the region in the 2025 Supplementary Budget and 2026 Budget proposal.

    He said: Fifteen years down the line, there hasn’t been any meaningful infrastructural development in the North East as it  has been ravaged by the insurgents.

    “In view of this, I suggest that the present administration should give priority to the region and make provision for its urgent infrastructural needs in the 2025 Supplementary Budget.

    “Now that insurgents have receded as a results of efforts by our military who have regained lost grounds, contractors can now move to sites.”

    He further admonished the 

    North-East Governors not to relent in promoting concrete  initiatives that would make life better and meaningful for the citizens in the region.

  • Ndume cautions against religious profiling of Boko Haram victims

    Ndume cautions against religious profiling of Boko Haram victims

    Senator Ali Ndume has warned against religious profiling of the victims of the Boko Haram attacks, which has continued to make life unbearable for Nigerians in the North East region.

    Ndume’s reaction which was contained in a statement followed weekend’s attacks in Ngoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area and Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government area. The two local government areas are in Borno state.

    In the two separate attacks, the insurgents killed five farmers last Saturday in Ngoshe village, who incidentally were Muslims  while three Christians became victims of the terror gang on Sunday in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

    According to media reports, the insurgents also razed dozens of houses in the two attacks.

    The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army expressed dissatisfaction  over a narrative by an online media report which claimed that all the victims of the insurgents attacks were of the Christian faith.

    Read Also: Board appointments: Ndume lauds Tinubu, seeks inclusion of South East region

    Ndume said: “It is unethical and unconscionable for any media outlet to drive the narrative that Christians are the targets of these attacks by the terror group in Borno, or anywhere in North Eastern part of Nigeria.

    “The forces behind these mindless killings are blind to faith and tribe. We should avoid this dangerous profiling which can distract us. It has the tendency of doing us more harm. It  can even inflame negative passion in our soldiers, dampen the morale of  men who toil day and night,  determined to ensure that they wipe away this dangerous sect.

    “Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents. These men and women deserve to live, to farm and to dream, but their lives are  being cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction.”

    While commending the military for sustaining the battle against the terror gang, Senator Ndume called on the Federal Government to take more than a passing interest in the welfare of the military and provision of adequate arms and ammunitions to enable them overwhelm the insurgents.