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  • Economic crisis is being exaggerated, says Presidency

    Economic crisis is being exaggerated, says Presidency

    Dare: Nigeria overcoming lean period

    Nigerian economic crisis has been exaggerated by alarmists and subjective critics bent on creating confusion, the Presidency said yesterday. 

    According to the presidency, contrary to the exaggerated and unbalanced portrait of Nigeria as a nation of hunger, hardship and helplessness by a section of the media, the country is overcoming its lean period at a faster rate.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not indifferent to Nigerians’ difficulties. On the contrary, he is taking deliberate, targeted steps—many already yielding results—to reset our economy from a legacy of consumption without productivity, opacity without accountability, and policy that served the powerful, not the people,’ it said. 

    The Presidency, in a statement by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, said why the reality of economic hardship cannot be denied, the policies being criticised are those that would ensure that Nigerians have a more secure, stable, and prosperous future.

    Dare lamented that alarmists are trying to confuse the public by claiming that “Nigerians are hungry” without recognising government’s ongoing interventions that are yielding results. 

     He frowned at the misinterpretation of UNICEF prediction that 33 million Nigerians, including 16 million children would face hunger this year. 

    The presidential aide said what was presented was not a UNICEF-specific report, but the Cadre Harmonisé Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis, jointly prepared by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Fooad and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), WFP, and UNICEF. 

    He explained that “it is not a current count, but a worst-case projection for the June–August 2025 lean season, assuming no mitigation actions by government or partners.”

    Dare highlighted taken by government to avert the looming danger, including the release of over 42,000 metric tons of grains from federal strategic reserves; the procurement of additional 117,000 metric tons, the reactivation of the Food Security Council by the president, and scaling up of emergency nutrition support in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, and Bauchi states.

    Dare said although malnutrition is a serious national concern, it should not localised as a “Northern Nigeria” crisis. 

    He said: “We also acknowledge that hardship is uneven across regions. However, Nigeria is one country, one people, and the fight against hunger is a collective effort, not a northern, southern, Christian, or Muslim issue.”

    Dare added:” Since 2020, COVID has disrupted the global food system, worsened the Russia-Ukraine war, and is now aggravated by conflict in the Middle East.

    Read Also: NNPC sacks pump attendant, suspends manager over misconduct

     “According to the World Bank’s April 2025 Food Security Update, over 1.4 billion people worldwide are under food stress, a problem that is not unique to Nigeria.”

    Dare also rejected the claim tbat the Naira is worthless, saying that the currency is regaining strength. 

     He stressed: “Since hitting a low of ₦1,800/$1 in March 2024, the naira has rebounded strongly due to Increased oil receipts and remittances, restoration of investor confidence, Unification of the FX window, Reduction of FX backlog by over $4 billion (CBN data, May 2025)

     “As of August 1, 2025, the naira traded around ₦1,525/$1, a sizable appreciation since its lowest ebb. Nigeria’s FX reserves are stabilising, and foreign portfolio inflows are picking up after major reforms in the monetary and fiscal space.

     “The naira has not collapsed—it has been corrected and is now recovering.”

    Dare described the Tinubu administration as a listening government that is acting on viable Recommendations, adding that it is not driven by anger and ambition.

    He recalled the administration embraced suggestions thst led to the suspension of the Value Added Tax( VAT) on food, reduction of taxes on drugs and medical equipment, and removal of the tax burden on Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSME).

    Noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee have been up and doing, Dare, who hail tgd tax reform, said it would streamline over 60 overlapping taxes into fewer, manageable channels, eliminate nuisance taxes that burden small businesses, create exemptions for essential goods, including some food and medical items, and encourage state-federal tax harmonisation to stop multiple taxations.

    He pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working closely with governors through the National Economic Council (NEC) to implement immediate local tax reliefs, VAT waivers, and food market stabilisation efforts in each state.

     Dare also alluded to the social ñrotection measures, saying that the claim that the school feeding programme has “fizzled out” is inaccurate and false.

     He added: “The National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme serves over 9.8 million children in 53,000 schools across 36 states and the FCT.

     “Over 200,000 cooks and local farmers are engaged in the programme, which is being digitised for transparency and efficiency. The Federal Government has not abandoned the programme.

     “On the broader safety net, three million vulnerable households have received ₦75,000 each under the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer, with plans to scale up to 15 million households. As of August 7, over 396,000 students now benefit from NELFUND tuition loans and stipends.

     “The Presidential MSME Grant Scheme has disbursed funds to over 250,000 businesses in 2025, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises despite the outcry on CBN interest rates. CNG bus rollout and transport palliatives are reducing urban commuting costs.”

    Dare, who said explained that the Global Food Prices are also driving local pain, added that “Nigeria Is responding.”

     He said: “The FAO Food Price Index (June 2025) shows global food prices remain 22% above 2019 levels. Countries like Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka also struggle with food price inflation. But Nigeria, under President Tinubu, is actively mitigating this global shock.”

    The measures, Dare saud, include the declaration of the state of emergency on food security; ₦200 billion investment in dry-season and all-year farming, input support for 500,000 farmers, the launching of the National Commodity Board to regulate food price volatility; and the introduction of transport subsidies to cut logistics costs for food.

    Dare said the Federal Government is forging a synergy with states to alleviate hardship.

    He stressed, “The President is not acting in isolation. Joint State-FG food distribution plans are being implemented through ongoing engagements with governors, LGAs, development partners, and civil society. 

    “States have received direct cash support and grants for local market stabilisation. Coordination is ongoing to scale up nutrition interventions, including micronutrient support for women and children.”

     The presidential aid said instead of regressing into despair, Nigerians should unite because the country is healing. 

     Dare said: ” Nigerians are belt-tightening, but Nigeria is healing. The economic surgery undertaken by President Tinubu is not without pain, but it is yielding green shoots.

     “To those who ask, “Where is the hope?” We say hope is in the stabilising naira, in three million families lifted by direct transfers, and about 400,000 students now schooling without fear of paying fees. 

    “Hope is in the 500,000 farmers sowing into a new food system. Hope is in a government that is finally treating poverty not as a slogan but as a solvable problem.”

    He added, “Only recently, this administration launched an effort to drive grassroots economic growth and poverty reduction across Nigeria, as President Bola Tinubu approved a ward-level development strategy called the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP).

     “This initiative, which was endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) during its 150th meeting, is part of the President’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims for a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

     “Key aspects of the RHWDP include: Targeting all 8,809 wards in Nigeria: The programme is designed to reach every administrative ward, ensuring that no community is left behind in national development efforts.

    Focus on key development areas: It aims to serve as a coordinated intervention framework focused on poverty alleviation, food security, rural infrastructure, power supply, and job creation.

     “Identifying and supporting local economic actors: The program will identify at least 1,000 economically active individuals in each ward and support them in enhancing local manufacturing and business operations. This will generate double-digit growth in most wards as Nigeria progresses towards its $1 trillion.

     “This administration does not ask for silence in the face of hardship. It asks only for fairness and a shared commitment to rebuilding this country, not just exaggerating its pain. This is what President Tinubu expects from all Nigerians and well-wishers of our country.”

  • Ataoja urges Tinubu’s Intervention in Osun LG allocation crisis

    Ataoja urges Tinubu’s Intervention in Osun LG allocation crisis

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis over the control of local governments in Osun State and the continued withholding of allocations to 30 councils.

    Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 Osun-Osogbo Festival held at the sacred grove, the monarch warned that the prolonged withholding of local government funds could cripple the state’s development.

    Oba Olanipekun emphasised the need for the state’s traditional council to play a proactive role in resolving the crisis, suggesting a collective visit to the President in Abuja.

    Read Also: Former Delta gov Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    “Some traditional rulers have approached me on what to do about the withheld LG funds. I don’t want to be too forward, but we must all go to Abuja over this matter to see President Tinubu,” he said.

    “I expected our leader of the Traditional Council to summon a meeting which would be attended by us. I won’t jump the gun, because I am greatly concerned. I am the father of SSG, Governor, some traditional rulers are the fathers of the deputy governor and Chief of Staff…they should call us, the traditional rulers, we are the fathers of those in government, our leader should summon us all to go to Abuja, if we get there, I know what to say because Osun can’t be relegated to the back.

    “Those of you close to the president and advising him should tell him to prevail on those holding Osun LG allocation to release it for the state, and when it is time for the election, call on me and I will deliver for you.”

    He added that the Osun River goddess has endorsed Tinubu for a second term, and he will emerge victorious in 2027 against all odds.

    He said, “During the 16-eyed-lanterned event, Osun goddess has adopted Tinubu and will deliver Osun State in 2027; there is no need to be afraid.”

  • Fishermen urge Tinubu to intervene in release of $3.5bn Bonga oil spill compensation 

    Fishermen urge Tinubu to intervene in release of $3.5bn Bonga oil spill compensation 

    Members of the Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria in the Niger Delta have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in ensuring the release of the $3.5 billion compensation awarded against Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) for the 2011 Bonga oil spill.

    They urged the President to prevail on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to disburse the funds, lamenting that despite Shell’s payment of the penalty to the agency, the affected communities have yet to benefit.

    The plea comes barely a month after the group first sought presidential intervention over the $3.6 billion awarded for damages caused by the spill, which devastated farmlands, fishing waters, and livelihoods across the Niger Delta.

    In an open letter on Friday, obtained by The Nation in Akure, Ondo State, the fishermen recalled that in 2012, NOSDRA imposed a total liability of $3.6 billion on Shell for negligence.

    The letter was jointly signed by state coordinators and community representatives, including Samuel Ayadi (Akwa Ibom), Elizabeth Egbe (Bayelsa), Alfred Kuroko (Delta), Alexander Mesogboriwon (Ondo), Alabo Comrade Oris Otto (Rivers), Jeremiah Omagbemi, Olaniyeye Jeje, and Durojaiye Erukubami.

    Copies were also sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, NOSDRA Director-General Chukwuemeka Woke, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

    The group noted that the spill contaminated kilometres of fishing coastline in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo States, forcing thousands out of business and plunging many into extreme poverty.

    Read Also: Tinubu greets Kebbi governor on 60th birthday, hails his leadership

    “It is common knowledge that this money has since been paid to NOSDRA. It is however, very disturbing to note that the affected artisan fishermen and communities on whose behalf the Agency is acting is left to bear the brunt of environmental neglect, economic deprivation and allowed to continue to wallow in abject poverty which has occasioned the death of so many since the incidence.

    “Efforts made to get the attention of government and its agents and agencies to the plight of the affected Nigerians had yielded no dividends over the years. We cannot however remain silent as holding back and refusing to release the penalty paid by Shell as compensation amounts to insensitivity on the part of government and its agents to the economic and environmental concerns of the affected people and the area.

    “Our Father and President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu has severally reaffirmed the vital role and significance of the Niger Delta in Nigeria’s economic growth, describing the region as “the goose that lays the golden egg”. We also know that human capital development is very dear to the heart of Mr. President,” they said. 

    The concerned fishermen pleaded with President Tinubu to use his ‘good office to come to their aid’ by directing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and EFCC to ensure fairness in the application of the money paid by shell. 

    The group said their appeal aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his recognition of the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg” in Nigeria’s economy.

    “We ask Your Excellency to – to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the sources and application of the money paid by Shell and to order and compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NOSDRA for the immediate release of the $3.6b as compensation of $1.8b for environmental damages and economic losses and $1.8b as a punitive measure.

    “We remain committed to the economic and social development of the Nation and support the efforts of your administration in nation-building.”

    Recall that the 2011 Bonga offshore oil spill, caused by equipment failure at Shell’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, discharged an estimated 40,000 barrels (6.4 million litres) of crude oil into the Atlantic Ocean. 

    The slick spread across the coastline, destroying marine ecosystems and crippling fishing activities.

    Over the years, the incident has fuelled economic devastation, food insecurity, and social unrest in the affected states. 

    Following the disaster, NOSDRA ordered fishermen to pull out of the polluted rivers – a directive that many say marked the beginning of their prolonged hardship.

  • ‘North has no qualms about Tinubu’

    ‘North has no qualms about Tinubu’

    The Executive Director of Finance in the Ogun-Osun River Basin, Mr. Ayo Oyalowo, has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the North is having issues with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and may not vote for him in 2027.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who is also an economist and former banker, spoke on a national television programme yesterday.

    He said President Tinubu’s popularity was increasing in the North.

    Oyalowo noted that the Tinubu administration’s economic policies were already paying off.

    According to him, political leaders in the North are publicly attesting to President Tinubu’s performance.

    Oyalowo insisted that those complaining in the North about President Tinubu’s administration were doing so because they did not get what they wanted.

    The APC chieftain dismissed allegations of marginalisation against the North.

    Admitting that there was pressure on the government, he said President Tinubu has unveiled policies that are touching the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

    “There will always be pressure to perform. Yet, this President has devolved power generation, now on the Concurrent List. The President has signed that into law. Massive investment is being made in the power sector.

    Read Also: First Lady Tinubu seeks increased investment to end tuberculosis in Nigeria

    “The President promised to provide student loans and, today, over 400,000 students have benefited.

    “He said he was going to take away the subsidy; that he has done. The initial pain that greeted that policy is now reducing. By December 2023, a bag of rice was going for over N100,000, but the price is becoming stable.

    “When this President came in, we had less than $4 billion in our foreign reserve and there was no magic anybody could have done. Today, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), we have about $41 billon in our foreign reserve.

    “The $7 billion owed has been paid off. A lot of good has happened.”

  • 2027: Udim APC stakeholders back Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno

    2027: Udim APC stakeholders back Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno

    In a bold show of unity, solidarity, and loyalty, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State held an extended stakeholders’ meeting last Sunday. Essien Udim, the hometown of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, played host to this historic gathering—the first of its kind since the defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. The governor’s defection, alongside elected officials and political appointees from the area, marked a significant political realignment in the state.

    At the meeting, APC leaders praised the growing synergy between Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno, describing it as a model of collaboration that should be replicated across party structures. They encouraged party members to actively participate in the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise, as directed by the governor and leader of the party in the state. Commendations also poured in for the Chairman of Essien Udim LGA, Ntiedo Usoro, for his inclusive leadership and efforts in fostering unity within the party. The lawmaker representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, was also lauded for his effective legislative work and cooperation with the council chairman.

    Read Also: Fed Govt launches N200,000 loan scheme for Nigerian youths

    Among key resolutions reached, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. They also called for Senator Akpabio to be returned unopposed to the Senate and endorsed Governor Eno for re-election. This motion, moved by former State Assembly Leader, Dr. Etido Ibekwe, and seconded by Prince Akpabio, was unanimously adopted through a vote conducted by Emmanuel Sunday Akpan, a former member of the House of Representatives. The high-powered gathering brought together stakeholders from all eleven wards, including current and former lawmakers, council chairmen, board members, legislative aides, party leaders, women and youth leaders.

  • FG disburses N493bn to 5million households as Tinubu unfreezes NSIPA’s accounts

    FG disburses N493bn to 5million households as Tinubu unfreezes NSIPA’s accounts

    President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on the accounts of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

    In a statement by the former Special Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu on January 8, 2024 suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.

    The President directed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.

    The President also mandated a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance Wale Edun to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.

    The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu at a press conference on the ‘impacts of foreign aids cut on Nigeria’s humanitarian sector’, expressed excitement over the €1.5 million donated by European Union (EU) to assist the internally displaced persons in Benue and ongoing care of the children admitted for the management of severe acute malnutrition.

    Sununu disclosed that the Ministry has substantial budget worth over N500 billion captured under the Service Wide Vote for National and Social Investment Programme, which is expected to be deployed for the implementation of National Homegrown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer, N-Power training, FarmerMoni.

    Read Also: First Lady Tinubu seeks increased investment to end tuberculosis in Nigeria

    He said: “When we came, you know that we met the account on suspension. And then the fund of the Ministry was then retrieved from account. You know the account of the Agency was suspended. But I’m glad to say that Mr. President has directed that that account should be open. And the account has been opened.
    “And even now that we say that we are going to start with Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme, it’s part of that money that is returned to the account of the Ministry. And Mr. President has always given a go-ahead, considering the existence and the emergency in the country, that money should quickly be returned to the account of the NSIPA. Added to the release that we are expecting for 2025, I think we are good to go.”

    The Minister also said plans are underway to rollout Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG).

    He disclosed that the Ministry has “employed about 53 companies that will help in updating the NIN registration so that each of those in our National Register that doesn’t have the account number, NIN and BVN, will quickly get there and do something.

  • Former minister Umana Umana revalidates APC membership, rallies support for Tinubu

    Former minister Umana Umana revalidates APC membership, rallies support for Tinubu

    …backs Governor Eno’s leadership

    As part of the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) membership revalidation exercise in Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, has reaffirmed his commitment to the party by revalidating his membership.

    The exercise, which took place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Salvation Army Primary School, Ikot Inyangeti, in Ndiya Ward, Nsit Ubium LGA, was in line with the directive of the party’s state leader and Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, who urged members to return to their wards for the exercise.

    A large crowd of party faithful and stakeholders gathered to welcome Mr. Umana and participate in the revalidation, which many described as a sign of renewed party loyalty and unity.

    Addressing the gathering, Mr. Umana praised the turnout, calling it a demonstration of grassroots support for both the APC and Governor Umo Eno’s leadership.

    “We have to do all within our powers to support our son, who, by the grace of God, is the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State,” he said. “This massive turnout is a great show of solidarity with the governor.”

    Read Also: Umana Okon Umana

    Mr. Umana emphasised the need for party unity and consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He pledged his full support for both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno’s second-term bids.

    He also reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with Governor Eno in advancing the interests of the party and the state.

    Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Ward Chairman, Mr. Atte Asuquo; former Nsit Ubium LGA Chairman, Hon. Ini Orok; Hon. Inyang Unyah; and Engr. Alfred Emmanuel, along with several prominent sons and daughters of the area.

    The revalidation exercise, officially launched by Governor Umo Eno during a recent visit to the APC State Secretariat in Uyo, is part of the party’s broader effort to update its membership records and prepare for digital integration at the national level.

  • Jamoh: Tinubu-Uba Sani alliance unshaken ahead of 2027

    Jamoh: Tinubu-Uba Sani alliance unshaken ahead of 2027

    …says El-Rufai Remains in APC

    Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has declared that former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite rumours of his defection.

    Jamoh, a chieftain of the APC in Kaduna state, made the declaration in Kaduna while addressing journalists after a tour of the eight local government areas in Kaduna North Senatorial Zone, where he met grassroots stakeholders and party loyalists.

    He described the tour as a move to bolster the party’s base and rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, ahead of the forthcoming by-election and the 2027 general elections.

    Reacting to speculations surrounding El-Rufai’s political status, Jamoh maintained that, as far as he is concerned, the former governor is still with the APC.

    “We are yet to reach the point where we will say farewell to Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Forget about the politics, when we need his advice, we consult him, and he offers his contributions free of charge,” he said.

    According to him, El-Rufai’s experience remains valuable to the party. “You cannot disown your child of eight years. He was governor for eight years under the APC. Even when he was in PDP and later CPC, which merged into APC, he contributed to the building of this party,” Jamoh noted.

    He added, “It is his right to take any personal or political decision. But where we want to tap into his knowledge and experience for the benefit of the state and the party, we will always do so. Our doors are open, and I believe his are too.”

    While acknowledging El-Rufai’s recent association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamoh dismissed it as a developing situation. “You don’t name a child until there is a successful delivery. Let’s wait and see how the ADC process ends. Who will be the party leader, who will emerge presidential candidate, and what structure will be in place? Until then, we will watch.”

    He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and declared the party as the “field marshal” of Nigerian politics. “Have you ever seen a field marshal frightened by a non-commissioned officer? APC remains the field marshal,” he quipped.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu nominates Ramat as NERC CEO, two others as commissioners

    Jamoh said defections are part of democracy but insisted the APC remains strong in Kaduna and nationally, reiterating his support for the Tinubu-Uba Sani alliance, likening it to a political marriage that must be nurtured. “Even when your wife is no longer young, you don’t send her packing. Tinubu is our partner in this political marriage,” he said.

    He also confirmed receiving calls to contest the Kaduna North senatorial seat in 2027. “Yes, my constituents have called on me to contest. I have written to the stakeholders, seeking their advice and prayers,” he disclosed.

    Jamoh urged APC members to remain focused and united ahead of the 2027 polls. “This is not the time for distractions. Let’s consolidate our gains and ensure continuity in good governance,” he added.

  • 1,000 groups endorse Tinubu/Shettima’s ticket for 2027

    1,000 groups endorse Tinubu/Shettima’s ticket for 2027

    Over 1,000 organisations, under the Northern Progressives Coalition (NPC), representing a broad spectrum of democratic forces across Nigeria’s 19 Northern States, convened on Abuja on Thursday to deliver a resounding endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for re-election in 2027.

    NPC Convener Usman Abdullahi declared the Tinubu-Shettima administration as the “most dependable leadership” in Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, crediting it with sparking a “socio-political renaissance” that has significantly uplifted Northern Nigeria through targeted reforms and inclusive policies.

    Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society representatives, women, youth coalitions, and the broader Northern populace, Abdullahi highlighted the administration’s transformative impact in addressing decades-long challenges, including systemic underdevelopment, political marginalisation, economic disenfranchisement, and infrastructure neglect.

    “For too long, the North has been depicted in sterile data that fails to capture the harsh realities from Bauchi to Zamfara, Taraba to Sokoto,” he said.

    “Yet, in less than two years, Tinubu and Shettima have brought a ray of hope, delivering visionary policies that prioritise the North as a crucial pillar in Nigeria’s national architecture.”

    The NPC outlined key achievements, emphasising unprecedented Northern representation in federal appointments.

    “For the first time, Northern technocrats occupy strategic portfolios in security, commerce, oil regulation, and education reform, not as tokens but as co-architects of Nigeria’s renaissance,” Abdullahi stated.

    Notable initiatives include the commissioning of an advanced oncology center in Katsina under a national cancer care expansion policy, reducing the need for Northern cancer patients to travel to Lagos or Abuja for treatment.

    “The National Student Loan Scheme, financing over 396,000 students, has seen Northern students account for 55% of beneficiaries, receiving over N45 billion of the N77 billion disbursed by the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

    “Education reforms have been a cornerstone, with over 120 learning centers established across Northern senatorial districts, equipped with solar power and safe water systems. The partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has revitalized 101 Almajiri and Tsangaya education centers in states like Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano. 

    “The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) has drafted a national policy, while the proposed Almajiri Health Scheme aims to provide health insurance to enrolled children, aligning education with wellness.”

    Infrastructure development was another highlight, with projects like the N740.79 billion Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and the N305 billion Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road dualization showcasing the administration’s commitment.

    The dredging of the River Niger around Lokoja and the BUA Group-funded Bode Saadu-Kaima-Kosubosu Road further bolster Northern mobility and commerce.

    “These are not mere promises but projects with budgetary backing and visible progress,” Abdullahi noted.The coalition praised the removal of the fuel subsidy, a “painful but necessary sacrifice” that exposed corrupt cabals, unlocking funds for local production and decentralised growth.

    “Tax reforms, including incentives for agro-processors and VAT exemptions for small-scale traders, were hailed as empowering the North’s agricultural base.

    “Empowerment programs under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have reached grassroots communities in Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi, Taraba, and Yobe, supporting victims of insecurity and fostering economic dignity.”

    Abdullahi argued for continuity, warning that the 2027 election must not be a “year of political experimentation.” He emphasized the need for stability to sustain economic reforms like subsidy removal, naira floatation, and tax restructuring, which require multi-year cycles to yield full benefits.

    “No other president-vice president pairing has understood the North’s developmental needs like Tinubu and Shettima,” he said, praising Shettima’s strategic insight as a former governor and banker.

    The NPC dismissed opposition candidates as lacking vision, accusing them of exploiting the North during elections with “deceitful promises.”

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Ghanaian ministers killed in helicopter crash

    The coalition proposed recommendations to further progress, including expanding agro-processing zones, institutionalising a Northern Educational Renaissance Scheme under NELFUND, rehabilitating grazing reserves, establishing youth tech hubs, and creating a Northern Women Enterprise Support Fund.

    They also urged tighter oversight of Northern appointees to ensure service-oriented leadership.

    In a rallying call, Abdullahi declared: “The North has suffered enough from political manipulation and economic sabotage. We are no longer at the margins but at the epicenter of governance.”

    The NPC urged Governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and youth to spread the “Renewed Hope for the Northern Renaissance” agenda, advocating for a renewed Tinubu-Shettima mandate in 2027 to secure Nigeria’s and the North’s future prosperity.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu nominates Ramat as NERC CEO, two others as commissioners

    JUST IN: Tinubu nominates Ramat as NERC CEO, two others as commissioners

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), signaling a renewed push for leadership reform in the country’s power sector.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

    Engr. Ramat, 39, a certified electrical engineer and administrator with a PhD in Strategic Management, replaces Sanusi Garba as chairman.

    His nomination underscores the administration’s intention to inject youthful expertise and strategic oversight into one of Nigeria’s most critical regulatory institutions.

    In addition to Engr. Ramat, the President also submitted two other nominations for the NERC board: Mr. Abubakar Yusuf as Commissioner for Consumer Affairs and Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun as Commissioner for Finance and Management Services.

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    All nominations are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

    However, to forestall a leadership vacuum in the commission, President Tinubu has directed that Engr. Ramat immediately assume office in an acting capacity, pending his screening and confirmation by the National Assembly as provided by law.

    In announcing the nominations, President Tinubu urged the appointees to bring their expertise to bear in driving reforms that align with the administration’s vision for an efficient and sustainable power sector.

    The appointments mark the latest in a series of strategic changes by the Tinubu administration aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s energy framework and accelerating progress toward universal electricity access.