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  • Tinubu pledges resolution of ₦4tn power sector debt, appeals for patience from GENCOs

    Tinubu pledges resolution of ₦4tn power sector debt, appeals for patience from GENCOs

    …approves bond programme, promises transparency in verification process

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured power generation companies (GENCOs) of his administration’s commitment to resolving the over ₦4 trillion in longstanding debts owed to them, pledging transparency and fairness in verifying the claims while appealing for patience.

    The President gave this assurance during a high-level meeting with members of the Association of Power Generation Companies, led by retired Colonel Sani Bello, at the Presidential Villa on Friday.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged the gravity of the sector’s liquidity crisis and promised that the federal government would not shirk from its inherited obligations.

    “I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessors, and there is no question about that. But that acceptance must be on credible grounds. I need to wear the audit cap of verifiability, authenticity, and the fact that this inheritance is not a mere deodorant but a support structure for critical economic and industrial promotion”, President Tinubu said.

    The President appealed to the GENCOs and their financial backers to give the government time to complete verification and validation of the debts, stating, “we are here. So market it to your other colleagues. Give us time to do verification and validation of the numbers.”

    Reaffirming his commitment to a market-led electricity sector, Tinubu emphasised that historical challenges, long left unresolved, are now receiving active attention.

    “This is a longstanding issue that is now being dealt with,” he said, referencing the government’s broader reform drive that includes eliminating fuel subsidies and promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternatives.

    The President also called for restraint from the financial sector regarding asset foreclosures against the GENCOs.

    “To our friends in the banking sector, I ask that we avoid foreclosures. Sharpen your pencils, but keep an eraser handy. Let’s persevere together,” he urged.

    In her briefing, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, disclosed that a ₦4 trillion bond programme had received anticipatory approval from the President to tackle the liquidity shortfall in the sector.

    However, she cautioned that only verified and legitimate debts would be accommodated.

    “As of April 2025, the total exposure that we are carrying at the moment is ₦4 trillion. This is subject to downward revision pending final validation. Only amounts that the federal government validly owes are the things that will make it into the issuance by the DMO”, Verheijen said.

    She attributed the massive debt pile-up to a combination of unfunded tariff shortfalls and market deficiencies that have built up since 2015.

    Of the ₦4 trillion claimed by 27 GENCOs, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) has validated ₦1.8 trillion so far.

    Highlighting the administration’s strides in power sector reform, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, lauded the President for his hands-on approach and leadership.

    “Your presence at this meeting is a clear testament to your unwavering commitment to the sustainability, stability, and long-term development of Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu said.

    Read Also: Reforms in correctional facilities yielding results as 4,550 inmates regain freedom

    He noted that since President Tinubu took office, the administration has signed into law the Electricity Act, 2023—decentralising the power sector—and launched Nigeria’s first Integrated National Electricity Policy in 24 years.

    Adelabu said reforms have boosted investor confidence, attracted over $2 billion in new private capital, and improved annual revenue collection by 70 percent—from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦1.7 trillion in 2024—thereby reducing government subsidy obligations by over ₦700 billion.

    On capacity expansion, he reported that installed generation capacity has grown from 13,000 MW to 14,000 MW, with a record 5,801 MW peak generation and a maximum daily energy delivery of 120,370 MWh recorded on March 4, 2025.

    No grid collapse has occurred in 2025, he added.

    He further disclosed progress in narrowing Nigeria’s metering gap through the ₦700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank-backed DISREP, which has so far delivered 300,000 of the 3.45 million smart meters procured.

    Despite the reforms, Adelabu warned that the liquidity crisis remains a major threat, saying “Mr. President, given the grave implications of this debt overhang, including the risk of a nationwide shutdown of generation assets, I humbly seek your immediate support for defraying these obligations, even if partially, over a defined period.”

    In their separate interventions, leading business figures Tony Elumelu and Kola Adesina echoed calls for urgent relief, citing the dire financial state of GENCOs and the need to unlock gas supply to sustain operations.

    “Mr. President, we’ve come to you as a last hope. The generating companies are heavily indebted to banks, and foreclosure threats are real, not because we’re not doing our jobs, but because the system owes us trillions”, Elumelu said.

    He commended President Tinubu for restoring stability in oil production and banking, saying, “before you took office in 2023, we lost 97% of our daily oil production. Today, we are retaining 98%. That’s transformation.”

    On the energy crisis, Elumelu said “we don’t need power to complete your transformation—we need power to enable it. Power is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential.”

    Adesina, for his part, stressed that “liquidity is the oxygen of our business,” warning that generation output could stall without urgent intervention.

    He proposed leveraging Nigeria LNG to unlock 800 million cubic feet of gas to boost supply to underperforming power plants, especially those in the Afam axis.

    The meeting was attended by key cabinet members and officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; as well as regulatory authorities and major power sector stakeholders.

  • Tinubu: The first Nigeria leader to truly take from the rich to the poor

    Tinubu: The first Nigeria leader to truly take from the rich to the poor

    By Bamidele Atoyebi, Comrade

    In a country where the rich have historically grown fatter off the back of the poor, Nigeria is witnessing a silent revolution, one that has begun to tip the scales in favour of the vulnerable. At the centre of this turning point stands President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    For the first time in Nigeria’s political history, a president is not only talking about the poor  he is deliberately shifting national resources to uplift them. That man is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a system long rigged in favor of the rich, Tinubu stands out as the first leader to genuinely take from the rich and give to the poor, reversing decades of elitist governance that kept the masses impoverished.

     Many leaders in Nigeria followed this exact pattern  enriching the rich while the poor lost even the little they had. But Tinubu has done the opposite: he is taking from those who have captured the system for decades and using it to build up those at the bottom.

    Since the assuming office, Tinubu has made bold decisions unpopular with the cabal, but in favour of the common people. The removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira were not just economic measures; they were strategic acts of liberation. For too long, these policies served as pipelines enriching a few while bleeding the masses. By breaking these pipes, Tinubu redirected resources into the hands of those who need it most. This is the first time since Nigeria’s civil war that such comprehensive and deliberate pro-poor reforms are being implemented  not only in theory, but in action.

    Under the Renewed Hope Social Investment Programme (RHSIP), Tinubu’s government launched the ₦75,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) to support Nigeria’s poorest families. As of May 2025, over 5.6 million households have received one or more tranches of the ₦75,000, with funds disbursed in three phases of ₦25,000 each. This money is not thrown around loosely. Beneficiaries are carefully selected from the National Social Register, using verified data from NIN and AI-powered poverty mapping. Payments are made via bank transfers, mobile wallets, and even cash-in-hand for the most rural communities. This is real money, reaching real people not PR stunts. While some sit on social media hurling insults, Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens are quietly receiving financial relief for the first time in their lives.

    Tinubu’s vision for the poor is most evident in how he treats education as a right, not a privilege. Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and the revival of technical and vocational education, Tinubu is not just sending poor children to school he’s paying them to stay there. For the first time, 38 federal and state technical colleges have been upgraded across the country. Students in these institutions are now receiving full tuition coverage and monthly stipends of ₦45,000, totalling over ₦540,000 annually in direct support. Add the NELFund’s ₦20,000 disbursement, making 120,000 per academic session and each student has enough for basic upkeep while learning practical skills. This is after the tuition fees has been fully paid.

    READ ALSO: FG applauds Owolabi Salis as first Nigerian to travel to space and return

    This is transformational. With NELFund in place, parents no longer need to worry about paying school fees for their children, whether rich or poor. Every Nigerian child now has the opportunity to access quality education without financial pressure. Students can focus entirely on learning rather than hustling to survive. This will produce a new generation of focused, skillful, and self-reliant Nigerians. These students will not just graduate; they will become employers of labor, building Nigeria from the grassroots.

    One of Tinubu’s most transformational reforms has been the increase in monthly federal allocations to states and local governments made possible by the removal of the fuel subsidy. With more money now flowing directly to the grassroots, local governments have the resources to fix roads, fund primary health care, support farmers, and improve rural schools. Monthly allocations have tripled compared to previous years. Tinubu didn’t stop there; his administration is also pushing for true local government autonomy, ensuring these funds actually reach the people and are not hijacked at the state level.

    This is what it means to govern with a human heart  to build a system where the poor can breathe, as Tinubu famously declared. That statement was not empty. It was a direct challenge to those who have suffocated the people for decades. And they hated him for it. But the poor? The poor finally have a friend in power.

    In another historic first, President Tinubu signed an Executive Order removing tariffs and import duties on essential goods and critical materials  including food, energy equipment, and manufacturing inputs. This no-tariff policy is a direct effort to ease the cost of living and bring down inflation for everyday Nigerians. Even more significantly, Tinubu signed the first-ever pharmaceutical tariff removal order in Nigeria’s history. This policy slashes the cost of medicines and expands access to life-saving drugs across hospitals and local health centers. This is not just economic reform it is economic justice.

    President Tinubu is not running a charity. He is building a strategic economic base from the bottom up. By investing in the poor  through cash support, education, zero tariffs, and local empowerment  he is creating a more stable, more employable, and more productive population. In a country where the poor were once used, abused, and abandoned, we now see a government that says: “Go and give birth, and we will help you raise them with dignity.” No more empty slogans. This is impact.

    Every other leader promised to help the poor. Tinubu is the first to break the old order  where the rich stole from the poor  and build a new one where the wealth of the nation serves its most vulnerable. He has shown that politics is not just about power but about purpose.

    In the words of scripture, “He raises the poor from the dust.” Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fulfilling that promise  not with miracles but with policy, courage, and compassion. Let history record that in a time when others enriched themselves, Tinubu chose to enrich the people.

    Bamidele Atoyebi, the Convenor of the BAT Ideological Group, engages in accountability and policy monitoring while also serving as a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, and philanthropist. He sent this message from Abuja.

  • N/Delta youth coalition urges Tinubu, security chiefs to intervene in pipeline surveillance contract dispute

    N/Delta youth coalition urges Tinubu, security chiefs to intervene in pipeline surveillance contract dispute

    A coalition of youth leaders under the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace & Development (NDENYLFPD) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs to urgently address rising tensions in the region over pipeline surveillance contracts.

    The group raised concerns over recent threats and inflammatory statements allegedly made by a faction operating under the name Aggressive Niger Delta Freedom Fighters Forum, which they say are aimed at inciting unrest and discrediting Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) — a company chaired by His Imperial Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II (CFR).

    In a statement titled “Condemnation of Crisis-Inciting Statements Against PINL and the Olu of Warri – A Call for Urgent Presidential Intervention,” the coalition condemned social media campaigns demanding the termination of PINL’s surveillance contract, describing the messages as reckless and unrepresentative of the broader ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

    The communique, signed by youth leaders from the nine oil-producing states — including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Cross River — reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region. They urged the federal government to disregard the inflammatory remarks and to take swift action to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

    The appeal followed an emergency meeting convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by Senior Comrade Ambassador Tamuno James, where the coalition discussed what they described as a “dangerous narrative” being pushed by faceless agitators.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    Ambassador James said, “This so-called group recently issued a highly provocative petition on social media, urging President Tinubu to revoke a legally awarded pipeline surveillance contract being executed by PINL. This is a direct attack on both the company and the respected traditional leadership of His Imperial Majesty, the Olu of Warri.”

    The youth coalition urged the public to disregard the group’s claims, emphasizing that such divisive rhetoric undermines the peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta. They also reaffirmed their support for legitimate economic activities and government partnerships aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure.

    “We regard such calls as nothing short of an open invitation to chaos, and a calculated attempt to destabilise the fragile peace that the Niger Delta region has worked so hard to maintain over the years.

    “The baseless suggestion that PINL should be barred from operating in Ijaw territories is a direct affront to peace, unity, and the collective aspirations of the region’s ethnic nationalities.

    “We are particularly concerned that the so-called Aggrieved Freedom Fighters Forum went as far as issuing a petition to the federal government, accusing PINL of alleged marginalisation of Ijaw youths, rampant bunkering activities, sponsoring tribal conflict, forceful renaming of Ijaw communities, and laying false territorial claims over Ijaw and Urhobo lands.

    “Such inflammatory claims, lacking verifiable evidence, are aimed at creating division, inciting violence, and discrediting a legitimate contractor performing national assignments.

    “For the records, the national leadership of the NDENYLFPD wishes to categorically counter these baseless allegations as follows: on the allegation of marginalisation, it is on record that PINL employs all surveillance and security personnel directly from host communities, including Ijaw territories along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor.

    “The claim of exclusion is false and mischievous. Among all surveillance contractors in the Niger Delta, PINL remains the only company that holds monthly stakeholders’ engagement meetings with traditional rulers, women groups, youth leaders, and community representatives. This includes the IYC, MOSEIND, Ogoni Youth Council, Bonny Federated Body and others in Rivers and Bayelsa states, with NNPC Limited, NSA, and military officials in attendance.

    “On the allegation of unchecked bunkering, this is clearly a distortion of facts. The PINL-managed sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline, spanning Bonny to Nembe Creek and across host communities in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, and Imo states, have remained vandalism-free for years.

    “This exceptional record is known and acknowledged by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Limited, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. No other contractor has achieved such performance in our history.

    “On the accusation of sponsoring tribal conflict, the alleged link between the Olu of Warri and a British national found with weapons is spurious and defamatory. His Imperial Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) is a globally respected first-class monarch, a peace ambassador across the Middle East and Africa, and an internationally educated statesman with numerous academic honours.

    “He cannot be reduced to the level of engaging with faceless individuals who fail to provide any legal proof of land ownership within Warri Kingdom.

    “On the renaming of Ijaw communities, the communities cited (such as Okenrenkoko to Okenrenghigho, Oporoza to Opuraza, and Azama to Azatiton) have long histories and names that reflect their original linguistic and cultural evolution. The claim of “forceful renaming” is a deliberate misrepresentation of reality designed to stoke ethnic tension.”

    The Niger Delta youth leaders, therefore, urged Mr. President to treat the inciteful group as a threat to national security and declare them wanted for inciting violence and attempting to destabilise the now peaceful region.

    They noted, “These elements, whose sole interest is profiting from instability and violence, must not be allowed to reverse the gains we have made in peace-building and economic stability.

    “We, the youth leaders from all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, remain committed to peace, justice, and equitable development. We believe in your leadership and trust that you will treat this issue with the urgency it demands to prevent the resurgence of the crisis in our region.”

  • Tinubu: APC will receive more governors, coalition members

    Tinubu: APC will receive more governors, coalition members

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would continue to enlarge its coast by receiving more opposition governors, lawmakers and other coalition members.

    He explained that the priority accorded to defectors to the ruling party had compelled the shifting of the national convention till December.

    Urging party chieftains to widen the space to accommodate the new members, the President emphasised the need to give them a sense of belonging.

    President Tinubu spoke on the prospects of more defections to the APC during the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

    At the meeting, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was unanimously elected as National Chairman.

    The Plateau State-born technocrat succeeded Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned last month on health grounds.

    Yilwatda, who accepted the challenge of leadership, promised to embark on a mission to reposition the party.

    Exuding pride and confidence, President Tinubu, who expressed delight at the APC’s rising profile, said: “More governors are still coming. That’s why we shifted our convention to December.

    “Our doors are wide open, and we must accommodate them all.

    “They must be allowed to jump out from a wrecking ship and a coalition of confusion.

    “Today, we have 23 governors, and very many more are still coming. We must accommodate them all.

    “Our doors are still open, and we should embrace them wholeheartedly.

    “With the space that you have created to allow the aspiring people to join us, before the end of this meeting, we might form a committee to move around the states and ensure that those who have joined us enjoy the registration and membership of our party without any difficulty.

    “I urge all the members of our great party, APC, to develop a spirit of inclusion and accommodate all those willing to join our party. It is necessary. Our door must remain open.”

    President Tinubu paid tribute to Ganduje for his service to the party, adding that he still has unfinished tasks.

    He said: “I gave him an assignment on the formation of a progressive doctrine – the progressive institute.

    “I think the National Secretary will help to revitalise that and coordinate.

    “We can still take him as a consultant to work with the new chairman to do that.”

    Speaking further on the fate of defections into the ruling party, President Tinubu added: “One of our ardent critics at the earlier part of this administration reported the stride in the revenue—43 per cent achievement by now.

    “I’m proud to say that the team is working. With peace and stability, we will do more.”

    Justifying the defections, the President said it was “not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion.”

    He thanked the APC governors for their support and endorsed a motion to extend the party’s structures and timeline for congresses to accommodate new entrants.

    President Tinubu added: “I want to thank and pray for the governors of our party. Today, counting, I think we have 23, and still counting. More members are still coming.”

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national development and economic recovery, saying the economy he inherited, which was “wobbling” and “confused,” has now been stabilised.

    The President urged the party leadership to build on the administration’s achievements and leave a lasting legacy of national development.

    He urged the APC governors to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to secure a befitting site for a new party secretariat.

    He said: “We should leave a legacy of development. And the governors are here—23 of them—to help identify, with the Minister of FCT, an appropriate land for a befitting secretariat.

    “I think we should do that. I believe, without hesitation, the motion and the suggestion are carried.”

    Yilwatda will perform, says Ganduje

    Ganduje, who said his successor would live up to expectations, promised to support him to succeed.

    He said his choice was strategic, noting that it came at a critical period in the life of the party.

    Ganduje expressed confidence in the capacity, intellect, maturity and administrative competence of the new chairman.

    He commended the NEC and other organs of the party for ensuring a transparent and consensus-driven process that led to his emergence.

    Ganduje urged Yilwatda to build on the solid foundations and legacies he laid during his tenure, recalling that he also built on the efforts and achievements of his predecessor.

    He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their statesmanlike roles and wisdom in guiding the party through the transition process.

    Ganduje said: “Our President and Vice President have once again shown maturity and far-sightedness in the affairs of our great party.

    “Their commitment to ensuring cohesion and stability within the APC is commendable, and I urge all stakeholders to rally around the new leadership to deliver on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Ganduje enjoined the National Working Committee (NWC), state chapters, youth and women wings, and other stakeholders to offer their full cooperation and unwavering support to the new chairman.

    He said unity, discipline, and loyalty should remain the cornerstone of the party under the new leadership.

    Ganduje added: “As I bow out with a sense of fulfilment, I wish to assure Prof. Yilwatda of my unflinching support, counsel, and brotherly solidarity.

    “I urge all our leaders, governors, lawmakers, and faithful party members across the federation to queue behind him and give him the necessary backing to consolidate on our party’s vision of building a united, progressive, and inclusive political platform for all Nigerians.”

    Northcentral APC hails Tinubu

    The Northcentral APC Forum, which had intensified agitation for the slot, hailed President Tinubu, describing him as a listening and responsive leader.

    The zonal forum also commended the President for demonstrating fairness, political will, and a deep sense of justice in resolving the long-standing leadership imbalance in the party.

    The chairman of the forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said in a statement: “We sincerely thank President Tinubu for listening to our calls.

    “His decision has proven beyond any doubt that he is a listening President—one who respects party members and values equity.

    “He has again demonstrated sound political judgment.”

    Read Also: $3bn Eastern rail line allocation proof of Tinubu’s commitment to southeast — Kalu

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, described Prof. Yilwatda as a distinguished academic and a visionary leader.

    He has no doubt in the ability of the Plateau State-born scholar and politician to succeed in taking the party to more enviable heights.

    The governor cited the new Chairman’s intellect, brilliance, expertise, integrity and his unwavering commitment to excellence as some of the qualities that will draw more admiration and attract more support and love for the ruling party across the country.

    Lagos APC, Lalong, Obasa hail chairman

    Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and Lagos APC congratulated Yilwatda, urging him to justify the trust and confidence reposed in him.

    A statement by the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said: “Yilwatda’s elevation to this critical leadership position is a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals, his impressive credentials as a technocrat and public servant, and his long-standing contributions to democratic governance in Nigeria.”

    It added: “As a party deeply rooted in progressive values and national development, we are confident that under Prof. Yilwatda’s leadership, the APC will experience renewed unity, strategic direction, and grassroots re-engagement — all of which are crucial for consolidating the gains of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”

    Lalong, who represents Plateau South District in the Senate, said Yilwatda is very suitable for the job because of his vast experience as a technocrat, politician and public servant.

    He said in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Makut Macham, that the new chairman was groomed for leadership.

    Lalong said the new appointment is a great pride to the people of Plateau State, which last held the leadership of a ruling party during the tenure of Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, who was PDP national chairman.

    Obasa said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, that Yilwatda is fit for the job.

    He added: “Prof. Yilwatda’s commitment to reforming public service through technology aligns squarely with the APC’s mission to uplift communities and drive national progress.

    “I have full confidence that your technocratic and political leadership will unite our great party, strengthen our popularity and growth, and chart a bold course for our party as we prepare for 2027.”

  • President asks governors to deliver more dividends

    President asks governors to deliver more dividends

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  were yesterday challenged by  the president to intensify efforts in the delivering of dividends of democracy.

    The economy is stabilizing but many Nigerians are yet to feel its impact, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared.

    It was at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

     President Tinubu emphasised that governance must translate into real change for ordinary citizens.

    “Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. To you the governors, you have to wet the grass more and lead the way in delivering progressive change to Nigerians. May God bless our democracy and give us more fertile lands”, the President declared.

    He assured members of the party that the national economy, though recently battered, is now on the path to sustained growth and resilience.

    Read Also: CBN pauses dividends, bonuses for select banks in new stability measures

    “I thank all of you. Outside there, it is not easy to navigate the stormy waters of economic instability. Now that the economy is stabilised, no other fear for the country except upward movement and sustained growth, I can assure you,” he said.

    Addressing the nation’s security situation, President Tinubu acknowledged progress but called for continued vigilance.

    “Thousands of terrorists and bandits have been neutralised, and you could see that the fear is going down. But we still have to be very serious, vigilant and make sure that we put additional investment in our people, retain our people and be accommodating and be serious about security in the country,” he stated.

    The President also  reinforced the party’s open-door policy, welcoming recent high-profile defections into the APC.

    “We need to invest more, and that is about our party. We will continue to grow. Once again, I welcome Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and other political leaders who have joined us. Our doors remain open,” he said.

    He congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the Supreme Court affirmation of his candidacy, noting his spirited reaction to the court’s judgment.

    “We saw his dancing steps after the judgment. We will continue to work with you,” Tinubu said, also lauding the recent launch of the revitalised Edo Line Transport Company as a promising initiative.

    The President expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by party leaders and reiterated the importance of grassroots mobilisation.

    “I am deeply grateful for the confidence vote expressed today and the ones already expressed at the zonal chapters to meet regularly to strengthen our grassroots mobilisation and unity. We need to do that,” he said.

    On food security, Tinubu pledged that his administration would remain focused on achieving a sovereign food guarantee for the nation.

    “Those who are working with me to achieve sovereign food guarantee for our country, we will continue to work hard for Nigerians and listen to all of you to achieve the expected goals of this country,” he said.

  • Tinubu enabling medical industrialisation, says minister

    Tinubu enabling medical industrialisation, says minister

    Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has said the Federal Government’s efforts to address medical tourism have received a boost with the recent inauguration of three oncology centres across the country.

    The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been doing everything possible to ensure medical industrialisation in Nigeria at an unprecedented pace.

    A statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibahim, said Idris spoke at the inauguration of the newly constructed Clinical Oncology Cancer Centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina State; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State.

    “What President Tinubu is doing is not just about improving medicare in Nigeria, but most importantly about positioning the country for medical industrialisation. This is not just bringing in drugs or equipment but creating the enabling environment for these drugs and equipment to be produced here in Nigeria,” Idris said.

    The minister hailed President Tinubu for facilitating the construction of the three oncology cancer centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin. He said they would provide accessible and affordable treatment for cancer patients, thereby reducing the need to seek medical care abroad.

    “Today, if you go outside for cancer treatment, it’s because that’s your choice and not because there is no option provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Idris said.

    Read Also: Tinubu enabling medical industrialisation – Minister Idris

    Commenting on the centres, Prof. Pate stressed that given the significant burden of cancer in Nigeria – recording approximately 127,000 cases and 80,000 deaths annually – President Tinubu deliberately prioritised healthcare delivery as a key pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda to address this critical public health challenge.

    “To take care of someone who has cancer costs families their investment, savings, and can tip households into poverty in addition to the huge impact that can reverberate in terms of trauma to families and societies,” he said.

    Also, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasised President Tinubu’s determination to ensure that Nigeria moves from project conception and planning to implementation, as witnessed in the health sector.

    “It is across the board that the type of transformation that we are seeing and we are witnessing in the health sector, ably led by the Honorable Minister of Health,” he said.

  • Analysts attribute N14.27tr FIRS revenue to Tinubu’s reforms

    Analysts attribute N14.27tr FIRS revenue to Tinubu’s reforms

    Analysts have credited the N14.27 trillion revenue generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in the first half of 2025 to the ongoing reforms under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. 

    This figure, representing a substantial performance in the first half of 2025, has sparked optimism among economic experts regarding the potential for sustained revenue growth.

    Chief Economist at ARKK Economics and Data Limited, Dr Samson Simon, told The Nation that the performance in the first half of the year suggests a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s economy. 

    According to him: “The H1 2025 revenue performance clearly demonstrates that things are at least beginning to look up. Finally, the Tinubu gains might be trickling in” indicating a potential turnaround in the nation’s financial stability. 

    “The N14.27 trillion generated, which constitutes a significant portion of the N25.2 trillion projected for the entire year, shows a notable over-performance, underscoring the effectiveness of the current administration’s strategies.”

    Simon elaborated on the implications of the revenue boost, stressing its potential to assist the government in reducing deficits and curbing the rapid expansion of public debt. 

    However, he cautioned that achieving a sustainable and meaningful impact from these gains requires a focus on both oil and non-oil revenue streams. 

    He emphasised the importance of ensuring that these improvements are inclusive and beneficial for the general populace, reinforcing the notion that while progress is being made, challenges persist.

    Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Wahab Balogun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ambosit Capital Managers, attributed the positive results to the government’s ongoing fiscal and tax policy reforms. 

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    He noted that initiatives such as real-time transaction monitoring, data sharing across agencies, and stronger enforcement measures are beginning to generate tangible benefits. Dr. Balogun described the government’s decision to publish revenue performance on a presidential scorecard as a move toward greater transparency and accountability among revenue-generating agencies, which is critical for public trust.

    The FIRS report revealing a total revenue of N14.27 trillion for the first half of 2025 represents a remarkable 43% increase compared to the previous year. Dr. Balogun argued that this development signals an enhancement in fiscal capacity and administrative efficiency. 

    He pointed out that the increase in oil tax revenue—increading from N2.60 trillion to N3.63 trillion—stands out particularly against the backdrop of previous difficulties in tax remittance within the extractive sector. 

    This rise he said indicates improved adherence to tax obligations, potentially fueled by higher production levels and effective collaboration between the FIRS and regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd).

    Despite the improvements in oil-related revenues, Dr. Balogun remarked that these figures still lag behind non-oil receipts, aligning with the federal government’s strategy of diversifying the economy to reduce reliance on oil revenue. This shift is critical for creating a more balanced and resilient economic framework.

    Analyzing the macroeconomic implications, Dr. Balogun stated that a strengthened revenue base could significantly enhance the government’s fiscal position. This improvement has the potential to lessen the need for deficit financing through borrowing, thereby positively impacting Nigeria’s credit profile and investor confidence. 

    However, he also issued a word of caution regarding the pursuit of aggressive revenue targets, particularly in an environment characterized by high inflation. Such measures must be implemented with care to avoid adverse economic repercussions.

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recorded a total revenue of N14.27 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 43 per cent increase over the N9.98 trillion generated in the same period last year, according to a presidential performance evaluation report.

    The breakdown of the figures showed that N10.64 trillion was realised from non-oil tax receipts, significantly higher than the N7.37 trillion collected in the first six months of 2024. Revenue from oil taxes also grew to N3.63 trillion, compared to N2.60 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024. The report attributed the growth to improved tax compliance by oil companies and the intensified efforts of FIRS to monitor and tax extractive sector earnings.

  • Tinubu hints at more high-profile defections to APC

    Tinubu hints at more high-profile defections to APC

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that more high-profile defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are imminent. .

    He called on party leaders to widen the space and accommodate incoming political heavyweights.

    Speaking at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President affirmed that Governors and federal lawmakers are among the notable political figures expected to defect to the party in the coming months.

    “Our doors are still open, and we should embrace them wholeheartedly. With the space that you have created to allow the aspiring people to join us… before the end of this meeting, we might form the party of elders, as the new chairman wishes, to form a committee of National Working Committee members to move around the states in the country and ensure that those who have joined us enjoy the registration and membership of our party without any difficulty,” Tinubu said.

    The President’s remarks came shortly after the NEC unanimously elected Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, as the new National Chairman of the APC, following the recent resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. 

    Tinubu hailed the new leadership and praised Ganduje’s service to the party, noting that he had tasked the former chairman with developing a “Progressive Doctrine” and establishing a “Progressive Institute.”

    “I gave him an assignment on the formation of a Progressive Doctrine, the Progressive Institute. I think the National Secretary will help to revitalise that and coordinate. We can still take him as a consultant to work with the new chairman to do that,” the President said.

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    Tinubu attributed the rising wave of defections to what he described as the administration’s economic progress and the party’s growing national appeal.

    “One of our ardent critics at the earlier part of this administration reported the stride in the revenue—43% achievement by now. I’m proud to say that the team is working. With peace and stability, we will do more,” he declared.

    The President, in a veiled jab at the opposition, said it was “not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion,” as he justified the increasing number of defections into the APC.

    According to Tinubu, 23 Governors are in the party’s fold, a figure he believes will continue to grow. 

    He thanked the APC Governors for their support and accommodation, and endorsed a motion to expand the party’s structures and timeline for congresses to accommodate new entrants.

    “I want to thank and pray for the governors of our party. “Today counting, I think we have 23, and still counting… I could absorb the motion of accommodation to say, okay, we will shift or postpone or recognize in addition for all other spaces that are available—more members are still coming,”he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national development and economic recovery, saying the economy he inherited was “wobbling” and “confused,” but has now been stabilized.

    “Our journey as a government and as a party has been fulfilling and rewarding. The economy that we inherited—wobbling, confused—is today stabilized, and we are making progress,” he stated.

    He urged the party leadership to build on the administration’s achievements and leave a lasting legacy of national development. 

    He also proposed that APC Governors work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to secure a befitting site for a new party secretariat.

    “We should leave a legacy of development. And the governors are here—23 of them—to help identify, with the Minister of FCT, an appropriate land for a befitting secretariat. I think we should do that. I believe, without hesitation, the motion and the suggestion is carried”, Tinubu said.

    As the APC gears up for future political contests, President Tinubu stressed the importance of inclusiveness and continuity in governance, noting that his administration will continue to “work harder and make sure that the essence of our party is not forgotten.”

  • Tinubu enabling medical industrialisation – Minister Idris

    Tinubu enabling medical industrialisation – Minister Idris

    …as FG commissions three world-class cancer centres to curb medical tourism

    Efforts by the Federal Government to reduce medical tourism have been strengthened with the commissioning of three new Clinical Oncology Cancer Centres across Nigeria, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Thursday.

    According to a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister spoke at the commissioning ceremonies held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; and University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State.

    Idris noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driving medical industrialisation at an unprecedented pace, not only improving healthcare delivery but also creating an environment for local production of medical drugs and equipment.

    “What President Tinubu is doing goes beyond improving Medicare. He is laying the foundation for medical industrialisation — building capacity for Nigeria to produce its own drugs and equipment, not just import them,” Idris said.

    He described the newly established cancer centres as world-class facilities aimed at providing accessible, affordable care for cancer patients and drastically reducing the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment.

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    “Today, if you go outside for cancer treatment, it’s because that’s your choice and not because there is no option provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Idris stated.

    He hailed the Minister of Health and Social Development, Professor Ali Pate, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who were part of the delegation for the commissioning of all three oncology centres, same day, for their vision, commitment, and the provision of funds that facilitated the establishment of the six world-class cancer centres across the country.

    At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Oncology Centre, Enugu, the Information Minister described the centre as one of the biggest dividends of democracy and is indicative of a vision that seeks equitable health care services.

    “The machine that has been installed here, we were being told, is one of the best you can find anywhere in the world. Now, what this means, and we have been told by the experts here, is that it’s only a matter of choice for you as of today, to go outside Enugu to seek care for cancer. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered to you, the people of Enugu and to the people of Nigeria what has been a dream for more than thirty years,” he said.

    Idris noted that within just two years, Nigerians have begun to witness the tangible benefits of President Tinubu’s bold and courageous reform agenda, which initially posed certain challenges, as is common with major policy shifts.

    He said early difficulties are giving way to improved outcomes, as citizens begin to appreciate the long-term vision, purpose, and strategic thinking behind the administration’s efforts to reset the economy.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Development, Professor Pate, stated that given the significant burden of cancer in Nigeria – recording approximately 127,000 cases and 80,000 deaths annually – President Tinubu has deliberately prioritised healthcare delivery as a key pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda, intending to address this critical public health challenge.

    He stated that although the project had been on the drawing board for many years, President Tinubu took up the challenge and successfully delivered on it, effectively doubling the footprint of cancer treatment in Nigeria almost overnight through the establishment of six new cancer centres.

    Additionally, he said, the Federal Government is expanding its diagnostic centres to 350,000 for early detection of cancer to make it treatable, while 500 clinicians are being trained to provide cancer care in Nigeria.

    Prof. Pate said the President has also made provision in the 2025 budget under the Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund to help reduce the financial burden on families and households facing catastrophic health expenditures.

    “To take care of someone who has cancer costs families their investment, savings and can tip households into poverty in addition to the huge impact that can reverberate in terms of trauma to families and societies,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Edun, said President Tinubu possesses an extra determination that allows Nigeria to move from project conception and planning to implementation, as witnessed in the health sector.

    “It is across the board that the type of transformation that we are seeing and we are witnessing in the health sector is ably led by the Honourable Minister of Health,” he said.

    He said, as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, he is being invited to the commissioning of projects across various sectors that would create jobs, boost the economy and lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, which is the ultimate determination of President Tinubu.

    Mr. Edun said even though the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Oncology Centre, Enugu, was not newly built, it has been upgraded to a global standard to provide world-class care for cancer patients.

    At the University of Benin Oncology Centre, Idris reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his promises based on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Cancer Centres, according to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represent an enduring private partnership between the Federal Government, Subnational governments and private investors.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu participates in APC NEC meeting

    BREAKING: Tinubu participates in APC NEC meeting

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently participating in the 14th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja.

    The meeting, which commenced at about 2:10 pm, was attended by members of the party’s NEC, including governors, former governors, leadership of the National Assembly and some other ranking and foundation members of the party.

    Besides President Tinubu, other participants at the ongoing meeting include Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu.

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    Also participating are the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and other governors

    Also in attendance are former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori.

    The meeting, according to its agenda, made available to attendees, will swear in a new national chairman.

    Details shortly…