Tag: tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today embark on a two-nation diplomatic mission to the Caribbean and South America, with official engagements in Saint Lucia and Brazil, as part of Nigeria’s efforts to expand its influence and strengthen ties within the Global South.

According to a statement  issued yesterday  by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s first stop will be the island nation of Saint Lucia, where he will undertake a State Visit aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations, particularly through cultural and economic cooperation under the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as vital to Africa’s global partnerships.

During the visit, President Tinubu will hold bilateral meetings with Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre, and deliver a special address to a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly.

The address will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom at Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, and will be attended by Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, diplomats, members of the Nigerian community, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.

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One of the highlights of the Saint Lucia visit will be a high-level working luncheon between President Tinubu and OECS leaders.

Discussions at the gathering are expected to focus on economic partnerships, educational linkages, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity rooted in cultural solidarity between Nigeria and Caribbean states.

The President is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where he will engage with students and educators to foster stronger academic and research partnerships between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.

“This visit underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to engaging Caribbean nations more meaningfully, not only through traditional diplomacy but through people-to-people and institutional linkages that promote sustainable development and cultural heritage,” the statement said.

The visit comes as Nigeria continues to explore avenues for cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic circles, leveraging its historical, cultural, and diasporic ties to foster South-South alliances in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda.

Following his engagements in the Caribbean, President Tinubu will fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6–7, 2025.

President Tinubu will attend the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on the strength of Nigeria’s upgraded status as a partner country—a level above guest status but below full BRICS membership.

Currently, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia represent Africa as full members of the influential economic bloc.

The Rio Summit, themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, will focus on two key areas: enhanced collaboration across the Global South, and strengthening BRICS partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development.

President Tinubu is expected to engage with other world leaders on proposals to reform global financial governance, climate finance, multilateral trade, and digital transformation in developing economies.

The President will be accompanied on both legs of the trip by a delegation of senior government officials.

House of Representatives Committee Chairman on National Planning and Economic Development, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka popularly called GNI, has given reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves reelection in 2027.

Isiaka said that the current positive trajectory of the nation’s economy driven by President Tinubu’s bold leadership, is a pointer to the greater things that await Nigeria in the next few years, stressing that the economic route the President is taking the country through remains the best.

Read Also: Hijrah: MUSWEN, ADSN, MCLS urge Nigerians to unite

GNI who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency of Ogun State in the National Assembly made this known in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while fielding questions during a media parley newsmen.

He explained that the essence of Tinubu’s leadership is not necessarily to take the nation through the easiest route, but to lead her through the right route that would bring about the desired result.

Isiaka noted that despite challenges trailing the President’s tough reforms, particularly fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation, the reforms had within a short time saw Nigeria’s reserves getting better, the exchange rate  stabilizing and inflation going down.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday, June 28 (tomorrow) embark on a two-nation diplomatic mission to the Caribbean and South America, with official engagements in Saint Lucia and Brazil, as part of Nigeria’s efforts to expand its influence and strengthen ties within the Global South.

According to a issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s first stop will be the island nation of Saint Lucia, where he will undertake a State Visit aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations, particularly through cultural and economic cooperation under the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as vital to Africa’s global partnerships.

During the visit, President Tinubu will hold bilateral meetings with Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre, and deliver a special address to a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly.

The address will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom at Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, and will be attended by Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, diplomats, members of the Nigerian community, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.

One of the highlights of the Saint Lucia visit will be a high-level working luncheon between President Tinubu and OECS leaders.

Discussions at the gathering are expected to focus on economic partnerships, educational linkages, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity rooted in cultural solidarity between Nigeria and Caribbean states.

The president is also scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where he will engage with students and educators to foster stronger academic and research partnerships between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.

“This visit underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to engaging Caribbean nations more meaningfully, not only through traditional diplomacy but through people-to-people and institutional linkages that promote sustainable development and cultural heritage,” the statement said.

Read Also: Tinubu, Gabon’s Nguema, meet to deepen diplomatic, economic ties

The visit comes as Nigeria continues to explore avenues for cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic circles, leveraging its historical, cultural, and diasporic ties to foster South-South alliances in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda.

Following his engagements in the Caribbean, President Tinubu will fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6–7, 2025.

President Tinubu will attend the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on the strength of Nigeria’s upgraded status as a partner country—a level above guest status but below full BRICS membership.

Currently, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia represent Africa as full members of the influential economic bloc.

The Rio Summit, themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, will focus on two key areas: enhanced collaboration across the Global South and strengthening BRICS partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development.

President Tinubu is expected to engage with other world leaders on proposals to reform global financial governance, climate finance, multilateral trade, and digital transformation in developing economies.

The president will be accompanied on both legs of the trip by a delegation of senior government officials.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured that his administration will ensure that more infrastructures are provided for rural areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Tinubu gave the assurance while commissioning the newly constructed 10-kilometre Kabusa-Ketti Road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He described the completed road as a testament to his administration’s commitment to equitable development.

Represented at the event by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the president, emphasised that the road signifies more than just asphalt, but serves as a lifeline for the people of Kabusa, Ketti, and surrounding communities.

The ceremony, attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and jubilant residents, marked another milestone in the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) infrastructure drive under the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Today’s event is not just a celebration of a new tarred road. It is a testament to what can be achieved when commitment to the people translates into tangible, lasting change.

“This 10-kilometre stretch may appear modest to some, but for the people of Kabusa, Ketti, and surrounding communities, it is truly transformational.

“This vital infrastructure connects communities, unlocks economic potential, and affirms our administration’s commitment to equitable development across every corner of our nation,” he said.

Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project to specification and urged residents to take ownership of the road.

He said, “To the people of Ketti and Kabusa, this road is yours. I urge you to protect it, use it responsibly, and take ownership of its maintenance. The government will do its part, but community stewardship is essential for sustainability.

“This is not the end but the beginning. More projects will come, investments will reach you, and attention will be given to your needs”.

Earlier in his address, Wike expressed gratitude to the President for his support, noting that the project, flagged off in December 2023, was completed within months.

Read Also: Tinubu, Gabon’s Nguema, meet to deepen diplomatic, economic ties

“Mr. President, we thank you for honouring us again to inaugurate this road. The contractor kept their word, and today we are delivering 9.8 kilometres of quality road.

“I commend the traditional rulers and youths of this community for supporting the contractor. Some communities create obstacles, but here, they ensured the project’s success,” he said.

Wike noted that the road’s impact was evident in the massive turnout of residents, stating, “When the people are happy, the government is happy. This is the first time Ketti has received such government attention.

“There are some communities, when you award jobs to be done, instead of supporting the company, they pose problems for the company. But in this case, they supported the company to finish on time. So, I commend the traditional rulers and the youth of this community for the support they gave to us and to those who are here”.

Residents who spoke to our correspondent hailed the project as a significant improvement to their daily lives.

“Before now, this road was a nightmare, especially during the rainy season. Today, we can transport our goods easily and access schools and hospitals without stress,” said Mallam Ibrahim Kabiru, a local trader.

The FCTA assured that more rural roads will be constructed under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with Wike pledging continued collaboration with communities to ensure project sustainability.

Wike urged residents to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu for more dividends of democracy. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ismael Ahmed as the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), a key component of his administration’s palliative programme aimed at easing the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Announcing the appointment in a statement on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Ahmed will lead efforts to coordinate and implement the federal government’s drive to promote cheaper, more affordable, and cleaner energy alternatives through the PCNGi.

The initiative is part of the broader strategy of the Tinubu administration to transition Nigerians towards sustainable energy use while reducing dependency on petrol and mitigating the economic impact of subsidy reforms.

Read Also: Tinubu’s electricity act positions Niger as model for decentralised regulation – Santuraki

A trained lawyer and public policy expert, Ahmed, 45, holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Abuja, graduating in 2005.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006 and later earned a master’s degree in international relations, communications, and diplomacy from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2008.

He previously served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the National Social Investment Programme from 2018 to 2022, where he was involved in key youth and empowerment policies.

The appointment positions Ahmed at the forefront of the administration’s energy transition and social intervention agenda, as the PCNGi works to expand access to compressed natural gas as a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative for transport and domestic use.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday hosted President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon at the State House in Abuja, as both leaders held talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Central African nation.

The closed-door meeting marked a renewed push for greater South-South collaboration, with both nations seeking closer diplomatic and investment-driven ties.

Speaking with journalists at the State House after the meeting, President Nguema reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships for sustainable development.

Read Also: NULGE urges Tinubu to stop attempts to violate Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy

“We are for South-South cooperation, and we believe it will be a good thing for Nigerian companies to come to Gabon and invest. Things are going very well in Gabon right now, and we want to leverage this momentum by inviting investment into our oil and mineral sectors”, the Gabonese leader said.

Describing Gabon as an “oil magnate” rich in natural resources, President Nguema called on Nigerian investors to take advantage of the opportunities in Gabon’s extractive industries and other sectors.

The meeting, according to diplomatic observers, signals a mutual interest by both countries to foster economic growth, enhance political cooperation, and promote stability across the Central African region.

President Nguema was officially sworn in as the President of Gabon earlier this year following his election victory.

His visit to Nigeria is part of ongoing efforts to consolidate Gabon’s diplomatic outreach within Africa and attract foreign direct investment for national development.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Dr. Mohammed Kudu Santuraki, has described the establishment of a sub-national electricity market under the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023 as a major milestone that could position Niger State as a national model for decentralised electricity regulation.

Santuraki made this assertion at the inaugural stakeholders’ engagement forum organised by the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) in Minna, the state capital.

Signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023, the Electricity Act 2023 decentralises and de-monopolises the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, granting states, companies, and individuals the legal authority to produce and manage power independently.

Highlighting Niger State’s potential, Santuraki noted that the state hosts nearly 100% of Nigeria’s hydropower assets, with an installed capacity of approximately 3,000 MW—more than half of the country’s total electricity generation.

He emphasised that this strategic advantage places Niger State at the forefront of implementing the new law and could serve as a blueprint for other sub-national electricity markets across the country.

He said, “Furthermore, with a landmass exceeding 76,000 square kilometers, Niger State lies within Nigeria’s high solar irradiance belt, receiving an estimated six

Gigaatt-hour (GWh) of solar energy per square kilometre daily.

“This geographic and climatic advantage offers the state immense potential for hosting utility-scale solar farms.

“In addition, the state is dotted with numerous underutilised potential small dams, presenting viable options for decentralised and captive power generation across rural and industrial clusters.”

Read Also: Ijaw chief Oluba hails Tinubu for reconciling Wike, Fubara

Santuraki, who is also Chairman of the Niger State Electricity Market Stakeholders’ Engagement, noted that the stakeholders’ forum was a clear demonstration of the NSERC’s commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful reform.

He emphasised that the engagement marks a beginning, not an end, signalling the start of a sustained and open dialogue between regulators and the regulated, as well as between government and citizens.

Santuraki said, “We are here not merely to consult, but to collaborate. The establishment of a sub-national electricity market under the framework of the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023 is a pivotal milestone.

“It should deepen energy access, drive local and economic development. These should position Niger State, often rightly referred to as the Power State, given its hosting of all the nation’s hydropower assets, as a model for decentralized electricity regulation in Nigeria.”

He commended the state Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, for his “visionary commitment” to the electricity sector reform, and the Executive Chairman of NSERC, Engr. Mohammed Sharu, for the “steady and commendable” progress made since the enactment of the Niger State Electricity Law in December 2024.

Santuraki calls for partnership, collaboration, and cooperation among power sector stakeholders operating in the state, “as they work together to shape the future of energy in Niger State and Nigeria.”