The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

  • Tinubu takes 2026-2028 MTEF/FSP to Senate for consideration, approval

    Tinubu takes 2026-2028 MTEF/FSP to Senate for consideration, approval

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday transmitted the 2026/2028 Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau read President Tinubu’s letter of request during plenary.

    The letter, titled: “Submission of the FGN 2026 to 2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper,” reads: “It is with pleasure that I forward the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF and FSP) for the kind consideration and approval of the Distinguished Senate.

    “The 2026-2028 MTEF and FSP was approved during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of December 3, 2025.

    “As the 2026 budget of the Federal Government will be prepared based on the parameters and fiscal assumptions of the approved 2026-2028 MTEF and FSP, I seek the cooperation of the National Assembly for expeditious legislative action on the submission.”

    The key parameters approved by the council last week include a crude oil benchmark price of $64.85 per barrel and an exchange rate of N1,512/$1 for the 2026 budget cycle.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    Jibrin referred the MTEF/FSP to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Sani Musa, with a mandate to submit its report by December 17.

    The Senate later adjourned plenary to allow committees continue scrutinising the fiscal document.

    President Tinubu had earlier sent the same documents to the House of Representatives, where they were read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    The MTEF/FSP, as required by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, forms the foundation of Nigeria’s annual budgets and must be approved by the National Assembly before the 2026 Appropriation Bill is presented.

  • Tinubu: $1tn Economy depends on productivity, innovation, globally competitive workforce

    Tinubu: $1tn Economy depends on productivity, innovation, globally competitive workforce

    …As fed govt showcases nationwide impact of 3MTT digital-skills programme

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy hinges squarely on boosting productivity, deepening innovation, and developing a workforce equipped with skills that meet global standards.

    Speaking at the 3MTT Nigeria National Impact Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President said the path to national prosperity lies not in chance but in deliberate investment in human capital.

    Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that in a world reshaped by rapid technological change, the nations that lead are those that strategically develop the skills of their young people.

    Nigeria, he stressed, must therefore continue to treat human capital as its most valuable resource under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He maintained that digital skills now power growth across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, and public service, making programmes like the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative essential to the administration’s economic transformation blueprint.

    According to him, “A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise, and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. More importantly, it shifts our role in the world from passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent.”

    The President hailed the 3MTT programme as proof of what focus and disciplined execution can achieve.

    From more than 1.8 million applications drawn from every local government area to new startups and job opportunities emerging nationwide, he said the initiative has moved from concept to measurable impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Opportunity is no longer limited to major cities,” he added, noting that the programme is restoring confidence among young Nigerians that they can compete and thrive in the global digital economy.

    Tinubu commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for stewarding the programme and acknowledged key private-sector and development partners, including IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, the United Nations Development Programme, and the European Union, for giving the initiative depth and credibility.

    While applauding the progress so far, the President said Nigeria must stay committed to the larger vision of transforming digital and technical skills nationwide.

    This, he emphasised, will require continued collaboration among government, industry, and development partners.

    “To the young Nigerians gathered here, and to the millions you represent across every community in our nation, we believe in your capacity and your future. Through initiatives like 3MTT, we are building genuine platforms for progress, not ceremonial commitments,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed that the Nigeria of the future must be powered by skilled hands and driven by innovative minds ready to work, create, and lead, adding that the government is determined to lay a strong foundation for a digital workforce that will propel the country’s next chapter of growth and shared prosperity.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, in his remarks, said about 135,000 Nigerians have been trained within the past two years, with some of them having opportunities to secure well-paid jobs in tech companies, while others have had opportunities to travel to China, the UK, and other countries for further studies.

    Dr Tijani, who praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the 3MTT programme and other digital technology innovation initiatives, said that within the first month of the launch of the 3MTT programme, over 1.8 million Nigerian youths signed up for the programme.

    According to Dr Tijani, the Commitment of the present administration to digital infrastructures development remains unparalleled, as President Tinubu approved the deployment of 4,000 telecom infrastructures to rural areas to ensure that 23 million Nigerians in unconnected areas are connected to the Internet.

    The Minister, who said by 2030 about 170 million jobs would be available for Nigerians who have tech skills, noted that the digital economy sector would remain vibrant and Nigeria would be in a position to fill vacancies in the sector with the approach adopted by the present administration to bring the youth on board the digital economy sector.

    Dr Tijani, who highlighted the various supports and funding received by the government from the private sector and international institutions such as Google, Microsoft, IHS, Huawei, MTN, UNDP, African Development Bank, among others, emphasised that the 3MTT programme is open to all Nigerian youths irrespective of status and class.

    The Minister further said under the programme, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, made available about 1.5 billion naira worth of laptops and other gadgets to beneficiaries, noting that the beneficiaries of the programme secured 15,000 direct jobs from different tech companies after their training.

    Dr Tijani, who called for increased private sector participation in the 3MTT programme, said the initiative now has community managers in the 36 states of the Federation and one in the FCT, while over 600 facility agents are working across the 774 local government councils of the country. 

  • Tinubu transmits 2026-2028 MTEF/FSP to the Senate for approval

    Tinubu transmits 2026-2028 MTEF/FSP to the Senate for approval

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday transmitted the 2026/2028 Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau read the president’s letter of request during plenary.

    The letter, titled “Submission of the FGN 2026 to 2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper,” reads in part, “It is with pleasure that I forward the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF and FSP) for the kind consideration and approval of the Distinguished Senate.

    Read Also: Tinubu deserves support, continuity in 2027 – APC chieftain Obilade

    “The 2026-2028 MTEF and FSP were approved during the Federal Executive Council meeting of December 3rd, 2025.

    “As the 2026 budget of the Federal Government will be prepared based on the parameters and fiscal assumptions of the approved 2026-2028 MTEF and FSP, I seek the cooperation of the National Assembly for expeditious legislative action on the submission.”

  • Tinubu unveils security, economic blueprint for marine wealth

    Tinubu unveils security, economic blueprint for marine wealth

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a fresh national security and economic framework designed to transform Nigeria’s vast marine and aquatic resources into a major driver of economic diversification, job creation and long-term prosperity.

    The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa during a parley with participants of Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

    He directed all relevant ministries, departments and agencies to immediately study and prepare to implement recommendations contained in the NIPSS report on blue economy development, describing the study as a significant roadmap for national progress.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the President said “the blue economy offers a strategic pathway for diversifying our revenue base, creating sustainable employment and revitalising the ecosystems that sustain national development. If properly harnessed, this sector could become an anchor of shared prosperity for generations”.

    Welcoming the findings of the NIPSS study on Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria, the President commended the institute for its “analytical rigour, creativity and patriotic duty,” noting that Nigeria’s natural endowment, including an 853-kilometre coastline, rich fisheries, extensive inland waterways and a strategic Atlantic location, places the country in a strong global maritime position.

    He listed aquaculture expansion, port and maritime-corridor modernisation, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology and renewable ocean energy as priority areas of the administration.

    “These opportunities lie within our grasp if we act with discipline and intentionality,” he stated.

    Reaffirming his reform drive, President Tinubu said the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was a strategic step to improve port management systems, strengthen maritime security and enable private-sector participation.

    But he warned that the full benefits of the blue economy would not be realised without a secure operating environment.

    Read Also: Tinubu unveils new security, economic blueprint to harness Nigeria’s marine wealth

    While noting that piracy had reduced through the Deep Blue Project, he cautioned that “oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, vandalism and kidnapping still undermine national revenues and investor confidence.

    These threats are real, and this administration is taking decisive steps to address them.”

    In a major policy move, the President also assigned NIPSS an expanded national security mandate, directing the institute to conduct nationwide security diagnostic and present practical recommendations for overhauling the country’s security architecture.

    “The policy paper shall be submitted to my office within an agreed timeline, and it will receive the utmost attention,” he assured.

    Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, commended the President and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for supporting the Senior Executive Course, noting that participants had conducted field studies in several states and 14 countries.

    Presenting highlights of the report titled Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities, Colonel Murkar Dauda said systemic governance gaps, weak institutional coordination and sub-standard infrastructure remained obstacles, but stressed that fisheries, aquaculture, and expanded marine revenues offer substantial opportunities.

    Among its recommendations, the report urged the Federal Government to launch a national fisheries expansion programme to raise fish production from 1.2 million metric tonnes to 10 million metric tonnes within two years, develop a comprehensive financing framework for the marine and blue economy, harmonise legal and policy regimes, and strengthen safety and security on inland waterways.

    The report also called for the establishment of an innovative skills, job-creation and social-inclusion framework to support sustainable growth in the sector.

  • Zamfara governor commends Tinubu over award on governance, security reforms

    Zamfara governor commends Tinubu over award on governance, security reforms

    Governor Dauda Lawal has received the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 in Governance and Security Reform in Zamfara.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, said President Bola Tinubu presented the award to Lawal and 43 other recipients at an event organised by The Best Strategic Media (TBS) in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the government of the federation.

    The president was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, at the NEAPS 2025 award dinner held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

    Idris added that NEAPS, founded in 2022, aims to recognise individuals who have made sustained positive contributions across the country.

    He said, “Lawal was recognised by the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2025 for the reforms his administration introduced across various sectors in Zamfara.

    “The administration of Lawal has brought sanity to the Zamfara Civil Service, prioritising the welfare of civil servants and ensuring that retirees receive their retirement benefits.

    Read Also: Nigerians to miss favourites channels on Dstv

    “While presenting the NEAPS award to Lawal, his efforts in two years in office to settle over N15 billion in a 13-year backlog of gratuities for Zamfara retired civil servants were highlighted.

    “The notable increase in workers’ minimum wage from N7,000 to N70,000, his administration’s gesture of giving a 13th-month salary to workers, and other incentives were also mentioned.

    “Additional accomplishments listed by NEAPS included Governor Lawal’s urban renewal projects, the reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of over 500 public schools across the state, as well as his progress in the health sector, such as the complete renovation and equipping of all general hospitals.”

    According to Idris, NEAPS also cited Lawal’s efforts in security, which included establishing the Community Protection Guards, providing operational vehicles to security personnel, fueling troops’ vehicles, acquiring security equipment, and offering regular support to security forces.

    He added, “This national award will motivate the governor to continue his relentless efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara State.”

  • Tinubu restates withdrawal order of police guards for VIPs

    Tinubu restates withdrawal order of police guards for VIPs

    • President seeks conversion of grazing reserves to ranches

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed his directive that police officers currently attached to VIPs be withdrawn and redeployed to conflict-prone areas.

    The President insisted that the nation cannot afford to keep essential security manpower away from pressing security theatres.

    He restated the order before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.

    President Tinubu urged relevant security agencies to immediately implement the directive to strengthen the ongoing fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent criminal activities across the country.

    “I honestly believe in what I said, and I called on the IGP… If you have any security problems because of the nature of the assignment, please, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said, stressing that exceptional cases would be treated with approval.

    The President directed the Ministry of Interior to liaise with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace police personnel withdrawn from VIP protection duties.

    “The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed,” he said.

    The President also instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to form a committee to review the structure and ensure full implementation of the redeployment plan.

    “The NSA and the DSS are to provide further information and form themselves into a committee and review the structure. It should be effected,” he said.

    Expressing concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping and terrorism, President Tinubu stated that all available manpower must be channelled into areas of need.

    “We face challenges here and there: of kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces that we can utilise,” he stated.

    Acknowledging that special circumstances may require security considerations for some individuals, the President insisted that other armed formations must take up such responsibilities.

    “I know some of our people are exposed… The Civil Defence are equally armed and I want to know from the NSA to arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously,” he added.

    Baring his mind on the livestock sector, President Tinubu instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to begin, through the National Economic Council (NEC), the process of identifying grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements.

    The President described the reform as a crucial step in ending perennial herder–farmer conflicts.

    “Again, special livestock reform… I think the Vice President should get the NEC first of all to see which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches, livestock settlement,” he said.

    The President stressed that converting grazing areas into viable agricultural and commercial hubs would create jobs, expand economic opportunities and end conflict cycles.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    “We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there. Let’s utilise it,” he said.

    The President reminded state governments of their constitutional authority over land and urged them to cooperate in the process.

    “If we emphasise the constitutional requirement, which says the land belongs to the states… whichever one they can salvage, convert to livestock villages or herders’ villages. Let us stop this conflict area and turn it into economic opportunities and prosperity,” the President said.

    The renewed directive comes amid the administration’s ongoing security overhaul and the push to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry as part of broader agricultural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Group lauds Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo

    Group lauds Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo

    A socio-political group in Ondo State, the Ijaw Consultative Forum (ICF) Worldwide, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what it described as “exceptional performance in office.”

    It dismissed a revived allegation concerning the minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, despite previous official clearance on the matter.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Suffy Uguoji, the group criticised those attempting to tarnish the reputation of Tunji-Ojo, who it said had consistently made Ondo State proud through his work at the Ministry of Interior.

    The renewed allegation, raised by Emorioloye Owolemi, concerns issues that have been laid to rest about the authenticity of the minister’s NYSC certificate.

    According to Uguoji, both the NYSC and a court had earlier looked into the matter, with outcomes the group said cleared the minister of wrongdoing.

    The ICF argued that resurrecting the issue suggested “an ulterior motive.”

    “We don’t see any reason that actually prompted Owolemi to raise the matter again if there is no ulterior motive behind it,” the statement said, adding that the minister had “no skeleton in the closet.”

    The group also distanced itself from a planned protest reportedly being organised over the allegation, claiming that individuals behind the planned demonstration were “eyeing Bunmi Tunji-Ojo’s position.”

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    Uguoji said the people of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, where the minister hailed from, would not participate in the protest.

    “Nobody knows Emorioloye in our constituency,” the statement said, alleging a lack of credibility on his part.

    The ICF called on security agencies to prevent any protest that could “create crisis in the state.”

    It said the minister enjoyed strong support in Ondo State, citing his earlier tenure as chairman of House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and his current role in the federal cabinet.

    The group urged Tunji-Ojo to remain focused on his duties and on supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    According to the forum, campaign groups such as the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN) and G18 Progressives are targeting 95 per cent of the votes for Tinubu in Ondo State in 2027.

  • Tinubu directs payment of N1.5tr debt to local contractors

    Tinubu directs payment of N1.5tr debt to local contractors

    • Inter-ministerial panel to fix payment delay
    • ‘More patronage for indigenous firms’

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the payment of N1.5 trillion owed to local contractors.

    He raised a multi-ministerial panel to provide a permanent funding solution during yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President was ‘visibly upset’ about the situation.

    Onanuga said: “He made it very clear he was not happy and wants a one-stop solution.

    “The President expressed grave displeasure about the fact that contractors are being owed.”

    According to him, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, briefed the Council on the magnitude of outstanding obligations, prompting the President’s directive to constitute a multi-ministerial team to clear the backlog and come up with a funding plan.

    Members of the committee are: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu, Works Minister Dave Umahi, Education Minister Olatunji Alausa, Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa and Marine and Blue Economy Minister Gboyega Oyetola.

    Others are the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation Tanimu Yakubu, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

    Onanuga added: “All of them are expected to sit down, develop a plan as a committee, and then go to the President to tell him the solution they have found in allocating funds to pay contractors.”

    He explained that the President was determined to “find the money and fix the problem,” even hinting that the government could borrow to settle verified obligations if necessary.

    The development followed weeks of pressure from contractors, who have repeatedly protested delays in payment of certified arrears.

    In September, the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) claimed during demonstrations in Abuja and at the National Assembly that more than N4 trillion was outstanding for 2024 capital projects.

    The Ministry of Works had previously acknowledged a significant backlog and launched a verification exercise in January last year to account for roughly N1.5 trillion in unpaid federal highway contracts.

    The issue has been further complicated by overlapping budget cycles, with 2024 capital components rolling into 2025.

    Last month, the National Assembly approved an additional N1.15 trillion in domestic borrowing to help cover a widened 2025 deficit.

    The government also tapped into the international markets with a $2.35 billion Eurobond to bolster its financing needs.

    Also on December 3, members of the AICAN got an audience with Edun on the second day of their protest at the Ministry of Finance.

    The protesters demanded payment for the contracts they executed for the Federal Government in 2024.

    Indigenous firms favoured for contracts

    Also yesterday, Umahi expressed the Federal Government’s resolve to engage reputable indigenous contractors in the execution of critical infrastructural projects.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    He dropped the hint during an inspection of the reconstruction of the Abuja-Keffi Highway.

    The minister expressed satisfaction over the quality of the works on the road, which was awarded for reconstruction in October to JRB Construction Company Limited, an indigenous contractor.

    The Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway project is a critical infrastructure development that aims to improve road connectivity and reduce travel time to Nasarawa State where most of the federal civil servants working in Abuja reside.

    The project is expected to be completed in March.

    The minister said: “This is the kind of organisation that will grow this country. Be assured that Mr. President is aware of what you are doing. And you are going to be paid to the last kobo.”

    Umahi reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering indigenous companies.

    He added: “We will continue to support and empower indigenous companies that have the capacity to deliver high-standard projects and contribute to the growth and development of the country.

    “The recognition of JRB Construction Company Limited is a testament to the company’s exceptional performance and commitment to delivering high-standard projects.

    “The company’s reputation as one of the top indigenous construction companies in Nigeria has been reinforced, and it is expected to continue to play a critical role in the development of infrastructure in the country.”

  • Tinubu’s intervention in Benin Republic constitutional, says don

    Tinubu’s intervention in Benin Republic constitutional, says don

    A former federal lawmaker and political scholar, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to deploy the military to the Benin Republic. He said the action falls within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

    He also warned that the rising wave of military takeovers in West Africa is a symptom of deep public frustration and unrealistic expectations of government.

    Alabi made these remarks during an in-depth conversation on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.

    Noting with the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s quick approval for troop deployment after the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, Prof. Alabi said many critics are misinterpreting the law. According to him, nothing in the Constitution bars the Commander-in-Chief from taking urgent military action during a security emergency.

    “What people are quoting is not what the Constitution says,” he explained. “The President does not need approval before he deploys troops. What the Constitution says is that he cannot keep the military on foreign soil for more than seven days without approaching the National Assembly. There is a clear difference.”

    Alabi argued that urgent security situations rarely allow leaders the luxury of legislative consultations. “If you wait for the House to convene, debate and pass a resolution every time a crisis breaks out, no country would survive,” he said. “In global security practice, action usually comes first, followed by formal communication. When Obama authorised the operation against Osama bin Laden, Americans heard about it only after the mission had been completed.”

    He added that if Nigerian troops are deployed only to stabilise an unfolding situation, “the next lawful step is for the President to notify the National Assembly. If lawmakers ratify it, the operation continues. If they don’t, the troops are withdrawn. That’s what the Constitution envisages.”

    Asked why the government appears slower in responding to internal security issues compared to the rapid intervention in the Republic of Benin, Prof. Alabi cautioned against comparing situations that involve different kinds of threats. “When coup plotters seize a radio station in a capital city, their location is known. Neutralising them is straightforward,” he said. “But bandits and Boko Haram fighters operate inside forests and ungoverned spaces. Tracking them is far more difficult. Even the most advanced countries struggle with guerrilla warfare.”

    On the surge in coups across West Africa, the former legislator said the trend reflects the anger and desperation felt by citizens who are dealing with economic hardship and shattered expectations. “These coups are a product of failed hopes,” he said. “Young people believe the military will just walk in today and reduce a bag of rice from 60,000 to 10,000 naira. They didn’t live through the Abacha era, so they romanticise military rule.”

    He warned that military governments have historically worsened poverty and inequality. “A civilian president can be changed after four years,” he said. “A bad military ruler gives you no such hope. People forget this too quickly.”

    Prof. Alabi also spoke at length about Nigeria’s political culture, which he believes plays a major role in the quality of leadership the country produces. Drawing from his own experience contesting elections, he said the influence of money has grown dramatically over the years.

    “In 1999, things were different,” he recalled. “By 2015, a colleague told me he spent almost 6,000 dollars on just one ward. Many people borrow or sell property to contest. When such people win, their first mission is to recover what they spent before they even think about governance.”

    He argued that voters share part of the blame. “We complain about leaders,” he said, “but followers also shape the behaviour of leaders. When you collect money to vote, you have sold your right to demand accountability. Politics becomes a transaction, and governance suffers.”

    Read Also: Nigeria urges ECOWAS to remain steadfast in defending constitutional order

    The professor stressed that real change requires deep civic education. “Democracy cannot work when citizens don’t understand their role,” he said. “People want hospitals and roads, yet many still collect money on election day. Institutions, not individuals, drive real development. If the system is weak, even good leaders will struggle.”

    Nigeria’s economy and governance

    On the economy, Alabi acknowledged the severe hardship Nigerians are facing but said painful reforms often precede recovery. “Nobody is happy with the current situation,” he said. “But when you remove subsidies and restructure revenue systems, prices initially rise. Many prosperous countries passed through this phase.”

    He said the government must communicate more clearly to maintain public confidence. “People want to feel that leaders also understand the pain,” he added. “If citizens see genuine efforts to cut waste and fight corruption, they will endure hardship with more patience.”

    Asked to identify the biggest obstacle to good governance in Nigeria, Prof. Alabi said the problem lies in “the disconnect between the expectations of leaders and the expectations of followers.” Leaders, he said, often think long term, while citizens think short term.

    “Until both sides adjust, we will keep repeating the same cycle,” he warned. “Leaders must prioritise governance, not self-enrichment. Followers must vote with sense, not with stomach. When people stop selling votes, politicians will stop buying them.”

    Prof. Alabi concluded by emphasising that Nigeria’s future depends on stronger institutions, honest political engagement and a more informed electorate. “The moment citizens understand their power, Nigeria will move forward faster than many expect,” he said.

  • Ex-DICON DG hails Tinubu for strengthening defence industry through 2023 Act

    Ex-DICON DG hails Tinubu for strengthening defence industry through 2023 Act

    Former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Victor Ezugwu (retd), has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023, describing it as a turning point in Nigeria’s military-industrial capabilities, boosting national security and economic growth.

    General Ezugwu said this at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Nigeria International Security Exhibition and Conference (NISECEXPO 2025), held at the National Defence College, Abuja.

    The three-day event with the theme: “Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-up Capabilities,” was organised by the Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference (NISEC) in collaboration with the DICON.

    The event brought together stakeholders from across Africa and Europe to explore innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges in Nigeria and Africa.

    Ezugwu, a former Commander of the Nigerian Army’s Infantry Corps, stated that the law empowers the defence industry and ensures that local capabilities can effectively support operational efficiency.

    He called for a radical transformation of the Nigerian Armed Forces through the integration of modern technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and local capacity development to enhance national security, highlighting the need for Nigeria to harness its abundant natural resources and deploy modern technology in defence production.

    He said, “The enemy is thinking fast and occupying more ground. Non-state actors are playing an inimical role to national development and security.

    “This exhibition has allowed participants to share expertise and actionable solutions from Israel, Ukraine and beyond, so that Nigeria and Africa can leverage them to strengthen defence production.

    “With the incorporation of AI and drones into Nigeria’s defence architecture, I expect that within the next one or two years, our Armed Forces will be better equipped to tackle the myriad of security challenges across the country.”

    The retired general commended the present administration for signing the DICON Act into law, noting that “the move provides teeth and bites” to the industry and ensures local capacity can support operational efficiency.

    He described the expo as “a well-packaged showcase for future wars” and stressed the importance of preparing African defence industries for the 21st century.

    An international expert, Prof. Roberto Mugavero, also the President of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, praised the platform for fostering collaboration.

    Nugavero said the expo provided a rare opportunity to link research, academia and military-civilian operations.

    He said, “Events like this create vital links between private research, public research and responders, the military and civilian personnel alike.

    “It allows knowledge-sharing that enhances preparedness and cooperation for complex scenarios, whether conflict or natural disaster.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    The Chief Executive Officer of NISEC, and Co-Host of NISECEXPO 2025, Frank Ohwofa, described the expo as “a catalyst for the Nigerian Armed Forces’ transition from conventional approaches to a more technology-driven operational paradigm.”

    According to him, criminals and terrorists are exploiting emerging technologies, noting that the Nigerian military and security agencies must adapt and even stay ahead of these threats.

    Ohwofa said the event was part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigeria’s defence industry becomes self-reliant, responsive and capable of meeting evolving security threats, while fostering regional collaboration.

    He added that exhibitions like the NISECEXPO bring together inventors, scientists and academics to equip the military with innovative solutions.

    “This is not a time for talk; it is a time to see tangible results on the ground,” he said.

    The expo showcased cutting-edge defence technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles, AI-driven security solutions and disaster management systems.