The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

  • JUST IN: Tinubu delays South Africa trip over Kebbi abductions

    JUST IN: Tinubu delays South Africa trip over Kebbi abductions

    …awaits Shettima’s update on development

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put his planned trip to South Africa for the G-20 Summit on hold pending a detailed report from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is currently in Kebbi State on an official assessment visit.

    Presidency sources confirmed on Wednesday that the President opted to await first-hand updates from the Vice President before travelling to the high-level international forum.

    Shettima is in Kebbi to review ongoing federal government interventions, engage local leaders, and assess the security and socio-economic situation in the state.

    According to a senior aide of the President who spoke to The Nation on the matter, President Tinubu is prioritising domestic developments requiring urgent attention.

    The briefing from the Vice President is expected to guide next steps in the administration’s response to unfolding issues in the North-West.

    Read Also: CSOs urge Tinubu to ban fuel importation

    “Yes, the President has decided to delay his trip to the G20 event in South Africa. There’s no hush-hush about it, he’s giving serious national issues the required attention, and the unfortunate event in Kebbi, and other incidents in other parts, are not left out of his attention”, the source said.

    The Presidency had on Tuesday evening announced plans for President Tinubu to embark on a two-nation engagement to South Africa and Angola for the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the AU-EU Summit, respectively.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, President Tinubu was scheduled to leave for South Africa today.

    Details shortly… 

  • Tinubu’s economic drive: China, Nigeria expand agriculture, skills partnership

    Tinubu’s economic drive: China, Nigeria expand agriculture, skills partnership

    In pursuit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding non-oil external revenue, the federal government has opened fresh bilateral talks with China on agriculture and skills development.

    The discussion was held between the chairman of the Senate committee on the Northwest Development Commission and the Senator representing Jigawa North-East Senatorial District, Dr. Babangida Hussaini, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Dutse, Senator Hussaini described the meeting as “productive and fulfilling,” noting that the talks focused on practical areas of cooperation that would directly benefit Nigeria and Jigawa State, particularly his senatorial district.

    According to him, the new initiative will enhance the export of key agricultural commodities such as sesame seeds and hibiscus flowers, improve market access for farmers and traders, and strengthen commercial ties capable of stimulating local economies.

    “We discussed establishing a strong and sustainable trade linkage between our major markets — particularly Gujungu Market and the Maigatari International Border Market — and markets in China,” Hussaini stated.

    He added that the talks also explored opportunities for Nigerian youths to access training, exposure, and capacity-building programmes in China, especially in technology, skills development, and postgraduate studies.

    “I am confident that these partnerships will open new doors for our young people, enabling them to grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the senator said.

    Senator Hussaini expressed appreciation to Ambassador Yu Dunhai for his openness and willingness to collaborate, reaffirming his commitment to pursuing strategic partnerships that will bring development and long-term progress to Jigawa North-West, the state, and Nigeria at large.

  • CSOs urge Tinubu to ban fuel importation

    CSOs urge Tinubu to ban fuel importation

    • Issue seven-day ultimatum to energy sector’s saboteurs

    The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) and Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) have called on President Bola Tinubu to ban the importation of petrol to safeguard the nation’s oil sector independence.

    The groups also urged the President to direct that only locally refined products be sold in Nigeria as long as local production exceeds demand.

    The organisations said Dangote Refinery can meet the country’s petroleum needs, urging Nigerians to guard the refinery’s jealousy as it is more of a national asset.

    Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, BAVCCA National President, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere and COCSON National President, Husseini Abubakar also issued a warning to saboteurs of Nigeria’s energy independence.

    They noted that the suspension of the 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel was a direct attack on local refineries.

    The groups alleged that the suspension of the implementation of the policy was being orchestrated by a powerful cartel of fuel importers, oil trading cabals, and their collaborators inside and outside the government who are terrified that their decades-long multi-trillion-naira racket is collapsing before their very eyes.

    “Just when Nigerians should be enjoying the fruits of self-sufficiency, we woke up to the shocking news that the Federal Government has suspended the recently imposed 15% import duty on petroleum products until the first quarter of 2026. This is not policy, this is sabotage disguised as relief.

    “This suspension effectively makes imported fuel cheaper than locally refined fuel, thereby creating an artificial price advantage for importers and rendering modular and large-scale local refineries uncompetitive,” the organisations said.

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    The groups argued that Dangote Refinery was loading and dispatching more than 104 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, over 57 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Jet fuel 20 million litres and 27 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) totaling 104 million litres of petroleum products.

    They added that the volume exceeds Nigeria’s total national daily consumption of 70–75 million litres.

    “The Dangote Refinery is not Aliko Dangote’s personal property, it is a national asset. We, the people, will defend it with everything we have. Through our platforms, our voices, our protests if necessary, and our votes, we will ensure that no cabal succeeds in turning back the clock on Nigeria’s progress,” the organisations said.

    They urged the government to set up a special task force to investigate and prosecute economic saboteurs in the downstream sector.

    “Fellow Nigerians, the battle for affordable fuel, stable economy, and true independence has entered its final stage. This is not Dangote’s fight alone – it is our fight.

    “We will not relent. We will not surrender. We will win,” the groups said.

  • Tinubu okays appointments of Adar, Shagari in NEITI, NIWA

    Tinubu okays appointments of Adar, Shagari in NEITI, NIWA

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved changes in two key federal agencies – the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

    He redeployed and appointed officials to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in strategic sectors of government.

    The changes were contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Director Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Segun Imohiosen.

    According to the statement, President Tinubu approved the redeployment of Musa Sarkin Adar from his position as NIWA Chairman to serve as Executive Secretary of NEITI.

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    Mukhtar Shehu Shagari was appointed as the new NIWA chair to replace Adar.

    Both decisions take immediate effect, the statement said.

    The President urged the newly appointed and redeployed officials to approach their responsibilities with patriotism and professionalism.

    He further encouraged them to apply their experience and expertise to advance reforms and deliver improved governance in their respective agencies.

    The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that promote transparency and accountability across the extractive and inland waterways sectors.

  • Senate halts consideration of Cocoa Management Board Bill after Tinubu’s request

    Senate halts consideration of Cocoa Management Board Bill after Tinubu’s request

    The Senate yesterday halted the consideration of the Cocoa Management Board (Establishment) Bill 2025.

    The Red Chamber’s resolution followed a request to that effect by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The President made the request in a letter dated November 12 and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

    Read Also: Nigerians in Diaspora rally support for Tinubu, Akpabio

    President Tinubu said: “I write to refer to the Cocoa Management Board (Establishment) Bill 2025, earlier transmitted to the Senate and to request the Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators to kindly stand down the legislative actions on the Bill. This is to enable further consultations.”

    Akpabio announced that the red legislative chamber had complied with the request, saying: “This is stood down in line with the presidential request.”

    The President had transmitted the National Cocoa Board (Establishment) Bill 2025 to the Senate on November 10.

    He said the board would ensure effective coordination of the cocoa value chain, improve standards, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the global cocoa economy.

  • Tinubu off to South Africa, Angola for summit, meeting

    Tinubu off to South Africa, Angola for summit, meeting

    • Sule, eight other governors for Johannesburg

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today depart Abuja for Johannesburg and Luanda, where he will participate in two major global gatherings—the G20 Leaders’ meeting in South Africa and the 7th AU-EU Summit in Angola.

    According to a statement  yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s first stop will be in Johannesburg  for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.

    The invitation to Tinubu was extended by his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20.

     President Tinubu last year received such invitation   from Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when Brazil held the group’s presidency.

    This year’s summit, themed: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will convene leaders of the world’s top 20 economies, alongside the European Union, the African Union, and major international financial institutions.

    Participants are expected to engage in three plenary sessions covering a broad range of global priorities, including inclusive and sustainable growth, trade and financing for development, debt challenges, disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, food systems, critical minerals, decent work, and the future of artificial intelligence.

    President Tinubu is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders to advance Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and discuss shared concerns around peace, security, and economic development.

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    Following the G20 Summit, the President will proceed to Luanda for the AU-EU Summit, taking place from November 24 to 25.

    The meeting will bring together Heads of State and Government from both continents, as well as young leaders, innovators, and civil society groups.

    Deliberations are expected to focus on climate change, inclusive development, digital transformation, infrastructure, the creative economy, manufacturing, and agribusiness.

    Accompanying the President on the trip are key members of his cabinet, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

    President Tinubu is expected back in the country at the end of the two engagements.

    Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum  Abdullahi Sule has departed Abuja for Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the 2025 G20 Summit.

    According to a  statement  yesterday  by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra said: “The trip to the Summit is sequel to President Bola Tinubu’s approval of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule and eight  other Governors to join the Presidential Delegation to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    “While in Johannesburg, Governor Sule will be meeting with his counterparts from South Africa as well as other G20 members states.

    “Upon return, Governor Sule is expected to submit to the Office of Mr. President a report with an Action Plan for implementation on the outcome of the summit.

    “The meeting will discuss global economy, trade, sustainable development and climate change amongst others” the statement added

  • Tinubu okays appointments of Adar, Shagari in NEITI, NIWA

    Tinubu okays appointments of Adar, Shagari in NEITI, NIWA

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved changes in two key federal agencies – the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

    He redeployed and appointed officials to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in strategic sectors of government.

    The changes were contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Director Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Segun Imohiosen.

    According to the statement, President Tinubu approved the redeployment of Musa Sarkin Adar from his position as NIWA Chairman to serve as Executive Secretary of NEITI.

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    Mukhtar Shehu Shagari was appointed as the new NIWA chair to replace Adar.

    Both decisions take immediate effect, the statement said.

    The President urged the newly appointed and redeployed officials to approach their responsibilities with patriotism and professionalism.

    He further encouraged them to apply their experience and expertise to advance reforms and deliver improved governance in their respective agencies.

    The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that promote transparency and accountability across the extractive and inland waterways sectors.

  • Tinubu approves appointments of Adar, Shagari to new roles in NEITI, NIWA

    Tinubu approves appointments of Adar, Shagari to new roles in NEITI, NIWA

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved fresh changes in two key federal agencies, redeploying and appointing officials to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in strategic sectors of government.

    This was contained in a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, on Tuesday evening.

     Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, CFR

    According to the statement, Tinubu approved the redeployment of Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar from his position as Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to serve as the new Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

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    In a related development, the President appointed Mukhtar Shehu Shagari as the new Chairman of NIWA, replacing Hon. Sarkin Adar. Both decisions take immediate effect.

    President Tinubu urged the newly appointed and redeployed officials to approach their responsibilities with patriotism and professionalism. 

    He further encouraged them to apply their experience and expertise to advance reforms and deliver improved governance in their respective agencies.

    The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that promote transparency and accountability across the extractive and inland waterways sectors.

  • Tinubu orders swift rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

    Tinubu orders swift rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to act swiftly and ensure the immediate rescue of the schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, promising that the children will be brought back home safely.

    The President gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday while announcing that Vice President Kashim Shettima will visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the government and the families affected by the attack. 

    According to the statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Vice President is to deliver the President’s message of solidarity and reassurance that the Federal Government is doing everything possible to secure the release of the girls.

    Expressing deep grief over the incident, President Tinubu said he had received full briefings from military authorities regarding both the abduction and the separate loss of soldiers in Borno State. 

    He extended heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces following the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other gallant troops who were killed in combat against insurgents.

    “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes”, President Tinubu said.

    Read Also: Akume mourns veteran journalist, Agbese, says Nigeria has lost a national treasure

    He also commended Kebbi State Governor, Dr Mohammed Nasir Idris, for efforts taken to prevent the kidnapping despite earlier intelligence warnings about the possible movement of bandits in the area.

    President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack, lamenting the disruption of the education of innocent schoolgirls by terrorists. 

    He urged communities, especially those in security-prone regions, to strengthen cooperation with the military, police, and DSS by sharing timely intelligence that could prevent such breaches.

    “Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe. I urge community leaders and our compatriots across the country, especially those in the theatres of operations, to share useful information. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges”, he said.

    The President affirmed that the government remains fully committed to restoring peace across Nigeria and ensuring that schools remain safe for children.

  • Tinubu laying foundational pillars of judicial rebirth – Okechukwu

    Tinubu laying foundational pillars of judicial rebirth – Okechukwu

    A foundation member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for echoing the timeless spirit of the Magna Carta and urged him to firmly enforce the principle as he patriotically articulated at the Nigerian Judges’ Conference.

    Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Okechukwu noted that Clause 40 of the 1215 Magna Carta, which the President highlighted, remains one of the most celebrated foundations of the rule of law. 

    The clause states, “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice.”

    The former director general of Voice of Nigeria (VON) emphasized that this principle endures as the global standard of the rule of law, which ensures that justice is fair, accessible, and never dependent on wealth, influence, or royal favour.

    He commended Tinubu for his forthright remarks at the Judges’ Conference, where he openly acknowledged public concern about delays, integrity deficits, and access to justice within the Nigerian judicial process.

    President Tinubu stated, “We must acknowledge, with candour, that public perception of the judicial process has not always been favourable. Citizens have expressed frustration at delays, concerns about integrity, and anxiety over access to justice.

    “These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore. Ultimately, justice does not exist for the Bench or the Bar; it exists for the people. Their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability.”

    Okechukwu noted that President Tinubu has already set in motion the foundational pillars of judicial rebirth—reforms, capacity building, and modernization. What is now required, he said, is a decisive combination of discipline, a relentless war against corruption, welfare for the masses, and deep, consistent implementation of the President’s vision.

    He concluded that fully enforcing the spirit of the Magna Carta would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy but also restore enduring public confidence in the justice system.