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  • Nigerians in Diaspora rally support for Tinubu, Akpabio

    Nigerians in Diaspora rally support for Tinubu, Akpabio

    A group of Concerned Nigerian professionals living in the Diaspora has rallied support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    In a statement released to Nigerians with the caption: “Let’s build on President Bola Tinubu’s and Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s impactful and exemplary leadership”, the group thanked God for the divine collaboration of the impactful President Bola Tinubu and the peaceful Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who they say have provided exemplary and purposeful leadership in the last two years.

    The statement signed by its Coordinator, Princess Diana Akinmoyo, stated that with “President Tinubu’s revolutionary achievements as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999-2007 and what he encouraged his predecessors to effect in Lagos which brought it from a slum status to a decent city that is currently competing with similar commercial nerve centres around the world, one can only appreciate the fact that he is now leveraging on more efforts to move Nigeria forward.”

    “Undoubtedly, we now have one of the best democratically elected governments in history, which has expanded Nigeria’s GDP by $67 billion in just two years, moving us from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when  Senator  Bola Tinubu became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today, and has equally increased our national prestige by achieving the upgrading of Nigeria’s passport from the 97th strongest in the World by 2022 to the 88th most powerful passport on Earth 2025, according to the latest “Henley Passport Index,” the statement read.

    READ ALSO: Major web outage hits X, Facebook, others amid widespread Cloudflare error

    It furthered that this is even as “S&P Global Ratings” has upgraded Nigeria’s economic outlook to “positive” from “stable”, citing the success of the Tinubu reforms, which, through the removal of fuel subsidy and the Tax Reform Act, have added more revenue streams to our economy.

    “Moreover, the President has tamed inflation tremendously, bringing it to a three-year low of 16.o %, (from about 33% in 2023, when he took over) just as he has stabilised the economy, as affirmed by no less  than the London Financial Times and a personality of Dr (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,  the DG of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

    “The synergy between the National Assembly and the Presidency is another vitally important factor that is promoting the image of the current Federal Government even in the international communities,” it said.

    The statement added that distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio’s uncommon excellence as the current president of the Nigerian Senate and the Chairman of the National Assembly is no surprise, looking at his antecedents.

    “It is believed that God really prepared him sufficiently for this new assignment; he was a two-term State Commissioner (1999-2007), Governor of Akwa Ibom State for 8 years (2007-2015), Hon Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015-2019), Senate Minority Leader (2019-2023 and after his re-election into the Senate, he was elected by his Distinguished colleagues as the President of the Nigerian Senate since June 2023.

    “The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium he built as a Governor in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State remains the best in Nigeria, West Africa, and arguably in Africa No wonder he is actually leveraging on this rich wealth of experience to lead the Senate to an enviable level, and it is noteworthy that he’s particularly loyal to the visionary and impactful reforms of the Presidency and has been able to work with minimal friction from his colleagues.”

    It concluded by encouraging all Nigerians at home and abroad to allow the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the two wonderful and God’s choices to continue to navigate our affairs beyond 2027 so that Nigeria can grow in geometric progression and meet our dream of a highly peaceful and progressive nation.”

  • 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 on Tuesday halted the consideration of the Cocoa Management Board (Establishment) Bill 2025.

    The resolution of the Senate followed a request to that effect by President Bola Tinubu.

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

    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 said the upper legislative chamber had complied with the request.

    READ ALSO: Major web outage hits X, Facebook, others amid widespread Cloudflare error

    He said, “This is stood down in line with the presidential request.”

    Tinubu had earlier 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 tasks Customs to break border barriers to reshape economic future of Africa

    Tinubu tasks Customs to break border barriers to reshape economic future of Africa

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Customs Administration across African nations to break border barriers, dismantle inefficient borders, modernise their operations, and commit to a unified trade architecture capable of reshaping the continent’s economic future.

    Declaring open the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa’s prosperity depends on deliberate reforms that convert its large market and population into a functional economic bloc.

    Tinubu told delegates that Africa must replace fragmented markets with coordinated policy implementation, stressing that every country must demonstrate political will, institutional alignment, and the readiness to deploy technology that simplifies trade.

    He said, “The administration’s reform, exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, port modernisation, and stronger Customs digitalisation, were designed to create a trade-friendly environment that could compete globally and power Nigeria’s continental ambitions.”

    The President added that Nigeria’s National Single Window, set to go live in March 2026, will significantly reduce clearance timelines from 21 days to under seven, thereby fully aligning the country with the AfCFTA’s digital trade requirements and positioning Nigeria as a standard-setter in port automation.

    He urged African governments to transform commitments into measurable outcomes that traders, manufacturers, and logistics operators can feel daily, saying, “Integration cannot be declared. It must be engineered.”

    Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the extension of his mandate by President Tinubu included key performance indicators directly tied to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    He stated that the Nigeria Customs Service has, over the last three months, intensified its engagement with Customs administrations across Africa to ensure that Customs is properly integrated into the AfCFTA implementation structures.

    He recalled recent engagements in Ghana with the AfCFTA Secretariat, emphasising that Customs must drive rules of origin enforcement, preferential duty implementation, and trade preference administration, core elements that determine whether AfCFTA works in reality or remains aspirational.

    The CGC stated that implementing a free trade agreement requires significant capacity building and a strong political commitment, as it involves the progressive suspension of Customs duties among member states.

    He explained that past regional integration efforts, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, suffered setbacks because participating countries failed to implement commitments consistently, stressing that AfCFTA must avoid that pattern.

    According to him, African economies are divided into regions with varying levels of readiness. Still, recent engagements have helped build consensus that Customs must sit at the centre of AfCFTA execution.

    Adeniyi said his persistent advocacy for Customs inclusion at continental meetings led to the emergence of C-PACT, a framework designed to foster direct partnerships among African Customs administrations, private-sector operators, regulators, and international partners.

    He said Nigeria’s export volume has increased by more than 30 percent in two years, and the objective now is to redirect more of that trade into African markets where the opportunities are larger and the impact on continental growth more meaningful.

    The Customs CG further commended AfreximBank, the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, commercial banks, NPA, and other agencies for aligning with the Customs Service to deepen trade facilitation.

    He also announced that 30 African Customs administrations have registered for the conference, including 22 represented at the Director-General level, with strong participation from West, Central, East, Southern, and North Africa.

    He added that for the first time, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation is attending a Nigeria-hosted Customs conference, signalling strong global support for Nigeria’s leadership role.

    He said the conference will begin with private-sector sessions to understand the challenges traders face, including non-tariff barriers, cargo delays, and inconsistent implementation of trade preferences across Africa.

    Representing the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Anite, stated that customs reforms are central to Nigeria’s fiscal transformation.

    She said efficient border operations reduce the cost of doing business, boost investor confidence, and help Nigeria compete in regional and global markets.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Newswatch co-founder Agbese

    Anite noted the government’s support for the complete digitisation of Customs operations, improved risk management systems, and harmonisation with global standards.

    On her part, the Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Jumoke Oduwole, said the AfCFTA remains Africa’s most crucial economic instrument but warned that structural delays and outdated systems still hinder its impact.

    She highlighted reforms undertaken with the Nigeria Customs Service, including tariff concession schedules and a dedicated air-cargo export corridor to East and Southern Africa.

    World Customs Organisation Secretary-General Ian Saunders said Africa’s economic forecast for 2025 shows strong growth, but the continent’s ability to harness that potential depends heavily on Customs efficiency.

    Recalling one of the WCO’s motto, “Borders divide; Customs connects,” Sanders said, the C-PACT aligns closely with the WCO’s mission to support Customs administrations globally through standards, capacity building, and operational guidance.

    Meanwhile, AfreximBank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade, Kanayo Awani, stated that the Bank is supporting Customs modernisation across Africa, including transit-bond guarantees, digital tracking systems, and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund to help countries offset tariff revenue losses.

    She said Africa cannot realise the benefits of AfCFTA without harmonised systems and interoperable Customs operations.

    AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said that implementing the agreement’s annexes on Customs cooperation, transit, and trade facilitation requires Customs leadership at every stage.

  • Tinubu mourns Newswatch co-founder Agbese

    Tinubu mourns Newswatch co-founder Agbese

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Chief Dan Agbese, describing his passing as a painful and monumental loss to Nigeria’s media landscape.

    Agbese, a celebrated writer, editor and respected public commentator, died on Monday in Lagos at 81. 

    He held the traditional title of Awan’Otun of Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Agbese was a towering figure whose work helped redefine journalism practice in the country.

    The President recalled that Agbese, along with his colleagues at the trailblazing Newswatch weekly magazine, ushered in a new era of investigative and interpretative reporting that set enduring standards for professionalism, ethics and courage in the media.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Mark, Obi, Shehu mourn media icon Dan Agbese

    “Dan Agbese was not just a journalist; he was an institution. His pen shaped public opinion, strengthened democratic discourse, and inspired a generation of media practitioners,” Tinubu said.

    He noted that Agbese served Nigeria with “integrity, courage, and commitment to truth and justice,” stressing that his contributions to the evolution of modern Nigerian journalism would remain indelible.

    “I join his family, particularly his wife, children, and the entire media community, in mourning. May his legacy continue to guide the noble calling of journalism in our nation,” the President added.

  • APC’s broadening coalition reflects Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, unity – Shettima

    APC’s broadening coalition reflects Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, unity – Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s broadening coalition reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, competence and national unity.

    Shettima made this known in Lokoja, when he formally received former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Idris Wada and other prominent politicians into the APC.

    He said the decision of the “elder statesman and partner in building a stronger Nigeria,” to join the party was driven by national interest rather than personal interest.

    “This is not a victory of one ego over another. What we are witnessing is an alignment with a broader national vision and a platform of stability,” he said.

    The vice president described the APC as a political home where progressives converge to build a renewed nation.

    Shettima, therefore, urged new entrants to see the party as a platform for service and development, particularly in Kogi State, where he pledged sustained peace and accelerated growth.

    ” We shall deepen peace in Kogi. We shall expand development in Kogi State. We shall uphold the promise of a renewed Nigeria.

    ” Because you have shown that when leaders choose peace, the people reap progress. The APC does not take your trust for granted,” the Vice-President said.

    He also described the defection of former Kogi  governor,  Idris Wada, and other notable political figures into the APC as a confluence of progressives and a triumph of reason.

    He hailed Tinubu for his deliberate and committed effort to build an inclusive and trustworthy political platform capable of attracting credible leaders from across Nigeria’s political landscape.

    Shettima drew a symbolic connection between the city where the Niger and Benue Rivers meet and what he said was a merging of convictions for national renewal.

    According to him, the movement reflects a growing shift toward political stability, unity and national alignment under the leadership of President Tinubu.

    He commended Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi for providing a calm strength, continuity and people-driven governance.

    The Vice-President also commended the former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi for ensuring a dignified and exemplary democratic transition.

    “The joy of every democracy is the genuine cooperation between a predecessor and a successor. It is a relationship that must be built on patience and trust.

    ‘ Kogi has shown that this is possible even when it is most difficult,” Shettima said.

    He stated that the cooperation between the two leaders in the confluence state stands as “a reassuring national example of political maturity.”

    Earlier, governor Ododo, described the new members as men of value, character and integrity, who have joined the progressives family to serve the people.

    He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support at all times, pointing out that within two years of his administration, the President has visited the state three times.

    “Sir, I believe that you will not be tired of our invitation. We are welcoming you, and we are behind you and to let you know that what is happening today, with the coming of our leader, His Excellency Capt. Idris Wada and others.

    “Today, we are here not only to receive and welcome the decampees to the progressives family but to, once again, express our gratitude and appreciation to Mr. President for his leadership,  commitment to the unity, peace and prosperity of our dear nation, particularly, Kogi State.

    “We are here again to appreciate our leaders and every other critical stakeholder of our dear state, who laid the foundation for us to continue with their good job.

    ‘ We are here again to appreciate all our progressives who support good governance and have resolved to join us today to ensure that we move Kogi State forward.”

    Also, the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, said the National Working Committee of APC was in confluence state to rescue the state from the sinking People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    “We are here to give a platform and to give a life jacket inside the ocean for people who are stranded inside the ocean in that ship called PDP.

    ‘Your Excellency, I’m pleased to present to you the former Governor of Kogi , His Excellency, retired Capt. Idris Wada, who is moving from the sinking ship to become a progressive.

    “I also have Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi,  Imam Alfa, Idowu Ibekunle and the rest who have joined the progressive family today. I welcome you to the family of progressives.

    ”You have taken the wise choice in your political life,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors , Wada, said his decision to joined the APC was motivated by President Tinubu’s performance in areas of infrastructure development, economic reforms and social investment.

    “The reasons for crossing over are numerous but there is no time for me to explain them to you.  APC is a progressives party and is leading Nigeria in the right direction. Mr President made a very bold decision in removing fuel subsidy.

    “Initially, we all felt all kinds of pains but now, fuel price is dropping almost every month,  the exchange rate, which the President unified, has stabilised our currency.

    ‘ The naira is appreciating on a regular basis in the foreign exchange market, ” Wada said.

    Other dignitaries who attended the grand reception include the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu; former Minister of State for FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu; Senator Smart Adeyemi;  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Benjamin Kalu; Alhaji Ali Dalori  among others.

    (NAN)

  • Deeper integration vital to African markets

    Deeper integration vital to African markets

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday cautioned that Africa cannot achieve industrial scale, negotiate competitively, or withstand global economic shocks if it continues to operate as a tapestry of fragmented markets hemmed in by inefficient borders.

     He said only deeper integration and seamless cross-border operations can unlock the continent’s industrial and trade potential.

     The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the assertion in Abuja while declaring open the Customs Pact – Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT).

     He maintained that Africa’s prosperity hinges on dismantling structural barriers that slow movement, limit competitiveness, and fracture economies across the continent.

    “Fragmented markets cannot achieve industrial scale, negotiate effectively with global powers, or withstand external shocks,” he said, adding that integration enables “large-scale industrialisation, collective bargaining strength, and resilient supply chains.”

     Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to drive the emergence of an Africa where borders enable opportunity rather than impede it.

    He said size, population, or endowments are inconsequential if countries remain trapped behind inefficient borders and outdated administrative systems.

    “Nigeria remains firmly committed, structurally and operationally, to building an Africa that trades by design, where integration is practical, measurable and effective.

    Our ambition is simple: a continent where borders facilitate opportunities rather than inhibit them,” he stated.

    The President said although Africa had already taken the hardest step by agreeing on continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), real progress now depends on disciplined execution.

    “Success will be judged not by communiqués but by real outcomes, shorter border-crossing times, reliable local-currency settlements and efficient movement of goods across borders and ports,” he added.

    Tinubu recalled that his administration’s economic reforms, unifying the foreign exchange market, removing fuel subsidies, modernising ports, and aligning trade institutions, were designed to clear structural obstacles limiting competitiveness.

    Read Also: Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service’s digital clearance systems, the Nigerian Ports Authority’s efficiency drive, the Central Bank’s facilitation of PAPSS settlements, and the product harmonisation role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria are part of an integrated national trade-enablement architecture.

    “These reforms reinforce one another, creating a coherent foundation for stronger continental commerce. No single agency can deliver the scale of reform required for Africa’s prosperity,” he argued.

    On measurable outcomes, the President said Nigeria is already seeing gains. Non-oil exports to African markets grew by 38 percent in 2024, cargo clearance time has dropped by about 30 percent since 2023, and paper-based compliance is being phased out in favour of digital processes.

    He described the National Single Window as central to Nigeria’s trade strategy, announcing that phase one will go live in March 2026, with full rollout expected by December 2026.

    The platform, he said, will automate inter-agency coordination, cut clearance time from 21 days to under a week, and reinforce Nigeria’s role as a frontrunner in customs digitalisation.

    Earlier, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, urged African governments to dismantle remaining trade barriers and align with global best practices.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said Tinubu’s decisive reforms had strengthened fiscal discipline and placed Nigeria on course for accelerated regional integration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Ian Saunders, praised Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, pledging WCO support in driving legitimate trade facilitation. Afreximbank Executive Vice President, Kanayo Awani, also endorsed the modernisation efforts across Africa’s customs systems.

    Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, called for deeper cross-country integration, warning that “we cannot continue to work in silos.”

    AfCFTA Secretary-General, Wamkele Mene, assured that the Secretariat will collaborate closely with the NCS to ensure that C-PACT’s objectives become reality.

    The conference drew customs chiefs, trade experts and policymakers from across the continent, all reiterating the need for harmonised systems to unlock Africa’s intra-continental trade potential.

  • Tinubu orders manhunt for abductors, rescue of 25 pupils

    Tinubu orders manhunt for abductors, rescue of 25 pupils

    • Vice principal killed during dawn attack on Kebbi girls’ school
    • We’ll bring them back, says governor

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday ordered security and intelligence agencies to immediately rescue the 25 female students abducted during an attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSSS), Maga, in Kebbi State.

    Gunmen invaded the school in the early hours of Sunday, killing Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku.

    They whisked away the schoolgirls.

    Makuku was shot while attempting to shield the pupils.

    The attack, which occurred in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, threw the community into deep mourning.

    Residents have continued to offer prayers for Makuku, praising his courage and sacrifice.

    Kebbi Police spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said security operatives had launched a manhunt for the attackers.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the President’s directive for a high-level rescue operation.

    “President Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State,” he said in a statement.

    “Security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the pupils, and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice.”

    The minister assured that the Federal Government would not relent until the girls are safely reunited with their families.

    He also said the country is strengthening cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure its borders and dismantle terrorist networks.

    He added that the government was “recalibrating the nation’s military, policing and intelligence capabilities to prevent attacks and respond more rapidly to threats.”

    Read Also: Matawalle delivers Tinubu’s message to troops in Zamfara

    Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle condemned the attack.

    He described it as unacceptable and called on all security agencies to act urgently and in concert to locate and secure the safe release of the abducted pupils.

    He said: “President Tinubu has directed that the state’s security apparatus swing into immediate action to ensure the abducted students are released unharmed.

    “Residents should remain calm and go about their business while government and security agencies address the situation.”

    Mattawalle condoled with the family of the late vice principal and with all families affected by the attack.

    “I pray to Allah to grant him mercy, a peaceful resting place, and to console his family and loved ones over this painful and unjust loss,” the minister added.

    Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured parents of the schoolgirls that efforts were underway to rescue their children.

    The governor spoke after visiting Maga, where he met with security agencies, traditional rulers, and parents.

    “The unfortunate thing has already happened. They have abducted our children. We came here, we saw things for ourselves, and we met the parents whose children were taken.

    “We gave them confidence, and we gave them our word that we will do everything possible to ensure that their children are rescued.

    “We also assured them to remain confident, and that security agencies will do everything necessary.

    “That is the essence of our coming to Maga, to see the people and give them confidence and words of encouragement.”

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the killings and abductions.

    He said he was “devastated” by the attack.

    Atiku urged the Federal Government to overhaul its security architecture and deploy more personnel to vulnerable communities.

    Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, prayed for the safe return of the pupils.

    He stated on X: “My heart is heavy in faraway Monaco as I receive the heartbreaking news from Kebbi State about the attack on Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, which led to the abduction of several young female students and the killing of a staff member.

    “My deepest sympathies go to the government and people of Kebbi State, the parents and families of the abducted girls, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

    The mass abduction of school children first occurred in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014, when more than a hundred schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram.

    There were other abductions of schoolchildren in attacks on schools in Yobe, Kaduna and Katsina states.

  • Tinubu to judges: shun corruption, uphold judicial integrity

    Tinubu to judges: shun corruption, uphold judicial integrity

    • President pledges to address Judiciary’s challenges

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked judges in the country to always live above board and uphold judicial independence and integrity.

    Tinubu, who noted public concern about judicial integrity, said no nation survives a corrupt Judiciary.

    He stated that it was impossible to build a just society without a fearless and functional Judiciary.

    The President spoke during the All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja.

    His words: “Let us be clear: no amount of reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise.

    “Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core. “When justice is compromised, governance loses its integrity, and democracy loses its foundation.

    “A judgment may be grounded in law and delivered with clarity, but unless the public perceives it to be fair, impartial, and untainted, its moral authority is diminished.

    “The confidence of the people is, therefore, not an abstract aspiration; it is the living measure of the Judiciary’s legitimacy and the true currency of justice.

    “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. For 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.”

    President Tinubu, however, assured that his administration would support all efforts by the Judiciary to preserve its integrity.

    Read Also: Matawalle delivers Tinubu’s message to troops in Zamfara

    He said: “With utmost seriousness, my administration stands ready to support every effort by the Judiciary to preserve its dignity and eliminate misconduct.

    “This is not a task for the National Judicial Council alone; it is a collective duty that rests on every judicial officer.

    “Discipline within the Judiciary must be firm, transparent, and consistent. Only a Judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse society.” 

    The President, who noted the Judiciary’s contribution to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy, also promised his administration’s support in addressing the challenges hampering effective delivery of its constitutional mandate.

     His words:  “My administration believes that a Judiciary that is strong in capacity, efficient in process, and uncompromising in integrity is not merely desirable; it is indispensable to the survival of our democracy and the prosperity of our nation.

    “We cannot build a just society without a fearless and functional Judiciary. In this regard, I wish to reaffirm, with clarity and conviction, the unwavering commitment of my administration to supporting the Judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

    “The Judiciary does not exist in isolation; it functions within a larger democratic framework in which all three arms of government must work in synergy, with mutual respect and shared responsibility to the Nigerian people.

    “The Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary must remain united by purpose, even when separated by function,” he said.

    The President tasked participants to be frank and critical in their discussions to enable them to identify necessary solutions to existing challenges in the sector.

    He said: “My Lords, as you deliberate in the coming days, I want you to remember that the Judiciary is not an end in itself; it is an instrument of justice for the people.

    “Its moral power flows not merely from the Constitution, but from the trust and confidence that ordinary citizens repose in it.

  • Tinubu salutes Oyebamiji at 60

    Tinubu salutes Oyebamiji at 60

    • ‘He’s a steady hand in financial, political landscape

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated seasoned banker, administrator and politician, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), on his 60th birthday.

    He described him as a steady and reliable figure in Nigeria’s financial and political spheres.

    In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Oyebamiji, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Osun State, for his intellect, leadership qualities and integrity, noting that these attributes have significantly contributed to the development of Osun State and Nigeria.

    President Tinubu highlighted the celebrator’s distinguished career in the banking sector, where he earned a reputation for excellence, professionalism, and his exemplary service in public administration.

    Oyebamiji previously served as Finance Commissioner in Osun State and, until last week, as Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    Read Also: JUST IN: Taraba Assembly speaker, 15 others defect to APC from PDP

    According to the President, Oyebamiji’s public service record is defined by “humility, hard work, and commitment to the public good,” qualities that have made him a respected leader within the APC and beyond.

    “Oyebamiji is a loyal party man, a trusted associate, and a patriotic Nigerian whose exemplary work and ethics reflect the ideals of responsible leadership,” President Tinubu said.

    He prayed for God’s continued blessings on the celebrator, wishing him long life, renewed strength and greater service to the nation.

  • Tinubu to Super Eagles: focus  on  AFCON

    Tinubu to Super Eagles: focus  on  AFCON

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to shift their full attention to the 2026 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, urging the team to recover quickly from Sunday’s World Cup playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said the team must now “focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations” after narrowly missing out on a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive cycle.

    Nigeria’s qualification hopes were extinguished in Rabat after a tense match ended 1-1 in extra time, with DR Congo edging the Eagles 4-3 on penalties to move into the Inter-Confederation play-off.

    Despite the disappointment, President Tinubu commended the players for their determination throughout the qualifiers, noting that they had shown resilience, particularly after winning the first leg of the playoff.

     “Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Osimhen makes final three for  Men’s POTY

    The President also called for a comprehensive review of the country’s football operations, urging administrators, coaches, players, and stakeholders to return to the drawing board and “plug all the loopholes” that undermined the qualification campaign.

    While acknowledging the pain felt by fans nationwide, he stressed that the upcoming AFCON—scheduled for January to February 2026—provides an immediate opportunity for redemption.

     “Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” President Tinubu said, rallying the team to prepare adequately and aim for a strong continental outing.

    In a related development,  the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has apologised  to President Tinubu, the Federal Government and the Nigerian public following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    In a statement released  through its Communications Department, the federation described Sunday’s defeat to the Democratic Republic of  Congo in the Africa Play-Offs Final in Rabat as “a moment of profound sadness,” noting that the result fell far short of national expectations.

    The NFF acknowledged the emotional impact of missing out on a second consecutive World Cup, stressing that in a country where football functions as a unifying force and a national symbol, the setback carries “great weight and emotional depth.”