₦airaland Forum

some online publications, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has not resigned.

A reliable Presidency source on Saturday described the claims as “false and rubbish.”

The reports suggested that Ojulari was compelled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tender his resignation. However, the Presidency source dismissed these claims as untrue.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Ojulari in April 2025, mandating him to carry out reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency restoring investor confidence and making NNPC Limited more commercially viable.
The President had also sacked the previous board of NNPC, including its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and board chairman Pius Akinyelure, as part of the reforms.

The controversy stems from allegations surrounding a $21 million (₦34.65 billion) corruption scandal. Civil society groups, including OilWatch Nigeria and the Workers’ Rights Alliance, have called for Ojulari’s arrest and prosecution.

These groups referenced claims that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a detained associate, allegedly confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf. At a press conference on 31 July at EFCC headquarters, the coalition accused Ojulari of economic sabotage, citing the prolonged shutdown of Nigeria’s refineries and alleged plans to privatise NNPCL assets.

The coalition has launched a three-day protest, beginning 1 August, at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices, to press their demands.

Additional allegations centre on a $21 million kickback scheme involving oil traders and pipeline contractors, reportedly uncovered after Ojulari reassigned fund collection responsibilities. This prompted a whistleblower to alert the EFCC, which subsequently froze the implicated account.

In May 2025, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate claims that ₦500 billion was not remitted by NNPCL to the Federation Account between October and December 2024.

However, groups such as the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives (CGGCI) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have defended Ojulari, suggesting that the protests may be politically motivated efforts to derail his reform agenda.

They commended initiatives under his leadership, including real-time monitoring systems, audits of previously opaque contracts, and efforts to stabilise fuel supply, which have reportedly reduced queues at petrol stations. These groups have urged President Tinubu to support Ojulari’s anti-corruption efforts.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about alleged lavish spending, including a high-cost retreat in Kigali involving private jets, as well as claims of a difficult work environment that has led to staff resignations.


The Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC) also criticised the reported EFCC-DSS operation, describing it as politically driven. However, the group acknowledged Ojulari’s contributions to boosting oil production and remittances.

Nigerian filling stations have increased the pump price of premium motor spirit after Dangote Refinery and depot owners adjusted ex-depot prices upward.

DAILY POST correspondents gathered that Empire Energy and Ranoil filling stations in Gwarimpa and other parts of Abuja have hiked their petrol pump price.

Empire Energy and Ranoil filling stations increased their pump price to N935 and N970 per litre, respectively, as of Saturday morning from N905 and N900 on Friday night.

In an exclusive interview, spokesman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike said the latest petrol price hike was due to an ex-depot price increase by Dangote Refinery and depot owners in Nigeria.

“The supplying depots and Dangote Refinery have increased their ex-depot petrol prices.”

“As of Friday pricing, Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price is N858 per litre, up from N820. Depot owners also increased prices like NIPCO (N870), Aiteo (N855) and Ranoil (N855),” he told DAILY POST on Saturday.

He said the ex-depot price hike is due to the exchange rate and the price of crude oil in the global oil market.

Meanwhile, Nigerian National Petroleum Company and MRS, Optima, and AP Ardova filling stations still dispense petrol at N890 and N885 per litre, respectively, in Abuja as of the time of filing this report.

DAILY POST reports that Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell to $69.67 and $67.33 as of Saturday morning, according to oilprice.com.

Paul Ibe, media adviser to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed reports suggesting that the former presidential candidate is planning another bid for the 2027 elections.

The clarification follows the circulation of a viral video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Atiku was reportedly heard saying he would make a “formal announcement” about his political future.

The clip has been widely interpreted by some commentators as a signal of the former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate’s intention to run for president again in 2027.

However, in a statement issued on Friday, Ibe described the reports as misleading, insisting that the video in question was recorded in 2022, ahead of the PDP presidential primary election.

“Atiku’s old video is being used for mischief. Yes, this was former Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), Atiku Abubakar, speaking to journalists ahead of the 2023 PDP presidential primary,” Ibe said.

He explained that the confident tone of the former vice president in the footage was expected of any candidate preparing for a major political contest.

“He sounded confident because that is what is expected of a man who had worked hard and was optimistic of victory in the primaries of the 2023 election,” he added.

Ibe urged the public to disregard the current interpretation of the video, warning against deliberate efforts to distort the facts.

“It is important to provide the context of this video to deprive mischief makers of the opportunity of misrepresenting what this video is all about,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the relocation of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) from the Ministry of Works to the Presidency.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement following Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by the President.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the directive is intended to enhance the coordination of geospatial data management and provide more direct oversight of national mapping and land administration priorities.


While the minister did not offer specific reasons for the reassignment, the move is consistent with the administration’s reform agenda and its increasing dependence on geospatial intelligence for planning, infrastructure development, and security mapping.

The OSGoF is the country’s apex mapping agency, responsible for providing geospatial information, data, and services.

Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration a fair chance, urging caution against rushing to judgment or political upheaval.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Aliyu reflected on Nigeria’s political history and the need for patience with current leadership. “If we could tolerate the late Muhammad Buhari for eight years, oh my God, let’s try it maybe by 2031, we can jettison the arrangement if we find it convenient,” he said.

When asked about the prospects of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) removing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu, Aliyu challenged opposition groups to present viable alternatives to Nigerians.

“You see, my argument had always been, what is the alternative? What is it if you want to remove this or that government or that governor or that president? What is the alternative that you’re offering to the people?” he stated.

Aliyu also touched on Nigeria’s informal political rotation system, noting the sensitivity around power sharing. “Even though we’re unconstitutional, but we seem to have accepted our rotation, is ADC or PDP saying that the ATS that is due by our arrangement, that is due to the South, now will go to the South?”

He warned that internal party defections could disrupt the political landscape further. “By 2031, you may end up with a presidential defection because his arrangement for one term will be with the party. It’s not a constitutional issue. So he may defect to another party, and you have a major problem there too.”

Reflecting on leadership behaviour, Aliyu made a powerful metaphorical statement: “You cannot be bad and expect to have your child as an angel. Your child looks at you and the way you behave.”

He urged political leaders to make governance inclusive. “Many people, all they want is to be part of the integral process so that they are seen or they see themselves as contributing to the process of governance,” he added.

On the topic of political discipline, Aliyu criticised the lack of internal control within parties, singling out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an example. “There are many people in the PDP which will have suspended or dismissed. But we are so incapable because they have been able to use money to penetrate all the organs of the party,” he stated.

He also likened defectors to nomads, saying, “Why I described the nomad, you know a nomad does not have a home, a nomad in most cases does not even have a country. Wherever he finds himself, that is home.”

Importers have dropped petrol prices below the price offered by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, sparking a new wave of competition. This comes amid a call by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for the Federal Government to ban fuel importation.

Findings by our correspondent showed that some filling stations now sell petrol below N860 per litre, while Dangote partners, such as MRS, Heyden, and others, sell at N865 or N875 in Lagos and Ogun States.

A filling station named SGR in Ogun State reduced its price to N847 per litre as of Tuesday. Marketers confirmed to The PUNCH that most importers have reduced their ex-depot petrol prices below that of the Dangote refinery.

As of Tuesday, it was learnt that Dangote refinery was selling petrol at N820 per litre while some depots sold the product at N815 per litre. According to Petroleumprice.ng, Aiteo, Menj and others put their prices at N815/litre as of Tuesday.

Our correspondent learnt that the importers were making efforts to remain in business through competitive pricing. Many had previously complained of recording losses when the 650,000-barrels-per-day capacity Dangote refinery began implementing constant price cuts earlier this year.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed the ongoing downward price review by the importers.

“Depot owners are dropping their petrol prices. Some of them are selling N815, some are selling N817, while Dangote is selling N820. NNPC is still selling at N825; it has not dropped its prices yet,” Ukadike disclosed.


He described this as the beauty of market liberalisation, saying President Bola Tinubu should not heed calls to ban fuel importation.

“This is the beauty of the liberalisation of the market. That is why we opined that the President should not ban anybody from importing petroleum products. Nobody should be stopped from bringing in petroleum products. That is the beauty of opening up the market. Implementation and local refining will checkmate unfair pricing. As an indigenous country, you must refine to ensure that you have the best price,” Ukadike said.

On claims that toxic and substandard fuels are being imported into the country, the IPMAN spokesman said the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is in place to check substandard fuels.


Today, it appears that importers are daring Dangote by leading the charge in slashing petrol prices, a practice Dangote recently described as unfair competition. According to Dangote, the importation of fuel into Nigeria is killing local refining and discouraging further investments in the sector and even the economy.

To remain viable, he urged governments across Africa to take deliberate steps as the United States, Canada, and the European Union have done to protect domestic producers from what he called unfair competition.

Dangote did not mince words when he said that the Nigeria First policy announced by Tinubu should apply to the petroleum products sector. “The Nigeria First policy announced by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, should apply to the petroleum product sector and all other sectors,” he stated.

This request by Dangote seeks to place a ban on the importation of petrol, diesel, and other products being produced locally. He argued that local refiners were finding it difficult to sell their products because of what he called dumping. The billionaire businessman alleged that importers were dumping toxic fuel that would never be allowed in Europe.


“And to make matters worse, we are now facing increased dumping of cheap, often toxic petroleum products, some of which are blended to substandard levels that would never be allowed in Europe or North America,” he said.

Dangote mentioned that some importers bring subsidised fuel or crude oil from Russia into Nigeria. This, he said, affects local pricing, forcing refiners to lower their prices below production cost.

“Due to the price caps on the Russian petroleum products, discounted petroleum products produced in Russia or with discounted Russian crude find their way to Africa, severely undercutting our local production, which is based on full crude pricing. This has created an unlevel playing field in most African countries. Petrol and diesel are sold for about a dollar net of taxes.

“In Nigeria, due to this unfair competition, this price is just about 60 cents, even cheaper than Saudi Arabia, which produces and refines its own oil. This is due to the fact that we are having too much dumping. To remain viable, we urge the governments across Africa to take deliberate steps as the United States, Canada, and the European Union have done to protect domestic producers from unfair competition,” he stated at a recent event organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in Abuja.

However, marketers disagreed with Dangote, urging the Federal Government not to consider adding petroleum products to the list of items banned from importation under the ‘Nigeria First’ policy.

A key member of the opposition coalition, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has cautioned the Senator David Mark-led national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against god-fatherism and imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lukman, a former national vice chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement on Tuesday, said some ADC leaders had started behaving as if the 2027 elections are already won.

Daily Trust reports that a coalition of opposition leaders comprising former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and many other bigwigs recently adopted the ADC as platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Under the arrangement, the ADC adopted Mark and former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, as interim national chairman and secretary respectively.
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But in his statement titled, “ADC and the Prospect of Internal Democracy”, Lukman said when the national leadership positions of ADC were shared to zones, the coalition leaders who were only nominees into the committee that negotiated the sharing arrangement, promoted themselves into becoming the leaders of their zones.

Lukman, a former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), said, “The truth is that the negative side of almost all our opposition political leaders is already at play.

“Many are taking steps to manipulate the process of leadership reformation of the ADC. Loyalists are being promoted in a manner that suggest perhaps the 2027 elections is already won.

“The struggle to ensure that loyalists of leaders emerged as the leaders of the reformed ADC to some extent disregard the consideration for intellectual capacity, integrity, performance track records, name recognition across all demographics, respect in community and political circles, independent mindedness and general acceptability to all or majority of stakeholders, which we agreed to.

“We must caution our leaders, Nigerians will not be deceived by any cosmetic design of presenting another party, which is only a duplicated copy of our old parties. With the way things are going, coalition leaders will emerge as godfathers, and the next thing is that they will impose their surrogates at all levels as leaders of the ADC.

“This will naturally be followed by anointing preferred candidates for 2027 elections. Therefore, the first test of Senator Mark’s leadership of the party is the extent to which he can mitigate all these and ensure that ADC is not a party that will be controlled by godfathers.”

Former Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, says former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a key political figure in northern Nigeria, despite his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Dankwambo, who is representing Gombe North Senatorial District, spoke during an Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He described the former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate of the party as a widely respected leader whose status remains unchanged.


“It’s time to rebuild our party, today it’s not about contesting for elections. But we have leaders we recognise like in the north; Atiku Abubakar is our leader, we love and like him and by virtue of his position as a former vice president he is our leader whether he is in PDP or ADC,” he said.


Senator Dankwambo called on the members of the PDP in the state to focus on rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stated that the party is currently rebuilding and must be fully repositioned before any member declares to contest for any political post.

“We are not talking about contests now. All we are after is to rebuild our party and position it for victory. All those wishing to contest should wait. Let’s build the party first,” Dankwambo said.

He reaffirmed PDP’s commitment to internal democracy, emphasising that it remains the only party to have conducted congresses from ward, local, state to zonal levels and is currently preparing for a national convention.

“PDP remains the only party that has held its Congress from the ward level, to the local government to the state and zonal level and is currently working to hold the national convention,” he stated.

Earlier, the member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ali Isa JC, said the party had resolved its internal crisis and fixed its national convention to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.


He disclosed that the PDP’s leadership has engaged senior lawyers to challenge defectors who won elections on the PDP platform but later decamped, in order to “reclaim those stolen mandates.”

The Katsina government said over 100 personnel of the state-owned security outfit, Community Watch Corps, have been killed by armed bandits.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said more than 30 police officers have also paid the ultimate price, and several soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty.

“These heroes deserve our respect, not social media mockery. Their sacrifices reflect the seriousness and commitment of both the government and the security architecture. It must also be acknowledged that the government, through the office of the special adviser on banditry and internal security, provides support to victims, rescued persons, and families of fallen heroes,” he said.

The commissioner added that the government would continue to invest heavily in ensuring that security forces were well-equipped and motivated.

He said, “But beyond that, success in this fight depends on collective support — not just from the government, but from all citizens. We urge the people of Katsina to remain calm and resolute. Avoid the temptation to believe or share unverified stories.

“If you see something suspicious, report it. It’s important to remind the public that the fight against banditry is complex. Many of the attacks occur deep in the forests, where response operations require time, coordination, and local intelligence. That is why the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established — to assist in these difficult terrains.”

According to Mr Muazu, they are working closely with the Army, Air Force, Police, and local vigilantes.

He, however, said that the government observed with concern the deliberate attempts by some individuals to create panic and incite fear among residents through the spread of false and misleading information on social media.

“These narratives aim to downplay the significant progress made so far in the fight against banditry and insecurity under the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda,” he said.

According to him, when Mr Radda assumed office in 2023, 24 local government areas were affected by banditry.

“Today, with focused strategies and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, notable improvement has been achieved across many parts of the state,” he said.

Mr Muazu revealed that the security had improved, but with a few remote pockets of insecurity in Malumfashi, Kurfi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori, Funtua, Sabuwa, and Dandume LGAs.

“LGAs still experiencing attacks are Faskari, Kankara, and Matazu. Government intervention is still ongoing,” he said.

He, therefore, called on all well-meaning citizens, religious leaders, and community elders to continue offering prayers and support.

(NAN)

Some bandits who kidnapped no fewer than 56 residents of Banga Village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have reportedly killed 38 of the victims despite a ransom payment of over N50 million.

A resident of the village, Aminu Musa Banga, who confirmed the incident, said the victims were kidnapped over the past few months, with the abductors initially demanding N1 million for each person’s release, according to LEADERSHIP.

“These bandits killed 38 of our men and one woman while they were in their custody. We received this report from 16 of our people who were released by these bandits,” LEADERSHIP quoted Banga as saying.

Banga further said that the bandits killed the victims after ransom payments were made.

“The bandits slaughtered them one by one after we paid a ransom of over N50 million,” he said.

Banga also revealed that the bandits have effectively taken control of Banga Village, forcing residents of nearby communities to flee for safety.

He appealed to both the Federal and Zamfara state governments to intervene by deploying military personnel to restore peace and push back the violent groups terrorising the area.

Also confirming the tragic development, the Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu Haidara, said the remaining victims released by the bandits were in critical condition and were being treated at a hospital in Kaura Namoda.

“The remaining victims were released with serious injuries caused by beatings while in captivity,” Haidara said.

He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to address the security crisis, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies and the state government.

“God willing, we will not be tired of continuing to take appropriate measures and working hand in hand with security agencies and the State Government under the leadership of Dr. Dauda Lawal, which is firmly committed to overcoming this problem of insecurity that plagues us day and night,” he added.

However, the Public Relations Officer of Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, did not answer calls made to him by SaharaReporters.

But LEADERSHIP quoted the police spokesperson as saying, “No case of this nature was reported from the area.”

He reportedly urged residents to promptly report incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities to security agencies to enable timely intervention.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives member representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, who is also the Chairman House Committee on Ecological Fund, Aminu Sani Jaji, confirmed the incident.

Confirming the incident in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Jaji said, “I'm deeply saddened by the recent attack on the people of Banga by bandits last night.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“My heart goes out to those affected, and I stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time.”

The lawmaker further stated, “As your representative, I apologize for any perceived shortcomings in ensuring the safety and security of our community.

“I'm committed to working tirelessly with relevant authorities to address this issue, enhance security measures, and prevent future occurrences.

“I'll also advocate for support and resources from both state and Federal Governments to help our community recover and rebuild.”

Zamfara State has continued to battle deadly attacks by armed groups who frequently raid villages, abduct residents for ransom, and impose levies on communities.

Special Adviser on Policy Communications to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has said some policies introduced by the present administration have made rice available to Nigerians across all levels.

The presidential aide, who disclosed this during an interview with DW Africa, expressed confidence that the administration has the support of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bwala said president Tinubu’s administration had improved healthcare and food access for ordinary Nigerians, noting that rice, one of the country’s major staple food, is now available across all levels.

He said, “We also have a rice policy that has made rice available to Nigerians across all levels.

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“We also provided dispensaries, for example, free caesarean section for mothers who are having trouble giving birth.

“There are subsidies also on certain prescription drugs for the people at the local level. And people are able to access that.

“We’ve been able to register, I think, close to 10 million Nigerians in the national healthcare.”

On Tinubu’s medical trips abroad, Bwala said, “In fact, the president of Nigeria physically is fitter than most presidents in the advanced countries.”

He also commented on recent endorsements of president Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election, saying the process was in line with the All Progressives Congress (APC) internal tradition.


“It’s a procedure or a process with our party that there will be mid-term assessment.

“So, it’s not President Bola. Whoever is the president at the time, after every mid-term, we will assess and see whether the president has performed to a point where we would entrust the person to continue.

“We have measured that he has performed wonderfully well,” Bwala said.

He said the Tinubu-led administration is confident ahead of 2027 as it has the support of Nigerians.

He said: “And so we are absolutely confident ahead of 2027 that we have the support of our people,” he added, highlighting other achievements recorded by the administration in other critical sectors.


“Deepening democracy is one, which is the introduction of local government autonomy.

“Autonomy that gives the local government chairmen or administrators the enormous resources.

“State governments now are able to recruit vigilantes.

“They are able to buy vehicles and equipment that is necessary for surveillance and intelligence gathering, and then law enforcement.”

Northern socio-political groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Coalition of Northern Groups, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, the League of Northern Democrats, and Arewa Youth Consultative Council, have thrown their weight behind former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following his claims that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is marginalising the North in developmental projects and appointments.

Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, while speaking during a Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment organised by the Kano State government, accused Tinubu’s administration of sidelining the northern region, alleging that national resources are being disproportionately channelled towards developing the South, the President’s home region.

He attributed rising poverty and insecurity in the region, as well as deteriorating infrastructure to the neglect of the region by the Tinubu’s administration.

“Let me advise the Federal Government on the distribution of federal resources. From the information available to us, it is like most of the national budget is now tilting in one direction in this country.

“Let me advise those who are struggling by all means to take everything to remember that some of the issues that we have in this part of the country today have to do with the lack of enough resources and mismanagement of the little that comes in.

“That is why we have insecurity, we have poverty and so on. It is happening here mainly, but like a desert, it would go everywhere,” Kwankwaso said.

Reacting to the claims, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to Tinubu, Sunday Dare, described Kwankwaso’s remarks as “incorrect and misleading.”

Dare insisted that the region is benefitting significantly from ongoing federal investments across critical sectors.

He listed key road infrastructure projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Kano–Kongolam Road, Kaduna–Jos Road, and the Kano–Maiduguri Dual Carriageway.

However, backing Kwankwaso, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the former Kano governor’s statement echoed widespread concerns of the North over what he described as glaring lopsidedness in the policies and appointments of the Tinubu-led government.

Although the ACF image maker was quick to clarify that his stance was personal and not that of the pan-northern socio-political body, he alleged that allocations, appointments, and developmental projects under Tinubu had been heavily skewed to favour the South-West, at the expense of the North, which played a significant role in his electoral victory.

“The accusations aren’t new. Long before now, the ACF has consistently called out the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on the lopsidedness of its policies, appointments, budgetary proposals provisions and projects. The bias is glaring.

“Most of such allocations have unashamedly in favour of the segment of the country from which the President hails,” he alleged.

Muhammad-Baba said the administration’s reluctance to acknowledge the disparity had only deepened public mistrust.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Jamilu Charanchi, described Kwankwaso’s statement as a reflection of the long-held sentiment of the majority in the North, who feel increasingly marginalised under Tinubu’s administration.

He argued that the North gave Tinubu the majority of votes in the 2023 presidential election and deserved a fair share of the national cake.

Charanchi cited the prolonged delay in completing the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, a critical project that has lingered for over a decade, as evidence of the government’s neglect of the region.

“I don’t think there is anything new in what Rabiu Kwankwaso said yesterday because the North has been agitating that Tinubu is sidelining them. For the fact that the North gave him the major votes that brought him into power, but as I always said, he still has a chance, though, you can see him now either correcting or amending his mistakes, created earlier by prioritising other parts than the Northern part of the country.

“Rabiu Kwankwaso stated clearly that the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which ought to have been finished by now, has still not been completed 10 years later. I think Rabiu Kwankwanso is right, and we urge Tinubu to do the right thing and effect some necessary changes. At least, it will not go against him when the time comes because the North may think that, are not going to be marginalised again, even though the majority of people in the North felt that they had been marginalised in his administration,” Charanchi said.

Also speaking, the Gombe State Coordinator of CNG, Mohammed Deba, lamented that insecurity and poverty in the region had worsened under Tinubu’s administration.

“We are with Kwankwaso on this one. He has said it all, and our anguish has not changed that this government is paying more attention to the southern region than it is to the north, and it’s unfair,” he added.

Continuing, Deba called on the current administration to change tactics, saying “the entire country should be every administration’s focus, not sectional disposition.”

On his part, the Secretary of the Youth Enlightenment and Development Initiative, Batagarawa Branch, Auwal Maharazu, said Kwankwaso spoke out of genuine concern for the development of the North region, adding that the former governor had always been a strong advocate for the North.

“However, while his concerns are valid, I think it’s too early to fully judge Tinubu’s administration. The president has been in office for just over two years, and some of the economic and structural reforms he introduced take time to yield results. Nation-building is a gradual process, and it’s important that we remain patient while also holding our leaders accountable.

“Instead of seeing development in the South as a threat, our leaders in the North should actively engage with the Federal government to ensure balanced growth across all regions. Development should be a shared effort between the federal and state governments.

“My advice to the Tinubu administration is to improve communication with all regions, especially the North, by making project plans, budgets, and implementation strategies more transparent and inclusive. This will build trust and a stronger sense of national belonging,” Maharazu said.

On its part, the LND accused the Tinubu administration of prioritising industrial development in the South while neglecting the North, thereby deepening the region’s economic disparity and underdevelopment.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the convener of the LND, Umar Ardo, said, “In terms of appointments and projects, you know the north has been marginalised. All the critical ministries and financial institutions where money comes in and out are all headed by Southerners, no one Northerner.

“I read a report that in Ogun State, a cotton industry of over N2bn is being built, and the Federal Government has an interest in it. Where do they plant cotton in Ogun? It is planted in northern Nigeria. The Federal Government is also constructing seven agricultural dams, six of which are in the southwest. These are things that the north looks at, and we say we are marginalised.

Also speaking, the National President of Arewa Youth Consultative Council, Zaid Ayuba, lamented that despite the North contributing over 74 per cent of the votes that brought Tinubu into power, the president has continued to neglect the region.

He noted that youths across the 19 northern states had been watching the Tinubu administration’s policies with growing concern.

“We watch with amusement how a lot of policies and activities of the government continue to favour Southern Nigeria while allowing the Northern region to be underdeveloped.

“Northern Nigeria contributed with over 74 per cent of whatever the government needed to have won the election, but the moment Mr President came to power, we began to see from appointments, policies of government and the body language tilting against the north.

“As youths representing our 19 states, we want to use this opportunity to call on the president that there is a day called tomorrow, he will definitely come back to seek re-election, and I believe he cannot become the president of Nigeria again without the support of the north.

“He (Tinubu) should also remember that the country rallied round for him for they believe he was focusing on building Nigeria, not one section of the country, but what we are seeing today, most of the important projects that are being executed by the government are located in the South,” he said.

The Federal Government has introduced a new guideline setting 12 years as the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), following the completion of six years of primary education.

The directive is contained in a newly released policy document on Non-State Schools, which was launched last week by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Non-state schools—also known as private, independent, or non-government schools—are those not operated by government authorities and are typically funded through tuition, donations, and support from individuals, communities, religious groups, businesses, and charitable foundations.

The policy highlights the increasing significance of these schools in delivering education across Nigeria, despite notable differences in standards and quality among them.

Providing a breakdown of age-based progression in early education, the Ministry stated: “Nursery education shall be of three years’ duration. Children shall be admitted into Nursery One when they attain the age of three years, Nursery Two on attaining the age of four, and one year of compulsory pre-primary education (Kindergarten) on attaining the age of five years, in accordance with the specification of Section 2(17) of the NPE, 2013 Edition.”

On the primary and junior secondary school transition, the policy adds: “Basic education shall be of nine years’ duration. There shall be a six-year primary and a three-year Junior Secondary School (JSS). Children shall be admitted into Primary One when they attain the age of six years. Every child must complete six years of primary education. They shall be admitted into Junior Secondary School (JSS1) when they have completed six (6) years of primary education, at around the age of twelve (12) years.”

By implication, students would be expected to complete secondary education at about 18 years, aligning with the previously suggested age for university admission.

Former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman had previously declared 18 years as the minimum age for university entry, though current minister Dr. Tunji Alausa has since revised the threshold back to 16 years.

Data from the Nigeria Education Digest 2022 further underscores the growing dominance of non-state schools, especially at the junior secondary level.

According to the document, “Non-state schools outnumber state schools in at least 26 states of the federation at the Junior Secondary level, whereas at the primary level, state schools outnumber non-state schools in 19 states of the federation.”


It also notes significant growth in the private education sector over the past five years: “The growth in the number of non-state schools between 2017 and 2022 (the last five years reported) has been faster than that of state schools. Non-state primary schools grew in number by 31.56 per cent between 2017 and 2022, while state schools grew in number by 3.3 per cent within the same period. At the Junior Secondary level, non-state schools grew in number by 35.06 per cent between 2017 and 2022, while state schools grew in number by 6.8 per cent only within the same period.”

The average cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice in Nigeria has increased to ₦27,527.85, according to a new report by SBM Intelligence.

The report, released on Wednesday, showed that the price rose by 153 per cent between March 2023 and June 2025.

According to SBM, the increase is affecting all major ingredients including rice, protein, pepper, onions and vegetable oil.

“From late 2023 through mid-2025, the Index recorded a dramatic surge, with the national average cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice rising by 153 per cent between March 2023 and June 2025, reaching ₦27,527.85,” the report stated.

The report titled The SBM Jollof Index Q2 2025: The Crushing Cost of a Pot said food inflation is now moving differently from the country’s overall inflation trend, which shows deeper problems in the food supply system.
Abuja records sharpest increase.

In Abuja, the cost of jollof rice rose from ₦4,095 in 2016 to ₦32,125 in June 2025. The increase became more serious after 2021, as prices doubled between 2021 and 2023.

“This period aligns with substantial inflationary pressures across Nigeria and, specifically, Abuja. In July 2016, Nigeria’s annual inflation hit 17.1 per cent, an eleven-year high. By April 2025, Abuja recorded a notable all-items inflation rate of 32.9 per cent year-on-year,” the report noted.

SBM said the main causes of the increase include the removal of fuel subsidy and changes in foreign exchange, which have reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerians.

Bauchi and other regions also affected
In Bauchi, the average cost rose from ₦5,700 in 2019 to ₦41,050 in June 2024.

“This dramatic price escalation, particularly pronounced from 2022 onwards, reflects severe cost pressures in the northern region, exacerbated by logistics and insecurity challenges,” the report said.

Bauchi also saw a month-on-month inflation increase of 4.85 per cent in May 2025, which is higher than the national inflation rate of 22.97 per cent recorded in the same period.

In Kano, the index increased from below ₦5,000 in mid-2016 to nearly ₦29,300 by May 2025. However, climate change did not significantly affect food prices in the area.

In the Southeast, the price moved from ₦4,120 in 2016 to ₦21,588 in June 2024, and then dropped slightly to ₦20,500 by June 2025. SBM said there were steady increases with major jumps in 2021 and 2023.

The South-South region, especially Calabar and Port Harcourt, also experienced sharp increases from ₦5,610 in 2019 to ₦32,633 in 2024. The report noted that port access and inter-regional trade are major factors driving this trend.

In Lagos, Balogun Market recorded the highest price in the Southwest at ₦23,591 in June 2025.

Food inflation dropped from 40.87 per cent in June 2024 to 21.97 per cent in June 2025.

SBM advised the government to focus on fixing insecurity, improving infrastructure and supporting agriculture to reduce food prices across the country.

This country is not working... Tinubu inherited a damaged country, and his problem is that he isn't fixing it.

- Member, Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed #PoliticsToday#CTVTweets pic.twitter.com/sSnpPpK45b

— Channels Television (@channelstv) July 23, 2025

The United States government has issued a fresh travel advisory to its citizens, warning against travel to Nigeria over the unavailability of healthcare services, the increasing rate of kidnapping, terrorism, and armed gangs, among other crimes.

The travel advisory issued as part of the US’s security review serves as a guide for travellers planning trips to Africa, with some countries flagged as high-risk zones.

Besides Nigeria, the US also flagged 11 other African countries, including Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bisau, Niger and Chad, in its global travel advisory warning.

The advisory categorised countries into four levels, with level four “do not travel” being the most severe and level three “reconsider travel” indicating serious risk.

In a statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria, posted on its website, the US cautioned its citizens to reconsider any planned trip to Nigeria, stating that all locations carry a “significant security risk.”

While the citizens may still travel to Nigeria, the US, however, designated 18 states as the most severe and advised its citizens to avoid those states completely.

Among others, it advised its citizens to avoid Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

The statement read: “Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks.

“Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.

“[b]Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“There is a risk of terrorist violence in Nigeri[/b]a. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities.

Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including: shopping centres and malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants and bars, schools, government buildings, transportation hubs, and public places where crowds gather.

“Gangs and crime: Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.

Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

“U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States. Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards. Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.

“Bring enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria. Update vaccinations to include all standard vaccinations, plus yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster.”

“All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is at high risk for Malaria. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.

“Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.

“Blood supply is often unreliable. Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.

We strongly recommend getting traveller’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before travelling.”

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to cultivate 1 million hectares of farmland and produce 460,000 metric tons of soybeans within two years as part of a broader strategy to boost food security, reduce import dependence, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global soybean market.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced this at the launch of the National Soybean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy on Tuesday.

He noted that it is more than a policy; it is about planting the seeds of a food-secure and globally competitive Nigeria.

“Our target is to cultivate 1 million hectares of farmland and deliver 460,000 metric tons of soybean grain to the market within two years,” he announced.

The minister added that despite producing about 1.35 million metric tons of soybeans annually, Nigeria’s demand has surged beyond 2.7 million metric tons, driven by the expanding food, feed, and industrial sectors. This shortfall, the Minister noted, represents both a challenge and a significant opportunity.

“This supply gap is both a challenge and an opportunity to expand production, strengthen processing capacity, and create jobs,” he added.

Underscoring soybeans’ dual importance as an economic and nutritional commodity, the Minister said, “Soybean is a nutritional powerhouse, containing about 40 per cent high-quality protein and essential amino acids, making it crucial in the fight against malnutrition and in improving household diets.”


He said, “Nigeria’s soybeans are naturally non-GMO, giving us a comparative advantage in premium markets where demand for non-GMO products continues to rise.”

The Minister also detailed the crop’s vital contribution to local industries.

“Its role at home is equally vital, serving as the backbone of our animal feed industry, with roughly one-third of Nigeria’s soybean production going into poultry feed, where it constitutes about 20–25 per cent of the feed mix. By boosting local production, we reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients, fortify our poultry and aquaculture industries, and build a more resilient, self-sufficient food system, one that feeds our people while opening doors to global markets,” he said

He stressed that these ambitions require more than just plans; they demand deliberate and collaborative execution.

“Achieving these ambitious targets requires more than plans. It demands a supportive ecosystem driven by effective governance. The role of government is to create an enabling environment for growth. Through supportive policies, strategic collaboration, and targeted interventions, we aim to strengthen the soybean value chain and make it more competitive,” he said.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who also spoke at the event, described the policy launch as “not merely to inaugurate a policy, but to ignite a national transformation that promises prosperity, resilience, and hope for millions.”

He added that the national strategy aims to generate N3.9 trillion in annual revenue, create one million jobs across 22 states and the FCT, and transform Nigeria into a global agricultural powerhouse.


He declared Benue the “linchpin of this vision,” noting the state’s historical leadership in soybean production since the introduction of the ‘Malayan’ variety in 1937.

“From exporting 9 tons in 1947 to producing over 15,000 tons by the 1960s, Benue has set benchmarks for excellence,” he said. “Today, we cultivate a substantial share of Nigeria’s 780,000 hectares of soybeans and produce a significant portion of the nation’s 758,000 metric tons annually. Yet, our greatest achievements are still ahead.

“With these initiatives, Benue will double our soybean output from 202,000 to at least 400,000 tons in three years, contribute more than 400,000 metric tons to national production annually, generate billions in new revenue and support Nigeria’s N3.9 trillion industry target, empower tens of thousands of households, and create a sustainable agricultural legacy,” he said.

Alia noted that over 200,000 farmers will be reached in the next three years with high-yielding, disease-resistant seeds.

“Our Soybean Seed Multiplication and Distribution Programme will improve average yields from 1.2 to up to 3 metric tons per hectare.

“We are deploying extension officers and introducing mechanisation clusters, training our farmers in best practices and climate-smart agriculture,” he said.

He added that Benue’s open farmland initiative will unlock 30,000 new hectares for cultivation. This will be driven by public-private partnerships and supported by investor-friendly incentives aimed at enabling large-scale commercial production.


“With PPP-driven land aggregation and secure, investor-friendly incentives, we will facilitate commercial-scale production,” he said.

He also said that the state’s flagship Benue Food City Complex will process no fewer than 50,000 metric tons of soybeans annually. New silos and aggregation centres with digital tracking systems will be developed to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise pricing.

Alia stated, “We are developing new silos and aggregation centres, supported by digital tracking export partnerships and quality certification, which will open regional and BRICS+ markets to Benue soybeans.”

Alia projected over 100,000 new jobs across the soybean value chain, including farming, logistics, processing, and trade.

“Our population, young, ambitious, and industrious, will benefit from over 100,000 new jobs. The expected net income for our farmers stands at nearly N40,000 per hectare,” he said.