₦airaland Forum

NIGERIA, JORDAN SIGN MoU TO DEEPEN DEFENCE COOPERATION, INTELLIGENCE SHARING

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and deepen intelligence sharing between both countries.

The agreement was signed on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Amman, Jordan, by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Major General Yousef A. Alhnaity.

The MoU provides a framework for enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing, defence capacity building, counter-terrorism operations, military training, defence research and industry cooperation, as well as broader efforts aimed at promoting regional and global peace, security, and stability.

Under the agreement, both countries will also pursue joint military training programmes, exchange of defence expertise, and strategic cooperation in areas of mutual security interest.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Matawalle described the agreement as a major milestone in the growing defence and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Jordan, stressing the importance of international collaboration in tackling evolving security threats.

According to him, “Nigeria and Jordan recognise the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation and remain committed to strengthening defence ties for the promotion of peace, security, and stability within our respective regions.”

The Minister also underscored the significance of technology transfer and local defence manufacturing, particularly through the establishment of a production line factory in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the DICON Act.

He noted that the partnership would further support Nigeria’s drive towards strengthening indigenous defence production capabilities and enhancing military self-reliance.

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both nations to deepen mutual trust and understanding, while advancing coordinated actions in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Highlights of President Tinubu’s Reforms in the Telecommunications Sector

In the early days of Nigeria’s mobile revolution, the promise was simply to deliver connectivity. A signal, a call, a message delivered. Two decades on, that promise feels almost quaint. What Nigerians now demand—what they increasingly expect—is something more intimate and exacting: a system that works not just in theory, but in the texture of daily life.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country’s telecommunications policy has begun to pivot toward that expectation. The shift is subtle in language but significant in consequence. From access to experience, from expansion to accountability, from infrastructure to impact.

At the surface, the changes are easy to catalogue. Fewer dropped calls when compared to years ago—people forget how bad things were so quickly. Faster browsing speeds on High Definition screens. More reliable coverage in places that once flickered on the edge of service. Beneath these incremental improvements lies a broader reordering of how the telecom ecosystem functions—and who it ultimately serves.

For years, the Nigerian telecom user operated in a fog of uncertainty, and where anything given had to be taken. Tariff plans were dense and often opaque, with hidden charges embedded in fine print or obscured by complexity. Today, a new regime of tariff simplification has begun to impose clarity: first, fewer plans, second, standardized disclosures, and third advance notice for price changes. It is, in effect, a quiet rebalancing of power—placing information, and therefore choice, back in the hands of consumers.

Transparency, however, is not confined to pricing. In a country where network outages once arrived without explanation, the introduction of a centralized outage reporting system marks a cultural shift. This is the NCC’s Major Network Outage Reporting portal. Operators are now compelled to disclose disruptions, explain causes, and provide timelines for restoration. The significance of this goes to the root of the relationship between the operators and consumers: and that is trust in the system. And trust, in a digital economy, is currency.

If transparency addresses the user’s experience, enforcement addresses the system itself. Under President Tinubu, the NCC has strengthened its quality-of-service regulations. Its new regulations gives it powers to extend accountability beyond operators to infrastructure providers—who are key to ensuring network quality is delivered. This signals a recognition that poor service is rarely accidental. It is systemic. Even the seemingly mundane crackdown on illegal signal boosters speaks to this logic: small distortions, multiplied across a network, can degrade performance at scale. Removing them is less about policing and more about restoring equilibrium.

Employing the powers of its 2024 regulations, the NCC has recently directed Mobile Network Operators to pay compensation to consumers across the country who made calls, data services or sent SMS in areas where those operators failed to meet Quality of Service key performance indicators. This compensation signals a trend of accountability and transparency among regulators under the President Tinubu administration.

Yet perhaps the most consequential reforms are those that operate at the intersection of identity, finance, and security. The full enforcement of SIM registration linkage to National Identity Numbers (NINs) within the first year of President Tinubu’s coming into office has effectively ended anonymous participation in Nigeria’s telecom and invariably, the digital space. In practical terms, this has implications for crime prevention and financial fraud. In broader terms, it represents the consolidation of a digital identity architecture—one that underpins everything from mobile banking to civic participation.

That architecture has already proven its importance. When a protracted dispute between banks and telecom operators threatened to disrupt USSD services—the backbone of everyday financial transactions for millions—it was resolved at scale, restoring stability to a system many Nigerians rely on more than formal banking interfaces. The introduction of clearer, user-controlled billing for these services further underscores a recurring theme: transparency not as an abstract ideal, but as a functional necessity.

Behind these consumer-facing reforms by the telecommunication regulator, under President Tinubu lies a less visible, but equally critical, effort to stabilize the industry itself.

Telecom networks do not improve in isolation; they depend on capital, governance, and policy certainty. The decision to allow tariffs to better reflect operational realities has unlocked significant investment—over a Trillion Naira in a single year—fueling the expansion of network infrastructure and the deployment of thousands of new sites. In 2025 alone, operators deployed over 2800 new sites that deliver improved capacity and increased coverage of their networks.

It is a reminder that affordability and sustainability must be carefully balanced; a system that is too constrained to invest cannot improve. And President Tinubu and his team understand this.

Governance reforms, too, play a quiet but decisive role. Stronger corporate oversight, risk management, and cybersecurity preparedness are not the kind of changes that make headlines. But they determine whether networks fail or endure, whether data is compromised or protected. In this sense, reliability is as much a product of boardroom discipline as it is of engineering.

The NCC has reviewed its Guidlines for Corporate Governance in the telecommunications industry to strengthen the sector’s capacity to deliver quality to Nigerians. The regulator has also launched the first Cyber Resilience Framework for the Telecommunications sector.

For Nigeria’s young population—arguably the most digitally engaged demographic in Africa—these shifts are beginning to shape opportunity in tangible ways. The expansion of ICT parks and digital innovation hubs across universities—started under the late President Buhari administration but completed under President Tinubu—is creating physical spaces where ideas can be tested and scaled. A regulatory sandbox now allows startups to experiment within the telecom ecosystem without prohibitive barriers. And partnerships with Nokia that train young engineers on 4G and 5G technologies are quietly building the human infrastructure required to sustain growth.

The result is an emerging feedback loop: better networks enable new businesses; new businesses create jobs; a growing digital economy demands even better networks. It is a cycle that, if maintained, could redefine Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

There is also a symbolic dimension to recent policy choices. The designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) by President Bola Tinubu elevates it from commercial asset to national priority. In a country where fibre cuts and equipment theft have long disrupted service, this signals a shift in how connectivity is valued—and protected.

And yet, for all the structural reforms, the true measure of President Tinubu’s reforms in the telecommunications sector remains stubbornly personal. It is in the student who can attend an online class without interruption, the entrepreneur who can process payments seamlessly, the young developer testing an idea in a campus innovation hub. It is in the mundane reliability of a system that, increasingly, fades into the background because it simply works.

Nigeria’s telecom story is still being written. The gains are uneven, the challenges persistent. But there is a discernible movement—from a system that merely connects, to one that supports, protects, and empowers.

In the end, that may be the most meaningful transformation of all: not the presence of a signal, but the confidence that it will be there when it matters.

* Sandra Pam Gyang is a technology enthusiast and writes from Abuja.

Bauchi APC: Why Credibility Must Trump Consensus


Every politics is local. Understanding the culture and mindset of a place is essential if politics is to thrive. In Bauchi, elite manipulation in candidate selection has rarely succeeded. That culture makes Bauchi politics distinct.

As the consensus process deepens, transparency and credibility must prevail. In trying to minimise risk through consensus, the party must also avoid gambling with the general election.

If the consensus candidate lacks grassroots support and legitimacy, the party may win the internal contest and still lose the main election.

The pattern of elections in Bauchi

Since the return to democracy, the opposition in Bauchi has won twice in seven election cycles. As another general election approaches, the opposition should be deliberate about agreeing on a consensus candidate whose acceptability cuts across grassroots members, not just elites and the bourgeoisie.

History backs this point. In 2007, despite the influence of Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu, his endorsed candidate was defeated by the ANPP because voters saw the choice as imposition. That move also cost him a Senate seat. A similar scenario played out in 2015. Despite the monetisation and inducement deployed by the incumbent, Bauchi voters voted for the APC, rejected the PDP, and denied Isa Yuguda a Senate seat. The lesson is consistent: imposition does not work in Bauchi. The consensus process must not become elite imposition in another form.

The Bauchi APC elite

To many die-hard opposition members, some of the elite exhibit a “cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face” mentality. A review of their political history explains why many APC members are sceptical about entrusting them with the power to decide the consensus candidate.

H.E. Barr. M.A. Abubakar, SAN

As the first APC governor in 2015, Abubakar joined the party after its formation and secured the ticket. Members of the legacy parties supported him to win. Instead of consolidating that unity, he adopted a winner-takes-all approach. That posture strained relations with key stakeholders, including the National Assembly and then-Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara. The fallout eroded the party’s popularity and contributed to its defeat in 2019. In 2023, he openly supported the PDP’s re-election bid instead of APC’s Amb. Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar. It is difficult to imagine such a figure as the arbiter of the party’s candidate, or as the candidate himself.

H.E. Malam Isa Yuguda

When the PDP denied him a ticket in 2007, the ANPP welcomed him and made him its candidate. That accommodation produced victory. Midway through his first term, however, he defected to the PDP. In 2011, as his popularity waned, the election in Bauchi was delayed and a curfew imposed—steps many believed were meant to deny the CPC victory. In a free contest, PDP would likely have finished third, with the CPC winning and the ACN coming second. Since then, Yuguda has contested for the Senate twice and lost. None of the candidates he backed have won major elections in Bauchi. He has changed parties at least seven times since then, each move serving personal interest.

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare entered Bauchi politics in 2014. Opposition leaders tried to woo him into the APC, but he remained close to the PDP at the time. After Yuguda sidelined him, he defected to the APC. Still unfamiliar with the complexities of Bauchi politics, he has often relied on government patronage rather than popular legitimacy. His inability to grasp the state’s political dynamics has seen him change parties five times, often seeking elite backing through back channels.

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara

The longest-serving member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi became the fourth-highest public official against the wish of APC’s national leadership in 2015. He enjoyed APC’s backing but played a key role in the party’s defeat in Bauchi in 2019. Ahead of the 2023 elections, he was among the leading voices criticising the Muslim-Muslim ticket and blackmailing the APC. Between 2014 and today, he has moved between the PDP and APC at least seven times. Despite that, the APC has reconciled with him without conditions.

Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

The immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs and leading gubernatorial aspirant in Bauchi APC is a familiar name in the state’s opposition history. His resilience and consistency stand out. He began in 2007 under the ANPP as one of Bauchi’s most outstanding representatives, and later became a key strategist in the formation of the APC from the CPC bloc in 2013. His sacrifice and consistency are rare among Bauchi APC’s elite.

Party loyalty and reward

From 2007 to 2015, when the opposition won in Bauchi, loyal party members were often sidelined. The impeachment of H.E. Garba Gadi in 2009 and the resignation of H.E. Nuhu Gidado in 2018 to avoid a similar fate illustrate this trend. The rewards given to party members under those administrations were minimal. Such experiences have matured the system and opened the eyes of staunch party members to avoid a repeat.

As we navigate the next election, those tasked with choosing the consensus candidate must rise above personal interest and put the state and its citizens first. When the collective interest of the state is prioritised, individual interests can be pursued legally and within the rules. Doing otherwise harms the party and its members.

There is little doubt that the clear front-runner in this contest is Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, a long-standing ally of the opposition project in Bauchi. He is competent by all standards and enjoys acceptability across the state. Rewarding loyalists like him will reassure party members and prevent disruptive outsiders who are weak and controversial from hijacking the process.

NSA Ribadu, US VP Vance Hold Talks on Expanded Nigeria–US Security Cooperation

Nigeria and the United States are forging ahead in deepening cooperation on security, counterterrorism, regional stability, and strategic partnership.

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who undertook a three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6, held a series of high-level engagements with senior officials of the U.S. government and conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong commitment to Nigeria’s longstanding strategic partnership with the United States.

Ribadu met with US Vice President J. D. Vance, the Acting National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; the Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker; and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.

The meetings provided an opportunity for both sides to review the current state of Nigeria–United States relations and to further strengthen ongoing collaboration in counterterrorism, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance.

Ribadu emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges confronting West Africa and the broader Sahel region, particularly terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and cyber threats.

The NSA noted that Nigeria remains fully committed to working with international partners in promoting peace, stability, democratic governance, and economic development across Africa. He further underscored Nigeria’s role as a regional leader and frontline state in counterterrorism efforts across the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.

Discussions also focused on the evolving security situation in the Sahel, the need for enhanced regional cooperation, and the importance of strengthening institutional capacity to respond effectively to complex and asymmetric threats.

During his meeting with Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker at the U.S. Department of State, NSA Ribadu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the U.S. government for its continued support and cooperation in various sectors, particularly in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the agreed roadmap under the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group (JWG), established to advance structured bilateral cooperation on strategic and security-related matters.

Both sides reviewed progress under the JWG framework. They discussed practical measures to enhance the implementation of agreed initiatives, including intelligence sharing, military cooperation, counterterrorism support, border security, strategic communications, and capacity development for Nigerian security institutions.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular channels of communication and strengthening institutional coordination between the two countries to address common security challenges.

The NSA also used the opportunity to brief U.S. officials on ongoing reforms and operational measures being undertaken by the Government of Nigeria to improve national security, stabilise affected communities, and address the root causes of insecurity. He emphasised the administration’s whole-of-government approach, which combines kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, economic development, deradicalisation initiatives, and regional partnerships.

U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s continued leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and acknowledged Nigeria's importance as a strategic partner of the United States in Africa. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values, regional stability, economic cooperation, and the promotion of sustainable peace and security across West Africa and the Sahel.

The meetings concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen further bilateral engagement through sustained diplomatic dialogue, enhanced defence and security cooperation, and the effective implementation of ongoing bilateral initiatives under the Joint Working Group framework.

Both Nigeria and the United States expressed optimism about the future of the strategic partnership. They reaffirmed their readiness to continue working closely to advance shared interests and address common global and regional challenges.

Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar: The Man of the People in Bauchi State

By Adebayo Adeoye

In politics, timing is everything. There are moments when a candidate merely contests for office, and there are moments when a candidate arrives as a response to a public mood already searching for expression. In Bauchi State today, supporters of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar believe his emergence belongs firmly in the latter category.

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) inches closer to its governorship primaries ahead of the next electoral cycle, the atmosphere within Bauchi’s political landscape has begun to shift in a manner difficult to ignore. Conversations in markets, within youth circles, among traditional institutions, and across professional communities increasingly revolve around one question: could Yusuf Maitama Tuggar represent the long-awaited break from a political culture many residents believe has kept the state trapped below its true potential?

For years, Bauchi has remained a state suspended between promise and underperformance. Endowed with vast agricultural opportunities, mineral resources, strategic commercial positioning, and one of the most politically conscious populations in northern Nigeria, it has nevertheless struggled to convert these advantages into broad developmental gains. Roads have been announced but abandoned midway. Healthcare facilities exist in policy documents more convincingly than in practical reality. Educational institutions continue to lose talent and competitiveness. Across many communities, there is a growing sense that governance has too often become an exercise in survival politics rather than visionary leadership.

It is against this backdrop that Tuggar’s candidacy has begun to attract unusual attention.

When the former Foreign Affairs Minister formally submitted his nomination and Declaration of Interest forms at the APC secretariat, the reactions that followed across parts of Bauchi were striking. Unlike the carefully choreographed rallies that have become routine within Nigerian politics, many observers described the response as spontaneous and organic. There were celebrations not merely from political loyalists but from ordinary supporters who appeared eager to identify with a figure they see as embodying competence, exposure, and administrative seriousness.

In many respects, Tuggar’s appeal lies precisely in the contrast he presents to the conventional political archetype.

Before becoming Foreign Affairs minister ,Tuggar built much of his public profile through diplomacy and institutional service. As Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, one of the country’s most strategically significant foreign postings, he represented Africa’s largest economy at the centre of Europe’s industrial and political architecture. During his tenure, he was involved in strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to security and migration policy.

Those familiar with his diplomatic career often describe him as disciplined, methodical, and intensely policy-driven — qualities not always commonly associated with Nigeria’s rough-and-tumble political environment. Associates say he possesses the rare ability to combine intellectual depth with political accessibility, a balance many politicians struggle to maintain.

Yet beyond personal credentials, Tuggar’s supporters argue that his greatest strength may be his understanding of governance as a practical undertaking rather than a ceremonial occupation.

In his engagements with party stakeholders and community leaders, he has consistently spoken about governance in terms of systems, institutions, planning, and measurable outcomes. Rather than relying solely on emotionally charged political rhetoric, he frames development as a technical challenge requiring competent administration, transparency, and long-term thinking.

That message appears to resonate strongly among younger voters and professionals who have grown increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as cyclical politics devoid of real progress.

Indeed, there is a generational undercurrent quietly powering the Tuggar movement.

Across northern Nigeria, a significant youth population has become increasingly disillusioned with the recycling of political authority among familiar interests and entrenched patronage networks. In Bauchi particularly, many young people believe the state’s enormous economic and human potential has been repeatedly sacrificed to short-term political calculations. Tuggar’s background — rooted more in institutional service and international diplomacy than in local political godfatherism — offers a symbolic departure from that tradition.

His supporters believe this distinction matters.

To them, Tuggar represents not merely another aspirant seeking office, but a candidate whose worldview has been shaped by exposure to functioning systems and accountable governance structures abroad. They argue that his years representing Nigeria on the international stage have equipped him with both the discipline and perspective needed to reposition Bauchi competitively within Nigeria’s evolving economic and political landscape.

Of course, politics is rarely moved by credentials alone.



Critics have already begun raising familiar questions that often confront diplomats and technocrats entering domestic politics. Can international experience translate into effective grassroots political management? Can a man accustomed to diplomatic negotiations navigate the complicated realities of state-level power structures, competing interests, and entrenched political loyalties?



These are not insignificant concerns. Nigerian politics, particularly at the state level, rewards coalition-building as much as competence. It demands the ability to negotiate competing ambitions while maintaining political stability across diverse constituencies.



Tuggar’s allies insist he is fully aware of these realities. They point to the growing coalition reportedly forming around his candidacy across Bauchi’s three senatorial zones as evidence that his appeal cuts across generational, professional, and community lines. From youth groups to market associations and influential traditional stakeholders, his camp argues that momentum continues to build steadily in his favour.



More importantly, they believe the current political climate in Bauchi has created an opening for a candidate whose central message revolves around credibility and governance reform rather than populist theatrics.



Whether that momentum ultimately translates into electoral success remains uncertain. Nigerian politics has often demonstrated that public enthusiasm does not always guarantee political victory. Structures, alliances, and internal party calculations continue to shape outcomes in ways voters do not always control.



Still, what cannot be dismissed is the psychological shift Tuggar’s emergence appears to have triggered among many Bauchi residents. In a political environment where cynicism has become deeply rooted, he has managed to rekindle something that is increasingly rare in contemporary Nigerian politics: cautious optimism.



And perhaps that explains the growing fascination around his candidacy.

For in the end, elections are not merely contests between politicians. They are contests between competing visions of what people believe their future can become. In Bauchi today, many supporters of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar appear convinced that his candidacy represents more than another political ambition.

To them, it represents possibility.

Tuggar’s Experience Qualifies Him to Lead Bauchi — Group Backs Former Minister for Governor

…Calls for empathy-driven leadership, fiscal discipline, improved security

The League of Bauchi Professionals has urged residents of Bauchi State to support the governorship bid of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, describing him as “best positioned to unlock the state’s vast potential.”

In a statement issued by its Secretary, Ibrahim Yusuf, following Tuggar’s official declaration and grand homecoming in Bauchi on Saturday, April 25, 2026, the group said the former minister embodies the leadership qualities required to drive meaningful progress.

“Bauchi needs leadership that motivates through action and example—leadership grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a clear vision. Ambassador Tuggar represents the kind of leader capable of helping the people shape their collective destiny,” the statement said.

The group commended the turnout and organisation of the declaration event, describing it as a reflection of growing grassroots support. It, however, urged supporters to sustain the momentum in the lead-up to the elections.

“Supporters must not relent but intensify efforts towards securing victory at the polls. The state requires leadership anchored on service, integrity, and measurable progress,” it added.

According to the League, Tuggar’s track record in public service demonstrates a consistent commitment to security, economic growth, and the welfare of citizens.

“He understands that leadership is not a matter of convenience, but a solemn responsibility—one that demands dedication, accountability, and transparency,” the statement noted.

The group anchored its endorsement on what it described as Tuggar’s core values of trust, consistency, and duty, noting that his tenure as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister reflected a strong commitment to national service.

It argued that Bauchi stands to benefit from his blend of global exposure and local insight.

On governance priorities, the League stressed the need for prudent financial management, calling for reforms to sanitise public finances, eliminate waste, and enforce fiscal discipline.

“Bauchi’s resources must work for the many, not the few. Ambassador Tuggar possesses the experience and vision to drive sustainable solutions and attract genuine investment,” it said.

The statement also highlighted security as a critical concern, noting that economic prosperity depends on a safe and stable environment.

“Farmers must access their farmlands without fear, traders must move freely, and every child must feel safe going to school,” the group stated.

It further emphasised transparency and inclusive governance, insisting that all wards across the state’s 20 local government areas must be actively informed and involved in decisions on resource allocation.

“Anything less would amount to repeating past mistakes,” it warned.

Describing Tuggar as “a proud son of Gamawa and a seasoned statesman with proven integrity on the global stage,” the League maintained that he is uniquely equipped to lead Bauchi into a new phase of development.

The group also pointed to the need for equitable political representation, noting that since 1999, some zones in the state have yet to produce a governor.

“Ambassador Tuggar’s extensive cross-sector experience, combined with his reform-oriented approach to governance—particularly in public procurement and accountability—places him ahead of other contenders,” the statement added.

The League concluded by reiterating its confidence in Tuggar’s candidacy, stressing that Bauchi requires focused, principled, and forward-looking leadership.

“We firmly believe that Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is the right leader to deliver practical and sustainable solutions for Bauchi State,” it said.

The Industrialist in the Room: Mr. Khalil Halilu

When the African Leadership Magazine named Khalil Halilu its Young African Leader of the Year, it did more than honour a man. It named a problem, and pointed to someone solving it.

There is a particular kind of leader Africa has always needed but rarely celebrated. Not the orator. Not the career politician who masters the choreography of power without ever bending it toward production. Not the consultant who diagrams transformation in PowerPoint while the factory floors stay empty. Africa needs the industrialist—the person who looks at raw materials, idle hands, and imported goods and asks: why are we not making this ourselves?

That question, deceptively simple and historically unanswered, is the one Khalil Halilu has chosen to build his life’s work around. And in March, the African Leadership Magazine—a UK-based pan-African publication devoted to leadership, governance, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent—decided that work was worth naming. At thirty-five, Halilu was announced as the magazine’s Young African Leader of the Year.

It is the right award, at the right time, for the right reasons.

To understand why this recognition matters, one must first understand the depth of what it is responding to.

Africa’s defining crisis is not only poverty, or infrastructure, or even the colonial inheritance of extractive economies—though all of these are real and compounding. Africa’s defining crisis is a deficit of the right kind of leaders. Leaders who build rather than broker. Leaders who create institutions rather than inhabit them. Leaders who understand that development is not a speech but a supply chain.

This deficit is structural. There are too few programmes that cultivate leadership talent at scale, too few mentorship pipelines that pass the lessons of institution-building from one generation to the next, too few institutional frameworks that reward the long, unglamorous work of making things. And so the continent keeps producing leaders fluent in the language of governance but mute in the grammar of production.

What makes the African Leadership Magazine’s mission vital is precisely this gap it seeks to address. When it identifies and honours young leaders who are genuinely making their mark, it signals to a continent of young people—many of them watching, wondering if ambition pointed toward building is worth pursuing—that this is what leadership looks like. This is the template. And Khalil Halilu fits that template almost by design.

Before arriving at the man, one must understand the country and the moment he is working within.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and its most populous nation. It is also, paradoxically, one of the world’s most dramatic examples of a country that produces raw materials for others to refine and return to it as finished goods. For decades, crude oil has dominated the country’s export earnings while manufacturing has contributed less than ten percent of GDP. The consequences are dire. Every Naira spent on imported finished goods is a Naira that does not circulate through a domestic factory, does not pay a Nigerian worker’s wage, does not train a Nigerian technician, does not build a Nigerian supply chain.

Nigeria does not just need better governance. It needs a class of industrialists—people who will establish factories, process raw materials locally, create the backward and forward linkages that multiply economic activity, and build the technological capabilities that allow a nation to compete on the basis of what it produces rather than what it extracts. Without such a class, Nigeria risks a future of perpetual consumption without production: a large, youthful population consuming goods it cannot make, growing restless in an economy that cannot absorb it.

This might sound alarmist, but it is our current trajectory.

The encouraging sign—the one that makes this moment genuinely different from previous decades of the same diagnosis—is that industrialisation is beginning to be proven possible at scale. Aliko Dangote, through his cement plants, fertiliser operations, and now the landmark Dangote Refinery, has demonstrated from the private sector that Nigerian industry can compete, can scale, and can reshape national economic architecture. What Dangote has shown the country from the vantage of private capital, Khalil Halilu is now attempting to demonstrate from the vantage of the state.

NASENI—the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure—is not a new institution. It has existed for years, carrying a mandate that was always ambitious: to provide Nigeria with the science and engineering infrastructure necessary for indigenous industrialisation and technological self-reliance. Its three-pillar structure was designed to bridge the gap from import dependence to local production, build engineering complexes and research capacity through its network of twelve Development Institutes, and fund these activities through its own commercial earnings.

The problem was execution. For much of its institutional life, NASENI’s outputs remained largely on the shelf—prototype products, research reports, and engineering designs that never completed the journey from laboratory to market. The mandate was right. The delivery fell short.

When Khalil Halilu took the helm, his first act was an overhaul—a rebranding and repurposing of the institution to make it actually serve the mandate it was created for. This is harder than it sounds. Institutional inertia is one of the most powerful forces in public administration. Organisations develop cultures that resist change, bureaucracies that outlast reformers, and incentive structures that reward process over outcome. To break that inertia in a federal agency requires not just vision but a very specific kind of stubbornness—the refusal to accept the gap between what an institution is supposed to do and what it actually does.

Khalil’s answer to that gap is captured in what he calls the 3Cs: Creation, Collaboration, Commercialisation.

Creation means NASENI must continue developing homegrown technologies and engineered solutions. Collaboration means it can no longer work in isolation—it must build active partnerships with private firms, universities, startups, investors, and international partners. And Commercialisation—the single most important of the three—means research must stop ending as reports and prototypes. It must become products: things people can buy, use, deploy, and scale.

The logic is disciplined and unforgiving in the best way. As Halilu has framed it, the whole essence of research is to transform it into meaningful products that impact the economy. Under his leadership, NASENI’s new direction is to take products to market through technology transfer, making the agency an institutional bridge between research, production, and market adoption.

The most compelling answer to scepticism is results. And here, NASENI under Khalil Halilu has begun to build a record.

In the first half of 2024 alone, the agency unveiled a portfolio of products whose breadth is remarkable for a public institution. The May 2024 launch brought four headline commercial products to market: the NASENI Laptop, an Android Smartphone, a Lithium Battery, and a 300-watt LED Solar Street Lamp. These were market-ready, SON-certified products, some already pre-booked before the launch date.

But the product push went well beyond electronics. NASENI’s broader commercialisation offensive included a Solar Irrigation System, Electric Keke vehicles in both passenger and cargo configurations, an Electric Motorcycle, a Solar-Powered Cargo Tricycle, and an Electric Bicycle. A subsequent showcase to the House Committee added Electric Transformers and newly branded Electric Vehicles to the list. By June 2024, Halilu was speaking of approximately thirty-five products ready for market and plans for showrooms across all thirty-six states.

Further along, NASENI’s energy portfolio expanded to include Solar Home Systems, Solar Panels, a Portable Solar Generator, Smart Prepaid Meters, multiple Power Stove variants, animal feed milling machines, and CCTV equipment. These are without doubt solutions to Nigerian realities—the power deficit, the agricultural productivity gap, the transport cost burden, the import dependency on finished consumer goods.

The product range reads like a map of Nigeria’s most persistent structural vulnerabilities, drawn not by a diagnostician but by an engineer who intends to fix them.

Return, then, to the African Leadership Magazine’s recognition, and why it lands with the weight it does.

The award is not merely for product launches or institutional rebrandings. It is for what those things represent: a young leader who understood his brief and chose to answer it fully. Khalil Halilu did not take a comfortable position at the head of a government agency and use it to manage perceptions. He used it to transform an institution, argue publicly for the centrality of industrialisation to Nigeria’s future, build partnerships that NASENI had never built before, and put products in the market that carry the nation’s name.

Khalil Halilu exemplifies something Africa needs urgently and recognises too rarely: the industrialist-in-public-service. The person who brings the urgency of a builder, the patience of an engineer, and the strategic mind of an institutional reformer to bear on a national challenge that will not be solved by speeches alone.

Leadership matters in Africa because everything else flows from it. The right programmes, the right talent pipelines, the right mentorship—all of these depend on the prior existence of leaders who model what building looks like. Khalil Halilu, at thirty-five, is already doing that modelling. What NASENI is becoming under his watch is a proof of concept: that government-led industrialisation is not just aspiration. It is achievable.

Africa has had no shortage of promising young leaders who inspired and disappointed. What sets this recognition apart is that it is for a young leader who is not just promising—he is already delivering.
The African Leadership Magazine has named its Young African Leader of the Year. Nigeria, and the continent, would do well to study not just the honour, but the work behind it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

- Mohammed Abiodun is a historian, and writes

2027 Guber: Tuggar, Better prepared to Take Bauchi to Greater Heights

By Hamisu Hamza

At his formal declaration held at the Games Village in Bauchi, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and frontline governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), began his journey toward the Bauchi Government House on a strong footing.
His message was clear and direct: governance must move beyond rhetoric to practical results, transparency, and measurable development. Tuggar made it known that leadership must be defined not by endless promises, but by the ability to “show the work” through policies that positively impact the lives of the people.

Why Tuggar?

Tuggar’s ambition is centered on repositioning Bauchi State into a leading force in agriculture, solid minerals development, commerce, and investment. His vision is to move the state from untapped potential to productive prosperity by utilizing its vast human and natural resources.

With a distinguished background spanning business, diplomacy, legislation, and public service, Tuggar possesses a rare blend of local understanding and international exposure. His experience at both national and global levels places him in a unique position to connect Bauchi to investment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, rare earth minerals, and lithium deposits where the state holds enormous potential.

Beyond the boardrooms and diplomatic circles, Tuggar remains deeply connected to the grassroots. His upbringing and long-standing relationship with rural communities have given him firsthand understanding of the realities facing farmers, traders, youths, and ordinary citizens across the state.

This understanding is expected to shape policies that prioritize agricultural productivity, rural development, access to markets, job creation, and economic empowerment for local communities.

A Development-Driven Agenda

Tuggar’s blueprint for Bauchi revolves around service, progress, accountability, and institutional development. His agenda focuses strongly on:

* Workers’ welfare
* Security
* Education
* Healthcare
* Youth and women empowerment
* ICT and digital innovation
* Economic growth and investment

On workers’ welfare, emphasis will be placed on prompt payment of salaries and gratuities to uphold the dignity of civil servants and pensioners.

In the area of security, his approach is expected to combine intelligence-led strategies, stronger community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions to tackle insecurity and social unrest.

His administration also aims to address unemployment, poverty, and drug abuse through targeted interventions, vocational development, entrepreneurship support, and skills acquisition programs for young people.

Education remains another critical pillar of his vision. Tuggar has consistently emphasized the need to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning standards, expand vocational education, and promote digital literacy and ICT innovation in line with modern realities.

On healthcare, special attention is expected to be given to women, children, and vulnerable communities through improved access, affordability, and strengthened social protection systems.

Governance Built on Transparency and Institutions

One of the defining features of Tuggar’s public image is his emphasis on transparency, accountability, and institutional governance.

Rather than personality-driven leadership, he advocates for systems that are efficient, sustainable, and rooted in the rule of law. His approach reflects a belief that good governance is not built on slogans or media optics, but on discipline, consistency, and functional institutions.

His leadership style also places importance on collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and development partners in fostering unity and social stability across Bauchi State.

A Profile Shaped by Experience

Tuggar’s journey from Bauchi to the international diplomatic stage reflects decades of experience across multiple sectors.

Before venturing fully into politics, he built a strong reputation in business and public affairs. During his time in the House of Representatives, he became known for advocating reforms in public procurement and accountability, demonstrating a governance philosophy rooted in due process and merit.

His role in advancing conversations around procurement reforms and institutional accountability further strengthened his reputation as a reform-minded leader.

At the diplomatic level, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, where he played significant roles in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad. His diplomatic engagements also contributed to efforts surrounding the return of looted Benin artefacts to Nigeria through sustained international dialogue.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar projected Nigeria’s voice strongly on major regional and global issues. His tenure reflected calm diplomacy, strategic engagement, and firm defense of national interest.

Among notable moments during his service was his involvement in securing the release of detained Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso through diplomatic negotiations. He also attracted attention internationally for firmly rejecting proposals suggesting the deportation of foreign criminal elements into Nigeria, insisting that the country must protect its sovereignty and security interests.

Economic Diplomacy and Global Networks

Tuggar’s understanding of global politics and economic diplomacy remains one of his strongest political advantages.

Over the years, he consistently promoted policies aimed at strengthening trade, attracting investment, supporting diaspora engagement, and building strategic international partnerships capable of supporting local economic growth.

His supporters believe this global network and exposure can translate into practical development opportunities for Bauchi State through foreign investment, industrial partnerships, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development.

Leadership for a Changing World

In an era where governance increasingly requires innovation, strategic thinking, and global competitiveness, Tuggar is widely seen by many supporters as a leader prepared for the demands of the 21st century.

His ability to bridge traditional values with modern governance aspirations places him in a unique position among the current field of aspirants.

Supporters also point to his calm disposition, intellectual depth, and methodical approach to leadership as qualities that distinguish him politically.

Beyond politics and diplomacy, Tuggar has also impacted lives through the Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Foundation, which has supported communities across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State through various humanitarian and empowerment initiatives.

The Bigger Question

As the 2027 governorship race gradually gathers momentum, many political observers believe the central question may no longer simply be who wants to govern Bauchi, but who possesses the experience, exposure, competence, and strategic vision required to move the state forward in a rapidly changing world.

To many supporters, Tuggar represents that possibility.

They see in him a leader capable of combining international experience with grassroots understanding, institutional reform with human development, and economic diplomacy with practical governance.

For them, Bauchi does not merely need another politician; it needs leadership driven by vision, accountability, courage, and results.

And in their view, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar embodies that direction for the future of Bauchi State.

A Strategic Roadmap for Nigeria’s New Power Minister – Muhammed Dahiru


The appointment of Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, comes at a critical juncture for the nation’s energy sector—one often misunderstood as a simple equation of oil, gas and generation capacity.

In reality, the deeper constraint lies in a far less discussed domain: metallurgy.


This perspective was highlighted by Muhammed Dahiru, a close associate of the minister, who offered strategic advice on his X formerly Twitter handle as Tegbe assumes office. Dahiru noted that global supply chains for advanced gas turbines—the backbone of many thermal power plants—are currently under severe strain.


According to him, leading manufacturers such as General Electric, Siemens and Mitsubishi are fully booked until at least 2029, with new orders unlikely to be delivered before 2030.


Costs have surged significantly, with turbine prices nearly tripling in recent years.



He explained that at the core of the challenge are turbine blades made from single-crystal nickel superalloys, engineered through highly specialised vacuum furnace processes that can take up to 90 weeks.



These components, costing roughly $600,000 per set, are produced by only a handful of companies worldwide, with even major industrial nations struggling to replicate the required precision.



Against this backdrop, Dahiru urged the minister to adopt a pragmatic and strategic approach focused on immediate and sustainable gains.



He advised that priority should be given to the rehabilitation of idle power plants, many of which remain underutilised due to maintenance challenges rather than lack of capacity.



Restoring these facilities, he said, would deliver additional megawatts to the grid without the need for new turbine procurement.



Dahiru also stressed the urgency of securing long-lead spare parts and maintenance contracts, warning that global supply delays could worsen plant downtime if not addressed proactively.



On energy diversification, he called for an aggressive scale-up of renewable energy, particularly solar, noting Nigeria’s comparative advantage in solar resources and the opportunity to reduce reliance on the national grid.


He further identified persistent transmission and gas supply bottlenecks as critical issues requiring immediate attention, emphasising that generation gains would remain limited without efficient power evacuation and consistent gas supply.



In the long term, Dahiru underscored the importance of building local technical capacity alongside fostering strategic global partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s energy resilience.


As the new minister settles into office, Dahiru’s intervention underscores a broader message: Nigeria’s power challenges are as much about systems, supply chains and technical capabilities as they are about generation.



Addressing these structural realities, he suggested, will be key to delivering stable and reliable electricity to Nigerians.

Tuggar Declares Bauchi Governorship Bid, Pushes for Popular Mandate and Zonal Equity

The immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has formally entered the race for the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election, pledging a people-driven administration anchored on fairness, inclusivity, and strategic development.

Tuggar made his intentions known shortly after obtaining his nomination and expression of interest forms under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing party stakeholders and supporters, the former minister outlined what he described as a “clear and actionable plan” to reposition Bauchi State, stressing that his ambition is backed by widespread support across the state.

He urged the APC leadership to prioritise candidates with demonstrable grassroots acceptance, arguing that electoral success hinges on fielding individuals who enjoy genuine popularity among the people. According to him, the party must remain attentive to public sentiment and reward loyalty and credibility in its candidate selection process.

Reflecting on his political trajectory, Tuggar recounted his early involvement in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), tracing his evolution through key roles in successive administrations. He referenced his contributions during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as his more recent service under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, positioning his experience as a strong foundation for leadership at the state level.

On the internal dynamics of the party, Ambassador Tuggar called for a transparent and credible primary process, noting that whether the APC adopts direct primaries or a consensus arrangement, the exercise must be free, fair, and reflective of the will of party members. He emphasised that internal democracy would be critical in fostering unity and ensuring electoral victory.

A significant portion of his remarks centred on the issue of zoning and equity within Bauchi State. Tuggar made a forceful argument for the emergence of a governor from Bauchi North, the senatorial district from which he hails. He observed that since 1979, the zone has yet to produce a governor, noting that the last four governors of the state have all come from Bauchi South. This, he said, underscores the need for a deliberate shift toward equitable representation.

“This is the time for Bauchi North to produce a governor,” Ambassador Tuggar asserted, framing his candidacy as both a personal ambition and a broader quest for balance and justice within the state’s political structure.

Political observers say Ambassador Tuggar’s entry into the race introduces a significant dynamic, given his national profile, diplomatic experience, and longstanding ties within the APC. As the party prepares for its primaries, attention is expected to focus not only on the candidates’ credentials but also on how internal processes are managed in a state where zoning and political equity remain highly sensitive issues.

Zamfara: Matawalle Offers To Purchase Governorship Forms For Dauda Lawal


The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has pledged to purchase a gubernatorial nomination form on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Governor Dauda Lawal to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Matawalle made the declaration on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the ruling APC held at Government House, Gusau. The meeting was attended by all former governors and their deputies, former Speakers of the State House of Assembly, and serving members of the National Assembly.

Earlier, Governor Lawal said the aim of organising the meeting went beyond politics, describing it as a commitment to rescuing the state across all sectors, with plans to tackle security challenges as a top priority.

“We are now united on the platform of the APC to collectively serve the best interests of the good people of the state. There is no opposition in any form in the state; we are all from Zamfara State, our only home, and no one can address its problems better than us.

“Before arriving here, we briefly discussed and agreed to make our contributions to ensure Zamfara State is liberated from the hands of criminals, with a view to consolidating developmental projects such as the International Airport Gusau and other economically driven initiatives across the 14 local government areas of the state,” Governor Lawal said.

All former governors also spoke, emphasizing the need for peace and unity among APC members, as well as the restoration of normalcy in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, Matawalle, while addressing thousands of his supporters at Garba Nadama Conference Hall, Jubril Bala Yakubu State Secretariat, called for unreserved support for Governor Lawal’s administration and his bid for a second term in 2027.

“I mean total support for Governor Dauda Lawal because we are now united, and we are satisfied with what he has been doing to move the state forward—not just because he defected to the APC, but because we have seen that Zamfara State is developing at the expected pace,” Matawalle stated.

Zamfara: Matawalle Offers To Purchase Governorship Forms For Dauda Lawal


The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has pledged to purchase a gubernatorial nomination form on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Governor Dauda Lawal to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Matawalle made the declaration on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the ruling APC held at Government House, Gusau. The meeting was attended by all former governors and their deputies, former Speakers of the State House of Assembly, and serving members of the National Assembly.

Earlier, Governor Lawal said the aim of organising the meeting went beyond politics, describing it as a commitment to rescuing the state across all sectors, with plans to tackle security challenges as a top priority.

“We are now united on the platform of the APC to collectively serve the best interests of the good people of the state. There is no opposition in any form in the state; we are all from Zamfara State, our only home, and no one can address its problems better than us.

“Before arriving here, we briefly discussed and agreed to make our contributions to ensure Zamfara State is liberated from the hands of criminals, with a view to consolidating developmental projects such as the International Airport Gusau and other economically driven initiatives across the 14 local government areas of the state,” Governor Lawal said.

All former governors also spoke, emphasizing the need for peace and unity among APC members, as well as the restoration of normalcy in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, Matawalle, while addressing thousands of his supporters at Garba Nadama Conference Hall, Jubril Bala Yakubu State Secretariat, called for unreserved support for Governor Lawal’s administration and his bid for a second term in 2027.

“I mean total support for Governor Dauda Lawal because we are now united, and we are satisfied with what he has been doing to move the state forward—not just because he defected to the APC, but because we have seen that Zamfara State is developing at the expected pace,” Matawalle stated.

Bauchi 2027: Why the cap fits Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

By Adebayo Adeoye

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is one of rare personality— whose presence is defined not by noise, but by nuance; not by spectacle, but by substance. And in the unfolding political conversation within Bauchi State, a compelling argument continues to gather momentum: the cap, quite simply, fits.
Tuggar’s story is not the typical tale of a career politician groomed solely within the familiar corridors of local power. Instead, it is a narrative shaped by global exposure, intellectual depth, and a keen understanding of how governance must evolve in a rapidly changing world. His diplomatic career, particularly his service on the international stage, endowed him with a worldview that stretches far beyond the immediate—one that embraces strategic thinking, economic diplomacy, and institutional reform.
Yet, what makes his profile particularly intriguing is how seamlessly this global sophistication intersects with a grounded connection to home. Beneath the tailored diplomacy and cosmopolitan polish lies a son of Bauchi, attuned to the rhythms, struggles, and aspirations of his people. It is this duality—global in outlook, local in commitment—that fuels the growing perception of his readiness for higher responsibility.

The question, then, is not merely about ambition, but about alignment. Why does the cap fit Tuggar at this moment in Bauchi’s political evolution? The answer lies in a convergence of factors—timing, temperament, and trust.
First, timing. Bauchi, like many states in Nigeria, finds itself at a crossroads. The demands of a youthful population, the urgency of economic diversification, and the pressing need for infrastructure and innovation have created a climate where conventional leadership approaches are increasingly being questioned. In this environment, Tuggar’s forward-thinking disposition offers a refreshing departure from the predictable. He speaks the language of the future—technology, investment, partnerships—while maintaining a firm grasp of present realities.

Then comes temperament. In a political culture often animated by grandstanding and brinkmanship, Tuggar’s measured approach stands out. He is deliberate, composed, and strategic—traits honed through years of navigating complex diplomatic terrains. This calm resolve, many believe, is precisely what is required to steer a state through the layered challenges of modern governance. He is not easily drawn into unnecessary theatrics; instead, he builds consensus, nurtures alliances, and focuses on long-term impact.

Trust, perhaps the most elusive currency in politics, is where Tuggar’s appeal deepens. Among a growing segment of the electorate—particularly the youth—there is a palpable desire for leadership that inspires confidence rather than mere compliance. Tuggar’s track record, his clarity of thought, and his refusal to indulge in political excesses have contributed to an image of credibility. He is seen not just as a contender, but as a custodian of possibility.

Of course, no political narrative in Bauchi is complete without acknowledging the complexity of its terrain. Power dynamics remain intricate, loyalties fluid, and the stakes undeniably high. Tuggar’s journey, therefore, is not without its tests. He must navigate entrenched interests, manage expectations, and translate goodwill into tangible political capital. Yet, it is within these very challenges that his strengths may prove most valuable.
His ability to bridge divides—between generations, between traditional structures and modern aspirations—positions him uniquely within the current discourse. He does not seek to discard the past; rather, he appears intent on building upon it, refining it, and aligning it with the demands of a new era.

For many observers, the symbolism of Tuggar’s candidacy extends beyond the individual. It represents a broader shift—a recalibration of what leadership should look like in contemporary Nigeria. It speaks to a yearning for competence over charisma, for vision over verbosity, for substance over style.
And so, as the political winds continue to swirl across Bauchi State, the narrative around Tuggar grows ever more compelling. The man and the moment appear to be in quiet conversation, each shaping the other, each moving toward a possible convergence.
In the final analysis, the question is no longer whether Tuggar belongs in the conversation—it is whether the conversation itself is ready for what he represents. For now, the consensus in many quarters is unmistakable: the cap does not merely rest on his head—it seems tailored for him, stitched with the threads of experience, perspective, and purpose.

If politics, at its best, is about matching preparation with opportunity, then Tuggar stands as a figure poised at that very intersection—ready, resolute, and, perhaps, right on time.

• Dismisses UBA’s suit, fined N2m
• It’s a big victory for bank customers, says Tunji Bello

Wednesday, April 22, 2026: Advocacy for consumer rights in the banking sector recorded a major boost today with a judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing, in its entirety, a suit by UBA Plc seeking to contest the jurisdiction of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In its ruling, presiding Justice James Omotosho affirmed the Commission’s statutory authority to investigate consumer complaints involving banks and other financial institutions.

In the suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, United Bank of Africa Plc sought to determine whether in light of Section 251 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended 2023) and Section 65(1)(a) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, the FCCPC could validly exercise jurisdiction over a commercial bank duly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and over any of its functions, acts, financial products, or financial services.

In his judgement, Justice Omotosho considered Sections 251 (1) (d) of the Constitution and 65(1)(a) of BOFIA, which the plaintiff had relied upon to challenge the Commission’s jurisdiction, and upheld the authority of the FCCPC in competition and consumer protection matters in the financial sector.

Consequently, UBA plc was fined N2m for “bringing a frivolous and unmeritorious case against the defendant”.

With respect to receiving and investigating Consumer complaints, the Court stressed that there is no other agency in Nigeria saddled with this responsibility except the FCCPC.
“No portion of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act gives such powers to the Central Bank of Nigeria, nor does the Central Bank of Nigeria Act,” said Justice Omotosho.

“The FCCPC (Defendant) is therefore the proper agency to investigate such consumer complaints,” the judge held.

He therefore held that the FCCPC “is vested with statutory powers to inquire into Consumer Protection issues involving customers and banks.”

Justice Omotosho cited Sections 1, 2, 17(e) and 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA), relating to the objectives, scope, investigative powers and application of the Commission’s mandate in matters concerning competition and consumer protection.

Section 104 of the FCCPC Act states that “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law but subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in all matters relating to competition and consumer protection, the provisions of this Act shall override the provisions of any other law.”

In a swift reaction, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment, describing it as “a significant milestone in our advocacy for bank customers who have for long endured unfair treatment.”

He said the judgment provides judicial guidance on the complementary relationship between sector regulation and the consumer protection framework established under the FCCPA.

Mr. Bello stated that the decision reinforces confidence that consumers in every sector of the economy, including financial services, are entitled to accessible channels for complaint resolution and lawful redress.

He noted that the judgment is also significant for businesses, as it clarifies that regulatory accountability and consumer confidence are mutually reinforcing pillars of a healthy market environment.

According to him, the Commission will continue to engage financial institutions and other service providers professionally, fairly, and in accordance with due process, while encouraging internal complaint resolution mechanisms that address consumer concerns promptly.

Ondaje Ijagwu
Director, Corporate Affairs

Matawalle Denies Bribery Allegations, Dismisses Claims as False and Misleading

The Office of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has firmly denied allegations circulating online that he attempted to bribe a United States official, describing the claims as entirely false and lacking any credibility.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Minister, the office said it had taken note of a series of online publications linking Matawalle to an alleged bribery attempt in connection with narratives surrounding a report by the United World Congress of Diplomats.

According to the statement, the allegations—reportedly attributed to a member of the Florida House of Representatives—are “unfounded, misleading, and devoid of credibility.”

The Minister’s office stressed that Matawalle has never engaged in, nor would he condone, any form of bribery or misconduct, noting that the claims do not reflect his conduct or public record.

“The Honourable Minister has never bribed or attempted to bribe anyone,” the statement said, adding that the accusations are part of a broader pattern of baseless and malicious narratives.

Despite the controversy, the Minister remains focused on his official duties, the statement noted. It emphasized that he would not be distracted by what it described as campaigns of calumny and propaganda, and would continue to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and a strong commitment to national service.

The public was also urged to disregard the reports, which the Minister’s office described as unsubstantiated and misleading.

The Philosopher, The Salesman and The Ambassador–Ambassador Tuggar’s Legacy as Foreign Affairs Minister

In the second part of this two-part series, I continue my dissection of what I consider the most profound legacies from the three years Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar spent as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs—a period marked by consequential foreign policy choices that projected Nigeria to the forefront of key global conversations, while ensuring that, despite constrained resources, the country remained visible and credible within the comity of nations.

Those who worked closely with him during his tenure will say, without hesitation, that Ambassador Tuggar is a man of unusual intellect. His depth of insight, vast reservoir of knowledge, and unmistakable grit recur in nearly every conversation I have had with those familiar with his work.

In this concluding part, I examine three additional elements that stood out during his tenure: the conception and deployment of the 4D Doctrine; his role as Nigeria’s foremost salesman on the global stage; and how he advanced Nigeria’s interests within the international community.

Ambassador Tuggar and the 4D Doctrine

Every country’s foreign policy must be anchored on a philosophical framework—one that reflects its domestic realities and aligns with its long-term developmental aspirations. It was on this premise that Ambassador Tuggar conceptualised Nigeria’s 4D Doctrine as a unifying policy architecture.

What did the 4Ds represent? Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

Under the Democracy pillar, Nigeria positioned itself as a democratic state as much as a regional advocate for democratic consolidation. This aligned with Nigeria’s longstanding role within West Africa, particularly through its leadership in institutions such as ECOWAS, where it has historically intervened—diplomatically and otherwise—to preserve constitutional order. It was within this context that Nigeria lent support to initiatives such as the Regional Partnership for Democracy, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions across Africa through locally grounded approaches.

The second pillar, Development, reflected the country’s deliberate deliberate shift toward economic diplomacy. Ambassador Tuggar’s tenure coincided with Nigeria’s broader reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including efforts at macroeconomic stabilisation, foreign exchange unification, and investment promotion. Consequently, Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements became more targeted—focused on trade expansion, investment attraction, and strategic partnerships capable of delivering tangible economic outcomes.

The third pillar, Demography, recognised Nigeria’s population—projected to become the third largest globally by 2050—as both an opportunity and a strategic asset. This dimension of the doctrine framed Nigeria not only as a vast consumer market but also as a future labour hub in a world facing demographic decline in advanced economies.

Finally, the Diaspora pillar sought to recast Nigerians abroad as critical stakeholders in national development. With remittance inflows consistently exceeding $20 billion annually—often surpassing foreign direct investment—the Nigerian diaspora was repositioned as an economic force, a soft-power asset, and an extension of Nigeria’s global influence.

The 4D Doctrine provided coherence to Nigeria’s foreign policy by directly linking diplomatic engagement to national development priorities. It was, in essence, a pragmatic framework—one that fused idealism with economic realism.

Ambassador Tuggar: The Salesman

If diplomacy is, at its core, the art of persuasion, then Ambassador Tuggar distinguished himself as one of the most effective communicators within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Across multiple global platforms, he consistently articulated Nigeria’s policy direction, often with clarity and conviction. His appearances at institutions such as Chatham House in London—where he engaged policymakers and investors—were particularly notable. There, he advanced Nigeria’s doctrine of “strategic autonomy,” arguing for a foreign policy that avoids rigid alignment while maximising national interest in an increasingly multipolar world.

He also used such platforms to reiterate Nigeria’s longstanding advocacy for reform of global governance structures—making the case for Africa’s representation on the United Nations Security Council and arguing for more equitable international financial systems. These positions were not new, but under his stewardship, they were communicated with renewed coherence and urgency.

Similarly, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ambassador Tuggar projected Nigeria as a stabilising force in West Africa, while emphasising the country’s reform trajectory and openness to credible investment. These engagements played a subtle but important role in shaping global perceptions about Nigeria.

Perhaps more striking, however, was his responsiveness during moments of international scrutiny. When narratives emerged in parts of the Western media suggesting that Nigerian Christians faced systemic religious persecution or genocide—claims widely disputed by the Nigerian government—Ambassador Tuggar was among the most visible voices countering these assertions. Through appearances on major international media platforms, he consistently argued that such characterisations were based on incomplete or inaccurate data, and risked misrepresenting the country’s complex security challenges.

In doing so, he demonstrated a willingness—rare among public officials—to engage directly, and often robustly, with global opinion.

Particularly, on the occasion of the US–Nigeria coordinated airstrikes on terrorist locations in the northwestern parts of the country, Ambassador Tuggar appeared across major broadcast media platforms to clarify Nigeria’s position—from the early hours of the morning until late in the day. He was first on Channels TV, then on CNN; thereafter, he appeared on Al Jazeera and the BBC, before ending the day on Arise TV.

Nigeria’s Most Consequential Diplomat?

It is difficult to isolate a single “defining moment” from Ambassador Tuggar’s tenure. His impact was less about one dramatic event and more about sustained engagement—often under difficult circumstances.

Perhaps most telling was the period during which Nigeria operated without a full complement of appointed ambassadors. In many respects, this placed an extraordinary burden on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yet, within these constraints, Ambassador Tuggar, supported by the diplomatic corps and career officials, managed to sustain Nigeria’s international engagements, navigate complex negotiations, and maintain the country’s diplomatic presence across key capitals.

Whether engaging counterparts in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, or the United Kingdom ahead of presidential visits, or coordinating diplomatic activity from the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, he approached the role with a level of intensity that suggested a deep personal commitment to the craft of diplomacy.

For me, it has been hard taking a position on which of Ambassador Tuggar’s moments as Minister of Foreign Affairs was his finest. I was compelled to break down this article into two parts, because there was so much to talk about. But as I conclude, it dawns on me that Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s finest moments as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs were those times he was simply being “Ambassador”.

To describe him as Nigeria’s most consequential diplomat of the past decade may invite debate—but it is a position not easily dismissed. Within a relatively short period, and with limited resources, he brought intellectual clarity, communicative force, and strategic direction to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

And perhaps that is the simplest way to understand his tenure: not just as a Minister, but as a philosopher who framed ideas, a salesman who sold Nigeria’s story, and ultimately, an ambassador in the truest sense of the word.

* Eyimofe Amajuoritse is a journalist covering Nigeria’s foreign relations.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar as Foreign Affairs Minister: His Five Top Legacies (PART 1)

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar resigned in March 2026 to pursue his political ambitions—specifically, to run for Governor of Bauchi State. Notably, he was the first serving Minister to openly declare such an intention. Without hesitation, he took the bull by the horns. Those who know him well would say that he has always harboured the ambition to govern Bauchi State.

For a man who achieved so much, with so little, and within such a short period as Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is difficult to determine whether he should have remained in office to consolidate his gains or move on to a new challenge. I will explore this question more fully in due course. In the meantime, I am eager to examine his tenure—his key accomplishments, and particularly what stood out.

These are my five top legacies of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s time in office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In the first part of this two-part series, I examine two major initiatives he led while in office: the West African Economic Summit (WAES) and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD).

1. Hosting the West African Economic Summit (WAES)

Over the past three decades, very few Nigerian Ministers of Foreign Affairs have treated the economic future of the West African sub-region as central to Nigeria’s own success. This goes beyond merely allowing the bureaucracy to implement a pro-African agenda; it requires actively leading the conversation from an economic standpoint.

Ambassador Tuggar exemplified this approach. As Minister, he spearheaded the inaugural West African Economic Summit (WAES), positioning it as a flagship economic diplomacy initiative of the President Bola Tinubu administration. The maiden summit was held from June 20 to 21, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The WAES was particularly distinctive. It was conceived outside the formal framework of ECOWAS and driven directly by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Ambassador Tuggar’s leadership.

The summit featured a Presidential Roundtable and a CEO Forum. However, its most innovative component was the “Deal Room,” which facilitated direct B2B and B2G engagements between private sector actors and government entities.

More fundamentally, the WAES signalled a shift away from the region’s longstanding dependency mindset toward a more self-reliant economic philosophy—one anchored on intra-regional trade, production, and market-driven integration. Ambassador Tuggar framed the summit as a “homegrown African solution,” underscoring Nigeria’s intent to re-anchor West Africa’s economic reintegration on private-sector dynamism and real investment flows.

Through the WAES, Nigeria reaffirmed its position as the economic anchor of West Africa while strengthening regional alignment with the AfCFTA. Crucially, it also reinforced Nigeria’s credibility as a leader within the sub-region.

2. The Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD)

Democracy in West Africa is under significant strain. Over the past five years, countries such as Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau have experienced democratic reversals through coups and military takeovers. In contrast, Nigeria has sustained nearly three decades of uninterrupted democratic governance and its attendant dividends.

Against this backdrop, Ambassador Tuggar advanced the view that Nigeria must position itself as a norm-setter in democratic renewal within the sub-region.

In November 2025, under his leadership, Nigeria signed a landmark Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) initiative with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative was subsequently endorsed by ECOWAS and launched on the sidelines of the African Union.

The RPD seeks to shift the region’s democratic focus beyond elections toward institutional resilience. It targets five core challenges: democratic backsliding, weak institutions, disinformation, the exclusion of youth and women, and the need for early warning mechanisms against unconstitutional changes of government.

This initiative aligns closely with Ambassador Tuggar’s 4D doctrine of Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly its democracy pillar. Through the RPD platform, he consistently emphasised that democracy in Africa must be rooted in local values, legitimacy, and effective institutional delivery.

Indeed, any serious discourse on democracy in Africa inevitably returns to the need for homegrown models—rather than systems imposed externally without regard for local realities.

These two initiatives—the West African Economic Summit (WAES) and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD)—represent two of the five defining legacies of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In the second part of this series, I will examine his efforts in advancing Nigeria’s interests with key global partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and countries in South America. I will also assess what I consider his most significant contribution to Nigeria’s foreign policy: the articulation of the 4D Doctrine.

Ambassador Tuggar has established himself as one of the most consequential Foreign Ministers in Nigeria’s history. He entered office with a clear and deliberate reformist mindset. Despite operating for a period without a full complement of ambassadors, he navigated a demanding landscape and delivered measurable impact—enhancing not only Nigeria’s global visibility but also its standing, respect, and influence in international affairs.

* Eyimofe Amajuoritse is a journalist covering Nigeria’s foreign relations.

Pat Utomi: An economic buccaneer flirting with intellectualism

By Sunday Dare


Professor Pat Utomi has once again chosen to dance naked in the public square, playing to the gallery with a familiar cocktail of grandstanding and gloom. This time, he has come to dismiss the reform programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “ridiculous,” “poorly structured,” and, in a flourish of intellectual overreach, a “Ponzi scheme.”

At this point, the issue is no longer what Utomi is saying. The issue is why his interventions consistently collapse under the weight of their own exaggeration, under the slightest scrutiny or interrogation.

Any reflective — indeed, discerning — mind would note that, after all these long years of sophistry and vacuous pontifications, all Utomi can possibly point to as his bonafides or bragging rights in the civic space today are the ruins of Volkswagen Automobile Ltd and BankPHB where his much touted “academic wizardry” was exposed as “Ponzi scheme”.

An Economy of Words, Not Results

Utomi’s public persona has long rested on the alarmist aura of a “political economist.” But strip away the titles, the panels, and the endless commentary, and a more uncomfortable question emerges: where is the evidence of all his posturings in the public space?

Nigeria’s economic distortions did not emerge in a vacuum. They were sustained over decades by a rotating class of commentators and advisers who:

* theorized dysfunction instead of dismantling it
* intellectualized failure instead of correcting it
and, crucially, found relevance within a broken system.

Utomi was not outside that ecosystem. He was part of it. Contrast this with measurable shifts under the current reform cycle:

* Fuel subsidy removal (May 2023): eliminated a multi-trillion-naira fiscal drain, freeing up revenues for subnational allocations and deficit reduction.
* Exchange rate unification: collapsed multiple FX windows into a single market-reflective rate—an essential step flagged for years by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. (The actual “Ponzi scheme” that benefited a few with privileged access through arbitrage.)
* FAAC disbursements have risen materially post-subsidy removal, improving state-level fiscal liquidity.

These are not theoretical positions. They are structural actions with verifiable fiscal impact.

From Insider Comfort to Outsider Outrage

There is a pattern here that is too glaring to ignore. For years, the rent-seeking architecture of Nigeria’s economy—subsidy leakages, FX arbitrage, policy opacity—created space for a certain kind of “expert”: visible, vocal, and perpetually adjacent to power, yet rarely accountable for outcomes.

Now, that architecture is being disrupted. And suddenly, the volume of outrage has gone up. This is not a coincidence. It is a reaction.

When a system that once rewarded commentary begins to prioritize structural correction, those who thrived in the old order often rebrand themselves as its fiercest critics. Not out of principle—but out of displacement.

Meanwhile, early macro signals are adjusting:

* Oil revenue remittances have improved post-subsidy removal and reforms in NNPCL transparency frameworks.
* External reserves stability has strengthened relative to pre-reform volatility cycles.
* Debt service-to-revenue pressure has begun easing marginally as fiscal leakages are curtailed.

The “Ponzi Scheme” Claim: A Collapse of Serious Thinking

Let’s be blunt. Calling a national reform programme a “Ponzi scheme” is not provocative—it is intellectually hollow.

A Ponzi scheme is built on deception and zero value creation. Nigeria’s reforms—however painful—are attempting to:

* eliminate fiscal leakages
* restore price discovery in the FX market
* rebuild macroeconomic credibility

If anything resembled a Ponzi structure, it was the previous regime of:

* borrowing to sustain consumption.
* subsidizing inefficiency at scale.
* masking structural weakness with artificial stability.

An economy that sustained the likes of Utomi and his “Patitio's gang” of economic bucaneers. Utomi’s analogy does not expose the present—it exposes a troubling looseness in his analytical discipline.

He ignores the fact that investor-facing fundamentals are being reset:

* FX backlog clearance efforts have improved confidence among foreign portfolio investors.
* Repatriation conditions—a long-standing investor concern—are gradually normalizing.

Under the Tinubu administration, policy signaling now aligns more closely with orthodox macroeconomic frameworks.

Noise Without Substance

What is most striking is not the criticism—it is the emptiness behind it.

Utomi offers:

* no coherent alternative framework.
* no credible sequencing model.
* no fiscal pathway that avoids the very crisis he warns about.

Just declarations. Just alarm. Just noise. For someone positioned as a thought leader, this is a remarkably thin offering. In contrast, reform-linked institutional moves are underway:

* Tax reform architecture (2025 Acts) aimed at broadening the base and improving compliance efficiency.
* e-invoicing rollout for large taxpayers—enhancing transparency and revenue assurance.
* Customs modernization and AEO programme—improving trade facilitation and compliance.

These are systems-level interventions—not soundbites.

The Familiar Playbook: Alarm, Amplify, Exit.

We have seen this pattern before:

1. Declare impending collapse.
2. Use dramatic language to command attention.
3. Avoid the burden of proposing solutions.
4. Harass Goverment into putting you on some commitee, think-tank or council to correct it all.

It is a performance—one that thrives in media cycles but adds little to policy depth. Yet the data trajectory, while imperfect, is not static:

* GDP growth has remained positive, avoiding contraction despite reform shocks.
* Non-oil revenue performance (VAT and CIT) has shown upward momentum.
* Subnational fiscal space has expanded due to higher distributable revenues.

A Waning Voice Struggling to Stay Relevant

There is also an underlying tension that cannot be ignored. This administration has not leaned on the usual circle of media intellectuals and policy commentators who, for years, occupied advisory and influence corridors within our national polity. And since then, some of those voices have grown increasingly strident—less analytical, more combative.

Utomi’s latest intervention fits that pattern uncomfortably well. When relevance is no longer assured, outrage often becomes therapeutic.

Meanwhile, reform continuity is being institutionalized:

* Medium-term fiscal frameworks now reflect post-subsidy realities.
* Targeted social intervention programmes are being recalibrated to cushion reform shocks.
* Investment promotion efforts are aligning with a more transparent FX and pricing regime.

Nigeria’s reforms are not beyond criticism. But they are on track and trackable. They demand scrutiny, refinement, and stronger social cushioning.

But what Professor Utomi has offered is not scrutiny. It is not even rigorous dissent. It is amplification without depth. Critique without responsibility. Rhetoric without rigor.

And in a moment that demands serious thinking, that kind of intervention is not just unhelpful—it is a distraction masquerading as insight—especially when set against a reform programme that, for the first time in years, is confronting the structural contradictions that voices like his long circled, but never resolved.

Utomi may do well to consider maintaining a dignified silence, hide his vacuousness and let President Tinubu do his work. Counsel is welcome, distraction is not.


-Dare is Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication

How President Tinubu is Implementing Nigeria’s Quiet Digital Transformation

There is a particular kind of invisibility that defines modern infrastructure. When it works, it disappears. When it fails, it becomes the story.

For years, Nigeria’s digital economy existed more in a story that spoke of something ambitious, youthful, and full of promise. Yet its reality was one constrained by gaps in connectivity, coordination, and capacity. What has emerged over the past two years, under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is an attempt to resolve these through a layered reconstruction of the system itself: cables beneath the ground, code within institutions, capital for ideas, and skills for a generation coming of age online.

The most visible of these efforts lies, paradoxically, out of sight. Through Project BRIDGE, Nigeria is undertaking a vast expansion of its fibre-optic backbone—tens of thousands of kilometres of cable stretching across a country where geography has long dictated opportunity. Paired with a new generation of telecom towers reaching into rural and riverine communities, this project is the difference between participation and exclusion. For a young designer in Zamfara or a student in Bayelsa, connectivity brings an opportunity that makes remote work, digital learning, and online enterprise possible.

Yet connectivity alone does not create an economy. It enables one.

To function, that economy requires systems—often overlooked, occasionally mundane—that make digital activity legible in the physical world. Consider the introduction of a national alphanumeric postcode system, a quiet but consequential reform under the President Tinubu administration. In a country where describing an address has often relied on landmarks and improvisation, the shift to a geospatially precise system does more than improve mail delivery. It reorganizes logistics, sharpens e-commerce, and allows emergency services to respond with speed rather than guesswork. It is the kind of infrastructural upgrade that rarely attracts attention but steadily compounds value.

If fibre cables and postcode systems form the skeleton of a digital state, capital and creativity animate it. Through the iDICE programme of the President Tinubu administration, more than half a billion dollars has been mobilised for startups operating at the intersection of technology and culture—fintech platforms, gaming studios, digital media ventures. The significance here is not just in funding, but in direction. Nigeria’s demographic advantage—its vast, young population—has long been cited as potential. Programmes like iDICE attempt to convert that potential into production, turning coders into founders, creators into exporters, and ideas into enterprises that can travel beyond national borders.

There is, increasingly, evidence of that outward movement. The Digital Trade Desk of the administration, linking Nigerian firms to partners in markets such as the United States and across West Africa, signals an ambition to treat digital services not merely as domestic utilities but as exportable goods. In a global economy where code can cross borders more easily than commodities, this shift matters. It reframes Nigeria not just as a consumer of digital products, but as a participant in their creation and circulation.

Still, markets require rules. And much of the President Tinubu administration’s work in the digital economy has focused on the less visible task of building a coherent digital governance framework. The push toward a Digital Economy and E-Governance law, alongside standards for public infrastructure and web design, reflects an understanding that fragmentation is the enemy of scale. When government systems speak the same language—when data can move securely across platforms—services become faster, more transparent, and less vulnerable to the inefficiencies that have long defined public administration.

This internal strengthening is mirrored by an effort to build technical capacity within the state itself. Through the “Devs in Government” initiative, public institutions are beginning to rely less on external contractors and more on in-house expertise. It is a modest shift, but a meaningful one. A government that can build and maintain its own digital systems becomes a practitioner of it.

At the same time, older institutions are being repurposed for new realities. The transformation of the postal service into a network of digital service hubs is, in many ways, emblematic of the broader strategy: take what exists, and make it relevant. In communities where access to government services remains uneven, these hubs offer a physical interface to a digital state—places where citizens can connect, transact, and participate.

If infrastructure, policy, and capital form the architecture of this transformation, human capacity remains its engine. The 3 Million Technical Talent programme of the President Tinubu administration, which has already trained hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in fields ranging from software development to artificial intelligence, speaks directly to the country’s most pressing challenge: employment. For a generation navigating a difficult labour market, digital skills offer both jobs and mobility—the ability to work across borders without leaving home.

That possibility is further underscored by Nigeria’s early steps into artificial intelligence through initiatives like N-ATLAS, a national effort to develop local AI capabilities. In a field dominated by global powers, the ambition may seem audacious. It however reflects a broader recognition: that the next phase of digital competition will be defined not only by who uses technology, but by who builds it.

These initiatives would not resolve Nigeria’s economic challenges overnight. Connectivity gaps still persist. Infrastructure takes time to mature. Skills programmes must translate into sustained employment. But there is a discernible coherence to the approach—a sense that the pieces, long treated in isolation, are now being assembled into a system.

For Nigeria’s young population, that system carries a particular weight. It shapes whether a freelancer can find global clients, whether a startup can scale beyond Lagos, whether a graduate can build a career without emigrating. It determines, in quiet but consequential ways, how opportunity is distributed.

Infrastructure, after all, is not just about cables and code. It is about access—who has it, who does not, and what becomes possible as a result. In that sense, the story unfolding in Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu is not simply one of digital reform. It is a story about inclusion, about the slow construction of a framework in which more people can participate in the economy of the future.

And, as with all such systems, its success will ultimately be measured not by the ambition of its design, but by the ease with which it disappears into everyday life—reliable, unremarkable, and, for millions of Nigerians, quietly transformative.

* Sandra Pam Gyang is a technology enthusiast and writes from Abuja.

Noisy grand declarations, ceremonial trips, and fleeting headlines often serve as proxies for power in Nigerian politics. But every so often, a public official attempts something more enduring: to shift the very architecture of policy. That, in many respects, defines the tenure of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Bola Tinubu.

From the outset, Tuggar framed his mission around an idea both simple and ambitious: that Nigeria must engage the world not as a dependent actor, but as a country guided by clarity, confidence, and national interest. This focus on Strategic Autonomy aims to inspire pride and trust in Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy among the global audience.

Critics may argue that Nigerian foreign policy has long promised more than it delivers. It’s important to highlight specific achievements, such as the multibillion-dollar investment commitments and Nigeria’s increased influence in BRICS, which grew tangentially between 2023 and 2026. These concrete outcomes reflect a recalibrated global posture that goes beyond rhetoric.

Under Tuggar, Nigeria reinforced its leadership across key African institutions, maintaining strong influence in continental peace, security, and economic governance. It was re-elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2022–2025 term, continuing a presence it has held since 2004. In a major financial milestone, Nigeria secured a permanent seat on the board of the proposed African Central Bank in February 2026, strengthening its role in shaping Africa’s monetary future. The country also consolidated its diplomatic weight with the re-election of Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. At the same time, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu maintained regional leadership as ECOWAS chair while serving as the ECOWAS Council of Foreign Ministers’ chair.

Beyond institutional positions, Nigeria has remained actively engaged in regional diplomacy and stability efforts. Under Tuggar, Nigeria worked to sustain regional integration amid tensions following the Sahel states’ withdrawal from ECOWAS, while also supporting the Republic of Benin’s election to the AUPSC. Financially, Nigeria demonstrated a renewed commitment by fully paying its 2023 ECOWAS levy, its first complete payment in nearly two decades, and made substantial contributions in the year 2024.

The convening of the West Africa Economic Summit, for instance, was not merely an event; it was a signal that Nigeria intends to reclaim its role as the region’s diplomatic and economic anchor. There was always a solution to debilitating situations; the Regional Partnership for Democracy was the answer to the unconstitutional changes in government that had made West Africa the last bastion of coups and counter coups in the world. It aimed to restore public confidence through transparent, citizen-centred governance in the region.

Perhaps more telling was the internal reform agenda. Foreign policy is only as strong as the institution that drives it, and Tuggar recognised this. The creation of an AI Unit for anticipatory diplomacy and the rollout of automated consular services show that Nigeria is modernising and inspire hope and confidence in its future capabilities.

Still, no tenure is without its complexities. The translation of investment pledges into tangible economic transformation remains an ongoing test. Diplomatic visibility, while important, must ultimately feed into domestic realities, jobs, infrastructure, and stability. In this sense, the true measure of this era will not be the number of agreements signed, or miles travelled but the durability of their impact on Nigeria’s development trajectory.

It is undisputed that Tuggar brought a certain intellectual clarity to the role. He consistently emphasised professionalism, defended the place of career diplomats, and insisted that foreign policy should be anchored in expertise rather than improvisation. At a time when institutions often struggle against political pressures, this stance matters.

As he moves on to the next chapter of public service, his legacy includes not only immediate accomplishments but also a foundation for sustained diplomatic growth. In the end, leadership is not only about what is done but also about what becomes possible afterwards. By that measure, Amb. Tuggar’s tenure may well be remembered not just for its accomplishments, but for raising the bar of ambition in Nigeria’s engagement with the world.

* Abdulkadir is the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s 29th Minister of Foreign Affairs

Bauchi: A Paradise For Immunity Seekers? How Alleged Corrupt Politicians Are Eyeing Government House, By Haroon Mustapha

For the attention of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

If two-term presidential politics is a game of two halves, then the first term is when a President sets direction, lays foundations, and begins to redirect the country toward a brighter future. The second term is when those gains are consolidated, the larger vision is executed, and a lasting legacy is secured.

The ‘BAT’ are positioned to become the halcyon period that repositions Nigeria regionally and internationally: no longer the tired story of a nation defined only by potential, but the 21st-century story of a country that converts potential into tangible national benefit.

That is precisely why Bauchi, like every other state in the federation, must not be allowed to become a paradise for immunity seekers. Past executive failure must not be recycled. Allegations of criminality must not be politically laundered. Questions over allegedly siphoned NNPC funds, allegations of procurement abuse, and claims touching on banditry or terrorism financing must not simply be brushed aside while Bauchi misses a genuine opportunity to reposition itself as a hub for tourism, agricultural investment, and strategic solid-mineral development under your second term.

Few tactics in politics are as cynical as the rush for constitutional immunity. Under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, governors are protected from civil and criminal proceedings while in office. For some Bauchi politicians, the timing of their ambition raises serious questions. With lingering allegations from their time in the civil service or in federal appointments, the governorship can appear less like a platform for service and more like the ultimate constitutional shield. Reports in the public domain describe individuals investigated or charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) repositioning themselves as leaders seeking the people’s mandate not necessarily to serve, but, critics argue, to evade accountability. Whatever language such actors now deploy, the public record cannot simply be wished away. This playbook risks turning Bauchi into a haven for immunity seekers, weakening public trust, undermining good governance, and damaging the wider reform legacy your administration seeks to build.

The most obvious example is the current governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. Before his election in 2019, Mohammed, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had faced EFCC scrutiny. The anti-graft agency publicly stated that he “was standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor of Bauchi State. Only the constitutional immunity from prosecution, which his current office attracts, has put that case in abeyance.” EFCC statements issued earlier this year reiterated that position and linked the matter to his prior public roles. More recently, his administration has also come under fresh EFCC scrutiny involving aides charged with money laundering and terrorism financing, with his name reportedly appearing in court filings. Governor Mohammed has dismissed these developments as political persecution. Critics, however, argue that his 2019 governorship bid was timed, at least in part, to take advantage of constitutional immunity. Whether one accepts the EFCC’s account or the governor’s defence of a witch-hunt, the optics remain troubling: public office appears, at minimum, to have functioned as a route away from immediate accountability.

Now a section of Bauchi’s political elite is reportedly positioning Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti as Governor Mohammed’s preferred successor ahead of the 2027 elections. That prospect raises a profound question: is this confidence, or the entitlement of a political class that believes public memory is short and can be manipulated? In today’s world, alleged misconduct in public office does not remain hidden. It is documented, debated, and permanently available for scrutiny. Public commentary on social media, local reporting, and Wunti’s own political signals increasingly frame him as Mohammed’s preferred successor, with consultations inside APC structures reportedly already under way. Some accounts further suggest a wider political bargain in which Governor Mohammed could defect from the PDP to the APC, secure the APC senatorial ticket for Bauchi South, and see his Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is currently facing EFCC charges of money laundering and terrorism financing at the Federal High Court, emerge as Wunti’s running mate. If such a transition were realised, it would align Bauchi’s leadership succession with the ruling party, smooth Wunti’s path, and preserve Mohammed’s political relevance.

Dr Wunti is a career public servant who served in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. He joined in 1994 and rose through the ranks to hold several senior positions, including Production Programming Officer, Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Managing Director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, and, crucially, Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services from 2020 to 2025. In his final stint at NNPC, he served as Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer before retiring in June 2025. Since then, he has increasingly been mentioned as a leading contender for the governorship of Bauchi State.

However, as in the case of Bala Mohammed in 2019, public records also contain serious allegations relating to Wunti’speriod at NAPIMS. In 2022, Sahara Reporters and several whistleblower groups published claims that Wunti allegedly presided over “massive contracts fraud and multi-billion-dollar corruption” in NNPC’s upstream investment operations. The allegations included inflation of Joint Venture Cash Call budgets in alleged collusion with multinational and indigenous oil companies; the award of contracts in alleged violation of procurement rules, with preference reportedly given to favoured companies; the inflation of crude-oil handling charges, including claims that as much as $4 per barrel was added to Joint Venture budgets; and broader allegations of procurement fraud and abuse of office.

Groups such as the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, the Community Development Committee, and the Citizens Watch Coalition petitioned the EFCC and the National Assembly for investigation, citing what they described as more than 10 incidents of fraud and abuse of office. A 2025 petition to the EFCC reportedly renewed demands for a formal probe. Wunti has not been convicted of any offence, and his defenders have dismissed the allegations as blackmail and baseless claims unsupported by probative evidence. Even so, the accumulation of petitions and media reports has kept the allegations in public view. As he is now discussed as a possible APC governorship candidate in Bauchi, critics see a familiar pattern: a senior federal technocrat under heavy public scrutiny moving toward an office that carries constitutional immunity.

Mr President, you have presented yourself as a bold reformer willing to take difficult decisions that previous administrations avoided. Your economic reforms have marked a clear departure from decades of fiscal complacency. The removal of the fuel subsidy shortly after your inauguration in 2023, though politically risky, ended a long-standing drain on public resources and will remain one of the defining decisions of your presidency. The unification of exchange rates and the floating of the naira signalled a return to market discipline. Non-oil revenue performance, debt-service relief, GDP recovery, and rising external reserves have all been cited as evidence that your administration is pursuing a serious reform agenda. Additional efforts in civil-service reform, institutional restructuring, regional security cooperation, and infrastructure build-out have reinforced the image of a government trying to reset the Nigerian state. That is precisely why the company your administration keeps matters so much.

The people of Bauchi are tired of unrealised potential. They are tired of youth unemployment, weak primary healthcare, underdeveloped tourism assets, and a state economy that has not matched its promise. Bauchi can be a food basket for the North. It can become an engine room for value-added solid-mineral development. It can attract investment in agriculture, logistics, and tourism. These aspirations fit naturally within your stated vision of a stronger, more economically stable Nigeria built on sustainable growth, institutional integrity, and reduced corruption. But they cannot be realised if the state is captured by political actors whose primary instinct is self-preservation rather than public service.

Mr President your brand rests on reformist credibility: ending unsustainable subsidies, blocking fiscal leakages, and projecting administrative seriousness. Embracing figures with unresolved EFCC-level baggage carries obvious reputational risks. Public perception matters. Global perception matters. If Bauchi’s succession narrative hardens around Wunti amid contract-fraud petitions, and if that process is linked to a wider political accommodation involving Governor Mohammed, it will invite the charge that the ruling party is providing political cover to individuals facing grave allegations. In that scenario, isn’t Bauchi being conned once again?

Mr President, your legacy is not to be built on GDP numbers alone. It is also built on the company one keeps and the precedents one sets. Any association with politicians who appear, in the public mind, to treat the governorship as a get-out-of-jail card risks diluting the narrative of national renewal. It would also feed the perception that the APC is becoming a vehicle for elite protection rather than public service. In Bauchi specifically, the elevation of Wunti despite the allegations tied to his NAPIMS years, even if those allegations have not been proven in court, would send a dangerous signal: that political usefulness can override transparency concerns. Nigerians across the country would then be entitled to ask whether this is truly the new Nigeria your administration promises, or merely the old order dressed in reformist language.

Bauchi State’s political elite must decide whether shielding individuals facing serious public allegations serves the people or merely perpetuates a cycle of impunity. The impunity of the entitled. Mr President, you have staked your place in history on economic courage; you now face a parallel test of political consistency. Enduring legacy demands reform without selective blindness to corruption. Allowing Bauchi to become an immunity paradise would not only betray the people of the state; it could also stain the broader reform project your administration has diligently advanced. The 2027 contest will test whether substance prevails over political shelter, or whether the governorship remains a golden ticket for those with unfinished business before anti-corruption agencies. Nigerians deserve better than a state run as a refuge from accountability.
 
We remain guided by you, Mr President.

Haroon Mustapha, wrote from Bakin Kura Street, Bauchi

ADC crisis rooted in legal process, not external influence — Lawyers

Two Nigerian lawyers, Mr Inibehe Effiong and Mr Bodunde Opeyemi, have attributed the ongoing leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress to internal legal processes and binding court rulings, dismissing speculations of external interference.

The lawyers gave separate explanations amid public debate over the role of the electoral commission and allegations of political influence in the party’s affairs.

Effiong, a public interest and human rights lawyer, faulted the legal approach adopted by the faction led by a former Senate President, David Mark, describing it as procedurally questionable.

He clarified that the Federal High Court did not issue any restraining order against the party’s leadership but only directed that all parties be put on notice, a routine legal procedure requiring both sides to present their arguments.

According to him, the appropriate step would have been to contest the matter at the trial court rather than file an interlocutory appeal.

He said, “It became a motion on notice. They should have filed processes in opposition,” adding that opting for an appeal at that stage was “unusual” and “untidy.”

Effiong warned that further appeals could complicate the matter instead of resolving the dispute.

Court ruling shapes dispute

On his part, Opeyemi traced the crisis to a leadership tussle that followed a party meeting held in July 2025, which produced a new executive.

He explained that the situation escalated after a party official approached the Federal High Court, seeking to restrain both the new leadership and the electoral body from recognising the outcome of the meeting.

Although the court declined to grant an interim order, the case was later taken to the Court of Appeal.

In March 2026, the appellate court directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, meaning the situation must remain as it was before the suit was filed.

Opeyemi described the order as clear and binding.

“It requires a strict preservation of the state of affairs before the dispute,” he said, noting that no party is permitted to take actions capable of influencing the outcome of the case.

Why electoral body acted

The lawyers noted that the court directive explains the stance of the electoral commission, which has declined to recognise any faction within the party.

Opeyemi stated that the commission is legally bound to comply with the order and cannot take sides while the matter remains before the court.

He added that recognising any leadership under dispute could amount to a violation of a subsisting court order.

Internal legal process

Both lawyers maintained that the crisis stems from internal disagreements and legal strategies within the party rather than external interference.

They added that the impasse would likely persist until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the substantive suit.

NASENI Receives NELFUND, Advances Collaboration on Youth Skills and Industrial Development

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Halilu, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, received the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Idu, Abuja.

The engagement highlights NASENI’s growing role as a central driver of strategic partnerships aimed at advancing youth empowerment, skills development, and Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

During the visit, NASENI hosted the NELFUND delegation to a comprehensive tour of its state-of-the-art facilities, providing firsthand exposure to the Agency’s cutting-edge innovations, ongoing technological projects, and robust capacity-building programmes designed to accelerate local production and national self-reliance.

Deliberations were led by NASENI and centred on forging a structured collaboration between both institutions, with particular emphasis on human capital development. The proposed partnership will see NASENI leverage its technical expertise, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystem to support the design and implementation of practical training programmes targeting young Nigerians across both formal and informal sectors.

These programmes are expected to equip beneficiaries with industry-relevant skills, thereby enhancing employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening productivity across key sectors of the economy.

In aligning this initiative with its broader mandate, NASENI will work closely with NELFUND, whose financing framework is expected to complement the Agency’s technical interventions by expanding access to education and skills acquisition opportunities.

The visit concluded with NASENI reaffirming its commitment to building impactful institutional partnerships, while both parties expressed optimism on the transformative potential of the collaboration. Further engagements are expected to consolidate the framework for implementation, in line with national priorities on youth development and sustainable economic growth.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Tuggar Resigns to Contest Bauchi Governorship

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has resigned as Nigeria’s Minister of Affairs.

In his letter of resignation, the Minister expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation and to contribute to the implementation of the President’s 4D foreign policy strategy as a guiding framework for Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Ambassador Tuggar also expressed his sincere appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the diplomatic community, for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, the Minister demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. His tenure was marked by several notable achievements, advancing people-centred diplomacy through humanitarian evacuations, scholarship facilitation, and sustained support for Nigerians abroad, enhancing diaspora engagement, including the development of a structured Nigerians-in-Diaspora database to deepen national participation. It was also a time of deepening bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with key traditional partners and regional alliances especially in the global south. His tenure will be remembered for promoting regional and security cooperation and the formation of the Regional Papartnership for democracy RPD . Driving economic diplomacy by positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector.
Facilitating diplomatic resolutions that led to the release of detained Nigerians abroad and strengthened bilateral relations.

He submitted his letter of resignation to the SGF’s office before the stipulated 31st of March date for political office holders to hand over their resignations as stipulated by the electoral act and instructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Abubakar Kana Permanent Secretary General Services Office received the letter on behalf of the office of the Secretary to the Government.

Healing From the Roots: Why President Tinubu’s Bet on Primary Health Care Is the Right One

There is a logic to how things fall apart—and an equally clear logic to how they are put back together. A tree that is dying does not need a better crown; it needs attention at the roots. Nigeria's health care system has, for too long, received the opposite treatment: investment concentrated at the top, in federal teaching hospitals and specialist centres, while the foundation—the primary health care centres where most Nigerians first meet the health system—quietly crumbled.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Health Agenda is making a different bet. It is investing in the roots. And it is the right call.

Primary Health Care is not a lesser form of medicine, like many people think it is. It is the most important. It is where preventive care happens, where children receive their vaccines, where mothers receive antenatal attention, where chronic diseases are caught before they become crises. The World Health Organisation estimates that scaling up primary health care could save 60 million lives globally by 2030. In a country with Nigeria's population and geography—vast, uneven, with millions living beyond the reach of hospitals—Primary Health Care does not just form a supplement to the country’s health system, but is invariably the health system.

This is why the President Tinubu administration's decision to release N68 billion to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for vaccine procurement and primary health care services matters so profoundly. The funding will procure between 18 and 35 million vaccine doses, covering measles-rubella, polio, and HPV vaccines in high-burden states.

It will also target the 7.4 million "zero-dose" children in Nigeria—children who have never received a single routine vaccination, largely because they live in communities that the system has not yet reached. House-to-house campaigns, mobile vaccination teams, and community outreach programmes will take the health system to them, rather than waiting for them to find it.

The N68 billion sits within a broader architecture of reform. More than N130 billion has been committed to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in 2024 alone. Over 4,000 Primary Health Care Centres have been revitalised, with an additional 1,500 currently being upgraded across all geopolitical zones. These are not cosmetic. And here is why: Revitalised PHCs are receiving modern equipment, reliable electricity and water supply, medicines, and the capacity to offer 24-hour services. For communities where the nearest hospital may be hours away, this in fact may be the difference between life and death.

Yet infrastructure without people is an empty promise. The administration has trained over 60,000 frontline health workers—community health practitioners, midwives, primary health care facility staff—with a target of 120,000 in view. In many rural and underserved communities, these trained workers are the only healthcare providers within reach. Investing in their skills is investing in the communities they serve. It is also a direct response to the "japa" phenomenon—the migration of trained health professionals abroad—by building a deep, community-rooted cadre of health workers whose work is grounded in local service.

Accountability has not been left to chance. The National Health Fellows Programme has deployed one trained health fellow in each of Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas. Their mandate is clear: track the performance of PHC facilities, monitor the flow of health financing, and provide real-time data to federal and state authorities. This is transparency applied to health governance—ensuring that the money committed to primary health care actually reaches the people it is meant to serve, and that someone is watching to confirm it does

Critics may point to the distance still to travel. The challenges are real, and they are many. But the direction matters, and so does the reasoning behind it. Every serious country that has built a robust health system—from Thailand to Rwanda—built it from the ground up, anchoring the entire architecture in a strong primary health care foundation before scaling upward. Nigeria is, at last, doing the same.

The average Nigerian cannot afford to be flown abroad for medical attention. The average Nigerian cannot access a tertiary hospital in Lagos or Abuja from a rural community in Kebbi or Abia. What the average Nigerian can access—when it works—is the primary health care centre in their ward, the community midwife who delivers their child, the vaccination outreach that protects their family. These are the touchpoints that determine whether the health system is real for the majority of Nigerians, or merely theoretical.

Healing a nation's health system, like healing a patient, requires attending to the fundamentals first. The President Tinubu administration is doing exactly that. It deserves both recognition and continued scrutiny recognition for making the right strategic choice, and scrutiny to ensure that the investment translates fully into improved outcomes for the Nigerians it is meant to reach.

The roots are finally getting water. What grows from here will depend on how faithfully the work continues.

- Danjuma Alheri is a development expert working with a Non-Governmental Organisation in Northern Nigeria

Why Nigeria Needs Tinubu’s Health Reforms

If you are a Nigerian, you have most likely experienced our healthcare system not as you hear it in policy statements, but in the reality of long queues, empty drug shelves, and anxious journeys to distant hospitals. For millions of Nigerians, especially in rural communities, healthcare had become a matter of improvisation.

A mother in a village will most likely travel miles for antenatal care; a child misses routine immunisation because vaccines are unavailable; a family confronted with cancer must choose between treatment and financial ruin. These had over the years become the lived realities of a system long strained by underinvestment, fragmentation, and neglect.

The challenges are well known. Nigeria carries a heavy burden of infectious diseases—malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and respiratory infections remain leading causes of illness and death. Primary healthcare, the backbone of any effective system, has historically been weak: facilities under-equipped, medicines frequently out of stock, and service quality uneven. Public health funding has been insufficient, leaving households to shoulder costs directly, often catastrophically. Meanwhile, a persistent exodus of doctors and nurses has hollowed out the workforce, while poor sanitation and weak preventive systems continue to fuel avoidable disease outbreaks.

Yet, to conclude that Nigeria’s health sector is doomed would be misleading. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, a series of targeted reforms is beginning to address these structural weaknesses through incremental, system-focused interventions. The logic of President Tinubu’s team is clear: to rebuild primary healthcare which seats at the heart of healthcare delivery to the majority of the country’s population, to strengthen the workforce that is tasked with delivering on this healthcare, to expand specialised care, enforce accountability, and secure the supply of medicines.

These touch on every aspect of the challenges that the country’s healthcare sector faces.

At the foundation of this effort is a renewed emphasis on primary healthcare. The Federal Government’s release of N68 billion to strengthen vaccine procurement and primary care services signals a shift towards prevention and early intervention. By financing tens of millions of vaccine doses—including those for measles, polio, HPV, and malaria—the programme directly targets diseases that disproportionately affect children.

Crucially, it prioritises the 7.4 million “zero-dose” children who have never received routine immunisation. Through mobile teams and house-to-house campaigns, the government intends to reach those it has historically missed.

This investment sits within a broader expansion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, now exceeding N130 billion. These measures aim to reduce the financial barriers that have long defined access to care. If sustained, they could gradually shift Nigeria away from its reliance on out-of-pocket spending towards a more pooled and predictable financing model.

However, infrastructure without personnel is futile. Nigeria’s health workforce crisis—exacerbated by migration—has left many facilities understaffed. The training of over 60,000 frontline health workers by the President Tinubu administration, with plans to double that number, is therefore a critical intervention.

By strengthening the cadre of community health practitioners, midwives, and primary care staff, the President Tinubu administration is reinforcing the first line of defence in our health system. In practical terms, this means more skilled birth attendants, better immunisation coverage, and improved management of common illnesses at the community level. It also represents a pragmatic response to brain drain: if specialists leave, the system must at least ensure that basic care remains accessible.

Beyond primary care, the reforms recognise the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Cancer, once a relatively neglected area, is receiving new attention through the establishment of six federal oncology centres, three of which are already operational in Katsina, Enugu and Edo states. In a country of over 200 million people, access to cancer diagnosis and treatment has been severely limited, often requiring costly travel or treatment abroad. These centres now promise earlier detection, more affordable care, and improved survival rates for cancer patients. Just as importantly, they serve as hubs for training and research, helping to build a pipeline of specialists in this field that Nigeria urgently needs.

Yet reforms in funding, infrastructure, and workforce risk being undermined without accountability. Here, the deployment of National Health Fellows across all 774 local government areas introduces an innovative layer of oversight. These fellows act as the system’s eyes and ears, tracking the flow of funds, monitoring facility performance, and generating real-time data. This sector has often experienced leakages, with inefficiencies often diluting impact. Curbing this through the Health Fellows would prove transformative. It signals a recognition that governance—not just spending—is central to health outcomes.

The physical state of healthcare facilities, long a symbol of systemic decay, is also being addressed. The revitalisation of over 4,000 primary health centres, alongside the upgrade of thousands more, is gradually restoring confidence in public healthcare. Functional facilities—with electricity, water, equipment, and medicines—change the calculus for patients. They bring care closer to communities, reduce pressure on overcrowded hospitals in our cities, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Perhaps the most forward-looking element of President Tinubu’s health reforms lies in the push to localise pharmaceutical production. Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines has long exposed it to supply shocks and high costs. Over $2 billion has been mobilized so far in partnerships and financing—spanning institutions such as Afreximbank and European partners. With this, the government is attempting to build a domestic healthcare value chain that includes manufacturing plants, diagnostic centres, and large-scale projects such as the African Medical Centre of Excellence. It indeed has the potential to enhance medicine security, create skilled jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare production.

These initiatives reflect a coherent—and still evolving—strategy. Nigeria’s health challenges, though deep-rooted are being tackled with President Tinubu’s healthcare reforms. They are a shift in approach: from episodic interventions to system-building; from urban-centric care to community-level access; from dependence on imports to domestic capability.

Nigeria does not merely need more hospitals or more doctors—it needs a health system that works predictably, equitably, and sustainably. The President Tinubu administration’s reforms, while far from complete, represent a step in that direction. In a country where the absence of care has long been normalised, even incremental progress carries profound significance.

- Michael Chiemeka is a medical researcher.

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno, Neutralise Scores

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on a military position in Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents and recovering weapons in a follow-up operation.

The military said the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday at the Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, was met with a swift and coordinated response by ground forces, supported by air assets. The engagement forced the attackers into a chaotic retreat after encountering what officials described as a “deliberate offensive-defensive” response by troops.

Air support from the operation’s air component provided real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as close air strikes that enhanced the troops’ effectiveness during the encounter.

According to the military, at least 38 insurgents were neutralised during the clash, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate vicinity of the base. Local intelligence sources also indicated that more than 30 additional bodies were found along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes stretching from Garin Mallum to Garin Gajere, extending into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.

Troops, during exploitation operations, reportedly discovered blood trails and abandoned equipment along the axis, further confirming the scale of the losses inflicted on the fleeing insurgents.

Recovered items from the scene include seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and assorted ammunition.

Despite the intensity of the attack, the military recorded no fatalities among its personnel. However, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was struck by rocket-propelled grenade fire, leaving some soldiers injured. The wounded personnel have since been stabilised, according to the statement.

Military authorities noted that the successful defence of the base and the heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers have sparked celebrations among residents in nearby communities, reflecting growing confidence in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

Troops are continuing clearance and exploitation operations along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere corridor, aiming to recover additional bodies and consolidate operational gains in the wider Timbuktu Triangle area, a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

Why Nigeria Needs Tinubu’s Health Reforms

If you are a Nigerian, you have most likely experienced our healthcare system not as you hear it in policy statements, but in the reality of long queues, empty drug shelves, and anxious journeys to distant hospitals. For millions of Nigerians, especially in rural communities, healthcare had become a matter of improvisation.

A mother in a village will most likely travel miles for antenatal care; a child misses routine immunisation because vaccines are unavailable; a family confronted with cancer must choose between treatment and financial ruin. These had over the years become the lived realities of a system long strained by underinvestment, fragmentation, and neglect.

The challenges are well known. Nigeria carries a heavy burden of infectious diseases—malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and respiratory infections remain leading causes of illness and death. Primary healthcare, the backbone of any effective system, has historically been weak: facilities under-equipped, medicines frequently out of stock, and service quality uneven. Public health funding has been insufficient, leaving households to shoulder costs directly, often catastrophically. Meanwhile, a persistent exodus of doctors and nurses has hollowed out the workforce, while poor sanitation and weak preventive systems continue to fuel avoidable disease outbreaks.

Yet, to conclude that Nigeria’s health sector is doomed would be misleading. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, a series of targeted reforms is beginning to address these structural weaknesses through incremental, system-focused interventions. The logic of President Tinubu’s team is clear: to rebuild primary healthcare which seats at the heart of healthcare delivery to the majority of the country’s population, to strengthen the workforce that is tasked with delivering on this healthcare, to expand specialised care, enforce accountability, and secure the supply of medicines.

These touch on every aspect of the challenges that the country’s healthcare sector faces.

At the foundation of this effort is a renewed emphasis on primary healthcare. The Federal Government’s release of N68 billion to strengthen vaccine procurement and primary care services signals a shift towards prevention and early intervention. By financing tens of millions of vaccine doses—including those for measles, polio, HPV, and malaria—the programme directly targets diseases that disproportionately affect children.

Crucially, it prioritises the 7.4 million “zero-dose” children who have never received routine immunisation. Through mobile teams and house-to-house campaigns, the government intends to reach those it has historically missed.

This investment sits within a broader expansion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, now exceeding N130 billion. These measures aim to reduce the financial barriers that have long defined access to care. If sustained, they could gradually shift Nigeria away from its reliance on out-of-pocket spending towards a more pooled and predictable financing model.

However, infrastructure without personnel is futile. Nigeria’s health workforce crisis—exacerbated by migration—has left many facilities understaffed. The training of over 60,000 frontline health workers by the President Tinubu administration, with plans to double that number, is therefore a critical intervention.

By strengthening the cadre of community health practitioners, midwives, and primary care staff, the President Tinubu administration is reinforcing the first line of defence in our health system. In practical terms, this means more skilled birth attendants, better immunisation coverage, and improved management of common illnesses at the community level. It also represents a pragmatic response to brain drain: if specialists leave, the system must at least ensure that basic care remains accessible.

Beyond primary care, the reforms recognise the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Cancer, once a relatively neglected area, is receiving new attention through the establishment of six federal oncology centres, three of which are already operational in Katsina, Enugu and Edo states. In a country of over 200 million people, access to cancer diagnosis and treatment has been severely limited, often requiring costly travel or treatment abroad. There centres now promise earlier detection, more affordable care, and improved survival rates for cancer patients. Just as importantly, they serve as hubs for training and research, helping to build a pipeline of specialists in this field that Nigeria urgently needs.

Yet reforms in funding, infrastructure, and workforce risk being undermined without accountability. Here, the deployment of National Health Fellows across all 774 local government areas introduces an innovative layer of oversight. These fellows act as the system’s eyes and ears, tracking the flow of funds, monitoring facility performance, and generating real-time data. In a sector where leakages and inefficiencies have often diluted impact, such granular monitoring could prove transformative. It signals a recognition that governance—not just spending—is central to health outcomes.

The physical state of healthcare facilities, long a symbol of systemic decay, is also being addressed. The revitalisation of over 4,000 primary health centres, alongside the upgrade of thousands more, is gradually restoring confidence in public healthcare. Functional facilities—with electricity, water, equipment, and medicines—change the calculus for patients. They bring care closer to communities, reduce pressure on overcrowded hospitals in our cities, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Perhaps the most forward-looking element of President Tinubu’s health reforms lies in the push to localise pharmaceutical production. Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines has long exposed it to supply shocks and high costs. Over $2 billion has been mobilized so far in partnerships and financing—spanning institutions such as Afreximbank and European partners. With this, the government is attempting to build a domestic healthcare value chain that includes manufacturing plants, diagnostic centres, and large-scale projects such as the African Medical Centre of Excellence. It indeed has the potential to enhance medicine security, create skilled jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare production.

These initiatives reflect a coherent—and still evolving—strategy. Nigeria’s health challenges deep-rooted but they are being tackled with President Tinubu’s healthcare reforms. They are a shift in approach: from episodic interventions to system-building; from urban-centric care to community-level access; from dependence on imports to domestic capability.

Nigeria does not merely need more hospitals or more doctors—it needs a health system that works predictably, equitably, and sustainably. The President Tinubu administration’s reforms, while far from complete, represent a step in that direction. In a country where the absence of care has long been normalised, even incremental progress carries profound significance.

- Michael Chiemeka is a medical researcher.

Bauchi Progressives Forum Calls for Immediate Expulsion of Isa Yuguda from APC

The Bauchi Progressives Forum (BPF) has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State to immediately expel former Governor Isa Yuguda from the party.

The forum noted that the call had become necessary in light of “Isa Yuguda’s sustained pattern of conduct which is not only divisive but fundamentally at odds with the values, discipline, and integrity expected within a ruling party entrusted with national leadership.

“His recent public utterances—marked by false allegations, reckless commentary, and unwarranted attacks against respected party leaders, including the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar—amount to a direct affront not only to individuals but to the authority and cohesion of the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the Forum stated in a statement issued by its President, Comrade Isa Warji.

The Forum accused the former Governor of undermining the President Tinubu administration by attacking one of the President’s crucial appointees.

“It is important to state that Ambassador Tuggar is not merely a party member but a key appointee of Mr. President, playing a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy and global standing. An attack on such a figure, made with clear intent to sow discord, is, by extension, an attack on the government itself. This is unacceptable and must not be condoned under any circumstance.”

The Bauchi Progressives Forum noted that the “corruption-laden” tenure of the former Governor, Isa Yuguda erodes the credibility of the APC and brings a “stink and stain” to the APC in Bauchi State.

“Beyond his recent conduct, Isa Yuguda’s continued presence in the APC raises deeper concerns about the moral and reputational standing of the party. His tenure as Governor of Bauchi State remains clouded by serious allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.

“Following his exit from office in 2015, the administration of his successor, former Governor Mohammed Abubakar, instituted a comprehensive review of contracts and financial dealings carried out between 2007 and 2015. The findings of the investigative committee were deeply troubling. The committee uncovered widespread irregularities in the award and execution of contracts, questionable financial transactions, and systemic lapses indicative of negligence, corruption, and collusion to defraud the state, traced to Isa Yuguda.

“Most notably, the report identified a staggering sum of N212.2 billion that could not be properly accounted for during Yuguda’s administration.

“It further recommended the recovery of N66.56 billion from contractors, consultants, government officials, and financial institutions implicated in these transactions. These findings were the outcome of a structured and government-backed investigative process that reviewed activities across key ministries and agencies, including education, local government affairs, and infrastructure projects such as roads, hospitals, and airport development.

“These are not trivial allegations. They represent a scale of financial mismanagement that, if left unaddressed, undermines public trust and weakens the moral authority of any political platform that chooses to accommodate such a figure.”

The statement went further to add that: “At a time when the APC-led administration under President Tinubu is pursuing reforms anchored on accountability, transparency, and economic renewal, it is both contradictory and damaging to retain within its ranks Isa Yuguda whose public record continues to attract such grave concerns.

“The presence of Isa Yuguda in the party does not add value; rather, it projects what can only be described as a stain—one that risks eroding the credibility of the party and its leadership.

“Political parties are, ultimately, custodians of public trust. They must be vigilant in safeguarding their image and ensuring that their membership reflects the values they profess. Discipline, loyalty, and integrity are not optional—they are foundational,” the statement read.

The Bauchi Progressives Forum concluded its statement by urging the APC in Bauchi State to act decisively and without delay, stating that “allowing Isa Yuguda to remain within the party despite his conduct and the weight of allegations surrounding him sends the wrong signal to party members, supporters, and the Nigerian public at large.

“The APC must demonstrate that it is a party that stands for accountability, respects its leadership, and does not tolerate actions or individuals that undermine its unity and integrity.”

NSA Ribadu, VP Cassis Deepen Nigeria–Switzerland Security Cooperation

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has held a high-level meeting with the Swiss Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on peacebuilding, security, and regional stability.

The engagement, described as productive and forward-looking, highlighted the growing depth of relations between Nigeria and Switzerland, particularly in addressing evolving security challenges within Nigeria and across the region. Both officials explored ways to consolidate existing partnerships while identifying new areas of collaboration, with a strong emphasis on conflict prevention, crisis response, and sustainable peacebuilding.

Switzerland’s longstanding expertise in peace mediation and Nigeria’s strategic role in regional security featured prominently in the discussions, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation in tackling armed conflict and instability.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Cassis underscored the importance of the meeting, noting that both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in preventing and resolving armed conflict in Nigeria.

The meeting is seen as a reflection of Nigeria’s proactive diplomatic engagement on security matters and signals renewed momentum in bilateral efforts to strengthen national security frameworks and promote lasting peace and stability in the region.

League of Bauchi professionals backs Tuggar for 2027 governorship


The League of Bauchi Professionals (LBP) has thrown its weight behind Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, to vie for Bauchi governorship in the 2027 elections.

Ibrahim Yusuf, secretary of the league, said in a statement that the endorsement followed a meeting held in Bauchi during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Yusuf described Tuggar as a seasoned statesman, whose global exposure and leadership experience position him to translate international networks into tangible development outcomes for Bauchi.

He noted that the state requires leadership capable of blending its rich heritage with a modern governance vision, adding that Tuggar embodies this balance.

The secretary added that the league anchored its endorsement on four key pillars of Tuggar’s leadership framework — trust and truth, accountability, consistency, and a strong sense of duty.

He also cited the minister’s record of public service, including his tenure as a member of the house of representatives, Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, and his current role as the country’s top diplomat as evidence of his experience, discipline, and commitment to public service.

According to him, the minister’s experiences demonstrate his capacity to drive transparent governance and attract investment, adding that Tuggar represents “a blend of local empathy and global expertise” and can reposition Bauchi for sustainable growth.

He said the league called on stakeholders and citizens across Bauchi’s LGAs to support his candidature in the forthcoming political process.

Tuggar has been a vocal critic of Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi.

Though the minister has yet to publicly declare a governorship ambition, he is said to be mulling the position.

The Damocles Sword of Corruption Above Isa Yuguda’s Legacy

In public life, there are burdens that linger long after office is vacated. Some are the weight of achievement. Others are the quiet, persistent shadow of unanswered questions. For former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, it is the shadow of corruption that continues to define the narrative around his tenure.

Like the ancient parable of the Sword of Damocles—suspended, ever-threatening—allegations of corruption and financial impropriety have hovered above Yuguda’s legacy, shaping public perception and raising enduring questions about accountability, governance, and the stewardship of public trust.

During his time in office from 2007 to 2015, Isa Yuguda’s administration was the subject of multiple allegations of financial misconduct. Investigative reports pointed to questionable borrowing practices, including loans running into tens of billions of Naira, alongside inflated contracts and opaque financial arrangements.

These allegations, widely published in the media shows the picture, a troubling one of Isa Yuguda’s abuse of, poor management and diversion of public funds.

When the succeeding administration under Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar assumed office, it initiated a sweeping review of the state’s finances. What emerged from the investigative committee was staggering.

The committee reported that as much as N212.2 billion could not be properly accounted for during Isa Yuguda’s tenure. It identified widespread irregularities across ministries, agencies, and major projects—from infrastructure contracts to public sector expenditures. The findings suggested systemic lapses, including inflated contracts, questionable payments, and a pattern of financial decisions that defied transparent accounting.

In a state grappling with development challenges, such sums represent missed opportunities—schools that could have been built, hospitals that could have been equipped, roads that could have transformed livelihoods.

The Bauchi State Government subsequently referred aspects of these findings to anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Among the issues raised were allegations surrounding the use of N6.1 billion in security votes within a short period toward the end of his tenure, as well as broader claims of maladministration involving hundreds of billions of naira.

Yet, like many high-profile cases in Nigeria, the path from allegation to resolution proved complex, protracted, and ultimately inconclusive in the public domain.

Perhaps the most striking dimension of the controversy lies not only in direct allegations but in the trail of assets linked to Isa Yuguda’s close associates.

In 2017, the ICPC seized 220 residential properties across 20 estates from a former aide of Isa Yuguda, Sanusi Mohammed Isa. The scale of the assets—valued at over N1.8 billion—raised immediate questions. Isa Yuguda’s former PA’s known income could not plausibly account for such wealth. Of course the most likely assertion is that he was acting as a front for a politically exposed person.

In parallel, the EFCC moved against properties reportedly linked to Yuguda himself, including securing a court order for interim forfeiture of assets acquired through abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

The story of Isa Yuguda’s tenure is one of persistent allegations, partial investigations, and unresolved accountability.

His pretentious denial does not erase the scale of the claims made, nor does it diminish the significance of the findings, asset seizures, and institutional actions that followed his time in office. Instead, it places his legacy in a complex space—one where perception, evidence, and legal outcomes do not fully align.

For many observers, the central question remains: what might Bauchi State have become if even a fraction of the resources in question had been transparently and effectively deployed? Public office confers not just authority, but responsibility. And when questions of this magnitude arise, they tend to endure.

Like the Sword of Damocles, the allegations surrounding Yuguda’s tenure remain suspended—hanging over his head, and reminding Bauchi state indigenes of the man who took their resources and starved the state of development. They continue to shape how his years in office are remembered and discussed and this is not going to fade.

In public life, it is often not only what is proven that defines a legacy, but also what remains unanswered. For Isa Yuguda, his legacy in public service remains one of corrupt mismanagement of Bauchi State’s resources.

* Mal. Dalhatu Bashir is an anti-corruption activist based in Kaduna State.