₦airaland Forum

Bauchi APC: When politics turns to accusations without proof, By Usman Dahiru

The unfolding political drama within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has taken a troubling turn, with former Governor Isa Yuguda resorting to sweeping allegations against the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar. However, beyond the noise, a more critical question emerges: Are these claims rooted in verifiable facts, or are they part of a calculated political strategy to weaken a perceived rival?

A careful examination of the accusations reveals a pattern that is all too familiar in Nigeria’s political landscape, in which serious claims are made without publicly available evidence. Allegations of bribery, internal sabotage, and the deliberate destabilisation of the party are weighty issues that demand proof, not press statements. In the absence of such evidence, they risk being viewed as politically motivated narratives aimed at discrediting Tuggar’s rising profile within the APC.

It is also important to note that Yusuf Tuggar is not a newcomer in Nigeria’s political landscape. Before his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he served as a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing Gamawa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State. During his time in the National Assembly, Tuggar was known for his contributions to legislative debates, policy advocacy, and constituency development, earning him a reputation as a focused and articulate lawmaker.

Beyond his legislative career, Tuggar has remained an active and influential figure within the APC, playing strategic roles in party mobilisation and national politics. He was among the key figures who contributed to the political momentum that led to the electoral success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly through engagement, coordination, and support structures that strengthened the party’s performance in critical areas. His political experience and network therefore reflect years of active involvement, not a sudden emergence on the scene.

Yusuf Tuggar, by virtue of his position as Nigeria’s minister of Foreign Affairs, occupies a role that requires global engagement, strategic diplomacy, and national representation. It stretches logic to suggest that a serving minister, burdened with international responsibilities, would abandon his mandate to orchestrate internal party crises at the state level. Such claims not only undermine his office but also diminish the seriousness of political discourse.

What appears more plausible is that the growing influence and political relevance of Tuggar in Bauchi State may be unsettling certain entrenched interests. History has shown that in moments like this, accusations often become tools of political survival deployed not necessarily to inform the public, but to shape perception and control narratives ahead of future contests.

Even more concerning is the attempt to frame political ambition as a crime. In a democratic system, aspiring to leadership is both legitimate and expected. The real issue is not ambition, but the desperation to suppress it through unverified allegations and public smear campaigns.

If indeed there are credible concerns about misconduct, the appropriate avenue remains clear: present evidence before relevant party organs or law enforcement agencies. Resorting to media battles without substantiation only deepens division and weakens public trust in political leadership.

At a time when the APC in Bauchi State should be consolidating its structure ahead of future elections, the focus appears to have shifted towards internal warfare. This is not only counterproductive but risks handing political advantage to opposition forces who are closely watching the cracks within the ruling party.

Tuggar, on his part, has largely remained focused on his national assignment, avoiding unnecessary engagement in local political disputes. That restraint, in itself, reflects a level of maturity that should be encouraged, not attacked.

Ultimately, the APC in Bauchi must decide whether it wants to be defined by progress or by internal sabotage disguised as whistleblowing. Political disagreements are inevitable, but weaponising unproven allegations is a dangerous path that could erode the party from within.

In the end, leadership is not measured by the volume of accusations one can make, but by the ability to unite, build, and move forward. If the party is to remain relevant and competitive, it must rise above personal battles and refocus on collective purpose.

Until then, Nigerians will continue to ask: Who truly benefits from this growing storm within the APC in Bauchi?

Beyond the present accusations, it is also important to revisit documented concerns that trailed Isa Yuguda’s tenure as governor of Bauchi State. Public records and media reports over the years have repeatedly linked his administration to investigations by anti-corruption agencies, raising questions that remain part of Nigeria’s political memory.

In one widely reported case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sealed off a high-value property linked to Isah Yuguda in Bauchi. The action, according to the commission, was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations bordering on abuse of office, money laundering, and diversion of public funds.

Further reports also indicated that the EFCC had at various times investigated properties and financial dealings connected to the former governor. These investigations, covered by reputable media organisations, contributed to a narrative that placed his tenure under significant public and institutional examination.

Similarly, findings from a high-powered committee set up by a succeeding administration in Bauchi reportedly uncovered widespread irregularities in contracts awarded between 2007 and 2015. The committee alleged that billions of naira could not be properly accounted for, recommending recovery from contractors, officials, and financial institutions linked to those transactions.

While it is important to stress that allegations do not equate to guilt, they nevertheless form part of the public record. In this context, it becomes even more necessary for political actors to exercise restraint when making unverified claims against others.

In light of these lingering concerns, it becomes imperative for Isa Yuguda to clearly state his position regarding the past allegations linked to his tenure. Public accountability demands that individuals who once held high office should not shy away from addressing issues that remain part of public discourse. Silence or deflection only fuels further speculation. More importantly, it raises questions about the moral standing from which such an individual chooses to level serious accusations against others, particularly figures like Yusuf Tuggar, whose public record continues to be defined by active national service and diplomatic responsibility.

Indeed, many observers argue that a political figure with a history of repeated scrutiny should exercise greater restraint in public commentary. Engaging in loud and unsubstantiated accusations against others, while unresolved questions from one’s own past remain, risks appearing less like accountability and more like political distraction. In such circumstances, credibility becomes a central issue one that cannot be separated from history, public perception, and institutional records.

Given the challenges facing Isa Yuguda, there is need for him to provide the public with clear answers to key questions regarding the corruption allegations during his administration. Below are some of these questions:

1. What is your clear position on the corruption-related investigations and allegations that trailed your tenure as governor of Bauchi State?
2. Can you publicly clarify the outcome of the EFCC-related cases and reports concerning properties and financial dealings linked to you?
3. How do you respond to findings from review committees that alleged financial irregularities during your administration?
4. What tangible legacy or compendium of achievements can you present to Bauchi people from your time in office?
5. In light of your record, on what moral grounds do you make strong allegations against other public officials?

Given the weight of these unresolved questions, some observers argue that it may be more appropriate for Isa Yuguda to first address concerns surrounding his own record, rather than publicly associating himself with a party like the APC that positions itself on integrity, accountability, and progressive governance.

In recent weeks, concerns have continued to mount over the alleged role of Isa Yuguda’s son, Muslim Isa Yuguda, a special adviser to the Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, in the internal tensions within the APC in Bauchi State. Political observers claim that his growing involvement in party activities has been marked by actions and rhetoric perceived to deepen divisions rather than promote cohesion. While these claims remain matters of public discussion, they have nonetheless contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty within the party’s structure at the state level.

Analysts argue that for any emerging political figure, especially one linked to an established political family, the expectation should be to build bridges and strengthen party unity. However, the allegations surrounding Muslim Yuguda suggest a different trajectory one that raises questions about intent, experience, and the broader implications for APC’s stability in Bauchi. As the party navigates a sensitive period, there are increasing calls for all actors, regardless of status or background, to adopt a more responsible and unifying approach to political engagement.

Usman Dahiru writes from Bauchi, Bauchi State.

Group: ‘Allegations by Yuguda Against Foreign Affairs Minister are False, There is No Evidence’

A political group, Tuggar Vanguard, has reacted strongly to allegations made by former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, accusing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, of receiving a $150,000 bribe, warning that such claims could damage Yuguda’s own reputation if left unsubstantiated.

In a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi, the Chairman of the group, Garba Mohammed, was responding to reports titled “Tension in Bauchi APC as Ex-PDP Governor Accuses Tinubu’s Minister of $150,000 Bribe, challenged Yuguda to provide credible evidence to support the allegation.

“With respect to the allegation of financial inducement to the tune of $150,000 in relation to the APC delegation’s report on the party congresses in Bauchi State, this is a serious accusation that demands credible proof,” Mohammed stated.

“In any lawful society, allegations of bribery cannot rest on conjecture, hearsay, or political bitterness. If evidence exists, it should be laid before the appropriate authorities. Until then, it remains an allegation and must be treated as such.”

He further argued that making such unverified claims could harm Yuguda’s own standing.

“More troubling, however, is the damage Yuguda does to his own reputation by resorting to such an unsubstantiated claim. That he would wish to sink so low says far more about his sense of entitlement and his current standing in the political life of Bauchi than it does about Ambassador Tuggar,” he added.

Mohammed stressed that Bauchi State requires “mature leadership, disciplined engagement, and a clear commitment to progress,” rather than “recycled bitterness, political grandstanding, and unverified accusations.”

He also dismissed any suggestion that Yuguda played a role in Tuggar’s political rise, noting that the minister won election in 2007 to represent Gamawa Federal Constituency based on his personal merit and grassroots support, independent of Yuguda’s influence at the time.

On claims that Tuggar is destabilising the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Mohammed maintained that the minister’s political history reflects consistency and loyalty.

“From the ANPP to the Buhari political movement, to the CPC, and later to the APC, he has remained within the same progressive fold. He has not been known for political defections,” he said, contrasting this with Yuguda’s history of party switches.

The group urged that any genuine concerns regarding party affairs in Bauchi should be addressed through established internal mechanisms, rather than through public accusations capable of inflaming tensions.

Mohammed further noted that Yuguda appears to be among the few APC stakeholders publicly objecting to the outcome of the congresses, pointing out that other prominent party figures, including former governors, lawmakers, and ministers, have not echoed his position.

He emphasised that Bauchi politics must not be reduced to “the ambitions or grievances of one individual,” adding that the state “is bigger than any one man” and deserves leadership focused on unity, development, and progress.

According to him, political discourse in the state should shift away from personal attacks and focus on issues affecting citizens, while stakeholders work to strengthen democratic culture and party cohesion.

He concluded by urging political actors to align with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the need to position Bauchi as a major agricultural and mineral hub in Nigeria.

“That is the real challenge. That is the real opportunity. And that is where the attention of serious-minded political actors should be directed,” Mohammed said.

“Isa Yuguda Should Address His Record and Leave Ambassador Tuggar Alone” – Bauchi Progressives Forum

The Bauchi Progressives Forum has called on former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, to immediately desist from making baseless and reckless allegations against the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and prominent APC leader in the state, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

The Forum, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Isa Warji stated that Ambassador Tuggar has, throughout his public service, maintained an unblemished record of responsibility, discipline, and commitment to both party and state, and should not be dragged into the murky waters of political mischief by individuals seeking relevance.

Reacting to claims that the Minister has fostered division within the party, the Forum described such assertions as not only false but deliberately misleading. On the contrary, it noted that Ambassador Tuggar has consistently worked to unify party faithful across Bauchi State, demonstrating uncommon leadership in consolidating the APC’s base.

According to the Forum, at a time when the party in the state has had to contend with what it described as “hostile and ineffective governance” under the current administration, Ambassador Tuggar has distinguished himself by personally supporting party structures and strengthening grassroots mobilization.

“All political actors in Bauchi State are aware of the suffocating political climate imposed by the current state government. In the face of this, it is Ambassador Tuggar who has shown courage, resolve, and strategic leadership—mobilizing support, strengthening party machinery, and positioning the APC as a credible alternative for the people of Bauchi State.

“While others operate from a distance with little or no tangible contribution, Ambassador Tuggar has remained firmly on the ground, leading the charge against the failures of the present administration.”

The Forum expressed deep concern that Isa Yuguda—whose tenure as governor remains widely associated with fiscal recklessness and poor governance—would attempt to malign a public servant with a demonstrably stronger record of integrity and service.

“It is both ironic and unfortunate that a former governor, under whose watch Bauchi State suffered significant setbacks, would now seek to cast aspersions on a man who has shown far greater commitment to the progress of the state and the stability of the party.

“Public records remain replete with questions regarding the management of over N200 billion during Isa Yuguda’s tenure—issues for which satisfactory accountability has yet to be provided.

“The same Isa Yuguda was forced to forfeit several properties being proceeds of corruption, to the Federal Government.”

The Forum further stated that individuals burdened by unresolved questions of accountability lack the moral standing to lecture others on leadership or integrity.

“What Ambassador Tuggar embodies—discipline, vision, and credibility—stands in stark contrast to the legacy of mismanagement and controversy associated with Isa Yuguda. Resorting to unfounded attacks only reinforces this contrast.”

The Forum therefore warned Isa Yuguda to refrain from injecting divisive and discredited politics into the affairs of the APC in Bauchi State.

“We urge Isa Yuguda to focus on addressing the lingering questions surrounding his own record, rather than engaging in futile attempts to undermine those working diligently for the progress of Bauchi State.

“The APC in Bauchi State will not accommodate Isa Yuguda’s politics which is rooted in division, corruption, misinformation, and personal bitterness. Such conduct will be firmly resisted.”


Signed:

Comrade Isa Sani Warji
President

Youth leadership is the new strategic infrastructure for national transformation.

The Abuja Dialogue 2026 will convene Governors, senior policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and emerging leaders for a high-level national conversation on the role of youth leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.

As a precursor to the Lagos Leadership Summit (LLS), the Dialogue will examine how youth leadership can be strengthened as a strategic pillar for national development, creating pathways for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to governance, innovation, and nation-building.

Convened in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy under the Lagos State Government, the Abuja Dialogue will bring together thought leaders and stakeholders to generate ideas, partnerships, and policy insights that position youth leadership as a critical driver of Nigeria’s long-term development and institutional renewal.

#AbujaDialogue2026
#AbujaDialogue
#LagosLeadershipSummit
#StayLJLAConnected

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@lagosleadershipsummit
@ljlacademy

Court set to hear suit on FCCPC’s power over reinsurer

The Federal High Court in Lagos will on Thursday hear legal arguments likely to test the limits of anti-competitive behaviours in the reinsurance market and impose a new code of conduct in the nation’s broader corporate community.

The suit followed an investigation of WAICA Reinsurance Corporation Plc by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over an alleged pattern of gross violations.

FCCPC, the country’s foremost consumer protection and competition regulatory authority, insists that WAICA, a transnational company, in a deceptive manner, wilfully organised and conducted its business in violation of the law and thereby distorted the reinsurance market.

WAICA, based in Sierra Leone, is accused of violating sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018) in a manner that “grossly distorts” the reinsurance market in Nigeria and impairs fair competition.

The risk underwriter operates as a pan-African reinsurer with major regional offices in Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), and Tunis (Tunisia).

It was gathered that WAICA had witnessed significant market growth of about 100 per cent in Nigeria between 2018 and 2024, to secure dominance.

Legal analysts believe the outcome of the upcoming case will have far-reaching implications not only for the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in terms of more taxable income but also for the primary industry regulator, NAICOM, as well as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for more diligent oversight.

It is understood that WAICA filed the action preemptively to avoid liability after being confronted with its wrongdoing by the FCCPC investigation.

FCCPC claims in court papers that WAICA willfully violated the law and engaged in a pattern to prevent regulatory accountability to all relevant regulators.

The outcome of this case will certainly be monumental for regulatory accountability to both primary sector regulators and demonstrate the reach of the FCCPC to compel businesses to comply with even those sector regulations.

It will also clarify the extent of liability of the directors for the conduct of the company they superintend.

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI FOIL COORDINATED TERRORIST ATTACKS, KILL OVER 20 INSURGENTS IN YOBE

Troops of the JointTask Force (North East) , deployed in Goniri, under Sector 2 of OPHK , have successfully foiled coordinated attacks launched by ISWAP terrorists on their location in Goniri, Yobe State, killing over 20 terrorists. The attacks occurred from the night of Monday, 9 March 2026, through the early hours of Tuesday, 10 March 2026, when the troops came under heavy assault from multiple directions.

The terrorists were initially detected through surveillance assets advancing simultaneously from Goniri village and the Ngamdu junction axis in an apparent attempt to encircle the military location. Impressively, the vigilant and gallant troops responded swiftly with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre, effectively coordinating their defensive actions.

Reinforcements were promptly mobilised while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive close air support, further degrading the terrorists’ combat capability. During the intense firefight, the terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to retreat in disarray, suffering heavy casualties. Over 20 terrorists were neutralised, including a senior terrorist commander identified as Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula.

Following the failed attack, troops recovered several terrorist bodies along with weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat. Recovered items include multiple machine guns, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bombs, and assorted ammunition of various calibres.

Further exploitation and clearance operations by troops in the general area of Gwaigomari within the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies during follow-up patrols conducted up to the early hours of Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

The Quiet Precision of Tuggar’s Diplomacy

Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar does not easily blend into the background. His striking all-white hair often makes him instantly recognisable in diplomatic gatherings. Yet what truly sets Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs apart is not his appearance, but the measured style of diplomacy he has steadily cultivated—bold, strategic, and subtly assertive.

Since 2026 began, Ambassador Tuggar has undertaken a schedule of deliberate and purposeful diplomatic rhythm. From bilateral engagements in Türkiye to high-level conversations with technology leaders and commodity organisations, his engagements have consistently centred on projecting Nigeria’s economic strength and strategic relevance.

At the New Year reception for ambassadors in Abuja, he set the tone for the year by outlining three foreign-policy anchors—strategic autonomy, regional stability, and responsible global partnership—principles designed to guide Nigeria’s navigation of an increasingly fragmented global order. Whether it is the US-Israel-Iran war and the consequential effects on the global economy, or the Russian-Ukraine conflict, currently in its third year, or the rise in a multipolar global order, the activities defining global events today increasingly make these anchors crucial.

Nowhere has this style been more evident than in his multilateral engagements. At the 2026 summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Tuggar reinforced Nigeria’s leadership within Africa by signing a diplomatic visa waiver agreement with Angola and participating in discussions on strengthening democratic governance across the continent. Through platforms such as the Regional Partnership for Democracy—an initiative he launched in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme—he has emphasised the need to restore trust in democratic institutions while strengthening cooperation among African states.

Democracy has a crucial role to play in stabilizing Africa. Democracy builds trust between leaders and their citizens. It keeps the leaders on their toes, and ensures that the principles of the social contract between the governed and the government are adhered to and enforced. It also promotes a free market that spurs economic activities. Africa, which still lags behind needs these right now. Importantly, the continent needs to define the kind of democracy that works for its people.

Beyond the conversation on Africa, Ambassador Tuggar has continued to situate Nigeria within global conversations on economic resilience, energy, and security. His participation in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London, alongside discussions at Chatham House on West African security, underscored Nigeria’s role as both a regional stabiliser and a constructive international partner. In parallel, economic diplomacy has remained a constant thread—from conversations about Nigeria’s potential full membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries to strategic dialogue with Google on digital partnerships.

At the heart of these engagements is the doctrine Ambassador Tuggar has consistently championed since assuming office: Nigeria’s 4D diplomacy—democracy, development, demography, and diaspora. Rather than treating foreign policy as an abstract exercise, he has consistently tied diplomatic outreach to tangible national outcomes, from economic diversification and food security to technology investment and regional stability.

His style is firm yet composed, intellectual yet pragmatic. He prefers persuasion to provocation and strategy to noise. On panel discussions, whether at the Chatham House or at AU Summits, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister can always be heard making a firm case for his country—why we are leaders, why we matter, why our economy is crucial, and why we must continue to have a seat at the table. The result is a form of diplomacy that may be understated in tone but is increasingly visible in its impact—one that reinforces Nigeria’s standing as a confident, influential voice in Africa and beyond.

In the crowded halls of international diplomacy, Ambassador Tuggar’s approach is different: he commands attention not through volume, but through clarity of purpose and strategic poise. And in doing so, he continues to shape a foreign policy that positions Nigeria not merely as a participant in global affairs, but as a country capable of shaping them.

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

Beyond protocol: The Tuggar effect on Nigeria’s global standing

By Adebayo Adeoye


Less than three years after stepping into office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has steadily carved a distinct imprint on the nation’s diplomatic landscape. In a world increasingly defined by shifting alliances, economic realignments and delicate geopolitical balances, he has proven himself, beyond rhetoric, to be a round peg in a round hole.

From the very beginning, Ambassador Tuggar approached the ministry not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a strategic command centre for Nigeria’s global engagement. With an intellect sharpened by experience and a temperament grounded in composure, he has brought clarity and coherence to Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. His style is not loud, yet it resonates. It is measured, yet firm. It is thoughtful, yet decisive.

In multilateral corridors and bilateral negotiations alike, Tuggar has showcased the fine balance between diplomacy and national interest. He speaks with precision, listens with intent, and negotiates with foresight. Under his watch, Nigeria’s voice has not only been heard — it has been respected. From strengthening regional partnerships within Africa to redefining economic diplomacy as a core pillar of engagement, he has demonstrated that foreign policy is not an abstract exercise; it is a tool for national development.

Economic diplomacy, in particular, has gained renewed momentum. Tuggar has consistently advanced conversations that align Nigeria’s external relations with internal growth objectives — trade expansion, investment attraction, diaspora collaboration and strategic partnerships. His understanding of global power dynamics has allowed Nigeria to navigate complex international waters without losing sight of sovereign priorities.

Beyond policy frameworks and diplomatic communiqués, what distinguishes Ambassador Tuggar is his grasp of nuance. He understands that diplomacy in the 21st century demands adaptability, cultural intelligence and strategic patience. In moments of global uncertainty, his calm articulation of Nigeria’s position has reinforced confidence both at home and abroad.

Ambassador Tuggar stands as more than a minister occupying an office. He represents a refined blend of intellect and pragmatism — a diplomat who truly knows his onions and continues to position Nigeria not merely as a participant in global affairs, but as a consequential voice shaping them.

His diplomatic philosophy reflects both scholarship and experience. Soft-spoken but firm, analytical yet accessible, he understands that modern diplomacy demands more than ceremonial presence. It requires strategic thinking, cultural intelligence and the ability to translate global conversations into domestic gains. In high-level meetings and multilateral forums, he has projected Nigeria not as a peripheral player, but as a nation with agency, voice and influence.

Under his stewardship, Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture has taken on sharper definition. Economic diplomacy has moved from being a slogan to becoming a structured pursuit. Trade partnerships, investment dialogues and diaspora engagement have gained renewed emphasis, reflecting his belief that diplomacy must ultimately serve the economic aspirations of the Nigerian people. For Tuggar, embassies are not mere outposts; they are gateways for opportunity.

Regionally, his role in strengthening West African cooperation has been marked by balance and foresight. In moments of political strain across the sub-region, Nigeria’s responses have carried both firmness and restraint — a testament to his appreciation of diplomacy as a stabilizing force. Globally, he has continued to articulate Nigeria’s positions on security, development, climate and economic equity with clarity and conviction.

What distinguishes Ambassador Tuggar most, perhaps, is his grasp of nuance. He listens before he speaks. He studies before he acts. He recognises that diplomacy is often about timing as much as it is about language. This deliberate approach has earned him respect among peers and renewed confidence within Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.

Two years on, his tenure reflects a steady recalibration of Nigeria’s external engagements — less reactive, more strategic; less performative, more purposeful. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has not merely occupied the office of foreign minister; he has grown into it, shaping it with intellect, composure and a forward-looking vision that continues to position Nigeria as a consequential voice in an evolving global order.

Cheers To The Man Who Terrorists Would Rather Keep Shut

It is no gainsaying that anyone tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s response to insecurity carries a burden few would envy. The country’s security challenges are vast, complex and deeply entrenched. Yet, despite these realities, the past two years have witnessed measurable progress in confronting some of the most violent criminal networks operating across the country.

In Nigeria’s North-West, where banditry once paralysed communities and disrupted daily life, several of the most notorious criminal leaders have been neutralised by government forces. Among those taken out in coordinated operations are bandit kingpins such as Kachalla Sani Black, along with members of his network, Baleri Fakai and dozens of his fighters, Halilu Sububu, the terrorist leader linked to deadly attacks including the assault on a military base in Katsina in 2021, as well as Halilu Buzu, Sani Wala Burki, and Kachalla Ibrahim Gurgun Raji.

The removal of these figures is a deliberate counter-terrorism approach often described as the decapitation strategy. The strategy targets the leadership structures of criminal organisations with the knowledge that when the leadership of violent networks is dismantled, their command systems collapse, their supply lines weaken, and their ability to regroup becomes severely constrained. Camps become disorganised, resources shrink, and the machinery of violence begins to stall.

Much of the progress recorded in recent months has been driven by improved intelligence coordination, stronger collaboration among security agencies, and renewed investment in the operational capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces. At the centre of this coordination sits the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu.

Yet, paradoxically, the more visible the progress against insecurity becomes, the more determined some critics appear to be in manufacturing controversy.

Last week, a group of social media opportunists attempted to distort remarks made by the National Security Adviser after a high-level African counter-terrorism meeting. In the full exchange, Mal. Ribadu had been responding to a journalist’s question on whether the government would ever consider negotiations with terrorists.

His response was straightforward: if individuals genuinely surrender and renounce violence, the government would consider their repentance. To illustrate the point, he used a simple metaphor: that within any family, a member who goes astray but later returns remorseful is often given a chance to change.

But that was only part of his answer.

Earlier in the same exchange, Mal. Ribadu went on to outline how the government under President Bola Tinubu has intensified military pressure against terrorist leaders and criminal gangs. He listed several notorious figures who had already been eliminated by security forces.

Those mischief-makers who circulated the clip online carefully removed this crucial context. What remained was a deliberately shortened fragment of his remarks, presented in a way that falsely suggested he was sympathetic to terrorists. The distortion was as calculated as it was dishonest.

In the full remarks, Ribadu made it clear that the current security effort has delivered results rarely seen before, with so many terrorists and their leaders eliminated. As he put it:

“There has never been a time when terrorist leaders were eliminated like in this period. Today, where is Ali Kachalla? Wasn’t he the one who attacked Gusau University and abducted students? Where is Gwaderi? Where is Damina? Where is Dangote? We don’t necessarily have to talk about everything. Some operations are carried out quietly without publicity.

Places you couldn’t even step into before, not even during the day—now you can travel by road from Kaduna to Kano at night. Between 2022 and 2023, everyone knows that was simply impossible. The insecurity around Abuja, Lokoja, Nasarawa and Niger State up until 2022 was severe.”

To isolate a single sentence from a broader explanation and weaponise it for online outrage is certainly manipulation. Sadly, such behaviour has become a familiar feature of the social media age. Digital platforms that should enrich public discourse are often abused to distort facts, inflame emotions, and construct narratives detached from reality.

For Mal. Ribadu, however, misrepresentation is hardly new. His public career has long placed him in the crosshairs of those whose interests are threatened by accountability.

When he served as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his anti-corruption campaigns made him powerful enemies. Today, as National Security Adviser, confronting terrorists and organised criminal networks inevitably provokes similar hostility.

Those who profit from insecurity rarely applaud the people working to end it.

Mal. Ribadu’s record suggests that criticism has never deterred him from difficult assignments. I recall his address at the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna last year, where he methodically outlined the security forces’ successes against terrorist commanders. Name after name was listed—from Kachalla Boka to Dogo Isah, from Halilu Sububu to Buhari Alhaji Halidu, also known as Buharin Yadi—accompanied by visual evidence of their elimination.

It was a reminder that behind the statistics that Mallam Ribadu shares are coordinated operations carried out by soldiers risking their lives daily.

The work of the National Security Adviser extends beyond battlefield coordination. It also involves managing the international partnerships that shape Nigeria’s ability to confront modern security threats.

At one point, Nigeria’s relationship with the United States faced serious strain following lobbying campaigns by mischievous irredentists that alleged widespread religious persecution and pushed for punitive diplomatic measures.

At that critical moment, Mal. Ribadu led the effort to stabilise the relationship. He undertook a series of high-level diplomatic engagements in Washington, meeting senior officials across the American security establishment. These included consultations with Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and officials within the United States Department of State and United States Department of Defense.

He also engaged leaders within the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency and the United States Africa Command to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations and regional security.

Those engagements have since translated into stronger operational collaboration between the two countries, including enhanced training programmes for Nigerian security personnel and expanded intelligence cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

For his efforts, Mal. Ribadu continues to enjoy the confidence of the president. During a recent engagement in Adamawa State, President Tinubu publicly acknowledged his work, praising him as “honest, bold, courageous and committed,” and expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately defeat banditry and terrorism.

“I must say it clearly here that you're doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the result. With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists. You're a good National Security Adviser; honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job. I believe the state of Adamawa is strongly, strongly proud of you, because I am too,” President Tinubu said.

Nigeria’s security challenges are far from over. No serious observer would claim otherwise. But progress is visible, and it is the product of deliberate strategy, sustained coordination and political commitment.

Critics will continue to speak. Social media distortions will continue to circulate. False narratives often travel faster than facts. But facts, unlike rumours, endure.

And one fact is increasingly difficult to dispute: in the fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria today, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has become one of the most consequential adversaries these criminal networks face.

They are clearly not his brothers.

— Mr Mohammed Abiodun is a historian, and a writer who lives in the FCT.

In Three Years: How the Tinubu Government Has Fared in the Education Sector

Nigeria’s Education sector, despite well-meaning reforms has often followed a familiar cycle: bold policy announcements that end with eventual stagnation. The sector’s problems are well known and deeply entrenched. Millions of children remain out of school. Universities have long been plagued by recurring strikes. Infrastructure gaps persist. Funding constraints continue to frustrate both students and institutions.

Yet in the past three years, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun to approach these challenges through a set of interventions that attempt to address three of the sector’s most persistent weaknesses: access to finance, institutional stability, and the quality of learning outcomes.

The emerging reforms of the Bola Tinubu administration do not claim to have solved the sector’s problems. But they suggest the beginnings of a more deliberate effort to reposition education as the foundation of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.

For millions of Nigerian families, the greatest obstacle to education is simple: money. School fees, accommodation, books, and daily expenses place tertiary education beyond the reach of many capable students.

The administration’s most consequential response to this challenge has been the creation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, known widely as Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The scheme provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions across the country.

Under the programme, tuition and institutional fees are paid directly to universities and colleges, while students receive a monthly upkeep allowance of N20,000. Applications are processed through a digital portal designed to simplify access and reduce bureaucratic barriers.

Since its launch, over N183.89 billion has been disbursed nationwide. Of this amount, N107.09 billion has gone directly to 265 tertiary institutions for tuition and related fees, while N76.80 billion has been paid to students as living allowances. More than 1.56 million applications have been received.

For nearly one million students who have already benefited, the scheme has removed a structural barrier that has historically forced many young Nigerians to abandon their education.

The design of the programme reflects a deliberate attempt to reduce risk for borrowers. The loans carry zero interest, require no collateral, and repayment does not begin until two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps. Repayments are structured through employer deductions, ensuring that graduates only begin repayment once they have secured stable employment.

By easing the financial burden on households, the programme is already altering the economic calculus of higher education. Parents can redirect scarce income to other family needs. Students can focus on their studies without the constant anxiety of unpaid fees. And universities themselves receive more predictable funding flows.

In a country where financial hardship remains a leading cause of student drop-outs, such support is transformative.

If funding has been one chronic challenge in Nigerian higher education, instability has been another. For decades, disputes between government and academic unions have led to repeated closures of public universities, disrupting academic calendars and undermining confidence in the system. Upon assuming office, President Tinubu pledged to end the cycle of prolonged strikes that had come to define Nigeria’s university experience.

Since 2023, when President Tinubu assumed office, federal universities have operated without a nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The uninterrupted academic calendar has had immediate consequences for the country’s academic community. Students are once again able to complete their degrees on schedule rather than losing years to strike shutdowns. Graduates are entering the workforce earlier. Lectures and assessments proceed without interruption, improving knowledge retention and academic performance.

Perhaps just as importantly, the psychological toll that uncertainty imposed on students has been dealt with. A stable academic environment restores confidence not only among students but also among parents and employers who rely on the credibility of university qualifications.

Stability has also been reinforced through renewed attention to staff welfare. In December 2025, the Federal Government approved a 40 per cent salary increase for university lecturers following the conclusion of negotiations on the long-standing 2009 agreement with ASUU.

The renegotiated framework strengthens conditions of service and introduces reforms to funding models, university autonomy, and academic freedom. It also establishes a new budgeting template that provides dedicated allocations for libraries, laboratories, research infrastructure, equipment, and staff development.

Alongside these reforms, the government released N50 billion to settle outstanding allowances owed to lecturers and other tertiary institution staff, clearing backlogs that had accumulated over years of dispute.

To further support the academic workforce, the administration launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund in August 2025. The initiative offers interest-free loans of up to N10 million to staff of federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, repayable over five years with a twelve-month grace period.

The loans support a wide range of needs—from medical expenses and transportation to professional development and academic advancement—helping to strengthen morale within the system.

These interventions aim to restore trust between government and educators.

Stability and financing alone cannot transform education without addressing the quality of learning itself. Nigeria continues to grapple with a large population of out-of-school children, widespread learning poverty, and skills gaps that leave many graduates ill-prepared for modern labour markets.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s response has been the launch of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative, or National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), introduced in early 2025.

The programme represents a comprehensive reform agenda designed to move Nigeria from a resource-based economy toward a knowledge-driven one. Its focus spans six priority areas: expanding technical and vocational education, upgrading school infrastructure, advancing girls’ education, reintegrating out-of-school children, reforming curricula to include digital literacy and entrepreneurship, and introducing data-driven systems for monitoring educational performance.

Early results already suggest momentum. More than 25,000 out-of-school children have already been integrated back into classrooms. Around 4,000 Tsangaya teachers have been trained and mainstreamed into formal learning structures. Enrolment in technical and vocational education programmes has increased to roughly 650,000 students. Meanwhile, 38 technical colleges have been upgraded across the country, supported by digital monitoring systems designed to strengthen transparency and accountability.

The emphasis on vocational education reflects the government’s recognition that economic growth requires more than academic degrees. By aligning skills training with labour market needs, the programme aims to produce graduates capable of driving productivity and entrepreneurship.

One of the most persistent inequities in Nigeria’s education system remains the gender gap in access to schooling, particularly in underserved communities. To address this, the administration launched the LUMINAH 2030 initiative in March 2025, targeting the empowerment of more than one million underserved girls and women by the end of the decade.

The programme—whose name reflects a framework built around Learning, Uniting, Modernising, Innovating, Nurturing, Accelerating, and Harmonising—combines educational access with economic empowerment.

For younger girls aged five to fifteen, the initiative provides accelerated learning programmes aimed at reintegrating out-of-school children into basic education. Adolescent girls between fifteen and eighteen are supported with pathways into senior secondary education, vocational training, and leadership development.

The programme also recognises the link between women’s economic empowerment and educational outcomes. This initiative strengthens household income and increases the likelihood that girls remain in school.

Educated girls tend to marry later, raise healthier families, and invest more in the education of their children. Expanding access for girls therefore carries benefits that extend well beyond the classroom.

Nigeria’s education challenges remain formidable. Millions of children are still outside the school system. Infrastructure deficits persist across many institutions. And sustained implementation will ultimately determine whether today’s reforms deliver lasting results.

Yet the interventions of the past three years suggest a shift in approach.

Through NELFUND, financial barriers to tertiary education are being reduced. Through improved staff welfare and renewed agreements with academic unions, stability is returning to universities. Through NESRI and LUMINAH 2030, broader structural reforms are beginning to reshape how education prepares young Nigerians for the future.

Education reform is rarely immediate. Its dividends appear gradually, measured in improved learning outcomes, stronger institutions, and a more capable workforce. But by addressing finance, stability, and quality simultaneously, the President Tinubu administration has begun to lay the groundwork for a more resilient education system—one capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term ambition to build a knowledge-driven economy.


- Elder James Oghogho is an educationist

AFRICAN LEADERS GATHER IN ACCRA AS KHALIL HALILU WINS YOUNG AFRICAN LEADER AWARD

The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has been awarded Young African Leader of the Year by African Leadership Magazine at its Persons of the Year Ceremony held in Accra, Ghana.

The award followed a rigorous, multi-stage selection process by African Leadership Magazine. Nominees were first shortlisted by the editorial board based on measurable impact, leadership record, policy influence, and institutional reforms across the continent.

This was followed by a continental-wide public e-voting exercise, where Africans across different countries voted for candidates in various categories. Khalil Suleiman Halilu emerged winner of the Young African Leader of the Year category after securing the highest number of votes in his class, reflecting broad continental recognition of his reforms and impact.

The continental honour recognises Halilu’s industrial and institutional transformation of NASENI since his appointment in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive Nigeria’s local manufacturing and homegrown innovation agenda.

The event was attended by distinguished African leaders, including; H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, H.E. Samuel Matekane, H.E. John Kufuor, H.E. Esperança da Costa, and Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura
Speaking on the theme “Leadership for a New Africa: Forging Our Peace, Owning Our Narrative,” Halilu emphasised that Africa’s transformation must be driven by production, innovation, and industrial capability.
“At NASENI, our mandate is clear; move Nigeria from consumption to creation,” he said.

He explained that since assuming office in 2023, NASENI has been repositioned; From Research to Products. From Unknown to National Relevance. From Agency to Innovation Platform.

Under his leadership, NASENI is advancing clean energy localisation, mechanised agriculture, coal-to-fertiliser technology for food security, youth innovation programmes such as Innovate Naija, DELT-Her, Shefly, FutureMakers, women in engineering initiatives, and decentralised manufacturing, guided by its 3Cs operating principles of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation.

Referencing his remarks at the West African Economic Summit (WAES) in June last year, Halilu reiterated that Africa’s transformation will not come from policy ambition alone but from industrial capacity.
“If we do not produce what we consume, we cannot control our future,” he stated.

The continental recognition comes shortly after two major honours in Nigeria. NASENI received the Environmental Impact of the Year award from Leadership Newspaper, while Halilu was recognised for Outstanding Service in Innovation and Reforms by New Telegraph.

Concluding his remarks in Accra, Halilu called on African leaders to prioritise execution and productivity.
“The New Africa must be defined by output, not potential. The future is being built by us.”

*AFRICAN LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE HONOURS KHALIL HALILU AS YOUNG AFRICAN LEADER OF THE YEAR*

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has been named Young African Leader of the Year at the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony held on 28th February 2026 in Accra, Ghana.

Speaking at the event, Halilu emphasised that Africa’s transformation will not come from policy ambition alone but from building strong industrial capacity across the continent.

The award, determined through a continent-wide public e-voting process, recognises his leadership in repositioning NASENI from a research-focused agency to an innovation-driven platform delivering measurable national impact.

Under his leadership, NASENI has intensified efforts to localise technology, accelerate industrial production, and move Nigeria from consumption to creation.

Halilu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting young Nigerians with leadership responsibilities and creating the enabling environment for reform, innovation and nation-building.

Education Without Barriers: President Tinubu’s Fulfilled Promise of NELFUND

Nigeria’s education system has, for decades, wrestled with a painful paradox. It is a nation blessed with a young, energetic population, yet millions of its young people are unable to advance beyond secondary school.

An estimated 88 per cent of eligible secondary school completers do not proceed to higher education in universities or other tertiary institutions. In practical terms, for every 100 students who finish secondary school in Nigeria, about 88 will likely not continue to university. For many of them, the barrier is not ability, ambition, or even access to admission. It is finance.

Across the country, the story repeats itself in countless households. A student secures admission after years of hard work, only to discover that the family cannot afford the tuition. In other cases, parents who are already stretched by rising living costs must make a painful choice: should their child continue their education, or begin working to support the family’s survival? Dreams are deferred. Potential is stifled. Futures are forcefully reshaped by sad economic realities.

Even for those who make it into university, the struggle often continues. On average, about 20 per cent of Nigerian students drop out before completing their studies, and roughly half of those withdrawals are due to financial difficulties. These are young Nigerians who began their academic journey with hope and promise, only to see it interrupted by economic hardship.

This should not be seen from the lens of a mere tragedy to affected families—it is a tragedy on the national scale. Nigeria’s aspiration to build a technologically advanced and economically viable nation depends on a workforce equipped with the right skills, knowledge, and training. A country rich in human and natural resources cannot afford to have its brightest minds sidelined because of school fees.

It was against this backdrop that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the 2022 and 2023 campaign season, as Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress made a clear commitment: the era in which indigent Nigerians are denied education because of school fees would come to an end. Within the first few months of assuming office, that commitment began to take institutional shape with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, widely known as NELFUND.

NELFUND is designed as an interest-free education loan scheme to support students in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria. It covers full tuition and institutional fees, which are paid directly to the institutions, while also providing a monthly upkeep allowance of N20,000 paid to students. Applications are processed through an online portal, creating a transparent and accessible system for students across the country.

The funding framework behind NELFUND reflects an effort to ensure sustainability and accountability. The scheme draws from one per cent of collections by the Nigerian Revenue Service, contributions from TETFund amounting to over N71 billion so far, and recovered proceeds of crime, which have contributed more than N50 billion so far.

Since its commencement, the scale of intervention has been significant. Over N180 billion has been disbursed nationwide. Of this amount, N107.09 billion has been paid directly to 265 tertiary institutions to cover tuition and institutional fees, ensuring that students remain enrolled without the threat of expulsion over unpaid charges. Another N76.80 billion has been paid directly to students as monthly upkeep allowances, helping them manage living expenses while they focus on their studies. In total, 1,560,460 loan applications have been received from across the country, and close to one million Nigerian students have already received direct financial support to stay in school.

What distinguishes NELFUND is not only the scale of its funding but the humane structure of its repayment terms. The loans carry zero interest and require no collateral. Repayment does not begin immediately after graduation; instead, it starts two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps, and is structured through employer deductions. This built-in grace period gives graduates time to secure stable employment and establish themselves before any repayment obligation begins.

For many families, this has changed the equation entirely. When tuition is covered and students receive a modest but steady monthly allowance, the financial pressure on households is reduced. Parents can direct their limited income towards other essential needs, while students are freed from the constant anxiety of unpaid fees. The likelihood of dropping out decreases, and the probability of completing a degree increases.

Beyond the immediate financial relief lies a broader national impact. Each student who remains in school represents retained human capital. Each graduate who completes their education strengthens Nigeria’s capacity in fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship. Over time, the cumulative effect of keeping hundreds of thousands of students in schools can reshape the country’s economic and social trajectory.

In Nigeria today, NELFUND is addressing a long-standing barrier to young men and women achieving their deferred dreams and life ambitions of quality and accessible education. It recognises that education should not be determined by the size of a parent’s income but by a student’s ability and determination.

For decades, school fees have closed the doors on millions of capable young Nigerians. Today, through NELFUND, those doors are being reopened. As a matter of good principle, education should not stop because of money. NELFUND is ensuring that it no longer does.

- Femi Oreoluwa, is a journalist and writes from Lagos.

Rear Admiral Katagum Was an Intelligent Expert Who Served Nigeria Well, Matawalle Says During Condolence Visit to Family

…the senior officer died while receiving medical care in Egypt.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has described the late Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum as an intelligent expert who served Nigeria and its people with distinction and patriotic commitment.

Rear Admiral Katagum, who previously served as Director, Naval Intelligence before his recent appointment as Chief of Operations, passed away while receiving medical care in Egypt.

The Minister made this known on Monday during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased naval officer in Abuja. He was received by colleagues of the late Rear Admiral, members of the 41 Regular Course, family members, and associates.

While condoling the family, the Honourable Minister described Rear Admiral MB Katagum as a highly respected officer who served the Nigerian Navy with dedication and strength, and who remained deeply committed to Nigeria’s maritime security.

According to him, “We are very proud of what he achieved. Rear Admiral Katagum’s contributions to national security were immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in shaping operational strategies, strengthening intelligence capabilities, and mentoring generations of officers who would go on to emulate his professionalism and dedication.

“His insight, foresight, and meticulous approach to operations ensured that the Nigerian Navy remained vigilant, formidable, and ready to defend the nation’s maritime interests. His contributions played a vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and enhancing the operational readiness of the Nigerian Navy.”

HM Matawalle further stated that the visit was “to condole with his family and also pray for his family that May Allah the Almighty strengthen them at this time and that the children will even be greater than Rear Admiral Katagum, their father.”

On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the Minister extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Rear Admiral during this difficult time, praying, “May Allah grant him Jannah.”

During the visit, Minister Matawalle donated the sum of Ten Million Naira and Ten Bags of Rice to the family and thereafter signed the condolence register.

Ribadu Leads Nigeria as EU, Nigeria Launch Landmark Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue in Brussels

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on 18 February led the country’s delegation to Brussels for the inaugural European Union–Nigeria Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations and opening a new high-level platform for structured cooperation on peace, security and defence with the EU.

The Dialogue, held at the headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS), was co-chaired by EEAS Deputy Secretary-General Charles Fries and Mal. Ribadu. It focused on regional security developments and key thematic areas including counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR), and peace mediation. Both sides identified concrete opportunities for enhanced collaboration in response to evolving security dynamics in Nigeria and the wider region.

The meeting is an important step in strengthening EU–Nigeria relations and sets the stage for deeper cooperation by launching new areas of engagement and reinforcing joint efforts. During the meeting the European Union signalled its readiness to scale up support to Nigeria, while fully respecting the country’s sovereignty.

A second segment of the Dialogue, led by DG HOME Deputy Director-General Johannes Luchner, addressed transnational organised crime, with discussions covering drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling. Nigeria, led by Mal. Nuhu Ribadu welcomed proposals to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Europol, in response to the growing threat of organised crime affecting both Nigeria and EU member states.

The Dialogue also reaffirmed broad convergence between Nigeria and the EU on shared values and international priorities, including support for multilateralism and the rules-based international order.

Nigeria’s central role in West Africa’s stability also featured prominently in discussions. As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy—accounting for nearly 60 per cent of West Africa’s GDP and half of its population—the meeting acknowledged that Nigeria wields considerable political and economic influence, making it an indispensable partner for the EU in promoting regional and continental security.

Several key outcomes emerged from the Dialogue, including a commitment to deepen collaboration on regional stability; strengthened joint efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism through new support measures and strategic exchanges; enhanced cooperation on maritime security, cybersecurity and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI); and the launch of dedicated consultations to counter foreign information manipulation, with capacity-building initiatives to follow.

The Dialogue builds on a longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the EU. For over a decade, both sides have worked closely to tackle regional security challenges in areas such as the Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea. EU support has combined security, humanitarian and development assistance, including DDR programmes, mediation efforts, criminal justice reform and resilience-building initiatives.

Between 2015 and 2025, EU peace, security and defence cooperation with Nigeria totalled over €700 million, complemented by an additional €500 million in humanitarian assistance. Nigeria remains the EU’s largest bilateral development partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. The EU is also the major contributor to the Multinational Joint Task Force, providing €234.4 million to date to enhance the force’s capabilities, responsiveness and coordination among participating contingents.

Look beyond the imagined African nation to understand Nigeria’s security challenge

By Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar

For generations, Africa has been interpreted through a set of inherited templates that were never designed to explain its realities. These templates offer familiar stories about conflict and governance, not because they are accurate, but because they are comfortable.

They imagine African nations as predictable characters in an old script: driven by ancient divisions, reacting to global events rather than shaping them, and locked in cycles that outsiders believe they understand. The danger is not simply misinterpretation. It is that the imagined version becomes more influential than the real one.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the way Nigeria’s security challenges are framed on the international stage. The persistent claim is that the violence the country faces is primarily religious. This interpretation spreads easily because it fits a long-standing narrative: that African conflict must always be traced to faith or culture.

But this explanation collapses under scrutiny. The security landscape cannot be understood without looking first to the wider Sahel subregion, where the collapse of Libya in 2011 set off a chain reaction that destabilized several states at once. Arms and fighters moved across borders, extremist groups expanded their reach, and communities from Mali to Chad found themselves confronting threats they had not faced before. Nigeria is one of those countries, responding not to an isolated crisis, but to a regional upheaval that reshaped the entire belt of West and Central Africa.


Within Nigeria, this regional shock interacts with local pressures in different ways. In the northeast, insurgent groups exploit institutional weaknesses and economic vulnerability. In the northwest, criminal banditry has taken root in areas where state presence is thin. In central states, climate change has sharpened competition over land and water, intensifying clashes between farmers and herders. These dynamics overlap, but they are not driven by faith. Both Christians and Muslims have been hit by these complex insecurities. Framing this violence as a religious conflict may satisfy an old storyline about Africa, but it obscures the forces actually shaping events and leads to responses that fail to address the roots of the crisis.

A similar gap exists in how Nigeria’s diplomacy is interpreted. The imagined African nation is expected to navigate the world reactively, bending toward whichever global power appears strongest in the moment. But the international environment today does not reward rigid alignment. It rewards agility.

Countries from Brazil to India to Turkey are restructuring their partnerships to reflect a multipolar world in which influence is dispersed and interests shift across issues. Nigeria is doing the same. Its support for Ecowas mediation during moments of regional instability in the West African bloc reflects a commitment to African-led diplomacy. Its cooperation with the United States on governance, technology, and intelligence continues even as both sides reassess parts of their security relationship. Its engagements with China, India, and Gulf states reflect economic opportunity and strategic diversification. These choices do not reveal confusion. They reflect a sober understanding of how power now moves, and the need for African states to be a part of that movement.

There are also practical constraints that very rarely appear in international commentary but shape Nigeria’s options in profound ways. For several years, restrictions under the US Leahy Law delayed equipment and assistance that Nigeria had already paid for. This occurred precisely as extremist networks spread across the Sahel and limited the tools available to confront these groups. Yet even with these constraints, Nigeria continued to contribute to regional stabilization efforts, from Guinea-Bissau to The Gambia to South Sudan.

These examples all point to the same issue: the frameworks used to interpret Africa have not kept pace with reality. Too often, analysis begins with the imagined African nation and then searches for facts to support it. When the frame is wrong, the conclusions will be too.

Nigeria, like many countries today, is navigating pressures that are regional, global, and generational all at once. It is reassessing long-standing partnerships, building new ones, strengthening its institutions, and working to stabilize a region that has experienced profound upheaval. None of this fits the caricatures that have long shaped external commentary about African states.

Africa is moving beyond the version imagined for it by others. It is young, increasingly interconnected, and central to global stability in ways that are only beginning to be acknowledged. Understanding this reality requires letting go of assumptions that were never accurate but have endured out of habit.
If the world continues to engage with an imagined Africa, it will continue to imagine solutions. The real work begins when nations are seen clearly, and when partnership is grounded not in old narratives, but in the demands and opportunities of the moment we actually share.

Yusuf Tuggar is Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs.

[This article first appeared on semafor.com]

Nigeria at Davos: Ambassador Tuggar’s Case for Reform, Stability and Strategic Autonomy

High up in the Swiss Alps, in a town better known for skiing as much as its statecraft, the world’s most consequential conversations quietly unfold. Davos, host of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has over five decades evolved from a European business gathering into one of the most important convening platforms in global diplomacy and economic coordination. Under the 2026 theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” more than 3,000 leaders—heads of state, ministers, CEOs, multilateral institutions, investors, technologists and thinkers—assembled to navigate a world marked by fragmentation, economic uncertainty, geopolitical rivalry and rapid technological change.

For Nigeria, participation in Davos was a strategic outing. From negotiations, to conversations on reforms; from diplomacy forging into capital, stability and opportunity for the country, at WEF26, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, approached the gathering with the goal of positioning Nigeria as a stabilising force in West Africa, a reforming economy open to credible partnerships, and a country intent on shaping global shifts.

In his early engagements, Ambassador Tuggar framed Nigeria’s presence within the broader purpose of Davos itself: dialogue as a stabilising instrument in a fragmented world. In an interview with TIME’s Business and Technology Senior Editor, Ayesha Javed, he set out Nigeria’s objectives for WEF26 with clarity, arguing that the question is no longer whether Nigeria can turn the corner economically, but how quickly reform can translate into sustained growth and wider opportunity. By articulating Nigeria’s reform trajectory—improved coordination, renewed investor confidence, and a recalibrated economic diplomacy—the Minister anchored Nigeria’s story in facts.

His participation in the Foreign Policy Live panel, themed “Rethinking Risk,” further reinforced Nigeria’s strategic posture. In a conversation alongside senior global figures including the Secretary-General of UNCTAD and global financial leaders, Amb. Tuggar articulated Nigeria’s approach to managing regional and geopolitical risk. He emphasised strategic autonomy—engaging partners on the basis of mutual interest without over-alignment—and underscored Nigeria’s role as a stabilising actor in West Africa. In today’s investment environment, sovereign risk perception influences capital flows as much as macroeconomic data.

Infrastructure and growth were also central to Ambassador Tuggar’s Davos diplomacy. At the WEF panel on “Resilient Infrastructure for Growth,” he made a simple but powerful argument: if resilience is the muscle, infrastructure is the bone structure. Electricity, gas pipelines and rail transport are the backbone of industrialisation and competitiveness. During the panel Ambassador Tuggar used the platform to signal Nigeria’s readiness for structured, long-horizon partnerships, by making an invitation to investors for strategic private capital into Nigeria’s priority areas.

His presence at the “Africa’s Job Engine” conversations reinforced this economic diplomacy, too. The alignment of macroeconomic reform, private capital and regional integration is essential if growth is to convert into jobs at scale. Ambassador Tuggar pointed to Nigeria’s stabilised foreign exchange, clearer power-sector rules and expanding fintech inclusion as signals that the country’ reform environment is creating space for private enterprise. Government sets the framework; the private sector creates employment. For anyone who has followed the conversations at Davos, they will acknowledge that this clarity resonates strongly here: business leaders want predictable regulatory environments more than rhetorical assurances.

Equally strategic were his engagements beyond the panels. His bilateral meetings with members of the United States Congress, including Representative Sara Jacobs, reinforced Nigeria–US relations at a legislative level. This is most-crucial at a time that the two countries had suffered diplomatic tensions which are being rebuilt, courtesy efforts of the Minister and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu. Nigeria plays a stabilising role in West Africa. Ambassador Tuggar restated this at this engagement while calling for a strengthened partnership between the US and Nigeria, which is critical to security, trade and technology collaboration.

Migration, climate pressure and demographic opportunity formed another axis of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s engagement. In his meeting with Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the discussion moved beyond containment to management. The conversations were around exploring cooperation on climate-induced displacement, circular migration, job creation and skills development—alongside Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and emerging Business Process Outsourcing opportunities. The Minister reframed migration as a developmental opportunity rather than solely a security risk. In a country with one of the world’s youngest populations, migration governance is intrinsically tied to economic diplomacy.

Technology diplomacy featured prominently as well. Meetings with Meta’s senior global policy leadership and Google’s SVP James Manyika focused on elevating Nigeria’s relationships with global digital platforms into structured strategic partnerships. Discussions around Nigeria’s AI Unit, anticipatory governance, information integrity and the Regional Partnership for Democracy were on the table; demonstrating Nigeria’s recognition that digital ecosystems now shape political stability, economic growth and social trust. For the West African region which grapples with misinformation, technological disruption and fragile security environments, collaboration with technology companies is no longer optional these conversations were crucial.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s engagement with Goldman Sachs’ President of Global Affairs, Jared Cohen, moved the conversation into the terrain of investor confidence and sovereign risk perception. He emphasised reform momentum, regional leadership and long-horizon energy infrastructure—particularly gas—as elements of transition realism. In this meeting, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister repositioned Nigeria–Goldman engagement beyond episodic financing toward sustained collaboration anchored in foresight and data.

Media engagements amplified these themes. On CNN’s One World and in discussions with the Financial Times’ Chief Foreign Affairs Columnist Gideon Rachman, Tuggar addressed Nigeria’s security challenges within broader regional dynamics and emphasised reform-led economic diplomacy that the country was embarking on. He used the platforms to situate Nigeria’s security concerns within context and scale, and countered reductive narratives that distort investment perceptions.

His meeting with Thailand’s Foreign Minister expanded Nigeria’s economic diplomacy into agro-value chains and trade collaboration, while his remarks at the Africa House Closing Ceremony under the theme of South–South collaboration articulated Nigeria’s 4Ds foreign policy framework.

Even informal conversations—whether with President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste or alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Finance—underscore the quiet but important reality of Davos: diplomacy often advances through relationships built in the margins.

In all these, Ambassador Tuggar’s Davos engagements reveal his deliberate strategy. He used the platform to manage risk narratives, attract investment, deepen bilateral partnerships, strengthen technology diplomacy, and reinforce Nigeria’s role as a stabilising regional power. Davos remains one of the few arenas where dialogue can translate into delivery. For Nigeria, the value of being present in that room goes far beyond the optics. It was a meeting of strategic and beneficial outcomes. Whether in partnerships or in shaping narratives.


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

NUC, Oyo State Government and the madness in LAUTECH

By: Tinu Aderogba

The reported decision by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to relocate the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences has sparked deep concern across academic and professional circles. Beyond administrative reshuffling, this proposal represents a troubling intellectual miscalculation, one that risks eroding the structural integrity of medical education in Nigeria.

Anatomy and Physiology are not merely “pure sciences.” They are foundational medical disciplines that form the bedrock of training in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and other allied health professions. Globally, these departments are situated within Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences or Health Sciences to ensure seamless integration between pre-clinical knowledge and clinical application. To detach them from this ecosystem is to fracture a carefully constructed academic continuum.

The decision allegedly from some set of academia within the system in the institution for personal gain raises critical questions: How will curriculum integration with clinical departments be sustained. What becomes of interdisciplinary collaboration essential for translational research. How will professional accreditation requirements be preserved and What precedent does this set for the future of medical education in Nigeria?

This move appears not only inappropriate but intellectually regressive. Universities are citadels of knowledge, guided by global best practices, regulatory frameworks, and academic tradition. Administrative convenience must never supersede academic logic. The relocation of these departments into a Pure Sciences faculty signals a misunderstanding of the professional character of Anatomy and Physiology as medical sciences.

Medical education is governed by strict standards, overseen nationally by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional councils. Any restructuring that compromises the integrity of medical training should attract serious scrutiny. The NUC must not remain indifferent to actions that may constitute academic deprivation, diminishing the professional identity, funding streams, and academic positioning of critical medical departments. This is a Save Our Soul call to the NUC to as a matter of urgency, stop this callous relocation of these departments and sustain the integrity in the medical profession.

The Oyo State Government has a lots of roles to play with the State Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makonde, the State Commissioner of Health, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Oyo State House of Assembly and other bigger voices, louder enough to redress this oppression by few powerful individuals within the school setting. If allowed to stand, this decision risks weakening the prestige and autonomy of Basic Medical Sciences as a whole, creating administrative confusion in accreditation processes, undermining student training pathways and damaging the university’s national and international academic standing.

Universities evolve, but evolution must be anchored in scholarship, consultation, and regulatory compliance, not in abrupt structural experimentation. Stakeholders, academic staff, alumni, professional bodies, students, and the wider medical community, deserve transparent engagement before such consequential changes are contemplated.

This is not merely about departmental placement; it is about safeguarding academic standards and protecting the future of medical education. The governing authorities of LAUTECH must urgently reconsider and reverse this proposal in the interest of institutional integrity and professional excellence, which they are known for over the years.

The National Universities Commission is hereby called upon to investigate this development and, where necessary, sanction any actions that undermine established academic structures and professional standards. Silence in the face of academic devaluation would set a dangerous precedent.

The strength of any university lies in its commitment to intellectual rigour and global best practice. LAUTECH must choose the path of wisdom: preserve the sanctity of its Basic Medical Sciences, restore confidence among stakeholders, and reaffirm its dedication to academic excellence.

ONSA Dismisses Chemical Procurement Allegation, Directs El-Rufai to Present Evidence to DSS

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has firmly denied allegations that it procured “thallium sulphate,” stating that neither the Office nor any government agency under its supervision purchased or initiated any process to acquire the substance.

The rebuttal follows claims attributed to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who had reportedly requested clarification over the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of the chemical.

In a formal response delivered to el-Rufai’s residence on Sunday, ONSA categorically refuted the claim and disclosed that the matter has been referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.

Excerpts from the correspondence read:

“I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so. However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.”

The letter concluded with a formal expression of respect:

“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the National Security Adviser.”

Nuhu Ribadu Is Certainly Not Careless & Negligent

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, of anything but incompetence. From his days in the Nigeria Police Force to his role as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and now in his current position, he has consistently exhibited exceptional qualities in the execution of his duties.

As the pioneer Chairman of the EFCC (2003–2007), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu transformed what was then a new and fragile institution into Nigeria’s most feared anti-corruption agency. Under his leadership, high-profile investigations and prosecutions were initiated against the so-called “untouchables”, something unprecedented at the time.

He institutionalized financial crime investigation standards that brought Nigeria international recognition and cooperation. The EFCC under Ribadu was not just active; it was bold, systematic, and globally respected.

- A careless man does not build institutions that outlive his tenure.

One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of anything, but not carelessness. If Mallam Nuhu were that careless, the American and Western world would not have trusted him as a key contact point with the President Tinubu administration.

Security cooperation at the highest level is built on trust, intelligence discipline, and credibility. The United States and other Western partners do not share sensitive intelligence with officials they consider careless, politically reckless, or unreliable.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s long-standing engagement with international institutions; from the United Nations, World Bank to global anti-corruption networks; reflects institutional trust built over decades. That trust is earned through professionalism, discretion, and consistency.

- Intelligence diplomacy is not for the careless.

As Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu occupies one of the most sensitive offices in the country. The role requires coordination across the military, intelligence services, police, and international security partners.

Every briefing, every directive, and every strategic decision carries national consequences. A man entrusted with such responsibility operates under constant scrutiny. In such a role, carelessness is not just dangerous , it is disqualifying.

- Yet he remains in office, trusted at the highest levels of government.

One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of anything, but not poor judgment in selecting his team. Mallam Nuhu is known for choosing and working with competent professionals. Insubordination or incompetence to the extent of sabotaging their boss is not something associated with his leadership.

One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of anything, but not stooping low to use his office for personal or political fights. If Mallam Nuhu had such tendencies, he would not have reached this level of success and influence.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has served as:

• Prosecutor/Government Prosecutor in the Nigeria Police Force

• Head, Legal and Prosecution Department, Nigeria Police Force

• Pioneer/Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (2003–2007)

• Chairman of the Petroleum Special Revenue Task Force (PSRTF) (2012–2014)

• Presidential Candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 presidential election

• And today, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser

- A careless or negligent man cannot attain such heights so consistently.

These positions were not ceremonial decorations. They were of institutional recognition, courage, and global impact.

For performance as a police officer, anti-corruption czar, the faces of future Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu won:

• Inspector General of Police Awards (1997, 1998, and 2000)

• Special Commendation by President Olusegun Obasanjo (2005)

• World Bank’s Jit Gill Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service (2008)

NASENI Deepens Food Security Drive as EVC Inspects Agric Incubation Centre in Kano

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to accelerating agricultural innovation and strengthening Nigeria’s food security during an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of the NASENI Agric Incubation Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The visit underscores NASENI’s deliberate investment in modern, technology-driven agriculture as a catalyst for productivity, youth empowerment, and economic resilience. Halilu noted that the Centre represents a critical pillar in the Agency’s strategy to equip young Nigerians with hands-on, industry-relevant skills capable of transforming the agricultural value chain.

According to him, the Agric Incubation Centre is structured to bridge the longstanding gap between research and practical application by converting academic knowledge into scalable, commercially viable agricultural solutions. He stressed that innovation must move beyond theory into measurable outcomes that directly impact farmers, agripreneurs, and communities.

The EVC further emphasized that NASENI will continue to deploy technology, foster strategic partnerships, and build institutional capacity to reposition agriculture as a modern, attractive, and economically rewarding sector—fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

AU Summit: Nigeria Secures Permanent Seat on African Central Bank Board

Nigeria has recorded major diplomatic gains at the just-concluded 39th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), including securing a permanent seat on the Board of the proposed African Central Bank.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued on February 13, 2026, describing the outcome as a landmark achievement that consolidates Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing Africa’s economic integration, peace, security, and democratic governance.

According to the Minister, the Executive Council agreed to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, a decision he said underscores the country’s strategic importance in shaping Africa’s financial architecture.

The decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which serves as a precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank.

“These developments affirm Nigeria’s technical capacity, economic significance, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda,” Tuggar stated.

In the area of peace and security, the Minister said the session witnessed the successful election of candidates collectively agreed upon by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Peace and Security Council of the AU.

He described the outcome as a reflection of the strong cohesion and unity among ECOWAS member states, as well as the region’s shared commitment to promoting stability and collective security across the continent.

Nigeria also used the platform to advance democratic governance across Africa by organising a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy.

The event attracted ministers, senior government officials, and delegates from across the continent and the international community. According to Tuggar, the panel facilitated constructive dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, fostering inclusive governance, and enhancing collaborative regional approaches to sustaining democratic values.

Overall, Nigeria’s engagements and outcomes at the 39th Executive Council session, the Minister said, reaffirm the country’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the African Union, particularly in promoting economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democratic governance across Africa.

He added that the Federal Government remains dedicated to working collaboratively with AU member states and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development.

NASENI Receives Environmental Impact Agency of the Year 2025 Award

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has received the Environmental Impact Agency of the Year 2025 award from Leadership Newspaper, in recognition of its growing contributions to clean energy and sustainable industrial development under President @OfficialABAT’s #RenewedHope Agenda.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Agency, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the recognition as a boost to NASENI’s mission of building a cleaner and more resilient Nigeria through innovation.

He highlighted key initiatives including the Zero Carbon Project (ZeCo) and the NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Nasarawa, which are expanding renewable energy access and strengthening local manufacturing capacity. He noted that NASENI’s clean energy solutions — such as solar irrigation pumps, electric vehicles, clean cookstoves, and home solar systems — are helping to protect the environment while supporting national development.

The EVC expressed appreciation to Leadership Newspaper and NASENI’s partners for the honour, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s green technology future.

PRESIDENT TINUBU GREETS BELLO MATAWALLE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, ON HIS BIRTHDAY


President Bola Tinubu has sent a congratulatory message to Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, on his birthday.

The President highlights Matawalle's immense contributions to the country as a teacher, minister, and member of the Renewed Hope team, and to his home state of Zamfara, which he previously served as governor from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu notes the minister's efforts in the battle against banditry and terrorism, saying all hands must be on deck to bring the agents of evil to justice.

The President says this special occasion of the minister's birthday has come at an auspicious moment in his life, when he also performed the marriage ceremony for his children.

President Tinubu wishes the Minister of State for Defence many more years and continued meaningful service to the nation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 12, 2026.

The Logical Choice for Kaduna 2027: Why Hon. Shehu ABG Stands Out

By Abdullahi Yusuf Kuta

As the political landscape of Kaduna State evolves in anticipation of the 2027 elections, one individual has emerged as a beacon of hope and promise: Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as ABG. With a proven track record of leadership and a vision for a renewed future, ABG is well-suited to lead Kaduna State into a new era of progress and development.

*A Pedigree of Innovation and Industry*

Born into the esteemed ABG dynasty, which has been at the forefront of pioneering telecommunications and satellite technology in Nigeria, Hon. Shehu Bawa embodies the values of excellence and innovation that his family name represents. He understands that for Kaduna to thrive, it must transition from a "civil service state" to a regional hub for technology, agriculture, and private-sector investment.

*Proven Legislative Excellence*

During his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kaduna North, ABG demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents. His legislative achievements include:

- Empowering initiatives that transformed job seekers into job creators
- Facilitating infrastructure projects that directly improved the lives of his constituents
- Remaining accessible and responsive to the needs of the common people

*The Great Unifier*

Kaduna State is a microcosm of Nigeria's diversity, and ABG's leadership style is uniquely suited to navigating these complexities. He is a leader who transcends partisan lines and sees beyond creed, tribe, or region. His ability to foster peace and social cohesion makes him an ideal candidate to lead Kaduna State.

*The ABG Blueprint for 2027*

If Kaduna is to reclaim its position as the "Center of Learning" and the industrial heartbeat of the North, it needs a governor who is:

- Youth-centric, with a deep understanding of the digital economy
- Economically savvy, with the ability to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without over-taxing the struggling masses
- Security-conscious, with the ability to leverage technology to implement modern, intelligence-driven security solutions

*A Catalyst for Change*

The year 2027 will be a defining moment for Kaduna State. We cannot afford to gamble with our future or return to the politics of bitterness. We need a leader with a clean record, a vibrant mind, and a compassionate heart. Hon. Shehu Bawa (ABG) represents a fresh breath of air—a fusion of youthful energy and seasoned experience. He is not just a candidate; he is the catalyst for the Kaduna of our dreams.

*Why ABG is the Best Choice*

With his proven track record of leadership, innovative thinking, and commitment to the people, ABG is the best choice for Kaduna State. His vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Kaduna is one that resonates with the aspirations of the people. For progress, for peace, and for a prosperous Kaduna.

All things considered, ABG's vision for Kaduna State is built on the principles of innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. With his proven track record of leadership and his deep understanding of the needs of the people, he is the ideal candidate to lead Kaduna State into a new era of progress and development. For progress, for peace, and for a prosperous Kaduna—the choice is clear.

ONSA coordinates DSS, Kaduna Government in rescue of kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

A joint security operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS), has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, confirmed on Wednesday that 82 of the abducted worshippers have safely returned from captivity.

According to a source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving operatives drawn from ONSA, DSS, and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.

Bandits had invaded the church in Kurmin Wali during a worship service and abducted 177 persons, throwing the community into panic and grief.

In the days following the attack, 11 of the worshippers reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.

Governor Sani made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.

The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

He also urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the area.

IMAM PRAYS FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU AT MATAWALLE CHILDREN`S WEDDING, SAYS HIS TENURE WILL BRING HOPE TO THE HOPELESS

Professor Luqman Zakariyah, the officiating Imam at the Wedding Fatiha of the children of the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, on Friday, described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a father of all and prayed that his tenure would restore hope to the hopeless in society.

Prof. Zakariyah offered the prayers as President Tinubu attended the multiple wedding solemnisation at the National Mosque, Abuja, representing the Matawalle family.

The President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, was also present at the event.

"We pray to Almighty Allah to give our President, who is representing all, the father of all the brides and the grooms, good health.

"We also ask Allah to grant our President long life, prosperity, and success during his presidency. We pray that his tenure will bring hope to the hopeless,” the Imam said.

Matawalle, who previously served as Governor of Zamfara State, gave out five of his daughters—Maryam, Safiyya, Farida, Nana Firdausi, and Aisha—in marriage. Five of his sons—Ibrahim, Abdul Jalal, Surajo, Bello, and Fahad—also got married.

President Tinubu received the brides on behalf of the Matawalles into the family.

The officiating Imam also beseeched Almighty Allah to bless the marriages, grant success to the couples in their life journeys, and bless their parents and grandparents.

State Governors, members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other well-wishers witnessed the wedding ceremony.

The NASENI Revolution: How Solar Pumps Are Rewriting the Future of Smallholder Farming

In the sun-scorched farmlands of Nigeria, where 96% of agriculture still depends on the mercy of rainfall, there is a quiet revolution that is beginning to hum. It is the near-silent whir of solar panels tilting toward the sky, drawing water from the earth below and with it, the promise of year-round harvests.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is rolling out solar irrigation pumps across the country, and for Nigeria's smallholder farmers—the backbone of the nation's food system—this intervention represents a potential lifeline out of poverty, a shield against climate uncertainty, and a practical answer to some of the country's most stubborn social challenges.

Let me explain in details. For generations, Nigerian smallholders have watched their livelihoods dictated by the calendar. They can only plant when the rains come. Then harvest before they stop. Wait. Repeat. This dependence on rainfed agriculture has locked farmers into a cycle of seasonal vulnerability, where a delayed raining-season or early harmattan can mean the difference between eating and going hungry.

Solar irrigation pumps dismantle this tyranny of the weather. By tapping groundwater, rivers, or boreholes without requiring fuel or grid electricity, these photovoltaic-powered devices enable farmers to cultivate dry-season cash crops—tomatoes, peppers, green-leafy vegetables—when market prices peak and competition is low.

An agricultural economist described it thus: “This is about giving farmers control over their own productivity for the first time."

The financial mathematics are striking. Diesel pumps, the traditional alternative for farmers seeking to irrigate, can consume up to 70% of their operating budgets in fuel costs alone. Solar pumps eliminate this burden almost entirely. After the initial investment—increasingly accessible through pay-as-you-own financing models—the sun does the work for free.

Freed from fuel expenses, farmers can invest in better seeds, fertilizers, or expand their cultivated land. Increased productivity per hectare means higher incomes, which flow into local economies—school fees get paid, medical care becomes affordable, small businesses emerge to serve newly prosperous communities.

NASENI's distribution strategy recognizes that technology alone doesn't create transformation; accessibility does. By working to make these systems affordable and available at scale, the agency is directly addressing one of Nigeria's core contradictions: a nation blessed with agricultural potential yet dependent on massive food imports.

For me, the brilliance of NASENI's solar pump initiative lies in its intersectional impact. It simultaneously tackles three of Nigeria's most pressing social imperatives.

Food security improves when farmers can grow crops year-round, reducing the country's reliance on imported rice, tomato paste, and other staples that drain foreign reserves and make Nigeria vulnerable to global price shocks.

Job creation follows naturally—not just for farmers themselves, but for the technicians who install and maintain the systems, the traders who market the increased produce, and the auxiliary services that spring up around more vibrant agricultural communities.

Well-being advances when families have reliable income, nutritious food, and hope for the future. Solar irrigation doesn't just change farming; it changes the social fabric of rural Nigeria.

As climate change makes rainfall patterns increasingly erratic, solar irrigation offers smallholders what they have rarely had: resilience. Droughts that would previously devastate entire harvests become manageable challenges. Farmers can respond to changing weather rather than simply endure it.

The environmental calculus is equally compelling. By replacing diesel pumps, solar systems slash greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating that climate adaptation and mitigation can happen simultaneously. Nigeria's farmers become part of the global climate solution rather than victims of it.

NASENI's solar pump distribution represents the kind of practical, dignified intervention that development programs should promise.

The challenge now is scale. Millions of Nigerian smallholders could benefit from this technology. Each pump installed is a family lifted, a community strengthened, a small victory against the structural poverty that has plagued rural Nigeria for too long.

In fields across the country, solar panels are catching the light. Beneath them, water flows. And with it, quietly, the future begins to grow.


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

NASENI: Driving Nigeria’s Electric Turn

For decades, Nigeria’s industrial ambition has been loud in rhetoric and thin in execution. Too often, government-owned agencies have spoken the language of innovation without delivering products that touch everyday life. That is why the sight of a made-in-Nigeria electric sedan and pick-up truck—designed, assembled and test-driven by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)—feels quietly momentous.

The reaction of one test driver, Ezinne, a banker encountering an electric vehicle for the first time, was telling. For her, she was simply surprised—by the smoothness, the silence, and the refinement of the ride. That sense of surprise matters. It is the first crack in Nigeria’s long-held scepticism that locally driven industrial projects can meet global standards.

Mind you, Electric Vehiclesp (EVs) are no longer futuristic curiosities. In much of Asia—China most conspicuously, but also parts of Southeast Asia—they now account for a substantial share of new vehicle sales. Governments there did not wait for perfect conditions. They aligned industrial policy, climate objectives and urban transport needs, and then backed domestic manufacturers with incentives, infrastructure and regulatory clarity. Nigeria is late to this party, but not locked out.

NASENI’s entry into electric vehicle manufacturing is therefore significant not merely because it is novel, but because it is strategic. Let me explain: Urban mobility in Nigeria is at a breaking point. Cities are congested, fuel costs volatile, and air quality steadily deteriorating. EVs address all three pressures at once. They produce no tailpipe emissions, reduce dependence on imported refined fuel, and—crucially for households and fleet operators—offer lower running and maintenance costs over time, despite higher upfront prices.

How do they work? At their core, EVs replace the internal combustion engine with an electric motor powered by rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion. Energy stored in the battery is converted directly into motion, eliminating many of the moving parts that make petrol vehicles noisy, inefficient and expensive to maintain. Fewer parts mean fewer breakdowns, too. Electricity—whether drawn from the grid, solar installations or hybrid charging systems—offers a more predictable cost base than petrol or diesel in an economy prone to energy shocks.

For Nigeria, the implications are profound. EV adoption dovetails neatly with the country’s push for renewable energy, local manufacturing and climate resilience. Fleet vehicles—buses, delivery vans, government cars—are an obvious starting point. So too are ride-hailing services operating in dense urban corridors. With the right charging infrastructure and fiscal incentives, EVs could move from what many see as an elite indulgence, to a practical solution to our mobility needs.

That NASENI is leading this charge is no accident. Under the leadership of Khalil Halilu, the agency has reoriented itself around a simple framework: the three Cs—Commercialisation, Collaboration and Competitiveness. The EV project sits squarely at their intersection.

Commercialisation ensures that innovation does not end in laboratories or pilot announcements, but results in products that can be sold, scaled and sustained. Collaboration brings together engineers, private sector partners and policymakers in a country where silos have long undermined progress. Competitiveness insists—quietly but firmly—that Nigerian products must stand up to international comparison, not be excused from it.

This matters because government-led industrial ventures often fail for predictable reasons: political interference, lack of market discipline, and an aversion to risk. NASENI’s EV initiative suggests a different instinct—one that sees the state not as a permanent manufacturer, but as a catalyst. If nurtured properly, this effort could crowd in private investment, deepen local supply chains and create skilled jobs in engineering, battery technology and vehicle assembly.

Support, however, cannot be rhetorical. Incentives for EV adoption, clear standards, charging infrastructure and procurement commitments—especially by government itself—will determine whether this experiment matures or withers. Nigeria has a habit of applauding innovation at launch and abandoning it at scale. That mistake would be costly.

Electric vehicles will not solve all of Nigeria’s transport problems. But every industrial transformation begins with a credible first step. A government agency producing electric vehicles that impress first-time drivers is such a step.

If Nigeria is serious about industrialisation, climate responsibility and modern urban mobility, then NASENI’s electric turn deserves not just praise, but protection—and patience.

— Saminu Dikko, is a freelance technology journalist, he writes from Katsina

NASENI advances food security agenda with coal, liquid fertilizer projects in Kano

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that construction of its coal and liquid fertilizer plants in Kano State is nearing completion, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to strengthen food security and transform the agricultural sector.

In a statement signed by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan on behalf of NASENI, the Agency disclosed that the pioneering coal fertilizer project is being executed in partnership with Whitefog Environmental Services Limited and Indonesia’s PT Saputra Global Harvest under a bilateral technology transfer agreement.

According to the statement, the collaboration represents a strategic effort by the Federal Government, through NASENI, to deploy innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to address declining soil quality and low agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

It further revealed that NASENI and Whitefog are jointly developing a liquid fertilizer production facility aimed at providing farmers with alternatives to conventional NPK fertilizers, which have often failed to deliver optimal yields due to Nigeria’s complex soil conditions.

The projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda on food security and are consistent with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Speaking during an inspection tour of the coal fertilizer facility, Agava Abdullahi Abdulrasheed, Acting Coordinating Director of the Engineering Infrastructure Directorate at NASENI Headquarters and Coordinator of the NASENI–Whitefog project, expressed satisfaction with the level of work completed so far.

He said the facility—which comprises a large production factory, warehouses, laboratories, and administrative buildings—would have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

According to him, the coal fertilizer, an innovative product enriched with 26 additional mineral concentrates and supported by activation technology, will significantly improve soil quality and fertility, enhance crop yields, and ensure better harvests for farmers across the country.

“The project will have a profound impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector by improving soil quality and fertility, increasing crop yields, and ensuring better harvests for farmers,” Abdulrasheed said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Whitefog Environmental Services Limited, Hassan Inuwa Babura, confirmed that construction work at the permanent project site along Wudil Road in Kano has advanced substantially. He disclosed that critical machinery for the plant is already en route to Nigeria and awaiting clearance at the seaport.

“On the coal fertilizer project, we have a permanent site along Wudil Road where construction has progressed significantly. The machinery is on the way, awaiting clearance at the seaport, after which it will be installed. Production is expected to commence by May or June 2026,” he said.

Babura noted that the project is designed to meet national demand while reducing the country’s dependence on imported fertilizers.

NASENI stated that beyond boosting agricultural productivity, the coal and liquid fertilizer projects are expected to generate about 2,000 direct jobs and over 20 million indirect jobs across the agricultural value chain. The Agency added that the initiative will stimulate economic growth, empower farmers, and improve livelihoods nationwide.

2027: Tinubu set for convincing victory — Matawalle

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has expressed strong confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure a convincing victory in the 2027 Presidential election, urging Nigerians and political stakeholders to rally behind the President’s reform agenda.

Speaking at his residence in Abuja on Saturday, Dr. Matawalle said President Tinubu’s leadership and policy direction have positioned the country on the path of economic stabilisation, institutional strengthening and national cohesion.

The minister cautioned against what he described as premature political manoeuvres and power struggles targeted at undermining the current administration, warning that such actions are self-serving and detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

He said, “President Tinubu has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and strengthen national institutions.

“Those plotting to unseat him are motivated by personal interests rather than the public good. If allowed to complete his reform programme, I am confident the President will win convincingly in 2027.”

Matawalle noted that the impact of the President’s policies is already being felt across the country, particularly in the northern region, citing improvements in governance, security initiatives and institutional reforms.

He called on political actors to embrace constructive engagement instead of divisive tactics, stressing that national interest should take precedence over personal ambition.

The minister also appealed to Nigerians to support government policies aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth, improving security and strengthening national unity.

“Rather than engaging in rancour and short-term political calculations, we should focus on solutions that deliver jobs, security and stronger institutions for Nigerians,” he said.

Nothing Bad Happens on a Friday’: Khalil Halilu and NASENI’s Good Turn in 2025

As he often says, “Nothing bad happens on a Friday.” For the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the whole of 2025 proved to be a strong and defining year. The agency continued to build on the foundation laid since Khalil Halilu assumed leadership—transforming NASENI beyond its refreshed bluish branding into an institution that is attractive not only in design, but also in delivery and tangible outcomes.

For years, NASENI was best known in policy circles as a research-heavy institution—important, but distant from the everyday realities of Nigerians. Its outputs were often measured in reports, concept papers, and pilot ideas. That perception changed decisively in 2025.

Under the leadership of Khalil Halilu, its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NASENI began to speak a different language: one of products, factories, partnerships, and people. It was no longer just about ideas; it was about outcomes Nigerians could touch, use, and rely on.

Every Friday, I have watched Halilu post his simple message on his social media platforms: “Nothing bad happens on a Friday.” The phrase has become something of a personal mantra. Coincidentally—or perhaps fittingly—he himself was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a Friday. By the end of 2025, the phrase had come to symbolise something larger: a leadership style anchored in optimism, urgency, and a belief that Nigeria can build for itself.

Khalil Halilu began the year 2025, precisely on 9 January 2025 with a guest, Mohammed Jammal—popularly known as White Nigerian—at NASENI’s Abuja headquarters.

During the interaction, Halilu showcased indigenous drone prototypes, solar home systems, and other technologies developed by young Nigerian engineers within NASENI. The discussion moved quickly to representation, visibility, and access. How could NASENI become more visible to young innovators? How could government research institutions feel open rather than intimidating?

Ideas flowed freely: whether it was the suggestion for a Youth Innovation Ambassador programme, a national Inventors Challenge with seed funding, and the creation of platforms where young Nigerians could test ideas using NASENI’s fabrication labs. At the heart of Khalil’s message was his guiding philosophy: Innovate, Incubate, Integrate. A framework that mirrors his broader mantra of creation, collaboration, and commercialisation.

That early engagement set the tone for the year. NASENI in 2025 would be open, youthful, and responsive.

Just days later, on 13 January, Halilu turned outward—this time to China. In a meeting with Ambassador Yu Dunhai, discussions centred on clean energy, electric mobility, and technology transfer. NASENI’s solar panel production ambitions and electric vehicle prototypes were no longer abstract ideas; they were projects actively seeking scale.

Solar power has become an essential solution for bridging Nigeria’s energy gap—whether for businesses or households—and addressing this core need sits at the heart of Khalil Halilu’s vision for NASENI.

At the meeting, concrete plans were laid for Nigerian engineers to undergo training at Chinese research centres, particularly in battery technology, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. Within months, these plans materialised, with NASENI engineers completing intensive training programmes in Shenzhen.

This approach reflected Khalil’s understanding that technology transfer is only effective when local institutions possess the capacity to absorb, adapt, and scale imported expertise.

If innovation is the spark, financing is the fuel. On 11 February, Halilu hosted Jaiz Bank’s leadership to discuss how Islamic finance could support NASENI’s journey from laboratory to factory floor. The conversation was grounded in realism of the Nigerian context: Many a Nigerian businessman does not lack ideas; they lack pathways to commercialisation.

Proposals emerged for an innovation fund, SME financing for NASENI-backed technologies, and joint industrial hubs.

When the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mohammed Abdullahi—fondly known as Dattijo—toured NASENI’s facilities, he saw far beyond experiments. What stood before him were economic instruments: solar irrigation pumps reducing import dependence, electric vehicles conserving foreign exchange, and manufacturing tools capable of creating skilled jobs.

The visit marked a crucial moment in aligning NASENI’s vision with Nigeria’s economic policy direction, as indigenous technology decisively entered the national economic planning conversation.

Innovation, Khalil Halilu understands, is also about sovereignty. His engagements with DICON reflected NASENI’s growing role in security-related engineering—from drones to surveillance systems and local fabrication of critical components.

The creation of joint defence-tech task teams ensured that these efforts moved beyond meetings into measurable outcomes. For NASENI engineers, it was validation that their work mattered at the highest levels of national security.

By April 2025, NASENI’s transformation was evident enough to warrant direct presidential attention. A tour led by Halilu for the President’s Special Adviser on Innovation showcased 35 indigenous technologies—each one a marker of progress.

Presidential backing followed, reinforcing Khalil’s leadership and NASENI’s transformation, credibility and momentum.

By mid-year, Khalil Halilu’s international engagements bore further fruit. Meetings with Chery Automobile in China advanced plans for local EV assembly in Nigeria—an ambitious yet calculated move.

Perhaps one of the most symbolic initiatives of 2025 was the launch of #ReverseJapa in partnership with NiDCOM. Rather than lamenting the loss of talent, NASENI under Khalil sought to reconnect it.

It is no gainsaying that by the end of 2025, NASENI had forged itself in the centre of Nigeria’s conversations on the domestic production of technologies that serve the Nigerian people. It had become a household name in engineering circles and increasingly among everyday Nigerians. Solar kits on farms, diagnostic tools in clinics, prototypes moving toward mass production.

Khalil Halilu’s year was defined by systems built, partnerships forged and products engineered. Today, NASENI has a long list of market ready products, that can cater to the needs of diverse Nigerians, whether in agriculture, or those in small and medium scale businesses.

Perhaps that is why his simple refrain resonates. Nothing bad happens on a Friday. In 2025, for NASENI—and for Nigeria’s innovation journey—it certainly felt that way.

- Bature Danlami, a technology enthusiast writes from Kano State.