₦airaland Forum

Amb. Tuggar Moves to Resolve Funding Challenges, Strengthen Nigeria’s Foreign Missions

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has opened discussions with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to tackle longstanding funding challenges facing the country’s diplomatic missions.

In a statement posted on his X handle, Amb. Tuggar described strategic financing as “the backbone of effective diplomacy,” noting that without adequate resources, Nigerian diplomats are constrained in their ability to advance national interests abroad.

The meeting with Mr. Edun, he said, centered on embedding Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities in the 2025 national budget, while also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable framework in the 2026 fiscal year.

“With the right resources in place, our diplomats will be empowered to protect national interests and amplify Nigeria’s role on the global stage,” Ambassador Tuggar wrote.

Nigeria is facing challenges of underfunded embassies and foreign missions, a problem that is reportedly affecting the country’s diplomatic presence.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s meeting with Mr Wale Edun is expected to align financial planning more closely with Nigeria’s foreign policy ambitions at a time of heightened global competition for influence.

Lessons in Diplomacy: Does the World Need Another Henry Kissinger?

What have you heard about the “legendary” Henry Kissinger?

Students of International Relations and Diplomacy, and those who study history and geopolitics know that he is arguably one of the most influential and equally most controversial figures in American, and even global foreign policy matters.

Henry Kissinger served as U.S. Secretary of State, the equivalent of a Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria and other nations, from 1973 to 1977 under Presidents Nixon and Ford. He was the architect of the detente (resolution of hostilities) between the then Soviet Union and the US, which eased the Cold War tension at that time.

Kissinger achieved this through strategy and what I would describe as personal diplomacy within the periods of 1969 up till the late 1970s. He knew that the Soviet Union did not trust the US and worked towards rebuilding that trust. He then used arms control as a foundation for cooperation between the US and the Soviet Union, through emphasizing that both countries are superpowers and shared a mutual interest in preventing nuclear escalation.

He thus negotiated what is known today as the SALT I treaty (1972), which placed limits on intercontinental ballistic missiles and anti-ballistic missile systems.

Another strategy he employed was to promote increased trade between the US and Soviets, particularly the sales of grains. He also offered technological cooperation with the Soviets. All these changed how the tone of things then, and brought two nations once at loggerheads with each other, to the table.

Diplomacy sometimes comprises of the easy things, but getting that easy thing done, does not come easy to everyone.

Kissinger, fondly described as a pragmatist, also employed a unique strategy of physical, inter-personal diplomacy. He enjoyed face-to-face meetings and negotiations. He believed in building trust through direct communication and developed relationships with a lot of key Soviet officials. He maintained regular meetings for consultations and cooperation.

These relationships created bonds that, though existing on an individual level, extended to both their countries.

Without Kissinger’s efforts, many diplomats would say that the US and Soviet Union could have embarked on a war against each other. The Cold War tension was palpable, and threatened the peace of the entire world.

Kissinger was known for his intellectual approach to diplomacy, drawing on his background as a Harvard professor and his expertise in European history and international relations theory. As would be expected of most strong diplomats, his influence extended well beyond his official tenure, continuing as a foreign policy advisor and commentator for decades afterward, ​​even up till his death at the full age of a 100.

Kissinger’s approach to geopolitics was one that recognized the role of all world, powers, and in turn giving them their due respect and honor. It was on this philosophy that he orchestrated the opening of diplomatic relations with China in the early 1970s, fundamentally reshaping global geopolitics. He was responsible for the US making inroads into China—relationship-wise. Till his death, China continues to honor Kissinger for his efforts in recognizing them and forging that relationship.

The late Henry Kissinger believed in what students of international relations describe as balance-of-power diplomacy and the strategic triangulation between the U.S., Soviet Union, and China. This is what readers of foreign policy believe was responsible for the stability in that period—a case where all three powers felt responsible for global peace, with each understanding, recognising and respecting the significance of the other.

I will avoid Kissinger’s controversies for now—and he had many, including allegations of supervising the assassination of world leaders. But the question for me, today is this, does the world have a diplomat as influential, consequential and powerful as Henry Kissinger?

In a world that is as chaotic as it is today—wars between Israel and its neighbors, Yemen and Saudi; the US and its controversial foreign policy; and Africa’s place in the comity of nations—who is that one person standing out, and holding the torch towards clarity, sanity and world peace.

Nigeria possesses Africa’s largest and most prospective economies. We are powerful, influential and consequential. What lessons can Nigeria’s Foreign Policy wonks draw from Kissinger?


Jerry Durojaiye writes from Abuja

*NASENI, NiDCOM Partner on Reverse Japa Initiative to Harness Diaspora Expertise*

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced a new partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) aimed at connecting Nigerian professionals abroad with innovators at home.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the collaboration with NiDCOM, led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, would serve as a bridge for technology transfer, funding, and skills exchange in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Halilu, over 17 million Nigerians live abroad, many of whom are scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs contributing to global innovation. The new initiative seeks to channel their expertise toward national development.

As part of the effort, NASENI is set to launch the Reverse Japa Program, a platform designed to encourage Nigerian professionals abroad to return home, contribute to local industries, and play a role in nation-building.

Halilu emphasized that the program is about transforming brain drain into brain gain, noting that Nigeria can only achieve its industrial and economic ambitions by leveraging the skills of its diaspora community.

He added that through partnerships such as this, NASENI will continue to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and opportunities that will make Nigeria more competitive globally.

Wale Edun: Rising Revenues, Investor Confidence Signal Nigeria’s Economic Turnaround

Nigeria is witnessing stronger revenues and renewed investor confidence, according to Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the annual conference and general assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), Edun said the country’s economic trajectory reflects the impact of recent reforms and the government’s commitment to enabling private sector-led growth.

“Our goal is not to crowd out private enterprise, but to remove distortions, unlock opportunities, and create the right conditions for investment and job creation,” he said.

Edun explained that the Federal Government sees its role as that of an enabler, policymaker, lawmaker, and catalyst. He stressed that Nigeria’s economic vision is anchored on building a strong, resilient, and inclusive economy.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has dismantled age-long distortions that were “bedevilling” the economy and stunting its potential. He noted that the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the exchange rate—though difficult—were necessary measures already yielding positive results.

“Following the removal of the major distortions, the next step was macroeconomic stability—creating a predictable environment where private investment can thrive at scale and drive productivity,” Edun said. “The second was strategic public investments. Before private sector inflows can come in, the key pillars must be in place—financing, fiscal buffers, and public funding for high-impact investments in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.”

He highlighted the government’s priorities as including debt transparency, growth-oriented borrowing, domestic revenue mobilisation, and coordinated debt treatment. “The Nigerian economy is turning the corner,” he asserted. “Reforms are delivering measurable impact—in investor confidence, in reduced fuel import costs, greater energy self-sufficiency, and in value addition.”

Edun also disclosed that states and local governments have seen substantial increases in allocations following subsidy removal, while the federal debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped to about 60 percent in 2024. Although this figure spiked slightly in early 2025 due to new borrowing needs, he said government remains committed to lowering debt service levels.

Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio, he added, is at a comfortable 38.8 percent, helped by a recent rebasing of GDP by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“We are at a turning point,” the minister said. “Revenues are rising, investment inflows are growing, foreign exchange inflows have strengthened, and the exchange rate has stabilised. This is laying a stronger foundation for inclusive growth. In particular, the manufacturing sector stands to benefit from a competitive exchange rate.”

While acknowledging positive trends, Edun admitted that Nigeria still faces high debt levels and elevated debt servicing costs, similar to other economies. He noted that interest rates—rising from about 8 percent in 2023 to nearly 20 percent in 2025—reflect the challenge of maintaining monetary stability.

“Despite these higher rates, government is committed to meeting its debt obligations. As inflation eases, we expect interest rates to fall,” he said.

Edun underscored the need to preserve social safety nets, maintain prudent and realistic budgeting, strengthen transparency, and ensure rigorous parliamentary oversight. “We must take decisive actions to deepen fiscal discipline and ensure public resources deliver measurable value and fit-for-purpose services to our people,” he added.

Also speaking, Shaakaa Chira, Auditor-General of the Federation, said Nigeria’s annual audit report provides parliament with credible evidence to strengthen accountability and oversight. He stressed that debt challenges are a regional issue across West Africa, describing WAAPAC as a vital platform for peer learning and reforms.

Chira reaffirmed his office’s commitment to delivering credible audits that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the subregion.

Wale Edun Clarifies 5% Fuel Surcharge, Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to Macroeconomic Stability

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to macroeconomic stability, private sector-led growth, and transparent fiscal management.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Mr. Edun addressed recent concerns surrounding the 5% fuel surcharge referenced in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025. He clarified that the surcharge is not a new tax, but one that predates the current administration, having first been introduced under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Amendment Act of 2007 to provide sustainable financing for road infrastructure. Of the revenues, 40% is allocated to FERMA and 60% to State Road Maintenance Agencies.

He explained that its inclusion in the new Act is not to impose a fresh levy but to harmonise existing tax provisions under a modern, transparent framework.

Mr. Edun described the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, as the country’s most ambitious and comprehensive tax reform to date. The Act consolidates multiple tax laws into a single legal instrument, eliminates over 50 overlapping taxes, and modernises revenue administration to improve compliance, efficiency, and investor confidence.

“The Act will not take effect until 1st January 2026,” the Minister stated, adding that this transition period allows for institutional restructuring, capacity building, and wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders, including subnational governments. He also revealed ongoing efforts to harmonise tax processes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, alongside the design of a framework for the Tax Ombudsman to strengthen taxpayer protection.

“This is not just another law; it is a catalyst for growth,” Mr. Edun emphasised. “Its implementation will be carefully phased to ensure minimal disruption while maximising benefits for Nigerians.”

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s economic vision, Mr. Edun highlighted two central priorities: the creation of a stable macroeconomic environment to unlock investment, drive productivity, and generate jobs; and the strengthening of government savings to fund strategic investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology.

While acknowledging current economic pressures, the Minister assured Nigerians that the administration remains sensitive to prevailing conditions. He reiterated that the government’s reforms are designed to simplify taxes, block leakages, strengthen compliance, and build an economy that works for all citizens.

“Macroeconomic stability is our top priority,” Edun said. “Every policy decision is guided by the need to ease pressures on households and businesses while laying the foundations for long-term prosperity.”

ONSA Calls for Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration to Safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure

The protection of critical national assets and infrastructure has been described as a national obligation that must be vigorously pursued to ensure Nigeria’s security and economic stability.

This was the central outcome of a state-level security coordination meeting on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The meeting, convened at the directive of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters, brought together the military, paramilitary organisations, and other key stakeholders in Borno State.

The initiative is designed to foster stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and establish practical frameworks for the effective protection of vital national assets and infrastructure across the state.

*NASENI Launches N250m ‘Innovate Naija’ Challenge at GITEX Nigeria*

The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has announced the launch of Innovate Naija, a nationwide program aimed at unlocking the ingenuity of Nigeria’s youth.

The initiative was unveiled at the maiden edition of GITEX Nigeria in Lagos. It is backed by the Presidency, powered by NASENI, and supported by AfriLabs.

With a total fund of N250 million, including a N100 million grand prize, Innovate Naija is Nigeria’s biggest innovation challenge and one of West Africa’s largest.

The program seeks to support grassroots innovators, scale youth-led solutions across Africa, and demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to solve its own problems.

Halilu underscored the vision behind the initiative by citing the story of a young man in Kano who built a water purifier from everyday materials without access to a laboratory or investors.

“He has no lab, no investors, just resilience. To support thousands of stories like his, we launched Innovate Naija,” he said.

Applications are now open via https://innovation.naseni.gov.ng/innovatenaija-campaign.

Wale Edun Rallies Partners at IATF 2025 to Strengthen Nigeria’s Role in AfCFTA

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has placed Nigeria’s trade and investment agenda firmly on the continental stage with a series of high-level engagements at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers.

On the sidelines of the Fair, Mr. Edun met with Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of IATF 2025. Their discussions focused on advancing Nigeria’s trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expanding industrial capacity, and mobilising strategic investments to power sustainable growth.

The Fair’s second day featured a range of thematic sessions, including the Trade Forum, Arise Industrialisation Day, Global Africa Day, and the CANE Auto Forum. These engagements highlighted Africa’s growing influence in global supply chains, the deepening of intra-African commerce, and the continent’s increasing attraction to transformative investors.

Speaking after his meetings, Mr. Edun reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reforms that will create a more competitive and enabling environment for business. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies are positioning Nigeria not only as a hub for value-added production but also as a driving force in accelerating Africa’s economic integration through AfCFTA.

Wale Edun: Nigeria Targets 10bscf Daily Gas Output by 2030

Nigeria has reaffirmed its ambition to produce 10 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas per day by 2030, as part of a broader strategy to unlock its vast energy reserves and drive sustainable economic growth.

Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, restated the government’s commitment on Thursday during a meeting with the management of Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited at his Abuja office.

According to a statement by Mohammed Manga, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s gas industry—covering production targets, the investment climate, and ongoing reforms.

“As Nigeria continues to push the boundaries of its energy potential, this meeting marks a critical milestone in the journey towards achieving its gas production targets by 2030,” the statement noted. “With renewed focus and determination, Nigeria is poised to unlock its vast resources and accelerate growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”

Reaffirming the 2030 target, Edun pointed to recent developments, including the deepwater gas deal with TotalEnergies, as evidence of progress towards creating a competitive, investor-friendly environment.

“The President has stabilised the economy and created new opportunities for manufacturing and energy. As we implement comprehensive tax reforms, your input will be vital in shaping a more attractive business landscape,” he said.

The minister further assured stakeholders that ongoing reforms—particularly the rollout of digital trade systems—would consolidate oversight, eliminate inefficiencies, and guarantee fairness. “We want a transparent, technology-driven environment where investors can operate with confidence,” he added.

Philip Mshelbila, Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, provided updates on the company’s operations, noting improvements in gas supply, enhanced security on the Trans-Niger pipeline, and capacity utilisation now exceeding 70 percent.

On infrastructure, Mshelbila highlighted progress on the Bodo-Bonny Road project, while urging for its extension to connect with the East-West highway under the tax credit scheme to further enhance regional connectivity.

Building Security Beyond Borders: Dr. Matawalle’s Bold Defence Agenda

In Abuja and beyond, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has emerged as a steady hand navigating our national and even continental security. Over the past month, his diary has been dense with engagements: from bilateral talks in Asia to continental summits at home, from defence-industrial ventures to high-level military graduations. Each event is part of a broader narrative: a Minister working to modernise Nigeria’s security architecture, deepen global partnerships, and shape Africa’s collective response to 21st-century threats.

It July, Matawalle joined other appointees of Northern extraction to an interactive session at Arewa House, Kaduna, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Memorial Foundation. The session underscored the importance of government–citizen engagement in shaping security policy.

A week later, the Minister presided over the commissioning of DICON-D7G’s new headquarters in Abuja. The joint venture between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and D7G Nigeria Limited symbolised Nigeria’s renewed determination to build an indigenous defence-industrial base. With plans spanning small-arms assembly, ammunition stockpiling, drone production, and even the construction of Nigeria’s first military jetty, the project reflects Dr. Matawalle’s belief that true sovereignty demands not only strong armed forces but also local manufacturing capacity. His remarks were pointed: this joint venture is a “symbol of our collective resolve” to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture.

Matawalle’s internationalism has been no less striking. In mid-August, he travelled to New Delhi for talks with Sanjay Seth, India’s Minister of State for Defence. The discussions centred on counter-terrorism training, anti-piracy cooperation, and defence-industry collaboration—areas where India’s technological edge could complement Nigeria’s security needs. The invitation he extended to Indian officials to visit Nigeria’s defence industry signals a strategic intent: to attract investment, technology transfer, and partnerships that accelerate the country’s defence self-sufficiency.

On returning to Abuja, Matawalle plunged into a week dominated by the National Defence College (NDC). At the Awards Night of Course 33, he congratulated graduates and praised the College for shaping strategic leaders capable of confronting Nigeria’s and Africa’s security challenges. His words to international participants underscored the theme that Nigeria sees itself not only as a beneficiary of global partnerships but as a contributor to collective security. The subsequent NDC Board meeting and formal graduation ceremony further reinforced the College’s role as a crucible for regional defence cooperation, with Dr. Matawalle consistently linking academic rigour to operational excellence.

Yet, for me, the centrepiece of his recent engagements was the Inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja. Addressing an audience that included Nigeria’s Vice President, UN dignitaries, and senior military officials from across Africa, Dr. Matawalle struck a note of urgency when he said that: “The future of warfare is digital, fast-moving, and unpredictable.” Indeed, today, and across the world, warfare is changing. Boots on ground are no longer the means for conquest and waging war. Technology is.

His call for Africa to invest in technology—cyber-defence, indigenous manufacturing, AI-driven systems—was a roadmap for the continent to be present in the future of the global conversation around security. Dr. Matawalle, during the summit also urged its institutionalisation as well as the creation of permanent working groups—a move that targets entrenching an enduring mechanism of continental cooperation.

While hosting João Pedro Soares Gomes Cravid, Chief of Staff of São Tomé’s Armed Forces, Dr. Matawalle, a major proponent of defence diplomacy, underscored that Nigeria’s defence diplomacy extends beyond the continent’s heavyweights to its smaller but strategically important neighbours. For a Gulf of Guinea region plagued by piracy and maritime insecurity, this was a signal that Nigeria is ready to anchor cooperative security to deal decidedly with the challenges faced by the region on matters of maritime security.

Threaded through all these activities is Dr. Matawalle’s loyalty to the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At every turn, he has emphasised the administration’s support for the armed forces, its commitment to technological modernisation, and its pursuit of African-led solutions to African security crises. Dr. Matawalle’s efforts have stood out for their concreteness—his focus on strengthening institutions, forging new partnerships, and developing new tools of war.

Critics may note that Nigeria’s security landscape remains deeply troubled—banditry violence in the north-west, maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, and cyber vulnerabilities nationwide. Yet, I borrow Matawalle’s own belief that a fully secure country emerges only through incremental steps. He has proven to be a leader that is intent on laying those building blocks: building capacity at home, forging alliances abroad, and constantly reminding Africa that its security must rest on African shoulders.

- Dahiru Bashir Hassan is a security researcher and writes from the FCT

WALE EDUN DRIVES TRADE REFORMS AS CUSTOMS REVENUE SURGES, BOOSTING PRIVATE SECTOR OUTLOOK

Nigeria’s economy is set for a stronger, more competitive future as the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, pushes forward sweeping trade and revenue reforms. His leadership was on full display at the 62nd meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board in Abuja, where the Service’s half-year results revealed a major leap in performance.

Under Edun’s watch, Customs generated an impressive ₦3.7 trillion in the first half of 2025, that is 12.5% above budget targets and 25% higher than the same period in 2024. He described the result as commendable, but stressed that it is only a first step toward meeting the Tinubu administration’s ambitious revenue and economic transformation goals.

Central to this reform agenda is the National Single Window Initiative, a state-of-the-art digital trade platform scheduled for full rollout in 2026. This initiative is designed to revolutionise import and export operations by cutting delays, reducing transaction costs, and improving efficiency.

According to the Minister, it will not only increase Customs’ speed and capacity to process trade, but also significantly strengthen revenue mobilisation while making Nigeria a more attractive destination for investment.

Mr Wale Edun further underscored that the modernisation of trade systems directly supports the private sector, enabling businesses to thrive in a more transparent and efficient environment. By reducing bottlenecks, the reforms will open opportunities for small, medium, and large enterprises to compete globally, while also fostering economic diversification.

The meeting also confirmed governance and institutional improvements within the Customs Service, including senior-level appointments and promotions, aimed at enhancing professionalism and capacity in line with global best practices.

Mr. Edun concluded by aligning the Customs performance and reform drive with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic agenda: stabilising inflation, strengthening the naira, and building a transparent, technology-driven trade ecosystem that catalyses private investment and sustainable growth.

FIGHT AGAINST BANDITRY: FACTS DISPROVE EL-RUFAI’S FALSE CLAIMS — ONSA

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed as false and misleading claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government is coordinating a policy of paying bandits or offering them incentives.

El-Rufai, during a television interview on Sunday, alleged that the ONSA was involved in ransom payments to criminals. But in a swift response, ONSA described the remarks as baseless, stressing that neither the Office of the National Security Adviser nor any agency of government under the present administration has ever engaged in ransom payments or inducements to bandits.

“On the contrary, we have consistently warned Nigerians against paying ransom,” the ONSA stated, adding that El-Rufai’s allegations contradict facts on the ground.

According to the Office, the Tinubu administration adopted a two-pronged strategy to combat insecurity: decisive kinetic operations combined with community engagement to address local grievances. The result of this approach, ONSA noted, is evident in parts of Kaduna State such as Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa, which once endured incessant attacks but now enjoy relative peace.

The Office further highlighted the successes of security agencies in neutralising or capturing notorious bandits across the state. It recalled that dreaded kingpins including Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow Janburos, Buhari, and Boka were eliminated, while leaders of the terrorist group Ansaru, who had previously established bases in Kaduna, were recently apprehended.

“These successes came at a cost, as some of our gallant officers paid the supreme price,” ONSA stated. “For a former governor like El-Rufai to deny these sacrifices on national television is not only unfair but also deeply insulting to the memories of our security personnel.”

The ONSA urged El-Rufai and other political actors to refrain from dragging national security institutions into partisan battles, stressing that the fight against banditry is a collective struggle that should not be reduced to political point-scoring.

2027, Gbenga Daniel and Banwo’s demented defence

By Seyi Bakare

FOR obvious reasons, Dr Ope Banwo, the pompous monkey who calls himself Mayor of Fadeyi, cannot avoid portraying himself as the lick spittle par excellence of the controversial senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel. First, he posed as a disinterested legal practitioner commenting on Gbenga Daniel's case with the Ogun State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning from abroad. But he quickly unravelled in the face of superior logic. Then to mask his utter partisanship, he claimed to be writing as "a stakeholder in Ogun East" and launched straight into scurrilous defence of his principal, using the language of demagoguery. He did not even have the courage to mention his portfolio as Daniel's attack dog.



Giving the impression that he is writing for a kindergarten audience, without logic or sense and, more significantly, without the faintest shred of the time-honoured value that the Yoruba people call Omoluabi, Gbenga Daniel’s errand boy has been vaingloriously mounting a futile campaign to deodorize his personal lord and savior, a notorious Judas who was virtually in penury before Governor Dapo Abiodun rescued him from his self-dug pit after running Ogun State like an emperor and getting completely shackled by his successor, Ibikunle Amosun. In the process, because of the utter emptiness of his intellection and the depravity of his mind, he sets up a binary dichotomy in which Daniel is everything good and Dapo Abiodun everything bad. In his doggerel, Banwo rehashes the same failed allegations that his principal and the Peoples Democratic Party purveyed to their utter political ruination during the build-up to the 2023, and at every level of the court system. The irony, namely that he sets no store by the judgment of the Ogun people who elected the Governor twice, is lost on him.



His headline, sensational but senseless, is a study in how not to trade a conscience and pedigree for a pittance: “THE OGUN EAST SENATORIAL REALITY CHECK: OGD Won Seat In 2023 by Landslide Dapo Lost Same Constituency By A Rout (Including Losing In His Own Ward)— Who Should APC Bet On in 2027 Against Other Parties?” This is tendentious nonsense, but the author proudly announces that he is taking a critical look at 7 reasons why APC must return OGD as senator in 2027, and the same number of reasons it should back off the sitting governor, the man who actually controls the party’s machinery. But first, some background remarks. Daniel was only asked to present the documents for his properties in Sagamu GRA, but he has been waging a media war on Governor Abiodun since then, stoking emotional rubbish in his bid to evade accountability for land grabbing. Ridiculous, isn’t it?

As we speak, Banwo’s liege lord has been suspended from the APC following years of subversive activities. It is common knowledge that it was Governor Abiodun who begged traditional rulers in Ogun State led by the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona, to concede the Ogun East senatorial ticket to Daniel, and get the then sitting senator, Lekan Mustapha, to drop his re-election battle. The Awujale was said to have expressed reservations because Daniel could not be trusted but the Governor insisted and coerced Mustafa to step down (See the account by Tunde Ipaye on this issue) despite several warnings from people that he would do exactly what he is doing now, and has become notorious for . Governor Abiodun felt, regrettably as it turned out to be, that a former governor who had suffered so much at the hands of his successor should be allowed some respite.



Daniel, who was in charge of the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign in 2019 and who had only joined APC few days to that year’s general election, was still new in APC, but Governor Abiodun gave him full support and rescued him from an eight-year oblivion. He restored Daniel’s businesses, which had been shut down by Amosun, and he and the party gave Daniel the needed financial and logistic support, and the APC triumphed at the February 2023 presidential/NASS elections in Ogun State. It was a universal victory for APC at all levels, not about Gbenga Daniel, but of course we do not expect lickspittles to have any value for truth.


That was when Daniel began to show his true colours. He struck a deal worth billions with the PDP candidate, Hon Adebutu, who is currently standing trial for money laundering---and, by the way, the details of money transfer between the camp of the PDP candidate and Daniel were uncovered by the security agencies, and are in the public domain. I urge the demented lawyer to challenge these notorious facts in court: he will be disgraced like his lord who is fast descending into the political pit he was rescued from. Daniel and his PDP friends executed a coup against Governor Abiodun simply because knowing that he and the Governor are from Ogun East, the senator undercut Abiodun so that he would not be a hindrance to his re-election! This was the same Judas who had just been rescued from political oblivion! No wonder the Yoruba say that no matter how you cook ebolo, it cannot lose its nasty smell.



The height of Daniel’s accustomed treachery came during the recent by-election wherein he summoned his associates to repeat the coup of 2023, but the APC leadership outsmarted him. Banwo boasts a lot about the supposed political prowess of his boss, but he will soon realize who really is boss. Where was that prowess in the eight years that Amosun held sway? And are we talking about the same Daniel who was so disconnected from his ward whose leadership unanimously suspended him, an action ratified by the state NWC of the party? How then is he going win the nomination for the 2027 senatorial ticket? Will he conjure one through abracadabra? And will the Ogun APC give him the ticket so that he can get yet another opportunity to perpetrate his anti-party activities and try to sink its fortunes? Banwo doesn't think, does he? Daniel is already reaping the rewards of his indiscipline and treachery, and no matter the height of the horse on which his attack dogs try to place him, he is destined for life in the political dustbin.



You do not tell a child not to contract leprosy, as long as he can inhabit the forest in solitude. The idea that a sitting governor who commands the political structure of the party in his state needs to demolish his perceived opponent’s properties to win a ticket that is definitely is for the asking is jejune, but that is the story that Banwo and his fellow attack dogs have been peddling with idiotic fervor. No problem, 2027 will soon be here. As they say in Nigerian Pidgin, their eyes go clear.



Now, as part of Banwo’s 7 reasons, he lists the creation of Ijebu State, an exercise in futility, and then says that the senator consistently placed Ogun East’s critical issues on the Senate floor — from the Sagamu–Ore and Ijebu Ode–Epe roads. Just how demented can this fellow be? What does he know about the roads he is referencing? It was Governor Abiodun who wrote to President Bola Tinubu to carry out the Sagamu-Ore road reconstruction and got the commitment and subsequent approval of Mr President, which explains why he was the one that flagged it off with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. If the reconstruction was facilitated by Daniel, how come he was not at the flagging off? Banwo is seriously deluded. Besides, what major road the did Daniel construct in his eight-year tenure? Even Oba Erinwole that leads to his house was totally impassable when Governor Abiodun assumed office: it is common knowledge that Amosun refused to reconstruct the road because of him. This was one of the reasons Governor Abiodun, who has always canvassed the idea that governance is a continuum, prioritized it. Daniel is a complete ingrate who thrives by undercutting whoever comes to his aid.






And talking about federal roads, where was he when President Muhammadu Buhari came to inaugurate the landmark road projects by Governor Abiodun? Who constructed major roads such as Agbara-Atan-Lusada, Epe-Ijebu Ode, Sagamu Interchange and Papalanto-Otta Abeokuta? And who carried out the massive reconstruction of the Sagamu-Abeokuta road which Daniel shoddily constructed? Has Banwo been to the Sagamu Interchange? Regarding federal roads in Ogun State in general, is he unaware of Governor Abiodun’s ultimatum to the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, an action which even pitted him against the then Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola? Was it not Governor Abiodun who rehabilitated many federal roads in Ogun State in a bid to alleviate the suffering of the road users? Which federal road did Daniel mount pressure on the FG for? Was it not Governor Abiodun who piled ceaseless pressure on Dave Umahi to attend to some federal roads in Ogun State? By the way, who made Banwo and his ilk the judge of senatorial excellence? And which projects has Daniel attracted to Ogun East?



The Abiodun government is revolutionary in every sense. The Gateway International Airport, the game changer in Nigerian aviation, has just been licensed to operate commercial flights. It is simply phenomenal. The largest and deepest seaport in West Africa is springing up soon in Olokola courtesy of the investor-friendly climate that the Governor has created, and so is the dry port, for which the Abiodun government has just released 130 hectares of land along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway, Ijebu Ode, to the Federal Government. The Abiodun government has flagged off the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) aimed at empowering small holder farmers. Ogun under Abiodun is set to join the list oil producing states, and has consistently stood out among Nigeria's top performing states.


Banwo should advise his oga to forward his land documents to the authorities, or bear the consequences!!! The alleged executive land grabber who from all Indications built his house on land belonging to the judiciary and the old Governors Guest House, respectively, oughtn't he, Banwo?


Banwo and his fellow attack dogs are onboard a drowning boat. They will sink with it.

Fayinka Admonishes Mushin Youths to Shun Cybercrime, Embrace Digital Skills

The week-long Free Digital Skill Training came to a successful close on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Hon. Toyin Fayinka’s Constituency Office, with the presentation of certificates to over 200 participants. The event also doubled as the celebration of the 2025 International Youth Day.

Speaking at the grand finale, several high-profile youth and community leaders admonished Mushin youths to embrace the opportunities in digital skills rather than indulge in cybercrime. They urged participants to put into practice their newly acquired knowledge in videography, photography, and digital creativity to earn sustainable income and contribute positively to society.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Moremi Ojodu, SSA to the President on Community Engagement (South West); Hon. Owolabi Jamiu Falana, Permanent Board Member LASUBEB; Hon. Olatunbosun Aruwe Chairman Mushin Local Government; Hon. Ruth Lijirin, SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement; councillors, party stalwarts, and community leaders. They inspired the youths by sharing personal experiences and encouraging them to remain focused and consistent in developing themselves.

Hon. Toyin Fayinka, represented by his legislative aide Mr. Olufela Agoro, delivered the MHR’s goodwill message. He encouraged the beneficiaries never to relent in learning, assuring them of his continued commitment to youth empowerment and capacity development initiatives. He also urged them to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise to register, update, or transfer their voter cards, stressing the importance of civic participation.

Hon. Fayinka further appreciated the facilitators, mentors, and partners particularly Yusluv Media and Craft Residence for their immense contributions to the success of the program.

Other notable dignitaries included Alhaji Fatai Idowu, Chairman Justice Forum Mushin; executives of the Justice Forum Mushin Apex Body; Hon. Adeleye Olusoji, APC Mushin LGA Vice Chairman; Comrade Olusoji Oredola, NYCN Mushin Coordinator; Justice Forum League of Ward Chairmen; women leaders; and other respected stakeholders.

Wale Edun: A Fiscal Hand Steady on the Wheel

Nigeria’s path to economic stability is rarely straight, but under the stewardship of Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the country’s fiscal compass is pointing firmly towards discipline, efficiency, and long-term growth. Earlier this month, emerging from a Federal Executive Council meeting, Mr. Edun set out a vision that marries immediate stabilisation with the building blocks of a stronger, more resilient economy.

The President, he reported, has reiterated a simple but powerful directive: grow the Nigerian economy by optimising public savings and ensuring government spends smarter, not just more. For a country long burdened by revenue leakages and suboptimal expenditure, the emphasis on efficiency goes beyond a budgeting mantra. It is in fact the key to unlocking sustained development.

Difficult but necessary measures, Mr Edun explained, have already been taken to stabilise the macroeconomic environment. Though inflation remains stubborn, foreign exchange reforms, tighter fiscal controls, and a clear line of sight on debt sustainability are gradually restoring confidence. The results are visible: investors, both local and foreign, are beginning to view Nigeria as an economy of potential and one with credible promise. The International Monetary Fund, in its latest assessment, endorsed the country’s economic trajectory. That is a vote of confidence that I say is not lightly given.

The ambition is also not modest. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set his sights on building a $1 trillion economy, a target that demands both growth and transformation. Mr. Wale Edun, who also heads the President’s Economic Management Team, is anchoring this ambition on two pillars: savings and investment. Public sector savings, he insists, must rise through efficient spending; every Naira wasted is a Naira not invested in roads, power, or human capital. To that end, the President has tasked his team with reviewing the deductions from the Federation Account, particularly the often-contentious “cost of collection” retained by agencies. The goal of President Tinubu’s directive is clear: close the leakages, boost our fiscal buffers, and create the fiscal space for priority investments.

Two such investments featured prominently in the Mr. Wale Edun’s briefing. The first, a $125 million financing proposal for roads in the South-East, promises to improve connectivity, cut travel times, and spur regional commerce. A request that South-Easterners have craved for decades. The second tackles a long-standing drag on growth: the N4 trillion in outstanding obligations in the electricity sector. Refinancing these debts is an essential step Nigeria is taking towards stabilising the power industry, attracting new investment, and keeping the lights on in Africa’s largest economy.

This is what I call focusing on the foundation.

If macroeconomic policy can sometimes feel abstract, Mr. Wale Edun’s approach links it back to the daily realities of Nigerians: better roads for farmers and traders, more reliable electricity for households and industries, and a currency that holds its value in the marketplace. In an era when global headwinds are strong and domestic expectations are high, such a steady fiscal hand may well be one of Nigeria’s most valuable assets.

Mohammed Abiodun is a historian, and writes from Abuja.

Wale Edun Champions Nigeria–Brazil Economic Cooperation in São Paulo

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today led Nigeria’s economic delegation to a high-level Business Roundtable hosted by Citi at its São Paulo headquarters. The meeting took place on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s historic State Visit to Brazil.

Delivering the keynote, Mr. Edun outlined President Tinubu’s bold economic reform agenda designed to restore fiscal sustainability, unlock private capital, and accelerate inclusive growth. He underscored Nigeria’s vast market potential, its demographic dividend, and the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, energy transition, and technological innovation as critical drivers of long-term prosperity.

The delegation also included the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso. Together, they engaged Brazilian corporates, investors, and Citi leadership on strategies to expand bilateral investment flows and strengthen South-South economic cooperation.

In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy emphasized: “Our priority is to foster an enabling environment where global investors and Nigerian enterprise can thrive together. Brazil is a natural partner in this journey.”

The Business Roundtable, under Mr. Edun’s leadership, underscores Nigeria’s determination to deepen its economic partnership with Brazil while advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for transformation and sustainable growth.

Africa Must Invest in Technology to Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats – Minister Matawalle

“The future of warfare is digital, fast-moving, and unpredictable. As defense leaders, we must invest in technology to stay ahead of emerging threats. Africa must take the lead in shaping the future of defense.”

These were the words of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, at the Inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025, held from Monday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 27, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The summit’s theme was: “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defense Collaboration.”

The landmark gathering brought together military leaders, policymakers, and academics from across the continent. Among the distinguished attendees were the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, who represented the Senate President; the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Ahmad Abdullahi Kalambaina, representing the Speaker of the House; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Haj. Amina J. Mohammed; former Prime Minister of Guinea, H.E. Lansana Kouyate; and former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR.

Hosted by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, the summit provided a platform to explore Africa’s future security landscape. Deliberations addressed pressing threats including terrorism, insurgency, maritime insecurity, and the rising danger of cyberattacks.

Dr. Matawalle hailed the summit as a milestone in Africa’s collective security efforts, stressing that “Africa’s solutions must be led by Africans.” He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability across the continent, pointing to the country’s track record in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and humanitarian initiatives.

The Minister also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration for strengthening Nigeria’s Armed Forces and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in regional and continental security initiatives. “I commend President Tinubu for his steadfast leadership in shaping Nigeria’s security agenda. His administration has strengthened our armed forces, deepened strategic partnerships, and reinforced Nigeria’s role as a stabilizing force in Africa,” he said.

Looking to the future, Dr. Matawalle underscored the need for Africa to invest in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in cyber defense and indigenous military-industrial capacity. He urged African states not merely to follow global military trends but to lead in shaping the future of warfare.

To ensure continuity, the Minister called for the summit to be institutionalized as an annual event, supported by working groups and task forces to sustain cooperation and track progress. He praised General Musa for his vision and leadership in convening the event, describing it as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening defense collaboration across Africa.

Closing his remarks, Dr. Matawalle urged African Chiefs of Defence Staff to remain united in addressing the continent’s security challenges through collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and joint training. “Together, we can ensure that Africa’s security is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. Our collective efforts will safeguard peace, stability, and progress for generations to come,” he concluded.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC); Mr. David Wiseman, Chief of International Programmes and Strategy at the Invictus Games Foundation; Professor PLO Lumumba; Service Chiefs; and past Service Chiefs.

Nigerian Intelligence Leads to Arrest of Boko Haram Founder’s Son – Bukarti

Nigerian intelligence has been credited with the arrest of Muslim Muhammad Yusuf, the son of Boko Haram’s founder, in Chad — a breakthrough analysts say underscores the effectiveness of improved intelligence gathering and coordination under the office of the National Security Adviser.

Security analyst Audu Bulama Bukarti confirmed the development after an investigation into the identity of the suspect. “My investigation has confirmed that Muslim Muhammad Yusuf, recently arrested in Chad, is the son of Boko Haram’s founder,” Bukarti told reporters.

According to him, Muslim was leading an ISWAP cell when he was captured alongside five others. His resemblance to the late Muhammad Yusuf initially raised suspicion, but further checks with family acquaintances and relatives confirmed his identity. “One close family friend was emphatic: ‘Yes, he is his son. He was two or three when they launched their insurgency. He is the son of Bintu, Muhammad Yusuf’s first and eldest wife.’ His uncles also confirmed it,” Bukarti explained.

Chadian authorities reportedly acted on a Nigerian intelligence tip-off to make the arrest. Bukarti noted that the timeline of Boko Haram’s insurgency and the suspect’s age matched reports from Chad, further sealing the case.

The arrest comes only days after Nigerian security forces announced the capture of two top leaders of Ansaru—a Boko Haram offshoot linked to al-Qaeda—as well as the head of the Mahmuda group, which has been unleashing terror in parts of the North Central.

Bukarti described the string of arrests as a “turning point” in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. “For the first time, the head of a major terrorist faction has been taken alive. That is no small feat. Nigerian intelligence deserves credit,” he said.

He attributed the success to the renewed push for inter-agency coordination and intelligence-sharing led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), noting that the improved strategy has produced tangible results in recent weeks.

However, Bukarti cautioned against complacency. “The same energy must now be turned on the bandit warlords ravaging the North West and North Central. They, not Boko Haram, are today’s biggest threat to lives and livelihoods. Taking down their leaders—by arrest or elimination—will cripple their networks, prove that the Tinubu administration means business and begin to restore public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” he added.

Wale Edun: Nigeria Targeting 7% Growth as World Bank Reaffirms Support

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has declared that Nigeria is driving bold reforms to achieve GDP growth of up to 7% in the medium term, more than double population growth, while significantly raising living standards.

Speaking during a strategic briefing with Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, World Bank Executive Director for Angola, Nigeria and South Africa (ANSA) Constituency, Edun stressed that the government’s reform agenda is already attracting international capital.

“Our focus is on structural reforms in agriculture, power, and digital infrastructure to build a stronger, more competitive economy,” he stated.

The Minister noted that measures such as subsidy removal, improved tax collection, and digitisation are beginning to yield results, with renewed investor confidence reflected in new manufacturing investments.

He underscored that Nigeria is committed to channeling multilateral support into impactful projects that expand infrastructure, create jobs, and unlock private sector investment.

Mrs. Ahmed reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to Nigeria’s development priorities and praised the country’s leadership role in continental forums, including the recent Africa Caucus.

Edun welcomed the Bank’s continued partnership, highlighting that Nigeria’s reform momentum, backed by multilateral support, will lay the foundation for sustainable growth and private sector–led development.

Nigeria’s Economic Reforms Is Offering a Glimpse of Renewed Hope

Nigeria’s economy may still have its fair share of challenges, but there’s a new sense of direction coming from the Ministry of Finance—and it has Mr. Wale Edun’s signature all over it.

Since taking the reins as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has moved with a quiet determination, pushing through reforms that are beginning to ease long-standing economic pressures. At the heart of his work is the stabilisation of the Naira—a currency that for decades has been at the mercy of oil prices and policy inconsistencies. By liberalising the foreign exchange market and closing the gap between official and black-market rates, Mr. Edun has restored credibility to Nigeria’s economic management. Investors have noticed: Moody’s upgraded the country’s credit rating, and foreign portfolio inflows are picking up, breathing new life into the bond and equity markets.

Beyond pleasing investors this is about creating stability for the everyday Nigerian. A stronger Naira means less pressure on prices, and a healthier economy means more opportunities for jobs, investment, and growth.

The numbers tell their own story. In the first four months of 2025 alone, government revenue hit N6.9 trillion, that is 40% higher than the same period last year. This surge is no accident. Through the Revenue Optimization and Assurance Project, Wale Edun is plugging leakages, tightening public finance systems, and making sure every naira counts. That extra fiscal muscle can now be channeled into infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and social programmes that directly affect people’s lives.

Mr. Edun is also working to unlock private-sector power. By engaging with the downstream petroleum sector, he’s helping smooth the country’s transition away from costly subsidies, while new partnerships with impact investors, including a $50 million injection into the Nigeria Wholesale Impact Investment Fund, promise to unleash funding for small businesses and create much-needed jobs.

For a country hungry for economic renewal, Mr. Wale Edun’s early steps suggest that better days could be on the horizon. His blend of discipline, reform, and investment-friendly policies may be just what Nigeria needs to turn the page. And if the current trajectory holds, the average Nigerian might soon feel the benefits not just in economic reports, but in everyday life.

- John Olanipekun, an Economist who writes from Osun State

Still on Gbenga Daniel and his spin doctors

By Ilesanmi Martins

THERE is a reason the author of “OGD vs DA: The real story untold” did not attach his name to the pile of garbage: it is pure fiction. At least if the spin doctors of Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East and former governor of Ogun State, wish to lie, they should do so with a bit of imagination. In the piece under reference, a collection of outrageous lies that will no doubt make even Lucifer the father of lies green with envy, the author claims that Prince Dapo Abiodun’s Heyden Petroleum, a company established in 2001, arose after Gbenga Daniel asked the then private citizen to manage a state-owned oil and gas company, Gateway Oil and Gas, in 2006! He wrote about Dapo Abiodun, a well-known business mogul who once led such a distinguished organization as IPMAN in this country, as if he was writing about an unknown quantity. It is a shame when people cast any dignity aside, write for a bottle of beer, and mortgage their future for a pittance.

Ordinarily, there would have been no need to respond to desperately blatant falsehoods such as this, but we live in a society where some people believe anything, including, to go straight to the meat of this piece, the claim that Governor Dapo Abiodun is miffed by Daniel’s alleged rising profile in Ogun politics and wants to demolish his properties in order to win the Ogun East senatorial ticket! Suddenly, a sitting governor who has not told anyone that he wants to contest election in 2027 now needs to demolish his perceived opponent’s properties in order to win the 2027 senatorial ticket! It is a lunatic claim but anything is possible in the camp of land-grabbing, conscienceless politicians who feel too big to obey the law.


The trajectory of Daniel’s leadership, including the overwhelming climate of violence, oath-taking scandals and political assassinations under his administration (2003-2011) is too well known to bear any repetition here, as is the total blackout of his presence from Ogun State and its affairs while his successor, Ibikunle Amosun, held sway as governor. Today, Daniel is locked in a supremacy battle with the same man who rehabilitated him politically, saved his businesses, restored his privileges as a former governor of Ogun State, and yielded to the plea by foremost traditional rulers in Ogun State to allow him to pick the senatorial ticket that he now enjoys at the expense of the more worthy Senator Lekan Mustapha. What a tragedy. To be sure, it is futile to expect a habitual Judas to desist from treachery, and the story of Daniel’s collusion with the opposition after enjoying Abiodun’s full backing during the 2023 presidential/NASS polls is too well known to be threatened by revisionist, white-washing garbage by hack and hired writers motivated by the rustle of currency notes, and with a conscience sold to the devil.

Some people play politics with everything. If not, why is a simple request to present building papers for audit suddenly a matter of litigation and alleged 2027 politicking even when the state government opened a window to those with irregular papers to regularize them? If Governor Abiodun, who has the Ogun APC structure firmly within his control, really wants to contest the 2027 senatorial ticket, what does he need to go after Daniel, an outsider who was until a few days to his (Abiodun’s) governorship election in 2019 still a member of the PDP, for? Just how will he be demolishing houses to win primaries? Is that how to gain people's approval? What benefit will the demolition add to him politically, if this is about politics as Daniel’s camp will never cease regurgitating? No one became senator without Daniel’s input as governor, and the story was the same with Amosun. Why should it now be different?

Should Governor Abiodun prevent the Ogun State Ministry of Urban Planning from doing its work simply because Emperor Daniel is involved? Is it being suggested that because the opposition will talk, Abiodun must violate the law he swore to uphold? It is only those who cannot reason that are swallowing Daniel’s lies bait hook, line and sinker. Does anyone seriously think that if Governor Abiodun has 2027 aspirations, he needs to demolish anyone's houses to win the APC ticket? Is that how he will build acceptance among the electorate? The sanctity of government must be protected from hijack. Accountability and the rule of law must prevail.


In his desperation, the controversial senator asked Governor Abiodun to first demolish his house in Iperu before demolishing his (Daniel’s) properties. Well, the Governor built his house on private land, not government land, and he obtained the necessary papers. It is foolishness to compare apples and oranges. Dapo Abiodun did not seize government land.

The author of the garbage in question claimed that Prince Abiodun collected $3 million bribe in the name of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, and that the former president kept quiet about it. He assumes he is addressing a kindergarten audience, for who else would have gone public with such information if not OBJ, who did not even spare his own deputy? Deliberately distorting facts will not help Daniel’s case. This is a man who, under Ibikunle Amosun, was declared persona non grata, someone who for eight years could not even visit Abeokuta, now trying to discredit his benefactor. And regarding his suspension by APC, who does not know the details of Daniel’s hobnobbing with the opposition, key members of whom are now in court, charged with vote buying and conspiracy? It is a known fact that the man being dressed in alien robes of righteousness worked against the party in 2023.

While Nigerians know how Governor Amosun fought desperately to install a successor and opposed Abiodun’s bid with every asset at his disposal, the sophist claimed that Abiodun became governor in 2019 after forming an alliance with Amosun. He even claimed that it was Abiodun who had advised Amosun to move against Daniel. Is it any surprise, then, that he would not dare to affix his name to his pile of garbage? Let Daniel obey the law and stop silly games. Period.

Matawalle Reaffirms Tinubu’s Security Agenda as NDC Graduates Future Defence Leaders

The National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, hosted a Dinner and Awards Night on 20 August 2025 to celebrate the graduating participants of Course 33, marking the conclusion of its 11-month Strategic Leadership Programme.

Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, who graced the event as Special Guest of Honour, used the occasion to reaffirm the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building stronger defence institutions and developing strategic leaders for national security.

In his address, Dr. Matawalle congratulated the graduates, noting that the dinner not only provided an opportunity to unwind after months of rigorous training, but also to reflect on the knowledge and experiences that will shape their future careers. He stressed that the course had equipped participants with the leadership skills and strategic insight needed to safeguard their nations and contribute to global peace.

The Minister commended the NDC’s dedication to academic excellence and the role it plays in preparing officers for higher responsibilities. “The skills and lessons you have acquired here will continue to serve you well as you progress in your careers,” he said.

He also acknowledged the international participants of Course 33, praising their contributions and the diversity they brought to the institution. Dr. Matawalle urged them to carry forward their experiences at the NDC and partner with Nigeria in tackling shared security challenges.

Paying tribute to the Commandant, Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okosun, and the faculty of the College, the Minister described their work as “exemplary” in shaping the future of defence leadership.

Conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulations, Dr. Matawalle reassured the graduates that the government remains firmly committed to strengthening the well-being and security of Nigerians. He encouraged them to align their professional service with the administration’s broader national objectives.

The Minister closed with his best wishes ahead of the forthcoming formal graduation ceremony, applauding the achievements of the Course 33 participants, their families, and the National Defence College for another successful academic cycle.

WALE EDUN, HEAD OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT TEAM, MEETS CBN GOVERNOR TO STRENGTHEN MONETARY-FISCAL COORDINATION


The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who also leads the nation’s Economic Management Team, today held a strategic meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja. The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, was also in attendance.

The high-level engagement underscored the importance of aligning fiscal and monetary policy under Edun’s leadership to sustain macroeconomic stability, strengthen investor confidence, and drive private sector-led growth.

Mr. Edun reaffirmed that coordinated action between the fiscal and monetary authorities remains central to consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is ensuring that inflation is contained, revenues are efficiently mobilised, and credit flows effectively to productive sectors of the economy.

US Commends Nigeria Over Arrest of Wanted Ansaru Leaders

The United States Mission in Nigeria has commended the Federal Government and Nigerian security forces for the successful arrest of two notorious leaders of the terror group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru).

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Mission described the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (popularly called Mallam Mamuda) as “a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”

The commendation comes on the heels of the announcement by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, that the two high-profile terrorists were captured during a series of intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations conducted between May and July 2025.

Ribadu disclosed that Abu Bara’a, the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy, Mallam Mamuda, had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and were also flagged internationally by the US, UK, and the United Nations for their roles in terrorism.

“These two men jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure,” Ribadu said, noting that their operations included the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, and the kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura, in 2019.

Mamuda, who trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under jihadist instructors, was identified as the leader of the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park and along the borders with Benin Republic.

According to the NSA, their arrest represents “the most decisive blow against Ansaru since its inception,” effectively dismantling its central command structure and paving the way for the group’s total defeat.

Ansaru, formed in 2012 as a splinter faction of Boko Haram, had long aligned itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). It entrenched itself through sleeper cells in urban centres and forest hideouts across northern Nigeria, with a reputation for high-profile kidnappings, armed attacks, and cross-border terrorist linkages.

GEPIn Commends Finance Minister, Wale Edun, for Strengthening Nigeria’s Fiscal Stability

The Global Economic Policy Initiative (GEPIn) has applauded the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for the significant progress recorded in stabilising Nigeria’s economy under his stewardship.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its Convener, Mr. Bernard Okri, said the recent settlement of more than N2 trillion in outstanding capital budget arrears from the 2024 fiscal year demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring fiscal credibility, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring the smooth implementation of developmental projects across the country.

According to GEPIn, this decisive action is already yielding positive results.

"By clearing these arrears, the Federal Government has eased the burden on contractors and project financiers, thereby stimulating renewed activity in infrastructure development, expanding employment opportunities, and supporting the broader growth agenda of the administration.”

The group also commended the improvement in the fiscal health of subnational governments, noting that States’ fiscal surplus has risen from N2.8 trillion in 2023 to N7.1 trillion. This, GEPIn said, provides States with greater fiscal space to channel resources into critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, areas that directly impact the quality of life of Nigerians.

“These reforms reflect a disciplined approach to fiscal management and the pursuit of policies that are gradually stabilising the economy,” Mr. Okri stated. “We believe that if sustained, these efforts will not only accelerate economic recovery but also create a more resilient foundation for inclusive growth across the country.”

GEPIn further urged stakeholders to support the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms, stressing that collective action remains vital in translating macroeconomic gains into tangible benefits for citizens.

NSA Ribadu: A Tinubu Masterstroke in the fight against insecurity

By Dada Olusegun

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu broke from standard tradition and announced the appointment of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as his National Security Adviser, a lot of eyebrows were raised with many expressing doubts about the wisdom behind entrusting a former police officer with the task of advising the president on the seemingly complex issues of national security.

But Malam Nuhu Ribadu is no ordinary policeman and surely, President Bola Tinubu is no ordinary president. Crucially, they are not strangers to each other having known each other and worked together politically since the ACN days. Before his elevation as the National Security Adviser to President Tinubu, Malam Nuhu Ribadu served as his Special Adviser on Security for almost three weeks. Therefore it is safe to state that Tinubu's choice of Ribadu as NSA was a thought-out decision.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu has spent 25 full months as NSA to the President and within this period, he has redefined a lot about that office and what it can achieve. Nigeria's security landscape over the past two years has changed drastically. It is necessary to highlight the scale of security challenges across different parts of the country that President Bola Tinubu's administration inherited as of May 29, 2023. This will give us a clear picture of the remarkable progress made in the area of national security under this administration.

*A peep into the security challenges Tinubu inherited*

The Tinubu administration inherited at least four major security headaches that were seriously threatening Nigeria's national security and they include the following:

*Terror Attacks in the North:* Between 2022 and early 2023, Nigeria began to witness a kind of resurgence in deadly attacks by Boko Haram beyond Borno where they were initially restricted by the security forces. For example, in July 2022, a splinter group of Boko Haram staged a daring attack in which over 100 terrorists descended on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja from three sides simultaneously, killing five people and freeing over 879 inmates with over 16 persons injured. On the same day as the Kuje attack, terrorists attacked a presidential convoy in Dutsinma, Katsina State.

Terrorists also in late July 2022 attacked officials of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Presidential Guards Brigade in a surprise ambush around the Bwari Area Council in the FCT, killing eight personnel and leaving three soldiers injured. Earlier in March 2022, another daring terror attack on a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja resulted in the death of 10 persons and the abduction of 61 passengers. Terrorists also began to increasingly stage attacks on both military and civilian targets across parts of the North East.

*Proliferation of Banditry in North West:* Banditry increased in intensity around 2022 with many states in the North West and a few areas in the North Central coming under siege by deadly bandits. Mass kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and other violent crimes became rife to the point that many food-producing communities and agricultural produce hubs such as Birnin Gwari became ghost towns, negatively impacting food security. Kaduna alone recorded 1,192 killings and over 3,348 kidnapped under the previous administration. The spate of kidnapping-for-ransom was one of the reasons adduced by the Buhari administration for embarking on the currency redesign policy.

*Large-scale crude oil theft/pipeline vandalism:* The menace of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refineries was another security challenge that increasingly became chronic in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The combined impact of these was the drastic decline of Nigeria's crude oil output. Nigeria averaged 998,602 barrels per day in April 2023 - way off the 1.5mbpd OPEC quota for Nigeria.

*IPOB Siege and Attacks in the South East:* The proscribed IPOB terrorist organisation in 2021 and 2022 stepped up its attacks on Nigerian security personnel stationed in the South East, police stations and prisons as well as civilians in the region. IPOB militant wing, the ESN, thanks to steady funding and coordination from outside Nigeria, was unleashing mayhem across many communities, imposing and enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders across the zone including in state capitals and major urban centres in the South East.

*Two years later, the security landscape has improved significantly*

In two years of President Tinubu's administration, there has been a general improvement in Nigeria's security landscape. The President began the overhaul of the security architecture with the appointment of highly professional officers to lead the security agencies as service chiefs. He followed it up with the elevation of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as his NSA and has backed the security agencies with unflinching presidential support. Meanwhile, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, whose job is mostly to coordinate the security architecture with the backing of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces began immediately to carry out that primary assignment of COORDINATION.

He injected an increased sense of cooperation and synergy among the various security agencies including intelligence-related agencies. This inter-agency synergy has always been a missing link in Nigeria's security architecture over the years. As a result of his previous background as EFCC boss, NSA Nuhu Ribadu saw the importance of making intelligence the central link of all national security operations. He therefore actively pursued the enhancement of the intelligence gathering and delivery capability of Nigeria's security forces.

Beyond that, NSA Ribadu also encouraged inter-agency cooperation to enhance intelligence sharing and its utilisation to combat crime or prevent crime from taking place. He also leveraged his extensive contacts in the global intelligence community to help Nigeria record major intelligence breakthroughs within this period. The resultant general effect is as follows:

*Intelligence-driven capture of wanted masterminds of terror attacks:* Over the past two years, security agencies through solid intelligence have apprehended masterminds of terrorist attacks that took place before the Tinubu administration came on board. For example, a mastermind of the March 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack was arrested in 2024. A few days ago, the NSA announced the arrest of two top leaders of Al-qaeda affiliated Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan who masterminded the daring attack on Kuje prisons in July 2022. Many such successful operations shows the growing capacity of Nigeria's security agencies to go after major wanted terror suspects relying on credible intelligence.

*Reduction in Banditry and Terror Attacks:* There has been an overall reduction in both the frequency and scale of banditry and insurgency in the North over the past two years. In the north-west states of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto which are the states most ravaged by banditry, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have eliminated hundreds of wanted bandit commanders and thousands of their fighters while freeing tens of thousands of hostages.

The once deadly Abuja-Kaduna road has become safer for commuters once again. Many rural farming communities have become safer for the population to resume their farming activities. Notorious bandit leaders who are yet to be neutralised are in hiding and feeling the heat of the ongoing military offensives. Also, in the north east, despite repeated attempts by Boko Haram insurgents to mount surprise attacks, a coordinated military response is always there to neutralise those terrorist threats.

*Crude oil theft has reduced drastically:* Due to a successful security strategy to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, Nigeria's average daily crude oil production has risen from less than 1mbpd in April 2023 to around 1.8mbpd (inclusive of condensate) today. Nigeria is now comfortably meeting its OPEC quota of 1.5mbpd. This is a massive boost to Nigeria's economic stability considering that oil exports still account for almost 80% of our dollar inflows.

*Communal/Ethnic Clashes reduced:* Over the past two years, historic hotspots of communal crisis, farmers-herders and ethnic clashes such as Southern Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba and Benue states have witnessed relative calm with Southern Kaduna being the most remarkable of them all. The President through the coordination of the NSA pursued peace not just through military and police actions but through strategic non-kinetic engagements with key stakeholders in those domains that are relevant to the maintenance of peace.

Even when the peace was temporarily disrupted in parts of Benue, Plateau and Taraba following some senseless killings, the federal government moved in swiftly to de-escalate tensions, arrest perpetrators and activate engagement with the local actors towards achieving long-term peace and stability in the affected hotbeds. Today, there is enduring calm and peace across the Plateau and on the Benue plains.

*IPOB increasingly degraded and sit-at-homes becoming less effective:* IPOB and its militant wing, the ESN over the past two years have been at the receiving end of intense military offensive with raids carried out on forest camps and hideouts of this secessionist group in different parts of the South East. Non-military engagements with the people of the South East have also yielded tremendous fruits in terms of changing the narrative on the ground and generating local support for military efforts against the proscribed IPOB organisation.

Through the coordination of the NSA, in collaboration with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the federal government was also able to go after sources of diaspora funding and leadership of IPOB. As a result of such collaboration, the Finnish authorities arrested and began the prosecution of Mr. Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafran Government in Exile on terrorism charges. Today, normalcy is gradually returning to many parts of the South East with the local population increasingly disregarding the Monday sit-at-home directives of IPOB.

*Conclusion*

From the realities on the ground as far as Nigeria's internal and external security is concerned, it is obvious that the country is increasingly heading towards a stable and more secure destination. Under the watch of the NSA, national security is pursued from a very wide perspective, which is why the president ensures the involvement of the NSA in many federal government efforts, be it protection of power transmission lines/infrastructure construction sites, livestock reforms, prevention of nationwide labour strikes or street protests, immigration and customs reforms, etc.

The results of this extensive approach to maintaining national security are there for everyone to see such as oil production steadily climbing to record levels due to less oil theft, banditry, terrorism and sectarian killings witnessing significant declines, highways becoming safer, organised criminal actors increasingly being eliminated, agricultural activities picking up, improved international surveillance at our airports, campaign against illegal mining and many other milestones.

In all these, the President has consistently backed the security agencies with enormous support through massive procurement of military equipment (including air assets), arms, ammunition, increased deployment of technology to gather and track intelligence as well as improved welfare packages for the troops and security personnel. This unwavering support by the President has been a major factor in the successes so far recorded by the security forces. Even though many insecurity challenges remain across the country, however, the security architecture is becoming increasingly robust to combat them headlong.



_Dada Olusegun is the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media._

Tinubu’s Aide, Masari Hosts Free Eye Care Camp in Katsina, Engr. Ramat Joins Other Dignitaries

The Alhaji Ibrahim Masari Cataract and Eye Care Camp held today at Kafur General Hospital, Katsina State, bringing critical healthcare services to hundreds of residents.

The initiative, spearheaded by His Excellency Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari—an appointee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—attracted the participation of several dignitaries, most notably Engr. Dr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The medical outreach provided free eye screenings for 752 patients. Many beneficiaries received corrective glasses and medications, while minor surgeries were conducted on-site. Patients in need of more complex procedures have been scheduled for treatment in Kano next Sunday, where Turkish medical doctors will carry out major operations.

Masari, who was represented by Hon. Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim, Member of the House of Representatives (Kafur/Malumfashi Federal Constituency), was joined by Engr. Ramat and a host of other distinguished figures, including Alhaji Labiru Musa Kafur, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry; Barr. Sama’ila Abdu, Executive Director at NSITF; Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi of the Nigerian Shippers Council; and Hon. Surajo Bature Dankanjiba, Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area.

WTO CHIEF, NIGERIA’S FINANCE MINISTER PUSH TRADE-LED GROWTH AGENDA

In a major boost to Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Thursday held talks in Abuja with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance a shared vision for trade-driven growth, investment, and inclusive development.

Welcoming Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to his office, Mr. Edun outlined Nigeria’s recent macroeconomic gains — citing a firmer naira, moderating inflation, and credit rating upgrades from Fitch and Moody’s — as the bedrock for long-term stability. He said government reforms are designed to position the economy for 7 percent GDP growth through export diversification, private sector-led investment, and human capital development.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala praised Nigeria’s reform trajectory, stressing that sustained progress could unlock new opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She encouraged the government to deepen job creation, expand exports, and reinforce social safety nets and energy security so that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

Both leaders underscored the importance of embedding Nigeria more firmly into global value chains and leveraging digital trade to strengthen competitiveness. They agreed that the private sector will remain pivotal in driving resilience, innovation, and broad-based prosperity.

The engagement signals renewed momentum for Nigeria’s integration into the global economy and marks an important step in shaping a future of trade-led growth.

WALE EDUN UNDERSCORES ECONOMISTS’ ROLE IN DEFINING NIGERIA’S GROWTH TRAJECTORY

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today received in his Abuja office a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), led by its President, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deeper collaboration in shaping evidence-based economic policy.

Mr. Edun described the NES as “the intellectual and statistical repository of applied economics in Nigeria,” stressing that its research and policy recommendations are critical for guiding reforms that can unlock private sector investment, foster fiscal stability, and accelerate sustainable growth.

He pledged the Ministry’s full support for the Society’s forthcoming annual conference, noting that stronger policy dialogue between government and the economics profession will boost market confidence and deliver better economic outcomes.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, observed that the Society’s work provides a clearer, more accurate narrative of Nigeria’s economy — an essential factor in attracting investment and sustaining reform momentum.

Outlining the theme of the conference, “Rethinking Africa’s Development: Pathways Forward,” Prof. Adenikinju said the event will bring together eminent economists, including Nobel laureate Prof. Roy Pearson, to debate strategies for inclusive growth, fiscal sustainability, and innovation. The gathering will feature over 200 academic papers and engage 500 economics students, building the capacity of Nigeria’s next generation of policy leaders.

MATAWALLE SECURES BOOST FOR NIGERIA’S DEFENCE CAPABILITIES IN STRATEGIC TALKS WITH INDIA

In a major push to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capacity and deepen strategic partnerships, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has secured commitments from India to expand bilateral cooperation in critical military areas.

During a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, with the Indian Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Dr. Matawalle advanced discussions on a range of initiatives that will enhance Nigeria’s operational readiness, indigenous defence production, and technological capability.

Central to the talks were plans to expand cooperation in counter-terrorism training, research and development, maritime security, including hydrography and anti-piracy operations, as well as strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base through technology transfer and joint manufacturing ventures.

Mr. Seth outlined India’s extensive defence industrial capabilities, including the production of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), affirming India’s readiness to meet Nigeria’s procurement needs and support its operational upgrades.

Minister Matawalle extended an invitation to the Indian delegation to visit Nigeria’s defence industry to explore targeted investment and partnership opportunities that will accelerate the country’s journey towards self-reliance in military hardware production.

On the sidelines of his official visit to India from 11–14 August 2025, Dr. Matawalle also met with top Indian defence industry executives, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a partner of choice for strategic cooperation in Africa’s security architecture.

With a defence relationship rooted in the early 1960s and strengthened by shared democratic values, Nigeria and India are poised to translate decades of goodwill into concrete collaborations that will bolster peace, stability, and modernisation of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, delivering security dividends for Nigerians and enhancing regional stability.

How Ambassador Tuggar’s Diplomacy is Turning Global Engagements into Tangible Gains

Within the past two weeks, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has been on a whirlwind of strategic diplomacy. Beyond the ceremonial handshakes Amb. Tuggar has focused on delivering measurable value to Nigeria’s economy, security, and global standing. From deepening trade ties with Egypt to modernising consular services, his recent activities illustrate a vision of diplomacy that is firmly tied to everyday benefits for Nigerians.

On July 21, 2025, Abuja hosted the 2nd Nigeria–Egypt Business Forum, co-chaired by Tuggar and his Egyptian counterpart. The forum was a marketplace for opportunity. Tuggar anchored discussions around Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy—Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora—identifying agriculture, energy, ICT, and pharmaceuticals as priority sectors for strategic investment. In a country seeking to boost industrial capacity and export value, such targeted partnerships are vital levers for job creation and technology transfer.

Two days later, this engagement bore fruit with the signing of a landmark agreement between Nigeria’s Dar Al Halal and Egypt’s Future Authority. The memorandum of understanding, focusing on sustainable agriculture, land reclamation, mechanisation, and food production, has the potential to increase Nigeria’s food security and reduce import dependency—two of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.

Amb. Tuggar’s diplomacy has not been confined to North Africa. On July 23, he met with Venezuela’s Ambassador, Alberto Castellar Padilla, to explore joint opportunities in sectors poised to bring mutual development. With Venezuela’s vast experience in energy and agriculture, Nigeria stands to gain from technical cooperation and market access that could expand export footprints.

On July 25, the Minister’s diary reflected both continuity and transition in Nigeria’s international relations. He bid farewell to Czech Ambassador Zdeněk Krejčí, taking stock of progress in trade, education, health, and defence. The same day, he welcomed FAO Nigeria’s new representative, Dr. Husein Gadain, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture, food security, and rural development. For a country with over 70% of its population engaged in agriculture, such partnerships mean more resilient farming systems and better livelihoods.

The Minister’s outreach has also extended to traditional institutions. On July 29, Tuggar met with HRH Alh. (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, the Ona of Abaji, emphasising that diplomacy is not only conducted in global capitals but also rooted in community harmony and grassroots engagement.

By early August, Tuggar’s focus shifted to the Gulf region. On August 4, he engaged Mr. Waleed Al-Bahar from the Kuwait Fund on potential collaborations in infrastructure, education, energy, and agriculture. These talks could open new financing channels for projects critical to Nigeria’s development blueprint.

On the 5th of August, Tuggar’s diplomacy took a distinctly modern turn. In collaboration with Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, DG of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, he advanced plans to digitise Nigeria’s consular services. This initiative promises faster, more efficient services for Nigerians abroad, while maximising the value of Nigeria’s international assets—transforming consular offices into hubs of economic and citizen engagement.

Taken together, these engagements underscore a foreign policy that is both outward-looking and inward-focused—leveraging international partnerships to deliver domestic impact. Ambassador Tuggar’s approach is one that affirms that diplomacy, when aligned with national priorities, can become a frontline tool for economic diversification, social development, and technological progress.

Nigeria’s foreign relations under Ambassador Tuggar’s watch is being retooled for results. And for millions of Nigerians—from farmers in Nasarawa to entrepreneurs in Lagos—the benefits of this kind of diplomacy may soon be felt not just in policy papers, but in their daily lives.

Nathaniel C. Adoji, is a journalist and writes from Abuja

Over 100 Bandits Neutralised in Zamfara’s Makakkari Forest as Military Delivers Decisive Blow

The Nigerian military has once again struck a major blow against armed banditry in the North, neutralising more than 100 terrorists during a coordinated air and ground assault on Makakkari Forest, Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State — the home state of the current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who has been at the forefront of ongoing efforts to improve the state’s security.

In the early hours of Sunday, the stillness of Makakkari Forest was shattered by the roar of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and the decisive advance of ground troops. By the end of the operation, over 100 bandits lay dead, their motorcycles reduced to twisted metal, and their hideouts obliterated.

According to reports by security analyst Zagazola Makama, intelligence operatives of Operation FANSAN YANMA had for weeks been monitoring unusual movements across the Sunke, Kirsa, and Barukushe axis — long notorious as bandit enclaves. Surveillance revealed that more than 400 armed fighters, led by some of the region’s most feared kingpins, had converged on Makakkari Forest. Their mission was to attack Nasarawan Burkullu, a farming community in Bukuyum LGA, in retaliation for a recent defeat at the hands of security forces and hybrid units.

“They thought they could regroup, rearm, and launch another wave of terror,” a military source said. “Instead, they walked straight into a well-laid trap.”

The operation commenced with precision airstrikes on identified bandit clusters, guided by reconnaissance drones. Explosions ripped through the forest, sending plumes of smoke into the sky as dozens of fighters and their motorcycles—the gang’s primary mode of mobility—were destroyed.

“Several notorious kingpins and scores of their foot soldiers met their waterloo before they could even fire a shot,” the source recounted. Those who attempted to flee were intercepted by ground assault teams in a separate location, ensuring no escape.

Military sources emphasised the remarkable synergy between the air and land components, calling the operation a model of joint-force efficiency.

Operation FANSAN YANMA has vowed to sustain the pressure, striking not only at fighters hidden in the bush but also at the wider networks that fund and supply them.

“Banditry thrives on fear and impunity,” the source concluded. “We are dismantling both — one operation at a time.”