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  • Tinubu Withdraws Dakingari’s Ambassadorial Posting to Turkey Hours After Announcement

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the appointment of Alhaji Usman Isa Dakingari, former governor of Kebbi State, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to the Republic of Turkey, barely hours after the posting was officially announced.

    The reversal was confirmed in a follow-up statement issued by the Presidency on Friday, which clarified that no ambassadorial posting has been approved for Turkey at this time.

    Dakingari was among four ambassador-designates announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga. The list had indicated that Dakingari would serve as Nigeria’s envoy to Turkey.

    Others earlier named in the announcement included Ambassador Ayodele Oke as ambassador-designate to France, Col. Lateef Are (rtd.) as ambassador-designate to the United States of America, and Ambassador Amin Dalhatu as high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

    However, the Presidency, in a subsequent clarification, directed that only the postings to France, the United States and the United Kingdom should be recognised as valid, effectively withdrawing Dakingari’s designation.

    “No ambassador has been appointed to Turkey,” the Presidency stated, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been instructed to notify only the affected countries with confirmed postings in line with diplomatic protocol.

    No official reason was given for the sudden reversal, and the Presidency did not indicate when a new ambassador-designate to Turkey would be named.

    The development comes ahead of President Tinubu’s planned state visit to Turkey, during which Nigeria is expected to engage Turkish authorities on trade, defence cooperation, infrastructure development and bilateral investments.

    Diplomatic watchers described the move as unusual but noted that such adjustments, though rare, remain within the President’s constitutional powers.

    The withdrawal does not affect the broader list of ambassadorial nominees earlier confirmed by the National Assembly, as postings are subject to presidential discretion and ongoing strategic considerations.

    As of press time, efforts to obtain further clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were unsuccessful.

  • FG Confirms N152bn Contractor Payments, Cites Economic Boost as Civil Groups Intensify Abuja Protests

    The Federal Government has confirmed the payment of N152 billion to contractors nationwide, describing the move as a strategic economic stimulus aimed at sustaining jobs and accelerating infrastructure delivery, even as civil society groups renewed protests in Abuja demanding transparency and accountability in public spending.

    The confirmation, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, came amid growing public scrutiny over government expenditure against the backdrop of rising living costs and slow-paced infrastructure development in some parts of the country.

    According to the ministry, the payments were made to contractors handling road construction, housing, water supply and other critical public projects, following verification of completed milestones by relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

    The government said the disbursement was necessary to revive stalled projects, prevent cost escalation and inject liquidity into the construction sector, which employs thousands of Nigerians directly and indirectly.

    “Clearing verified contractor obligations is essential to maintaining economic stability, preserving jobs and ensuring timely delivery of public infrastructure,” the ministry said.

    Economic analysts note that infrastructure spending has a ripple effect across key sectors such as cement production, transportation and skilled labour, making it a significant driver of economic activity.

    However, the announcement coincided with renewed protests in parts of Abuja, where civil society organisations and concerned citizens questioned the impact of such payments on citizens’ welfare.

    Protesters, who gathered peacefully at strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory, called for full disclosure of funded projects, including their locations, costs and current execution status.

    “The issue is not payment alone, but whether Nigerians are getting value for money,” a civil society representative said.

    In response, the Federal Government maintained that the payments followed due process and budgetary provisions, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders.

    Observers say the development highlights the delicate balance between using public spending as an economic stimulus and meeting rising public demands for openness, accountability and measurable results.

  • Gold Refinery Siting Raises Fresh Concerns Over Regional Development – NEF

    The decision to cite a gold refinery in Lagos State has renewed concerns over regional development imbalance, with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) warning that the move could deepen economic inequality between Nigeria’s resource-producing regions and industrial centres.

    The forum, in a statement issued on Thursday, said locating the refinery far from the gold-producing states in Northern Nigeria undermines inclusive development and denies host communities the economic benefits associated with mineral value addition.

    According to NEF, most of Nigeria’s commercially viable gold deposits are found in states such as Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger, yet these areas continue to suffer from poor infrastructure, unemployment and insecurity, partly due to limited industrial presence.

    “The continued extraction of resources from the North without corresponding investment in processing and manufacturing facilities perpetuates underdevelopment and economic exclusion,” the forum stated.

    Impact on Local Economies

    The NEF argued that siting the refinery closer to mining locations would have stimulated local economies, created direct and indirect jobs, and encouraged the development of supporting infrastructure such as roads, power supply and security architecture.

    Analysts note that value-addition industries located near resource sites often lead to:

    • Increased internally generated revenue (IGR) for host states

    • Growth of small and medium-scale enterprises

    • Reduction in illegal mining through formal employment

    • Improved community stability and security

    The forum warned that failing to integrate mining regions into the industrial value chain could worsen youth unemployment, a key driver of insecurity in parts of the North.

    FG’s Position and Regional Debate

    The Federal Government has maintained that the Lagos-based gold refinery is a private investment, not a government-owned project, and that investors are free to choose locations based on commercial considerations.

    However, the NEF insisted that government policies and incentives significantly influence investment decisions and should be structured to promote balanced regional development.

    The forum urged the Federal Government to adopt a deliberate decentralisation strategy for mineral processing facilities, ensuring that mining-producing regions benefit from industrialisation alongside extraction.

    Call for Inclusive Development

    Observers say the controversy highlights a broader national debate on resource governance and equitable development, especially as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy away from oil.

    The NEF called on policymakers to align solid minerals development with constitutional principles of equity, fairness and federal character, stressing that sustainable national growth depends on ensuring that all regions participate meaningfully in economic value chains.

  • Grief Hits Gombe Community as Army Recruit Dies During Training

    A pall of grief has enveloped Buba Bani community in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State following the death of a young Nigerian Army recruit, Ibrahim Nazifi, who reportedly died during training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.

    Nazifi, a member of the 90th Regular Recruit Intake (90RRI), was said to have fallen ill during the early phase of the rigorous military training and later passed away, throwing his family, colleagues and community into mourning.

    Confirming the incident in a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Gombe State Governor on Security Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Danbayo, said the state received the news with deep sorrow.

    “The Gombe State Government has received with profound sadness the death of our son, Ibrahim Nazifi, who died while undergoing military training in Zaria,” Danbayo said.

    He described the deceased as a young Nigerian who answered the call to serve his country and urged the family to find solace in the belief that Nazifi died in pursuit of national service.

    The state government, on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, extended condolences to the immediate family, relatives and the entire people of Akko Local Government Area, praying for strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his intention to serve the nation, and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement added.

    Community in Mourning

    Residents of Buba Bani village described the death as devastating, noting that Nazifi’s enlistment into the Nigerian Army had been a source of pride for the community.

    “He left home full of hope and determination to build a future through service to the nation,” a community source told NAN. “His death is a painful reminder of the sacrifices young Nigerians make.”

    Calls for Enhanced Recruit Welfare

    The incident has also renewed public conversation around health monitoring and welfare provisions for recruits undergoing intensive military training.

    While military training is widely acknowledged to be physically demanding, stakeholders have repeatedly called for robust medical screening, early illness detection and rapid emergency response at training facilities.

    As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the recruit’s death.

  • Deadly Infighting Erupts Between ISWAP and Boko Haram in Borno Border Area

    Dozens of terrorists were reportedly killed following a violent clash between the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and a Boko Haram faction near the Nigeria–Niger border in Abadam Local Government Area, Borno State.

    According to security sources, the confrontation erupted Wednesday morning and lasted several hours, as fighters from both groups engaged in sustained gun battles over control of strategic settlements and cross-border routes. Heavy casualties were reported on both sides, though exact numbers have not been independently verified.

    Residents in nearby communities reportedly fled the area amid fears of reprisal attacks, while sporadic gunfire was heard throughout the day. A video circulating online shows armed men and bodies believed to be insurgents, though authorities have cautioned that the footage remains unverified.

    Security analysts say the clash underscores ongoing infighting among extremist groups in the North-East, highlighting leadership disputes, ideological divisions, and competition over territory and smuggling routes. While such conflicts may weaken operational cohesion, they also exacerbate instability and pose continued risks to civilians along the porous border.

    The Abadam axis is a key flashpoint for terrorist activity due to its proximity to the Lake Chad Basin and the Nigeria–Niger border, which allows insurgents to move across countries with relative ease.

    Analysts warn that continued violence could further disrupt local communities, displacement patterns, and counter-terrorism efforts.

    The Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), continue operations to degrade terrorist networks in the region. Officials have yet to release a formal statement on Wednesday’s clash.

  • Nigeria Targets Inflation, Stability with New Food Security Strategy — Shettima

    Vice president Kashim Shettima has unveiled Nigeria’s comprehensive macro-strategy on food security, positioning it as a critical component of economic stability, national security and governance reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Shettima disclosed this at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he engaged global leaders and development partners on Nigeria’s response to rising food inflation, climate pressures and global supply chain disruptions.

    According to the Vice-President, the Federal Government has moved beyond treating food security solely as an agricultural concern, stressing that it now sits at the heart of macro-economic planning and national stability.

    “In Nigeria, food security is no longer viewed as just an agricultural issue; it is a macro-economic, security and governance priority,” Shettima said.

    Macro-Economic Focus

    Shettima explained that Nigeria’s strategy is designed to address food-driven inflation and reduce the country’s exposure to foreign exchange shocks caused by heavy reliance on food imports.

    He said the government is prioritising increased domestic production of key staples and local substitutes to conserve foreign exchange, stabilise prices and strengthen household food access.

    The Vice-President noted that boosting local value chains would also support employment, improve rural incomes and enhance Nigeria’s economic resilience.

    Security and Agricultural Recovery

    Addressing concerns over insecurity in farming communities, Shettima said the government is working to restore confidence among farmers, particularly in conflict-affected regions, through coordinated security interventions and support programmes.

    He said the administration recognises that sustainable food production cannot thrive without addressing insecurity, displacement and farmer access to land.

    Climate-Smart Agriculture

    Shettima also highlighted climate change as a major threat to food systems, noting that Nigeria is adopting climate-smart agricultural practices tailored to its diverse ecological zones.

    According to him, the strategy promotes drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crops, improved irrigation systems and environmentally sustainable farming techniques to mitigate the effects of climate variability.

    Regional and Global Cooperation

    The Vice-President underscored the importance of regional integration, calling for stronger collaboration among African countries to boost food production, trade and resilience.

    He said Nigeria is leveraging frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen intra-African food trade and reduce dependence on distant global supply chains.

    Outlook

    Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing policies that will guarantee food availability, affordability and accessibility, while aligning agricultural reforms with broader economic and security objectives.

    He said Nigeria’s presentation at Davos reflects the administration’s determination to attract partnerships and investments that support long-term food security and sustainable development.

  • Nigeria Targets Urea Exports by 2028 as Gas Investments Deepen — NMDPRA

    Nigeria is set to begin exporting urea by 2028 as expanding investments in the gas and fertiliser sub-sector strengthen the country’s push for industrial growth and export diversification, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said.

    The Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr Saidu Mohammed, disclosed this during an inspection visit to Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited in Rivers State, noting that Nigeria was gradually transitioning from importing fertiliser to producing enough for export.

    Mohammed said growing private-sector investments in gas-based industries, particularly fertiliser production, were laying the foundation for Nigeria to become a regional hub for value-added petroleum products.

    According to him, the midstream gas sector remains critical to reducing dependence on crude oil exports, adding that urea exports would boost foreign exchange earnings and support domestic industrialisation.

    He explained that Nigeria would require between $30 billion and $50 billion in additional investment to fully unlock the potential of its midstream and gas-derivative industries.

    Mohammed also said increased fertiliser production would benefit local agriculture by improving availability and affordability for farmers.

    He commended Indorama and other operators for expanding production capacity, assuring investors of a stable regulatory environment to support growth.

    The visit forms part of the regulator’s broader effort to assess sector performance and accelerate value-addition in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    EXPLAINER: What Nigeria’s Planned Urea Export Means

    What is urea and why is it important?

    Urea is a key fertiliser used in agriculture worldwide. It is produced using natural gas, a resource Nigeria has in abundance.

    What did the government announce?

    Nigeria plans to start exporting urea by 2028, moving from being largely an importer to an exporter of fertiliser.

    Who made the announcement?

    The announcement was made by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) during an inspection of fertiliser production facilities.

    Why is this significant for Nigeria?

    • Boosts foreign exchange earnings

    • Supports economic diversification

    • Reduces reliance on crude oil exports

    • Encourages industrialisation and job creation

    • Improves fertiliser availability for local farmers

    What is driving the export plan?

    • Expansion of fertiliser plants such as Indorama Eleme and Dangote Fertiliser

    • Increased private-sector investment in gas processing

    • Regulatory reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)

    What challenges remain?

    Nigeria still needs $30–50 billion in investment, improved infrastructure, and consistent gas supply to sustain large-scale exports.

    What happens next?

    Regulators will continue facility inspections and policy engagement to ensure Nigeria meets its 2028 export target.

  • FG, Belgium Explore Air Services Deal to Boost Tourism and Business Opportunities

    In a move set to enhance tourism and business engagement, the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria and Belgian officials have held talks on a potential Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement seeks to expand air connectivity, facilitate business travel, and promote cultural and tourism exchanges between the two nations.

    Officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ministry of Aviation, and Belgian aviation counterparts discussed ways to improve route networks, increase flight frequencies, and attract European carriers to Nigeria. The discussions also focused on regulatory alignment and safety standards to ensure seamless travel and robust industry growth.

    A senior government source highlighted that “strengthened air links with Belgium will unlock new business and tourism opportunities, making it easier for investors, tourists, and professionals to engage with Nigeria.”

    Industry stakeholders note that the agreement could boost sectors such as hospitality, tourism, trade, and logistics, while also creating employment opportunities and encouraging foreign direct investment.

    The proposed air services deal aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, which emphasizes leveraging strategic international partnerships to grow Nigeria’s tourism sector and position the country as a hub for business and travel in West Africa.

    Analysts believe that enhanced air connectivity could make Nigeria a more attractive destination for European tourists and investors, while also opening doors for cultural exchange programs and collaborative business ventures.

  • FG Boosts Media Partnership to Ensure Accurate Coverage of 2026 Population and Housing Census

    The Federal Government (FG) has intensified efforts to collaborate with media organizations nationwide in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census. This strategic move aims to ensure accurate dissemination of information, enhance public participation, and minimize misinformation ahead of the nationwide exercise.

    Officials from the National
    Population Commission (NPC) and the Ministry of Information held a series of consultative meetings with representatives from print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.

    The discussions centered on the role of journalists in sensitizing the public, promoting transparency, and ensuring that all citizens understand the census process and its importance for national development.

    Speaking at the briefing, a senior government official emphasized that “media engagement is critical to the success of the census. Accurate reporting will help dispel myths, encourage participation, and guarantee that every Nigerian is counted.”

    The government also unveiled plans for media training programs, including workshops for reporters and correspondents across the country, to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools for responsible census coverage.

    This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda of leveraging public-private partnerships to drive national development and strengthen institutional capacity.

    Observers note that effective media collaboration could significantly boost citizen participation, ensuring that the census results reflect the country’s demographic realities, which in turn inform policy decisions, budget allocations, and infrastructural planning.

  • Petrol Consumption Rises as Nigerians Spend N1.58tn in December 2025 – Report

    Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58 trillion on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, in December 2025, reflecting increased fuel consumption during the Yuletide season, according to a report by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The data, contained in the authority’s December 2025 downstream petroleum sector report, showed that the country recorded an average daily petrol consumption of about 63.7 million litres, translating to approximately 1.97 billion litres consumed nationwide within the month.

    Analysts estimated the N1.58tn expenditure based on prevailing average pump prices of between N780 and N820 per litre across major cities and highways during the festive period, when travel and commercial activities peak.

    Festive Travel, Power Needs Drive Consumption

    Industry observers attributed the surge in petrol spending to increased interstate travel, heightened economic activities and greater use of petrol-powered generators, as many households and businesses sought to meet electricity needs during the holiday season.

    December is traditionally Nigeria’s busiest travel month, with millions journeying to hometowns for Christmas and New Year celebrations, leading to higher fuel demand across the country.

    Regional Price Variations Persist

    Despite price adjustments by suppliers, including price moderation linked to supplies from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, fuel pump prices remained uneven nationwide. While some stations in Lagos and parts of the South sold petrol below N780 per litre, prices in parts of the North and remote areas reportedly exceeded N800 per litre, contributing to higher consumer spending.

    Imports Still Dominate Supply Mix

    The NMDPRA report further revealed that Nigeria continued to rely significantly on petrol imports in December, although domestic supply improved. Of the total PMS consumed during the month, over one billion litres were imported, while local refineries, including the Dangote facility, contributed a substantial portion of supply.

    This supply mix, experts said, highlights Nigeria’s gradual transition toward improved domestic refining capacity, even as imports remain necessary to meet national demand.

    Economic Implications

    Energy economists noted that the N1.58tn spent on petrol in a single month underscores the heavy cost of fuel on households and businesses in a deregulated downstream market, especially amid rising living costs.

    They added that sustained improvements in local refining and distribution infrastructure could help stabilise prices and reduce pressure on consumers in the long term.

    The NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, supply sufficiency and fair competition in the downstream petroleum sector, while monitoring price movements to protect consumers.

    The report provides fresh insight into Nigeria’s fuel consumption pattern and the economic impact of energy demand during peak festive periods.

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