Welcome

Tag: President Bola Tinubu

  • ‘4-Year Courses Now Run Full Term’ — Education Minister Speaks on Strike-Free Universities Under Tinubu

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said President Bola Tinubu’s promise that four-year courses will run for four years is holding, pointing to the absence of major university strikes since 2023.

    Minister cites stable academic calendar

    Alausa made the remark on Thursday during a panel session tagged “Renewed Hope Conversations” held at the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.

    According to him, most federal universities have remained in session since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, following the eight-month ASUU strike that ended in October 2022.

    “For students admitted in September 2023, graduation remains on track for 2027 if calendars hold,” he said.

    Billions spent on infrastructure

    The minister outlined ongoing investments in the education sector, noting that ₦160 billion has been spent on hostel construction nationwide.

    He added that ₦100 billion has been approved for additional infrastructure, while ₦50 billion was allocated this year for ICT centre rehabilitation.

    He also referenced ongoing efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

    Student support and funding

    Alausa said the government has introduced a student loan scheme to ease financial pressure, insisting that no student should be forced out of school due to lack of funds.

    “This is an administration that has provided a loan fund to make schooling easier,” he said.

    Other ministers speak on continuity

    Also speaking at the event, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the administration’s policies are designed to reposition Nigeria and create opportunities for young people.

    She noted that the government is targeting the digital and creative space, including music, film, and content creation, to provide alternatives to traditional employment.

    “The goal is to create an enabling environment where creators can monetise their work and protect intellectual property,” she said.

    Government ‘open to all Nigerians’

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, told students that the current administration provides opportunities regardless of political connections.

    “Under this government, a ‘son of a nobody’ can become somebody,” he said, citing his own appointment as an example.

    The discussion forms part of broader engagement on education reforms and youth-focused policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, now trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • Ruto Mocks Nigerian English After Tinubu’s Kenya Comparison Sparks Reactions

    Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has stirred reactions after taking a swipe at Nigerians while responding to recent remarks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu comparing Nigeria’s economy to Kenya’s.

    Ruto’s remark sparks backlash

    In a viral video, Ruto defended Kenya’s standards while mocking Nigerian English.

    “Our education and English are good. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator,” he said.

    The comment has since drawn mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians criticising the tone of his response.

    Tinubu’s comment triggers exchange

    Ruto’s remark follows Tinubu’s statement during a visit to Bayelsa State on April 10, where he compared Nigeria’s economic situation with that of other African countries, including Kenya.

    “Yes, I hear you… the fuel prices are biting hard,” Tinubu said.

    “But look around; let’s thank God together that we are better off than those in Kenya and other African countries.”

    The statement sparked debate among Nigerians, many of whom questioned the comparison.

    Opposition figures push back

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticised the president’s position, urging a focus on realities on ground.

    “Nigerians should not be asked to find solace in comparisons that ignore their daily struggles,” he said.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also faulted the comparison, describing it as misleading.

    “It is both curious and troubling that the President would isolate fuel prices… while ignoring more critical indicators like purchasing power and cost of living,” Atiku said.

    He argued that affordability should be measured by income relative to expenses, adding that many Nigerians are under increasing economic pressure.

    Debate widens across borders

    The exchange has widened discussions about economic performance and national perception between Nigeria and Kenya.

    The development is trending in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, as reactions continue to build across social media and political circles.

  • Tinubu Meets APC Governors in Aso Villa Amid Party Consensus Concerns

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in a move that comes amid growing concerns over the party’s internal arrangements.

    Governors arrive for closed-door talks

    The meeting, holding inside the President’s office, has in attendance several APC governors, including Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).

    Some governors are also represented by their deputies.

    As of the time of filing this report, details of the meeting agenda have not been disclosed.

    Meeting follows Senate engagement

    The development comes less than 24 hours after Tinubu held a separate meeting with the leadership of the Senate.

    That earlier engagement was reportedly centred on concerns raised by lawmakers over the party’s ongoing consensus arrangement.

    Focus shifts to party direction

    While the outcome of the meeting remains unclear, the gathering is seen as part of ongoing consultations within the ruling party as it navigates internal dynamics.

    The development is already drawing attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, as stakeholders watch for signals from the APC leadership.

  • What You Should Know About Taiwo Oyedele, Tinubu’s New Finance Minister

    President Bola Ahmed Tinub has appointed Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, placing a long-time tax reform advocate at the centre of Nigeria’s economic management.

    The appointment, confirmed in a memo signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, follows the exit of Wale Edun, with a handover deadline set for April 23.

    Rise from modest beginnings

    Taiwo Oyedele was born in 1975 in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, into a modest family background that he has often described as financially strained.

    He has spoken about experiencing poverty early in life, noting that his father’s generosity to others left the household struggling. One story he frequently recounts is how he nearly missed entry into primary school due to age restrictions, gaining admission only after an unusual test alongside his twin sister.

    Those early experiences, he has said, shaped his outlook on public service and economic reform.

    Academic and professional grounding

    Oyedele studied accountancy and finance at Yaba College of Technology before earning a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.

    He also attended executive programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science.

    Beyond policy work, he is a professor at Babcock University and has served as a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

    Career at PwC and continental influence

    His professional journey began at PwC Nigeria during his NYSC year in 2001.

    From there, he rose through the ranks to become West Africa Tax Leader and eventually Africa Tax Leader, overseeing tax operations across more than 30 countries.

    During this period, he built a reputation for simplifying complex tax systems and advocating for transparency and stronger fiscal governance across African economies.

    Architect of Nigeria’s tax reforms

    Before joining the federal cabinet, Oyedele chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

    In that role, he led efforts to restructure Nigeria’s tax system, focusing on improving compliance, boosting government revenue, and reducing inefficiencies.

    His work positioned him as one of the key figures behind the country’s recent fiscal reform drive.

    Personal risks and public service

    Oyedele has also spoken openly about the personal cost of pushing reforms.

    He revealed that he received death threats linked to his work, forcing him to relocate his family to a secure location under police protection.

    “My family got a death threat… I had to pack out of my house,” he said, adding that the experience deeply affected his wife and elderly mother.

    Despite the risks, he has maintained that his motivation for public service is impact rather than personal gain.

    New role, rising expectations

    With his elevation from Minister of State for Finance to substantive minister, Oyedele is now expected to lead Nigeria’s economic strategy at a critical time.

    His background in tax policy and fiscal reform is seen as central to ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, improve revenue generation, and drive long-term growth.

    As his tenure begins, his profile continues to draw attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, with stakeholders watching how his ideas translate into policy outcomes.

  • Tinubu Seeks N698bn Loan for Sokoto–Badagry Highway as Senate Begins Review

    President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a fresh N698 billion loan for the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry super highway, a major infrastructure project linking northern and southern Nigeria.

    Loan request before Senate

    The request was conveyed in a letter read at plenary on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Tinubu said the loan would fund Sections 1, Phase 1a and 1b, covering 120km of the planned 1,000km corridor.

    The highway is designed to run from Illela in Sokoto State through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun, terminating in Badagry, Lagos State.

    Financing structure outlined

    According to the president, the project will be financed through a syndicated loan to be secured via Deutsche Bank AG, with support from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit.

    He added that the Federal Government would provide counterpart funding of ₦265.5 billion for land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.

    The loan has a nine-year tenor, including a grace period of up to three years, with interest capped at CME SOFR plus 5.3 percent annually.

    Project aims and expected impact

    Tinubu noted that the super highway is expected to improve connectivity between the North and South, enhance road safety, and reduce logistics costs.

    He also said the project would support trade, boost food security, and strengthen national cohesion by linking production zones to markets and ports.

    The design includes provisions for future rail integration and utility corridors along the central median.

    Senate moves to review proposal

    Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, which is expected to report back within one week.

    Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) backed the project, describing it as long overdue.

    “This project has been on the ground for the last 55 years… I have inspected the project and I have seen the progress made,” he said.

    He added that ongoing work includes both concrete and asphalt sections fitted with solar streetlights.

    Aliero estimated that the road could cut travel time from Sokoto to Lagos by over 70 percent, reducing the journey from about 13 hours to roughly six hours.

    The proposal is now under legislative scrutiny and remains a key issue in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as infrastructure financing debates continue.

  • Tinubu Moves to Waive Airlines’ Debts, Slash Ticket Charges Amid Jet A1 Crisis

    President Bola Tinubu has approved plans to waive debts owed by domestic airlines and reduce multiple charges on flight tickets, as part of urgent measures to ease pressure from the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel.

    Keyamo reveals presidency’s intervention

    Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Wednesday after a meeting with airline operators and oil marketers in Abuja.

    “I had the privilege of meeting Mr. President… The first request that he will consider and grant is a generous discount on the debts the airlines are owing aviation agencies,” Keyamo said.

    He noted that the decision affects debts owed to agencies such as NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA, with the final percentage of relief to be determined by the president.

    Fresh plan to cut ticket charges

    Keyamo also revealed that Tinubu has directed the formation of a committee to review and remove multiple levies, taxes, and fees on domestic air tickets.

    “He wants to set up a committee to address the issue of levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets once and for all,” the minister said.

    The committee is expected to submit recommendations within a short timeframe, with the aim of reducing costs for air travellers.

    Airlines push for full waiver

    Reacting to the proposal, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema urged the president to go further by approving a total waiver of all airline debts.

    He also called for a temporary suspension of payments by operators until global fuel supply stabilises.

    Onyema commended Tinubu’s responsiveness, citing the recent removal of the 4 per cent Free on Board charge as a positive step.

    Funding concerns raised

    The airline boss further highlighted the high cost of financing in Nigeria, noting that operators access loans at rates between 30 and 35 per cent, compared to about 3 per cent globally.

    “In Nigeria, we acquire at 30 to 35 per cent. This is killing,” Onyema said, urging the government to strengthen the Bank of Industry to support airlines with lower-interest funding.

    Relief expected for aviation sector

    The proposed measures are expected to provide temporary relief for airline operators and passengers amid the ongoing fuel crisis affecting flight operations across the country.

    The development is already gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders await implementation details.

  • Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister to Pursue Oyo Governorship Bid

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, with his exit set to take effect on April 30, 2026.

    Resignation letter to Tinubu

    In a letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was taken with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

    “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power… This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026,” he stated.

    The letter was routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to allow for a smooth transition.

    Focus shifts to Oyo ambition

    Adelabu said his resignation would enable him concentrate fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

    “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” he wrote.

    He added that the move aligns with provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which bars political appointees from contesting elections while in office.

    Gratitude and reflections on service

    The former minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

    “It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector,” he said.

    Adelabu also referenced his earlier resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2018 to pursue the same political ambition.

    Political implications ahead of election cycle

    His resignation signals a major shift in Oyo State politics as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather pace.

    Adelabu is expected to join the race for the governorship seat, setting the stage for intensified political activities in the state.

    The development is already drawing attention across latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders begin to position for the contest.

     

  • Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria Mohammed Mahmud Lele Dies in Türkiye After Prolonged Illness

    Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

    Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms death

    The ministry announced his passing in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noting that Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026.

    He was said to have been receiving treatment before his death in Türkiye.

    Recent ambassadorial appointment

    Until his passing, Lele served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    He had recently been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ambassador-designate to Algeria following Senate confirmation, a posting he did not live to assume.

    Diplomatic career and background

    Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano.

    Over the course of his career, he held several diplomatic postings in cities including Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

    The ministry described him as a committed career diplomat with a strong record of service in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

    Final rites and burial

    His remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed.

    He was later buried in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.

    Nation mourns diplomat

    The ministry said his death represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s foreign service, especially at a time of expanding diplomatic engagements across Africa and the Middle East.

     

  • Tinubu Clarifies Exit of Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa as Resignation, Not Sack

    The Presidency has clarified that former Finance Minister Wale Edun and former Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa voluntarily resigned from the Federal Executive Council, insisting that neither was sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Presidency clears air on ministerial changes

    In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that both ministers formally tendered their resignation letters before their exits were announced.

    The statement explained that Edun, who recently turned 70, stepped down due to health-related concerns, while Dangiwa also resigned, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the cabinet.

    Edun’s farewell and final engagement

    According to the Presidency, Wale Edun submitted his resignation on Monday, the same day he marked his 70th birthday, while also thanking Tinubu for the privilege of serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Edun wrote, adding that Nigeria had become “stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected” under Tinubu’s leadership.

    He later paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa, where he held an hour-long private discussion before stepping away from government duties.

    Dangiwa’s background and resignation

    Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, an architect and former Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, also confirmed his resignation, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council since his appointment in August 2023.

    Before joining the cabinet, Dangiwa served as Secretary to the Katsina State Government and held key roles in housing administration at the federal level.

    Presidency praises outgoing ministers

    President Tinubu expressed appreciation to both men for their contributions to ongoing economic and housing reforms, describing their service as significant to the administration’s policy direction.

    He also urged new appointees to deepen reforms and maintain focus on fiscal discipline, innovation, and economic stability.

    The development continues to generate attention across latest Nigerian news platforms and remains part of ongoing breaking news Nigeria today updates.

  • Tinubu Hosts Jonathan at Aso Rock as Details of Meeting Remain Unclear

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with details of their discussion yet to be made public.

    Meeting confirmed by presidency

    The development was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, confirming that the former Nigerian leader visited Tinubu at Aso Rock.

    Despite the confirmation, no official statement has been issued on the purpose or outcome of the meeting, leaving key questions unanswered.

    Jonathan’s legacy revisited

    Goodluck Ebele Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, a period marked by significant political developments in the country.

    He is widely remembered for conceding defeat in the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first sitting Nigerian leader to lose a re-election bid and peacefully transfer power.

    Silence fuels speculation

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor Jonathan has provided further insight into the meeting, keeping the agenda and discussions away from public view.

    The visit has already sparked interest across political circles and continues to trend in latest Nigerian news, with more updates expected in breaking news Nigeria today as details unfold.