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Tag: President Bola Tinubu

  • Tinubu Welcomes Airbus Plan For Aircraft Maintenance Hub In Nigeria, Pushes For Faster Helicopter Delivery

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of efforts to position the country as a regional aviation hub.

    Tinubu also stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for modern military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support security operations and tackle terrorism across the country.

    Tinubu Meets Airbus Delegation In Rwanda

    The President spoke during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

    According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration was committed to deepening relations with Airbus, particularly in military aviation and aerospace development.

    President Demands Faster Delivery Of Apache Helicopters

    During the meeting, Tinubu called for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria for ongoing counterterrorism operations.

    “Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President said.

    The discussion also covered Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform and broader defence aviation cooperation between both parties.

    Plans For Aviation Financing, Leasing Company

    Tinubu and the Airbus delegation also discussed aircraft leasing and financing models aimed at improving access to aircraft for domestic airlines and reducing financing challenges within the aviation sector.

    The President raised the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation value chain and improve financing access for local operators.

    Airbus Proposes ‘360-Degree Engagement’

    Thierry Cloutet commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    He also proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria covering commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, sustainability initiatives, maintenance infrastructure, operational hubs and human capital development.

    The proposed partnership is also expected to include collaboration in satellite and Earth observation technology.

  • Tinubu Confirms Killing Of Senior ISIS Leader In Joint Nigeria-US Operation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

    In a statement released from the State House on Saturday, Tinubu described the overnight operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and praised the collaboration between both countries.

    Tinubu Praises Joint Military Strike

    According to the president, the Nigerian Armed Forces worked closely with U.S. military personnel to execute what he described as a daring operation against the terrorist group.

    “Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu stated.

    “Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.”

    Tinubu also thanked Donald Trump for supporting the operation.

    “Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” he added.

    Trump Calls Terrorist ‘Most Active In The World’

    Trump had earlier confirmed the operation in a statement shared on Truth Social on Friday.

    The U.S. president described Al-Manuki as “the most active terrorist in the world” and claimed he was the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission,” Trump wrote.

    He further stated that the terrorist leader believed he could hide in Africa without detection.

    “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” he said.

    Renewed Offensive Against Terror Groups

    The operation comes amid intensified military offensives against insurgent groups operating across the North-East and Lake Chad region.

    Islamic State-linked factions have continued to launch attacks on military formations and civilian communities in the region despite ongoing security operations.

    Trump also noted that Al-Manuki had been placed under U.S. sanctions in 2023 because of his links to the Islamic State group.

    “With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” he stated.

  • Nigeria Approves 30-Day Visa-Free Entry For Rwandans After Tinubu-Kagame Meeting

    Nigeria has approved a 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of Rwanda, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic and travel relations between both countries.

    The development was announced on Friday by the Nigeria Immigration Service, which confirmed that all arrangements had been concluded for the implementation of the directive approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Tinubu, Kagame Deepen Bilateral Talks

    The decision comes shortly after Tinubu’s visit to Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum held on Thursday.

    Ahead of the summit, the Nigerian President held a bilateral meeting with Paul Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa.

    According to reports, both leaders discussed areas of cooperation including trade, tourism, regional integration and security collaboration.

    During the meeting, Tinubu reportedly hinted that Nigeria was considering adopting a visa-free policy similar to Rwanda’s existing 30-day entry arrangement for Nigerians.

    Push For African Integration

    The President described the move as part of broader efforts to encourage Pan-Africanism and strengthen relationships among African nations.

    Officials believe the new policy will improve movement between both countries while boosting tourism, business activities and diplomatic exchanges.

    The visa-free arrangement is also expected to further deepen economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Rwanda as both countries continue to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

  • Tinubu Returns To Lagos After France, Kenya, Rwanda Trip Ahead Of APC Primaries

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Lagos following his official visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda.

    The President’s aircraft reportedly landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 7:12 p.m. on Friday.

    Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila Receive Tinubu

    According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was received by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa and other government officials.

    The Presidency said Tinubu held meetings with global investors during his stay in France, where he reportedly highlighted his administration’s economic reforms, transparency and fiscal discipline policies.

    Tinubu Attends Africa Forward Summit

    The President also attended the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside other African leaders and business executives.

    The summit was co-hosted by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto.

    At the event, Tinubu reportedly called for reforms in the global financial system and stronger African economic integration.

    He also spoke on Nigeria’s blue economy potential and pledged to share the country’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea nations.

    Meetings In Rwanda

    During the trip, Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with Madagascan President Michael Randrianirina.

    In Kigali, Rwanda, the Nigerian leader participated in the Africa CEO Forum alongside investors, CEOs and African leaders discussing regional integration and investment opportunities across the continent.

    He also met with Paul Kagame and delegations from multinational organisations including the International Finance Corporation and APM Terminals.

    According to the Presidency, the meetings recorded “notable favourable outcomes.”

    APC Primaries Next

    The statement further disclosed that Tinubu would participate in the upcoming All Progressives Congress primaries scheduled to begin on Saturday in Lagos.

    The President had earlier urged party members to maintain peace and conduct themselves responsibly during the exercise.

  • Tinubu Sparks Debate, Says “Only Taxpayers Are Real Citizens” At Africa CEO Forum

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that anyone who does not pay taxes to the government cannot fully be regarded as a citizen, a statement that has stirred fresh public debate on taxation and civic responsibility.

    Tinubu made the comment during a panel session at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, where African leaders and business executives gathered to discuss economic growth and development.

    “How Do You Fund Development?”

    Speaking on the challenges of governance and infrastructure financing, Tinubu stressed that development cannot happen without taxation.

    He said citizens often demand roads, hospitals, and social services but rarely consider how such projects are funded.

    “Taxation is not friendly to the wealthy, the middle class, or the poor. Everyone wants development, but the question they don’t answer is how the government pays for it,” he said.

    He added that expectations for quality infrastructure must be matched with fiscal responsibility from citizens.

    “You want a very good highway, but you don’t want it to go through your land. How do you develop?” he asked.

    “A Citizen Who Doesn’t Pay Tax…”

    The President went further to link tax compliance with citizenship status, saying it reflects participation in nation-building.

    “A citizen who pays taxes is a citizen, whether corporate or individual. If you are not a taxpayer and not exempted, then you are not a citizen,” Tinubu stated.

    He added that taxation remains central to funding healthcare, education, and innovation, including pharmaceutical research and emergency responses like the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tax Reforms Under Spotlight

    The remarks come as the federal government intensifies tax reforms aimed at broadening Nigeria’s revenue base and reducing dependence on borrowing.

    The administration has consistently argued that improved tax compliance is key to financing infrastructure and stabilising public finances amid rising debt servicing costs.

    The statement is already generating reactions across social and political spaces, with supporters linking it to fiscal discipline reforms, while critics question its framing of citizenship in relation to taxation.

  • Tinubu Government Spends N4.24bn On Presidential Air Fleet In Six Months

    The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent about N4.24bn on the Presidential Air Fleet within six months, according to spending records obtained from Govspend, a civic technology platform tracking public expenditures.

    The records showed that the payments were made between June and December 2025 for the operational and logistical maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet amid increasing public concern over government spending and calls for cost-cutting measures.

    Breakdown Of Transactions

    Findings revealed that the funds were paid into the Presidential Air Fleet naira transit account operated by the State House through eight separate transactions across June, July and December 2025.

    The largest portion of the spending was recorded in July 2025, when four transactions amounting to N2.43bn were made within one week.

    According to the records, N1.285bn was disbursed on June 12, while N430m was paid on July 24. Another N1.28bn followed on July 25, alongside N92m on July 29 and N626m on July 31.

    Further payments were made in December, including N9m on December 18, described as “Presidential Air Fleet forex transit funds,” while N343.9m and N90.9m were disbursed on December 30 and 31 respectively.

    Questions Over Spending Details

    The report also revealed that four of the eight transactions were listed without descriptions and simply marked as “None” in the Govspend database.

    Most of the transfers were, however, labelled as “Forex Transit Funds,” usually linked to foreign exchange requirements for international operations such as aircraft maintenance, fuel purchases and payments for overseas services.

    The latest figures add to the rising cost of maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

    Presidential Fleet Costs Continue Rising

    Data showed that at least N26.38bn was spent on Presidential Air Fleet operations between July 2023 and December 2024 alone.

    Out of the figure, N14.15bn was reportedly spent in 2024.

    Budget allocations for the fleet also showed a steady rise over the years. The fleet received N17.32bn allocation in the 2025 budget before it dropped to N14.70bn in the 2026 budget.

    The reduction was largely attributed to lower capital expenditure projections.

    Records further indicated that engine overhaul projects across the fleet consumed N4.58bn in 2024, N8.65bn in 2025 and N6.05bn in 2026, bringing the total spending on engine maintenance to N19.27bn within three years.

    Concerns Amid Economic Hardship

    The development comes at a time many Nigerians continue to raise concerns over economic hardship, rising inflation and austerity measures introduced by the Federal Government following fuel subsidy removal and ongoing economic reforms.

    Budget data also showed that allocations to the Presidential Air Fleet have risen significantly over the years, increasing from N4.37bn in 2017 under the Buhari administration to N20.52bn in 2024.

  • Tinubu Hails $4.7bn France-Nigeria Trade Surge, Says Partnership Enters “Execution Phase” at Nairobi Summit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the outcome of the 10th France-Nigeria Business Council meeting, saying the partnership between both countries has now moved from discussion to full implementation.

    The meeting was held at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where top government officials and leading global business figures reviewed ongoing investments and new collaboration frameworks between Nigeria and France.

    Trade Hits $4.7bn As Tinubu Pushes Investment Drive

    President Tinubu noted that trade between Nigeria and France reached $4.7 billion in 2025, describing Nigeria as the leading destination for French investment in sub-Saharan Africa.

    He said the growing economic ties must now translate into jobs, industrial expansion, infrastructure development and wider prosperity for both nations.

    The meeting had in attendance Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and France’s Minister Delegate, Nicolas Forissier, alongside top private sector leaders from both countries.

    Dangote, Elumelu, Others Attend High-Level Meeting

    The session also brought together major business leaders including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and other prominent investors, alongside international partners such as Patrick Pouyanné of TotalEnergies and representatives of CMA CGM, Danone and Accor.

    President Tinubu commended the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, for convening what he described as a productive session focused on real economic delivery.

    Accor–Shoreline Deal Highlights New Investment Push

    A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of an agreement between Accor and Shoreline Group for Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.

    The President described the development as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and services sector, noting that it reflects rising investor confidence in ongoing reforms.

    ‘Nigeria Is Ready For Serious Economic Execution’ — Tinubu

    Tinubu said Nigeria and France are no longer operating at the level of goodwill exchanges but are now focused on measurable economic outcomes.

    “This is the partnership Nigeria is ready for. We are ready for investment that builds, capital that produces, and enterprise that creates jobs,” he said.

    He added that the next phase of Africa-Europe relations would be defined by tangible projects in energy, agriculture, technology, logistics and industrial production.

    Reform Agenda Drives Confidence

    The President further assured investors that his administration would continue strengthening the business environment, deepening reforms and supporting credible investment inflows into the country.

    According to him, the goal is to position Nigeria as a stable and competitive economy capable of attracting long-term capital.

  • Ruto Meets Tinubu in Nairobi Days After Apologising Over Nigerians’ English Accent

    Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday exchanged warm pleasantries with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nairobi, days after apologising over controversial comments about Nigerians’ English accents that sparked backlash across Africa.

    The two leaders were seen greeting each other during activities surrounding the Africa-France Summit in Kenya, where Tinubu is participating in discussions focused on economic reforms, climate action, energy transition and investment partnerships.

    Tinubu Arrives Kenya For Summit

    President Tinubu arrived Nairobi on Monday to participate in the summit, which the Presidency described as an important platform for promoting Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and investment opportunities.

    The summit is expected to focus on green industrialisation, digital transformation, global financing reforms and Africa-wide economic partnerships.

    Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga shared a video showing both presidents exchanging friendly greetings during the event.

    Ruto Addresses English Accent Controversy

    The meeting comes shortly after Ruto faced criticism over remarks many Nigerians considered insulting.

    Speaking at an event in Nairobi earlier, the Kenyan president attempted to clarify the comments, insisting they were taken out of context and not intended to mock Nigerians.

    “I was captured speaking to my fellow citizens somewhere; it was supposed to be a private conversation, but somebody decided to make it public,” Ruto said.

    “The fact I was talking about how we Africans speak good English. In countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator for you to understand.”

    Ruto also jokingly asked Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Henry Dele Alake, to pass his regards to Tinubu and Nigerians “in good English.”

    Nigerians Reacted Strongly

    The remarks triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing the Kenyan leader of mocking Nigerian accents and reinforcing stereotypes about West Africans.

    Former senator Shehu Sani reacted by pointing to Nigeria’s literary achievements and globally recognised writers.

    “Ruto is mocking the English of the country with a Nobel Prize for literature winner. The Nation of Achebe and Chimamanda,” he wrote.

    Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also criticised the comments, arguing that fluency in English should never be used as a measure of intelligence or competence.

    Diplomatic Ties Remain Intact

    Despite the online controversy, Tuesday’s interaction between Tinubu and Ruto appeared cordial, suggesting both countries are moving beyond the dispute and maintaining diplomatic cooperation.

    The meeting also comes amid recent online tensions between Nigerians and Kenyans following comments reportedly credited to Tinubu comparing Nigeria’s economy with that of Kenya and other African countries.

  • Tinubu Heads to Nairobi Summit to Push Nigeria’s Economic Reforms, Investment Drive

    The Presidency has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation at the 2026 Africa-France Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, is focused on advancing Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and strengthening investment partnerships across Africa.

    Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala disclosed this while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the summit in Nairobi, describing the gathering as strategically important for Nigeria and the continent.

    Presidency links summit agenda to Renewed Hope reforms

    According to Bwala, the summit comes at a period when many African nations are implementing reforms aimed at creating stronger investment climates and improving long-term economic growth.

    He explained that President Tinubu considers the summit important because six out of the seven major discussion areas align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The thematic areas include international financial restructuring, agriculture, artificial intelligence, blue economy, digital transformation, and broader economic reforms.

    “For us as a country and of course the leading country in Africa in many respects, the President deems it a strategic meeting because six of the seven thematic areas happen to fall in line with the Renewed Hope policy programmes we started implementing from day one,” Bwala said.

    Tinubu to showcase Nigeria’s economic reforms

    The presidential spokesman pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing financial reforms, including the foreign exchange market unification policy, as part of measures designed to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.

    “Take for example international financial restructuring, we have seen the restructuring taking place in Nigeria which has given confidence in the naira,” he stated.

    Bwala also highlighted Nigeria’s growing use of artificial intelligence and digital technology, stressing that the country’s youthful population provides opportunities for innovation-driven economic expansion.

    On agriculture, he noted that Nigeria’s vast arable land makes the country a strong destination for food production and agro-industrial investments.

    Africa should reduce dependence on external support — Presidency

    According to Bwala, one of the major goals of the summit is to encourage African countries to maximise their own resources and reduce dependence on foreign assistance.

    “These are areas they intend to focus on and the whole concept of the summit is to create the sense that Africa by itself can create the economy it deserves rather than this dependency on the rest of the world,” he said.

    He disclosed that Tinubu is expected to participate in three plenary sessions during the summit, where he will present Nigeria’s experiences in finance, agriculture, and the blue economy.

    Bwala added that the President’s engagements would focus on creating mutually beneficial investments capable of generating sustainable returns while boosting economic development across Africa.

    “Not just bringing investment to Nigeria or Africa, but participating in investments that guarantee returns on investment,” he explained.

    Tinubu expected at Africa CEO Forum in Kigali

    The Presidency further revealed that Tinubu will proceed to Kigali, Rwanda, later this week to attend the Africa CEO Forum as part of efforts to deepen economic partnerships across the continent.

    “The President intends to move to Kigali to continue the conversation with African CEOs. It is strategic, important, and most of the thematic areas already align with what we are doing in Nigeria,” Bwala added.

    The 2026 Africa-France Summit is themed “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” and is expected to focus on climate action, industrialisation, energy transition, digital economy reforms, and global financial restructuring.

  • Tinubu Appoints Ex-Army General Adeyinka Fadewa as Homeland Security Adviser

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.

    The appointment was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

    FG Explains Reason for Fadewa’s Appointment

    According to the statement, the appointment was approved based on Fadewa’s “exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

    The Federal Government noted that the retired army officer brings decades of military intelligence and security experience to the role amid growing security concerns across the country.

    The Tinubu homeland security appointment has already attracted attention in latest Nigerian politics news and national security discussions.

    Who Is Major General Adeyinka Fadewa?

    Major General Adeyinka Fadewa is a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army with more than 30 years of military service experience.

    He is widely known for his background in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, and national security strategy.

    Fadewa previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) between 2015 and 2021.

    During his time at ONSA, he reportedly played a major role in establishing the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC).

    Role in Intelligence Coordination

    The Intelligence Fusion Centre was created to improve intelligence sharing among major security agencies in Nigeria.

    The agencies involved include the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces.

    Security analysts believe the Tinubu security appointment could further strengthen inter-agency coordination in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity.

    Academic, Research Contributions

    After retiring from military service, Fadewa worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

    His research areas reportedly focused on policing, civil-security cooperation, and reforms within Nigeria’s security sector.

    He also authored a monograph titled “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which focused on improving collaboration among security agencies.

    The latest presidential appointment in Nigeria has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today amid ongoing conversations about national security reforms.