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ADC Nominates Tubo, Badawi As Borno Transitional Committee Chair, Secretary

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ADC Nominates Tubo, Badawi As Borno Transitional Committee Chair, Secretary

Following alignment and realignment towards the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated Hon. Adamu Usman Tubo as the Transitional Committee Chairman, while Hon. Sunusi Lawan Badawi emerged as the Secretary.

Tubo hails from Southern Borno Senatorial District, while Badawi is from Borno North Senatorial District.

According to a circular signed by the party’s office of Assistant National Organizing Secretary, as well as North East Organizing Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Abba Kyari indicated that prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Labour Party LP, Social Democratic Party SDP, and New Nigeria People Party NNPP, among others who jumped ship and joined the coalition movement emerged as leaders aims to reposition the ADC for better.

Too numerous to mention amongst them who emerged as leaders and members in their respective zones are former APC Chietftain and past Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Mattawali Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, former APC Gubernatorial Aspirant and Southern Borno Senatorial Aspirant under the platform of the APC in 2023 general elections, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, former Senatorial Candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 2023, Alhaji Attom Magira, former House Minority Leader and APC Governorship aspirant in 2019 Barrister Mohammed Kumalia who also contested on the platform of the PDP as Borno Central Senatorial District in 2023, Former Speakers of the House of Assembly in state, Rt. Hon. Bukar Kachallah and Rt. Hon. Bulama Fugu, youth stakeholders such as we Hon. Sheriff Banki, Hon. Abba Haruna, Hon. Abba Masta among others.

Already, it was gathered that the said circular dated 18th December, 2025, with an address No: Plot 121 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja which had gone viral was also copied to the office of the National Chairman and Secretary, as well as the National Organizing Secretary of the party last Thursday 18th December, 2025, Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Barrister Chinedu Odigbo respectively.

The Circular reads: ” I, the Assistant National Organizing Secretary/North East Organizing Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Abba Kyari hereby forward the list of the Borno State Transitional Committee for your necessary action.

“The committee will be led by HON. ADAMU USMAN TUBO from Borno South Senatorial District as Chairman, while HON.SUNUSI LAWAN BADAWI serve from Borno North Senatorial District as secretary.

“The members of the committee were selected strictly based on the criteria and consideration of
Political Backgrounds, Local Governments, Federal Constituencies, and Senatorial Districts.

“Please find attached the approved membership list and accept my highest regards.

“Yours faithfully,Hon. Mohammed Abba Kyari Assistant National Organizing Secretary/Northeast Zone Organizing Secretary”. He stated.

Aiyedatiwa’s Proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port To Benefit Nigeria, West Africa

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Aiyedatiwa's Proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port To Benefit Nigeria, West Africa

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port will serve as a major hub for international trade, benefiting not only Ondo State but Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

The governor spoke after receiving the revalidated licence for the project from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.

Aiyedatiwa said the state government is fully prepared to commence the project, describing the port as critical infrastructure that goes beyond state-level use and positions Ondo as a gateway for international business and maritime operations.

He noted that the deep sea port is designed to support industries, commerce and the broader economy, with facilities capable of accommodating businesses across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

According to the governor, the port has a natural draught of about 18 metres, which would allow very large vessels—larger than those currently operating in Lagos ports—to berth easily.

He explained that the port’s depth and size would eliminate the need for trans-shipment, as vessels would be able to sail directly into Ondo State waters.

Aiyedatiwa said the project would have far-reaching economic benefits beyond cargo handling, stressing that once construction begins, the state would witness increased human and commercial activities.

He added that the influx of investors, financial institutions and humanitarian service providers would also boost hospitality and related sectors in the state.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for fast-tracking the revalidation of the port’s licence, describing it as a significant step toward realising the long-awaited project.

IPMAN Urges Members To Patronise Dangote Refinery’s Affordable PMS Supply

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IPMAN Urges Members To Patronise Dangote Refinery’s Affordable PMS Supply

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on all its members nationwide to patronise the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, noting that the refinery already offers the best affordable price for all marketers, even as free delivery commences in January 2026.

The association also expressed delight over a recent agreement by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to begin the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – also known as petroleum – products directly to registered IPMAN members, in a statement signed and issued by the IPMAN National President Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima.

At a press conference held in Abuja yesterday on recent happenings in the oil & gas sector, IPMAN also applauded the support of the Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote towards the Federal Government, which it noted has become evident in the regular reduction of the petroleum pump price.

According to Shettima, “the association has the highest percentage of the supply chain of the PMS downstream sector, controlling over 80% of the PMS retail market. We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.

“We are also excited at the recent agreement by the Dangote Refinery to begin the supply of PMS products directly to registered IPMAN members, and its free delivery to our filling stations anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria which will commence in January 2026.

“This will again, certainly lead to further decrease in the pump price of the products at our filing stations. Therefore, I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable prize for all marketers today”, the statement added.

The IPMAN boss noted that “At IPMAN we have no doubt as to the viability of the oil and gas policies being initiated by the Federal Government, and we have ceaselessly called and sought for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance in the oil and gas sector. Hence our repeated persuasion to always partner the Dangote refinery, to ensure the steady availability of PMS products.

“The focus of the Dangote & IPMAN partnership, has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians. And of course, this blooming partnership would never have been possible without the pragmatic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his sound judgment in readjusting the leadership of the NMDPRA and the NUPRC.

Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products. Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model, because issuing import licenses recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away,” Shettima added.

The association congratulated the new heads of the oil & gas regulatory bodies, and reminded them of the long outstanding bridging claims owed its members totalling over N190 billion. “We specifically call on the NMPDRA new leadership to immediately make this debt a cause for serious concern as he assumes his new position”, the statement added.

NIPC Gets $10bn investments, Over 5,000 Jobs In 2025

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NIPC Gets $10bn investments, Over 5,000 Jobs In 2025

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) says it collated 29.91 billion dollars as investment announcements for 2019.

Nigeria attracted investment commitments worth about $9.88 billion in 2025, with projects facilitated by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) generating over 5,000 direct jobs across key sectors of the economy, signalling renewed investor confidence.

Deputy Director, Depar-tment of Investment Promotion, Emmanuel Longza, NIPC, disclosed this in a document presented during a media parley with journalists in Abuja.

According to the document, the investments included $150 million from Chinese projects in Katsina, $500 million for the Oyo Integrated Agricultural Park, $150 million Green Mining Fund, over $5.2 billion from the Bauchi Investment Summit, about $331 million from the Katsina Investment Summit, roughly $50 million from AfCFTA deal-room negotiations, $2.5 billion investment interest by JBS in livestock, and the $1 billion Green Imperative agricultural mechanisation programme.

The report added that these figures exclude a mix of firm commitments, memoranda of understanding, announced investments and indicated interests, which together represent about $11.5 billion in potential investment value from 120 to 135 leads.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NIPC, Mrs. Aisha Rimi, said the investments created 5,432 jobs in the second and third quarters of 2025, largely in manufacturing, ICT, agro-processing, renewable energy and other productive sectors.

Represented by the Director of Strategic Services, Abubakar Yerima, Rimi said the jobs were supported by the Pioneer Status Incentive scheme, with plans underway to transition to the Economic Development Incentive framework by January 2026.

She said the One-Stop Investment Centre processed business registrations within 48 hours, handled thousands of investor enquiries and facilitated the incorporation of nearly 100 companies, alongside faster visa and permit processing.

Rimi also highlighted expanded global engagements with Brazil, Sweden, BRICS partners and Japan, as well as rising investor interest in the dairy and livestock value chain aligned with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

Looking ahead, she said the Commission would deepen digital transformation, strengthen subnational competitiveness and enhance investor aftercare to convert investment interest into projects that create jobs and boost revenue.

Nigeria’s Trade with ECOWAS Countries Increases By 43% To N6.9trn

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Nigeria’s Trade with ECOWAS Countries Increases By 43% To N6.9trn

Nigeria’s trade with other countries in the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, by 43 percent, rose year-on-year (YoY) to N6.9 trillion in the first nine months of the year (9m’25) from N4.82 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

Analysis of data in the Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics Report recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, showed that the significant growth in trade was as a result of a 37.6 per cent , YoY rise in exports to N6.14 trillion in 9m’25 from N4.46 trillion in 9m’24.

Similarly, imports grew sharply by 113.15 per cent YoY to N770.46 billion in 9m’25 from N361.46 billion in 9m’24.

Quarter-on-Quarter trend showed that Nigeria’s trade with ECOWAS rose by 82.6 percent QoQ to N2.32 trillion in the second quarter of 2025 (Q2’25) from N1.27 trillion in Q1’25. In Q3’25, trade rose by 43 percent QoQ to N3.32 trillion.

NBS said: “Exports to ECOWAS member states totaled N3.14 trillion while imports amounted to N179.26 billion.

“ Analysis by commodities showed that the main commodities exported to ECOWAS countries in Q3’25 were ‘Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude.’ valued at N1.32 trillion or 42.14 percent, ‘Gas oil’ valued at N529.57 billion or 16.89 percent and Light vessels, fire floats, floating cranes, and other vessels worth N497.16 billion or 15.86 percent of total exports to ECOWAS countries.

“The top three exported products represent 74.89 percent of the total exports to the ECOWAS region.

“On the other hand, Nigeria’s imports from ECOWAS countries were mainly

‘Crude palm oil’ valued at N30.08 billion or 16.78 percent, ‘Petroleum bitumen’ valued at N22.68 billion or 12.65 percent, and ‘Extracts, essences and concentrates’ worth N3.03 billion or 1.69 percent of total imports from ECOWAS region.”

Senator Ngige Storms APC Caucus Meeting In Abuja After Prison Release

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Senator Ngige Storms APC Caucus Meeting In Abuja After Prison Release

Former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting, barely hours after he left the Kuje prison.

Senator Ngige, who was the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, was recently remanded in Kuje prison following corruption allegations against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor was granted bail earlier on Thursday, and he was able to fulfil the bail conditions.

Ngige arrived at the State House Conference Centre after the president had arrived, and he was stopped by security for a while before he was finally cleared to join others.

Tinubu Assures US, EU Over Creation Of State Police To Curb Insecurity

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Tinubu Assures US, EU Over Creation Of State Police To Curb Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, assured the United States of America, USA, and the European Union, EU, that Nigeria will establish state police to tackle insecurity challenges.

The President made the promise at the 14th All Progressives Congress, APC, National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Also, he advised governors and party leaders to be flexible in their actions and ensure that they get involved in what happens in their various places including the rural communities.

He said: “You must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible, get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to local government level.

“I had a very long discussion with the US and European heads. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass a state police to improve security.

“They asked me if I’m confident, and I said, yes, I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen.

“And if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail. I think the reconciliation, the accommodation, the flexibility, is in your hand, all of you, and we are the majority. We are the leaders.

“Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgment. What can we do with it? And how well we can position our country and our party.

“To me, the local government is autonomy, it is and must be effective. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate. We will give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s the compliance of the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”

CMD FMC Umuahia, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike, Elected Vice Chairman of Committee Of CMDs In Nigeria

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CMD FMC Umuahia, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike, Elected Vice Chairman of Committee Of CMDs In Nigeria
CMD FMC Umuahia, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Professor Onyebuchi Azubuike Kanario (MBBS, MSc, FWACS, FMCOG, FICS), has been elected Vice Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, ABN TV reports.

The election was concluded today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Keffi, Nasarawa State, with the inauguration of the newly elected executives currently ongoing.

Professor Onyebuchi’s emergence as Vice Chairman has been widely described as “a round peg in a round hole,” given his vast professional experience, administrative competence, and outstanding leadership record in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The Committee of CMDs serves as a key coordinating body for federal tertiary hospitals nationwide, providing strategic direction, policy engagement, and collaboration among hospital chief executives. Prof. Onyebuchi’s election is therefore seen as a development that holds great promise for FMC Umuahia and the overall advancement of tertiary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Under his leadership, FMC Umuahia has recorded remarkable infrastructural expansion, improved service delivery, and enhanced institutional credibility, attracting increased stakeholder confidence and federal constituency projects.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Jabi, Abuja, Professor Sahad Ahmed, was elected Chairman of the Committee of CMDs, and will lead the committee alongside Prof. Onyebuchi and other elected members.

Stakeholders believe the new leadership will strengthen collaboration among federal tertiary hospitals, improve policy implementation, and further enhance healthcare service delivery across the country.

The election of Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike as Vice Chairman further reinforces FMC Umuahia’s growing national relevance and leadership standing within Nigeria’s health sector.

FG Reaffirms Commitment To Students’ Safety As 47 Unity Schools Reopens

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FG Reaffirms Commitment To Students’ Safety As 47 Unity Schools Reopens

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of students and the continuity of education nationwide following the reopening of all 47 Unity Colleges earlier this month.

The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the statement, academic activities have fully resumed in the affected schools after security measures within and around the campuses were strengthened.

“Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programs, while others have successfully completed their examinations,” the ministry said.

The ministry assured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority of the Federal Government.

It noted that the government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy in school environments across the country.

“The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment,” the statement said.

The ministry added that the administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development, stressing its determination to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.

According to the statement, the safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.

The ministry also expressed appreciation to parents, school administrators and students for their cooperation, patience and support, while reiterating its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable and uninterrupted education system nationwide.

Governors Assures Inter-agency Coordination During Festive Period

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Governors Assures Inter-agency Coordination During Festive Period

The thirty-six state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have pledged to strengthen interagency coordination, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period across the country.

Rising from the 8th Meeting in Abuja from Wednesday to early Thursday, the Governors in a Communique signed by Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the State Executives disclosed that they received a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) calling for heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.

In recent weeks, the worsening state of insecurity caused by multiple crimes, banditry, and a spate of kidnappings and wanton destruction of property across the country has continued.

In a communique read after the meeting by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Forum received notification from the World Bank confirming the effectiveness of the Additional Financing for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

According to the Communique, this enables continued disbursements to states to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building interventions. Governors renewed their commitment to sustaining implementation momentum, ensuring timely reporting, and maximising fund utilisation to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable households.

The statement read, “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.

“The Forum received a communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) calling for heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season, due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.

“Governors are committed to strengthening interagency coordination, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period nationwide.

“The Forum received notification from the World Bank confirming the effectiveness of the Additional Financing for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme. This enables continued disbursements to states to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building interventions. Governors renewed their commitment to sustaining implementation momentum, ensuring timely reporting, and maximising fund utilisation to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable households.

“The Forum noted the outcome of the third edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, held on 12 December 2025, which recognised thirteen states for outstanding progress in strengthening PHC systems. Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun States topped their respective geopolitical zones; Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun States were the first runners-up. Governors acknowledged the results, the value of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability, and committed to building on these gains to further strengthen primary health care delivery nationwide.”

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