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Tinubu Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Nigerian Army at Key Conference

By
Ola Akinola
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0

LAGOS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his administration’s strategic commitment to enhancing the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, framing it as a cornerstone of national security.

The President’s assurance was delivered today at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, a pivotal strategic forum hosted in Lagos. Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the President praised the enduring heritage and sacrifices of the nation’s military.

“This gathering of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs is a testament to the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the President stated, honoring officers and soldiers whose sacrifices are “indelibly etched in the nation’s history.”

A Platform for Strategic Reflection and Adaptation

The President highlighted the conference’s critical role in facilitating “honest reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement.” This comes at a time when the Army faces evolving global, regional, and domestic security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

Echoing this sentiment, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described the event as vital for reviewing operational readiness and aligning the Army’s future with national security priorities. He emphasized a “whole-of-society approach” and urged commanders to ensure the conference yields “concrete operational actions and measurable results on the battlefield.”

Army Leadership Points to Institutional Support and Transformation

In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed “profound appreciation” for the President’s sustained political will and support, particularly in areas of welfare, equipment modernization, and training. He also acknowledged the crucial legislative and budgetary backing from the National Assembly.

The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s frontline role in combating national security threats, stating the force is deliberately transforming into a “more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force” capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric challenges.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the military’s foundational role, describing security as a “fundamental prerequisite for development” and commending the Army for safeguarding democratic governance and national unity.

Conference to Deliberate on Key Strategic Issues

The opening ceremony was attended by a high-level assembly of senior government officials, serving and retired Service Chiefs, military officers, diplomats, and heads of security agencies. The conference is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic issues to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional duties.

The President’s renewed pledge of support and the conference’s strategic focus mark a significant moment for Nigeria’s armed forces, as the nation continues to navigate a complex and demanding security landscape.

House Committee Vows Proactive Oversight of Oil Sector, Backs Local Refining

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has announced a strategic shift toward proactive and evidence-based oversight of Nigeria’s critical oil sector, moving beyond reactive interventions to prevent future crises.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, declared this new direction on Monday in Abuja during his welcome address at an end-of-year capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for committee members and staff.

A Shift in Legislative Strategy

Ugochinyere stated that the committee’s focus for the coming period would be on strengthening anticipatory oversight to ensure stability in a sector that directly impacts national welfare through fuel pricing, inflation, and transportation costs.

“Regulation and legislation are not parallel lines; they are complementary forces,” Ugochinyere said. “When regulators and lawmakers understand each other’s mandates, constraints and expectations, the Nigerian people ultimately benefit.”

He outlined the committee’s core commitments, which include supporting policies that encourage local refining, storage, and logistics efficiency, ensuring regulatory accountability, promoting market transparency, and protecting the interests of citizens while sustaining investor confidence.

Building on a Year of Engagement

The chairman reflected on the committee’s activities throughout 2025, which were marked by sustained engagement with the reforms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), extensive stakeholder consultations, and focused oversight on fuel availability and pricing stability.

“We have interfaced with regulators, operators, labour unions and consumer groups to balance national interest with market realities,” he noted, highlighting challenges related to importation, local refining capacity, and distribution infrastructure.

He commended the NMDPRA for organizing the workshop, describing it as “timely and strategic” and a reflection of the collaborative spirit intended by the PIA. Ugochinyere emphasized that capacity building is now a “critical necessity” for effective governance in the complex petroleum landscape.

Central Role of Committee Staff

Paying tribute to the committee’s secretariat and support staff, Ugochinyere described them as the “quiet force” behind successful hearings, reports, and oversight visits.

“Your role is not auxiliary; it is central to the effectiveness of this Committee,” he stated, underscoring that as legislative work grows more technical, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable staff becomes paramount.

He urged all participants to engage actively in the workshop, challenge assumptions, and focus on translating the knowledge gained into “better laws, stronger oversight and improved outcomes for Nigerians.”

The workshop brought together lawmakers, committee staff, regulators, and resource persons to deepen understanding of the evolving downstream sector and reinforce collaborative governance under the PIA framework.

Political Activist Warns Irregular Military Promotions Threaten Democracy

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

 

ABUJA — Political activist and former APC official, Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a grave warning, asserting that alleged political interference in military promotions risks destabilizing Nigeria’s democracy and could create conditions that tempt military interventions.

The warning centers on reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a special, accelerated promotion for his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier-General just months after his last elevation. The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

A Breach of Tradition and a Threat to Stability

In a strongly-worded statement, Frank described the reported promotion as “deeply troubling and unacceptable,” framing it as a dangerous politicization of a national institution.

“The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President,” Frank stated. “Senior military ranks…are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments. They are not political rewards.”

He argued that such actions demoralize career officers, erode institutional cohesion, and weaken the professional command structure. Most severely, Frank linked the move to the recent wave of coups across West Africa.

“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations,” Frank said, citing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as examples where the abuse of institutions preceded military takeovers.

Conflicting Reports Amid Official Silence

The promotion’s validity remains unconfirmed. It stems from a purported December 2025 letter from the office of the National Security Adviser conveying presidential approval. However, military insiders and experts are divided.

 

Critics point to established promotion guidelines. A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that an officer typically must serve four years as a Colonel before being eligible for promotion to Brigadier-General. Retired General Ishola Williams also questioned the move, stating that an ADC’s role is typically a two-year tour before returning to regular regiment duties.

Conversely, some have cited historical exceptions. Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi referenced the case of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who was promoted from Lieutenant-Colonel to Brigadier-General, suggesting accelerated promotions are not without precedent for exceptional service.

 

Calls for Clarification and Broader Implications

Frank has called for immediate action from the Presidency, demanding a public clarification on the legal basis for the promotion, its suspension if it violates guidelines, and a commitment to end the “personalisation of state power.”

This controversy emerges against a complex backdrop. Just days prior, President Tinubu was praised at an ECOWAS summit for Nigeria’s role in helping to thwart a coup attempt in the Benin Republic. Critics now highlight a perceived contradiction between advocating for democratic stability abroad while facing allegations of undermining professional military norms at home.

As the debate continues, the silence from official Army channels has only heightened scrutiny, leaving unanswered questions about protocol, precedent, and the principles governing Nigeria’s armed forces.

House of Representatives Intervenes in Dangote-NMDPRA Feud, Orders Media Blackout

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – The House of Representatives has moved decisively to quell a public dispute between the Dangote Refinery Group and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), ordering both parties to cease all media engagements immediately.

The intervention by the Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) follows renewed tensions sparked by public allegations made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, against the regulatory body.

A Bid to Protect Sector Stability

Addressing journalists after an emergency committee meeting, Co-Chairman Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere stated the move was necessary to prevent the rift from destabilizing the petroleum sector at a critical juncture. He emphasized that the legislative body is committed to safeguarding recent gains in fuel supply and pricing stability.

“The issue that prompted this emergency meeting is the renewed tension in the downstream sector arising from allegations made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote against the NMDPRA,” Ugochinyere said.

Direct Summons and a Call for Silence

The committee has resolved to summon both Alhaji Dangote and the leadership of the NMDPRA to appear before it and explain their positions. Pending this investigation, which is expected to conclude within days, a media truce has been enforced.

“We have appealed to all parties involved to cease fire, especially in the media, to prevent the situation from worsening,” Ugochinyere added, urging that disagreements be channeled through institutional forums rather than the press.

Broader Industry Concerns Under Scrutiny

The lawmaker revealed that the committee’s probe will extend beyond the immediate clash to address wider industry issues raised in petitions. These include questions about the transparency of petroleum import licence issuance and the capacity of domestic refineries to meet national fuel demand.

“These petitions raise serious questions, from import licensing to the adequacy of local refining capacity. All these issues will be addressed in the course of our investigation,” he stated.

Ugochinyere expressed confidence that direct engagement with the key stakeholders would provide clarity and enable the committee to recommend lasting solutions in the national interest.

The House’s intervention comes at a time of intense public scrutiny of Nigeria’s downstream sector, with high expectations for local refining, regulatory clarity, and a stable fuel supply.

NCAA Launches Digital Licensing, Promises Renewals in Hours for Pilots

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – In a landmark move to modernize Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a new digital system that promises to renew the licenses of pilots and other aviation professionals in a matter of hours, a process that previously took weeks or months.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, announced the “Go-Live” of the EMPIC Personnel Licensing and Medical Certification (PEL/MED) system on Monday during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja.

The globally recognized, ICAO-approved platform represents a fundamental shift from Nigeria’s historic reliance on manual and semi-digital processes. When fully operational, it will automate and streamline licensing, medical certification, and regulatory oversight.

A Phased Transition for System Stability

Capt. Najomo outlined a deliberate, phased approach to ensure a smooth transition. The system will become fully operational and mandatory for all applicable transactions on April 2, 2026.

“Between now and the formal operationalization date, the Authority will complete final data validation and migration activities,” Najomo stated. He detailed that stakeholders will continue to receive onboarding support, and operational guidelines will be issued ahead of the deadline.

This period will allow for a “parallel run” of old and new systems where necessary to guarantee regulatory continuity and data integrity.

Enhanced Data Integrity and Nationwide Access

The new system is designed to address long-standing industry concerns about bureaucratic delays and data management. Engr. Godwin Gyang Balang, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), emphasized that the technology provides “better quality data system with better data integrity,” with built-in quality assurances to minimize human error.

To ensure nationwide accessibility, the NCAA will establish four biometric data centers in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano, allowing aviation personnel across the country to interface with the system efficiently.

Aligning with Global Best Practices

Capt. Najomo positioned the launch as a critical step in fulfilling the NCAA’s strategic objective of becoming a “fully digital, data-driven regulator.” The EMPIC system aligns Nigeria with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and State Safety Programme (SSP).

“With this technology, Nigeria now joins the list of elite civil aviation regulators who have deployed this bespoke technology,” Engr. Balang said, noting that the project was the culmination of a process started several years ago.

The NCAA DG called on all airlines, Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs), training organizations, and aviation professionals to actively participate in the transition activities, stating that the initiative reinforces Nigeria’s “collective commitment to safety, professionalism, and global best practice.”

Oyo State Launches Golden Jubilee Celebrations with Logo Unveiling

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Ibadan, December 15, 2025** – Governor Seyi Makinde has declared Oyo State a “pillar of excellence” in Nigeria as the state officially kicked off activities marking its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of the Oyo @50 logo on Monday.

The ceremony, held at the Governor’s Office Car Park in the State Secretariat, Ibadan, drew government officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries, signalling the start of a 50-day countdown to the state’s Golden Jubilee on February 3, 2026 – exactly 50 years since its creation in 1976.

Governor Makinde, who was eight years old at the time of the state’s creation, unveiled the logo alongside top officials and royal fathers, describing it as a symbol of Oyo’s “resilience, heritage, progress, and promise” over five decades.

“In 50 days, our dear state will mark 50 years of existence… Today is a symbolic milestone,” Makinde said, emphasising that the celebrations would be inclusive, featuring cultural exhibitions, intellectual discussions, community activities, and youth programmes to foster unity.

He highlighted Oyo’s contributions to Nigeria’s education, governance, commerce, and cultural heritage, while defending his administration’s infrastructural projects amid criticisms. “Leadership requires making difficult decisions… I am willing to take more ‘bullets’ now for future administrations to inherit a stronger state,” he stated.

The winning logo, designed by Mr. Ajayi Olaleye through an open public competition, was praised for capturing the state’s identity and pace-setting history. Olaleye received a cash prize of ₦1.5 million.

Chairman of the Jubilee Planning Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fideli, noted that research showed 80% of residents are eagerly anticipating the celebrations.

Goodwill messages from figures like former Minister Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande and Chief Bayo Oyero commended Makinde’s transformative leadership.

Prominent traditional rulers in attendance included representatives of the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadanland (Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja), Soun of Ogbomoso (Oba Ghandi Laoye), Okere of Saki, and Onpetu of Ijeru.

Oyo State has been led by 18 administrators since inception, including military governors, sole administrators, and civilian executives, with the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the first to serve two terms.

 

Dangote Vows to Enforce Petrol Price Cut to N739/Litre Amid Sabotage Claims

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Lekki, December 15, 2025** – President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and other partner filling stations will begin selling petrol at N739 per litre starting Tuesday, December 16, following the refinery’s recent reduction of its gantry (ex-depot) price from N828 to **N699 per litre**.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki on Sunday, Dangote expressed frustration over marketers maintaining high pump prices despite the lower loading costs, accusing some of deliberately sabotaging efforts to reduce fuel prices for Nigerians.

“Starting from Tuesday, MRS will start selling petrol at N739 per litre. We will enforce that low price,” Dangote stated, adding that the refinery is open to independent marketers, including members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), who can load at N699 per litre.

He emphasised that transportation costs from the refinery are minimal—at most N15 per litre—questioning why some stations sell at up to N900 or higher. “Freight within Lagos is N10 or N15 maximum. So everything is going to cost you N715. Why do you want to sell at N900?” he asked.

Dangote alleged that certain officials had encouraged marketers to keep prices elevated to undermine the price reduction initiative, vowing to use available resources to “crash the price down” nationwide to no more than N740 per litre during December and January.

Accusations Against Regulator
In a sharp critique, Dangote accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of issuing “reckless” licences for the importation of over 7.5 billion litres of petrol in the first quarter of 2026, despite the refinery’s capacity to meet domestic demand. He claimed this discourages local investment and threatens smaller modular refineries.

When contacted, NMDPRA spokesman George Ene-Ita declined to comment, saying “For now, no comment.

The development marks the 20th petrol price adjustment by the refinery in 2025, aimed at stabilising supply and easing economic pressures on consumers ahead of the festive season.

 

Former Osun Speaker Najeem Salam Emerges ADC Governorship Candidate

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Osogbo, December 15, 2025** – Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salam, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2026 Osun State election.

Salam, the sole aspirant in the primary election held on Monday, was unanimously affirmed by delegates. The primary election committee chairman, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, declared him the party’s flagbearer, stating: “By the powers conferred on this panel by the constitution of the ADC, I hereby announce that the candidate-elect and now candidate and flagbearer of the ADC for the Osun 2026 governorship election is Najeem Folasayo Salam.

The development resolves earlier internal controversies within the party, including disputes over consensus arrangements and the exit of former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Moshood Adeoti, who had expressed interest in the ticket.

Salam’s emergence has been linked to the influence of ADC National Secretary and former Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola. The former Speaker, a seasoned politician, previously served during the administration of Aregbesola and brings significant legislative experience to the contest.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, with other parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord Party (fielding incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke), already selecting their candidates.

Political analysts view Salam’s candidacy as strengthening the ADC’s position in Osun, potentially positioning the party as a key contender amid shifting alliances.

 

Nigerian Army Unveils Biography of Late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja at COAS Conference

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Lagos, December 15, 2025** – The Nigerian Army has paid glowing tribute to its late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, with the unveiling of his biography titled *A Life of Service* during the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos.

The event highlighted Lagbaja’s remarkable career, marked by courage, dedication, and transformative leadership, leaving an enduring legacy in the fight against insecurity and in strengthening the Army’s operational capabilities.

The biography, compiled by retired Major General H.G. Wesley, former Chief of Special Services and Programs (Army), was a collaborative effort led by Professor C.B.N. Ogbogbo, President of the Association of African Historians and Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University, Delta State, alongside a team of 21 historians and senior scholars from the Nigerian Army.

A complementary documentary produced by the Nigerian Television Authority was also premiered, offering a visual chronicle of the late general’s life and contributions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as “one of my best appointments,” praising his embodiment of courage, dedication, and loyalty. “This nation, our armed forces, the Army, and everyone acquainted with him are better for that choice,” the President stated.

Born in 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State, and raised in Osogbo, Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course, commissioning into the Infantry Corps in 1992 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Geography.

His career saw him lead from the front, starting as a platoon commander in Borno State, and progressing to command brigades in Lagos and Oyo, as well as serving as General Officer Commanding 82 Division (South East) and 1 Division (North West).

Appointed the 23rd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023, he introduced his “Six Cs” leadership philosophy, focusing on training, innovation, and civil-military relations, significantly enhancing operational readiness and Nigeria’s international military standing.

The late general was decorated with numerous honours, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, and Grand Service Star. In 2025, he was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College International Hall of Fame.

Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, in his tribute, called Lagbaja a courageous and exemplary leader whose contributions against terrorism and banditry created a lasting void, urging troops to honour his memory by decisively defeating threats to the nation.

The conference, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Tinubu, underscored the Army’s commitment to preserving the legacies of its heroes.

 

Supreme Court Upholds Presidential Emergency Powers in Landmark Ruling

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja, December 15, 2025** – In a significant 6-1 split decision delivered today, Nigeria’s Supreme Court has affirmed the President’s constitutional authority under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in any part of the federation and take extraordinary measures, including the temporary suspension of elected state officials, to prevent a breakdown of law and order or descent into anarchy.

The lead judgment, read by **Justice Mohammed Idris** on behalf of the majority, held that Section 305 empowers the President to deploy necessary measures to restore normalcy during an emergency period. Justice Idris emphasised that the section does not explicitly prescribe the nature of these “extraordinary measures,” thereby granting the President reasonable discretion in their implementation, provided such actions are limited in duration.

The ruling resolves a long-standing constitutional ambiguity regarding the scope of presidential emergency powers, building on prior unchallenged declarations, such as the 2004 emergency in Plateau State.

Background of the Case

The judgment stems from a suit instituted by Adamawa State and 10 other states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025. The declaration, prompted by prolonged political crisis and security concerns, included a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.

The apex court initially upheld preliminary objections on jurisdictional grounds, finding no actionable dispute between the plaintiff states and the federation that invoked its original jurisdiction. However, it proceeded to address the substantive merits of the case and dismissed the suit.

Dissenting Opinion

In the lone dissent, **Justice Obande Ogbuinya** agreed that the President may declare an emergency under Section 305 but maintained that this power does not extend to suspending democratically elected officials, including governors, deputy governors, and lawmakers.

Implications

Legal experts describe the majority ruling as a watershed moment that clarifies the extent of executive authority in crisis situations while stressing the need for temporal limits on suspensions to safeguard democratic structures.

Reports from Channels Television, The Nation, Daily Post, The Cable, and other outlets confirm the details of the judgment delivered on December 15, 2025.

 

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