Month: May 2025

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms are earning Nigeria renewed trust and confidence from the global financial community and international investors In a statement issued Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Bagudu said the administration’s decisive policy measures are already yielding results, enhancing Nigeria’s fiscal stability and attracting foreign investment. Growing International Interest in Nigeria’s Economy “We are seeing investors from Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia showing strong interest in our agricultural sector. The international economic community and multilateral institutions are increasingly placing their confidence in our economy,” Bagudu said. He noted that Nigeria’s quarterly GDP growth is reinforcing credibility among investors, who value transparency, credible data, and policy consistency. “For the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is refining its own crude oil. The President’s decision to allow crude oil sales in naira to local refiners is a bold move that reflects his confidence in our economy,” the Minister added. Fuel Subsidy Removal and FX Reforms Driving Fiscal Discipline Bagudu praised the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange (FX) market as transformative reforms that have bolstered Nigeria’s financial credibility. “We were losing 5% of GDP to fuel subsidies—resources benefiting only a few. The President took the courageous decision to end it,” he stated. He further explained that FX unification has created a level playing field and reduced corruption and arbitrage. “We now have a transparent, market-driven FX system based on willing buyer and willing seller. This has restored investor trust, increased revenue, and strengthened the private sector’s confidence,” Bagudu said. 2024 and 2025 Budgets Reflect Fiscal Prudence and Investment Focus According to the Minister, the 2024 and 2025 budgets reflect the administration’s balanced approach of maintaining fiscal discipline while investing in critical sectors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, security, and technology. “The 2024 budget notably reduced the fiscal deficit and sent a strong signal of our seriousness to the global markets—and they believed us,” he noted. Bagudu credited this confidence to the administration’s emphasis on data-driven planning and a disciplined approach to public finance management. Tinubu’s Respect for Institutions Earning Global Credibility Speaking on inherited economic challenges, Bagudu highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to institutional integrity, particularly in managing the Central Bank’s Ways and Means advances. “Mr President inherited N22.7 trillion in Ways and Means financing, yet he insisted on respecting the constitutional and institutional framework—especially the independence of the Central Bank. That level of discipline is earning Nigeria global respect,” he said. Bagudu concluded by emphasizing that though some decisions may be politically tough, they are necessary to build lasting economic credibility and investor trust in Nigeria’s long-term growth trajectory. By: Kamal Yalwa

The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group, has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on a Burkina Faso military base in the northern town of Djibo, stating that 200 soldiers were killed in the attack The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, saw hundreds of armed fighters reportedly overrun the military facility, destroying it alongside a nearby police station and market, according to security sources cited by Reuters. Initially, the death toll was estimated at 60, but on Thursday, the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group— which monitors jihadist activities— reported that JNIM had updated the number of military casualties to 200. The Burkinabe government has yet to officially confirm the attack or the revised toll. SITE earlier reported that Ousmane Dicko, JNIM’s leader in Burkina Faso, appeared in a video message warning residents of Djibo to evacuate the area for their safety, indicating a planned escalation in the region. This attack is part of a broader wave of militant violence across the Sahel, where jihadist insurgencies continue to challenge state control. Last week, JNIM also claimed responsibility for multiple assaults during Burkinabe junta leader Ibrahim Traoré’s diplomatic visit to Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. In a related development, the government of Benin Republic announced that 54 of its soldiers were killed in an April 24 attack linked to JNIM. Meanwhile, in Nigeria’s Borno State, Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed at least five soldiers during separate strikes on military outposts. The escalating violence underscores the growing threat posed by extremist groups across West Africa, amid weakened state institutions and persistent instability.

The Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art smart Divisional Police Station in Katampe, Mpape area of Abuja, as part of efforts to enhance internal security and safeguard lives and property in Nigeria’s capital city. The facility, constructed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), was officially handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by the representative of the Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nnia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by stakeholders, security officials, and community leaders, according to a statement released by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP). Speaking at the event, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to improving the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and promoting safer communities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “The completion of this modern police station—delivered through the Nigeria Police Trust Fund—is a clear testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering dedication to promoting community safety and enhancing police operations,” Gaidam stated. He acknowledged that the rapidly growing Mpape community had long needed a functional and professional police facility. The newly commissioned station, he said, not only provides a conducive environment for officers but also symbolizes progress, peace, and stronger ties between the police and the people. Gaidam commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for bridging critical infrastructure gaps and lauded the board and management for their strategic vision and dedication. “This project reflects their resolve to transform the policing landscape and provide the resources necessary for effective law enforcement,” he added. He charged officers stationed at the facility to uphold professionalism, integrity, and community engagement, urging them to be fair, prompt, and respectful of human rights. “You are the face of justice and security in this community,” he told the officers. Addressing residents of Mpape and surrounding communities, the Minister emphasized that the facility belongs to them and called for cooperation and active participation in maintaining law and order. “Effective policing thrives on mutual trust and active community involvement. Your cooperation is not just welcome—it is essential,” he said. Gaidam also revealed that similar modern police stations would be replicated across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to promote national security, community policing, and grassroots development. In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his steadfast support of security sector reforms and institutional strengthening. He said the President’s backing has enabled interventions like the modern police station in Mpape. “This facility, which includes a fully equipped police station, perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, uninterrupted water supply via overhead tanks, and a 30-kilowatt solar power system, stands as a mission statement of national development,” Sheidu said. Receiving the building on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Victor Olaiya praised the structure’s quality and durability. He urged officers to protect the building and its equipment, noting that it would significantly enhance morale and professionalism among police personnel. Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted the partnership between the REA and NPTF. He said the commissioning marks the first successful implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year to provide reliable and sustainable power for security infrastructures across government agencies. “We are witnessing the results of innovation and strategic thinking by the leadership of the Police Trust Fund, aligned with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Aliyu said. The new Divisional Police Station is expected to serve as a model for future police infrastructure across the country, demonstrating a renewed commitment to modern, technology-driven, and community-oriented policing.

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman who allegedly drugged the mother of a two-month-old baby and escaped with the child. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, made this known during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Asaba on Thursday. He confirmed that the baby had since been rescued and safely returned to his parents. According to Abaniwonda, the incident happened while the baby’s mother and the suspect were on a business journey from Koko to Warri. He explained, “The suspect gave the mother a juice that had been mixed with drugs. After drinking it, the woman fell asleep, and the suspect took off with the child.” “On 7/4/2025 at about 1000 hours, the DPO of Ekpan Police Station received a complaint that a woman (name withheld), aged 20, had embarked on a business trip on 16 February 2025 with one Mrs. Joy from Koko to Warri, Delta,” Abaniwonda said. He stated that while they were on their way, Mrs. Joy drugged the mother of the child with juice. The mother fell asleep, and the suspect made away with her two-month-old baby boy. Abaniwonda said the DPO of Ekpan Police Station, acting on the information received, launched an intelligence-led investigation, trailed, and arrested the 49-year-old suspect. He said, “After discreet interrogation, the suspect confessed that she was indeed the one who stole the baby. “The baby, who is now five months old, has been rescued and handed over to his parents. The suspect is in custody, and investigation is ongoing.”