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Category: Local

NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Ethnic Bias as Spurious and Fabricated

NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Ethnic Bias as Spurious and Fabricated

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly denied allegations of ethnic bias in its operations, describing recent claims that the agency discriminates against the Igbo community abroad as “spurious and fabricated.” In a statement issued on Thursday, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the allegations—made by one Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who claims to be the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo—are “mere conjecture based on a calculated machinery aimed to distract the NIDCOM boss.” The statement defended the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, calling her leadership “dynamic” and her track record “unprecedented” in promoting the welfare of Nigerians abroad regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. “NIDCOM was established to engage and see to the welfare of all Nigerian citizens abroad—irrespective of sex, age, ethnic group, religion, or political affiliation,” the Commission stated. “The false and ignorant claims of selective treatment toward Ndigbo are not only misleading but dangerously divisive.” NIDO Chairman Backs Dabiri-Erewa Also reacting to the allegation, Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, described the claims as unfounded and harmful. “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is affectionately known in the diaspora community as Mama Diaspora, a name earned through her consistent care and advocacy for Nigerians abroad, regardless of tribe or state of origin,” Ubochi said. He added that the reshared post by Isiguzoro risks sowing unnecessary division within the diaspora community. “Speaking from direct experience, I can affirm that she has always championed unity, inclusion, and the empowerment of all Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said. NIDCOM’s Record of Engagement The Commission listed several instances where it had intervened on behalf of Nigerians in distress across various countries—regardless of ethnic or regional origin. These include rescue and repatriation missions in the Central African Republic, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq, South Africa, the UK, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Sudan, among others. The Commission also emphasized that it celebrates Nigerians excelling globally and does not shy away from highlighting crimes committed by Nigerians where necessary—stressing that crime “has no federal character.” Call for National Unity Quoting American writer Mark Twain—“A lie can make its way around the world before the truth can even put on its shoes”—the Commission warned against the dangers of ethnic bigotry, calling on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives. “We cannot remain trapped in archaic ethnic rivalries and divisions,” the statement read. “We are not crabs in a barrel—we are proud Nigerians, at home and abroad, with a duty to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a united and prosperous nation.” NIDCOM reiterated its commitment to serving all Nigerians in the diaspora with fairness and dignity, while urging citizens to focus on what unites the nation rather than on ethnic or regional differences. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo group has yet to issue a formal response to the statement at the time of this report.

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Pilots Tested Positive for Alcohol in Air Peace Runway Incident — NSIB Report By Amanabo Ocholi | Lagos, Nigeria

Pilots Tested Positive for Alcohol in Air Peace Runway Incident — NSIB Report

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | Lagos, Nigeria The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the July 13 runway overrun involving an Air Peace Boeing 737-500 at Port Harcourt International Airport, revealing critical safety lapses — including alcohol and drug use among crew members. The flight, which departed Lagos with 96 passengers and seven crew members, landed under reportedly clear weather conditions. However, investigators found that the aircraft touched down nearly three-quarters down the 3,000-metre runway, leaving insufficient distance for a safe stop. The plane skidded off the paved surface onto a grassy area. No injuries were reported. Alcohol, Cannabis Found in Crew Tests In a troubling revelation, toxicology tests conducted after the incident showed that both pilots tested positive for alcohol, while a cabin crew member tested positive for cannabis. The NSIB described this as a “serious breach of aviation discipline and safety culture.” According to the report, the first officer had recommended a go-around after assessing the approach as unstable. However, the captain — a 64-year-old veteran with over 10,000 flight hours — reportedly dismissed the advice and proceeded to land, resulting in the runway excursion. Aviation analysts have warned that such breakdowns in cockpit communication and chain-of-command dynamics are hazardous and can lead to preventable accidents. NSIB Issues Directives to Air Peace In response to the findings, the NSIB has directed Air Peace to take immediate corrective actions, including: “Flying demands absolute discipline. There can be no compromise when safety is at stake,” the Bureau emphasized. Though no lives were lost in the incident, aviation stakeholders say the findings raise serious concerns about flight crew oversight and substance abuse within Nigeria’s aviation industry. Broader Implications for Nigerian Aviation The incident adds to mounting pressure on Nigerian carriers and regulators to tighten safety enforcement. Industry observers are calling for a comprehensive review of crew monitoring systems, enhanced oversight by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and stiffer penalties for safety violations. As investigations continue, the NSIB is expected to release a full report with further recommendations in the coming months.

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You have no business telling me how to criticise Tinubu

Sowore Responds to DSS Letter Demanding Retraction of Comments on President Tinubu

Fola Badmus04 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – September 12, 2025 Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has publicly responded to a letter from the Department of State Services (DSS) demanding that he delete a social media post critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sowore, in a strongly worded open letter addressed to the Director General of the DSS, Uwem Davies, described the agency’s actions as an “unlawful” attempt to suppress freedom of expression and shield the president from public criticism. The DSS had reportedly delivered a letter—via a security guard at the Abuja office of Sowore’s legal team—demanding the retraction of what the agency termed “criminal, false, and malicious” publications against the president. In his response, Sowore challenged the legal basis for the DSS’s interference in what he characterized as a civil matter, asserting that the agency was overstepping its constitutional mandate. “Your horrendous attempt at holding an unwarranted brief for the President is not only insidious but fundamentally defective, flawed in principle, and absolutely unlawful,” Sowore wrote. He referenced the origins and historical abuse of the security agency, stating that it has consistently acted as a tool of oppression under successive administrations. Sowore recounted multiple instances of his past detentions, including a 1993 arrest during a student protest, a 1996 detention during his NYSC service in Yola, and a more recent 2019 arrest on charges that were later dropped. Sowore criticized what he described as a pattern of the DSS “serving the whims of dictatorial regimes,” and referenced previous failed legal actions against him, including a 2021 defamation lawsuit tied to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, which was dismissed by the court. Quoting constitutional and international provisions on freedom of expression, Sowore emphasized that public officials are subject to scrutiny and criticism in a democracy. “You have no business telling me how to criticize the President,” he stated, adding that any aggrieved party has the option of pursuing civil libel, not state-backed intimidation. He also drew attention to Nigeria’s legal precedents, including Arthur Nwankwo v. State (1985), where the Court of Appeal invalidated sedition laws as unconstitutional, and other rulings affirming the importance of press freedom. Sowore closed his letter by reaffirming his commitment to holding leaders accountable, asserting that the struggle for a better Nigeria would continue. “Freedom cometh by struggle. Aluta continua, victoria ascerta,” he wrote. The DSS has not publicly commented on the matter as of the time of this report.

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Federal High Court Jails Ansaru Commander for 15 Years Over Terror-Financing Mining Operations

Fola Badmus04 mins

Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a senior commander of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, to 15 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in illegal mining used to fund terrorism and kidnapping operations. Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while facing trial for 31 additional terrorism-related charges. The court fixed October 21 for the continuation of the trial. Usman, alongside his associate Abubakar Abba, is being tried on a 32-count charge that includes acts of terrorism committed in 2022. Among the most serious accusations are involvement in the deadly attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, and coordinating the high-profile Kuje prison break in July 2022, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates. According to court filings and DSS investigations, the two men are also accused of undergoing weapons and tactical training in Mali, fabricating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and plotting attacks on critical infrastructure — including a planned assault on a uranium facility in Niger State. The DSS further alleges Usman masterminded a series of high-profile abductions, including the 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp and the 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, the Magajin Garin Daura. The charge sheet also includes allegations of armed robberies, targeted assassinations, and funding terror cells through illegal resource extraction. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who confirmed their arrest earlier this year, described Usman as the “self-styled Emir of Ansaru” and the operational head of terrorist sleeper cells embedded across Nigeria. Ribadu also identified Usman’s close associate, Mamuda, as the “chief of staff” of the Mahmudawa cell, which has operated extensively around Kainji National Park. Ansaru, a splinter group that broke away from Boko Haram in 2012, is notorious for carrying out sophisticated attacks and kidnappings for ransom. The group has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and remains one of the most dangerous extremist factions operating in the region. While Thursday’s conviction marks a significant win for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, security analysts note that the broader network remains active, with several other members still under investigation or on the run. The trial continues next month, with the government expected to present evidence on the remaining charges, including acts of treason, conspiracy, and further breaches of national security.

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Tinubu Orders Swift Action to Lower Food Prices, Launches New Agriculture Reforms

Tinubu Orders Swift Action to Lower Food Prices, Launches New Agriculture Reforms

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of measures aimed at reducing food prices across Nigeria, in a renewed push to tackle the nation’s worsening food insecurity. The directive, which includes the formation of a Federal Executive Council committee, was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja. According to Abdullahi, the primary focus of the presidential order is to ensure the safe and unhindered transportation of agricultural produce across the country’s road networks—an intervention aimed at slashing the high logistics costs that continue to drive up food prices. “The President has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi stated. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with rising food costs exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, surging transport expenses, and security threats along key supply routes. Despite a series of policy interventions, millions of Nigerians still find basic food items increasingly unaffordable. The minister reiterated that the current strategy aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of food sovereignty—one that extends beyond simple availability to include affordability, access, and nutrition. To support this agenda, Abdullahi announced the forthcoming launch of two major initiatives: the Farmer Soil Health Scheme, which is expected to improve agricultural yields through better land management practices, and a revamped Cooperative Reform Programme, aimed at empowering rural farmers through enhanced access to resources and financing. “Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members,” the minister added. The Abuja event, themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities,” was also attended by Senate Media Committee Chairman Senator Yemi Adaramodu, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman. President Tinubu had previously emphasized the importance of food security in his June 12 Democracy Day address at the National Assembly. He highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward achieving food sovereignty, calling for a national shift toward self-sufficiency in food production and market-driven growth. “We must learn to produce and grow most of our food, and we are on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” the President said during his speech. The new efforts come as Nigeria continues to confront the economic aftershocks of policy reforms and the impact of global supply chain disruptions, with food security now central to the administration’s medium-term development agenda.

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EFCC Interrogates Former NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari

EFCC Grills Former NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Multi-Billion Dollar Refinery Spending

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: ABUJA, NIGERIA – September 11, 2025 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday interrogated Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over the controversial spending of billions of dollars on Nigeria’s long-idle refineries. Kyari, who arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja early Wednesday morning, had his international passport confiscated and was still being questioned as of 8:30 p.m., sparking speculation that he could be detained overnight. At the centre of the investigation is over $2 billion disbursed for the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, which continue to underperform despite years of public investment. According to EFCC sources, key focus areas include the $1.55 billion allocated for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna Refinery, and $656.9 million for the Warri facility. Officials are also scrutinizing more than N4.8 trillion in operating costs reportedly incurred during Kyari’s leadership from 2019 to April 2025, despite the refineries running at minimal or no capacity. Contracts awarded during his tenure are also under review, as investigators try to trace funds allegedly misappropriated. While some former top executives are reported to have refunded portions of the funds voluntarily, Kyari has maintained his innocence and transparency in handling refinery projects. In a prior statement titled “Hard Questions, Honest Answers,” he said: “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty – without fear or favour, with honour, respect and commitment – Nigeria moves forward.” Kyari’s invitation by the EFCC comes amid renewed public scrutiny of the nation’s oil sector and longstanding failures to restore refinery operations, despite more than $18 billion having been invested since 2010. Nigeria’s four refineries — two in Port Harcourt, and one each in Kaduna and Warri — have a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have operated far below capacity for over a decade. During Kyari’s tenure, the Port Harcourt Refinery was ceremoniously reopened in November 2024 after extensive repairs. However, operations were abruptly suspended just six months later, in May 2025, by his successor Bayo Ojulari, who cited unsustainable losses and serious technical setbacks. The EFCC noted that the current phase of the investigation will prioritize the forensic review of TAM-related expenditures before turning attention to what it described as “humongous contracts” approved during Kyari’s administration at NNPCL. The outcome of the probe could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector, long plagued by allegations of waste, mismanagement, and corruption.

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Lagos APC Slams Peter Obi Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Vacation, Urges ‘Responsible Opposition’

Fola Badmus04 mins

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, urging him to adopt a more constructive approach to opposition politics and refrain from what it described as “habitual knee-jerk reactions” to national developments. The warning was contained in a statement released by the APC’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, in response to Obi’s recent remarks questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s short private vacation and its alleged impact on national security. Oladejo criticized Obi’s frequent public comments on national issues, accusing him of seeking “cheap relevance” and portraying himself as a moral authority while offering little in the way of substantive policy contributions. “Must Peter Obi comment on everything?” Oladejo asked. “Nigerians are not deceived. His constant moralising of the President’s every move is less about patriotism and more about political desperation.” He described Obi’s approach as reactionary and populist, reducing complex governance issues to “social media talking points,” rather than engaging in serious, solutions-oriented discourse. The APC spokesman also defended President Tinubu’s decision to take a brief vacation, insisting that the president remains fully in charge of the country’s affairs. “In modern governance, leaders remain in constant communication with their security and intelligence teams, regardless of location. Mr. Obi knows this, but prefers posturing over pragmatism,” Oladejo stated. He further cautioned Obi’s aides to carefully assess the former governor’s public engagements, warning that his pattern of criticism may harm his image as a credible opposition figure. “Leadership requires knowing not only what to say, but also when and how to say it. Constant agitation and reflexive commentary do not equal leadership—they undermine it,” Oladejo said. The APC reiterated its commitment to delivering on national priorities including economic recovery, national security, and public sector reforms, while dismissing Obi’s contributions as lacking depth. “Peter Obi’s comments amount to noise, not leadership or patriotism,” Oladejo concluded. “If he has meaningful contributions to make, let him present them responsibly. Otherwise, silence is an honourable option. For us in the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our focus remains on governance, not political theatre.”

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Youth Unemployment Hits 53% in Nigeria, Threatening National Stability

Youth Unemployment Hits 53% in Nigeria, Threatening National Stability – Report

Fola Badmus06 mins

ABUJA, Nigeria — Over 80 million Nigerian youths are currently unemployed, according to a new report that paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Africa’s most populous country. The State of the Nigerian Youth Report 2025, launched Thursday in Abuja by Plan International Nigeria in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, reveals that youth unemployment has surged to 53 percent, posing what the report describes as the “single greatest threat” to Nigeria’s future. The report was officially presented at the Nigerian Youth Dialogue, an event organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament to commemorate International Youth Day 2025. Speaking during the presentation, Jonathan Abakpa, Advocacy and Youth Programme Officer at Plan International Nigeria, said that widespread unemployment, rising insecurity, and poor governance are driving young Nigerians into dangerous alternatives such as irregular migration, cybercrime, and other illicit activities. “This is not just a statistic—it represents shattered dreams and wasted talent,” the report warns. “Unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria risks losing its greatest asset.” According to the report, approximately 1.7 million graduates enter the job market annually, but face limited employment opportunities in an economy plagued by stagnation. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates youth unemployment rose by 5.3 percent in Q1 2024, with only marginal improvement in Q2. Beyond joblessness, the report highlights insecurity as a significant obstacle to youth development. Over 600,000 people have been killed and 2.2 million kidnapped in recent years, with young people disproportionately affected. Additionally, more than 1,500 schools have been closed in the past two years due to violence, leaving over 1 million children out of school. Quoting UNICEF, the report also notes that armed conflict has displaced 2.6 million people, crippling agricultural activities and threatening food security for more than 25 million Nigerians. The authors emphasize that widespread poverty, affecting 40.1 percent of the population (about 82.9 million Nigerians), continues to limit opportunities for youth advancement. Structural challenges such as poor infrastructure, corruption, and digital exclusion further exacerbate the problem. Findings from a nationwide “We Listen” survey revealed regional disparities: Despite the grim outlook, the report underscores the resilience of Nigerian youth, particularly in the technology and creative sectors. It calls for urgent interventions including: One key recommendation is for Universal Basic Education to be enshrined as a constitutional right, ensuring that no child is excluded from schooling due to poverty, insecurity, or geographic barriers. In his remarks, Hon. Ayodeji Alao-Akala, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to youth-focused legislation. “Nigerian youths are the future of our nation,” Alao-Akala said. “Our task as leaders is to make sure the children of tomorrow inherit a country better than what we met—one with more opportunities and less hardship.” He added that the National Assembly has dedicated considerable effort toward passing bills and motions aimed at improving the lives of young people. As one of the younger members of parliament, Alao-Akala said he remains passionate about ensuring that policies from the House of Representatives translate into tangible outcomes for Nigerian youth. He pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen youth development programmes and prepare the next generation for leadership, innovation, and economic growth.

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