The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: tinubu

  • Atiku Urges NASS To Withhold Approval For Tinubu’s $20.5bn, €1bn Loan Request

    Atiku Urges NASS To Withhold Approval For Tinubu’s $20.5bn, €1bn Loan Request

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the National Assembly to suspend approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed external loans until the Federal Government discloses detailed information on the projects to be financed.

    Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, insisted that lawmakers should not approve “a single dollar” without access to project specifications, costs, contractors, loan conditions and repayment plans.

    He made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

    The former vice president’s reaction followed Tinubu’s request for legislative approval to borrow $20.52bn and €1.045bn to finance development projects across key sectors.

    Atiku said the request supported his earlier warning on October 12 that the President was preparing to seek up to $20bn in loans in connection with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    He criticised the government for providing broad sectors of investment without publishing a project-by-project breakdown of how the proposed funds would be spent.

    According to him, Nigerians should be able to scrutinise the proposed projects, their locations, estimated costs and the contractors expected to execute them before the National Assembly considers the borrowing plan.

    Atiku also questioned the reported rerouting of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, alleging that the project could be used to direct borrowed funds to political allies and favoured contractors. He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation in the statement.

    The ADC chieftain further questioned the timing of the proposed borrowing and called on Tinubu to explain how the loans would benefit Nigerians rather than serve political interests.

    He urged lawmakers to make the supporting documents available to the public and subject the proposal to thorough scrutiny before reaching a decision.

    Atiku maintained that the government must demonstrate how the proposed borrowing would be used and how the resulting debt would be repaid, warning against approving loans without adequate transparency.

  • Tinubu Becomes First Nigerian President To Receive Proposed UN Budget In 66 Years

    Tinubu Becomes First Nigerian President To Receive Proposed UN Budget In 66 Years

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has received the proposed 2027 United Nations budget, with Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the global body, Jimoh Ibrahim, describing the presentation as a historic milestone for the country.

    Ibrahim, who chairs the UN General Assembly’s Fifth Committee responsible for administrative and budgetary matters, presented the seven-volume document to Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

    Speaking to journalists after the presentation, Ibrahim said it was the first time in 66 years that a Nigerian president had received the proposed UN budget through the process.

    He explained that the document, submitted by the UN Secretary-General to the Fifth Committee, was presented to Nigeria because the country is a member of the international organisation.

    According to him, his responsibility as committee chairman made it necessary to bring the proposed budget to the country’s leadership.

    Ibrahim described the development as significant, noting that receiving the full proposed budget was an important moment in Nigeria’s engagement with the United Nations.

    The diplomat said the proposed budget covered the UN’s regular operations and peacekeeping activities, with approximately $3.4bn earmarked for the regular budget and $8.5bn for peacekeeping operations.

    Although Ibrahim put the overall figure at about $14bn, the two amounts he cited total $11.9bn.

    He clarified that the document had not received final approval and would undergo further deliberations, during which member states could propose adjustments to the figures.

    “The budget still has to be approved. This is a proposed budget. It’s at the proposed stage,” he said, adding that spending would commence after the final budget had been approved.

    When asked about potential benefits for Nigeria, Ibrahim declined to provide specific details, explaining that discussions on the proposed budget were still ongoing.

    He, however, pointed to the construction of a $267m United Nations conference centre in Kenya as an example of the organisation’s investment in facilities within member states.

    The proposed 2027 budget will now undergo further scrutiny and possible revisions before UN member states approve the final spending plan.

  • FG Seeks Legislative Backing for National Research, Innovation Fund, Council

    FG Seeks Legislative Backing for National Research, Innovation Fund, Council

    The Federal Government has sent a bill to the National Assembly seeking legislative backing for the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund and Council, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has disclosed.

    Udeh said the Federal Executive Council had already approved the establishment of the fund and council, with the bill now before the National Assembly to provide statutory backing for the initiative.

    He disclosed this during a recent interview on Arise News Prime Time.

    According to the minister, the proposed framework is aimed at creating sustainable funding for research and development, particularly research with commercial potential.

    He said the proposed legislation would provide for a dedicated and consolidated source of funding for research and development, with emphasis on projects capable of being commercialised.

    Udeh also disclosed that the government was working to encourage private-sector investment in research and development, noting that the private sector would have to play a major role in funding innovation.

    He said the tax law also contains provisions that allow companies and institutions to devote part of their taxable income or revenue to research and development.

    The minister cited Turkey as an example, saying 60 percent of its research and development funding comes from the private sector.

    Udeh said the government was also working with the education sector to ensure that research was increasingly driven by market needs rather than being conducted solely for academic purposes.

    “So we will be prioritizing market demands on research.”

    He said the approach would help connect universities and research institutions directly with industry and potential investors.

    The minister also disclosed that the government was engaging to establish an innovation grid, hub or database in Nigeria at an estimated cost of $18 million.

    According to him, the platform would catalogue innovations and inventions emerging from Nigerian universities and research institutions, enabling investors and technology companies to identify available intellectual property and engage researchers or institutions.

    He said the project was expected to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy and would not require government budgetary funding.

  • Independence Day: Tinubu Declares Nigeria Has Entered Age Of Prosperity

    Independence Day: Tinubu Declares Nigeria Has Entered Age Of Prosperity

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has moved beyond the period of economic reforms and entered what he described as an “age of prosperity,” following measures implemented by his administration over the past three years.

    Tinubu made the declaration in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, marking the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence.

    The President acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, saying the country had endured years of insecurity, economic crises, political upheaval and other challenges since gaining independence.

    He said his administration inherited an economy burdened by what he described as deep structural distortions and difficult choices that could no longer be postponed.

    Using a cancer treatment analogy, Tinubu said previous governments had focused on managing the symptoms of the country’s economic problems rather than confronting their underlying causes.

    He defended the reforms introduced since his administration came into office, saying the measures had been difficult but were necessary to correct the direction of the economy.

    According to the President, Nigeria’s economy has grown by more than four per cent in 2026, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to the growth.

    He also said oil theft had declined, inflation had fallen from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the foreign exchange market had stabilised.

    Tinubu further stated that Nigeria recorded more than $6bn in non-oil export revenue in 2025, describing the figure as evidence of growing activity among Nigerian businesses.

    The President said the focus of his administration would now shift from economic stabilisation to achieving widespread prosperity.

    He identified reducing the cost of living as a major priority and said the government would pursue measures aimed at lowering the cost of producing and transporting goods.

    Tinubu said the administration would expand mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming, improve access to seeds and fertiliser, increase agricultural mechanisation and invest in storage and transportation.

    He also said the government was continuing to develop roads, railways and ports to improve connections between farms, factories and markets.

    On employment, the President said job creation, enterprise and industrial growth would remain central to his administration’s policies.

    He said the government planned to use Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, support the revival of factories, expand digital connectivity and invest in skills needed by employers.

    Tinubu also called for increased production of Nigerian goods for both domestic consumption and export, while encouraging young Nigerians to build businesses and create employment opportunities.

    The President acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to struggle with food, education, healthcare and transportation costs.

    He said the hardship predated his administration and was the result of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities.

    Tinubu said the government was strengthening social interventions to support vulnerable households, while improving the National Social Register to ensure assistance reaches people who need it.

    He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a means of helping students from low-income families access higher education.

    The President cited the Consumer Credit Corporation as another intervention designed to provide working Nigerians with access to credit for assets such as vehicles, solar systems and digital devices.

    Tinubu said his administration would continue working with state and local governments to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education and other essential public services.

    He added that salaries and pensions had been paid on time and in full since 2023, while reforms had also been introduced in the national pension system.

    According to him, the government’s social programmes were intended to support Nigerians while broader economic growth creates sustainable opportunities.

    Tinubu said defeating poverty would require sustained economic growth, discipline and the creation of millions of productive jobs.

    He maintained that the reforms had corrected the country’s economic direction and laid the foundation for long-term prosperity.

    “The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity,” Tinubu said.

    The President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying the country had passed through difficult years and must now focus on building a future of greater opportunity.

    He concluded by calling on Nigerians to move forward together and avoid returning to policies that, in his view, had contributed to the country’s previous economic difficulties.

    “Let us go forward together, with faith in ourselves, faith in our country, and faith that the sacrifices we have made will yield their reward,” he said.

    Tinubu wished Nigerians a happy Independence Day and prayed for the continued progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of Nigeria-US Health MoU

    Atiku Demands Full Disclosure Of Nigeria-US Health MoU

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to publish the full text of Nigeria’s five-year health agreement with the United States.

    Atiku’s demand followed concerns raised by Ghana over a proposed health compact with the US, particularly issues relating to medical records, pathogen information, funding commitments and the regulation of imported medical products.

    In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians should be able to examine the commitments made by the Federal Government under the agreement.

    Nigeria and the United States signed the health Memorandum of Understanding on December 19, 2025. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the five-year agreement, running from April 2026 to December 2030, covers disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, biosafety procedures for pathogen samples, health data systems and access to essential health commodities.

    Under the agreement, the US is expected to provide nearly $2bn in grant funding, while Nigeria has committed to increasing domestic health financing, projected by the government to mobilise nearly $3bn over the five-year period.

    Atiku questioned whether provisions that Ghana reportedly rejected were contained in Nigeria’s agreement with Washington.

    “At this point, Nigerians do not know whether the provisions Ghana rejected are in the agreement Tinubu signed. That is precisely why the government must publish the full text. Nigerians should not have to guess what has been agreed in their name,” he said.

    Ghanaian President John Mahama recently said his government rejected a proposed US health compact after concerns were raised over medical records, pathogen information, counterpart funding and the inspection of imported medicines.

    Atiku also raised concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, particularly maternal mortality.

    He cited internationally reported estimates that Nigeria recorded about 75,000 maternal deaths in 2023, representing a significant share of global maternal deaths.

    The former vice president argued that the government’s international health commitments should be considered alongside its ability to finance healthcare programmes domestically.

    He specifically questioned the level of funding released for capital projects at the Federal Ministry of Health.

    Atiku cited remarks attributed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence, that only N36m had been released from the N218bn appropriated for capital projects and programmes at the ministry’s headquarters in 2025.

    “A government that cannot release funds for approved health projects must explain how it intends to honour a multibillion-dollar commitment,” Atiku said.

    He argued that the impact of the agreement should ultimately be measured by improvements in healthcare delivery, including the ability of hospitals to provide services and women to receive safe maternity care.

    Atiku further called for the publication of all documents connected to the agreement, including protocols, annexes, data-sharing arrangements, specimen-sharing agreements and financial commitments.

    He questioned what would happen to Nigerians’ medical information and pathogen samples under the agreement, who would have access to such information and what safeguards would protect patients.

    He also asked whether the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control would retain its full authority to inspect medicines and medical products imported under the arrangement.

    The ADC candidate said Nigeria should continue to participate in international health partnerships but maintained that the government should disclose the terms of agreements entered into on behalf of Nigerians.

    “Nigeria welcomes international cooperation that saves lives, but the government must be accountable for the terms it accepts and the results it delivers,” he said.

    Atiku also called for greater disclosure of the administration’s other international commitments, including its growing partnership with France.

    “Nigeria’s sovereignty is not classified information,” he said.

  • 2027 Election: Atiku, ADC Seek To Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

    2027 Election: Atiku, ADC Seek To Amend Suit Challenging Tinubu’s Eligibility

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 13 to hear an application by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress seeking to amend their suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date on Monday after counsel for the plaintiffs, Joseph Silas, informed the court that all the defendants had been served with the relevant court processes within the stipulated period.

    Silas also told the court that the plaintiffs had received and responded to the processes filed by the defendants.

    The case had previously been delayed over a dispute concerning the service of court processes on Tinubu, who is the first defendant in the suit.

    During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the President, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, recalled that at the September 1 hearing, counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission, Popoola Owosanya, had offered to receive the processes on Tinubu’s behalf.

    Olanipekun said the plaintiffs’ counsel rejected the offer and later approached the court for an order allowing substituted service on the President, claiming that efforts to serve him personally had been unsuccessful.

    He further alleged that the plaintiffs subsequently attempted to mislead the court by maintaining that they had been unable to serve the President.

    Justice Ekwo, however, directed the lawyers to concentrate on the matter scheduled for the day.

    Silas subsequently informed the court that the plaintiffs had filed an application seeking to amend their originating summons and that all the defendants had been served with the application.

    After confirming that the parties had received the relevant processes, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to October 13 for hearing of the application.

    Atiku and the ADC had instituted the suit to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

    A major aspect of their case concerns an alleged discrepancy between the name appearing on a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the President’s official name.

    The substantive issues raised by the plaintiffs are yet to be determined by the court.

    On September 16, Justice Ekwo granted the plaintiffs permission to serve Tinubu through the All Progressives Congress after they told the court that attempts to personally serve the President had proved difficult.

    The substituted service order was subsequently challenged by the APC, which argued that Tinubu’s legal representatives had already received the originating processes and filed his defence before the plaintiffs applied for substituted service.

    Meanwhile, INEC has filed a response challenging the competence of the suit, including arguments concerning the plaintiffs’ locus standi and alleged abuse of court process.

  • Tinubu Extends European Vacation, to Return This Weekend

    Tinubu Extends European Vacation, to Return This Weekend

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency has announced.

    Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation, initially travelling to London before moving to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the extension in a statement on Monday.

    According to him, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.

    The Presidency said the President had, among other directives, ordered an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

    “President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days,” the statement said.

    During Tinubu’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several official engagements.

    Shettima, however, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver the country’s national statement.

    The Presidency said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue representing the President at official functions while Shettima is in the United States.

    ### Atiku raises constitutional questions

    The extension of Tinubu’s stay abroad has drawn criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the constitutional arrangements for the exercise of presidential powers.

    Atiku, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, asked who was exercising presidential authority with both Tinubu and Shettima currently outside the country.

    He referred to Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.

    Atiku said Nigerians had not been shown any such declaration transferring presidential functions to Shettima and called on the Presidency to make the document public if it exists.

    The former vice president also argued that Section 145(2) provides for the National Assembly to mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President if the required declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.

    The constitutional provision and its application to presidential vacations have previously attracted differing interpretations from constitutional lawyers. Premium Times reported earlier this month that Section 145(1) expressly requires a written declaration when the President proceeds on vacation, while Section 145(2) provides a mechanism involving the National Assembly where such a declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.

    Atiku described the matter as one of constitutional procedure rather than political convenience and questioned the continued exercise of presidential functions while Tinubu remains abroad.

    ### Presidency rejects criticism

    The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government despite his physical absence from Nigeria.

    Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala said the President’s constitutional powers were not restricted by his geographical location and that Tinubu could continue to direct government affairs from abroad.

    The Presidency also dismissed Atiku’s concerns over Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the criticism as baseless.

    Meanwhile, Shettima is representing Nigeria at the UN General Assembly and is scheduled to present the country’s national statement.

    Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation.

  • Atiku Demands Explanation for Tinubu’s Absence From 81st UNGA

    Atiku Demands Explanation for Tinubu’s Absence From 81st UNGA

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, demanding an explanation for his absence.

    Atiku’s criticism followed the decision by Tinubu to mandate Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering of world leaders.

    Shettima departed Nigeria for New York on Sunday and arrived ahead of the high-level General Debate, which is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, 2026. The session is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Tinubu’s absence as his third consecutive non-attendance at the UN General Assembly since becoming President.

    Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023, but was represented by Shettima at the 79th session in 2024 and the 80th in 2025. Shettima will now represent him for a third successive year.

    Atiku argued that the General Assembly provides heads of government with an important opportunity to advance their countries’ interests, pursue investment and trade partnerships, mobilise development financing and engage other world leaders on international issues.

    He said while Shettima could adequately represent Nigeria, repeated delegation could not replace the President’s personal participation and visibility at a major diplomatic gathering.

    Atiku also questioned whether Tinubu’s past legal history in the United States had any connection with his decision not to attend this year’s meeting, although no official statement has linked the President’s absence to any restriction on his travel to the US.

    The Presidency has rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence is connected to any difficulty travelling to the United States.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, said there was no impediment to Tinubu travelling to the US, pointing to the President’s previous visits to the country.

    Osodi said the President’s absence would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or its role in international affairs, describing the issue as political.

    Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, also defended the country’s representation, saying it was not unusual for countries to send senior officials when their presidents were unable to attend.

    Ibrahim said Nigeria would retain its designated position at the General Assembly, while Shettima and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu would participate in the high-level diplomatic engagements.

    Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week.

    According to the Presidency, his engagements will focus on advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting the country’s interests on issues including global financial reform, sustainable development and climate finance.

    The Vice President, who arrived in New York on Monday, said Nigeria’s participation would be guided by national interest and its commitment to multilateralism.

    The Nigerian delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

    The 81st UN General Assembly is expected to bring together representatives of the UN’s 193 member states for discussions on international issues including global security, climate change, development, artificial intelligence and reform of multilateral institutions.

  • Tinubu Directs States to Deliver Cheaper Transport Fares From October 1

    Tinubu Directs States to Deliver Cheaper Transport Fares From October 1

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has directed state governments to accelerate the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas and electric-powered public transport systems, with the Federal Government targeting measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1.

    Tinubu gave the directive in an update on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme on Saturday, saying the target followed his August 27 meeting with governors of the 36 states.

    According to the President, the meeting produced an agreement to ensure that more Nigerians begin to benefit from lower transportation costs from October 1.

    An implementation committee has since been established under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to coordinate the programme. The committee is chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    Tinubu urged the states to work with transport unions and commercial operators, support vehicle conversions and fleet deployment, and provide the infrastructure needed to ensure that savings from cheaper energy are reflected in transport fares.

    “Above all, ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach Nigerian citizens through lower fares,” the President said.

    The initiative is built around the use of CNG, which the President said could reduce vehicle fuel expenditure by between 60 and 80 per cent compared with petrol.

    In August, Tinubu also directed the rollout of an additional 500 CNG refuelling stations, on top of 500 previously ordered through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, bringing the planned nationwide network to 1,000 stations.

    The Federal Government said more than 120,000 vehicles have so far been converted to CNG, while more than 400 certified conversion centres and over 90 CNG refuelling stations are currently operating across the country. More than 100,000 additional conversion kits are also being processed.

    The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles has been coordinating the expansion of conversion facilities, refuelling infrastructure and alternative-energy transport systems across the states.

    A stakeholder meeting convened by the initiative in September found that several states had already deployed CNG and electric buses, tricycles, motorcycles, conversion centres and refuelling facilities as part of preparations for the October 1 target.

    Tinubu cited several states where alternative-energy transport has already reduced fares.

    In Borno, he said CNG and electric public transport services charge between N50 and N100 on routes where commercial operators charge between N300 and N600. In Oyo, CNG buses reportedly reduced the Lagos-Ibadan fare from about N8,000 to N3,200 during initial deployment.

    In Enugu, the President said 100 CNG buses had been deployed, reducing the Enugu-Nsukka fare from N2,500 to N1,500. He also said alternative-energy transport had reduced fares by as much as 50 per cent in Adamawa.

    Other examples cited by the President include 100 CNG-powered buses providing free transportation on major routes in Kaduna, 40 electric buses deployed in Abia with fares subsidised by 50 per cent, and reduced fares on CNG-supported routes in Abuja and Niger State.

    Tinubu said Edo currently has 50 CNG buses in active service, while Kano has converted more than 1,000 commercial vehicles. Delta, Kwara and Lagos are also expanding CNG-supported transport services, while Akwa Ibom has taken delivery of 50 CNG buses ahead of commercial operations.

    The President said the Federal Government would continue to expand CNG infrastructure and conversion capacity while supporting states, transport operators, manufacturers and private investors involved in the alternative-energy transport sector.

    The October 1 deadline is a target for states to begin delivering measurable reductions in transport costs, rather than a uniform nationwide fare fixed by the Federal Government. Implementation will depend on state governments, transport operators and the availability of CNG and electric mobility infrastructure in individual locations.

  • Macron Hosts Tinubu to Private Dinner at Élysée Palace

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hosted President Bola Tinubu to a private dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris as both countries seek to deepen bilateral relations.

    The meeting was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X account.

    Onanuga said the dinner reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France and the two countries’ interest in expanding cooperation.

    “French President Emmanuel Macron received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a private dinner Thursday night at the Élysée Palace, reflecting the enduring relationship between Nigeria and France and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation,” he said.

    The engagement comes during Tinubu’s second leg of his three-week annual leave in Europe. The President arrived in Paris on September 13 after spending the first part of his holiday in London.

    Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for the break, with the Presidency saying he would return to Nigeria at the end of the vacation to resume official duties and participate in preparations for the 2027 general election.

    The dinner adds to a series of high-level engagements between Tinubu and Macron since the Nigerian President assumed office in May 2023.

    Tinubu visited Paris in June 2023 to attend the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, where he met with Macron.

    The French government also hosted Tinubu for a state visit on November 28 and 29, 2024. During the visit, both countries signed declarations of intent covering economic cooperation, sustainable investment, critical minerals, banking, and the creative and cultural industries.

    Nigeria and France have also expanded cooperation in areas including trade, investment, security, energy, innovation and culture.

    France’s development agency, Agence Française de Développement, has invested more than €3 billion in Nigeria since 2010, according to the French government, with projects implemented across 26 states.

    The latest meeting also comes ahead of an expected visit to Nigeria by Macron.

    French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, said in July that the French President was expected to visit Nigeria in the autumn.

    According to the ambassador, the visit would provide an opportunity for both leaders to assess progress under the existing bilateral roadmap and identify additional areas of cooperation.

    The Tinubu-Macron engagement therefore provides another opportunity for Nigeria and France to sustain discussions on their economic, diplomatic and strategic partnership.

  • Atiku Questions Petrol Price, Demands Probe of Subsidy Savings

    Atiku Questions Petrol Price, Demands Probe of Subsidy Savings

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over the high cost of petrol, questioning the management of revenues following the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Nigerians were now paying as much as ₦1,470 per litre for petrol despite crude oil selling at about $102.52 per barrel.

    He compared the current situation with 2008, when crude oil reportedly reached $147 per barrel but petrol sold for ₦65 per litre under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

    Atiku described the current arrangement as “an organised system of grand larceny”, alleging that opaque deductions from the Federation Account, questionable revenue management and off-book transactions had raised concerns about the handling of public funds.

    He also questioned what had happened to the savings from the removal of fuel subsidy, recalling that Nigerians were told the policy would release funds for investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

    “Petrol at ₦1,470 per litre is not merely a figure at the filling station. It enters the price of transportation, food, school runs, farming, manufacturing and virtually everything Nigerians buy,” Atiku said.

    He added, “After all the pain imposed on Nigerians, they have a right to ask: where are the subsidy savings and where is the money?”

    The ADC presidential candidate cited Federal Account Allocation Committee records which, according to him, showed that the Federation Account recorded gross revenue of ₦4.232tn in June 2025, while only ₦1.818tn was distributed.

    Atiku demanded a comprehensive reconciliation of government revenues from 2023 to date, including details of gross collections, deductions, the legal basis for each deduction, receiving accounts and the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.

    He also called for greater transparency concerning the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, OML 143, NNPC LNG trading operations, offshore corporate structures and what he described as alleged unofficial crude lifting.

    The former vice president further rejected international oil prices as a sufficient explanation for the high cost of petrol in Nigeria.

    He noted that petrol prices in the United States, which he put at about $1.14 per litre, were comparable to prices in Nigeria, but stressed that the US federal minimum wage was $7.25 per hour, compared with Nigeria’s ₦70,000 monthly minimum wage.

    “Tinubu has brought Nigerians close to American fuel prices while leaving them with Nigerian poverty wages. That is the true cost of his subsidy-removal policy,” Atiku said.

    He urged the Federal Government to make verifiable financial records available to the public and engage independent forensic auditors to examine and reconcile the accounts.

    Atiku maintained that accountability in the management of public resources was a fundamental obligation to Nigerians and should not be treated as optional.

  • FG, APC Clash with Obi, Kwankwaso Over Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Chances

    FG, APC Clash with Obi, Kwankwaso Over Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Chances

    The Federal Government has dismissed claims by presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, that President Bola Tinubu would be defeated in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains confident of retaining the Presidency.

    The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, said the APC would win the presidential election as well as the governorship and other elective contests in Kaduna State, rejecting suggestions of growing opposition to the ruling party in the North.

    Musa spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, hours after Obi and Kwankwaso told their supporters that they were prepared to resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 polls.

    While Obi warned that voters would not allow their votes to be subverted at polling units, Kwankwaso argued that the APC could lose despite controlling more than 30 states, citing the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

    Musa, who was responding to a suggestion that voters in Kaduna might punish the APC and President Tinubu over the performance of the administration.

    Rejecting the suggestion, Musa described the perceived rejection of the APC in the North as a matter of perception.

    “That’s a perception. It’s a perception, and I mean, everybody has his own perception to deal with. People will always have the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he said.

    Asked whether the APC could lose Kaduna State in 2027, Musa said he was certain the party would win the state.

    “I cannot say cannot lose. APC will win in Kaduna. That I know,” he said.

    Asked if he was referring to the governorship election, the minister replied, “Definitely. Presidential, governorship, and all levels.”

    Musa, who is from the North, was also asked about the reported growing sentiment against the APC and Tinubu in the region.

    He dismissed the suggestion, saying some people were attempting to exploit public sentiments because they were dissatisfied with their current circumstances.

    “That’s why I said there are some people, because probably they are not where they think they are, the tendency is they want to whip up sentiments. APC is this, APC is that,” he said.

    The minister defended Tinubu’s policies, saying the President had taken difficult decisions that would gradually produce results.

    “But I can tell you this, the President has taken very painful decisions, and I can tell you these are decisions that are coming in gradually,” Musa said.

    He said Nigerians would eventually appreciate the rationale behind some of the administration’s decisions, particularly its economic policies.

    “I mean, you can look at the economy and all these things, we’re coming in gradually. At a time, people will now realise that, look, this thing we thought was like this, this is actually how it’s going,” he said.

    Musa concluded his argument with a firm prediction: “And I can tell you, APC will win.”

    Obi, Kwankwaso

    Earlier on Thursday, Obi and Kwankwaso assured supporters and party faithful that nobody would intimidate them or subvert their will at the polling booths during the general elections in 2027.

    This is as Obi vowed that anyone who attempted to prevent votes from being counted in the poll would himself be counted.

    He spoke during a Town Hall Meeting with voters tagged “Obi Talks Nigeria’ held in Port Harcourt.

    Fielding questions from the supporters, Obi said it would be delusional for anyone to think that the 2027 election would easily be manipulated like that of 2023.

    “Nobody will intimidate us again at the polling booth. If you get to any polling booth today, the highest number of officials you see in any polling booth is five.

    Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, where he finished third behind Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    Tinubu defeated 17 other candidates after securing 8,794,726 votes, the highest tally in the election, and meeting the constitutional requirement for victory.

    He also won at least 25 per cent of the votes in 30 states, exceeding the constitutional threshold of 25 states.

    Atiku came second with 6,984,520 votes, while Obi polled 6,101,533 votes.

    Despite the official declaration of the results, Obi alleged that the election was marred by manipulation and the intimidation of his loyalists, and he, alongside many of his supporters, has continued to maintain that he won Rivers State and the 2023 presidential election.

    Obi declared that anyone plotting to manipulate the 2027 election would find it difficult to succeed.

    He stated, “No one will intimidate us again at the polling booth. If you get to any polling booth today, the highest number of officials you see at any polling booth is five.

    “The average number of voters is 40 to 50. There’s no way five people will intimidate 50 people. And we will make sure we have coordination to ensure that such intimidation does not arise.

    “The people who are in these polling booths are from families that are suffering from hunger. Some of the policemen’s children are not in school. All they want is for you to defend and demand that your vote must count.

    “And that is the demand we are going to make aggressively. Yes, they will try to manipulate the IReV. But let me tell you, it will not be easy this time,” Obi stated.

    The NDC presidential candidate further said voters would resist any attempt to manipulate results through the INEC Result Viewing Portal, adding that multiple portals would be provided.

    According to him, “There will be so many IReVs this time. This time around, if there is a network glitch, we will give them another one that has no glitch.

    “By allowing them to continue, that glitch will glitch our lives. That’s what we are suffering today. This time, all of us will rescue our country. Somebody said, ‘We are ready to die.’ Let me tell you, I’m ready to die too.”

    The party’s Vice Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said Nigeria needs a committed, strong and energetic president capable of addressing the country’s challenges and meeting the needs of its citizens.

    On his part, Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to make the right choice of leadership, noting that many of those seeking the presidency lacked the necessary experience to effectively govern the country.

    He said: “I believe that Nigerians must not make mistakes again. This is the time to get it right. And anything to the contrary, I believe people, if they make a mistake, certainly people will regret making that mistake. Because it will be too costly for the people and the country. Many of these people have no experience, or they want to forget history.”

    Kwankwaso noted that the ruling party would lose the election despite having 30 state governors, recalling that former President Goodluck Jonathan lost the election even while in power.

    He stated, “Jonathan was the president, the sitting president lost the election. I’ve given you an example, especially those who think because they have over 30 governors, they cannot lose the election. That was a very big mistake.

    “By the grace of God, all of them (governors), especially the ones in the North, because I studied the trend.

    “The trend is those governors and their party have performed woefully, to the extent that it is very difficult for them even to come out and campaign. Why? Because from top to bottom, did absolutely nothing,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the NDC in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, thanked the party and its members for showing resilience and patience at the meeting.

    Lulu-Briggs said the party would transform the country into a nation that works, adding that Rivers supporters have the courage to work for the party.

    “We want to thank you for your sacrifice. I want to assure you that we shall have a Nigeria that works. I want to thank your excellencies, the leadership of our great party, for giving us this platform.

    “I want to assure your excellencies that we are not afraid. Courage is not the absence of fear. But fear that has set us free,” Chief Lulu-Briggs stated.

    APC reacts

    However, the APC  described Obi and Kwankwaso’s statement as cheap talk and wishful thinking.

    The National Secretary of the party, Ajibola Basiru, who spoke with The PUNCH on Thursday, reminded both Obi and Kwankwaso that former President Muhammadu Buhari won his re-election while the APC also won in many states.

    He said, “Talk is cheap, and they are poor students of history. Buhari was a sitting President and won re-election and his party won under him. Maybe they are suffering from partial amnesia.

    “Their party does not even have governorship candidates in at least 12 states and National Assembly candidates in a large number of constituencies. Presidential election is not won on empty rhetoric or wishful thinking. We are confident that Nigerians will re elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    ADC dismisses Wike

    Meanwhile, the ADC in Rivers State has dismissed FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s claim of winning the state in next year’s election.

    Wike had on Thursday claimed that the ADC and NDC would lose in Rivers State and Abuja.

    An ally of Rotimi Amaechi, the ADC running mate to Atiku Abubakar, and State Publicity Secretary of the ADC in Tivers State,  Chizi Enyi, in an interview with The PUNCH,  said Wike said Wike had betrayed all those who assured him to limelight.

    While alleging that Wike had a penchant for violence, the Rivers ADC spokesman said the party was not perturbed by his rantings.

    Enyi stated, “Wike has consistently been saying he will win Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja just to please Tinubu. And we all know that Wike is one man who will say one thing and does another.

    “He is someone who has consistently said that the only thing he owes himself on earth is always to please Dr Peter Odili. Today where is Odili? Wike also believed that former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan is God on earth when he was contesting for governor. Today where is Jonathan?

    “So, for President Bola Tinubu it will be the same thing and when he (Tinubu) leaves office he will be the way Odili and Jonathan are currently.”

    “For the ADC in Rivers State we are not disturbed because while we are busy campaigning, we have information that they are busy lobbying INEC, changing Electoral Officers and all that.

    “So, we are not disturbed. We know and we believe that from what we have seen and from the what we have done,  talking to people  and the personality of our candidates we are confident that we will win the general election in Rivers State and Nigeria in general.

    “Everybody knows that Wike is synonymous with violence. He always intimidate people,  talks one thing and does another. However we are not disturbed because the 2027 general elections Wike will be a thing of the past.

    “We strongly believe that the Abubakar/Amaechi ticket the ADC is the party to beat. In Rivers State Amaechi did very well as governor and his records are there for all to see,” he said. Punch