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[PRESS RELEASE] Meritocracy In Civil Service In Sync With Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda - Olaopa
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Meritocracy In Civil Service In Sync With Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda - Olaopa](/media/k2/items/cache/805a21047eb479b0b7d5b8b8f302f4c8_L.jpg)
The focus of the Federal Civil Service Commission ( FCSC) on enthroning meritocracy in the nation's civil service is in sync with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, especially his expressed desire to run a government of national competence, according to Prof. Tunji Olaopa.
Prof. Olaopa who is the Chairman of the FCSC, spoke at the weekend at a meeting during the courtesy call by the leadership of the Alumni Association of Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI).
The executive of LMI was led by its President, Abubakar Tijjani-Garba, during a courtesy visit to Olaopa in his office in Abuja.
The LMI is a fellowship founded by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, the 9th Speaker of the House of Representatives and the current Chief of Staff to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
According to Olaopa, the FCSC is being repositioned to restore the prime place of merit in career management in the civil service, through a concerted strategy for a structured and more systematic execution of the merit principle, and therewith, reprofile its application in the implementation of the federal character policy within the framework of an overarching strategy to restore competency-based operations and human resource management in the civil service.
To him, the overall objective of the quest for meritocracy is the recreation of the glorious days of the civil service of the 1960s and the 1970s and thereby transform the service into a world-class institution.
The professor of public administration said that even before he was appointed as the chairman of the FCSC, he had been interested in the notion of a government of national competence as espoused by His Excellency the President. Thus, he is interested in creating an enabling climate within the space governed by the FCSC, that will encourage more talented youths and high-end professionals to want to make a career in the public service.
According to him, the FCSC is aware of the imperative to make the civil service attractive to the millennial generation and Gen Z.
He said this whole dynamic will lead to job re-evaluation, the rethinking of the intellectual bases of skills of the many cadres in the service and their re-skilling, and institution of a more competitive and affordable wage system operated within technical-rational parameters as a "basis for significant restoration of the Federal Government status as an employer of choice in the national economy".
While he noted the importance of youths showing interest in the civil service, he, however, acknowledged that the sector is not meant for all-comers.
According to him, some youths will go into the military, the private sector, self-employment and other endeavours outside the civil service. Meaning that there is a specific orientation that recommends a professional public servant and some distinct attributes that stand him or her out.
Acknowledging the vital place of the youths in national development, Olaopa said that they "constitute a template for rewriting the dynamism of the national project burdened by the tragic narratives of ethno-regional and religious issues ".
Consequently, he noted that whatever would strengthen what he identified as the youth agenda would require significant reforms in the public, civic society and in the education sector. Thus for him, what is needed in the educational sector is not just book learning but intentional drive to support mental remodeling to build national capacity for "learning to live together" as " a significant component of national values reorientation to harness and transform our diversity into a defining social capital".
In this regard, he commended the vision of Gbajabiamila to prepare the younger Nigerians through LMI for pubic sector leadership. He said Gbajabiamila continued to commit his resources to LMI even after transiting from the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
Earlier, Tijjani-Garba said that they were at the commission to express appreciation to Olaopa for his contribution to LMI and especially his role as a mentor to its members. He said his books had greatly impacted their lives.
Tijjani-Garba outlined some of the coming programmes of the LMI that he urged Olaopa to support. They include the birthday of LMI's founder Gbajabiamila that will be celebrated on Democracy Day.
Other programmes include the launch of an alumni book where they want Olaopa to be the reviewer , and a pre-United Nations Assembly event.
The members of the LMI also want to canvass a review of the nation's educational curriculum and embark on a give-back to the community programme that include tree planting and a novelty match.
LMI fellowship is designed to equip young Nigerians with the necessary knowledge, skills, competence and experience to take on public sector leadership effectively. Since its inception in 2022, it has recorded significant milestones and graduated exceptional young leaders that have gone on to assumed important leadership roles across the country.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Soludo Congratulates Governor Dapo Abiodun On His 65th Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/95f94ad55a01339e2603efab06f295f1_L.jpg?t=20250529_130451)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed very dear congratulations to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
In his congratulatory message, Governor Soludo hailed Governor Abiodun’s remarkable contributions to the governance and development of Ogun State and the Southern Nigeria region.
Governor Soludo noted that the leadership, patriotism, and dedication of Governor Abiodun have been inspiring, fostering unity and progress within the region and across Nigeria
Governor Soludo also affirmed that as the deputy chairman in the Southern Governors' Forum, he has witnessed firsthand Governor Abiodun’s untiring resolve and collaborative spirit, which embody the essence of true leadership.
Thus, Governor Soludo celebrates this momentous occasion with his brother Governor, and prays for his continued strength, good health, and more wisdom to navigate the challenges ahead in driving progress and prosperity for our people and the entire nation.
Signed,
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
Governor Aiyedatiwa Inaugurates Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, Vows His Government Will Not Tolerate Lawlessness
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...Offenders to face 21 years in prison as government declares zero tolerance
In a decisive move to protect property rights and restore order in land administration, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has formally inaugurated the Ondo State Task Force on Anti-Land Grabbing, in line with the newly enacted Ondo State Property Protection Law of 2024.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described land as more than a commercial or residential asset, it is a heritage and a vital source of identity for individuals and communities. He condemned the alarming rise in land grabbing, violent displacements, and exploitative real estate practices that have disrupted peace and deterred genuine investment across the state.
To counter these threats, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to enforce the law with the full weight of governmental authority. He highlighted key provisions of the law, including penalties of up to 21 years imprisonment for unlawful resale of property, 10 years for forceful land occupation, and strict sanctions against illegal levies often imposed under the guise of “omo-onile” charges.
“This Task Force,” the Governor stated, “is a beacon of justice for the oppressed and a firm deterrent to those who violate our land laws. We will not allow lawlessness to thrive under our watch.” He urged members of the Task Force to act with integrity, courage, and fairness, pledging continued government support to ensure the law is enforced without bias.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, who chairs the Task Force, underscored the importance of the committee’s mandate. In his remarks, he praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s visionary leadership, stating, “Your Excellency, what you have done today has given hope to landowners and addressed the menace of land disputes in Ondo State.”
He emphasized that the Task Force marks a turning point in land governance, promoting lawful ownership, peaceful coexistence, and institutional reform. He reiterated that the committee would operate with transparency, uphold due process, and serve as a responsive channel for victims of land-related offences. He affirmed that there will be no sacred cows, emphasising that every violator, regardless of status, will be treated equally under the law.
Dr. Ajulo noted that the law empowers the Task Force to investigate, enforce, and prosecute offenders under clear statutory provisions. Sections 3, 4, 12, and 14 of the Property Protection Law prohibit forceful entry, threats, illegal occupation, and unauthorized levies on landowners while authorising the State to constitute this Task Force for effective enforcement.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Moyinoluwa Ogunwumiju, Member representing Ondo West Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his consistent support of the bill. “Your Excellency, I thank you for granting the House of Assembly the independence it needed to work on this bill and make it a reality. You backed it from the beginning and even issued an executive order against land grabbing to demonstrate your unwavering commitment." He said.
Hon. Ogunwumiju also commended the Attorney-General for assembling the necessary legal framework and team that ensured the bill was signed into law on December 30, 2024. He noted that the bill, which he personally sponsored, reflects the collective resolve to tackle land-related crimes across the state.
The composition of the Task Force reflects a multi-sectoral approach, featuring representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Office of the Surveyor General, Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Local Government authorities, Civil Society Organisations, and community leaders from all three senatorial districts.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Olawunmi Isaac, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Abiola Olawoye and Permanent Secretaries.
Task Force members are appointed to serve for a term of four years and are expected to meet regularly, submit periodic reports to the Governor’s Office, and offer policy advice aimed at improving land governance in the state.
Punishments for violators include: 21 years imprisonment for unlawful sale or resale of land/property; 10 years imprisonment for forceful entry and illegal occupation of land; 7 years imprisonment for demanding illegal levies (e.g., "omo-onile" charges); 5 years imprisonment for use of threats or violence in land matters; 5 years imprisonment for trespassing with intent to take possession; and 7 years imprisonment for aiding and abetting land-related crimes.
Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded by reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to justice, lawful property ownership, and sustainable peace across all parts of Ondo State.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) wishes to draw the public’s attention to misleading messages circulating via a spoofed version of its 66019 shortcode. These messages instruct candidates—some of whom have already sat for the resit examination and received their results—to reprint their examination slips for a resit examination.
We categorically state that these messages are not from JAMB. There are currently no scheduled examinations, and candidates who have successfully completed the resit examination and received their results need not be concerned. Such messages are fraudulent and intended to sow confusion.
The only examination that JAMB is planning to conduct, which has yet to be scheduled, is the foreign examination held in nine countries across Europe, the Middle East, and certain African nations. Additionally, there will be a mop-up examination for candidates who missed the main and resit examinations and have been granted waivers only for 2025 to participate in the usual mop-up for those who experienced biometric failures.
We urge the public to disregard these deceptive messages. Those qualified for the mop-up examination, as specified, will be duly notified once preparations are finalised.
Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.,
Public Communication Advisor
JAMB
President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives, requesting legislative approval for a new external borrowing plan amounting to over $21.5 billion, alongside a domestic bond issuance of ₦757.9 billion to settle outstanding pension liabilities.
In a detailed communication to the Green Chamber, President Tinubu highlighted the strategic significance of the 2025–2026 borrowing plan, noting that it spans key sectors of the economy.
“The 2025–2026 borrowing plan covers all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth, security, and employment generation, as well as financial and monetary reforms, among others,” the President stated.
According to Tinubu, the total facility sought under the external borrowing plan includes USD 21,543,647,912, EUR 2,193,856,324.54, and 15 billion Japanese Yen, in addition to a grant of 65 million EUR.
He noted that the proposed borrowing is crucial in light of the removal of fuel subsidy and its economic implications.
“In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the paucity of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall,” the President wrote.
Tinubu assured lawmakers that the proposed funds would be channelled into critical infrastructure projects, especially in the areas of railways, healthcare, and nationwide development programmes across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians,” he emphasised.
On a separate note, President Tinubu also sought the House’s approval for the issuance of Federal Government bonds in the domestic market to settle accrued pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) amounting to ₦757,983,246,572.
Citing the Pension Reform Act 2014, Tinubu noted that the government had been unable to comply with some statutory pension obligations due to revenue challenges, leading to a buildup of arrears and increasing hardship for retirees.
“The House of Representatives is invited to note that the federal government has not been compliant with the implementation of the above provisions of the PRA 2014 over the years due to revenue challenges leading to accumulation of pension arrears with the attendant ICU retirees,” he stated.
He added that the proposal to issue bonds for the settlement of the liabilities had received approval from the Federal Executive Council in its meeting of February 4, 2025.
According to the President, settling the pension arrears will improve retirees’ welfare, boost confidence in the pension system, and inject liquidity into the economy.
“It will enable the Federal Government of Nigeria to meet obligations under the CPS and restore confidence in the pension industry. “It will also ensure positive welfare even for the retirees, as this will enable them to meet their basic needs… improve health and avoid untimely death,” the letter stated.
President Tinubu concluded by appealing to lawmakers for timely approval, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“While I look forward to the progression and timely approval of the House of Representatives, please accept, Your Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my high regards,” he wrote.
The request has been referred to the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development and the Committee on Pensions for further legislative action.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Path To Birthing Future Civil Service - Olaopa](/media/k2/items/cache/4d4484e8c4f3d280f2fc95e7cad5ce15_M.jpg)
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has listed some measures for ensuring the emergence of a viable civil service of the future.
Olaopa spoke at the Strategic Meeting of South West Heads of the Civil Service, held in Lagos on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The professor of public administration whose keynote address was entitled "Deepening Professionalism in the Civil Service Towards Improve Service Delivery" decried the existing state of the civil service. He lamented specifically that the civil service at the state level does not have "autonomy and relative insulation from politics to operate within the classic functional authority line in politics/policy-administration/implementation dichotomy as conceived in public administration praxis".
Consequently, he listed some steps that the civil service could take to ensure professionalism and meet the demands of the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions with their attendant technological challenges such as those posed by Artificial Intelligence.
According to him, there should be a clear vision of who a civil/public servant is, and that all public service rules, regulations and procedures governing career management in the civil service need to be reviewed and aligned.
Olaopa highlighted the need for the strengthening of the political-administrative interface for effective governance and service delivery.
He also stressed the strengthening of the constitutional mandates of the CSCs, to ensure that recruitment/appointment into the service are merit-based and insulated from politicisation .
" Indeed, strengthening the pre-entry requirements and implementing rigorous recruitment and selection processes will entail enforcement of clear guidelines to prevent non-meritocratic appointment practices."
For Olaopa, there is the imperative of enforcing professional norms, codes and standards of professional practice for public administration . "This will need to be revalidated through a value audit, to establish the new professional standards that assist to weed out unqualified personnel and which in turn provides a framework of principles which guide professional behaviour and actions as part of a carefully implemented cultural adjustment programme and values reorientation.
" In this regard, a recognised process of accreditation that includes a deepened but compulsory induction programme that serves to introduce new entrants to the civil service, and also educates them about ethics and professionalism and which at once challenges them to embrace the values and mandate of constitutional democracy.
"Such a process if regulated by recognised public administration professional bodies that bring members of the profession together through a mechanism that is outside routine business, creates
a community of practice, and therefore allows for cross-cutting concerns to be addressed to enable professional autonomy and self-regulation, knowledge sharing and development
and mutual support of practitioners, researchers and other development workers as is badly required if the public service will get back its ability to act independently as a profession insulated from politics."
He said that the complex body of knowledge relating to the administration, methods, procedures and technical practices of public administrators that have accumulated over time need to become the basis for comprehensive training for new entrants to the field, and ongoing professional development for those within the profession to stay current with the evolving standards and body of knowledge inherent in the profession as continuous professional’s competency framework of skills for running the business of government.
According to him, addressing ethical lapses, bureaucratic corruption, and poor performance within frameworks of performance, ethics and accountability, is critical to reinstituting professionalism in the civil service.
" There must therefore be strong accountability mechanism in place to streamline practices for dealing with transgressions and to institute actions for losses, and training cum development of correctional frameworks."
Olaopa noted the need for the utilisation of distinguished former public servants as mentors, coaches and champions of system’s turnaround programmes.
" This strategy will indeed draw on the experiences of revered former administrators particularly in areas of expertise that may be lacking in current workforce . There will of course be a policy guideline that will address how the coaches and mentors will function, their roles and responsibilities. This will make the arrangement a structured approach with clear expectations and performance standards".
He said that there should be screening to establish the risk profile of applicants and their criminal record, financial situation, integrity levels , psychometric tests and truth veracity tests before appointment.
On remuneration, he said that wage reform should aim to ensure that employees receive compensation that is fair and that recognises the value of staff contribution, and that it must be designed to be competitive, and reflect the cost of living to attract and retain skilled professionals.
"A sustainable wage policy must also achieve cost saving and ensure fiscal sustainability through institutional rationalisation of entities and programmes.
Compensation reforms may include better and enhanced benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans and other perks, packaged to make public jobs more attractive and competitive. It may also introduce performance-based pay systems thus linking salary increases to individual and organisational achievements", he said.
"The mission statement of every MDA must include the promotion of continuous improvement in service provision and commitment to service standards, benchmarked against high-performing comparator-agencies.
This will include plans for staffing, human resource development and organisational capability building tailored to service delivery needs.
Improving service delivery calls for a shift from inward-looking bureaucratic culture to a new way of working that put the public as customer first",he added.
Officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Minister Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have sealed the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party.
At exactly 2:06 pm, a group of FCTA staff locked the entrance gate of Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
This action follows the FCTA’s recent announcement on Sunday, stating its intention to reclaim properties affected by the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent spanning 10 to 43 years.
Details shortly…
[Punch]
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives: Withdrawal of the Compulsory Voting Bill - Musa Abdullahi Krishi
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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, wishes to inform the public that, following extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, he has decided to withdraw the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, which he co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Adama Ago.
From the outset, the Bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout. Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.
Nevertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment. Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.
This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Olaopa Lists Gains Of Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda](/media/k2/items/cache/25cfdf256aea0daf308ce1b8ffcec728_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda is transformational as shown through the gains it has recorded in different sectors of the nation's economy, Prof. Tunji Olaopa has declared.
Olaopa who is the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission spoke at the "1st International Conference on Public Policy, Governance and Development" organised by the Department of Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, on Monday , May 26, 2025.
In his keynote lecture entitled "Building a Promising Future in Africa through Policy Re-Evaluation: The Defining Issues in Perspective", Olaopa decried a deficit of good governance in the past with an enduring positive developmental impact on the citizens.
He lamented that in the whole of the African continent, development at the country level has been scant except in Botswana, Rwanda, South Africa, Mauritius and Ethiopia. For him, it is this poor development on the continent that has rendered the Renewed Hope Agenda imperative.
He said that in different ways, the agenda has expressed its potential to usher the country into an era of grand development.Highlighting some areas where the Renewed Hope Agenda has made great impact , Olaopa urged scholars and researchers to contribute to the scheme.
He said: " This conversation for me is therefore relevant as an opportunity to challenge scholars and policy researchers as change agents to come on board the moving train of progress being piloted with the benefit of the leadership sophistication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the imperative need for all hands to be on deck to deepen and consolidate the game-changing eco-system and public trust that has built up for a transformational journey with great promise.
"The Renewed Hope story-line is particularly auspicious because the crisis of development and of democracy in Africa has become especially worrisome, not just for the African stakeholders, but the entire world.
"The success story that is building up indeed provides a scholarly ambience for benchmarking analysis of emerging issues against celebrated strides of high-performing states across the globe and therefore the ventilation of their benefits for learning application to country-level transformational journeys across Africa. This is to say that many of the poster states in the East Asia like Malaysia, Singapore, and emerging powers like China and India and other BRICS countries were in the same league with Nigeria a few decades ago. They have however charted their different paths to the different destinations.
" As Nigeria writes its transformation narratives through the renewed hope prospective, scholars have the opportunity to make research inputs as policy intelligence and policy-engaged research drawing evidence from those things that these countries did differently that Nigeria needs to draw on as lessons of experience for deepening and consolidating the birth of a new dawn that will soon envelope us ."
Olaopa noted how the agenda has transformed the nation's tax system. According to him, the tax landscape is undergoing a significant overhaul as shown in an increase in tax exemption for small businesses from annual turnover of 25-50 million naira, reduction of the burden on businesses, and the rise in revenue collection efficiency.
He said that the agenda "introduces a range of tax incentives to stimulate growth in priority sectors. It also ensures that the poor are protected from adverse effects of tax increases, making it a progressive and equitable reform. It addresses the challenge of multiple and excessive taxation with the reduction in Company Income Tax which will ease the cost of doing business and improve the investment climate".
He said that through the agenda, there is huge hope in agricultural productivity through the implementation of modern farming techniques and technology adoption that supports small-holder farmers to form clusters and cooperatives as they enjoy the economies of scale that come from large-scale farming. "Giant strides are also being made to encourage commercial farmers to adopt small-scale farmers in their region so that they can benefit from knowledge of improved agro-practices, leading to increased yields.
Enhanced access to farm inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds is boosting crop yields nationwide through the implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Enhancement Scheme (NAGS) Agro-Pocket (AP).
Outstanding results have been recorded in several northern states, thereby reducing wheat importation and FOREX thereto. Cross River State has since been enlisted in the wheat farming programme based on identification of regions with suitable weather conditions. The
Implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme in Kaduna, Kano, Imo, CRS, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, FCT is significant in facilitating value-addition to farm produce instead of just sale of raw produce at farm gates; thereby ensuring creation of more jobs and also reducing post-harvest losses. There is also the implementation of dry season farming in most Northern states through the provision of irrigation facilities and infrastructure to reduce rain-fed farming and ensuring year-round agriculture and
aggressive mechanisation programmes in beefing up present low-level tractorization in the country."
In the power sector, Olaopa said that the giant strides recorded through the Renewed Hope Agenda were also evident. According to him, the agenda through its reform has paved the way for the emergence of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). To him, the NESI is already fast-tracking electricity projects and private investments into the power sector, "which is bound to resolve the sector’s persistent known historical problems in the medium-term."
He added: "Shortly on assuming power PBAT moved decisively to decentralize the sector with amendment to the Nigeria Power Sector Reform Act (NPSRA) thus breaking the FGN monopoly in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and regulation by signing into law the NPSRA Act 2023. The state governments are therefore now able to participate in the NESI in their various states. Several states namely, Lagos, Enugu, Ondo and Ekiti have latched on to this major reform to begin setting up their own electricity regulators.
"The huge debt burden owed to operators in the power supply value chain has been taken on with the approval of N130 billion from the gas stabilisation fund to gas suppliers and with over $120 million dollar-denominated component. Inadequate metering of customers is being resolved by injecting 3.5 million meters including the 1.5 million meters injected through the World bank Distribution Support Recovery (DISREP) Programme and 2 million through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI). These will go a long way to resolve chronic illiquidity challenge that the power sector has faced for decades.
"There has also been significant push towards alternative energy sources, especially solar mini-grid systems being installed in some FG facilities including the Presidential Villa to reduce their dependency and cost exposure. There is rural Electrification Agency (REA) intervention with solar mini-grid systems in some critical sectors like education (first set of those installed in universities already being commissioned), health (in teaching hospitals), agriculture (in some farming clusters to assist with irrigation systems and for improved livelihood in rural areas."
Olaopa also highlighted developments in the maritime sector which according to him, has shown significant growth with increased revenues accruing to the national treasury. Noting that efforts to improve maritime security and safety had yielded significant positive results, he said that the upgrade of ports infrastructure including Apapa and Tin Can Island ports had translated to commendable operational efficiency.
"Overall, the blue economy concept in Nigeria has proved to be a veritable growth driver with great potential", he said.
He said that the Renewed Hope Agenda had provided an impetus for governance reform as expressed in the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development which he described as "an ingenious administrative innovation" that "presents some sort of administrative
answer to the most critical national question bedeviling the nation’s defective and
dysfunctional federalism.
"Making it a move in the right direction to create regional economic corridors growth poles , with redoubled drive towards local government autonomy, presents great bottom-up people-centered potential for accelerated development and national socioeconomic transformation", he added.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of its resit examination for candidates affected by its 2025 UTME technical error.
The results from JAMB’s original 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination were released on May 9.
An analysis showed that more than 78 per cent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the 400 maximum points obtainable.
JAMB undertook a review in response to public protests and uncovered a major “technical error”.
On May 14, Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, said that the results of 379,997 candidates across 157 centres were affected.
He cited faulty server updates that prevented candidate responses from being uploaded during the first three days of the exam.
Oloyede said the problem, which was caused by one of its technical service providers, went undetected before the results were released.
JAMB conducted a resit exam for those affected in Lagos and the south-east, starting from May 16 and extending beyond May 19.
The results of that resit were released on Sunday, May 25, after extensive stakeholder consultation.
Of the 336,845 candidates scheduled for the resit, JAMB said 21,082 were absent.
The board said performance analysis remains consistent with those from the past twelve years of UTME.
More to follow…
[The Cable]
More...
![[PRESS RELEASE] Atiku visits Osun for coronation of new monarch of Ijeshaland](/media/k2/items/cache/e5fe522110b79a3b446572d1ef94d1f9_XS.jpg)
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday attended the coronation ceremony of the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, HRH Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
The former Vice President, who is also Atayese of Ijeshaland, was accompanied by his wife, Hajjia Titi Abubakar, who hails from Ilesha township, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo, among many other associates.
Earlier before the coronation ceremony, Atiku paid a courtesy visit to the residence of the former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
After the visit, both Atiku and Aregbesola rode to the reception venue of the coronation ceremony, where they were greeted by a large crowd of supporters.
The coronation ceremony of Oba Haastrup witnessed many dignitaries in attendance, with the new monarch appreciating all for turning up to a tumultuous ceremony.
Atiku Abubakar has since returned to Abuja.
Signed:
Atiku Media Office
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, says airlines transporting passengers without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards into Nigeria will be penalised.
Tunji-Ojo warned stakeholders during a sensitisation programme on implementing the e-visa, landing, and exit cards initiative in Lagos on Friday.
The minister said no foreigner shall be allowed entry into Nigeria without a valid visa.
He said although Nigeria is making entry more accessible by introducing e-visas, this would not compromise national security.
He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria visa policy.
Tunji-Ojo said the e-visa would improve border security and promote tourism and sustainable economic growth.
“I plead with the NCAA to regulate. That is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the NCAA,” he said.
“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business, but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security.
“Before anybody comes into Nigeria, please see their visas, not just proof of payment or their tickets.
“It is not acceptable in the UK, U.S., Canada and other countries, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore.”
The minister said making the application for e-visa, landing, and exit cards easy is necessary to open Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.
He also said as of May 22, the NIS received a total of 5,814 applications for e-visa, approved 5,671, rejected 66, and queried 62 since the introduction on May 1.
‘E-VISA WILL IMPROVE IMMIGRATION DATABASE’
He said the e-visa process will improve the NIS database with information about travellers, and processed in 48 hours.
Tunji-Ojo described the features of the e-visa, landing, and exit cards, saying they are equipped with a barcode that reveals passengers’ biodata and travel logs.
“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued,” he said.
In his welcome address, Chris Najomo, the director-general of the NCAA, said introducing the e-visa and the associated landing and exit card systems is a milestone.
Najomo said the new process marks Nigeria’s journey toward enhancing air travel facilitation while maintaining the highest aviation security standards and operational efficiency.
“The e-visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9,” Najomo added.
“It is inherently designed to improve the experience of travellers while strengthening our border control mechanisms.
“The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasised to ensure effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security or service delivery.”
On her part, Kemi Nandap, controller-general of the NIS, called for more inter-agency collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the e-visa, landing, and exit cards initiative.
Tinubu Inaugurates New NNPCL Board Refineries : NNPCL To Consider “All Options ” New Board Targets Full Commercial Shift, IPO Not Imminent
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The newly inaugurated board of Nigeria’s state oil firm, NNPC Limited, says it is open to all options regarding the future of the country's refineries, including potential asset sales.
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Board chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida told journalists at the Presidential Villa that the company would remain transparent and honest in its dealings, adding that difficult decisions would not be avoided. He said the board would consider “all options” in restoring the refineries and repositioning the firm.
Group CEO Bayo Ojulari said preliminary inspections had been carried out on two refineries, with a third scheduled in the coming weeks. He noted that transforming NNPC into a fully commercial limited liability company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act would take time possibly up to five years and urged public support through the transition.
He added that while an initial public offering remains part of the long-term vision, it would take at least another two years of hard work before the company can realistically claim progress towards that goal.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier sworn in the 11-member board, which pledged to prioritise key investments and deliver on performance targets as it assumes full operational control of the company.
Governors elected under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have officially adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
At the APC National Summit held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, announced the decision.
He emphasised that the governors had collectively agreed that President Tinubu should be the APC’s candidate for the 2027 elections.
The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by Governor Uzodimma and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani. After the motion was proposed, the question was put to the gathering and was met with an overwhelming “yes” vote.
Although President Tinubu is currently in the middle of his first term, discussions regarding his potential reelection have been dominating the political landscape.
The governors’ endorsement signals early support for his bid to continue leading the country beyond 2027.
In a related development, governors and key political figures from the North Central region of Nigeria have also voiced their support for President Tinubu’s reelection.
A meeting was held on Wednesday evening in Abuja, where five APC governors from the region, along with other prominent party leaders, gathered to express their commitment to ensuring Tinubu’s return for a second term.
The political heavyweights in the region stressed the importance of re-electing Tinubu to ensure the continuity of the successful policies and initiatives he has put in place.
The motion for the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 was formally moved by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.