The Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex, said it arrested a “serial fraudster” who allegedly scammed about ₦2 billion from some citizens in Lagos.

The FCID Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the suspect, Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka, allegedly scammed ₦320,000,000 from one Tochukwu Unachukwu. She added that the command also received petitions from one Moses Chizoba Enechukwu who claimed Chinedu allegedly scammed him of ₦1 billion. Another petition against Chinedu was from Chinedu Nwaforcha who also claimed the suspect scammed him of ₦840,000,000.

ASP Mayegun explained that the command recovered a 2024 Toyota Hilux with a Presidency plate number from the suspect. Also recovered was an identity card belonging to the Ministry of Labour from the suspect. She added that a claim by the suspect that he was a licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operator was false.

It read: “On the 9th of September 2024, the Nigerian Police Force received a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, FCID Annex, Lagos, from Chinedu Laz and Partners (Deo Gratia Chambers) on behalf of Mr. Tochukwu Unachukwu, the Managing Director of Casco Electronics Company Limited, against Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka and his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, of being involved in a fraudulent scheme amounting to ₦320,000,000.00.

“Upon receipt of the petition, detectives from the Special Investigations Team of the Anti-Fraud Section attached to Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, swiftly swung into intelligence led investigation. The team reviewed relevant banking records and secured a Warrant of Arrest, which led to the apprehension of Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka, a self-acclaimed Licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operator.

“Further investigation revealed that between March and May, 2024, Mr. Unachukwu made payments totaling ₦320,000,000.00 to Ngwaka and his wife through their company accounts, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World for the procurement of $200,000 USD to facilitate the supply of goods from China. However, additional intelligence uncovered fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, which purportedly shows the completion of the transactions in two $100,000 USD tranches. The Chinese suppliers confirmed that no such funds were received.

Reactions have continued to trail the arrest of the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, with some South-East indigenes calling for his sentencing in Finland.

On Thursday last week, the Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa alongside four others and they were subsequently detained by the Päijät-Häme district court for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.”

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, NBI, disclosed that Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, is suspected of public exhortation to commit offences with terrorist intent. The charges also include suspicions of financing terrorism.

Leading the investigation, the detective, Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, said Ekpa is suspected of using his social media platforms to incite violence against civilians and public authorities in Southeastern Nigeria.

“The suspect has furthered his efforts from Finland, resulting in violence and other crimes in Southeast Nigeria,” Hiltunen said in a statement.

Ekpa’s arrest comes amid the worsening insecurity situation in the Southeastern part of Nigeria, which has seen armed men terrorising the region under the guise of pushing for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra.

DAILY POST reports that the armed men have been causing mayhem in the Southeast while claiming to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order that was first initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as a measure to get the Nigerian Government to release Nnamdi Kanu.

But IPOB, which suspended the sit-at-home, had severally distanced itself from Ekpa, stressing that he’s not their member.

Commenting on the arrest, Abia South Senator, Eyinnaya Abaribe said Kanu’s release remained the solution to tackling insecurity in the Southeast and not Ekpa’s arrest.

Abaribe said Kanu’s release would reveal the genuine Biafra agitators from the criminals masquerading as gunmen.

He said: “You want Biafra fine, but do you get Biafra by killing the same Biafrans you want? How does murdering people, killing people, going around killing policemen, spreading mayhem, and burning police stations help you?

“Everyone of them claims that it’s because Nnamdi Kanu is incarcerated that’s why the Southeast is experiencing insecurity but it will end when Nnamdi Kanu comes out, then we now know who is a genuine agitator and a criminal.

“When Kanu comes out, then he will know his followers. Nobody will have a reason to say we are burning down this police station or killing this person.”

On his part, a retired captain of the United States, US, Army, National Defence and Military Strategist, Bishop Johnson said the proper handling of Ekpa’s arrest by the Finnish government might have an impact on his incitement of violence and bloodletting in the Southeast.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Ambrose said those funding Ekpa’s operations in the Southeast will also stop if he’s held accountable in Finland.

He said: “Simon Ekpa’s arrest will have an impact on the Southeast depending on how it’s handled by the Finnish government.

“If the Finnish government holds Ekpa and his accomplices – those sponsoring his operations, if they hold him accountable in Finland not here in Nigeria, it will have an impact.

“The incitement coming from him will no longer be viable and those sponsoring him will stop, the incitement will end; that is if he’s held accountable in Finland.”

He, however, observed that Ekpa’s arrest might take a negative turn in the Southeast if extradited to Nigeria and detained like Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Johnson said: “If he’s extradited to Nigeria, there is the possibility that instead of his arrest having a positive impact, it might even lead to more violence because Nigeria as a country is very notorious for its abysmal human rights records.

“If you have a situation where Ekpa is extradited to Nigeria and is kept in the same condition Nnamdi Kanu is kept in, there would be those offended that two Igbo sons are dumped in DSS dungeon and are inhumanely treated.

“So, if you have that situation, then his arrest will lead to a negative impact instead of having a positive impact. It may also lead to bloodletting and destruction in the Southeast.”

Johnson noted that Ekpa’s arrest could further inflame the Southeast if his loyalists noticed that he was not subjected to due process.

“If there is due process and he is found guilty and held accountable for all the incitement in the Southeast, but anything contrary to that, if there is jungle justice, if the judicial process is bungled, it will inflame some of the people he has here on ground, because Ekpa does not operate in a vacuum, there are loyalists who follow him.

“It all depends on how his arrest is handled and if he’s properly prosecuted, if he’s held accountable for all the loss of lives and damage to properties as a result of his actions,” he said.

He maintained that the combination of Kanu’s release and Ekpa’s arrest would go a long way in restoring peace in the Southeast.

“I think a combination of both would work because if Ekpa is held accountable for all the incitement in Finland that he created, which led to loss of lives in the Southeast and Kanu is released, then peace can be restored.

“Most of the time, these people that perpetrate criminal activities in the Southeast, not all of them are real agitators, there are criminals who have capitalized on Kanu’s incarceration and absence to commit all sorts of criminal activities.

“So, if Kanu is freed we would have denied those people the excuse they used in committing crimes.

“With Kanu’s release, we will be able to separate the real agitators for self-determination from the criminal elements that have used the opportunity for their selfish interests,” he said.

Ekpa should be sentenced – Osita Okechukwu

Meanwhile, a former Director General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Osita Okechukwu, said Ekpa should be sentenced either in Finland or Nigeria for his crimes in the Southeast.

According to the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekpa’s arrest was long overdue.

He told DAILY POST: “His arrest was long overdue. About two years ago, I met the Director General of NIA and he said they were making efforts but there were no bilateral diplomatic efforts with Finland.

“I urged him to intensify their efforts because Ekpa is a criminal and a murderer, because of him a lot of people have lost their lives in the Southeast.

“He has grounded the economy of the Southeast for no just cause, so I commend the diplomatic efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and our security agencies for the long hunt for fugitive Simon Ekpa.”

“I totally disagree with Ekpa’s strategy of committing heinous crimes against Ndigbo and grounding the Southeast geopolitical zone.

“There are better strategies to halt the marginalisation of our people, which is not by killings and maiming. I call for his sentence whether in Finland or in Nigeria,” he Okechukwu declared.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has shut several establishments, including churches, hotels, bars, and other businesses, for failing to comply with the state’s environmental laws.

The operation which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, was part of ongoing efforts to address noise pollution and other environmental violations across Lagos.

This was made known in a statement shared on LASEPA’s verified X handle on Thursday.

According to LASEPA, the establishments were shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards, despite prior notices from the agency. 

The statement said, “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed several establishments across the state.

“The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

“The sealed establishments include: Daily Bakery, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Centre & SPA, FS Service Centre, Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for violations that threaten public health and community harmony.

“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility,” Ajayi stated.

“As a government agency, we are dedicated to enforcing all necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

“Noise pollution, improper siting of hazardous facilities, and other infractions significantly impact public health and quality of life. We urge businesses and individuals to prioritise compliance and adopt sustainable practices,” he added.

Dr. Ajayi also urged Lagos residents to report environmental violations through LASEPA’s official channels, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the environment.

Edo State’s Vehicle Recovery Committee has successfully reclaimed 30 vehicles previously owned by the government from officials of the former administration, as announced by the committee’s Chairman, Kelly Okungbowa.

The announcement was made public on Thursday through a statement released by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Okungbowa acknowledged the significant role played by whistleblowers in the recovery process, with several vital tips leading to the retrieval of the vehicles.

Among the vehicles recovered were four from the residence of a former senior official, and another from a separate individual.

“We have recovered two Land Cruiser Jeeps and two Toyota Hilux vehicles from a former high-ranking official of the immediate past government. One of the vehicles contained campaign posters and umbrellas.

“Another Hilux vehicle was also recovered, bringing the total number of vehicles retrieved since our operation began to 30,” Okungbowa said.

He reassured the public that the committee would continue its efforts to recover more vehicles before the two-week deadline set for the completion of the operation.

“We appeal to the public for more information to aid our operations. Whistleblowers have been instrumental to our success, and we are committed to rewarding anyone who provides helpful tips,” he added.

Okungbowa also highlighted that the committee is ready to extend its efforts across the country, tracking down state-owned vehicles wherever they may be.

In a previous operation, the committee recovered three vehicles: one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses. One of the buses contained bags of rice meant for palliative distribution to Edo residents.

The chairman reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to ensuring that all government properties are properly accounted for and returned to the state.

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was alleged to have spent ₦20 million lodging in a resort.

This was disclosed during cross-examination by the third prosecution witness, Colonel Adebisi Adesanya (rtd), on Wednesday, in a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

The cross-examination followed the testimony of the witness on Tuesday, November 26, in which he disclosed that the former minister spent the sum of ₦20 million from the fund earmarked for Mambilla Hydro Power project on payment for lodging in a resort over a period of one year.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on an alleged conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of ₦33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo).

The witness, the Chief Security Officer and owner of Sami Court Resort Limited, where Mamman allegedly paid for a one-year lodging to the tune of ₦20 million, disclosed while being led in evidence on Tuesday by prosecution counsel, A.O. Mohammed that “Sami Court Resort Limited is a service apartment where people come to lodge and stay for a long time, one month, two months, a year,” adding that “You only book in with your clothes, then any other thing is serviced by the apartment“.

He also revealed that he was invited for questioning by the EFCC on September 6, 2023 regarding inflows from accommodation and lodging into the United Bank for Africa, (UBA) account of the resort over the period spanning from 2019 to 2021 and identified Exhibit PWC as the invoice issued to Mamman by the resort after his payment of ₦20 million for lodging, covering the period between August 30, 2021 and August 30, 2022.

“This is our company’s invoice. We issued it after the payment of N20 million with respect to lodging and accommodation for Engineer Saleh Mamman,” he said.

Giving a breakdown of the lodging inflows from Mamman as contained in “Exhibit PWC,” he explained that “On September 6, 2021, the inflow was N5million, deposited by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited for the period covering 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 and the name of the lodger is Engineer Saleh Mamman.

“The second column is on January 23, 2022, being ₦5 million payment deposited by Mintedge Nigeria Limited to cover from 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022.

“The third column is March 9, 2022, and the amount is ₦2, 500, 000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), payment by Abdullahi Suleiman and it is to cover the period of 30th August 2021 to 30th August, 2022 for Engineer Saleh Mamman.

“And the last one is on May 10, 2022, and the amount is ₦7, 500,000 (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), deposited by A.I.J Global Tools Limited over the period covering 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 and the name of the lodger is Engineer Saleh Mamman,” he stated.

The witness further alleged that the payments by Mamman were just for one-bedroom rental, all made through the resort’s UBA account.

“The documents are our invoice in respect to payment for one-bedroom rental from 30th August 2019 and 30th August 2020 and the amount is ₦20 million,” he added.

Justice Omotosho afterwards adjourned the case till 13 January 2025 for a continuation of trial.

The Senate is set to pass the contentious Tax Reform Bills today, with provisions exempting Nigerians earning below ₦1 million annually from personal income tax.

Naija News gathered that after initial resistance, most senators have shifted their stance following explanations from key government officials, including the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu; FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele.

The officials clarified that the reforms aim to tax wealth, not poverty, ensuring that Nigerians earning less than ₦1 million annually are excluded. They also proposed a review of the VAT sharing formula to make it more equitable, addressing imbalances favoring certain states.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, confirmed during yesterday’s session that the debate on the bills would continue today, with the first and second readings to follow promptly.

Yesterday’s plenary was marked by heated arguments as the Tax Reform Bills, not listed on the Order Paper, were suddenly introduced.

This sparked outrage among lawmakers, particularly former Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi and Senator Ali Ndume, who argued that established procedures were not followed.

Ndume insisted the matter was too significant to be rushed, emphasizing the need to respect Senate rules.

He said: “This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the Senate because the Order Paper is clear. I have no problem having them to come to explain whatsoever but we must follow known procedures.

“That is, if today it has to be taken, then there must be a supplementary Order Paper that will reflect this. It is not a matter that you will just come and tell us after we are doing business of the day.

“Mr President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. You can use your gavel and I will use my voice. Tax Reform Bill is very sensitive, our people have been agitated over this matter, When you say it is a matter of urgent national importance, yes, but even those matters are normally referred to another legislative day if there are so inconvenient.

“Please I beg you in the name of God, this matter is very important to not only us but also Nigerians that we represent and we swore by Bible and Holy Quran that we will represent the interest of the people. Nigerians have spoken, the Governors, the National Economic Council.”

Despite objections, Deputy Senate President Barau ruled them out of order, allowing the invited economic experts to address the chamber.

Experts’ Presentation

During their presentation, the experts clarified that the reforms aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax system, simplify processes, and protect low-income earners.

Highlights of the proposals include:
– Exempting Nigerians earning less than ₦1 million annually from personal income tax.
– Removing VAT on essential goods and services.
– Establishing a 15% effective tax rate for large corporations.
– Proposing a more balanced VAT revenue-sharing model based on state consumption.

Taiwo Oyedele emphasized that the reforms are pro-poor and designed to harmonize taxes while improving efficiency. He added that the proposed tax threshold is still lower than what is obtainable in many African countries.

He said : “The committee proposes four major bills aimed at overhauling the tax system. The Nigerian Tax Bill seeks to harmonize major taxes into one legislation, simplifies tax processes, and proposes exemptions for low-income earners.

“The Tax Administration Bill aims at establishing standards for tax administration, promotes the use of technology, and aims to streamline tax collection.

“Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill proposes the establishment of a new revenue service to improve tax collection and coordination among agencies while the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill aims to enhance collaboration among tax authorities and create a Tax Ombudsman to protect small businesses.

“Key proposals of the tax reform bills are elimination of minimum tax for loss-making companies; Introduction of a 15% effective tax rate on profits for large companies; removal of VAT on essential goods and services; and increased tax thresholds for personal income tax to exempt low-income earners.”

On the contentious revenue sharing formula from VAT, Oyedele explained: “The current VAT sharing formula is deemed unfair, favouring states with major corporate headquarters. The proposal includes a more equitable distribution based on consumption within states as against current sharing formula which lopsidedly favours Lagos State, being host to headquarters of corporate organizations.”

Oyedele explained that the proposed tax reform bills aim to exempt Nigerians earning less than ₦1 million annually from paying personal income tax.

He noted, “Today, we are taxing people that earn ₦30,000 a month. That’s ₦1,000 a day. How can anybody survive earning ₦30,000 a month? Even if they live alone, they will do transport, they will buy food, they will pay rent, they will pay for electricity. They cannot survive. So we are proposing in the bill before you that anybody earning ₦800,000 naira a year, including an extra ₦200,000 for rent, about ₦1 million a year, should not pay personal income tax. By the way, this threshold is not even the highest in Africa. It’s still lower than many small African countries.”

The team informed federal lawmakers that the tax reform bills consist of four distinct pieces of legislation aimed at consolidating and streamlining all aspects of taxation and tax administration in Nigeria.

The proposed bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

They clarified that these bills encompass all major taxes levied on individuals and businesses, effectively serving as a comprehensive guide to taxation in Nigeria.

Contrary to misinformation, the team emphasized that the reforms are designed to modernize outdated tax laws, simplify Nigeria’s complex tax system, and significantly enhance efficiency.

Furthermore, the reforms are tailored to benefit low-income earners and small businesses by exempting them from income taxes, making the bills pro-poor, pro-growth, and efficiency-driven.

The senators were urged to support the reforms, which are positioned as crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.

This reform, initiated by President Bola Tinubu and guided by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, aims to simplify Nigeria’s complex tax system while addressing inequities and fostering economic development.

Workers in the Rivers State civil service have praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for fulfilling his promise to implement a new minimum wage of ₦85,000, which commenced with November salaries.

Governor Fubara had announced the increment in October, assuring workers that the adjustment would be funded through the state’s improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The move exceeds the ₦70,000 minimum wage approved nationally by President Bola Tinubu in July to address economic challenges.

Highlighting the state’s financial strides, Fubara disclosed that the Rivers State IGR has grown significantly under his administration, rising from ₦11 billion under the previous administration to ₦27 billion.

In an interview with newsmen on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Rivers State Chapter, Chukwuma Osunna, confirmed the payment of the revised salary structure.

He said: “The governor has fulfilled his promise. As at today , November 27, 2024, I can confirm that he has paid the N85,000 new minimum page to workers and the workers are happy.

“We met under the joint council, sat with the Head of Service, saw the salary chart and confirmed that the N85,000 is well calculated and implemented in the November salary of workers, so, payment started today and by tomorrow, other banks will start to pay too.”

Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a great-nephew of Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang, has been acquitted by the Supreme Court following a highly publicized case involving compromising videos that surfaced online.

The court dismissed the case against Engonga, citing a lack of evidence and confirming that all individuals featured in the videos were consenting adults.

The ruling also emphasized that medical tests cleared Engonga of transmitting any sexually transmitted diseases to those involved, further affirming his innocence.

The case attracted global attention after the videos went viral. Engonga, who previously served as the head of the National Financial Investigation Agency, described the incident as a grave violation of his privacy and announced plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for leaking the footage.

A surprising twist emerged during the trial as several married men, whose wives were featured in the videos, expressed gratitude to Engonga.

They claimed the exposure of the videos revealed hidden aspects of their marital lives, prompting some to pursue divorce.

The case has reignited discussions on consent, privacy, and digital accountability in the modern era. Experts and activists have called for stricter regulations to prevent the unauthorized dissemination of intimate content online.

Despite his acquittal in the video scandal, Engonga faces separate allegations of embezzlement. He was arrested on October 25 for allegedly siphoning substantial state funds into offshore accounts.

While detained at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach prison—known for reports of severe mistreatment—authorities seized his phones and computers, leading to the leak of the videos.

Engonga has yet to publicly address the embezzlement accusations, leaving questions about his future in public service.

The Presidency has justified President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint a sizable media team, describing it as a calculated move to improve communication with Nigerians.

During an interview on TVC’s Beyond 100 Days on Wednesday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, emphasized the importance of an extensive media team in fostering transparency and engagement with the public.

Dare said, “The President is the Commander-in-Chief. He builds his team.

“By law, he can appoint between 25 and 40 special advisers, as approved by the National Assembly. If you look at it, he is not even halfway through that.”

Recalled that President Tinubu, on Monday, November 18, reshuffled his media and communications team, appointing Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare, and Daniel Bwala as spokespersons.

That night, a statement clarified the structure: “These appointments underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. Instead, all three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government, ensuring effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”

With these appointments, the President’s media team now consists of 12 officials.

Dare stressed that the focus should not be on the number of aides but on their effectiveness in conveying government policies to Nigerians.

He compared the arrangement to the United States, citing its extensive media apparatus as a model.

Dare said, “Look at the American presidency—the largest democracy in the world. They have several layers of people speaking for the government at various levels, all singing from the same hymn sheet.

“What’s important is that we’ve seen a need to deepen communication and ensure Nigerians consistently understand the government’s policies and initiatives.”

Addressing concerns about the cost of governance, Dare highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to cut expenses in critical areas such as security and ministerial operations.

He said, “The number of security aides assigned to ministers and the fleet of vehicles they manage has been reduced.

“But beyond that, we are focusing on macroeconomic spending. Our debt service to revenue ratio has dropped from around 90% to 68%, and we’re steadily repaying 16 inherited loans. Nigeria is inching towards a $1 trillion economy.”

Dare urged Nigerians to focus on these “big numbers,” which he argued are critical indicators of the government’s progress.

He added, “We need to look at the bigger picture. Once you can bring down the big numbers, you free up resources for the country. I think we should give this President the benefit of the doubt. He has brought in core professionals to handle this job, and their work will speak for itself.”

He concluded by calling for patience and trust in Tinubu’s approach, assuring Nigerians that the expanded media team is a necessary step to foster transparency and build public trust in the government’s efforts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to submit the list of ambassadors-designate to the Nigeria Senate for screening and confirmation.

The nominees will represent Nigeria as ambassadors and high commissioners in various countries and multilateral organizations. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the list would be sent to the Senate in early December.

This comes 14 months after 83 ambassadors were recalled in September 2023. Nigeria currently has 109 missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally.

Recall that on November 21, 2024, the Federal Government had started deploying consular officers to diplomatic missions worldwide, ahead of the anticipated ambassadorial list.

President Tinubu is presently on a state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. Following this, he is scheduled to visit South Africa, marking his second trip to the country since attending President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration in June.

Upon assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu initiated a review of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which led to the recall of 83 ambassadors—both career and non-career. These envoys were directed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023. However, the roles have remained vacant, creating a significant diplomatic void.

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates that ambassadorial appointments must be made by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

On March 25, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed that the ministry had forwarded a list of potential career diplomats to the President for consideration.

“We have collated everything on our part and forwarded it to Mr. President,” Tuggar said. Although it is unclear whether the nominees are primarily career or political diplomats, indications suggest a preference for the former.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the nomination process requires thorough vetting.

“The ambassadorial list has two components: career and political ambassadors. The foreign affairs list and the consolidated list will still go through certain processes before it is released,” he explained.

A government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the appointment timeline: “Ambassadorial appointments require approval from the National Assembly. So, the list will be submitted to the Senate President, who will then announce it. But it has not been submitted yet. Once submitted, the Senate will publish it the following day.”

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries. However, these roles do not carry the full diplomatic authority needed for high-level engagements.

Budget constraints have also contributed to the delay in appointing new ambassadors. In May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attributed the delay to funding issues, while a former ministry spokesperson indicated that appointments would hinge on budget allocations.

A senior Foreign Service official indicated that while nominees may be named in early December, their deployment could take several months.

“It’s long overdue. The Senate will screen those appointed, and once approved, the host country conducts background checks before accepting them,” the official explained to The PUNCH.

Reports suggest that a senior official in the President’s media team is among those slated for an ambassadorial role.

Other names being considered include a founder of a tier-one bank, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and the Speaker of a House of Assembly in the North.

The delay in appointing ambassadors has sparked concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness.

“Many decisions are on hold because our missions and embassies are still expecting new diplomats. Major meetings are happening around the world without us because we have no representation at such levels,” an official stated.