Category: Daily Trust

Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions over recovery of the country’s economy, raising concerns about how it has fared over the last 65 years.

They shared their views in separate interviews with Daily Trust, calling on the federal government to take decisive actions to reflate the economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently declared that the economy has rebounded, saying the local currency and foreign reserves continue to improve.

Adu Abiodun expressed concerns over the borrowing spree by successive administrations, saying it has plunged the country into a huge debt profile without sustaining the economy.

‘Nigeria is like an old man at 65, who has obviously advanced in age but is still struggling to figure out life. There’s a syndrome bedeviling the nation, and from diagnosis, it’s a case of two steps forward and ten steps backward.

‘For instance, former President Obasanjo was able to secure debt clearance for Nigeria, marking a remarkable era and setting the trajectory for economic growth. However, subsequent presidents have incurred debts that even our great-grandchildren might inherit,’ he said.

He urged leaders at the helm of affairs to focus on governance and bury partisan politics, describing misplaced priorities as the bane of the country.

‘In my opinion, the bane of this country is that we put politics ahead of governance. Hence, the ‘anyhowness’ we witness among government officials and those tasked with the delicate responsibility of piloting the affairs of this country.

‘At 65, I desire and hope that our leaders will relegate stupendous partisan politics, put the people first, roll up their sleeves, and do the real work for which they were elected-or selected, as the case may be,’ he said.

Paul Oyewusi, however, expressed optimism, commending the policies initiated by President Bola Tinubu and describing them as a pathway to economic recovery.

‘I would like to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiatives he is putting in place and the amazing professionals working with him. Nigeria is not where we want it to be, but I believe we are heading in the right direction with the right policies, initiatives, and encouragement. I believe we will get there someday,’ he said.

He urged the federal government to build a culture of resilience and a ‘we-can-do’ spirit, describing them as the bedrock of nation-building.

‘We cannot always compare ourselves with the United States or Britain-our colonial masters-who have been around for hundreds of years. They didn’t get there in a day. One thing I see in them is a culture nurtured over the years that has improved their societies. I think it is high time Nigeria also started nurturing a particular set of values.

‘We need to nurture the culture of resilience and the spirit of ‘what we can do.’ There are things unique to us as a nation. If we stay true to them, teach the next generation, and give due spotlight to those doing well, I believe things will keep getting better for us as a nation.

‘We are not there yet. In fact, we are far from it, but we are heading in the right direction. As a country, it is a good thing that we are growing. I would say Nigeria is actually making progress under the current administration. Many things are not yet the way we want, but judging from the previous administration up until now, I think we are moving in a promising direction,’ he said.

Charles Apoki stressed that the oil greasing the country’s wheel of progress has not stopped in the last 65 years, noting that Nigeria is still faring better than some countries on the continent.

‘Nigeria has made tremendous progress. In several aspects, we are not where we used to be, though we are not yet where we ought to be. What seems to frustrate Nigerians is that we are too intelligent for our leaders.

‘Our leaders are several miles behind us, while the public is more intelligent and more ambitious. That is why we see the criticism and frustration around us. Even if you look at Nigerian roads, compare them with those in Madagascar or Niger-we are far ahead.

‘But there is hope with technology, AI, and social media revolution,’ he said.

Economy facing significant challenges – NES

Speaking with our correspondent, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju said while a lot of gains have been made in the last 65 years, the economy is still bedeviled with a lot of challenges.

He said the country’s economy is not as diversified as expected, especially in the area of exports.

‘Economy still driven by primary production, no productivity, no value added, manufacturing is still very weak. It is less than 10 per cent. In terms of the social sector, education, health, gender related issues. We are not doing very well,’ he said.

However he stated that the macroeconomic outlook is becoming a bit brighter. ‘Inflation is decelerating; we have an exchange rate now appreciating and it is stable. Output in the petroleum sector is inching towards 2m barrels per day. We have the Dangote Refinery producing and exporting petroleum products except for the strike now we have stability in the petroleum market,’ he added.

Opportunity to reset economy

On his part, Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) stated that Nigeria’s economic history at 65 is one of resilience, missed opportunities, and enormous untapped potential.

‘The current reform agenda presents a rare opportunity to reset the economy on a path of stability, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. Seizing this moment will require consistent policies, institutional strengthening, and a deliberate effort to ensure that economic growth translates into improved living standards for citizens,’ he stated.

He listed strategic priorities for the next decade to include deepening economic diversification by scaling up value addition in agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals; strengthening governance and institutions by ‘enhancing transparency, reducing the cost of governance, and improving fiscal responsibility and management and investing in human capital.

He stated that Nigeria must accelerate infrastructure development saying Power, transport, and broadband must be prioritized through PPPs and innovative finance.

He said, ‘In the last two years, the government has implemented bold reforms, including exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, and tax policy adjustments. These measures have imposed short-term pain – high inflation and reduced household purchasing power – but early signs of macroeconomic stabilization are emerging.

‘To sustain reform momentum, these measures must be complemented by targeted social protection programs – cash transfers, food security interventions, and job-creation initiatives – to shield vulnerable households and maintain public support.’

Yusuf further stated persistent macroeconomic instability continues to weigh on growth, saying, ‘The naira’s dramatic depreciation – from being stronger than the U.S. dollar in the 1970s to N1,600/$ in 2024 – has eroded purchasing power, raised production costs, and discouraged investment. Rising public debt and unsustainable debt-service-to-revenue ratios have constrained the fiscal space, limiting governments’ capacity to fund critical infrastructures.

‘Policy priorities must focus on restoring currency stability through credible monetary policy, expanding foreign exchange supply by growing non-oil exports, improving public spending efficiency, plugging fiscal leakages, and raising non-oil revenue without stifling private enterprise. The good news is that the economy is beginning to experience a remarkable degree of stability over the last one year.’

He added that despite challenges, Nigeria has achieved notable successes, adding, ‘The ICT and telecommunications sector has grown from fewer than 20,000 telephone lines in 1960 to over 165 million active lines today, transforming commerce, banking, and governance. Financial services have deepened, fintech has flourished, and capital markets have expanded. Nollywood and Afrobeats have turned Nigeria into a global cultural powerhouse.’

Too much money with little accountability- CEPTI

Providing his assessment, the Executive Director, Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Dr. Umar Yakubu noted that since the inception of the current administration, there have been reforms especially the fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate unification so that Nigeria will have a more determined value for the Naira.

He however lamented that since then, there hasn’t been accountability on how these monies are spent.

‘The removal of fuel subsidy has led to a high increase in revenue for the government as revenue for states and local governments have doubled but the issue we have is that there is a lack of transparency and no accountability mechanisms.

‘This is why anti-corruption agencies seem to be battling more with corruption cases because there is so much money but a low accountability mechanism,’ he said.

Speaking further, he noted that ‘Because there is so much money, we now have misplaced priorities as governments is now spending money on bridges, roads, and investments that are so capital intensive but don’t show the impact on people and the federal and state governments are just reckless in their spending,’ he further lamented

He advised that going forward there should be set mechanisms to checkmate how public funds are spent.

The Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, says the audit initiatives being undertaken by his Office, the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Nigeria, to enhance public finance system is achieving the desired results in terms of improving transparency and accountability, while urging MDAs to improve on weak internal audit mechanisms

The Auditor-General, who made this remark on Tuesday during an interactive session at the sidelines of a public event to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, maintained that through innovative approach, modern technological deployment, human capital capacity building and commitment to best global standards in auditing, the Office had over the past few years aligned the nation’s public finance system audit processes with global best practice.

Specifically, he listed some of the major public audit transformational initiatives embarked on by his Office and the results achieved as including the improved Implementation Rate of Audit Recommendations; Improvements in Financial Management Practices; Strengthened Legislative Oversight; Public and Stakeholder Engagement; Enhanced Transparency in High-Risk Sectors; and improved Feedback and Independent Assessments.

The Auditor-General said: ‘In essence, the impact of our audit reports is evident not only in improved financial compliance but also in the broader culture of accountability, transparency, and fiscal prudence they are helping to entrench in Nigeria’s public sector.’

According to him, the Office has been able to achieve these results through collaboration with other relevant government, the National Assembly and international organizations.

Chira explained that with the EFCC and ICPC, his Office had strengthened the accountability chain by sharing audit intelligence that has facilitated investigations, prosecutions, and recovery of misappropriated funds by many agencies.

He added that the engagement with the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees has improved the timeliness and depth of legislative oversight, while the partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has helped the Office in advancing due process in public procurement audits, reducing loopholes for financial misconduct.

On collaboration with international organisations, he disclosed that the partnership with AFROSAI-E and INTOSAI, had benefitted the OAuGF in terms of peer reviews, technical assistance and adoption of international best practices, which have strengthened the quality and credibility of our audits.

The Auditor-General further clarified that the Office’s cooperation with development partners such as the World Bank, and donor agencies had provided capacity-building support, enabling it to integrate advanced audit methodologies such as performance and IT audits as well as driven reforms in public sector financial management, improved compliance with IPSAS, and enhanced Nigeria’s global standing in accountability and transparency indices.

However, Chira lamented that despite the improved performance of his Office, the most significant challenges being faced by the Office in ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards were still being faced in the MDAs.

He grouped these into four broad categories, namely Capacity and Awareness Gaps, the use of Outdated and Fragmented Financial Systems, Weak Internal Control and Oversight Structures, Limited Enforcement of Sanctions, and Resistance to Change and Institutional Bottlenecks.

The Auditor-General maintained that despite these challenges, his ‘Office continues to close the gaps by intensifying capacity-building, leveraging digital audit tools, working closely with the National Assembly to enforce sanctions, and engaging MDAs through proactive audits and compliance reviews.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off the construction of a 7-kilometer road project from the Bill Clinton Drive of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community in Abuja.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister emphasized that the project, which will bypass the Airport’s second runway, is a direct fulfillment of a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the nine affected communities within the airport precinct that gave up their land for the construction of the second runway. The Minister said, ‘One of the things that the communities asked for is that they had to be connected and linked up with roads; it would be quite unfair that their land was collected for a second runway, yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense. I had to take this matter to the President, and Mr. President said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them’.’

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not disintegrate under his watch.

This is just as he asked Nigerians to stop talking about the country in the negative tone.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday while unveiling the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m for the reopening ceremony of the monument.

The President had in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.

The renovation of the Centre was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided policy direction and oversight, guiding the transformation of the facility into a national asset and a launchpad for Nigeria’s creative industries.

At the unveiling on Wednesday, Tinubu was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, H.E. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the host of the occasion, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu reiterated his position that the worst is over the economic crisis and urged Nigerians to believe in themselves and give others hope they need.

‘From now on like I said yesterday, the worst is over, the economy has recovered. I’m confident that prosperity will come. Believe in yourself and give everybody the hope they need. Lift the spirit of our people.

‘This is the giant of Africa, it won’t fall on you, it wont disintegrate in my hand,’ he said.

He also urged Nigerians to stop talking about the country in the negative tone.

‘Tonight, let me say something that is very important to me, to you, government and Nigerians in diaspora, which is – stop talking about Nigeria in the negative tone. This is a country of very proud people. It is about ourselves, believing in something we inherited from our parents and great forebearers. A nation of great people, confident and dedicated.

‘Let’s build it together, this country will succeed and it is with you, myself and many other people who may not be here.

‘Please, lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria, put Nigeria first. That’s all I need to emphasize tonight. It has been a wonderful evening, I have enjoyed myself.’

Tinubu described Soyinka as one of the greatest assets of the world, saying he has contributed to nation building, courage and freedom.

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu said.

In his welcome remarks, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation, but a rebirth.

He said the centre’s iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library,

rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised

infrastructure.

According to him, the surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition

areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line

rail, placing culture at the heart of city life.

He said ‘This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our

heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a

beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history. Many here

will recall both its golden years of cultural vibrancy and the long period of

neglect that followed. Even in silence, however, the Theatre remained the

soul of our cultural identity, awaiting revival. Today, that day has come.

‘The performances we have witnessed today by ensembles from across

Nigeria bring this Centre to life and remind us that its true power lies not only

in its architecture but in the voices, movements, and stories it will host.

‘Allow me to emphasize that none of this would have been possible without

extraordinary partnerships. The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’

Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and

the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this

national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing

approximately ?68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a

deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future. This project stands as proof

that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national

purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.’

Responding, Soyinka said ‘In all seriousness, I want to thank you for this honour. Those of you who’ve been involved in it, including your president, who’s a great conspirator, who knows how to lay ambush here and there. It’s okay. This netted yet another victim, and I want to thank you. And for all those who’ll be using this hall, let me remind you that I really represent the preoccupation, the commitment, the commitment of others. My hope is that with the recreation of this building, this institution, we won’t be going all the way to Abu Dhabi to watch African theatre.’

The PULA Foundation, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) and Bayer Foundation, has launched a groundbreaking agricultural insurance initiative to enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The partnership aims to provide climate-resilient agricultural risk mitigation methodologies to approximately 248,000 smallholder farmers across eight states – Ekiti, Plateau, Kaduna, Enugu, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, and Taraba.

This innovative initiative is part of the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM) program, which was co-created by PFSCU, PULA, and Bayer Foundations.

The program’s primary objective is to ensure that Nigerian farmers engage in climate-resilient agriculture risk mitigation methodologies, thereby improving crop yields and reducing losses due to climate-related risks. The partnership has received strong support from state governments, with eight states already onboarded as part of a pilot program.

State governors have demonstrated their commitment to indemnifying their farmers with promptly paid premiums, which will be matched by a commitment from PULA and Bayer Foundations for four seasons.

Leadway Insurance will act as the preferred insurance agency to harmonise and assure the program’s insurance cover for each farmer.

According to Marion Moon, Executive Secretary of PFSCU, ‘By engaging directly with those who implement policies and systems, we gain valuable insights into the specific challenges they face. Understanding these pain points is crucial for developing effective solutions.’

Rose Goslinga, Executive Director of PULA Foundation, noted that ‘across sub-Saharan Africa, small farmers are the bedrock of national and regional economies-unless the weather proves unpredictable and their crops fail. The solution is insurance, at a vast, continental scale, and at a very low, affordable cost.

‘This visionary approach underscores PULA’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and state governors in their quest for food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and climate resilience.’

Dr Michael Enahoro, PULA Nigeria Country Director, emphasised that ‘enshrining the responsibility of risk mitigation with the individual farmer allows for productivity improvements, ensures that the agronomic efforts of the farmer are not wasted, and ultimately benefits both government and consumers.’

The partnership is expected to upscale and cover more value chains, integrate more farmers, and support Nigeria’s quest to eradicate climate change-related disasters and drive sustainable food systems. PULA Foundation and its partners are currently focused on ensuring the expansion of the NAPM into the second phase, which is the 2025 Dry Season, and encouraging all state governments to partner with the PFSCU to ensure all Nigerian farmers participate in the 2025 Dry Season farming exercise wherever possible.

The initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and promoting sustainable food systems. With the support of state governments, PULA Foundation, and its partners, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian farmers.

Society thrives best where people love and help one another. Where the Where members of the community makes sacrifices by sharing and caring for one another. It is indeed difficult to have such a model society but in many societies we have such people who drive satisfaction in not only sharing with their neighbours but reaching out to the larger community to make an impact, assist and put a smile on the faces of those who are less privileged. These are the people Daily Trust go out to search for every year and present them to the nation so that we appreciate their sacrifices and learn from their efforts.

We are presenting these heroes, who we got through your nominations:

Octogenarian Musa Ibrahim Sagagi dedicated his time, energy and resources to ensuring no one in his community is denied education just because he cannot afford it. Through his College of Islamic Studies many went through primary and secondary education and some graduating from universities. At the other end is Idris Lau, who at 17 embarked on a mission of building strong people and ensuring sustainable development in communities. Through his Concerned Youth for Accountability and Development Initiative he provided water, education and health facilities to various communities in Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa states. Favour Abatang’s passion is to ensure that girls in her Cross River communities and beyond are free from all those harmful traditions that inhibit their growth. Her Voice Foundation works to discourage early marriage, money marriage and all forms of gender violence. Her near fatal experience during pregnancy also motivated Rukaiya Kushu to set up Abubakar Kushu Foundation to provide succour to pregnant women in dire situations. For Maryam Bello the task is how to bring medical care close to rural communities. She leveraged on technology to set up Parker Mobile Clinic to bring healthcare to hard-to-reach communities using technology.

For over a decade, Nigeria has waged a costly war against insurgency, stretching its military might across the Northeast and beyond. In that time, the country has scoured the globe for weapons. When the West hesitated, we turned East. Yet, despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent on Chinese drones, Russian helicopters, and Eastern European tanks, the insurgency persists, more adaptive and dangerous than ever. Why?

The allure of Eastern arms is understandable as they are cheaper, faster, and come with no strings attached. No lectures on human rights, no delays over congressional hearings. But that convenience has come at a steep price. Many of the weapons procured from China and Russia have proven ill-suited for Nigeria’s operational terrain or suffer from reliability issues. Reports abound of drones failing mid-flight, armoured vehicles breaking down, and helicopters lying idle for lack of spare parts. Worse still, the absence of after-sales support means Nigeria is left stranded, unable to maintain or even properly operate its arsenal.

This dependence on the East has also deepened our logistical chaos. Our military now runs a patchwork quilt of incompatible systems – Russian Mi-35 helicopters, Chinese Wing Loong II drones, Pakistani jets – all requiring different training, maintenance, and ammunition. In the name of expedience, we have sacrificed coherence.

It is time to ask: have Eastern procurements truly strengthened Nigeria’s security, or simply filled gaps created by a dysfunctional procurement process?

Nigeria must pivot. The future lies in strategic self-reliance. By reviving indigenous defence production, investing in maintenance capacity, and forging partnerships that offer technology transfer, not just transactions. Buying from the East may have plugged immediate holes, but it has not equipped us for lasting peace.

We need more than weapons. We need a defence strategy that truly defends.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, has called for the adoption of a central Friday sermon across major mosques in the country.

This, he noted, will provide Muslims with a unified message and common direction on issues affecting the society.

He made the call at the 2nd Annual Imam’s Conference organised by Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State.

The event with the theme, ‘The Mosque, the Imam and Da’wah’, attracted scholars, imams, traditional rulers and worshippers across the country.

Shafii, who delivered the first lecture on ‘The Role of the Mosque in Building the Ideal Muslim,’ said the mosque is not limited to being a place of prayer.

According to him, Masjid is historically a centre for decision-making, social welfare, refuge and including treatment of the sick.

He noted that the three aspects of the theme had been largely neglected in contemporary Muslim communities, with negative consequences for the Ummah.

He described the Imam as the principal of the mosque whose role goes beyond delivering stories.

‘Rather, it requires deep grounding in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh and global issues’, Shafii who is the Grand Mufti of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), said.

He emphasised that no single individual could master all branches of Islamic jurisprudence and advised Imams and scholars to specialise in particular fields while working together for the benefit of the community.

The mosque, he noted, must be repositioned to serve the Ummah fully, including the creation of committees to address the needs of children, women, the aged, marriage, naming ceremonies and conflict resolution.

He stressed that when properly utilised, mosques could once again produce pious leaders and scholars as they did in the early history of Islam.

Shafii further recommended that the conference should be extended to two or three days in order to deepen its impact, with a communiqué issued and adopted by mosques across the state for implementation.

In his paper on ‘Da’wah without Bitterness: Etiquette of Disagreement in Islam,’ Dr. Sirajudeen Bila Al-Asra urged scholars and preachers to adopt humility, patience and wisdom in propagating Islam and resolving disputes.

He cautioned against arrogance in preaching and reminded participants that Islam abhors bitterness in da’wah, adding that the strength of the message lies in its truth and delivery, not in hostility.

Founder and sponsor of the conference, Alhaja Rahmat Mojisola Salih, a Lagos-based businesswoman, said her motivation for the annual event was inspired by her grandmother who instilled in her the habit of dedicating part of her earnings to the service of the mosque.

She recalled her early days hawking bread and other items in the town as a primary school pupil and narrated how her grandmother taught her to buy brooms and soap for cleaning the mosque.

She explained that the annual Imam Conference was her way of sustaining that tradition of service and philanthropy, urging others to emulate the gesture to promote a safer and more dedicated society.

The Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Shaykh Aliyu Taofeeq Atoloye, who chaired the occasion, said the programme has continued to have great impact on Islamic scholars and imams who used the gathering to exchange ideas and strengthen their knowledge.

He said this year’s theme opened a deeper understanding of the role of the mosque beyond worship, stressing that the institution must remain central to the moral and spiritual life of the Ummah.

In his goodwill message, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Muhammed Yahya Atoloye, described the programme as a blessed exercise and recommended its extension to three days because of the immense benefits embedded in it.

He called for the sustainability of the initiative and urged that more people should key into it to strengthen the religious and social life of the community.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his goodwill message, described the event as highly educative.

He appreciated the organisers for championing a noble cause aimed at equipping Imams and scholars with deeper religious knowledge for the advancement of Islam.

With the 2027 general elections inching closer, Nigeria’s political landscape has become a revolving door of defections, alliances, and strategic wooing. Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition have been relentless in their bid to secure influential figures who could tilt the balance of power.

One name that has suddenly become a prized catch is the 52-year-old Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

Last week, the ADC held a caucus meeting in Abuja, drawing heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, and members of the party’s National Working Committee. Among those sighted at the gathering was Pantami, whose presence did not go unnoticed.

Daily Trust gathered that just days before the meeting, Atiku had visited Pantami at his Abuja residence to persuade him to join the coalition. The visit, according to Pantami, ‘centred on meaningful discussions about the economy, education, unity, and governance, among other essential topics.’

Three days before Atiku’s visit, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and a 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, had also stopped by Pantami’s Abuja residence. The former minister later revealed that their discussions covered ‘a range of issues, including agriculture, economy, education, artificial intelligence, global statistics, and unity in diversity, among others.’ But the visit quickly stirred controversy online, as netizens resurfaced Obi’s supporters’ past criticisms of Pantami, including comments in which some leaders of the Obidient Movement had once dismissed him as a ‘terrorist sympathiser’. Soon after the caucus, APC’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, also paid a visit to the former minister, pressing him to stay within the ruling fold.

In his post on X announcing the visit of Nentawe, Pantami wrote, ‘Last night, I received a friendly visit from His Excellency, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Professor Nentawe and I spent some years together at university while he was pursuing his master’s degree.

‘We reminisced and laughed about our university days. We also discussed education, economy, governance, and the upcoming mother’s burial, among many other topics. We are appreciative of the National Chairman’s visit.’

Earlier this year, former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, who has been alongside Atiku at the forefront of the coalition formation, had also made the trip. For many observers, Pantami’s home has become ‘the new Mecca’ of Nigerian politics, a pilgrimage site for those eyeing 2027.

These visits are loaded with symbolism. Atiku, still believed to be nursing presidential ambitions, sees Pantami as a gateway to consolidating Northern support. On the other hand, Nentawe is desperate to maintain order within the APC as opposition coalitions gain momentum. With Pantami yet to officially resign from the APC, the party believes his return and commitment to the party’s 2027 goals is still possible-especially if it dangles the prospect of a governorship ticket before him.

Pantami’s appeal is clear. Beyond his political manoeuvres, he is a respected Islamic cleric with a vast following. His endorsement is a political currency neither President Bola Tinubu nor Atiku, or whoever eventually emerges as the coalition’s presidential candidate, can afford to ignore.

Who is Isa Pantami?

Before Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 election victory, Pantami was known mainly as an academic and fiery Islamic scholar. His foray into government began in September 2016 when Buhari appointed him as Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). From there, his profile rose further, culminating in his appointment as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy between 2019 and 2023.

Pantami’s growing importance is also tied to the collapse of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari’s old political base. With Buhari gone, CPC loyalists have scattered without a clear leader. Some, led by former Nasarawa governor Tanko Al-Makura, have pledged loyalty to Tinubu, while others, under Alhaji Umar Shuaibu, have aligned with Atiku and the ADC coalition.

The split has created a leadership vacuum, and Pantami’s growing influence positions him as a potential rallying figure for the CPC bloc.

Pantami with Obi

The 2027 Gombe battlefront

With Governor Inuwa Yahaya completing his second term in 2027, Gombe politics is already in motion even before the campaign ban is lifted. Known aspirants within the APC include Transportation Minister Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, House of Representatives Chief Whip Usman Bello Kumo, and State Accountant General Aminu Umar Yuguda.

But the wildcard is Pantami. Though yet to openly declare, many believe he is seriously weighing a run for governor. His credibility rests on multiple fronts: his track record as NITDA DG and minister, his philanthropic projects through the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation-building schools, drilling boreholes, distributing food, and sponsoring students-and his deep ties with grassroots communities across faith lines.

These initiatives have earned him a reputation as a leader with the people’s pulse. Analysts say if he enters the race, Pantami could enjoy an advantage over career politicians, buoyed by youth support and religious networks.

At the national political space, Pantami’s political posture remains deliberately ambiguous. Officially still an APC member, his visible closeness to the ADC has fuelled speculation. For Tinubu’s camp, Pantami is suspected of quietly supporting Atiku in 2023 and must be treated with caution ahead of 2027. For others, this ambiguity is no weakness but a hedge, a way to remain relevant whether APC holds or fractures before 2027.

Commentator Kabir Akintayo summed it up: ‘Politically, his loyalties have appeared fluid. But this ambiguity is Pantami’s strength. In Nigeria’s volatile terrain, those who can speak across divides often emerge as kingmakers-or even surprise contenders. Some analysts even liken his rising stature to that of Buhari in the early 2000s: a northern leader whose religious and cultural influence underpinned his political relevance.’

As 2027 draws nearer, the question lingers: will Pantami remain the ‘bride’ courted by all, or will he finally choose a suitor and, with it, his political destiny?

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate says it has commenced the implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.

In a statement signed by Management on Tuesday, PTAD said the increased package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.

It would be recalled that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.

The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.

The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.

PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.

The statement read, ‘Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.

‘This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.

‘This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.

It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their ‘timely interventions’ and support.

The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.

‘We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,’ the statement added.

The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.

Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.