Category: Nigerian Tribune

WHEN Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe appeared before the Nigerian Senate for his confirmation screening on 6 May 2026, he offered a message that stood out for its clarity and restraint: he would not make promises he could not keep. In a sector burdened by years of under performance, weak coordination, liquidity challenges, and declining public confidence, the statement reflected a deliberate shift toward realism, accountability, and disciplined execution. Thirty days after his confirmation as Honourable Minister of Power, the early signals suggest that a new approach is already shaping the sector’s direction. Nigeria’s power sector remains constrained by familiar structural issues; gas supply shortfalls, transmission inefficiency, metering gaps, legacy debts, and governance weaknesses across the electricity value chain. Despite installed generation capacity exceeding 13,000MW, actual supply has consistently fallen far below national demand. Yet within one month of his confirmation, the Minister has moved quickly to stabilise coordination across the sector, engage development partners, and accelerate operational interventions capable of restoring confidence.

A defining feature of Tegbe’s leadership has been its emphasis on institutional alignment. Key agencies across the sector, including the Ministry of Power, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), FGN Power Holding Company amongst others have been brought into closer operational engagement. The objective has been clear: to replace fragmentation with coordinated execution. Tegbe is also making moves to address the sector’s liquidity issues that continue to constrain generation output. Early engagements with the World Bank and the African Development Bank have focused on unlocking financing support capable of improving market stability, sustaining generation, and supporting broader sector reforms. These discussions reflect growing international confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda anchored on transparency, discipline, and measurable outcomes. Importantly, the focus has not been limited to strategy alone. Early operational improvements have already begun to emerge across generation and transmission infrastructure. The revival of the Alaoji Power Plant in Abia State after years of inactivity represents one of the most significant early developments. Through the efforts of NDPHC, generating units at the facility have been restored, returning substantial capacity to the national grid and demonstrating that dormant assets can be recovered through focused leadership and institutional coordination. On the transmission side, new infrastructure have also been energised at critical substations, including Katampe in Abuja, as well as facilities in Ayede and Abeokuta under the Presidential Power Initiative. These upgrades are expected to improve network stability, increase transmission capacity, and strengthen redundancy within key corridors of the national grid.

The sector’s response culture has improved, reinforcing the administration’s stance on urgency, service delivery, and consumer-focused operations. Consumer protection has also received renewed attention. NERC’s directive requiring compensation for eligible Band A customers affected by service shortfalls reflects a regulatory environment increasingly focused on accountability and service-based performance. The message is clear: premium tariffs must correspond with measurable service obligations. While thirty days is too short a period for sweeping conclusions, the direction is becoming evident. The current leadership has combined urgency with structure, stakeholder engagement with operational focus, and policy coordination with visible execution. The underlying structural challenges in the sector remain substantial, but the early momentum suggests a government determined to confront them with discipline rather than rhetoric.

For a sector long defined by deferred reforms and inconsistent implementation, Tegbe’s early days have not been about grand declarations. It has been about restoring coordination, rebuilding confidence, and demonstrating that progress is possible when institutions move with clarity and purpose.

Things are really bad now with big church denominations cancelling vigils and schools shutting down. We all are afraid. Our palace is under threat. Lives are involved. Communities are vulnerable. Even well-thought-out strategies won’t be without casualties Yet history has repeatedly demonstrated that societies survive when lawful authority prevails over armed coercion.

Many moons and seasons ago, Akojo was a prosperous kingdom that sat between rolling hills and fertile valleys. Its rivers never ran dry. The ancestors and the deities endowed the kingdom with uncommon fertile lands and full barns. Its markets overflowed with yams, peppers, livestock and cloth. Travellers from distant lands spoke admiringly of its peace and abundance.

The people loved their king and celebrated each of the deities generously, especially Orisa-Oko and Obatala.

Alakojo of Akojo, Oba Alowolodu-bi-iyere, was not the strongest warrior in the land, but he was wise, patient and compassionate. Under his rule, children played without fear, women went to the river annd returned safely. Hunters were not brought back home accompanied with a dirge. Farmers went to the farm whenever they wanted. The people slept with both eyes closed.

Until Kako Olojukan arrived like a demon sent from the coven of demons.

Nobody knew exactly where he came from. Some said he emerged from the forests beyond the mountains. Others swore he had crossed deserts and conquered smaller settlements before arriving at the kingdom’s borders.

What everybody agreed on was that he came with fire.

His men raided villages, burned farms and slaughtered anyone who resisted. They struck suddenly and disappeared before the kingdom’s Balogun and his men could organise a response.

Fear spread faster than wildfire.

The king summoned his chiefs.

‘What does this man want?’ he asked.

A messenger soon returned with the answer.

The warlord demanded one hundred slaves.

The chiefs argued.

Some insisted the kingdom should fight.

Others warned that war would destroy villages and kill innocent people.

The king chose peace. The slaves were handed over. For a while, the attacks stopped. The people sighed with relief.

Then Kako returned.

This time he wanted fifty virgins.

What for?

The kingdom groaned in disbelief.

Surely, this was too much.

Again, the council met. Again, voices rose in anger.

Again, the king feared bloodshed. The virgins were surrendered. The attacks ceased briefly.

But the one-eyed terrorist was not done. This time, he wanted strong young men. The future builders of the kingdom.

The farmers.

The hunters.

The blacksmiths.

The wrestlers.

The king hesitated but eventually yielded. The young men were taken away. Months passed. It looked like Kako Olojukan had had his fill. For where?

The warlord returned, again. This time, he wanted fertile farmlands. The king surrendered some distant lands. The attacks paused. Then the warlord demanded more territory. Then more livestock. Then more taxes. Then the fair and shapely wives of village leaders. Then wives of chiefs.

Every concession bought temporary silence. Every surrender was celebrated as a victory for peace. Every compromise was described as necessary.

But the warlord kept coming back. The appetite of a predator does not diminish because it has eaten. It grows. A monster does not become a saint because it has been appeased. And so it was with Akojo and Kako.

One morning, the kingdom awoke to the most outrageous demand yet.

The warlord wanted the king’s palace. Kako’s remaining one eye was set on Oba Alowolodu’s palace. The one-eyed one was tired of his own abode. He did not just want only the palace, he also wanted the royal farmlands that sustained the throne itself.

The king was stunned.

The chiefs were speechless.

The people were furious.

One elderly chief rose to speak.

‘My king,’ he said quietly, ‘the day we surrendered the first slave, we thought we were buying peace. What we were actually buying was time for the warlord to become stronger. We taught him that threats work. We trained him to demand more.’

The council chamber fell silent.

The old chief continued.

‘A man who receives your goat today will return tomorrow for your cow. The man who takes your cow will soon demand your house. And the man who takes your house will eventually ask for your throne.’ The kingdom had finally arrived at the destination of endless appeasement.

Today, that old tale feels painfully familiar.

Nigeria has spent years battling terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and violent extremists. Our soldiers have fought bravely. Thousands have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Communities have been destroyed. Entire villages have been displaced.

Yet alongside military operations, another dangerous culture has quietly flourished.

The culture of appeasement.

A nation under siege often faces difficult choices. Governments must protect lives. Communities sometimes negotiate under extreme pressure. Families of kidnap victims will do almost anything to bring loved ones home.

That is understandable.

But there comes a point when repeated concessions begin to strengthen the very forces threatening society.

For years, Nigeria’s one-eyed criminals have discovered a profitable truth.

Violence pays.

Kidnap schoolchildren.

Collect ransom.

Kidnap travelers.

Collect ransom.

Invade villages.

Extract concessions.

Threaten communities.

Receive rewards.

The evil enterprise grew rapidly. More criminals entered the business. More weapons were purchased. More territories become unsafe. More innocent people suffer.

The result is a vicious cycle. Every successful act of terror becomes an advertisement for future terror. The bandit who receives millions today inspires ten others tomorrow.

The kidnapper we rewarded with money and operational vehicles recruited more foot soldiers. The terrorist who survived have now learnt that society fears him enough to negotiate.

Today, the demands have become larger. The audacity, the temerity have increased. The attacks are now bolder, like the siege on Akojo.

Kako began with slaves and ended by demanding the palace.

Nigeria has witnessed similar escalation. Years ago, attacks that shocked the nation involved isolated incidents.

some criminal groups are powerful enough to impose illegal taxes, seize farmlands, dictate movement, close highways and control vast territories.

Farmers abandon fields because armed groups have effectively become landlords. Communities pay protection levies.

Travelers calculate risk before every journey.

Entire local economies have been distorted by insecurity.

This is what happens when violence becomes an alternative system of governance and that should worry every Nigerian.

The problem is not merely terrorism. The deeper problem is normalisation.

A society can become so accustomed to abnormality that it stops recognising danger.

When kidnappings become routine news and mass abductions no longer shock us, we must admit that we are in trouble.

When communities expect to negotiate with criminals, we must admit that the enemy is winning.

When farmers budget for extortion payments, they will lose respect for government.

When citizens accept fear as a permanent companion, it means something fundamental has gone wrong. No nation can prosper under such conditions.

Investment and uncertainty cannot co-habit.

When agriculture suffers and tourism collapses, economic low hanging fruits will rot. When businesses relocate, young people lose hope because employment opportunities will dwindle.

Development slows down steadily, painfully.

Fear becomes the tax paid by everyone.

What lessons are there for Nigeria and its Balogun to learn urgently?

Terror movements rarely disappear because they are accommodated indefinitely. Criminal empires do not retire voluntarily.

Violent groups do not wake up one morning and decide they have accumulated enough wealth, enough territory or enough influence.

Power acquired through intimidation creates an appetite for more intimidation.

That is why every successful extortion breeds another demand.

Kako Olojukan never intended to stop at slaves.

The palace was always the destination.

Perhaps not immediately.

But inevitably. He just bade his time.

This is Nigeria’s difficult but unavoidable reality.

The war against terror cannot be won merely by reacting to attacks.

We must dismantle the systems that sustain violence. We must stop the weapons from flooding in. Our borders must be better secured.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday disclosed that Nigerian total exports for the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 were valued at N21,169.27 billion, reflecting a 2.77 percent increase compared with N20,598.48 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

According to data released by NBS, the country export in the quarter under review recorded an 11.63 percent increase compared with N18,963.41 billion in Q4 2025.

‘In Q1 2026, Nigeria’s top five trading export partners were India, France,

The Netherlands, Spain, and The United States of America. The most exported commodities were crude oil, natural gas, Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution, other petroleum gases in a gaseous state, and Kerosine type jet fuel.

‘Exports of agricultural goods in the period under review amounted to N1,172.37 billion representing a 31.20 percent decline from N1,704.15 billion in Q1 2025 and an 11.39 percent decrease from N1,323.06 billion in Q4 2025.

‘In the same period, the value of raw material exports stood at N1,533.75 billion, representing a rise of 46.83 percent from N1,044.59 billion in Q1 2025 and a 28.62 percent increase from N1,192.49 billion in Q4 2025.

‘Analysis shows that solid mineral exports in Q1 2026 were valued at N102.80 billion; representing a 74.63 percent increase from N58.87 billion in Q1 2025and a decrease of 12.02 percent from N116.84 billion in Q4 2025’ the data revealed.

NBS data showed that the value of manufactured goods exports in Q1 2026 stood at N302.64 billion, reflecting a 2.79 percent increase from N294.43 billion in Q1 2025, and a decrease of 28.53 percent from N423.43 billion in Q4 2025.

‘Crude oil exports in Q1 2026 were valued at N11,202.35 billion; the value decreased by 13.53 percent from N12,955.03 billion in Q1 2025 and increased by 15.45 percent from N9,702.87 billion in Q4 2025.

‘Other oil product exports in Q1 2026 stood at N6,780.18billion, showing an increase of 51.49 percent from N4,475.58 billion in Q1 2025 and an increase of 10.88 percent from N6,115.00 billion in Q4 2025.

‘The value of total imports stood at N13,619.33 billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 18.17 percent decrease from the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025 (N16,644.42 billion) and a 21.05 percent decrease compared to the value recorded in Q4 2025 (N17,250.93 billion)’.

The data further showed that the value of total imports stood at N13,619.33 billion in the first quarter of 2026, ‘representing a 18.17 percent decrease from the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025 (N16,644.42 billion) and a 21.05 percent decrease compared to the value recorded in Q4 2025 (N17,250.93 billion).

‘Analysis of Nigeria’s import trade reveals that China remained the leading source of imports in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the United States of America, India, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.

‘The most imported commodities during the quarter were petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (crude), gas oil, durum wheat, machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice, images, or data, and used vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines’ the data indicated.

The Bishop of Ijumu Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria, the Right Reverend Paul Ojo, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith in God, expressing optimism that the security challenges confronting the country can be overcome.

Bishop Ojo made the call during the just-concluded First Session of the Fifth Synod of the Diocese, held at Ogale-Idioro in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Synod, themed ‘Thanksgiving,’ brought together church leaders, delegates and members to deliberate on spiritual and developmental issues affecting the Diocese and society.

In his presidential charge, the Bishop emphasised the importance of thanksgiving, noting that gratitude to God remains a pathway to receiving greater blessings despite prevailing challenges.

Speaking on national issues, Bishop Ojo urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and allow the government more time to implement its development agenda.

According to him, President Tinubu assumed office with a clearly defined vision for governance, particularly in the areas of education and economic reforms.

The cleric commended initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a landmark programme designed to expand access to tertiary education for Nigerian students.

He stated that while he was not speaking as a politician, his position as a church leader and an educated citizen compelled him to acknowledge the administration’s efforts and encourage Nigerians to be patient with ongoing reforms.

Bishop Ojo also highlighted the developmental strides of the Diocese, particularly in agriculture and education. He disclosed that shortly after assuming office, the Diocese launched agricultural projects, including the planting of 1,000 palm trees on church-owned land.

He added that the Diocese subsequently expanded into the education sector, establishing nursery, primary and secondary schools to prepare young people for the future.

The Bishop revealed that construction work is progressing steadily on the proposed Ijumu Anglican College of Nursing Sciences, Ogidi, and appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the project.

According to him, the institution is designed primarily to empower the girl-child through quality education and professional training. He noted that the college will include a School of Midwifery and other health-related programmes.

Bishop Ojo further disclosed that the Diocese plans to upgrade the institution into a University of Nursing Sciences once it becomes fully operational.

The Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, commended the Anglican Church for its contributions to peace, education and national development.

Also speaking, the Ologale of Ogale, Oba Abdulrahman Ibilola, expressed delight that his community hosted the Synod for the first time since the creation of the Diocese, describing the event as a significant milestone for the area.

The Federal Government says it has committed about $500 million towards the reconstruction and modernisation of the demolished international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), in Lagos.

The reconstruction is as part of ongoing investments in airport infrastructure under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the government, the investment intends to transform the about 50-year-old airport into a world-class facility capable of supporting increased passenger and cargo traffic.

This is just as the government is considering plans to extend the existing Lagos rail network to the domestic and international terminals of MMA, Lagos.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated these on Monday in his remark at the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0, powered by the Lagos State government, which was monitored by The Nigerian Tribune.

According to Keyamo, discussions are already underway between the ministry and the state government to commence the rail project into the airport.

Keyamo expressed that this move is aimed at strengthening Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading aviation hub.

The Minister posited that the proposed rail extension will connect the existing rail line that currently terminates at Ikeja Bus Stop to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and move further through the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), a facility that is operated by the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) before reaching the international wing of the airport.

He declared that the project when completed, would significantly improve accessibility to Nigeria’s busiest airport and support the government’s vision of transforming Lagos into a major aviation and logistics hub for Africa.

According to Keyamo, despite the arrays of airports in the country, 67 per cent of the total passenger traffic arrive or depart from Lagos airport.

He said: ‘We are also planning to extend the rail line that ends at Ikeja Bus Stop. We are working with the Lagos State government to extend that rail line all the way to the local, through the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) and all the way to the international airport.

‘That rail line is about to start. It’s the extension of the rail line. So, Lagos is just ready for the next big step in terms of its aviation activities.’

Besides, Keyamo revealed that Lagos accounts for about 67 per cent of all passenger traffic passing through Nigeria’s airports, which further shows the state’s strategic importance to the country’s aviation sector.

He explained that the state possesses unique geographical advantages that positioned it to compete with established African aviation hubs such as Addis Ababa and Lome in Ethiopia and Togo, respectively.

He added: ‘Just six hours across the Atlantic, you will get to South America from the Lagos airport. Six hours down, you’ll get to Southern Africa. Six hours to the Middle East, you’ll get to Dubai or Qatar.

‘Six hours up, you will get to Europe, either France or London. That is the equidistant advantage that Lagos also provides as a hub, the whole of Africa. So, we will soon catch up with hubs like Addis Ababa, with hubs like Togo.

The minister further noted that the government had expanded Nigeria’s international airport network with the addition of Victor Attah International Airport and Maiduguri International Airport, bringing the number of international airports in the country to seven.

He also mentioned the resolution of the legal tussle between BASL and the Federal Government as one of the achievements of the government since coming onboard about three years ago.

Keyamo argued that this indicated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector participation.

He appealed to local and foreign investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the aviation sector, including the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor that is being promoted by the Lagos State Government.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue has set up criteria for selecting the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the forthcoming general elections.

Consequently, the party on Monday inaugurated a committee to pick the running mate for the party’s governorship candidate.

It will be recalled that the party had, during its primary election, elected a former member of the House of Representatives, Herman Hembe, as the gubernatorial candidate.

Inaugurating the committee on Monday, the state secretary of the party, Hon. Peter Chirzenden, acknowledged the letter sent by its gubernatorial candidate to carefully look into getting a running mate.

Chirzenden, who, on behalf of the chairman, inaugurated the committee, spelt out criteria for the selection of the running mate.

Some of the criteria included integrity, a democratic person, and someone who believes in the party’s ideology.

According to Chirzenden, ‘It is in view of this that we have sought, we have sat and carefully selected men and women of proven integrity, men of timber and calibre, that will come together and look into how we are going to select a running mate for the candidate of our great party in the 2027 gubernatorial election in the person of Rt Hon Hembe.

‘Therefore, we charge you that as you go about sitting and deliberating sincerely on bringing who will be a running mate to our governorship candidate, not just only being a running mate but somebody who is democratic in nature, who will also contribute his own quota to the progress and development of our party.

‘Also carefully look into issues that will bring about somebody who has integrity somebody who has democracy at heart somebody who will also build the party, not just somebody who will cover up as a candidate but somebody who will give us the desired popularity going into the 2027 general elections.’

The committee members saddled with the responsibility of sourcing the party’s deputy governorship candidate are Senator Orke Jev, Engr Okpe Onah, AVM Steve Onuh, Mrs Rose Ameh, Barr Ogah Okwu, Prof David Salifu, Hon Jack Mulya, Mrs Abeje Egwa, and Hon Alex Igwe.

The committee was given till June 20 to submit its report.

Chairman of the Committee, Engr Okpe Onah, pledged the committee’s commitment to getting a candidate who will add value to the party to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the reform momentum that is stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

While welcoming the publication of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2026 Article IV Mission Concluding Statement on Nigeria, the Federal Government commended the Fund’s overall positive assessment of the country’s economic reform programme.

According to a statement posted on the X handle of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, and signed by the minister, the report provides further independent validation that the reforms undertaken under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are strengthening macroeconomic stability, restoring confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

‘The IMF observed that reforms implemented over the past two and a half years have yielded improved macroeconomic outcomes and enhanced Nigeria’s resilience to external shocks,’ the statement read.

‘The Fund specifically highlighted improvements in foreign exchange market functioning, stronger external buffers, ongoing fiscal and revenue reforms, banking sector resilience and growing macroeconomic stability.

‘These developments affirm that Nigeria is moving in the right direction and is better positioned to withstand global economic uncertainties than at any time in recent years.’

Furthermore, the statement said the government was encouraged by the IMF’s recognition that difficult but necessary decisions to end fuel subsidies, eliminate deficit monetisation, liberalise the foreign exchange market and strengthen fiscal discipline have contributed significantly to reducing vulnerabilities and rebuilding confidence in the economy.

‘The report notes that Nigeria now faces global shocks with stronger policy frameworks and buffers than before. The recent conflict in the Middle East has created new challenges for economies around the world through higher energy prices, rising food costs, tighter financial conditions and disruptions to global supply chains.

‘While these developments present inflationary pressures, the IMF acknowledged that Nigeria has demonstrated notable resilience. Despite significant increases in global energy prices, the foreign exchange parallel market premium has remained below five per cent, sovereign spreads have remained broadly stable and investor confidence has been preserved.

‘The IMF further noted that Nigeria is well positioned to benefit from higher energy prices through stronger export earnings, improved fiscal revenues and increased foreign exchange inflows.’

Oyedele, according to the statement, reiterated that the Federal Government remains focused on translating these opportunities into long-term gains by increasing crude oil production, expanding domestic refining capacity, growing gas production and exports, and attracting new investments across the energy value chain.

The government acknowledged the IMF’s observation that poverty and food insecurity remain significant challenges, noting that while progress is being made with per capita income growing by nearly 10 per cent in 2025, macroeconomic stability alone is not sufficient.

‘Economic growth must be inclusive and must translate into tangible improvements in the welfare of Nigerians,’ the statement said.

Accordingly, the government said it is strengthening targeted social protection programmes, including direct cash transfers to vulnerable households, support for small businesses, student financing through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), consumer credit initiatives, healthcare investments and other interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.

In agriculture, the government is scaling up investments through the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme and other initiatives aimed at improving productivity, expanding irrigation and dry-season farming, enhancing access to inputs and financing, strengthening value chains and improving food security.

Oyedele said the Federal Government also welcomed the IMF’s recognition of progress in domestic revenue mobilisation and public financial management reforms.

‘The successful implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws, digitisation of revenue collection processes, improved transparency in public finance and enhanced accountability mechanisms will continue to strengthen fiscal sustainability while ensuring a fairer and more efficient tax system,’ he said.

He added that steps are being taken to strengthen fiscal data integrity, improve coordination among institutions, enhance transparency in budget execution and deepen public financial management reforms, while improving fiscal reporting systems to meet international standards.

The report’s medium-term outlook, according to the statement, reinforces confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects, with the IMF projecting continued growth above four per cent, improving external reserves, rising investment and strengthening fiscal revenues.

Public debt has declined relative to GDP, while reserve buffers have strengthened, outcomes which complement recent sovereign credit rating upgrades and reflect growing economic resilience.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating inclusive growth, strengthening fiscal discipline, deepening structural reforms, improving the investment climate, expanding infrastructure, enhancing human capital development and driving job creation.

It added that while challenges remain, the direction is clear, and the ultimate objective of the reforms is improved welfare for Nigerians, including lower inflation, decent jobs, higher incomes and better quality of life.

The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for the extraordinary sacrifices and achievements in the face of limited resources, saying the military continues to accomplish tasks many considered impossible despite prevailing financial constraints.

Agbese gave the commendation while reacting to the recent rescue of 360 abductees by troops of Operation Hadin Kai from the Mandara Mountains, a notorious insurgent enclave in southern Borno State.

The Labour Party lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said the successful operation demonstrates the resilience, professionalism and commitment of the Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency across the country.

In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, Agbese particularly praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for providing strategic leadership that has continued to yield tangible results in military operations across various theatres.

According to him, the rescue of hundreds of abductees from a long-standing terrorist stronghold is further proof that Nigeria’s security forces remain determined to restore peace and stability despite the complex challenges confronting the country.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to demonstrate exceptional courage and professionalism under very difficult circumstances. Despite financial limitations and operational challenges, our troops have remained focused on protecting the nation and defending innocent citizens,’ Agbese said.

‘The recent rescue of 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains is one of the most significant operations recorded in recent times. It speaks volumes about the dedication of our military personnel and the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.’

The federal lawmaker noted that military personnel operating in difficult terrains across the North-East and other parts of the country deserve greater national support and appreciation for the sacrifices they make daily.

He said the Armed Forces have continued to record successes against criminal and terrorist groups through improved intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies and the commitment of frontline troops.

Agbese also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining support for the military and providing the political backing required to strengthen national security operations.

He said the progress being recorded in the fight against insurgency reflects the combined efforts of the Federal Government, military leadership and security agencies working towards a common objective.

The lawmaker reserved special commendation for General Oluyede, describing the Chief of Defence Staff as a disciplined and result-oriented military leader whose strategic direction has enhanced operational efficiency across the Armed Forces.

‘General Oluyede has shown remarkable leadership at a critical period in our nation’s security journey. The results being recorded across various theatres of operation are a testament to his commitment, professionalism and dedication to national service,’ he said.

Agbese further urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces through cooperation, information sharing and encouragement, stressing that national security remains a collective responsibility.

He expressed optimism that with sustained support, improved funding and continued collaboration among security agencies, the military would record even greater successes in ongoing operations against insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national peace and stability.

The lawmaker added that the rescue of the 360 abductees should serve as a source of hope to affected communities and a reminder that the nation’s security forces remain committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is abandoned to the hands of terrorists and criminals.

The Cross River State Government has said it has recovered close to ?1 billion in revenue from the Etung Cocoa Estates and reclaimed several illegally occupied public assets as part of an aggressive asset recovery programme initiated by Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.

On Monday in Calabar, the Forum of Special Advisers to the governor revealed a three-year sectoral scorecard highlighting the administration’s accomplishments in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, asset management, and more.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Forum and Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, emphasised that the briefing was part of deliberate efforts to deepen public engagement.

‘The administration considers transparency and accountability essential components of governance,’ Akiba stated. ‘This briefing is intended to provide citizens with factual information on projects, programmes, and the progress achieved across sectors.’

He maintained that the government’s accomplishments are multi-dimensional, touching virtually every aspect of governance including infrastructure, education, public administration, and resource management. He stressed that many completed projects are already operational and delivering tangible value to residents.

Presenting the report on behalf of the Department of Asset Management and Recovery, Barrister Gilbert Agbor said the agency had carried out statewide asset identification, verification and recovery exercises across the state’s three senatorial districts, uncovering numerous government properties that had been illegally occupied, encroached upon or unlawfully transferred to private individuals.

According to the SA, several government vehicles retained by former political appointees, contractors and private individuals have also been identified for recovery, while efforts are ongoing to reclaim public lands belonging to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) from illegal occupants.

Agbor further revealed that comprehensive audits conducted within the Etung Cocoa Estates led to the recovery of several cocoa plots that had been abandoned, concealed or irregularly acquired, resulting in the recovery of close to ?1 billion in government revenue.

He said the exercise also blocked revenue leakages associated with government agricultural assets, improved transparency in revenue collection and strengthened accountability in public asset management.

He added that the department had commenced digitalisation of the state’s asset registry to improve tracking and documentation while facilitating the establishment of asset recovery committees across the 18 local government areas.

He also credited the Otu administration with the recovery of the state’s oil wells and Tinapa assets, describing them as landmark achievements in the government’s asset management drive.

Also speaking, Special Adviser on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Raphael Adoga Morphy, listed hundreds of road projects executed or ongoing across the Southern, Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, including rehabilitation of major highways, construction of urban roads and intervention projects in security formations and public institutions.

In the health sector, Special Adviser on Health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo disclosed that the state government had recruited over 200 health professionals into secondary healthcare facilities and more than 500 workers into the primary healthcare system after lifting a 13-year employment embargo.

He added that over 90 primary healthcare centres had been rehabilitated across the state, while several hospitals were undergoing reconstruction or upgrading to improve access to quality healthcare services.

The health adviser further said the administration had implemented improved salary packages for doctors and other health workers, secured accreditation for nursing colleges, strengthened partnerships with international development agencies and expanded immunisation and malaria control programmes.

Meanwhile, Special Adviser on Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department, Chief Ndem Effiong said the government had introduced reforms aimed at organising and regulating automobile technicians, spare parts dealers and lubricant marketers, while partnering with the National Automotive Design and Development Council to train local technicians.

He disclosed that an automotive training centre for the South-South region had been established in Cross River and that the state was also developing facilities to support electric vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG) technology as part of efforts to modernise the transport sector.

Other key officials who presented brief scorecards detailing their respective sectoral milestones included Hon Peter Egba (Special Adviser on Industry), Nkoyo Otu (Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs), and Hon Ada Charles Egwu (Special Adviser on Community Relations).

In a show of solidarity, aides to the governor unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor, asserting that the scorecard demonstrated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, asset recovery and economic growth, describing the achievements as evidence of a people-centred governance agenda.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to summon all the Service Chiefs and the Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, to appear before lawmakers and account for funds allocated and released for security operations amid worsening insecurity across the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the need to contain recurring bandit attacks in Zamfara State and other North-West states, sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on the North West Development Commission, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi.

The lawmakers expressed concern that despite huge budgetary allocations to the defence sector over the years, bandits and kidnappers continue to operate with relative ease, carrying out deadly attacks and mass abductions across several parts of the country.

Hon. Gumi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, expressed concern that insecurity in Zamfara State and the wider North-West has escalated into a complex humanitarian crisis driven by armed banditry, kidnappings and the infiltration of transnational jihadist groups.

He specifically condemned the activities of bandits who abducted seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, from their off-campus hostel on the night of 2 June 2026 into the early hours of 3 June 2026.

‘Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same institution, Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, were kidnapped and have remained in captivity for more than two months despite ransom payments for their release,’ Hon. Gumi told the House.

‘The House is further aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted. In Talata Mafara Local Government Area, a councillor and a director were abducted while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters over Hajj activities for intending pilgrims from Jangebe. The bandits killed both of them after refusing to collect any ransom,’ he added.

While lamenting the escalation of bandit attacks in other North-West states, including Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Jigawa, he gave details of several incidents that have affected the region.

According to him, ‘On 31 May 2026, no fewer than 17 villagers were killed when bandits, numbering in their hundreds and riding motorcycles, invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

‘It was also reported that more than 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas of Sokoto State have been deserted due to constant bandit attacks.

‘In Katsina State, a former Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Army, Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife were abducted when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area on 30 May 2026.’

He lamented that the continuous and unchallenged movement of bandits between towns, states and their hideouts severely undermines the credibility of the nation’s security architecture.

‘The House is convinced that if the recurring trend of insecurity and kidnapping in Zamfara State and the entire North-West is not checked, it will destroy lives and ruin the socio-economic fortunes of the region,’ he said.

The House also urged the Ministers of Agriculture, Environment, Education, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as well as the North West Development Commission, to explore non-kinetic approaches to addressing insecurity.

To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Defence and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.