General
Ribadu, Others to Finalise Modalities on Ogoni Oil Production Resumption
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately commence engagement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Ogoni leaders, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for the long-awaited resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The directive followed the submission of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Consultations report, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, at the State House, Abuja, with the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, leading the Ogoni delegation to the presentation ceremony.
President Tinubu assured the Ogoni people that his administration recognised their decades of suffering and sacrifices in the struggle for justice and environmental protection.
“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise, we would not be here today. The Federal Government truly acknowledges the long suffering of the Ogoni people, and today, we declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” he said.
The President noted that the process would begin with addressing “non-valuable assets, which are of no benefit to the community, the country, or its people,” and pledged that the government would deploy the necessary resources to support the Ogoni people towards “shared prosperity.”
“I urge Ogoni people across the communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as a united community. We have settled. This reconciliation is not an erasure of history but the commitment to write the next chapter together. I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production under an equitable tax system.”
In a gesture that underscored government recognition of past sacrifices, Mr Tinubu also conferred posthumous national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, on four Ogoni leaders—Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Bade, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage.
This follows the June 2025 conferment of honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists executed by the Abacha regime in 1995.
NSA Nuhu Ribadu, in his remarks, said the consultative process, guided by diplomacy and inclusiveness, had succeeded in mediating tensions and divisions.
“While not forgetting past injustices, all parties have reached a point of collective readiness to see the responsible resumption of oil production in Ogoniland anchored on fairness, equity, environmental responsibility, and direct community benefit,” he stated.
He also disclosed that stakeholders had called for a repositioning of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, “in a manner that synchronises with the dialogue process,” alongside structured community participation through equity development funds, employment, and institutional reforms.
Governor Fubara hailed Tinubu’s confidence-building steps, noting visible progress in projects such as the East-West Road and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
“These are positive steps in the right direction and they have helped restore faith in government commitment,” the governor said.
Professor Baridam, chairman of the consultations committee, thanked the President for his “unwavering commitment” to the Ogoni people, stressing that Tinubu’s approach had “restored hope that had long been thwarted.”
He also lauded the posthumous recognition of the Ogoni martyrs as a mark of justice and reconciliation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for action over the recent attack in Plateau State, asking authorities to address and prosecute those behind the killing.
In a statement, CAN President, Mr Daniel Okoh, described the attack as “not just tragic” but also “unacceptable”.
“Nigerians are tired of mourning. Nigerians are tired of statements. Nigerians want to see action,” the cleric said in a statement issued late Monday.
“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice; swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected.”
The attack on Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area, left 28 people dead and several others wounded.
Expectedly, the incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians and protests by angry residents of the area.
CAN called for a thorough investigation into the attack and called for proactive action before these attacks take place.
“Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” the Christian body said while acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government.
“But let it be said clearly: temporary measures are not enough. The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” Mr Okoh said.
CAN told Nigerians to be vigilant and calm, but maintained that the nation owes the dead justice.
“We owe the living protection. And we owe our future a country where no community wakes up to gunfire on a sacred day.”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, visited the affected area under heavy security and also those wounded on Monday, even as the state government imposed curfew on the affected place.
“This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured. I feel deeply the weight of the pain inflicted on our people,” the governor said in a state-wide broadcast.
He also vowed that Plateau State won’t succumb to fear or intimidation.
“We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace,” the governor assured.
“We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is raising its financial and operational ambitions for 2026, unveiling a revenue target of N1.489 trillion alongside plans to overhaul two of the country’s busiest seaports, Apapa and Tin Can Island, in a push to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.
Speaking during the agency’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, the ports regulator’s Managing Director, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the new revenue projection reflects a strategic shift focused on strengthening resilience and driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s port system.
The proposed figure represents an increase over the N1.468 trillion initially projected for 2025, a benchmark the authority not only met but exceeded, recording approximately N1.97 trillion in revenue collections.
A breakdown of the 2026 proposal shows a strong tilt toward infrastructure development, with N945 billion allocated to capital expenditure. Operating costs are projected at N447.5 billion, while N90.6 billion is expected to be remitted to the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Central to the NPA’s transformation agenda is the planned modernisation of Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, two critical gateways for Nigeria’s maritime trade. Dantsoho noted that both facilities, due to their age and outdated capacity, require urgent upgrades to meet the demands of modern shipping and logistics operations.
He disclosed that preliminary work on the projects is set to begin within weeks, marking a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s ports within the global maritime value chain.
On financial operations, the NPA boss reiterated that all revenues generated by the authority are remitted directly into the Treasury Single Account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, stressing that the agency operates without retaining independent revenue.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun, underscored the importance of collaboration between lawmakers and agencies. He noted that the committee’s oversight function is designed to improve efficiency, strengthen institutional performance, and ensure responsible use of public funds.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position, in line with the directive that government appointees seeking political offices must resign before March 31.
Business Post reports that the diplomat is eyeing a governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Tuggar’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday.
Mr Tuggar submitted his resignation letter on Monday, barely 24 hours before the deadline set by President Bola Tinubu, which directs all political appointees under his administration seeking to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections to resign before March 31.
The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
With this development, more resignations are expected before the March 31 deadline as appointees seeking elective offices move to meet the stipulated deadline.
Earlier today, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, formally resigned from his position to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with his sights on the Kano governorship ticket.
Mr Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The 59-year-old is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.
Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.
He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.
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