In response to a public protest held by retired police officers in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of pension increment and the establishment of a minimum pension guarantee for former personnel under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). President Tinubu also called for an expedited nationwide launch of free healthcare services targeted at low-income pensioners. This directive was revealed in an official statement issued on Wednesday by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. He noted that the directive followed a detailed presentation made to the President by Omolola Oloworaran, the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom). According to the statement, the President emphasized the urgent need for PenCom to address the persistent pension concerns faced by former police personnel. He reiterated that men and women who dedicated their careers to national protection and public safety deserve to retire with both honor and adequate support. During her briefing, PenCom DG Oloworaran informed the President of multiple ongoing reforms aimed at protecting the real value of pension fund assets. She highlighted the challenges posed by rising inflation and macroeconomic instability, stressing the Commission’s resolve to safeguard retiree interests. She also revealed plans to launch foreign currency-denominated pension contributions, a strategy aimed at enabling Nigerians living abroad to partake in the nation’s contributory pension framework. President Tinubu expressed full support for the new reforms, reaffirming that his administration is deeply committed to fostering inclusive national growth and protecting the welfare of average Nigerians. Oloworaran further elaborated on a series of comprehensive pension initiatives currently in the pipeline. These measures are designed to expand the reach of the CPS and improve living conditions for retirees. This intervention follows a recent protest staged in Abuja by retired police officers, who took to the streets demanding better welfare packages and fair pension treatment.
In a strategic government restructuring move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) from the Federal Ministry of Works to the Presidency. This decision was formally disclosed by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, after the conclusion of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Thursday. The FEC session, chaired by the President himself, deliberated on several national policy adjustments. As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the primary objective behind this transfer is to boost geospatial data coordination across national planning sectors. The move is anticipated to facilitate direct executive supervision over activities involving land management, geospatial intelligence, and national mapping policies. Although the Minister did not elaborate on the precise motivations for the realignment, it aligns with the Tinubu-led administration’s governance reform agenda and underscores a growing reliance on geospatial intelligence for infrastructure development, national security, and urban planning. The Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) remains Nigeria’s highest authority on mapping and geospatial services. Its responsibilities include producing and managing national geospatial data, offering mapping services, and supporting government projects with critical spatial information.
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Fubara Voices Concern Over Rivers State Political Crisis Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has openly expressed his distress over the current political crisis in the state. His concerns follow the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, a move that has significantly impacted the state’s governance. Suspension and Leadership Transition As part of the emergency measures, Governor Fubara has been suspended from office for six months. In his place, a sole administrator has been appointed to oversee the state’s affairs. This drastic decision comes amid the escalating power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Addressing Supporters During Sallah Celebration During a Sallah homage at his private residence, Fubara addressed a gathering of Muslim faithful who came to celebrate with him. He acknowledged the difficult situation, stating: “I understand that people might assume I feel deeply troubled by these events, given the circumstances. However, despite everything, we choose to give thanks to the Almighty God.” He emphasized the importance of unity, patience, and avoiding provocation, saying that the goal of his political opponents is to destabilize the state. Call for Peaceful Resolution Fubara urged residents of Rivers State to remain peaceful and not fall into the trap of provocation. He assured them that his administration is committed to ensuring stability and maintaining Rivers State as a model for others in Nigeria. “Their objective is to create chaos and strip people of their means of livelihood, but we will not allow it. We will continue to operate peacefully and uphold the rule of law.” Implications of the Political Crisis The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about governance, security, and economic stability in Rivers State. Analysts suggest that prolonged political unrest could negatively impact the state’s development. Read more about political crisis management in Nigeria. For more updates on Nigerian politics and governance, visit our Politics News Section. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju slams President Tinubu’s administration over a 50% telecom tariff hike, calling it a “government from hell.” Learn about the public backlash and NATCOMS’ legal plans here. Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, labeling it a “government from hell.” Adeyanju’s remarks came in response to the recent approval of a 50% hike in telecommunications service tariffs by the Federal Government. He accused the current administration of deliberately inflicting hardship on Nigerians. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has expressed strong disapproval of this decision and has announced plans to take legal action against the Federal Government over the tariff hike. Telecom Tariff Increase Sparks Outrage Reports indicate that this is the first significant increase in telecommunications charges since 2013. Adeyanju voiced his frustration on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he condemned the government’s decision. In his post, he stated: “They just increased the tariff for all phone calls in the country.The government has vowed to punish Nigerians with suffering. A government from hell. This year, I have zero tolerance for nonsense. If you come to my timeline defending this injustice, I will block you. Supporting a government that is destroying Nigerians and the economy is unacceptable.” Public Backlash Intensifies The tariff hike has sparked widespread anger, with many Nigerians describing the move as inconsiderate amidst existing economic challenges. Critics argue that such decisions deepen the hardship faced by citizens in an already fragile economy. As the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers prepares to challenge the tariff hike in court, the issue continues to generate heated discussions both online and offline. Key Takeaways READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The decision by Nigeria’s federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to send skit makers and comedians such as Ola of Lagos and Basketmouth to India to assess the safety and quality of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians. A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shows these entertainers representing Nigeria in what is considered a critical mission to evaluate CNG technology. The move has drawn criticism, with many questioning why professionals, engineers, or researchers were not selected for such a vital task. One prominent reaction came from X user @ourfavoriteonlinedoc, who expressed dismay at the government’s choice. He stated: “This is quite saddening, tbh. They didn’t send professors of engineering. They didn’t send PhD researchers or MSc students in technology from the country’s best universities. They didn’t send people with the professional competence to analyze the innovation and recommend it for public use. Instead, they sent Ola of Lagos, who will likely return to roll on the floor and shout, ‘Put CNG in your car; you will love it.’ What a shame.” This controversy has reignited debates about the government’s priorities and its approach to utilizing expertise in critical sectors. Critics argue that bypassing professionals for entertainers undermines the credibility of the initiative and raises questions about the seriousness of Nigeria’s efforts in adopting CNG technology for energy solutions. Key Takeaways: By relying on a more expert-driven approach, Nigeria could better position itself for technological advancements while ensuring public trust in its initiatives. READ ALSO:
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President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to expedite the restoration of the Warri and Kaduna refineries, alongside the second Port Harcourt refinery. Progress on Refinery Rehabilitation This directive follows the successful rehabilitation of the first Port Harcourt refinery, which resumed petroleum product loading operations on November 26, 2024. The presidency described this milestone as a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity. “With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Bola Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries,” the statement read. Boosting Energy Security and Economic Growth The presidency emphasized that revitalizing these refineries will bolster Nigeria’s refining capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and complement the operations of private-sector refineries. Additionally, the administration highlighted its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a key energy hub. The statement also noted the “unprecedented attention” given to the gas sector, a critical component of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on economic growth and energy security. Acknowledgments and Future Goals President Tinubu acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s role in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of the refineries and expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for financing the projects. He also commended Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, for his leadership, citing patience, integrity, and accountability as essential in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. “Our Renewed Hope Agenda is centered on achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and increasing Nigeria’s export capacity,” the statement concluded. READ ALSO:
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Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has expressed his belief that Nigeria would be in a better state if Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, had emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe highlighted the flaws of the current administration and outlined how Obi’s leadership could have addressed these issues. Abaribe Criticizes Nepotism in Tinubu’s Administration Abaribe accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of perpetuating nepotism, citing the appointment of four ministers from Ogun State while many other states have only one. He argued that such favoritism was deepened under Tinubu, following a similar trend under former President Muhammadu Buhari. “If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today. Number one, he would not be as nepotistic as this government. It’s not in him,” Abaribe stated. Revamping the South-East The senator urged the South-East region to focus on self-development rather than waiting for fairness from the central government. He stressed the need for the region to improve its livability, cohesion, and overall development, adding that the zone cannot continue relying on federal equity. “Apart from Obasanjo and Jonathan, no president has been fair to the South-East. It’s time for us to take charge of our own destiny,” Abaribe said. Simon Ekpa’s Arrest and South-East Violence Addressing the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Abaribe described it as a positive development. He noted that Ekpa’s actions have fueled violence in the South-East, and his apprehension might discourage instigators at home. “The Igbo have always condemned the actions of people like Ekpa, who incite violence from foreign lands,” Abaribe remarked. Abaribe also called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that many violent actors in the region misuse Kanu’s name to justify their actions. Conclusion Senator Abaribe’s statements underline the growing discontent with the current administration’s perceived favoritism and the need for self-reliance in the South-East. His remarks also shed light on the importance of addressing the root causes of violence in the region to foster peace and development. READ ALSO:
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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the current administration for its “trial-and-error economic policies,” asserting that he would have taken a different approach if he had been elected President. In a statement he personally authored, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from the last election accused President Tinubu’s government of implementing a “palliative” economy, something he believes should not have been done. Atiku attributed the country’s current economic difficulties to the reforms introduced by the present administration. He noted, “Unleashing reforms to establish a suitable exchange rate, cost-reflective electricity tariffs, and the price of PMS all at once is excessive.” While he supports the removal of subsidies, Atiku emphasized that his administration would have opted for a gradual approach, similar to what countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have done in recent years. He stated, “I’ve received numerous questions about what I would have done differently as President. The focus should be on President Tinubu and the critical actions he needs to take to alleviate the suffering caused by his experimental economic strategies.” Atiku expressed that his administration would have been more strategically planned, emphasizing thorough preparations, better diagnostic assessments of the country’s situation, and more extensive consultations with stakeholders. He pointed out that his reform agenda, outlined in his policy document “My Covenant With Nigerians,” was designed to protect the fragile economy from deeper crises and to support businesses effectively. He further argued, “Implementing reforms for exchange rates, tariffs, and fuel prices simultaneously is clearly overkill. Additionally, the Central Bank’s aggressive monetary tightening is problematic. As importers of petroleum products, removing subsidies without a stable exchange rate will lead to adverse effects.” Atiku insisted that a more strategic response to the fallout from reforms was necessary, highlighting the importance of not overestimating the benefits of reforms or underestimating their costs. He acknowledged that reforms can fail and that he would address institutional weaknesses proactively. He added, “I would have led by example. Any fiscal reforms aimed at improving liquidity must first address governance-related revenue leakages, including unnecessary government expenses. I and my team would not have indulged in luxury while citizens suffered.” The former Vice President emphasized that his reforms would be designed with empathy, advocating for a strong social protection program to genuinely support the poor and vulnerable instead of relying on a “palliative economy.” He outlined specific measures he would implement, including launching an Economic Stimulus Fund (ESF) with an initial capacity of around $10 billion to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all sectors. Additionally, he proposed a targeted skills-to-job program for youth, addressing both graduates and those currently not engaged in education or employment. Atiku reiterated his long-standing call for subsidy removal on PMS, criticizing the opacity and potential for corruption in its administration. He highlighted the significant profits derived from oil subsidies that benefit certain elites within public and private sectors. He prioritized three main areas: READ ALSO: A Man Jailed For Attempting To Sit 2019 UTME Exam For Daughter In Abuja In summary, Atiku Abubakar presented a comprehensive vision for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, contrasting it sharply with the current administration’s approach. We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter.
