NIGERIA NEWS
House of Reps begins review of Nigeria’s bilateral, multilateral treaties
The House of Representatives has kicked off a sweeping review of all bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols, agreements, and foreign-assisted contracts signed by Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty and national assets.
The announcement came from the Chairman of the Committee on Treaties, Protocols & Agreements, Rabiu Yusuf, who briefed House Correspondents in Abuja.
The initiative aims to safeguard national interests and ensure that international commitments do not compromise the country’s sovereignty.
What he said
Rabiu stated that the process is intended to strengthen constitutional oversight, protect national assets, and mitigate financial, legal, or security risks linked to Nigeria’s international agreements.
“We have to stand as legislators to ensure checks and balances, as provided by the Constitution, by supervising and monitoring all agreements entered into on behalf of Nigeria.
“Our mandate is to examine all bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols, agreements and foreign-funded contracts, and determine whether they protect or endanger our national interest,” Yusuf said.
The chairman stressed that the investigation is not political, but a necessary preventive and corrective measure.
- Yusuf explained that over the years, Nigeria has signed numerous treaties and contracts without adequate parliamentary oversight, domestication, or continuous monitoring.
- He highlighted that some of these agreements contain “hidden obligations, sovereignty waivers, unfavourable arbitration clauses or financial risks” that Nigerians are largely unaware of.
- Foreign-funded infrastructure projects will come under particular scrutiny, including the terms of loans, value for money, compliance with local content, labor and environmental standards, and overall contract performance.
“Nigeria cannot afford to enter into a treaty that weakens our legal authority, compromises national assets or burdens future generations with unsustainable liabilities,” he warned.
Constitutional powers invoked
The review is also meant to ensure full compliance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires National Assembly approval and domestication of treaties before they become legally binding in Nigeria.
The committee warned that agencies or stakeholders failing to cooperate would face sanctions, citing Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to enforce compliance.
What you should know
Nigeria’s engagement in international agreements has been robust across multiple fronts. In August, the federal government secured the return of Petrobras to Nigeria and signed agreements with Brazil focused on boosting trade and energy collaboration, marking one of the high‑profile foreign arrangements aimed at strengthening ties and investment in the energy sector.
- Around the same time, the government and Brazilian counterparts finalised a bilateral air services agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, closing a negotiation that had been pending for over two decades and unlocking new routes and aviation cooperation opportunities.
- Nigeria also advanced energy diplomacy by signing agreements with Algeria and Niger to support the Trans‑Saharan Gas Pipeline, positioning the country at the heart of regional energy infrastructure projects that reach into European markets.
Meanwhile, a high‑profile tax cooperation memorandum of understanding signed between the Federal Inland Revenue Service and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques has become a focal point in national debate, with critics and civil society calling for greater transparency and raising questions about data sovereignty and the implications of foreign technical assistance in tax administration.
NIGERIA NEWS
Jobs Come From Local Refineries, Not Importation – Oshiomhole Tells New Oil Chiefs — Akelicious
Senator and former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole celebrated the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed and Mr. Gbenga Komolafe from Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory leadership, calling their exit necessary for the country’s economic survival. Senator David Jimkuta of Taraba South supported him, joining in the celebration while questioning the new nominees’ policy intentions.
The comments were made during the Senate screening of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan and Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed. The appointments followed the resignations of the 2021 appointees amid controversies over policies favoring importation over local refining.
Oshiomhole criticized the former leadership, stressing that job creation comes from supporting domestic, labor-intensive industries, not importation. He urged the new nominees to prioritize national interest and protect Nigerian workers and local refineries.
He commended President Tinubu for decisive action, noting it renewed hope for Nigerians reliant on the petroleum sector. Jimkuta pressed the nominees to clarify their reform strategies and restore public confidence.
Related
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued a serving councillor from Biu Local Government Area and an Islamic cleric who were abducted by suspected terrorists in Borno State.
The development was contained in a post shared on X on Thursday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.
According to the post, the victims were kidnapped along the Buni Gari–Buratai road on Tuesday evening when armed men abducted seven civilians travelling on the route.
Makama reported that troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, working with the 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a search-and-rescue operation early Wednesday morning after receiving information about the abduction.
During the operation, the troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists near Mangari village after the assailants noticed the movement of security forces towards their location.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam in Borno State.
The troops were said to have pursued the fleeing terrorists for several kilometres, but no contact was made.
According to information provided by the rescued victims, five other civilians are still being held captive.
“Those still in captivity reportedly include the immediate past and current Vice Chairmen of Biu Local Government Area, as well as three women,” Makama wrote.
The rescued victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment before being moved to Biu, where they were reunited with their families.
Makama added that efforts by the military and other security operatives to rescue the remaining abducted persons are ongoing.
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) attached to the Mobile Police Force (MOPOL 12) in Niger State has died amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in parts of the state.
The deceased officer, Isah Abdullahi, also known as Kunkuri, was in charge of the MOPOL 12 armoury located within the B Division premises of the Niger State Police Command along Paikoro Road, Minna, until his death.
According to The Sun, trouble began when a team of detectives from Abuja arrived at the unit to conduct a routine annual audit of arms and ammunition.
During the exercise, several rounds of ammunition were reportedly found to be missing or unaccounted for. Preliminary findings allegedly showed that 13 AK‑47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition could not be traced.
Investigators were reportedly auditing the AK‑47 section of the armoury when subsequent events unfolded.
Further investigations allegedly led to the arrest of Inspector John Moses, attached to the Niger State Government House in Minna.
During interrogation, Moses allegedly confessed that the late DSP supplied him with arms and ammunition, which were later delivered to bandits and other criminal elements operating in the Erena community, Shiroro Local Government Area.
The inspector was also said to have disclosed that the weapons were sold through his brother, an indigene of the area who allegedly acted as an intermediary and informant to the armed groups.
Following the development, operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) reportedly stormed Minna and transferred the suspects to Abuja for further interrogation.
It was gathered that the late DSP was later returned from Abuja and taken to the armoury for a physical audit of weapons and ammunition.
During the audit process, Abdullahi reportedly accessed a pistol within the armoury and died on the spot.
Investigators said the officer could not be restrained at the time because the armoury operates an electronic control system with access reportedly limited to him, allowing him to reach a weapon before officers could intervene.
In the aftermath, officers who accompanied him to the armoury were immediately arrested and are now facing an orderly room trial over alleged negligence, while four policemen attached to the deceased have also been taken into custody for interrogation.
A special security team from the NSA is said to have taken over the armoury and is currently guarding the facility.
Confirming the incident to journalists, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, said Inspector John Moses remains under investigation at the NSA office in Abuja.
“The DSP brought out boxes that were supposed to contain ammunition and they were empty. In the process, he suddenly produced a pistol and shot himself,” Elleman said, adding that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Also speaking, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said the officer was initially arrested on December 15, 2025, over suspected illegal dealings in ammunition.
“On 16 December 2025 at about 2.30pm, one DSP Abdullahi Isah attached to Mopol 12 Minna was initially arrested on 15 December for being suspected to be involved in illegal dealings of ammunition,” Abiodun said.
He added that officers indicted in the audit had been arrested for negligence, stressing that investigations into the missing weapons and the wider arms supply network are still ongoing.
Troops of 8 Division Garrison Nigerian Army Sokoto have neutralised five armed criminals, recovered weapons and motorcycles during a coordinated operations conducted in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.
A credible source from the army told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto that the planned operation kicked off on Wednesday.
”It is struck of a major blow against banditry, during a sweeping offensive that targeted notorious hideouts spanning Sokoto and Zamfara States.
”The coordinated assaults targeted known bandits enclaves in Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici, and Kurkusu villages within Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto state.
“The swift advance disrupted the criminal networks, forcing many to flee as the military asserted control over the troubled terrain,” the source said.
According to the source, the operation also intensified in Batamna village of Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara state where soldiers encountered heavy resistance.
”In a fierce exchange of fire, the troops’ neutralised 5 bandits and recovered weapons, motorcycles and baofeng radios used by the bandits to carry out nefarious activities, ” source added.
Recall that troops of 8 Division of Nigerian Army had in December neutralised notorious bandits’ kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah, in Sabon Birnin and Isa local government areas Sokoto state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmad Usman and other citizens had commended the Nigerian Army and other security operatives for the significant success recorded against banditry in the state.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has blamed the insecurity situation in the country on unnamed enemies.
Speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Akpabio lamented that the unnamed enemies were deliberately tormenting the country through terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Akpabio told President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders that the worsening security situation had left many states grieving, while the party leadership must remain united to confront the challenges.
“We are very sad that people have decided to torment Nigeria with very serious, organised and orchestrated insecurity.
“So as we grow, there will be envy, there will be jealousy, and with jealousy comes hatred, and with hatred comes challenges.
“So Mr. President, ours in this caucus today is to assure you that we are not only with you, we are also praying for you, praying for you to overcome the challenges of the day, and also praying for Nigeria,” said Akpabio.
The Senate President said the caucus aligned with states mourning losses from attacks, while commending Tinubu for the release of over 100 children kidnapped recently.
He appealed for the remaining children to be rescued and reunited with their families.
Akpabio said, “We align ourselves with states that are mourning as a result of the loss of lives occasioned by terrorists, by bandits and by insurgents.
“We thank the President for the release of over 100 children who were kidnapped very recently, and we pray to God to give him the ability and the enablement to release the remaining children to rejoin their families.
“We condole with members of the families who have lost their loved ones, including the armed forces, who lost their lives in the course of trying to protect not just those children, but also protecting lives and properties in the country. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
A former Special Adviser to the President, Office of the Vice President, Babafemi Ojudu, has stated that the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, stated multiple times that he was in support of the presidential ambition of his then deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.
Mr Ojudu, a former senator for Ekiti Central between 2011 and 2015, said any narrative suggesting otherwise is misleading and historically inaccurate.
He made the clarification in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Thursday, in response to claims in a book by Charles Omole titled Muhammadu Buhari: From Soldier to Statesman.
The book portrayed that there was internal dynamics within the Buhari administration, particularly regarding presidential succession.
Mr Ojudu, who served in the office of the vice president between 2016 and 2022, said he personally witnessed at least four occasions when Mr Osinbajo discussed his ambition to succeed Mr Buhari, and on each occasion, the late president expressed clear support.
“The matter of whether Vice President Osinbajo should run for President was discussed directly and personally between him and President Muhammadu Buhari on no fewer than four separate occasions. On each of these occasions, President Buhari expressed clear, unequivocal support for the Vice President’s ambition,” he said.
Mr Ojudu said at no point did former president direct or suggest that Mr Osinbajo should refrain from contesting or defer his ambition in favour of any other aspirant.
“At no time—explicitly or implicitly—did President Buhari suggest that Professor Osinbajo should refrain from contesting. At no time did he indicate a preference that the Vice President should defer to, step aside for, or subordinate his ambition to any other aspirant, including the eventual nominee of the party,” he noted.
Background to Osinbajo’s ambition
PREMIUM TIMES reports that in the build-up to the 2023 elections, Mr Osinbajo presented himself as a continuity candidate with deep knowledge of government, policy experience, and national exposure gained during nearly eight years in office.
His decision to run, however, placed him on a direct collision course with his long-time political benefactor, Bola Tinubu, now Nigeria’s president, who was widely regarded as the political architect of the Buhari–Osinbajo ticket in 2015.
Mr Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor and national leader of the APC, had harboured presidential ambitions for years and considered the 2023 race as his long-awaited turn. Mr Osinbajo’s entry into the contest was therefore perceived within Mr Tinubu’s camp as a betrayal of political loyalty and an affront to an established succession plan.
As the ruling party’s primary election approached, the rivalry between Messrs Osinbajo and Tinubu deepened. The latter leveraged his extensive grassroots political structure, particularly among party delegates, governors, and power brokers, while the former VP relied more on his record in office, technocratic appeal, and the perceived moral backing of Mr Buhari.
Despite public perceptions that Mr Osinbajo enjoyed goodwill within the presidency, this did not translate into decisive institutional or political backing at the primaries. At the APC presidential primary held in Abuja in June 2022, Mr Osinbajo eventually came third in the primary, behind Mr Tinubu and former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Mr Tinubu won the primary decisively, showing the limits of Mr Osinbajo’s political network and exposing the reality that the latter lacked a strong, independent political structure capable of competing with Mr Tinubu’s decades-old machinery.
Occasions Buhari expressed support
Mr Ojudu explained that on the first occasion the forme president became aware of Mr Osinbajo’s ambition, he advised him to carefully reflect on the decision and assured him of his support, whatever path he chose.
“On the first occasion, President Buhari advised the Vice President to reflect carefully on the prospects of a presidential bid, make up his mind, and assured him that he would support whatever decision he took,” he said.
By the third discussion, Mr Ojudu noted, Mr Buhari went further, describing Mr Osinbajo as the best person to succeed him due to his experience and performance in government.
“By the third discussion, President Buhari went further. In his considered judgment, he stated plainly that Professor Osinbajo was by far the best person for the job. He emphasised continuity and stability, noting that after nearly seven years in office the Vice President had: developed an intimate understanding of the workings of government, worked diligently and loyally, successfully acted as president on multiple occasions, and demonstrated the steadiness required to lead the country forward ” the former presidential aide said.
He added that the late former president reiterated on several occasions that Mr Osinbajo was best suited to continue his governance legacy and assured him of all reasonable support.
“President Buhari reiterated more than once that he believed Vice President Osinbajo’s candidature was best for continuity and stability, and he assured him that he would do all he reasonably could to support him.”
The fourth affirmation, Mr Ojudu said, came shortly before friends and associates obtained the party’s presidential nomination forms on the former vice president’s behalf.
“The fourth discussion took place shortly before friends and associates obtained the presidential nomination forms on the Vice President’s behalf. Once again, President Buhari expressed his full support, leaving no room for ambiguity as to his position.”
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He noted that Mr Buhari publicly acknowledged Mr Osinbajo’s extensive nationwide consultations during a Federal Executive Council meeting and advised him to engage widely with governors and the leadership of the National Assembly before formally declaring his ambition, an advice the former vice president followed.
“This support was not confined to private conversations. During the primary season, President Buhari publicly remarked at a Federal Executive Council meeting that he observed how tirelessly his Vice President was campaigning across the country. He further advised him to consult widely—specifically encouraging engagement with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly—before formally declaring his ambition. The Vice President followed this advice faithfully,” he stated.
Mr Ojudu, a veteran journalist, said upon the declaration of Mr Osinbajo, the former president reportedly commended him and requested to review his declaration speech, which was presented to him.
He also revealed that at least three governors separately met with Mr Buhari to discuss Mr Osinbajo’s candidature, and on each occasion, the former president affirmed that the former vice president was the best candidate.
He argued that given the relationship of trust and mutual respect between both men, it was implausible and mischievous to suggest that Mr Osinbajo would have pursued a presidential ambition without Mr Buhari’s knowledge and approval.
Mr Ojudu concluded by criticising the methodology of accounts in Mr Omole’s book that failed to consult key actors in documenting the Buhari administration.
“History is not written to settle scores. It is written to illuminate truth. And those who bend it to serve personal animus may enjoy a fleeting moment of attention, but they rarely survive the judgment of time,” the former presidential aide said.
From John Silas, Lagos
W2O Foundation, in collaboration with the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and the Somolu Local Government Area (LGA), has successfully hosted the A.I. in Education Launch 2025, an event aimed at equipping young learners with the knowledge and inspiration needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
The impactful programme, themed “Future Creators: Turning Ideas into Reality with AI,” was held at the Bariga LCDA Hall and brought together secondary school students from Igbobi Junior High School, Somolu Senior High School, Eva Adelaja Senior School, among others.
Speaking at the event, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment, Amb. Comr. Tijani Saheed Oluwadare (Seedorf), expressed his delight at being part of the initiative, which he described as timely and transformative.
In his goodwill message, Oluwadare encouraged the students to cultivate curiosity by asking questions whenever they encounter uncertainty.
He stressed that while artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, it should be used positively and responsibly, alongside their natural intelligence, creativity and critical thinking skills.
He urged the students to observe their immediate environments, identify societal challenges and think innovatively about solutions that could bring meaningful change to their communities, noting that technology should serve as a catalyst for human development.
The keynote speaker, immediate past Chairman of Bariga LCDA, and former Chairman of Conference 57 Local Government Chairmen in Lagos State and President of ALGON, Hon. Alabi Kolade David, delivered an inspiring address on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education.
Hon. David highlighted AI’s capacity to revolutionize teaching and learning processes, enhance access to knowledge and empower students to become innovators and problem solvers across various fields.
He encouraged young learners to embrace technology as a tool for growth, innovation and national development.
The event generated widespread enthusiasm as students actively participated in discussions, shared ideas and explored practical ways AI could be applied to shape their academic and professional futures.
Overall, the A.I. in Education Launch 2025 was hailed as a resounding success, igniting interest and confidence among students while reinforcing the commitment of the W2O Foundation and its partners to nurturing a future-ready generation equipped with digital skills and innovative mindsets.
President Bola Tinubu has assured of his commitment to implement the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy in Nigeria.
This was as he urged State governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to ensure that they don’t interfere with funds of the local governments.
Speaking during the APC Caucus meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu said the implementation must be practical and effective.
According to Tinubu: “Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgement. What can we do with it, and how well we can position our country and our party?
“To me, the local government autonomy is and must be effective. Let us give them. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate.
“We give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance with the supreme court.”
The president also charged the governors to be flexible and be involved in the happenings in their respective states.
“You have to navigate this country; whether we like it or not, you are in the leadership position that must yield and continue to promote, tolerate and be flexible and get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level,” Tinubu said.
Nigeria’s business environment is projected to strengthen steadily over the next six months, with confidence expected to rise to one of its highest levels in recent years.
This is according to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Business Expectations Survey (BES) for November 2025.
Business confidence, which stood at moderate levels in November, is projected to accelerate sharply by mid-2026, signaling expectations of stronger economic activity.
What the data is saying
Data from the CBN’s November 2025 BES shows that business confidence stood at 37.5 index points.
This reflects optimism among respondents about the macroeconomic environment. The survey projects that confidence will rise steadily to 52.8 index points over the next six months.
“The Confidence in November 2025 stood at 37.5 index points, reflecting optimism among respondents regarding the macroeconomy. This optimism is projected to continuously improve, reaching a peak of 52.8 index points over the next six months,” the CBN survey said.
Sectoral data showed broad-based optimism, with Industry leading at 38.1 index points, followed by Agriculture and Services.
On own operations, Mining and Quarrying recorded the highest confidence at 50.0 index points, pointing to strong output and activity expectations.
Regionally, the North-East recorded the highest optimism at 52.7 index points.
The South-East posted the lowest at 18.7 index points, although all regions reported positive expectations across review periods.
Context and underlying drivers
The positive outlook is closely linked to expectations of business expansion, improved activity levels, and labour demand.
Respondents reported optimism about volume of business activity for the next month and subsequent periods, indicating potential growth momentum.
In line with this outlook, businesses signalled plans to hire more workers in December 2025.
Sectoral analysis showed that Construction has the highest expansion prospects, while Mining and Quarrying leads employment prospects in the review month.
However, the survey also highlights persistent headwinds.
Respondents cited insecurity, high taxes, poor power supply, high interest rates, and financial challenges as the top business constraints in November.
Poor infrastructure and unfavourable political climate ranked lower, indicating financial and structural challenges weighed more than political factors.
What you should know
Nairametrics reports that Nigeria’s private sector expanded further in November 2025 as PMI rose to 56.4 from 55.4 in October.
The rise signals broader economic expansion, reinforcing Nigeria’s steady rebound this year.
Overall, businesses are cautiously optimistic, expecting growth, but gains depend on tackling insecurity, high costs, and financing challenges.
NOG Energy Week, the preeminent meeting place for the global oil, gas, LNG, and energy sector in Nigeria, will celebrate its milestone 25th edition from July 5 – 9, 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
As a regional powerhouse in energy production, Nigeria continues to shape the future of the global energy landscape.
The 2026 NOG Energy Week will host its sixth Technical Seminar, which will feature multiple sessions across 14 categories over two days, offering speakers a platform to share their expertise, insights, and innovative solutions with industry leaders, technical experts, and policymakers driving energy transformation.
The Call for Papers for the CPD-accredited Technical Seminar is now open and welcomes industry professionals to submit entries.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), in partnership with the TotalEnergies–Sapetro Consortium, executed a landmark Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) 2000 and 2001.
Designed to engage both academics and industry practitioners, the Seminar creates space for robust dialogue tailored to the Nigerian operating environment. Through a rigorous peer-review selection process, only the most impactful entries are chosen for presentation at NOG Energy Week, contributing meaningfully to the collective pursuit of innovation and both crude oil and natural gas exploration for the first time. This milestone reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to energy security, economic growth, and transparent investment.
The agreement strongly aligns with key themes of the NOG Energy Week Technical Seminar, particularly in geoscience, and gas and LNG projects, technologies and developments, reflecting the Seminar’s dedication to advancing energy innovation and progress across sustainable solutions in the energy sector.
The seminar spans the fullstream value chain and features 14 categories including geoscience, resource and field development, drilling, midstream infrastructure development and facilities management, gas and LNG projects, technologies and developments, downstream fuels and infrastructure development, utilities, power generation and end use, new energies, decarbonisation and sustainability, operational excellence, HSSE and project management, people development, digital transformation, manufacturing and industrialisation, shipping and marine, as well as energy markets and finance.
The NOG Energy Week Technical Seminar is designed to cater for job functions that include senior, mid-level and junior roles across technical, engineering and scientific disciplines to deliver sessions on advanced technologies, breakthrough research, and industry best practices. Delegates will enhance their expertise, expand practical capabilities, and build intellectual capital through knowledge exchange and practical learning, positioning themselves at the forefront of energy innovation and project development across the value chain.