SA News

Farouk Ahmed                    Gbenga Komolafe President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of two nominees to the Senate for confirmation as chief executives of Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory agencies following the resignation of their incumbent heads. In a statement by his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, the President said the nominations followed the exit of Engineer Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Ahmed and Komolafe were appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to head the two agencies established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). President Tinubu has nominated Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief E...

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared the Lagos Security Vision, developed and sustained over two decades of progressive governance, as the country’s leading model for sub-national security. In a statement by its spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo on Friday, the party said Lagos has continued to demonstrate that security is achieved through deliberate planning, strategic investment and consistent political will, not rhetoric.  It noted that despite being Nigeria’s most densely populated and economically active state, Lagos has maintained relative peace, stability and social harmony. According to the party, successive administrations, from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have entrenched a layered security architecture built on intelligence, technology, community engagement and strong inter-agency cooperation. The APC outlined the key pillars of the Lagos Security Vision, including the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF)...

President Bola Tinubu The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Bola  Tinubu for what it described as Nigeria’s renewed leadership in promoting peace, stability and security across the West African sub-region. In a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo on Thursday, the party said Nigeria continues to play a defining role in shaping regional responses to political transitions, military interventions, economic uncertainty and growing extremist threats in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea. According to the Lagos APC, President Tinubu, in his capacity as both Nigeria’s leader and a key figure within ECOWAS, has strengthened democratic engagement, advanced diplomatic dialogue and reinforced the region’s collective security frameworks. The party said Tinubu’s “firm stance against unconstitutional changes of government” and his efforts to sustain negotiations among ECOWAS leaders have contributed to de-escalating tensions and safeguarding de...

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating state of human-rights protection in Nigeria, calling on the government to end impunity, strengthen institutions and prioritise citizens’ welfare. In a statement marking International Human Rights Day 2025, the organisation said widespread insecurity, abuses by law-enforcement agencies, socio-economic hardship and governance failures continue to undermine the dignity and safety of Nigerians. CAPPA cited recent data to highlight the scale of violations, noting that 570 killings and 278 kidnappings were recorded across the country in April, while the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) received 275,256 complaints of rights abuses in May alone. The group said millions of Nigerians are facing overlapping crises, with civil and political rights under pressure, social and economic rights declining, and insecurity deepening.  It added that many of the viola...

By Adeola Agoro The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has been in the news recently over a moment that occurred in Ile-Ife, Osun State, last Sunday during the event marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. At the event, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye-Asiwaju of Ile Oodua. We say congratulations to our Mother. During the celebration, she personally stood up to ask Governor Ademola Adeleke to shorten his plan to sing a long praise song and even repeated the request when it seemed he was still going ahead with the song. Several news platforms sensationally described it as a clash, an insult, a confrontation, and a public slight. Before I share my opinion on what I think happened, let me tell you a few personal stories about Her Excellency so readers may better understand the woman behind the headlines. A First Lady Who Notices People She was at an event in Lagos many years ago. She sat at the High Table while I was amon...

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following backlash over her recent comments advising Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to focus more on governance than frequent public performances. In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, the party described Mrs Tinubu’s remarks, made at an event hosted by the Ooni of Ife, as a “patriotic counsel” that had been unfairly misinterpreted. Lagos APC spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, stated that the First Lady’s advice was rooted in “motherly wisdom” and aimed at protecting the dignity of public office. The party argued that governance requires discipline, seriousness, and time management, insisting that public office “is not a vocation for entertainment.”  It criticised what it described as the growing perception that Governor Adeleke’s appearances at public events are remembered more for entertainment than for substance. According to the statement, Osun State...

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to combat the growing involvement of children in armed conflict, launching a specialised pre-deployment training for officers assigned to conflict-affected regions.  The week-long programme, held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, focused on preventing the recruitment and use of children by armed actors across the country. Declaring the training open, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by AIG Training and Development, Aminu Baba Raji, warned that the use of children by armed groups has become a serious security and human rights concern.  He noted that children are increasingly exploited as fighters, informants, couriers, and in other support roles, exposing them to severe trauma and long-term psychological harm. Partnering with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, the programme equipped officers with tools to detect early signs of child recruitment, disrupt trafficking netw...

A coalition of African and international civil society organisations has condemned what it described as a growing crackdown on water sector workers in Senegal, ahead of this year’s International Human Rights Day. In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC), Public Services International (PSI), Corporate Accountability and 10 other organisations accused Senegal’s national water operator, SEN’EAU, of targeting Comrade Oumar BA, General Secretary of the Autonomous Union of Water Workers of Senegal (SATES). The statement was endorsed by 13 organisations across Africa and beyond, including Water Citizens Network / Revenue Mobilisation Africa (Ghana), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (Nigeria), Biodiversity and Biosafety Association Kenya (BIBA Kenya), Disability Not a Barrier Initiative (Nigeria), Cheriehomes Global Initiatives (Nigeria), Africa Water Justice Network, Voices for Water (Zimbabwe), Senegalese Water Justice Net...

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at the opposition following a public call by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) urging former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to “make up his mind” on his 2027 plans.  The ADC had also declared that zoning would not influence its choice of presidential candidate, a statement that has sparked fresh controversy within opposition circles. In its reaction, the APC in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo said the development further exposes what it described as “the chronic disorganization, lack of strategy, and ideological emptiness” within parties positioning themselves as alternatives to the ruling party. According to the APC, the ADC’s remarks highlight an opposition camp “unable to manage internal order yet eager to govern a complex nation like Nigeria.”  The ruling party said the back-and-forth over Obi’s potential candidacy shows the opposition is already in crisis ...

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described President Bola  Tinubu’s appointment of new ambassadors as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with the international community. In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, said the appointments reflect the administration’s plan to reposition the country’s foreign policy and reinforce its presence on the global stage. Oladejo stated that the newly selected envoys bring a mix of diplomatic experience and professional expertise, which he said would be useful in advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad.  He noted that the envoys are expected to promote bilateral cooperation, attract investments, counter misinformation and support Nigerians living in the diaspora. According to the Lagos APC, the development complements ongoing domestic reforms in security, governance and economic restructuring, which the party believes will provide a stronger foundati...

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the recent directive withdrawing police escorts from certain VIPs, describing opposition reactions as exaggerated and politically motivated. In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, said the measure was a routine administrative reform aimed at restoring professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.  He said the directive was not new and was not targeted at any individual or political group. Oladejo noted that security experts had long criticised the deployment of large numbers of police officers to private individuals, arguing that it weakened community policing and deprived the public of adequate protection. He accused opposition figures of attempting to “weaponize” the issue by spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary panic, adding that criticisms were driven by “entitlement mentality”. According to him, the decision does not affect constitutionally mandated se...

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s security architecture have renewed the call for stronger institutional collaboration as a critical tool for counter-terrorism and crime control at a one-day inter-agency lecture and awards ceremony organised by Razornews in Lagos. The conference, themed “Institutional Collaboration as a Tool for Counter-Terrorism and Crime,” was held at the event hall of Shoregate Hotel, GRA, Ikeja on Tuesday, and attracted senior officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among other security and safety institutions. Delivering the keynote address, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, Commander, Mining Marshal, stressed that no single agency could successfully combat Nigeria’s complex security challenges in isolation. He noted that emerging security threats require coordinated intel...

By Bukola Olukemi-Odele Nigeria is grappling with a rising tide of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. These illnesses are often closely tied to unhealthy diets, particularly the excessive consumption of processed and packaged foods high in sugar, sodium (salt), and saturated fats.    The widespread availability, affordability, and aggressive marketing of these ultra-processed products continue to push more people toward obesity, metabolic complications, and other diet-related conditions, contributing to the 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria now linked to NCDs. In this context, consumers need clearer and more accessible information at the point of purchase about the nutritional content and health risks of the foods they are buying. Front-of-Pack (FOP) labels provides exactly this by offering quick, visible guidance that helps people identify foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These labels steer consumers ...

General Christopher Musa (rtd) President Bola Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as the new Minister of Defence. The nomination was conveyed to the Senate in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday.  General Musa is to replace Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday on health grounds. Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025. A career infantry officer, he is a recipient of the 2012 Colin Powell Award for Soldiering. Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa attended primary and secondary schools in the state before proceeding to the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986 and graduated in 1991, the same year he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. General Christopher Musa (rtd) He has held several command and operational appointments, including Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; General Staff Officer 1,...

  Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect. His resignation was contained in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which he cited health reasons for stepping down. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Monday that President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the former minister’s service to the country. Badaru, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023 before he was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023. His departure comes at a time when President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, with further details expected to be announced in the coming days. The President is expected to notify the Senate of a new ministerial nominee later this week.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s call for citizens’ support to take over governance in the state in 2027, describing the opposition party’s ambition as unrealistic. In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC said the ADC lacked the structure, capacity and political presence required to challenge the ruling party in the state.  It described the ADC’s takeover claim as “a political fantasy” and a comical attempt to gain relevance. The ruling party argued that Lagos’ development trajectory under successive APC administrations had earned it a reputation for stability and continuity, which it said could not be overturned by a party it claimed struggled to maintain active ward structures. Oladejo said Lagos voters were familiar with the APC’s performance record from the administrations of President Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu...

  The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for alleging that both the PDP and APC are responsible for the insecurity and economic hardship in the country. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC dismissed Atiku’s remarks as a delusional outburst, accusing the former vice president of contributing significantly to the challenges Nigeria faces. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  The party alleged that Atiku played a central role in the economic difficulties associated with the privatisation exercise carried out during the Obasanjo administration, which it described as a scandalous auction of national assets.  It further blamed him, along with the PDP, for policy failures which it said created the foundation for present-day insecurity and economic strain. The statement also criticised Atiku’s long political career, describing him as a serial...

  President Bola Tinubu has strengthened his push for a more inclusive diplomatic corps with the submission of 32 additional ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, featuring increased female representation and broad regional balance. The new list comprises 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees, with 10 women included across both categories, four among career nominees and six among non-career nominees.  This marks one of the administration’s most gender-diverse batches of diplomatic nominations so far. Notable female nominees include former Oyo First Lady, Florence Ajimobi; former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo; former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande; former Senator Grace Bent; Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa); Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia); and Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo). The list also reflects broad geographic inclusion, with nominees drawn from all six geopolitical zones, covering states such as Abia, Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ondo,...

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following Jonathan’s return from Guinea-Bissau. Jonathan had travelled to the West African country on an election monitoring mission. His visit had raised concerns after a military takeover occurred during his stay in the country. The former president was received by Tinubu upon his arrival, after which both men held a brief meeting behind closed doors.

  The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders working in public health have rallied the Senate for an upward review and restructuring of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax.  They also called for a shift from the current specific excise of N10 imposed on each litre of sugary drink to a stronger ad valorem, percentage-based system that raises the overall rate and secures dedicated revenue for strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. Speaking during a public hearing in Abuja on Thursday, organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Customs and Excise, they said Nigeria was experiencing a surge in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) linked to excessive consumption of sugary drinks and unhealthy diets, and that formerly rare diseases such as diabetes, stroke, obesity and heart diseases are now some of the leading causes of premature death. The public hearing was on a bill, sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry...