The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has resigned his appointment.

The resignation of the HoS, who served under the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was contained in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator and obtained by newsmen on Tuesday morning.

The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), thanked Nwaeke for his service to him within the short period since he assumed office and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The statement reads, “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.

“His Excellency, the Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.

Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.

The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

“His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.

“Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.

“Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service averted two potential disasters over the weekend, responding swiftly to a gas truck accident in Epe and a tanker mishap on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

Both incidents, which could have resulted in massive explosions, were successfully contained through coordinated emergency response efforts.

A Sunday statement on the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service X account revealed that one of the incidents happened late on Saturday night with the other earlier.

“A Sino Howo gas truck carrying cylinders lost control and plunged into a ditch at Oke Osho, Ketu-Epe Expressway, due to brake failure.

“Firefighters from the Epe 1 Fire Station promptly arrived at the scene and rescued the driver and his assistant, aged 33 and 30, with minor injuries.

“The swift intervention prevented what could have been a devastating gas explosion,” said Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in a late Saturday post on X.

She added, “The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority also assisted in securing the scene.”

Fuel tanker explosion averted

Barely a few hours later, another crisis unfolded at about 21:38 hours on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, inward Cele bus stop, Okota, Lagos.

A Mack tanker, fully loaded with 45,000 litres of diesel, lost control and overturned, spilling fuel across the highway.

“In the same vein, a Mack Tanker with registration number TTD 541 ZY, fully loaded with 45,000 litres of AGO product, which reportedly lost control while in motion, swerved and fell off the road, causing spillage on the highway,” Adeseye confirmed on Sunday.

“Emergency responders acted swiftly to transload the remaining fuel into another Mack tanker, preventing a potential fire outbreak.

“The driver and his assistant escaped unhurt as the remains of the former vehicle were cleared off the road,” she stated.

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu, has called for stricter enforcement of restrictions on articulated vehicle movement at unapproved hours following the tragic truck explosion at Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.

Speaking during a Friday visit to victims receiving treatment, Jaji expressed deep sadness over the incident, which claimed 10 lives and left many others injured.

The explosion occurred on Wednesday when a truck lost control and crashed into vehicles caught in traffic, igniting a massive fire that destroyed several cars beyond recognition.

Jaji, accompanied by his management team, emphasized the need for security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, Police, and Fire Service, to collaborate in enforcing traffic regulations to prevent similar disasters.

“There should be a ban on the movement of articulated vehicles at some hours, particularly during the early hours of the morning when workers are resuming work and early evenings at the peak of retiring from work to their home.

“If truck drivers have been mandated not to move at a particular period, security agencies that are concerned must be there to make sure that they don’t move. Otherwise, this kind of calamity will continue to happen,” he said.

Jaji further revealed that while assessing the accident scene, “his team prevented another potential disaster at the same location.”

A consultant anaesthetist at Cedacrest Hospital, Dr Kate Edionhon, confirmed that “two of the patients under their care were stable, while one remained in critical condition.”

Meanwhile, Adedoye Temitope, a sister to Inspector Chukwuemeka, expressed gratitude to the hospital for admitting her sibling after “several failed attempts at other facilities.”

Jaji reassured all that the “Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to emergencies,” stressing that “fire prevention is far more cost-effective than disaster mitigation.”

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Tuesday’s meetings which began at about 03:00 pm also had Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in attendance.

Our correspondent also spotted the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, arriving at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.

However, it is unclear if they are part of the meeting with security chiefs.

In attendance are the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Directors General of the State Security Service, Mr Adeola Ajayi and the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

Although the reason for the emergency conclave is unclear, it comes just hours after an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred late on Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road under construction.

Stephen Angbulu

With three years of experience, Stephen, The TheNigerian correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheNigerian.

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Nigeria’s access to a $602.95m grant for 2025 from the United States Agency for International Development is now uncertain, following a 90-day suspension of all agency programmes by President Donald Trump.

The fund freeze stems from an executive order signed by President Trump after his return to office in January 2025, directing a comprehensive review of US foreign assistance.

The review aims to assess the effectiveness of American aid programmes, with a focus on eliminating waste and ensuring funds align with US national interests.

With the aid freeze in place, funding for crucial sectors, particularly health, governance, economic development, and security, hangs in the balance.

The move has already disrupted multiple USAID-supported initiatives, with Nigeria among the countries facing uncertainty over planned allocations.

This comes as the Senate summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by United States Congressman Perry Scott that USAID has been funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.

Those summoned included the heads of the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Department of State Services and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The resolution followed an Order of Urgent National Security raised under Order 41 by the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume.

According to the proposed USAID budget for 2025, a staggering 89.27 per cent of the total $602.95m earmarked for Nigeria was designated for health-related programmes, highlighting the country’s heavy reliance on US support in the sector.

The largest share, $368m, was set aside for HIV/AIDS programmes under the Global Health Program, with $322m coming from GHP-State and $46m from GHP-USAID.

Other allocations included $22m for tuberculosis, $73m for malaria control, $33.25m for maternal and child health, and $22.5m for family planning and reproductive health.

However, funding for water supply and sanitation was set at just $2.5m, raising concerns about the accessibility of clean drinking water, especially in rural areas.

With USAID funding now frozen, the Nigerian government has taken emergency measures to cushion the impact, approving $200m to sustain healthcare services.

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the funds would be directed towards essential vaccine procurement, antiretroviral drug distribution, and maternal health services, as fears grow over potential disruptions to critical health interventions.

Also, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the Federal Government was planning to engage 28,000 health workers previously being paid under the USAID programme.

Pate said the government was ready to take ownership of the country’s healthcare sector amid the change in the policy of the US government.

The Federal Executive Council also approved an allocation of N4.5bn for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

Beyond health, democracy and governance initiatives in Nigeria had been allocated $7.5m in the USAID budget.

This covered funding for the rule of law, good governance, civil society engagement, and human rights programmes.

The suspension of the aid now casts doubt over whether these programmes will proceed as planned, particularly as the Trump administration reassessed its foreign policy commitments in Africa.

Among several sectors facing uncertainty is the peace and security category, with $7.6m earmarked for strengthening Nigeria’s security capabilities.

The proposed budget included $2.8m for conflict mitigation, $1m for military partnerships, and $3.05m for citizen security and law enforcement.

These allocations reflected US interest in stabilising Nigeria and countering terrorism threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State-West Africa Province in the northeast.

However, with funding now under review, there are concerns that any reductions could affect Nigeria’s ability to combat insecurity.

Also, economic growth programmes were due to receive $39.6m, the largest allocation outside the health sector.

Of this amount, $29.1m was earmarked for agriculture, while $1.5m was set aside for private sector productivity and $5m for clean energy projects.

These figures suggest a shift in US aid priorities towards economic sustainability and private sector engagement rather than direct humanitarian relief.

With USAID funding currently under review, the disbursement of these funds remains uncertain.

If the aid freeze extends beyond the initial 90-day review period, Nigeria may need to rely more on domestic revenue or seek increased support from other development partners like the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

The TheNigerian earlier reported that USAID allocated approximately $2.8bn to Nigeria between 2022 and 2024, according to data from the United States Foreign Assistance Dashboard.

The platform serves as the primary source for budgetary and financial data from U.S. government agencies managing foreign assistance portfolios.

Amid the controversy, data from Financial Aid revealed that in 2024, the US agency disbursed a total of $41bn to no fewer than 206 countries, including Nigeria, which received $780m.

In 2023, USAID allocated $72bn to 209 countries, with $1bn disbursed to Nigeria. Similarly, in 2022, the agency released $74bn to fund 21,000 programmes in at least 212 countries, and Nigeria received $970m.

The aid suspension comes amid increasing scrutiny over US foreign assistance, with Congressman Perry alleging that some American aid funds had been misused or diverted to unintended channels, including possible links to terrorist financing.

In a video that went viral, Perry said, “Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697m annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding.”

The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has since launched an investigation into the management of USAID funds in Nigeria and other recipient countries.

If financial irregularities are found, the US could permanently reduce or redirect foreign assistance, placing further strain on Nigeria’s development efforts.

However, the United States Embassy in Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that US assistance is properly utilised, dismissing any concerns about its funds being diverted to terrorist groups.

In a statement released on its X handle on Tuesday, the mission stressed that “comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that US assistance reaches intended recipients.”

The American government also strongly condemned the atrocities committed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups in Nigeria and across the region, stating, “The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region.”

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, former Senate Chief Whip, Ndume, called for an investigation into the US lawmaker’s claims that the USAID funded Boko Haram, urging the Federal Government to conduct a probe to verify whether USAID funds had been used appropriately.

Ndume urged the Senate to take Perry’s revelation seriously, given the devastation caused by Boko Haram.

He emphasised that a thorough investigation would end speculation about how non-state actors have managed to survive over the years.

The motion was seconded for debate by Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi-Central), a co-sponsor of the motion, who suggested that it should be amended to read that the security chiefs should first brief senators in a closed-door session.

“At this point, whatever is written here is germane. But it is almost impossible to do justice to the issues raised in this motion here.

“We do not need an elaborate debate on this issue; we need to be briefed by security agencies first in a closed-door session.

“Let’s take only one prayer-we invite the NSA, the DG, NIA, and DSS for a closed-door session with the Senate on this matter. The reason? This is their duty; that is what they are funded to do as their work.

“With the briefing by the security chiefs, we can take it up from there. Let’s do the work with some facts provided by these security chiefs at a closed-door session,” he said.

Ningi’s argument was adopted and passed by the Senate after Senate President Godswill Akpabio agreed that it was important to hear the views of the security heads in confidence.

He noted that the intelligence chiefs would provide the Senate with a clearer perspective in a private briefing.

In response to the alleged funding of Boko Haram by USAID, the Borno State government said it was awaiting the decision of the Federal Government on the next line of action.

Speaking with one of our correspondents, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brig Gen Abdullahi Ishaq (retd.), said the state government was not surprised by the allegation as the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, had mentioned some non-governmental organisations were financing the insurgency in the state.

“Have you listened to the interview of the Chief of Defence Staff on the attitudes of these NGOs? He was once here as a Theatre Commander and he has given a clue as to his experience when he was here.

“He said that they will say they are taking food somewhere and before you know it, they will say the vehicle broke down. All of a sudden, the trailer load becomes empty. The signs have always been there.”

Concerning the probe of the NGOs working with USAID, he said, “It is not a state government thing. They got permission from the Federal Government to operate here, which is why they operate in so many places in Nigeria and not Maiduguri alone.

“It is left for the Federal Government to decide. The decision will determine our stand. I just returned from a trip, so there is still some information I cannot authoritatively speak on currently,” he said.

In a recent interview on Al-Jazeera, Gen Musa questioned how terrorist groups in Nigeria manage to sustain their operations despite sustained military offensives.

He pointed to foreign financial and logistical support as a critical factor enabling the persistence of these groups.

The CDS revealed that many surrendered or captured Boko Haram fighters had been found in possession of foreign currency, raising serious questions about their funding sources.

“As we speak, over 120,000 Boko Haram members have surrendered, and most of them came with hard currency. How did they get it? How are they funded? How did they get the training? How did they get the equipment?” he asked.

The CDS has also raised alarms over the suspicious activities of certain NGOs, citing instances where some of them, ostensibly providing humanitarian aid, paid up to 10 years’ rent in advance for properties in insurgency-prone areas.

He questioned the rationale behind such long-term commitments, asking whether these NGOs had foreknowledge that terrorism would persist for another decade.

He then called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of Boko Haram terrorists.

Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has approved the appointment of Alhaji Tonga Betara as Head of Service.

Betara’s appointment followed the retirement of his predecessor, Alhaji Hamidu Alhaji, after reaching the mandatory 60 years of service.

Secretary to the Yobe State government, Baba Malam Wali disclosed this to LEADERSHIP in Damaturu, the state capital.

Until his appointment, Alhaji Betara was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment.

The appointment is with immediate effect.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has appointed Barrister Mohammed Sani as the new Head of Civil Service for the state to replace Yahuza Haruna who has now been appointed as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor.

Sani, a seasoned legal practitioner and administrator, will provide leadership in Bauchi State civil service, ensuring efficiency and professionalism in the state’s public sector.

Prior to his appointment, the new head of service was the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, in the office of the Head of Civil Service.

Also, the new Chief Economic Adviser, Haruna, an expert in economic planning and policy is expected to advise the government on critical economic strategies for sustainable development.

He will work with the State Economic Management Team in the provision and coordination of inter-sectoral economic policy direction and monitoring progress in implementation of government policies and programmes.

Confirming the appointments, spokesperson to the Bauchi State governor, Mukhtar Gidado, said the two new appointees will be sworn in Wednesday morning.

He explained that the appointments are part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to enhancing governance and strengthening the state’s civil service and economic management.

Gidado added that Governor Mohammed has approved the redeployment and swapping of two chairmen of Boards of Educational Institutions.

The Chairman, Governing Board of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr Abubakar Dahiru Bauchi was redeployed to take over as Chairman Governing Board of AD Rufai College of Education, Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau in the exercise.

Senator Lawan Gumau now takes over as Chairman governing board of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic.

He was previously the Chairman Board of AD Rufa’i College of Education, Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau.

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi has said his recognition by LEADERSHIP Newspapers as the Public Service Person of the Year is an encouragement for him and his team to do more in trade facilitation and interception of contraband such as illegal drugs and weapons.

The CGC made the remarks on Monday when he hosted the management of LEADERSHIP Media Group in his Abuja office. The company’s Group Managing Director Muazu Elazeh led the delegation to present the nomination letter to the Customs boss.

Adewale is being honoured for his transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.

“I am grateful for this gesture from LEADERSHIP. This is a testament that the society and of course the editorial board of LEADERSHIP Newspapers are watching what is going on,” he stated, adding that the realization that his activities are making the right impact motivates him to do more in facilitating trade and stamping out the entrance of contraband products across all the ports in Nigeria.

“Our intention is just to make a difference in the economic and security lives of Nigerians. The intention was to put measures in place to facilitate trade. We said we can now generate fair revenues that will not threaten the pre-existence of SMEs,” he stated during the visit.

Besides breaking the revenue target for 2024 to mark his one year in office, the CGC has tackled deeply rooted challenges within the NCS, such as systemic inefficiencies, entrenched corruption, and outdated operational practices. With his clear vision and unwavering dedication, he has systematically restructured the agency, demonstrating the remarkable potential for reform within Nigeria’s public sector.
Under his watch, the Customs Service collected a total sum of ₦6.1trn revenue in the same year-end 2024, surpassing its target of ₦5.079trn by ₦1.026, representing a 20.2% increase above the target. The ₦6.1trn revenue achievement represents a significant 90.4% increase from our 2023 collection of ₦3,206,583,002,675.65

Adeniyi assured the visitors that the Nigerian “society better and greater benefits of the Nigeria Customs Service. We will do even more now,” stating that the approach to work is provide service to Nigerians in line with its mandate.

Earlier, Alhaji Elazeh said the delegation was in his office to present the letter of nomination to Adewale and formally invite him to the 17th edition of the annual award for the recognition of individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in their sectors.
Elazeh said the Customs CG is among the few Nigerians – like business mogul Aliko Dangote, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and some state governors that have distinguished themselves in their line of duty.

“We are pleased about anything and anyone that uplifts lives. And you are one of those few individuals we believe have made impact. Your impact in trade facilitation, helping government to rake in high revenues and curbing the influx of contrabands, including weapons and drugs are commendable,” he said.

The CGC emerged the winner of the position from a tight selection process as LEADERSHIP Public Service Person of the Year. The award would be presented to him and other awardees at the award ceremony and conference coming up on April 8th 2025.

Nigeria’s telecom operators have kept Unstructured Supplementary Service Data services active as banks make significant progress in repaying their outstanding debts, preventing a potential disruption that could have impacted millions of users.

The banks, which were at risk of disconnection due to a N160bn debt, have made substantial progress in clearing their liabilities, ensuring continued access to the USSD platform—vital for customers without internet access.

In a January 15, 2024, notice, the Nigerian Communications Commission warned that nine banks would be cut off from USSD services by January 27 if they failed to clear debts accumulated since 2019. However, the banks acted quickly to resolve the issue, averting service disruptions.

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, confirmed at a CEO forum in Lagos that the matter had been de-escalated.

“The matter has been de-escalated. Money has been paid, and we are making progress thanks to the regulators,” he said.

The nine banks that would have been affected by the NCC’s disconnection notice include Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank, Jaiz Bank Plc, Polaris Bank Limited, Sterling Bank Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc.

The dispute began in 2019 when banks started incurring charges for using USSD services provided by telecom companies. However, many banks struggled to settle the charges, causing the debt to accumulate.

This enforcement is part of the first phase of a structured payment plan outlined in a December 20, 2024 memo from the NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The memo details a three-phase payment obligation for banks to settle the N250bn debt, with specific deadlines for each phase.

The first phase requires banks to settle 60 per cent of all outstanding pre-API invoices by January 2, 2025.

The second phase mandates the full payment of all pre-API invoices by July 2, 2025. Finally, the third phase requires banks to settle 85 per cent of post-API invoices by December 31, 2025.