The President directed the security agencies to trace the attackers and rescue the victims abducted and restore peace in the affected communities, it was reported.

According to reports, the attack claimed about 30 lives including women and children. Tinubu, who condemned the attack, gave the directive on Tuesday.

Several houses were also reportedly set on fire in the incident.

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described the attack as a barbaric and cowardly act against innocent residents.

“Tinubu warned that justice will not elude the perpetrators.

He said criminal elements bent on disturbing the relative peace and improved security in Kaduna State would be decisively dealt with.

The President also condoled the families of the victims, Governor Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Government and the people of the state.

Read Also: Tinubu to Soon Announce New Salary Increase for Nigerian Soldiers – Defence Minister

Tinubu assured the affected communities of the support of the Federal Government, saying his administration was committed to fighting insecurity in the country.

“I have directed the Armed Forces, police and relevant intelligence agencies to intensify operations across the affected areas to track down the perpetrators swiftly, secure the release of abducted persons and restore normalcy to the region, the President said.

He said the government would continue to upgrade security infrastructure and equip personnel involved in responding to violent attacks.

“Our administration is committed to strengthening security infrastructure, equipping response personnel and neutralising criminal networks that are trying to disrupt the peace of the nation,” Tinubu said.

The President urged residents of the affected communities and the general public to support the ongoing operation by providing timely and useful information to security agencies.

“I call upon our local communities to assist security forces by providing actionable intelligence that would inform early response efforts,” he said.

Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and assured Nigerians that the ongoing operations to cripple criminal networks will continue across the country.

The Federal Government will continue to make efforts to restore peace and prevent further attacks in Kaduna and other parts of the federation.

The post Tinubu Orders Immediate Action Over Kaduna Killings appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd) has said that President Bola Tinubu will soon announce a new salary increase for personnel of the armed forces as part of the federal government’s plan to improve troops welfare.

Musa was reported to have revealed this at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel in Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

The federal government is committed to making sure military personnel are adequately compensated for the sacrifices they make to protect the nation, he said.

I want to say that a few weeks ago I said that soldiers are now getting ₦100, 000 and I know that it generated both positive and negative reactions.

“When I was the chief of defence staff, soldiers were earning ₦49,000. Two years ago I asked for ₦100,000 and it was achieved.

‘But we are trying to boost it again. We know our President is a listening father who knows the sacrifices our troops are making and is committed to making sure they are well paid. I am sure, Mr. President, that you will soon be announcing another increase in wages for our men.”

The workshop themed, ‘’Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development’’ was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

He said the programme was a reflection of the commitment of the federal government to improve the economic welfare of military families, especially widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in different operational theatres across the country.

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With members of the armed forces continuing to face complex security challenges and long periods away from their families, he said the government recognised the vital role played by their spouses and dependants in maintaining their morale and effectiveness.

“Our personnel face complex security challenges daily in defending the sovereignty of Nigeria and the lives and property of our citizens.

“Many operate in challenging environments, away from their families for long periods and under significant risk. Their courage and sacrifice are rightly celebrated, but the families firmly behind them also played an invaluable role that must be duly recognised

“To the spouses here today, your strength, patience and constant support give your loved ones the confidence to stay focused on their tasks.

“To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour and distinction, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration,” the minister stated.

“A strong military is built not only on capable personnel and modern equipment, but also on stable and economically secure families”, he said.

“When military families are economically secure they are more resilient to the unique challenges of military life,” he said. This means service personnel can have confidence that their loved ones are well supported, and they can focus on their operational duties.”

“Thus, strengthening the economic resilience of our military families is an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation.

“The entrepreneurship programme was aimed at equipping participants with practical business and enterprise management skills, which would enable them establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development,” Musa said.

The post Tinubu to Soon Announce New Salary Increase for Nigerian Soldiers – Defence Minister appeared first on TheNigerian.

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, on his birthday, July 25, describing him as one of the best ministers in his government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Saturday.

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Works, Umahi was a Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District and was the Governor of Ebonyi State for two consecutive terms from May 2015 to May 2023.

His administration was widely acknowledged for delivering transformational infrastructure across the state, the presidency said.

President Tinubu commended the minister for his unwavering commitment to building sustainable road infrastructure, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose passion, diligence and patriotism continually drive progress in the country’s road sector.

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The president also urged Engineer Umahi to keep up the momentum in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to improve infrastructure, enhance economic growth, and raise the standard of living of Nigerians.

“Minister Umahi is one of my most hardworking and outstanding ministers,” said the President. He is very much interested in his work, and has kept his eye on the ball of making good roads and bridges that will stand the test of time.

“Instead of relying on reports, he is always on project sites across the country, inspecting construction works to ensure strict compliance with approved standards and specifications.

President Tinubu extended felicitations to the minister’s family, friends, and associates on the occasion and prayed for his continued good health, strength and wisdom as he continues to serve the nation.

The post ‘One of My Outstanding Ministers’ – Tinubu Celebrates Umahi on Birthday appeared first on TheNigerian.

More details have emerged on how military officers accused of plotting to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration allegedly planned their operation, including the use of coded language, suggested dates for execution and deployment of personnel and logistical arrangements.

The documents also reportedly shed light on what investigators called the suspects’ intended transition plan if the alleged operation was successful.

The disclosures were in confidential investigative documents, said to number more than 7,400 pages, including statements from suspects, bank records, secret notes, records of alleged conversations and other exhibits gathered during the investigation.

Premium Times said the documents reviewed by it indicated the alleged plot was to take over strategic military installations, take-over broadcast facilities, mobilise troops and deal with senior military commanders deemed capable of frustrating the operation.

The allegations are allegations found in the investigative materials and the accused officers have the right to defend themselves against the allegations.

Alleged Plot Coordinated by Officers
Earlier reports named Nigerian army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji as a leading player in the alleged plot, along with retired Colonel M.M. Adamu, Lieutenant-Colonel Shamsuddeen Bappah and Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim.

Adamu was still at large, military authorities said. Ma’aji, Bappah and Ibrahim were reported to have given separate statements to investigators on the alleged operational plans.

The documents also said coded expressions were allegedly used to hide discussions about the plan.

Investigative records suggest the suspects referred to themselves as ‘farmers’ and the larger purported movement was ‘farming.’

Other terms related to agriculture were also apparently given specific meanings in their communications.

“Fertilisers” supposedly stood for logistics such as money, vehicles, weapons and supplies, while “harvest” was the proposed execution day.

The operation, allegedly called “digital farming”, involved clerics who were approached to pray for the success of the operation being called “technical partners”.

Investigators also said the expressions “D-Day” and “H-hour” were used to describe the day and time of the operation, respectively.

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Other documents showed a disagreement and uncertainty over when the alleged operation would occur.

Investigators were told by Ibrahim that the conspirators thought about doing the operation in the early morning, but a final date was not fixed.

Some of the suspects reportedly talked about three dates, September 27, October 1 and October 4, 2025.

One of the dates being discussed was October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

Another suspect, Major Ilyasu Jamilu, tells investigators that they discussed September 27, October 1 and another later date. But he said no final date was set because preparations for the alleged operation had not been completed.

Similarly, Ibrahim told investigators that the timing ultimately was a matter of the availability of the necessary personnel and equipment.

“The timing of D-Day would depend on the availability of troops and equipment,” he said.

Logistics, troops key to plan, report says
The investigative documents indicated that the timing of the alleged plot was largely determined by the availability of troops, equipment and other logistical needs.

The materials also included details of how individual responsibilities were assigned to participants, and how strategic locations were identified as part of the wider plan, the report says.

Investigators said the planning went beyond the initial operation, with discussions also covering what would happen if the alleged bid to seize power succeeded.

The findings add to the details emerging from the probe of the alleged plot and the roles authorities say individual suspects played.

Investigative papers identified a number of statements allegedly used by the suspects to hide their communications:

Farming – the so-called coup movement

Fertilisers — logistics, similar to money, vehicles, weapons and supplies

Harvest – proposed execution day “D-Day”

Digital farming – the planned operation

Technical partners Clerics allegedly approached to pray for the success of the operation

The post Tinubu: Fresh Details Surface Over Alleged Military Coup Plot appeared first on TheNigerian.

AdvoKC Foundation, a youth-led civic-tech organization committed to promoting transparency, democratic governance and public participation in Nigeria, has called on President, Bola Tinubu, to assent, without further delay, to the Federal Audit Service Bill, which has now passed both chambers of the 10th National Assembly and awaiting presidential action for over seven months.

The Bill aims to repeal the colonial Audit Ordinance of 1956, an instrument that, technically, ceased to be part of Nigerian law by virtue of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Decree of 1990 and is not found in either the 1990 or 2004 Laws of the Federation. Rather, the Bill would create a separate Federal Audit Service and Federal Audit Board, expand the powers of the Auditor-General for the Federation and, for the first time, introduce real timelines and sanctions to a function that has hitherto relied on slow, largely administrative penalties.

“The Auditor-General can tell Nigerians where public money has gone missing, but has no dependable way of making anyone answer for it,” said Habib Sheidu, Project Director of AdvoKC Foundation. That’s the difference between a watchman and a cop. This Bill finally gives teeth to the office. Every month it goes unsigned, it is a month that gap stays open.”

The call is coming on the heels of the International Monetary Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation report on Nigeria which revealed that capital spending equivalent to about two percent of the GDP, around N8.8 trillion, was executed outside the formal budget in 2025 and did not show up in official budget documents or implementation reports. In concluding that consultation, IMF executive directors emphasized concern about off-budget spending and complicated financing instruments and urged accelerating reforms to strengthen the budget process, public financial management, fiscal reporting, and accountability. The Fund’s staff report adds that the timely passage of the budget and the phasing out of the practice of overlapping budgets would further strengthen budget implementation, along with a call to resume the regular publication of audited government accounts.

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“The IMF report does not specify this Bill by name but it does not have to,” said Sheidu. “It spells out, virtually line for line, the very reform that this Bill would bring: a budget process that runs on time, accounts that are reconciled and published as a matter of routine, and an audit institution with the independence to enforce that discipline. You can’t separate the mess of overlapping and re-enacted budgets from the absence of the audit law that would have caught the slippage before it needed a repeal and re-enactment exercise to correct after the fact.”

The AdvoKC Foundation said that this is not the first time the reform has come this close.

The Bill was first proposed in the 6th National Assembly (2007-2011) and did not scale through. The 7th National Assembly’s version failed to get the two chambers to concur. The Bill was passed by the 8th National Assembly and transmitted for assent in January 2019, but it lapsed without assent and no reason was ever communicated to the National Assembly. The 9th National Assembly’s new attempt could not carry out the legislative process before the tenure of that Assembly expired in 2023.

The version now before President Tinubu, introduced afresh in the 10th Assembly in October 2023 and with passage by both chambers by December 2025, is therefore the fifth legislative attempt in almost two decades to give Nigeria a modern federal audit law, and only the second occasion on which it has reached a President’s desk.

The Foundation also cited Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which provides that the President shall within 30 days of the receipt of such Bill, assent to the Bill or communicate his reasons for withholding assent. The Bill is long overdue now.

“Every week of silence is read as ambivalence about the reforms this administration claims to champion,” Sheidu added.

“This Bill costs nothing to sign and buys a lot: it tells the IMF, the World Bank and international investors that Nigeria’s fiscal reforms are anchored on institutions, not just on pronouncements. And it tells Nigerians that a report from the Auditor-General will mean something at last.”

AdvoKC Foundation calls on the President to give his assent to the Bill now and, with assent, to direct that the Federal Audit Board be constituted within 90 days, that a timeline be published for the appointment of the director general of the Federal Audit Service, and that a plain-language summary of the law be made public. The Foundation stated that it will be tracking these milestones on its PromiseTracker.ng platform.

The post AdvoKC Foundation Seeks Presidential Assent to Federal Audit Service Bill appeared first on TheNigerian.

The announcement of vice-presidential candidates by the major political parties has shined a spotlight on the potential effect of running mates on the result of the 2027 presidential election.

President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will seek re-election along with Vice President Kashim Shettima as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closes nominations.

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President, has chosen former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has also picked former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.

The emergence of the three tickets has focused attention on the political experience, regional appeal and grassroots support that the running mates are expected to bring to their respective campaigns ahead of the February 2027 presidential election.

The APC has Shettima on the ticket, having served as vice president since 2023. He is a former governor of Borno State and former senator representing Borno Central and is expected to be a key player in the party’s effort to maintain support in the North-East.

Atiku is also from the North-East, which is expected to be a major battleground in the election as he seeks to consolidate his traditional political base.

In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku won Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, while Tinubu won only Borno State in the zone.

Many see Amaechi’s selection of Atiku as the ADC’s presidential candidate as a move to strengthen the party’s foothold in the South-South and extend its influence to the South-East.

Amaechi, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two term governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, brings decades of political and administrative experience to the ticket.

He was one of the top contenders in the APC presidential primary ahead of the 2023 election, after Tinubu.

Tinubu won Rivers State in the 2023 presidential election, but Peter Obi was the dominant candidate in much of the South-East. Obi also enjoyed major support from some parts of the South-South.

Tinubu scored 1,271 votes in the 2023 APC presidential primary, while a former minister and strong contender, Amaechi, had 316 votes. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo got 235 votes.

Obi’s choice of Kwankwaso is expected to improve the party’s chances in Northern Nigeria, especially in Kano State and some parts of the North-West, for the NDC.

Kwankwaso is a former governor and senator of Kano State and is credited with leading the Kwankwasiyya Movement, one of the country’s most influential grass-roots political organisations.

He won the 2023 presidential election in Kano State, defeating APC, PDP and Labour Party candidates by a large margin.

Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, won the election with 58.4 per cent of the votes and carried the state by almost 440,000 votes, a margin of victory of 26.9 per cent over the runner-up, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The other two main contenders, Tinubu and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, trailed with 7.3 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively.

But the Kwankwaso’s appearance on the ticket followed internal disagreements in the Kwankwasiyya Movement after his squabble with his political godson, Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who defected to the ruling APC.

Policy and political analyst, Suleiman Hassan Gimba said Nigerians should not think elections are won on the basis of personalities on a presidential ticket.

Several factors determine presidential elections, he said, such as how people perceive the leadership, how the campaign is organised, financing, security, electoral integrity and voter turnout.

“All three (APC, ADC and NDC) have picked people with considerable political experience. But experience doesn’t automatically translate into votes. “Now every ticket must convince Nigerians that it has a credible solution to the economic and security challenges of the country,” he said.

Gimba said vice-presidential candidates provide political structures, strategic advice and regional influence to presidential campaigns but warned against the assumption that they could deliver entire states or geopolitical zones on their own.

Kwankwaso has one of the strongest independent grassroots political movements in the country, while Shettima has administrative experience and knowledge of the North-East and Amaechi has decades of political organisation and executive experience,” he said.

“Kwankwaso is the running mate with the strongest independent grassroots political following,” said Dr Christian Okeke, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

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“The Kwankwasiyya Movement is now a dependable electoral structure that has consistently demonstrated its political strength,” he said.

“I don’t want to downplay the strength of other vice presidential candidates but I think Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has the most natural grassroot followership. “The movement he created has translated into electoral value and remains his greatest political asset,” he added.

“Shettima has the advantage of incumbency, but Amaechi has years of administrative and political experience,” Okeke said.

But he insisted the success of any presidential ticket would ultimately depend on how well the parties mobilise voters and respond to issues that matter most to Nigerians.

Two other analysts, Mahlon and Chilion, who were former members of the PDP and AD respectively, said the political dynamics had changed since Amaechi contested the APC presidential primary and Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform.

Fakolujo, from Osun State, said it would be difficult for the former governor of Rivers State to defeat the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from Rivers State where they were both governors.

He said, “Amaechi will have to work even harder to win the state of Rivers. Wike is on ground in the state. You could see how he stopped the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara from getting a second term ticket.

When you go to PDP, Wike is there. He is like a land lord too in APC. He heads all the members of the state House of Assembly. He is even influential at the national level. So Amaechi will really be working to bring in votes for his party and for Atiku.

“He may capitalize on the anger of some APC and PDP members who are not happy with the way Fubara was treated. They might want to express their anger by joining the opposition. Atiku may benefit in this situation.”

“Looking at the South-South, the APC has the whole region. APC rules all the six states. Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states have all defected to the APC.

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers were all PDP states until now. “I am sure the governors of the six states will work for the party in their respective states.

From Bayelsa State, Kekefun concurred with Fakolujo’s view on the role Amaechi could play in determining Atiku’s chances.

“But you know Amaechi is young, vibrant and energetic. He’s a fighter, too. “I am sure he will add value to the ticket for the ADC and Atiku,” he added.

Kekefun also said Obi’s selection of Kwankwaso as his running mate was strategic. He said Kwankwaso can pull votes from the seven states in the North West, saying the former Kano governor still has popularity in the state.

“Kwankwaso is very popular with a lot of northern Muslim voters. He also resonates with younger voters. His popularity could enhance Obi’s appeal as some may not be comfortable with him as president.

“But with a deputy like Kwankwaso, Obi is likely to secure more votes from the northern region, especially among northern Muslims,” Kekefun said.

It was also argued that retaining Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate would protect the APC from more controversy over calls for a change in the ticket.

Mallam Abubakar Dahiru said that dropping Shettima for a Christian candidate, as canvassed by some people, could further divide the party.

“So, nothing new to talk about the APC ticket again. All the criticism was made three years ago. Nothing new again, except for the economy and probably security which the administration has to deal with.

“The decision has been welcomed by many Kanuri people and the residents of Borno State. The governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, congratulated Shettima. Some governors of the North have done likewise. “I am sure they will deliver votes for the APC ticket,” Dahiru said.

He however said the Vice President would have to work harder to convince voters in the North-East to support the APC ticket instead of Atiku, who is also from the region.

The post 2027 Election: How Running Mates Could Determine Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s Chances appeared first on TheNigerian.

Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima said President Bola Tinubu does not play the blame game and is ready to take responsibility for all his decisions.

“Tinubu understands that the buck stops at his table for everything that happens in his administration,” Shettima said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima stated categorically that President Tinubu gets angry whenever anyone criticizes the late former President Muhammadu Buhari because he is ready to take responsibility for each of his own actions.

Shettima made the submission on Wednesday, in Abuja, while speaking at the Agric Development and Investment Summit. He described President Tinubu as a game changer, who is ready to take far-reaching decisions in an effort to reposition Nigeria’s economy, reports.

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He said some of the reforms the Tinubu administration has put in place are already yielding fruits, adding that Nigeria remains the hub of every good thing that is about to happen in Africa.

He appealed to all stakeholders, including development partners, to support the government in its efforts to reposition the country.

“He’s not one who is keen on the blame game. In the three years so far, the surest way to incur the wrath of President Tinubu is to criticise Muhammadu Buhari. “No, the buck stops at his desk and he’s ready to accept responsibility for whatever comes from his actions,” he said.

The post Shettima: The Easiest Way To Anger Tinubu Is To Criticise Buhari appeared first on TheNigerian.

With just 24 hours to the expiration of the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their presidential and National Assembly candidates, it appears that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

While the religious implications of fielding another Muslim-Muslim ticket have been a worry, sources in the Presidency and the ruling party said political calculations were increasingly favouring Shettima’s retention.

A Presidency source said influential political stakeholders from the North-East, had intensified consultations to ensure that the Vice President remained on the APC presidential ticket.

Some political leaders in the region admitted that Tinubu had the constitutional and political discretion to choose his running mate, but had started exploring alternative options should the President decide to replace Shettima, the source said.

But many APC chieftains were said to be hopeful that the Vice President would still make the ballot.

“The party leaders believe Shettima’s loyalty, calm disposition and commitment to his responsibilities have strengthened his chances of remaining Tinubu’s running mate,” the source said.

The source said: “They said Senator Shettima had done nothing in the last three years to warrant replacement.

“They cited the level-headedness of the VP, commitment to the job and loyalty to President Tinubu as some of the compelling reasons the President will not change him.

“Then, looking at the political situation of the country now, there is no person that the President could choose from the North to assure huge winning votes more than the Vice President.

The source added that the removal of Shettima could create political discontent in the North-East where stakeholders seem to be mobilising to protect the region’s position on the presidential ticket.

The source further alleged that the ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, had been making overtures to influential leaders in the North-East to garner support for the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

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He said Amaechi’s political relevance in the region dates back to the 2022 APC presidential primary where he was said to have secured significant delegate support from the North-East.

“You know that Amaechi got the highest number of delegate votes from the North-East when he contested with Tinubu for the APC ticket in 2022.

“The ADC vice-presidential candidate is giving us reasons to work for Atiku this time around. He said President Tinubu is determined to dump Shettima and select a weak running mate.”

Amaechi also expressed concern over the perception of the APC’s same-faith presidential ticket outside the country, the source said.

Amaechi said that President Tinubu was already in trouble with the United States over the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“I can tell you one thing, the stakeholders of the North-East have made up their minds to stand by Shettima.

He said the recent television appearance of former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, was part of the efforts by the leaders in the region to assure Tinubu of continued support and bloc votes from the North-East.

As at the time of filing this report, APC leaders contacted could not confirm whether reported plans to consider the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as alternative running mates had been dropped.

The two men were said to have come up in talks on who could replace Shettima, as the APC faces pressure to balance its ticket religiously.

But a former APC national officer from the North-Central said the provisions of the Electoral Act could make it difficult to upload Shettima’s name as a placeholder and replace him later.

“The people around President Tinubu have been telling him that running Shettima as a placeholder might be difficult to reverse due to the strong provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,” the former official said.

“They say the best thing to do is to drop Shettima and give him concessions because it will be difficult to convince him to resign after uploading his name.

The post Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Tinubu Likely To Retain Shettima As APC Nomination Deadline Draws Near appeared first on TheNigerian.

In a major policy shift aimed at tackling Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis, the Federal Government has begun a large-scale cut in import duties on essential goods, including food staples, passenger vehicles, mass transit buses, electric vehicles and manufacturing machinery.

The new rates, which took effect from this July, were said to be contained in the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.

The policy is viewed as one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s tariff regime in recent years, with 127 tariff lines targeted with reduced rates across household consumption, transport, manufacturing and industrial activity.

The decision by the government comes at a critical time for the economy as many Nigerians continue to grapple with high food prices, transport costs and weak purchasing power. Although inflation had come down from its peak of about 33 per cent at the end of 2024, there have been concerns about renewed price pressures.

S&P Global recently increased its 2026 inflation forecast for Nigeria to 16.9 per cent, citing global energy shocks that were putting pressure and had helped to fuel a sharp rise in petrol prices.

Duty on Rice, Sugar, Palm Oil Slashed
A critical aspect of the new fiscal measures targets food products that are commonly used in Nigerian households.

The new rates cut the duty on bulk rice to 47.5 per cent from 70 per cent and broken rice now is taxed at 30 per cent.

Duties on raw cane sugar have been cut to between 55 and 57.5 per cent and crude palm oil now attracts 28.75 per cent duty against 35 per cent.

The cuts are designed to lower the cost of staple foods and costs for commercial food producers.

Rice remains a key food item in many households and the cut in duty is likely to ease pressure, if the gains are passed on to consumers.

But analysts warned that lower duties alone might not necessarily translate into cheaper food, especially with continuing exchange rate pressures, high fuel prices, logistics costs and port charges.

Relief for Cars, EVs, Buses
The new tariff regime also places a major focus on the transport sector.

The duty on passenger vehicles has been brought down from 70 percent to 40 percent, a move that is expected to reduce the landed cost of imported cars.

Mass transit buses and electric vehicles were also fully exempted from import duties to lower transport costs and promote the use of cleaner energy, the government said.

Machinery for manufacturing now attracts zero per cent duty as part of a move to revive industry, cut production costs and promote investment in local manufacturing.

The policy could help transport operators reliant on imported buses, trucks, minibuses and light commercial vehicles for interstate haulage and urban transport services, stakeholders said.

Many operators run old fleets, which are costly to maintain, fuel inefficient and break down frequently. High cost of replacing vehicles has been blamed for the high number of unserviceable vehicles on Nigerian roads.

Industry players expect that the landed cost of vehicles will gradually fall as import levies are reduced. This could make it cheaper for transport companies and independent operators to renew their fleets.

Potential Effects on Food Prices
The policy is also understood to be of help to the logistics sector, especially in cases where agricultural produce is transported over long distances by trucks.

Transport costs add a significant amount to the prices of food in Nigerian markets, especially for staple crops such as sorghum, millet, maize, yam and cassava, which are transported from rural production centres in the North to urban markets in the South.

Stakeholders believe any savings on the cost of haulage may ultimately be passed on to the final retail price of food.

But the impact is likely to be more of a drip than a bang.

Lower vehicle acquisition costs could also improve efficiency in the transport sector by allowing operators to invest in more fuel efficient and reliable vehicles, reduce breakdowns and, improve delivery turnaround time.

But these potential gains could be offset by other structural pressures in the economy.

The price of crude oil has fallen to below $73 in the international market, but the price of fuel remains above N1,000 per litre. The exchange rate is still fluctuating between N1,400 and N1,500 to the dollar.

These factors mean the reduction in import levies could ease the pace of increases in transport costs, but they will not immediately bring down fares or food prices.

Public commentator Kehinde Aluko told the Guardian the policy raised questions about consistency in government economic management.

“For years, the Federal Government encouraged local production, especially in agriculture, by using high tariffs to protect Nigerian farmers from cheaper imports,” he said.

Aluko warned that a fast reduction of tariffs on rice and other commodities could hurt investor confidence and hurt local farmers who had made investment decisions based on protectionist policies.

‘The government is not only cutting revenue, it is transferring tax burden from import to consumption,’ he said.

“The government’s plan is not simply about reducing revenues, it’s about a fundamental shift in the tax burden from imports to consumption. We will also be introducing new excise duties on non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic drinks and tobacco products from 1 July 2026 and a ‘green tax’ surcharge on higher-engine vehicles.

“Thus, relief from lower import duties could be offset by higher prices of everyday consumables and luxury items. For the average Nigerian, the near future is a sort of tug of war. “On the one hand, it may become cheaper to buy a car or industrial machinery, but the daily cost of a bottle of soda or a pack of cigarettes will almost certainly go up,” he said.

Aluko, himself a telecom expert, said the real test of the policy would be whether the relief at the ports would outweigh new costs at the checkout counter.

He said the next few months will be a critical test for the economy and the resilience of the Nigerian people as the government changes its focus.

Importers fear congestion
Importers, freight forwarders and car dealers said tariff reduction alone may not bring the desired economic outcome.

The volatility of the exchange rate, multiple port charges, logistics costs, terminal handling fees and delays in cargo clearance were among the main factors influencing the final cost of imported goods, they said.

They argue that businesses and ordinary Nigerians will not fully enjoy the benefits unless these bottlenecks and tariff cuts are tackled.

They noted that tariff adjustments were carried out on selected products during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to boost local production and respond to economic realities.

In 2021, the tariff on imported vehicles was lowered from 35 percent to 10 percent.

But stakeholders said the measure had mixed results. While some importers experienced lower duties on some items, these gains were largely eroded by foreign exchange volatility, increasing shipping costs, inflation and port related charges.

Thus the expected drop in consumer prices was not fully realised.

Manager of Client Services at Inspired Cars, Iwayeye Olatunji, described the reduction in import duty on vehicles and spare parts as a welcome development but stressed that it might not result in significant reductions in the prices of vehicles.

High exchange rates and other charges on imports could blunt the new policy, he said.

Olatunji said previous reduction of duty under the Buhari administration had little impact on the prices of vehicles as only about 10 per cent difference was recorded.

But the new tariff looks good on paper, but consumers might not see much price relief because several other costs connected with importing cars are still the same, he said.

“Honestly, before, it was mostly paper. Okay, the duty was reduced, but did it really make any direct difference to the market? That’s another problem. “If the duty is cut, but there are other supporting fees, the total price does not really change,” he said.

The National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, Frank Ogunojemite, said the policy would not be judged by the announcement but by its practical effect.

He said the key measures would be the impact on the cost of doing business, the prices of imported goods and the cost of living in general.

\”The difference is that today tariff reduction alone does not produce the desired economic result. The final cost of imported goods is still determined by volatility of exchange rates, multiple port charges, logistics costs, terminal handling charges and delays in cargo clearance. “But the benefits of tariff reductions may not be fully enjoyed by businesses or the average Nigerian unless these bottlenecks are tackled at the same time,” he added.

Ogunojemite urged the Federal Government to closely monitor the market response to ensure that the intended benefits reach the consumers and are not eroded by inefficiencies in the supply chain.

“Nigerians want to see benefits beyond policy papers. “Lower tariffs should ultimately mean lower landing costs, more import activity, better business confidence and cheaper products for consumers,” he said.

Importer sees policy disconnect.
Clinton Ikechukwu Okoro, importer and Chief Executive Officer of Globe Joy Investment Nigeria Limited, said the new duty rates had commenced at the ports.

He, however, said the process indicated a disconnect between policymakers and operators in the automotive import sector.

According to Okoro, the earlier reduction in vehicle duties under the Buhari administration did not translate to a significant drop in the prices of vehicles or a boost in imports.

He said that the prices of vehicles have continued to rise sharply, making ownership of a car more and more difficult for many Nigerians.

He said that despite earlier duty cuts, imports of used vehicles have fallen sharply in the last few years.

Okoro said he was cautiously optimistic the latest policy could encourage vehicle imports if the reductions are meaningful after a detailed review.

Stakeholders in the automotive sector had mixed reactions to the new tariff regime especially on importation of vehicles.

Some warned that the policy could hurt local vehicle manufacturing, but others argued that it would increase affordability and the availability of vehicles in the market.

Luqman Mamudu, the Managing Partner of Transtech Industrial Consulting, said the tariff difference on passenger vehicles was not enough to give meaningful protection to local manufacturers.

Effective tariff protection was about 70 per cent but the 40 per cent differential on passenger cars was not enough to encourage serious investment in vehicle manufacturing, he said.

Mamudu said that Nigeria’s automotive industry still needed deliberate protection by the government within the limits allowed under the Economic Community of West African States Common External Tariff.

“There is need for deliberate protection of the industry through full use of the Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) window and applicable levies. Then those measures can be gradually phased out as the industry evolves,” he said.

Many foreign vehicle makers get large government subsidies in their countries, making it hard for Nigerian assemblers to compete solely on tariff protection, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to complement tariff measures with local concessions and incentives to attract global automakers to set up production plants in Nigeria.

“The auto industry has a multiplier effect on the overall economic development. “So too much is no support by government,” Mamudu said.

‘Zero Tax On Commercial Vehicles’ Attacked
Mamudu also criticised the Federal Government’s decision to place a zero per cent import tariff on commercial vehicles, arguing that it is too much and could harm Nigeria’s budding commercial vehicle assembly industry.

The policy will not reduce car prices much, nor help local production, he said.

“Local manufacturers have made headway in growing local content and commercial vehicle assembly was one of the success stories of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan,” he said.

Commercial vehicle plants are easier to build and increase local content. “The automotive body building is one area Nigeria has built a good local capacity over the years,” he said.

Mamudu said that prior to the 2020 Finance Act, local assemblers imported complete engines and carb assemblies as parts, while companies like Transit Support and Dangote Industries were beginning to invest in facilities to produce more parts locally.

He said the 2020 reduction of import tariffs on commercial vehicles from 35 per cent to 10 per cent, same as for fully built imported vehicles, led to the collapse of many assembly plants.

“Almost all of the assembly plants for commercial vehicles were shut down. “Many companies today rely on imports, and only a few still import semi-knocked down kits mainly for logistics advantages and to keep their equipment in operation,” he said.

With tariffs now at zero, he warned, remaining operators may be forced to abandon their assembly facilities altogether.

However, the National President, Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin, lauded the tariff review, saying it was an improvement.

The lower tariffs would increase the availability of vehicles in the Nigerian market and make vehicles more affordable to consumers, Adedoyin said.

“It’s an upgrade. “It will make things more accessible and prices cheaper,” he said.

The differing views reflect the difficult balancing act facing the Federal Government in trying to reduce prices for consumers, ease business costs and protect local production.

For the average Nigerian, the coming months will show if tariff cuts result in cheaper food, lower transport costs and cheaper cars, or if pressure on the exchange rate, port charges and inflation eats into the gains expected.

The post Tinubu Government Cuts Import Duties On Rice, Vehicles, Others Amid Economic Hardship appeared first on TheNigerian.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a presidential candidate for 2027, Atiku Abubakar, has called for the suspension of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Reports say Atiku, in a statement through his media team, advised Tinubu to lead by example by holding his appointees responsible for their actions.

Atiku’s statement was made after the Director-General, Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, alleged that Gbajabiamila demanded N400 million in bribes.

Atiku, in his reaction, said the statement made by Gbajabiamila that the agency did not exist has created more credibility gaps for him and puts question marks on the credibility of the entire 2026 national budget.

“Now you put N27.4 billion in the budget for a government agency that does not exist. You leave more questions than answers,” he said.

“The former Vice President said the alleged colossal budgetary fraud cannot be swept under the carpet by weak and unconvincing explanations from the Chief of Staff.

Atiku also called for the suspension of Gbajabiamila and an independent investigation to establish the whole truth about this national scandal.

He added: “Good governance is about transparency and accountability and you cannot get that by protecting your family and friends. President Tinubu must lead by example, holding his Chief of Staff to the same level of accountability as any other public official. “N27 billion is not a joke. The rule of law must be upheld here. “Let President Tinubu show Nigerians he is serious about accountability in his administration.”

The post Atiku Urges Tinubu To Suspend Gbajabiamila Over Alleged Bribery Scandal appeared first on TheNigerian.