The Historica Nigeria

National

Business, National, News

Fuel Import Duty Hikes: Tinubu Approves 15% Ad-Valorem Tariff

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for a 15 percent ad-valorem import duty on diesel and premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. According to a letter dated October 21, 2025, the President’s private secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, informed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of the decision. Read Also: Photos: Senate Confirms President Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs After Security Screening The approval follows a request by FIRS to apply the 15 percent duty on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) to align import costs with domestic realities. The President has also directed NMDPRA to issue relevant regulations to guide the policy, prioritizing local production before issuing import licenses. Additionally, he ordered a periodic review of the tariff rate and its necessity, including provisions for scaling or sunset measures as domestic refining capacity expands.

Abuja, National, News

Photos: Senate Confirms President Tinubu’s New Service Chiefs After Security Screening

The Nigerian Senate has screened and confirmed the new Service Chiefs appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a major step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and improve coordination among the armed forces. The confirmed Service Chiefs include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. President Tinubu’s letter requesting their confirmation was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, urging lawmakers to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominees. According to the Presidency, the appointments form part of a strategic realignment designed to deepen professionalism, boost morale, and enhance inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges across the country. Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu: A Seasoned Commander Taking Charge of the Nigerian Army Meet Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Nigeria’s New Chief of Air Staff The Service Chiefs, accompanied by senior military officers, arrived at the National Assembly Complex at about 10:00 a.m. for the screening, which was conducted under tight security. Senators held both open and closed sessions to assess the nominees’ qualifications and readiness for the roles. Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the process as a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with protecting the nation. “The screening is part of our constitutional duty. It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation. There is no need to ask them too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio said. Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, urged the nominees to remain loyal to the President and the Constitution, stressing that discipline and unity of command are key to achieving national security objectives. “We urge all the nominees to be loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and loyal to our Constitution. This is the underpinning in service—loyalty. We are confident that, with your commitment and the zeal of Mr. President, total security will be achieved,” Barau stated. During the screening, the nominees pledged their readiness to serve the country with dedication and professionalism. Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, said: “As the Chief of Air Staff, my duties are clear—to secure the lives, liberties, and aspirations of Nigerians through the power of air operations, in collaboration with my colleagues in the military and other security agencies.” Following the interactive session, the Senate moved into a closed-door meeting in line with parliamentary tradition to discuss sensitive security matters before officially confirming the nominees. It would be recalled that President Tinubu had met with the new military leaders on Monday, where they reportedly discussed current security challenges ahead of their formal assumption of duty. On October 24, President Tinubu approved a shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waheedi Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence. With the Senate’s confirmation, the new Service Chiefs are now expected to immediately assume office and drive forward the President’s agenda for a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Abuja, Feature, National, Politics

Inside Ganduje’s Political Blueprint That Keeps Strengthening APC Nationwide

Nigeria’s current political landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift — one that analysts say bears the unmistakable imprint of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The recent declaration by Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC has stirred national debate. But beyond the headlines lies a deeper narrative — one tied to the strategic groundwork Ganduje laid during his tenure as the APC’s helmsman. Under Ganduje’s leadership, the APC experienced one of its most stable and strategic organizational phases. He did not merely lead a political party — he built a political machinery grounded in policy, ideological clarity, and institutional discipline. Related: Political Realignment: Taraba’s Kefas Eyes APC for Greater Federal Inclusion Ganduje rebuilt APC from crisis to dominance APC Consolidates Strength Across Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections During his time as National Chairman, Ganduje consolidated the party’s internal unity, oversaw the resolution of lingering intra-party crises, and strengthened relationships between national and subnational leaders. This renewed cohesion, experts argue, is what has now positioned the APC as the dominant force attracting governors, legislators, and party stalwarts from the opposition. Dr. Ganduje’s tenure also recorded significant electoral victories across key states. His ability to bridge divides among stakeholders and sustain dialogue between federal and state party structures contributed immensely to the APC’s successes in off-season and by-elections. It was a tenure marked by strategic negotiation, inclusivity, and political foresight. Perhaps his most enduring contribution to Nigeria’s political space was the establishment of the Progressive Institute — a think tank envisioned as the party’s policy, research, and ideological center. The institute was designed not only to strengthen the APC’s internal policy framework but also to serve as a national policy incubation hub, focusing on governance, public administration, and development strategy. According to political observers, the Progressive Institute has become a quiet powerhouse, producing policy recommendations, conducting political risk assessments, and providing intellectual depth to party reforms. “It is one of Ganduje’s most transformative legacies,” noted a senior party insider, “because it ensures that the APC’s political agenda is backed by research and evidence.” This long-term institutional thinking explains why, today, the APC remains the natural destination for defecting governors and influential politicians. The party’s dominance, structure, and strategic stability — all nurtured under Ganduje’s leadership — have created a gravitational pull too strong for many to resist. Even as he left office as National Chairman, Ganduje’s imprint remains visible in the party’s growing influence. His philosophy of “progressivism with discipline” continues to guide internal decisions, while his diplomatic approach to inter-party dialogue still shapes the tone of Nigeria’s political engagement. Governor Agbu Kefas’s defection, and similar moves from other state leaders, reflect the continuing legacy of Ganduje’s groundwork — a legacy rooted in inclusiveness, strategy, and ideological conviction. As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, one thing remains clear: the Ganduje effect is far from over. The structures he built, the alliances he nurtured, and the policies he institutionalized have redefined Nigeria’s political map and strengthened the APC’s position as the party of national cohesion. In the words of a Kano-based political analyst, “What Ganduje did for the APC was not just to lead it — he engineered a system. And that system is now producing results long after he has left the stage.”

National, News

Senate Confirms Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, marking a key step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of new military service chiefs. The confirmation was conducted during Wednesday’s plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, where senators directed Shaibu to “take a bow” and assume duty immediately. His confirmation came shortly after the Senate approved General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The exercise, which took place under tight security, involved both open and closed-door sessions. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the confirmation process as a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring that only qualified and patriotic officers lead the nation’s defence institutions. Read Also: Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff “There is no need to ask too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio stated. Senator Isah Jubrin, representing Kogi East, expressed confidence in Shaibu’s leadership qualities, noting that he had known the officer for over three decades. “Shaibu is humble and highly disciplined. I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria forward in addressing its security challenges,” he said. President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting the screening and confirmation of the new service chiefs, including General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff). Originally scheduled for next week, the Senate brought forward the screening to Wednesday, October 29, to enable the new military chiefs to resume their duties without delay.

National, News

Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda From Presidential Pardon List

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda — who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello — from the presidential pardon list. This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the statement, President Tinubu directed that all individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms be excluded from the list. Read Also: Niger Delta Leaders Push Jonathan to Support Tinubu The statement further revealed that those who were earlier granted pardon under the old list will now have their sentences reviewed and reduced instead of being completely freed. The move, according to the presidency, is aimed at ensuring that the pardon process upholds justice, integrity, and public trust in the criminal justice system.

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Forwards List of New Service Chiefs to Senate for Screening

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the Senate, seeking the screening and confirmation of the newly appointed Service Chiefs. The request was contained in a formal letter read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. According to the correspondence, the nominees include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence. Read Also: Niger Delta Leaders Push Jonathan to Support Tinubu Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio directed that the nominees be referred to the Committee of the Whole for screening and possible confirmation next week. President Tinubu had earlier, on Monday, met with the newly appointed Service Chiefs behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Further details on the screening process are expected in the coming days.

Jigawa, National, News, Politics

Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido Joins Race for PDP Chairmanship

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido made the announcement on Monday in a post shared on his verified Facebook page, revealing that he would visit the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, to obtain the nomination form. “By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the National Headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of the National Chairman of the Party,” Lamido stated. Read Also: Those Who Criticised Me Are Now in APC – Wike Mocks Defecting PDP Governors A founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lamido expressed confidence in his capacity to reposition the party and restore its lost glory, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to democracy and party unity. He said his decision to join the race was driven by a deep desire to strengthen internal democracy and prepare the PDP for future electoral victories. “The journey to rebuild and reposition our party begins now,” Lamido declared. The Peoples Democratic Party, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, is expected to elect a new National Chairman at its forthcoming national convention.

Education, Feature, National

Why Science College Dawakin Kudu Remains a Pride of Kano’s Educational Heritage

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano  Nestled in the heart of Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, Science College Dawakin Kudu, now renamed as Sani Bello Science College stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Kano State’s commitment to quality education and scientific advancement. For decades, the prestigious institution has served as a cradle for innovation, discipline, and academic excellence in Northern Nigeria. Established in the 1970s under the visionary leadership of the late Governor Audu Bako, the college was part of Kano State’s broader agenda to strengthen science and technology education. At a time when the region sought to bridge educational disparities and prepare its youth for modern challenges, Dawakin Kudu Science College emerged as a beacon of hope, training young minds to pursue excellence in science and engineering. Today, the school remains under the supervision of the Kano State Ministry of Education and continues to live up to its founding ideals as a special science boarding school for boys. The college provides a rigorous curriculum in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Agriculture and Technical Drawing, alongside general subjects that ensure holistic learning. Read Also: KASSOSA Reiterates Commitment to Supporting Kano Science Colleges With well-equipped laboratories, a functional library, and a growing ICT centre, the school has become a model of practical learning and discipline. Its serene academic environment, supported by a strong administrative framework through the Post-Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), allows students to thrive both intellectually and morally. Over the years, Dawakin Kudu Science College has produced thousands of graduates who now occupy prominent positions across Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Many have become medical doctors, engineers, lecturers, and administrators, contributing immensely to national growth and innovation. The school’s alumni association, known as the Kano Science Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA), has played a vital role in maintaining the college’s legacy through rehabilitation projects, scholarships, and mentorship programmes. Their consistent engagement reflects the strong bond of brotherhood and loyalty that defines the spirit of Dawakin Kudu. The college’s reputation extends beyond academic achievement, it has become a cultural and moral institution, moulding students into disciplined citizens. Teachers and administrators emphasize leadership, responsibility, and community service as integral parts of education. In recent years, the Kano State Government has intensified efforts to modernize the college’s infrastructure through renovations, laboratory upgrades, and improved digital learning resources. These interventions align with the state’s renewed focus on science and technology-driven education under contemporary education reforms. The school’s motto, “Knowledge is Light,” captures its enduring mission to illuminate minds and empower future scientists capable of transforming Nigeria’s technological landscape. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its current status as a centre of excellence, Science College Dawakin Kudu remains a proud testament to the power of vision, discipline, and education. For generations of young Nigerians, it continues to inspire the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, one student at a time.

Kano, National, News

MACBAN Appoints Dr. Hussaini Umar Ganduje as National Adviser on Youth Empowerment

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has appointed Dr. Hussaini Umar Ganduje as its National Adviser on Youth Empowerment. This was contained in an appointment letter signed by the association’s National Secretary, Bello Aliyu Gotomo, dated 20th October 2025, and addressed to Dr. Ganduje at the Ganduje District Palace in Kano State. According to the letter, the appointment takes immediate effect and was made in recognition of Dr. Ganduje’s “enormous contributions to the success and wellbeing of the Association over the years.” Read Also: Karaye Pastoralists Present Concerns to Coalition of Fulani Association Ganduje’s Achievements Still Define Kano, Despite NNPP’s Attempts to Erase Them Meet Rear Admiral Idi Abbas From Kano, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff The letter further stated that Dr. Ganduje is expected to “exercise the powers of his office to promote and empower pastoralist youth across the country,” in line with MACBAN’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of its members. While congratulating him, the National Secretary expressed confidence that Dr. Ganduje would “justify the trust and confidence reposed in him” and wished him a successful tenure in office. MACBAN, a prominent national body representing cattle breeders and pastoralist communities across Nigeria, continues to play a vital role in advancing dialogue, development, and empowerment among pastoralist groups.

National, News, Politics

Constitution Review Committee Backs Creation of Additional State in South-East

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has endorsed the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East region — a decision aimed at addressing long-standing demands for fairness and equity in the country’s geopolitical structure. If approved, the South-East will join the South-South, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones in having six states each. Currently, the region comprises five: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The resolution emerged during a two-day retreat held in Lagos on Saturday, where members of the committee deliberated on 55 proposals for new states across the country. The session was chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, while the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, served as co-chair. Related: Barau Jibrin Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare, Inspects Seven Projects at AKTH In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the committee said the recommendation was made “in the spirit of fairness and equity,” calling on the Federal Government to ensure the establishment of one more state for the South-East. Kalu, who has consistently championed the cause, described the development as “a step towards giving the people of the region a stronger sense of belonging in the Nigerian federation.” A statement released by the committee’s media unit confirmed that lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of the motion. “Following deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved the motion for the creation of the new state, which was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State). The motion received unanimous support and was adopted,” the statement read. The committee also constituted a sub-committee to review other requests for new states and local government areas across all six geopolitical zones. According to the communiqué, 278 proposals were submitted for consideration. Read Also: Even Out of Office, Ganduje Remains the Soul of APC — Party Loyalist Speaking at the closing session, Senator Jibrin urged lawmakers to sustain the momentum by engaging colleagues in both chambers and at the state level to ensure the success of the proposal when it reaches the voting stage. “We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process. By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders—from both chambers and the State Houses of Assembly,” he said.

Scroll to Top