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Tinubu Meets Sultan of Sokoto’s Delegation in Abuja

President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday received a delegation representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting, described by officials as a private engagement, lasted for less than 30 minutes and forms part of ongoing consultations between the Presidency and traditional as well as religious leaders across the country. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was represented at the meeting by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar. Details of the discussions between the President and the delegation were not disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Read Also: Tinubu Redeploys Permanent Secretaries in Federal Civil Service The visit came only days after President Tinubu hosted traditional and religious leaders from across the country for an interfaith Ramadan and Lenten breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa. Sources within the Presidency said the meeting was part of a series of engagements the President has been holding with key national stakeholders on matters of public interest. In recent weeks, Tinubu has also held consultations with prominent figures including former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. Speaking after his own meeting with the President on Saturday, Gowon expressed confidence in the administration’s efforts to address the country’s challenges, noting that the government is making efforts “all round” to tackle issues affecting Nigeria’s political, economic and security sectors. The Sultan of Sokoto remains one of the most influential traditional leaders in Nigeria and serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the country through the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Sunday’s visit further highlights the continued interaction between the Presidency and influential traditional and religious institutions, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.  

Business, National, News

Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Announce Fresh Price Hike on Products

Two major brewing companies in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc have announced plans to increase the prices of some of their products, citing rising operational and input costs. The companies disclosed the development in separate notices issued to their distributors, explaining that the adjustments became necessary due to prevailing economic conditions affecting the cost of doing business. In a letter dated March 13 and signed by John Oloche Ademu, Zonal Business Manager (West), Nigerian Breweries said the new prices would take effect from March 20. The company stated that the adjustment would affect selected stock-keeping units (SKUs), which are used by businesses to identify and track products in their inventory systems. Read Also: Cooking Gas Prices Drop Across Nigeria as Supply Improves Nigerian Breweries produces several alcoholic beverages including Star Lager, Gulder, Legend Extra Stout, Heineken, Goldberg, Life Beer and Star Radler. Its non-alcoholic beverages include Maltina, Amstel Malta, Fayrouz, Climax Energy Drink and Malta Gold. The company said all fully funded and confirmed orders placed in its system before March 20 would still be processed at the existing prices. Similarly, Guinness Nigeria Plc also notified its distributors of a planned price increase affecting selected products across its categories. In a separate notice dated March 14, the company said the new price structure would take effect from March 27. Guinness Nigeria explained that the adjustment was driven by prevailing economic realities that have significantly increased the cost of operations. The company added that fully funded orders entered into its system before March 27 would still be delivered at the current prices.

National, News

TSO Appoints Media Committee Members, Kano Journalist Ahmad Hamisu Makes List

A Kano-based journalist, Ahmad Hamisu, has been appointed as a member of the Media Committee of the Tinubu Support Organization (TSO) as part of efforts to strengthen the group’s communication and publicity structure. The Tinubu Support Organization announced the composition of the committee ahead of its upcoming activities, including plans for a proposed national football tournament aimed at discovering young talents and promoting unity through sports. Announcing the development, the Director of Football (DOF) of the organization, Bashir Badawiy, charged members of the committee to demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility in projecting the programs and ideals of the organization to the public. Badawiy described the media arm as a critical component of the organization’s structure, noting that it plays a vital role in ensuring effective information dissemination and maintaining a positive public image for the group and its initiatives. Read Also: Why Engr. Abba Ganduje is Still Needed in Dawakin Tofa Federal Constituency Support APC Move or Face Sack, Kano Governor Warns Commissioners, Appointees Pantami Urges Northern Muslims to Invest in Media, Warns of Communication Deficit According to him, members of the committee were carefully selected based on their experience, credibility, and capacity to deliver on the organization’s mandate. He also noted that the members were drawn from across the six geopolitical zones of the country. “The media plays a vital role in shaping public perception. I therefore expect every member of this committee to be committed, professional, and proactive in ensuring that our activities are properly communicated to the public,” he said. Badawiy added that the committee would be responsible for coordinating media coverage, managing publicity materials, and ensuring adequate documentation of the organization’s programs across the country. He also commended the Director General of the project, Hon. Aminu Sulaiman, for the opportunity given to members of the committee to serve. The Media Committee will be jointly coordinated by Jimoh Bashir and Eche Amos. Other members include Andrew Randa, Attahiru Babayo, Ibitoye Shittu, Ayodeji Ismail, George Achigbe, David Jonathan Adebola, Oluchi Tobex, Solomon Onu, Igwe Solomon, Sunday Agunbiade, Olaiya Azeez, and Sammy Wejinya. Also on the list are Kehinde Osagiede, Mr. Frankie, Jackson Hananeel, Gaga Aliyu, Nasiru Kobi, Halilu Mohammed Telli, Nasiru Gide, Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, Jamilu Ubah, Ibrahim Tukur, and Zakari Jibo. The Tinubu Support Organization is currently making arrangements for a national football competition expected to provide a platform for discovering young talents and fostering unity through sports across the country.

National, News

Military High Command Meets in Abuja as Terrorists Kill Three Commanding Officers in Borno

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), on Wednesday summoned the nation’s Service Chiefs to a crucial meeting in Abuja following recent attacks on military bases in the North-East. The meeting, held at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, brought together top military commanders to review the security situation in the insurgency-affected region. Among those in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass. Representatives of the National Intelligence Agency and other senior security officials were also present. Reports indicate that no fewer than three Commanding Officers with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel were recently killed during terrorist attacks in Borno State. Read Also: Kano Governor Sacks Head of Service, Appoints Acting Replacement Apart from the senior officers who lost their lives, several soldiers were also killed in the attacks, while hundreds of civilians reportedly abducted by the terrorists remain in captivity. Speaking briefly before the meeting proceeded behind closed doors, the Defence Minister said the military leadership had agreed to review its operational strategies in response to the renewed attacks. According to him, although the military had suffered casualties in recent operations, insurgents had also recorded heavier losses. “We know we have recorded some casualties, but it is more on the side of the terrorists,” the retired four-star General said. He noted that the meeting was aimed at strengthening ongoing military ope torations and developing new approaches to confront the insurgents. (Daily Trust)

National, News

Police Service Commission Elevates Seven Officers to DIG Rank

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) as part of efforts to strengthen the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force. The commission said the promotions were based on merit, seniority, service records and performance in written examinations and oral interviews conducted at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The newly promoted officers are: Zachariah Fera Achinyan – formerly AIG, Zone 4, Makurdi Zango Ibrahim Baba – AIG, Department of Logistics and Supply Isyaku Mohammed – AIG, Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja Margaret Agebe Ochalla – AIG, FCID Annex, Lagos Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman – AIG, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters Kenechukwu Onwuemelie – AIG, Zone 15, Maiduguri Umar Shehu Nadada – AIG, Zone 14, Katsina The promotions follow the recent elevation of Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector-General and are intended to fill vacancies created by the retirement of eight DIGs who previously occupied the positions. Read Also: Meet Prof. Ogunsakin and His Team on State Police Creation Congratulating the newly elevated officers, the Chairman of the PSC, Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, prioritise national security and maintain a productive working relationship with the commission to support the continued development of the Nigeria Police Force. Members of the PSC Board who participated as examiners during the promotion process included Paul Adamu Galumje, Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, and the Secretary to the Commission, Onyemuche Nnamani. PSC Partners PCRC for Recruitment of 50,000 Constables In a related development, the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force have formally co-opted the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) as key partners in the screening of 50,000 police constables, the largest single recruitment exercise in the history of the Force. The partnership was formalised during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja ahead of the physical and credential screening scheduled to commence on March 9, 2026, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Addressing the meeting, PSC Chairman Argungu commended the PCRC for its continued support for national security and urged its state chairmen to assist in verifying the character and indigene status of applicants. He noted that the collaboration was necessary to prevent the infiltration of the police by individuals with questionable backgrounds. Responding on behalf of the PCRC National Chairman, the Deputy National President (North), Wada Sadiq, pledged the committee’s full support for the recruitment exercise. He assured that members of the organisation would remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that only credible and qualified Nigerians are recruited into the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting was attended by PCRC state chairmen, zonal coordinators and key PSC board members, reinforcing what officials described as a collaborative approach aimed at ensuring transparency and integrity in the recruitment process.

National, News

Tinubu Redeploys Permanent Secretaries in Federal Civil Service

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the redeployment of several Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery across government ministries and offices. The redeployments were announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack. According to the statement, the changes took effect from March 5, 2026, while all handover processes are expected to be completed by March 13. Under the new arrangement, Kambari Mahmud Adam has been moved from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while Rimi Nura Abba has been redeployed from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to the Ministry of Steel Development. Read Also: Tinubu Assigns 65 Ambassadors to Foreign Missions Ganduje, Wife in Saudi Arabia for Ramadan Lesser Hajj Salihu Sagir Takai and the Politics of Succession in Kano Similarly, Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi has been reassigned from Special Services at the Office of Political and Economic Affairs under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to the Ministry of Finance (Special Duties). Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem has been moved from the Ministry of Steel Development to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, while Salihu Aminu Usman has been redeployed from the Ministry of Labour and Employment to the Ministry of Environment. In another set of redeployments, Ukaire Binyerem Chigbonwu has been moved from the Career Management Office to the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, where he will understudy Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam. Muhammed Muktari Yawale has been transferred from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to understudy Philip E. Ndiomu. Also, Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi has been reassigned from Special Duties at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the renewal of tenure for three Permanent Secretaries for a second and final four-year term, effective April 27, 2026. Those affected are Kachallom Shangti Daju of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, and Dr. Mary Ada Ogbe of the Ministry of Regional Development. While congratulating the officials on their redeployment and reappointment, Walson-Jack urged them to leverage their vast experience and professional expertise to ensure effective service delivery and contribute meaningfully to national development.

International, National, News

President Tinubu Assigns 65 Ambassadors to Foreign Missions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of 65 ambassadors whose nominations were confirmed last December, assigning them to Nigerian diplomatic missions across the world. Among the prominent postings are former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, who has been assigned to Beijing, China; former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, who will serve in Qatar; and former ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, who has been appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Others include Reno Omokri, posted to Mexico; former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode, posted to Germany; and Ondo South senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Read Also: Ganduje, Wife in Saudi Arabia for Ramadan Lesser Hajj Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadorial Nominees Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Ex-Governor’s Wife, Others as Ambassadors In a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga said the president had directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners. Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners Grace Bent – Lomé, Togo Ita Enang – South Africa Victor Ikpeazu – Spain Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu – Tel Aviv, Israel Mahmood Yakubu – Qatar Paul Oga Adikwu – The Vatican City, Holy See Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Philippines Reno Omokri – Mexico Abasi Braimah – Budapest, Hungary Erelu Angela Adebayo – Portugal Oluwayimika Ayotunwa Olumilua – Tokyo, Japan Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi – Athens, Greece Chioma Priscilla Ohakim – Warsaw, Poland Aminu Dalhatu – United Kingdom Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – Beijing, China Tasiu Musa Maigari – Gambia Olufemi Pedro – Australia Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu – Argentina Lateef Kayode Are – United States Joseph Sola Iji – Russia Jimoh Ibrahim – Permanent Representative to the United Nations Femi Fani-Kayode – Germany Isaak Folorunso Adewole – Ottawa, Canada Fatima Florence Ajimobi – Austria Lola Akande – Sweden Ayodele Oke – France Yakubu N. Gambo – Saudi Arabia Nora Ladi Daduut – Seoul, South Korea Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha – Dublin, Ireland Kulu Haruna Abubakar – Tunis, Tunisia Jerry Samuel Manwe – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka – Côte d’Ivoire Besto Maimuna Ibrahim – Niamey, Niger Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi – São Tomé Mohammed Mahmud Lele – Algiers, Algeria Endoni Syndoph Paebi – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Ahmed Mohammed Monguno – Cairo, Egypt Jane Adams Michael – Kingston, Jamaica Alexandra Clark-Omeru – Lusaka, Zambia Chima Geoffrey Lioma David – Bamako, Mali Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen – Malabo, Equatorial Guinea Wasa Segun Ige – Beirut, Lebanon Ruben Abimbola Samuel – Rome, Italy Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley – Maputo, Mozambique Magaji Umar – Kinshasa, DR Congo Muhammad Saidu Dahiru – New Delhi, India Abdussalam Habu Zayyad – Dakar, Senegal Shehu Ilu Barde – Accra, Ghana Aminu Nasir – Ethiopia Abubakar Musa Musa – N’Djamena, Chad Haidara Mohammed Idris – The Hague, Netherlands Bako Adamu Umar – Rabat, Morocco Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed – Malaysia Romata Mohammed Omobolanle – Tanzania Shaga John Shamah – Botswana Hamza Mohammed Salau – Tehran, Iran Ibrahim Danlami – Kenya Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola – Cotonou, Benin Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel – Brussels, Belgium Akande Wahab Adekola – Berne, Switzerland Esther Arewa – Windhoek, Namibia Gergadi Joseph John – Libreville, Gabon Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata – Sierra Leone Danladi Yakubu Nyaku – Khartoum, Sudan Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru – Bangkok, Thailand The postings form part of the latest additions to Nigeria’s diplomatic corps following earlier assignments announced in January, when Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services, was designated to the United States. In the same month, former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayodele Oke, was posted to France, while Aminu Dalhatu was named High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

National, News

Court Dismisses NDLEA’s Asset Declaration Case Against Abba Kyari

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, over allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets. Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the anti-narcotics agency failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge stressed that the burden of proof rests on the prosecution in criminal matters and ruled that the NDLEA did not sufficiently establish the allegations against Kyari and his younger brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari. Justice Omotosho described the case as “persecution” and subsequently discharged and acquitted the three defendants. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NDLEA had filed a 23-count charge against Kyari, a former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and his two brothers. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, the agency alleged that the defendants failed to fully disclose their assets and disguised ownership of several properties. According to the NDLEA, investigations uncovered 14 properties allegedly linked to Kyari, including shopping malls, a residential estate, a polo playground, parcels of land, and farmland located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Maiduguri, Borno State. The agency further alleged that over N207 million and €17,598 were discovered in Kyari’s accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Sterling Bank. The NDLEA accused the defendants of concealing ownership of properties and converting funds, offences it said were punishable under Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to all counts. Counsel to the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph, and defence lawyers Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Monjok Agom had earlier adopted their respective processes and presented arguments before the court fixed judgment. With Thursday’s ruling, the defendants stand formally discharged and acquitted of all charges.

National, News

DICON-D7G CEO Inspects Site of Nigeria’s First Military Jetty

The Chief Executive Officer of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON-D7G), Mr. Osman Chennar, has led members of the Board of Directors on an inspection visit to the proposed site of Nigeria’s first military jetty, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at strengthening indigenous defence production. The proposed jetty, located near Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, is expected to serve as a key logistics hub for the importation of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) components, raw materials, and other critical supplies required for local defence manufacturing. Speaking during the visit, Chennar described the project as a “strategic enabler” for Nigeria’s expanding defence manufacturing ambitions, noting that the facility would significantly enhance inbound logistics and streamline supply chain operations. According to him, the jetty will reduce turnaround time, lower transportation costs, and support large-scale production of military equipment, positioning Nigeria as a regional defence hub. He disclosed that DICON-D7G has already commenced production of DG103 rifles in Kaduna for both Nigerian and African markets. The jetty, he added, will further support domestic assembly and manufacturing of small and medium arms, ammunition, tactical drones, unmanned systems, 4×4 and 6×6 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, anti-jammer drones, and other critical military hardware. Read Also: Tinubu swears in Disu as 23rd IGP Meet Prof. Ogunsakin and His Team on State Police Creation DICON–D7G Begins Local Assembly of DG-103 Rifles, Eyes African Export Market Chennar stated that when completed, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for over 2,000 retired military personnel and 5,000 skilled civilians, while boosting the capacity to supply military-grade weapons and ammunition to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and friendly African nations. A member of the Board of Directors, Major General Mainasara Abdul Masanawa (Rtd), said the jetty would also function as an export gateway for finished defence products to allied African countries. He noted that the initiative would deepen regional defence cooperation and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a central hub for military manufacturing on the continent. “The project underscores DICON-D7G’s commitment to reducing reliance on foreign sources for defence equipment and reinforcing self-sufficiency for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, paramilitary organisations, and other security agencies,” Masanawa said. He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in achieving defence industrial self-reliance. According to him, strengthening local production capacity will help reduce foreign exchange expenditure on defence imports, enhance local technical expertise, generate employment, stimulate technology transfer, and improve national security through sustainable, homegrown solutions. The project is scheduled for official launch in June 2026, marking what officials describe as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a resilient and self-sustaining defence industrial base. With the proposed military jetty, DICON-D7G aims to usher in a new phase in Nigeria’s defence manufacturing landscape driven by innovation, strategic autonomy, and regional leadership.

National, News

Tinubu swears in Disu as 23rd IGP

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Olatunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, following the approval of his appointment by the National Police Council on Monday. Disu’s confirmation cleared the final hurdle for his formal assumption of office as the nation’s substantive police chief. During the ceremony, President Tinubu also inaugurated six newly appointed commissioners for the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), as well as two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Read Also: Meet Prof. Ogunsakin and His Team on State Police Creation In his remarks shortly after taking the oath of office, IGP Disu expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to discharge his duties with utmost seriousness and professionalism. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that strong partnerships remain the cornerstone of effective law enforcement operations. The new IGP also reiterated the need for state policing as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening internal security. President Tinubu, in his charge to the appointees, urged them to demonstrate dedication, commitment, and diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities to the nation. Members of the Federal Executive Council were in attendance at the ceremony.

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