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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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Meet Prof. Ogunsakin and His Team on State Police Creation

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated an eight-member committee to oversee the implementation framework for state policing in Nigeria. At the inauguration ceremony, Disu announced the appointment of Professor Olu Ogunsakin, a renowned scholar in police studies, as chairman of the committee, while Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni will serve as secretary. The development marks a significant step toward decentralised policing, a reform initiative currently being championed by President Bola Tinubu. Read Also: IGP Disu Inaugurates State Police Committee, Unveils Policing Vision Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths Kano Govt Launches Neighbourhood Watch Corps to Strengthen Grassroots Security Describing the committee’s mandate as “significant and timely,” the IGP said the initiative responds directly to growing calls for strengthened internal security and community-responsive policing. “It is my greatest privilege to formally inaugurate this Committee on State Policing. The task before this committee is both significant and timely, as it speaks directly to the demand to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security and ensure that policing remains responsive to the realities of our communities,” Disu said. Committee Members The eight-member panel comprises: Professor Olu Ogunsakin – Chairman CP Bode Ojajuni – Secretary CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd) DCP Okebuchi Ogora ACP Ikechukwu Okafor CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho Other senior police officers The committee has been given four weeks to submit its report outlining modalities for implementing state police across the country. Profile of the Chairman: Prof. Olu Ogunsakin Professor Olu Ogunsakin is a distinguished academic and policing expert with extensive local and international experience. He currently serves as Director of the National Institute for Police Studies, an affiliate of the Nigeria Police Academy. Ogunsakin holds: A Ph.D. in Police Studies from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom An MA in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit Mercy, USA A Postgraduate Certificate in Public Mediation from the University of Toronto A BSc in Human Resource Development from the University of Detroit Internationally, he served as Senior Adviser to the City of London Police, where he was appointed Cultural Diversity Adviser and developed standardised operational protocols for over a decade. He also worked as lead consultant on security and policing for the Department for International Development and the British Council in Nigeria. Within Nigeria, Ogunsakin served as Technical Adviser to former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu. He has contributed to major policing reforms both in the United Kingdom and internationally, including working with the UK Home Office Specialist Support Unit and serving as Syndicate Director on the Strategic Command Course at Bramshill, the National Policing Improvement Agency’s flagship programme for future Chief Officers. He has lectured at leading global policing institutions, including Interpol, and is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in contemporary policing practice. Background to State Police Reform State policing refers to the establishment of law enforcement agencies under the authority of individual state governments, rather than the current centrally controlled federal police structure under the Nigeria Police Force. Proponents argue that decentralisation would enhance rapid response to local threats, improve intelligence gathering, and deepen community engagement. Critics, however, warn against possible political interference, funding constraints, and oversight challenges. Recently, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments to create the legal framework for state police. During a meeting with governors on February 23, he reiterated his administration’s determination to address insecurity through structural reforms. The newly inaugurated committee is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping that framework.

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IGP Disu Inaugurates State Police Committee, Unveils Policing Vision

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated an eight-member committee to oversee the implementation of state police and advance his policing reform agenda, following his confirmation as the 23rd indigenous IGP. According to TVC News, Disu held his first formal engagement with senior officers after the Nigeria Police Council unanimously ratified his appointment, paving the way for his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Professor Olu Ogunsakin was appointed to chair the eight-member State Police Implementation Committee. Addressing the top hierarchy of the force, the IGP stressed that leadership “is not about position but responsibility,” reiterating that professionalism and accountability must guide police conduct and operations across commands nationwide. Read Also: FG Targets Informal Sector, Expands Tax Base Without Raising Rates He emphasised that authority is strongest when exercised with restraint and insisted that respect for human rights must remain fundamental to policing. According to him, every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and justice, regardless of status or background. As part of broader internal reforms, Disu announced plans to strengthen oversight within the Force. He directed that the Public Complaints Unit and the X-Squad be empowered to operate independently in order to enhance transparency and discipline. On decentralisation, the IGP noted that state policing would enable different tiers of government to play more active roles in security management, thereby improving responsiveness to local threats. The committee’s inauguration comes at a critical time for the Nigeria Police Force, following the recent leadership transition. President Tinubu appointed Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police on February 24, 2026, after the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun. His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council. Disu is expected to be formally sworn in as substantive IGP during the Federal Executive Council meeting. His emergence comes amid heightened security concerns nationwide, including rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and attacks on communities. The state police initiative, championed by the current administration, forms part of broader security sector reforms aimed at decentralising policing powers to enhance effectiveness at the grassroots level.

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FG Targets Informal Sector, Expands Tax Base Without Raising Rates

The Federal Government has banned cash collection of taxes and the mounting of roadblocks for revenue enforcement nationwide, marking a major step in the implementation of recently enacted tax reforms. The announcement was made in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, during the signing of the Presumptive Tax Regulations and Guidelines at the Federal Ministry of Finance. Adesokan said the new framework was designed to eliminate informal, coercive and fragmented tax practices, particularly at the subnational level. He stressed that all forms of cash collection by tax authorities are now prohibited, alongside the use of roadblocks for revenue enforcement. According to him, the regulations are aimed at entrenching transparency, equity and uniformity in tax administration, especially within the commerce and informal sectors. Under the new presumptive tax regime, nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of N12 million and below are exempted from taxation. For other categories of informal businesses, a one per cent tax on turnover has been introduced. The framework also encourages the adoption of technology-driven payment systems to enhance accountability. Adesokan noted that the guidelines provide a uniform structure for subnational governments to tax the commerce sector while integrating operators into the formal system through a Tax Identification platform. He described the alignment of states with the framework as a signal of a coordinated national approach to revenue administration. Read Also: President Tinubu Renews Audi’s Tenure as NSCDC Boss Oyedele Tapped to Replace Uzoka-Anite as Finance Minister of State Tinubu Pushes State Police, Urges Governors to Focus on Poor, Youths Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the signing marked the transition from legislative approval to structured enforcement of the tax reforms enacted in 2025 and early 2026. Edun described the regulations as a simple and transparent framework anchored on fairness, clarity, equity and economic inclusion. He emphasised that the reforms are not designed to raise tax rates but to broaden the tax base in a structured and consistent manner. “We aim to ensure consistency, prevent arbitrary assessments and protect small businesses while ensuring continuous growth of the Nigerian economy,” he said. The minister added that the reforms were developed in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board to ensure coordination across federal, state and local governments, reducing fragmentation in tax administration. Linking the reforms to broader economic targets, Edun noted that economic growth exceeded four per cent in the last quarter of 2025 and expressed optimism about achieving higher growth rates in pursuit of the administration’s long-term goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 under Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He assured stakeholders that implementation would be closely monitored to safeguard fairness, adding that an ombudsman mechanism has been introduced to oversee compliance and address grievances. Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Joseph Tegbe, described the signing as a decisive shift from policy intention to practical execution. He said the reforms are intended to restore order to a previously fragmented system and replace arbitrariness with transparency. Tegbe observed that Nigeria’s informal sector, which employs more than 80 per cent of the workforce, has historically contributed little to structured public revenue due to systemic weaknesses and complex frameworks. He stressed that sustainable development depends on sustainable revenue mobilisation and pledged disciplined and transparent implementation of the new regime. In June 2025, President Tinubu signed four major tax reform bills into law, including the Nigeria Tax Act, overhauling decades-old tax legislation and setting the stage for the current implementation phase.

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Oyedele Tapped to Replace Uzoka-Anite as Finance Minister of State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, as Minister of State for Finance. The nomination was conveyed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, through a letter seeking confirmation, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Oyedele is expected to succeed Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and Planning as Minister of State — her third portfolio under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Describing the nominee as an economist, accountant and public policy expert, Onanuga said Oyedele obtained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology and later earned a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. Read Also: President Tinubu Renews Audi’s Tenure as NSCDC Boss FG Debunks Claims Poor Nigerians Will Bear New Tax Burden BOOST Partners Seek Policy Backing, Sustainable Financing for Vaccination Drive He also completed executive education programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School. Oyedele spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he joined in 2001 and rose to become Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader. He is also a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School. In July 2023, President Tinubu appointed Oyedele to chair the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, tasked with overhauling Nigeria’s tax system. Uzoka-Anite was initially appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment in August 2023 before her redeployment to the finance ministry in November 2024.

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FG Sets Transition Plan for Direct Oil Revenue Payments to Federation Account

The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of Executive Order 9 of 2026, mandating the direct remittance of oil revenues to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The development follows the inaugural meeting of the implementation committee held on February 26, 2026. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, outlining key resolutions reached at the meeting. According to him, the committee reaffirmed the directive of President Bola Tinubu that all revenues accruing to the federation from petroleum operations must be managed in line with constitutional provisions, safeguard national earnings, and support fiscal stability across the three tiers of government. Read Also: A Quiet War on Our Soil: How Aid, Chemicals, and Banditry Are Strangling Northern Nigeria’s Ginger Heartland As part of the reforms, the government directed the NNPC Limited to immediately discontinue the collection of 30 percent management fees and 30 percent frontier exploration fund deductions from profit oil and gas under Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs). The statement also announced the immediate suspension of remittances of gas flare penalties into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, in compliance with the executive order. On the provision for direct payments by contractors into the federation account, Edun explained that the committee approved a structured transition period to ensure the process aligns with existing contractual obligations and maintains investor confidence. “Until detailed guidelines are issued, contractors will continue with the current remittance process,” he said, adding that standardised procedures would be introduced to ensure a seamless transition. To facilitate implementation, the committee approved the establishment of a technical subcommittee tasked with developing comprehensive transition guidelines within three weeks. The subcommittee will also commence a review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to address structural and fiscal gaps affecting federation revenues. The subcommittee, to be led by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, will include key stakeholders such as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Budget Office of the Federation. Edun noted that the committee would continue to provide coordinated guidance and updates as implementation progresses, while commending stakeholders for their cooperation in advancing reforms aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s petroleum resources deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

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President Tinubu Renews Audi’s Tenure as NSCDC Boss

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi as Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for another five-year term. The renewal, which took effect on Friday, February 27, follows the completion of Dr Audi’s first tenure, which began in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement issued on Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the reappointment and said the President has tasked Audi with repositioning the Corps to play a more significant role in the country’s evolving security landscape. According to the statement, President Tinubu urged the NSCDC to strengthen its operations, particularly as the Nigeria Police refocuses on its core mandate of protecting citizens from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. Audi’s initial five-year mandate ended on Friday while he was participating in activities marking the 2026 World Civil Defence Day at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He is expected to resume duties on Monday under the renewed mandate. Read Also: After Five Years at Helm, Audi Exits NSCDC, Lists Milestones in Security Operations FAAN Chairman Visits MMIA Following Fire Outbreak Kafanchan: Emir of Jema’a Palace Hit as Fire Destroyed 4 Flats Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Dr Audi began his educational journey in the state before obtaining a Teachers’ Grade II Certificate from Teachers’ College, Jengre, Plateau State, in 1987. He later earned a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the College of Education, Akwanga, in 1992, and proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education in 1995. In 2001, he received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar. He went on to earn a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in 2014, and a Master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2019. Dr Audi joined the NSCDC in November 1996 as a volunteer and was deployed as a Divisional Officer in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State after completing his basic officer training in 1997. Over the years, he served in various state commands and, in 2007, was promoted to the rank of Commandant of the Corps before being deployed to the office of the Commandant-General at the National Headquarters in Abuja. His reappointment signals continuity in leadership at the Corps amid ongoing security reforms nationwide.

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After Five Years at Helm, Audi Exits NSCDC, Lists Milestones in Security Operations

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has bowed out of service after 30 years, including five years at the helm of the security agency. Speaking during his pull-out ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Audi gave an account of his stewardship, highlighting key achievements in the fight against oil theft and the institutional modernisation of the Corps. He disclosed that the NSCDC destroyed no fewer than 283 illegal refineries as part of its sustained crackdown on economic sabotage across the country. Reflecting on Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, Audi described the current situation as an “asymmetric conflict,” noting that the Corps has increasingly transitioned into a frontline agency in managing humanitarian crises. According to him, the NSCDC worked closely with other security agencies to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the activities of insurgent groups, particularly those employing hit-and-run tactics. Read Also: ASUP NILEST Celebrates Retiring Unionist, Demands Settlement of Entitlements The outgoing Commandant General emphasised that a major hallmark of his administration was the aggressive fight against economic sabotage. Providing a statistical breakdown of operations from March 2021 to date, he revealed that the Corps arrested 4,677 suspected economic saboteurs, recorded 2,039 ongoing prosecutions, and secured 638 convictions. “In the past five years, I have discharged the duties of my office intelligently and responsibly. With every sense of sincerity, we have been able to achieve significant milestones and provide positive leadership,” Audi stated. To strengthen operational capacity, he said his administration prioritised intensive training programmes aimed at enhancing personnel competence in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and arms handling. Under his leadership, the Corps established a Command and Staff College in Jos, Plateau State, as well as the College of Arms Squad and Support Services in Nasarawa State. He added that a standardised training curriculum was introduced across all NSCDC training institutions to formalise career progression and professional development. Audi also highlighted reforms in the Private Guard Companies (PGC) sector, noting that 376 new companies were registered during his tenure, while 3,800 licences were renewed. To ensure compliance with national security standards, he said the Corps sealed 443 private security firms found to have violated operational requirements. Audi was appointed Commandant General in February 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga, Nasarawa State, he holds a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Master’s degree in Public Business Administration from the University of Calabar. A member of the National Institute (mni), Audi rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities including Divisional Officer in Obi and Lafia, Head of Operations/Intelligence in Nasarawa State, Provost of the NSCDC Training College in Katsina, and Commandant in Imo State. At the ceremony, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, as well as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his guidance and support. He attributed the successes recorded during his tenure to the dedication of officers and men of the Corps, as well as the cooperation of his management team, reiterating the importance of sustained commitment to national security.

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IGP Transition: Tinubu Moves to Retain Senior Police Leadership

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly halted a planned mass retirement of about 30 senior police officers following the removal of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP. The intervention comes amid renewed national debate over the long-standing practice of compulsory retirement for senior officers whenever a new police chief assumes office, a development that has historically triggered widespread exits within the upper ranks of the force. According to reports, the proposed shake-up targeted several Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), with an internal document listing at least eight DIGs including Frank Mba (Training), Yahaya Abubakar (Finance), Adebola Hamzat (Logistics), and Adebowale Williams (ICT), among those expected to exit in order to maintain command hierarchy. However, the Presidency reportedly intervened, directing that the process be halted to allow the new Acting IGP to benefit from the experience of senior officers. A source was quoted as saying the decision was taken to ensure continuity and stability within the Nigeria Police Force during the transition period. Read Also: Meet DIGs Likely to Retire Following Disu’s Emergence as Acting IGP FAAN Chairman Visits MMIA Following Fire Outbreak After Political Shift, Governor Yusuf Seen Without Iconic Red Cap in France Disu’s elevation comes less than two months before his scheduled retirement upon attaining the mandatory age of 60. Born on April 13, 1966, the Acting IGP was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General in March 2025 and is due for retirement in April 2026. Although the amended Police Act permits an Inspector-General to serve a four-year term irrespective of age, sources indicate that Disu may not benefit from tenure extension beyond his statutory retirement date. Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu has drawn attention to past controversies surrounding compulsory retirements within the force, referencing a 2023 case that resulted in a landmark court judgment. The case involved former DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, whose compulsory retirement by the Police Service Commission was challenged in court. In a judgment delivered on January 13, 2025, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae of the National Industrial Court ruled that the retirement was unlawful and unconstitutional, stating that administrative policies cannot override statutory provisions governing service tenure. The court ordered Jitoboh’s reinstatement until his due retirement date and awarded damages against the commission. Observers say the latest intervention by President Tinubu may help stabilise the leadership structure of the police force, even as broader legal and administrative questions surrounding compulsory retirements remain unresolved. (Platinum Post)

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FAAN Chairman Visits MMIA Following Fire Outbreak

The Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has led members of the authority’s governing board on an on-site inspection of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, following a recent fire incident at the facility in Lagos. The visit was aimed at assessing the extent of the incident, reviewing emergency response measures, and ensuring that adequate steps are being implemented to prevent a recurrence. During the inspection, Ganduje and the board also evaluated ongoing work at the airport’s temporary terminal. Related: Ganduje Pushes Sports as Tool for Youth Empowerment Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano Ganduje, Kuku Lead Nigeria’s Airports Into a New Era He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the project, noting that the development aligns with efforts to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. Ganduje reiterated the board’s commitment to strengthening safety standards across Nigerian airports, while ensuring the timely completion of critical infrastructure. He emphasized that the authority remains focused on maintaining high safety protocols and improving service delivery within the aviation sector.

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