Tinubu to Young People, "My Government Has Paved the Way For You to Have a Bright Future."

President Bola Tinubu stated on Monday in Abuja that reversing the trend of human capital flight is achievable through economic enhancement, the formulation of bottom-up policies that cater to the populace's needs, and fostering a collective sense of ownership among citizens. During the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, President Tinubu emphasized that the current economic reforms aim to fortify the economy for the benefit of Nigerian youths, who represent over 60 percent of the population. "I want to assure you that you embody the hope of this nation, and the future relies on you. Every decision I have made is centered around your well-being. The removal of the fuel subsidy was a measure taken to safeguard your future. We have paved the way for you to achieve a bright future," President Tinubu remarked. He further noted, "When you hear from professionals leaving Nigeria, there is a reason behind it. If we cultivate prosperity at home and empower our citizens, they will choose to remain here." The President informed the 44-member planning committee that the government is committed to implementing the results of their discussions and the framework for the national conference. "This is your chance to contribute to the nation's development and prosperity. The current government is focused on you. While you may critique politicians, remember that politics is fundamentally about development and the future of upcoming generations. You are the essence of our nation, and I urge you to take this responsibility earnestly. I am pleased to see you here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow, and beyond. I stand with you," he stated. President Tinubu highlighted that the economic reforms have restructured the economy for enhanced prosperity and empowerment. Most indicators reflect a consistent decline in the prices of goods, particularly food items, alongside a stabilization of the exchange rate. At the outset, the situation appeared unclear, uncertain, and bleak. Our efforts were intense, akin to extracting water from a parched well. However, the current state of the economy indicates a positive shift; prices are decreasing, confidence is on the rise, investors are turning their attention to us, and technological advancements are progressing. "You are presented with a significant opportunity, and I am here to listen. I have taken note of your spokesperson's comments. The potential for advancing the development of this nation lies within your grasp. "My role is to assist in navigating, advocating for, and alleviating the burdens of challenges to pave the way for your success. A promising future awaits you, and it is within your control. "Please look me in the eye and express any concerns you may have and the path you envision. Be candid. We are committed to implementing your recommendations as long as they contribute to the nation's prosperity," the President stated. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande expressed gratitude to the President for empowering the youth and assured that the committee reflects a diverse range of stakeholders. "We appreciate your forward-thinking initiatives; over 260,000 students have already benefited from the administration's student loan programs. We are thankful for the renovation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the resolution of the passport backlog," the minister remarked. The minister also acknowledged the President for significant infrastructural advancements that will endure for future generations. Committee member Samson Itodo noted that the President's organization of this conference marks a pivotal moment in engaging youth in the nation's development. Itodo highlighted several priority areas, including political governance, economic transformation, future skills such as Artificial Intelligence, climate change and energy transition, as well as social cohesion and security. He mentioned that the framework will encompass virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and the Abuja conference. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information).

Why NNPCL Halted Selling Crude Oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira

Re: Clarification on the Naira Crude Contract Between NNPC Limited and Dangote Refinery NNPC Limited acknowledges the recent social media reports concerning the purported unilateral termination of the crude oil sales agreement in Naira with Dangote Refinery. To provide clarity, the contract for the sale of crude oil in Naira was established as a six-month agreement, contingent upon availability, and is set to expire at the end of March 2025. Ongoing discussions are taking place to establish a new contract. As part of this arrangement, NNPC Ltd. has supplied over 48 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote Refinery since October 2024. In total, NNPC Ltd. has provided more than 84 million barrels of crude oil to the Refinery since it began operations in 2023. NNPC Limited remains dedicated to ensuring the supply of crude oil for local refining in accordance with mutually agreed terms and conditions. Olufemi Soneye Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd. Abuja 10th March, 2025

Bwala Discloses the "Magic" Tinubu Employed to Lower Food Costs.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, D.H. Bwala, has praised President Tinubu, asserting that his decisive measures against insecurity have led to a significant decline in food prices in the market. In a post on his X account on Monday, Bwala contended that the alleged importation of food is not the cause of this price reduction. He emphasized that the success in combating insecurity has encouraged farmers to return to their agricultural activities. He stated: “The decline in food prices is a direct result of our substantial efforts against insecurity, allowing farmers to return to their fields and perform their essential work. President Tinubu @officialABAT is committed to this cause. Disregard the discontented individuals spreading misinformation that importation is responsible for the price drop and that President Tinubu is harming the northern economy. These individuals likely resent our progress in addressing insecurity.”

The Labour Party Forms a Truce Committee and a Three-man NASS Intervention.

In an ongoing effort to foster lasting unity within the party, the leadership of the Labour Party has established a three-member Intervention and Truce Committee aimed at reconciling the relationship between the party and its members in the National Assembly. The Committee comprises Hons Ben Etanabene (Chairman), Mathew Nworgu, and Chinedu Obika. During the inauguration of the Committee on Monday at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja, the National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, urged the lawmakers to collaborate with Labour Party legislators in both chambers of the National Assembly to identify and address any challenges affecting their relationship with the party. Abure stated, “We have convened you and entrusted you with this crucial task of uniting all our members in the National Assembly, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to bridge existing gaps and resolve any issues that may have arisen. “It is essential for all our approximately 40 members to align with the party leadership. You serve as our representatives in the National Assembly, and while we take pride in many of you and the values you embody, we recognize that there are still gaps that need to be addressed, which underscores the urgency of this assignment. “We anticipate that within two weeks, you will complete this task and report back to the party leadership. We assure you that the party will make every effort to achieve a lasting truce within our ranks, particularly with a key stakeholder like the NASS caucus.” In their reply, the three lawmakers expressed their loyalty to the party leadership and assured them of their commitment to taking this assignment seriously. SIGN: Obiora Ifoh National Publicity Secretary Labour Party 11/03/2025

BREAKING: Why I Chose to Switch From APC to El-Rufai

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). On Monday, El-Rufai, who was a founding member of the APC, announced his decision via his official X account, explaining that he felt a disconnect between his progressive ideals and those of the party. He stated: “At this juncture in my political career, I have determined that I need to pursue a different political platform that aligns with the progressive values I hold dear. Therefore, I have chosen to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).” READ BELOW THE FULL STATEMENT BY MR EL-RUFAI ANNOUNCING HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE APC. NIGERIA UPDATE: Onwards to the future As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I cherish the memories of collaborating with fellow members to facilitate the merger of political parties that led to the establishment of the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values would remain in harmony with those of the APC until I decide to retire from political life.

Recent developments over the past two years indicate a lack of willingness among the current leadership of the APC to recognize or address the troubling state of the party. I have expressed my concerns both privately and, more recently, publicly regarding the erratic direction the party has taken. Consequently, I have reached the decision that I must pursue an alternative political platform that aligns with the progressive values I hold dear. Founders naturally develop a strong attachment to the institutions they helped establish; however, it is essential to be pragmatic and acknowledge when a rift becomes insurmountable. I have served the APC with dedication and contributed to its viability as a political entity, yet I now realize that the party has deviated from the vision of its well-intentioned founders. As a committed party member, I played a role in securing the APC’s electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. I was among the many governors elected under the party's banner in 2015 and 2019, advocating for democratic and progressive principles aimed at fostering nation-building. Throughout my eight-year tenure in Kaduna State, I focused on implementing progressive policies to enhance human development in education and healthcare, as well as to expand infrastructure, promote equal opportunities, create jobs, and attract investments. Unfortunately, these achievements seem to hold little value in the current APC, which has undermined its foundational principles and treated its members with disdain over the past two years. This situation is no longer acceptable to me. Therefore, on this day, March 10, 2025, I have formally submitted my resignation from the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Thank you and God Bless the Social Democratic Party. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, CON Abuja, Nigeria 10th March 2025

FG Authorizes N151.9 Billion for North-East Electric Buses and Tricycles.

The Tinubu administration is set to initiate a large-scale electric vehicle transportation project in northeast Nigeria, following the Federal Executive Council's recent approval that removed the final barrier to the plan's execution. Last week, the Council sanctioned contracts totaling nearly $100 million, equivalent to N151.9 billion, aimed at providing buses and tricycles, as well as establishing the necessary charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Among the approved contracts, ten 17-seater electric buses will be supplied by Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited, with a delivery timeline of six months at a cost of N2.9 billion. Mutual Commitment Company Limited is tasked with supplying 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion within a nine-month period, while Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will provide an additional 3,000 tricycles for N37.2 billion. Sinoma Investment International Limited will also contribute by supplying another 3,000 e-tricycles, each capable of accommodating nine passengers along with the driver. In a separate contract valued at N16.3 billion, HNCEGC will deliver 100 BYD Dolphin EVs, 100 BYD Qin Plus EVs, and 37 BYD Yuan Plus EVs. Concurrently, KB Laman Motors Nigeria Limited will set up the charging stations for the e-buses and tricycles at a cost of N8.4 billion. The North East Development Commission will finance these contracts as part of its initiative to mitigate carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency in the region. President Tinubu had previously approved the acquisition of the electric vehicles in October of the previous year and conducted inspections of the vehicle samples, chargers, and batteries. Bayo Onanuga.

Saraki Advises Akpabio Regarding Natasha to Refrain From Politicizing and Trivializing the Senate's Call for Due Process.

Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has characterized the assertion made by the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as “cheap politics and a trivialization of a serious matter.” This assertion pertains to Akpabio's claim that the call for a transparent and open investigation into the allegations made against him by his colleague, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is an attempt to displace a representative from the Niger Delta region. In a statement issued by Yusuph Olaniyonu, the head of his media office in Abuja, Saraki urged Akpabio to carefully review his press statement dated March 1, 2025, which does not suggest that the Senate President should resign. “Instead, he recommended that Akpabio act in the best interests of the legislative body by ensuring that the allegations raised by the Senator are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.” The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office has noted Akpabio's remarks made while addressing leaders of various “youth ethnic groups” on Friday, in which he claimed that certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States are seeking his removal due to his Niger Delta heritage. Typically, Dr. Saraki would have dismissed such statements as reflective of current political dynamics. However, the underlying intent to politicize and trivialize a significant issue that jeopardizes the integrity, credibility, and significance of the legislature necessitates a response. It is imperative to prevent the Senate President from fostering a misleading narrative regarding this critical matter within the National Assembly, which plays a vital role in our democracy. Dr. Saraki, in his recent remarks regarding the crisis involving Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, did not call for the resignation or removal of the Senate President. Instead, he emphasized the importance of recognizing that perception shapes reality, urging the Senate President to handle the allegations raised by the Senator in a manner that does not suggest the Senate is attempting to obscure issues related to sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of power. Furthermore, Dr. Saraki clarified that his intervention was not focused on the merits of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims. He asserted that, given the serious nature of the allegations made public against the presiding officer, it is imperative to protect the institution's reputation through a thorough, honest, transparent, and impartial investigation. In his press statement, he also highlighted that there are established procedures outlined in the Constitution, legal statutes, Senate regulations, conventions, and precedents that should guide the investigation process. Moreover, Dr. Saraki firmly believes that his recommendations are intended to enhance the integrity of the legislative body. He will continue to advocate for these suggestions regardless of the Senate President's political affiliation or regional background. It is inappropriate and simplistic to interpret Dr. Saraki’s comments through such narrow lenses. This matter should not be manipulated by Akpabio to incite ethnic tensions, political discord, or regional biases, as doing so would not serve his interests or those of the institution he leads. He must confront the situation honestly and take appropriate action.