The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) says President Bola Tinubu’s support for state police marks a bold step towards reengineering Nigeria’s internal security framework.
In a statement signed by Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group said the move aligns with the President’s long-standing stance on decentralised policing.
“We are aware that the first attempt in recent years to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police was in 2018 when the then Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, sponsored the bill.”
“Even though Ekweremadu was the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee, the move failed. He also made another effort in 2020, but it did not see the light of day.”
TMSG noted that the momentum now appears different, with Tinubu’s public endorsement coming as both chambers of the National Assembly work on a bill for state police.
“We see the President’s position as a clear message to federal lawmakers who are due to resume plenary in a few weeks to speed up the process of presenting a bill that will amend section 214 of the 1999 constitution which exclusively provides for a federal policing system.”
“It is also a reflection of President Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for state police as a panacea to insecurity in the country as well as addressing local policing needs.”
“We acknowledge that this is the first time a sitting President would publicly declare his backing for state police.”
TMSG highlighted how past leaders only voiced support after leaving office, unlike Tinubu who is pushing the reform during his tenure.
“It was after former President Goodluck Jonathan left office that he began his advocacy for a decentralised policing system, while former Muhammadu Buhari famously declared in a rare TV interview in 2022 that state police was not an option to address the country’s security challenges.”
“Former President Buhari’s opposition was based on the same fears that many Nigerians had expressed about the overbearing influence of state governments and the possibility of abuse.”
The group expressed confidence that Tinubu will implement mechanisms to prevent abuse or politicisation of state police by governors.
“There are already indications that the federal government may be working on safeguards against possible misuse of state police by putting the process under the control of a central body to ensure a unified standard.”
“So it is not likely that the state police that the President envisages will be one that will be exclusively under the control of governors.”
“This is why the President was emphatic that while political concerns will always surface around the issue, they must not be allowed to derail urgent security reforms.”
The group believes that the state police option would meet its objectives, ending up as one of the far-reaching legacies of the Bola Tinubu administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on his 73rd birthday and 22nd year on the throne.
The President’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.
Tinubu lauded the traditional ruler’s unwavering patriotism and leadership, describing him as a pillar of traditional and national stability.
He highlighted Abubakar’s distinguished military service, where he retired as Brig;-Gen before ascending the throne as the 13th Etsu Nupe in 2003.
”Etsu Nupe has contributed immensely to nation-building. He has used his revered position to promote unity, harmony, religious tolerance, peace and reconciliation in the country.”
”His humility, courage and leadership experience have been brought to bear on his responsibilities as Chairman, Abuja Mosque and Chairman Coordinating Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.”
Tinubu prayed for the traditional ruler’s continued health and wisdom, asking Allah to bless his reign with peace and prosperity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) says President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are responsible for the ongoing boom in Nigeria’s capital market.
According to TMSG, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has experienced an unprecedented surge over the past 27 months, driven by pro-business policies that had boosted investor confidence.
In a statement signed by Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG highlighted significant gains in the All-Share Index since May 2023.
“The All-Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange has surged nearly threefold since the Tinubu administration assumed office.
“Available data shows that as of the close of trading on Friday, May 26, 2023, the ASI stood at 52,973.88 points, while market capitalisation was N28.845 trillion.
“By Friday, August 30, 2025, the ASI had risen to 140,295.50 points, with market capitalisation reaching the N90 trillion mark.”
TMSG described this as a “quantum leap in stock market activities,” adding that many analysts agree it is unprecedented, particularly given the backdrop of ongoing economic reforms.
The group also cited comments by the Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr Umaru Kwairanga, who recently acknowledged the impact of the administration’s policies on market performance.
He stated that Tinubu’s reforms had led to “the tripling of volumes and value of transactions in the capital market within two years.”
Nwankpa noted that TMSG shared the assessment, attributing the growing investor confidence to the government’s consistent pro-business stance.
The group outlined key policy decisions that had positively impacted capital market activity, particularly in the energy and financial sectors.
“It is a statement of fact that fuel subsidy removals, the harmonisation of the foreign exchange windows, and oil sector reforms have together attracted new investments into the country.
“We must also highlight the fresh momentum injected into the market by the recent presidential assent to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025,” the statement said.
The Act repeals and consolidates outdated insurance laws into a unified framework, providing greater clarity and confidence for investors and stakeholders in the sector.
TMSG expressed optimism that the capital market would maintain its growth trajectory amid upcoming legislative and policy-driven initiatives.
“There is also the Investment & Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which some private sector stakeholders have described as one of the most comprehensive capital market laws globally.
“Furthermore, we expect that the listing of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the implementation of new tax laws will give an additional boost to the Nigerian Stock Exchange in the months ahead,” the group added.
TMSG said the unprecedented surge in the capital market was clear proof that Nigeria was ready for large-scale investment under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“In our view, all of these combined will help fast-track President Tinubu’s ambition of achieving a 1 trillion dollars economy by 2030, or even earlier.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday held a private working lunch with the French President, Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting is part of Tinubu’s itinerary, during his 10-day working vacation in Europe, which includes stops in France and the United Kingdom.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a captioned photograph made available to NAN on Wednesday in Abuja. President Emmanuel Macron of France welcomes President Bola Tinubu.
NAN reports that a working private visit means a trip that is mainly private or personal, but during which the visitor still carries out some official or work-related activities.
NAN reports that President Tinubu announced on his official X handle @OfficialABAT that his discussions with President Macron centred on reviewing and strengthening key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France.
“Had a productive lunch with President Emmanuel Macron @EmmanuelMacron today at the Élysée Palace.
“We reviewed key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France and agreed to deepen our partnership for mutual prosperity and global stability.” the Nigerian leader wrote.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sept. 4 for France on a working vacation.
Onanuga had said that the trip formed part of the President’s official annual leave for 2025.
”Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country,” Onanuga had said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), on his 50th birthday.
Tinubu praised Ewalefoh for his pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
The President’s message is contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.
“The President commended Ewalefoh’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).”
Tinubu noted that under Ewalefoh’s leadership, the ICRC has strengthened regulatory oversight and improved project transparency across the PPP framework.
He said the commission’s work is now closely aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda through bold and sustainable reforms.
“The President recalls that the PPP Summit convened by the ICRC in June, which he had the honour of declaring open, has restored confidence and provided fresh momentum for PPP-driven growth.”
Tinubu wished the ICRC boss continued strength, wisdom, and success in national service.
He also urged Ewalefoh to remain steadfast in delivering world-class infrastructure that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians. (NAN)
By Georgina Adegbie
The Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Azania Omo-Agege, has called for greater professionalism in selecting and preparing boxers for international competitions.
He stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
His call followed Nigeria’s poor performance at a recent World Boxing Federation event in London.
Omo-Agege criticised the selection process, describing it as controversial and lacking transparency, which he said contributed to the nation’s poor showing at the tournament.
He expressed concern over the absence of due process in preparing athletes for such a high-level competition.
According to him, a proposal was submitted to the National Sports Commission (NSC) in May, but no training camp was organised to assess and select top performers.
“Normally, you bring medalists from the last competition into camp, test them again, and select those in form.
”Instead, they just handpicked three boxers from Lagos and took them abroad with their local coach, sidelining the national coach,” he said.
He claimed the NBF leadership was sidelined, as the Federation’s Secretary General, Olalekan Fasesin, and a board member made the selections without following established protocols.
Omo-Agege warned that such practices damage the sport’s integrity and increase risks like athletes absconding during foreign trips.
He lamented Nigeria’s failure to meet international standards, including gender verification for female boxers, which limited participation.
“We lost the chance to field more athletes because mandatory gender tests weren’t conducted. That’s unacceptable at this level,” he added.
He pledged to submit a formal petition to the National Assembly and demanded full accountability for all funds disbursed for the London event.
Omo-Agege called for unity among stakeholders, insisting that transparency and fairness are critical if Nigerian boxing is to attain its full potential. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
By Muhyideen Jimoh, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
With aching legs and weary eyes, Ibrahim Abdulwahab stepped off an Ethiopian Airlines flight in São Paulo, Brazil, nearly 48 hours after leaving Abuja.
Moreover, long layovers had stretched his journey into an exhausting ordeal.
The University of Brasília graduate, now a Portuguese teacher, endures this gruelling routine regularly to visit family and continue his work, an experience familiar to many Nigerians in Brazil.
However, this arduous travel may soon be a thing of the past, not only for Abdulwahab but also for the growing number of Nigerians seeking opportunities in Brazil for study, business, tourism, or cultural reconnection.
A journey that takes over 48 hours will now be slashed to just seven, thanks to direct flights between the two countries.”
Indeed, this prospect became clearer in the early hours of Aug. 25, when Nigeria’s presidential jet, NAF-001, nicknamed ‘Eagle One’, touched down at Brasília International Airport.
President Bola Tinubu had arrived for a two-day state visit, his third trip to Brazil this year, underscoring Nigeria’s renewed commitment to strengthening ties with South America’s largest economy.
Coming directly from engagements in Japan at TICAD9 and a stopover in Los Angeles, Tinubu wasted no time resuming a hectic diplomatic pace.
By morning, the streets of Brasília were alive with colour as he was received with full military honours by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace. President Bola Tinubu being welcomed with full military honours in Brazil
Importantly, the meeting was not merely ceremonial.
Both leaders presided over the signing of five critical Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in aviation, trade, energy, agriculture, and science and technology.
“Today’s engagement marks the renewal of the historic relationship between Nigeria and Brazil.
“I look forward to working with President Lula to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy, trade, and culture, towards building a future of shared prosperity,” Tinubu declared.
Notably, the visit saw the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil for the first time in decades. The signing of the BASA between Nigeria and Brazilian ministers of Aviation, supervised by President Bola Tinubu and President Lula da Silva.
According to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, “This agreement is a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“It will open up new opportunities for Nigerian businesses, tourism, and enhance diplomatic ties.
“For businesses, the agreement will simplify cargo movement, reduce shipping costs, and bolster trade.
“For ordinary Nigerians, particularly the diaspora, it signals easier travel and stronger cultural reconnection,” Keyamo said.
Similarly, Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace and Nigeria’s designated air carrier for the Lagos-Sao-Paulo route commended the development.
“Well, it is a milestone. President Bola Tinubu’s shuttles abroad have started paying dividends for the good of our nation.
“Today, the Bilateral Air Services Agreement has been signed between both countries, Brazil and Nigeria.
“And I’m sure you heard when President Lula of Brazil said that Nigeria’s largest carrier, Airbus, has been designated to implement this BASA by running flight operations into and out of Brazil to Nigeria,” he added.
Onyema confirmed that Air Peace will begin direct flights by Nov. 2025, thus unlocking an economic boom.
Beyond aviation, the agreements extended into trade and agriculture, with a new memorandum expanding bilateral commerce in agriculture, energy, and digital technology. President Bola Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva.
Tinubu emphasised, “Brazil is a natural partner for Nigeria in agriculture, given our complementary resources and expertise.
“We are ready to collaborate more closely to enhance food security in both nations”.
This reflects Nigeria’s earlier agricultural cooperation with Brazil in the 1970s, when both countries sought to mechanise farming and address food shortages.
Today, with over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce in agriculture, such collaboration could modernise farming and boost productivity.
Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, added, “We are keen to share our technological advancements in agriculture with Nigeria.
“This collaboration will lead to a food revolution in both countries”.
In addition, energy featured prominently. Brazil pledged to support Nigeria in scaling up solar, wind, and clean energy projects.
Tinubu said, “Energy is a key pillar of our vision for Nigeria’s future.
“Brazil’s expertise will help us leapfrog into cleaner, more efficient energy systems”.
Furthermore, he invited Petrobras, Brazil’s oil giant, to return to Nigeria after suspending operations in Nigeria, stressing: “We have the largest gas repository.
“So, I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done”.
Meanwhile, science and technology cooperation also gained focus.
Paulo Alvim, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, noted, “We have seen the rise of Nigeria’s tech sector, and we are eager to support it with our knowledge and resources.
“Such cooperation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and skills transfer in a sector already attracting global attention”.
Moreover, Tinubu’s delegation secured investment pledges in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, with potential inflows estimated at over 30 billion dollars.
Brazil committed to supporting Nigeria in roads, ports, and bridges, leveraging its engineering expertise.
Alongside this, cultural and educational ties were renewed.
Both governments agreed on student exchanges, research partnerships, and arts collaborations, reviving Afro-Brazilian links dating back to the 19th century.
As Camilo Santana, Brazil’s Minister of Education, put it: “We are looking forward to facilitating exchange programmes between Brazilian and Nigerian universities”.
Historically, the ties between Nigeria and Brazil run centuries deep.
Freed Afro-Brazilian slaves returned to Lagos, bringing architecture, cuisine, and religious practices that enriched Nigeria’s cultural fabric. Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyiinka and President Lula da Silva of Brazil.
Known as the “Aguda” community, their influence remains visible today.
Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1961.
By the 1970s, both nations pursued stronger South–South cooperation, particularly in agriculture and energy.
Although relations slowed in the early 2000s, the return of Petrobras to Nigeria in 1998 and cultural exchange programmes helped maintain the partnership.
Today, Tinubu’s agreements mark a revival of historic bonds, blending cultural reconnection with modern trade, technology, and strategic cooperation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the visit as “more than a state visit.
“It’s a symbolic healing of historical wounds. It’s about cultural reconnection, economic collaboration, and redefining our shared future.
“And you know when President Tinubu speaks, he speaks for the continent. Nigeria is a continental and global leader”.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, offered a similar perspective, arguing that the visit reflects Tinubu’s broader effort to diversify Nigeria’s global partnerships.
He explained that “Brazil has a cattle herd of 238 million; more than its human population.
“This success in agribusiness offers valuable lessons for us as we expand our livestock industry”.
Taken together, these engagements mirror Nigeria’s longstanding tradition of South–South cooperation, from its leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement to active participation in the G77.
Historically, Nigeria has used such partnerships to balance relations with Western powers while strengthening alliances in the Global South.
Analysts, however, warn that the success of these agreements will depend on how swiftly Nigeria’s ministries and agencies act to implement them.
Yet, if fully implemented, the Brazil engagement could become the launchpad for Nigeria’s long-sought economic transformation.
It holds the potential to unlock jobs, technology, and investment while advancing the country’s aspiration of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.(NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
Founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have pledged full support for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
A delegation of former CPC leaders, led by ex-Nasarawa Governor and Senator, Tanko Al-Makura, declared loyalty to Tinubu and promised nationwide mobilisation for APC’s victory.
Speaking for the group, Al-Makura reaffirmed their unwavering allegiance: “We are with you in loyalty, in person, and in purpose. May Almighty God grant you wisdom and strength.”
He praised Tinubu for steering Nigeria through economic headwinds while preserving peace and stability despite mounting challenges.
Reflecting on CPC’s legacy before merging into APC in 2013, Al-Makura hailed Tinubu and Buhari as transformative leaders with a shared national vision.
“Mr President, you and Muhammadu Buhari shared more than an alliance; you shared a vision of justice, sovereignty, and good governance for Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the CPC bloc, including ex-ministers, governors, lawmakers and women leaders, would strengthen reforms and consolidate APC’s future dominance.
House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, commended Tinubu for bold reforms, stressing that the CPC bloc would rally grassroots support across states for APC’s 2027 victory.
Responding, Tinubu announced a milestone: his administration has met revenue targets and will no longer rely on borrowing to fund government operations.
“We have met our revenue target. Nigeria is not borrowing again. Nobody is trading paper for exchange rates anymore. The naira is stabilising.
“We must now build infrastructure for exports and imports, creating jobs and opportunities for our people. That is my guarantee,” he said.
On food security, Tinubu unveiled plans for nationwide mechanised agriculture, with farm centres in every region to boost production and combat poverty.
“Our path to food security is clear. Every region will host a mechanised farm centre. Poverty will be removed from our land,” he said.
The President urged supporters to ignore distractions and focus on long-term reforms for national transformation and prosperity.
“Do not let anyone threaten you with uncertainty. We know our direction, and success is assured.
“My legacy will be justice, transparency, and progress. At the end, Nigeria will be a house of joy and prosperity for all,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation included Adebayo Shittu, ex-Minister of Communications, former APC Secretary Waziri Bulama, and Prof Haruna Hima, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy advanced hardware and surveillance systems in Katsina State to counter rising attacks on civilians by bandits.
The president gave the directive during a meeting with Katsina leaders, led by Gov. Dikko Radda, at the State House on Tuesday evening.
According to a statement by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasised the urgency of addressing insecurity across Nigeria, starting with vulnerable regions like Katsina.
The president said the Federal Government would consider the operations of a State Police, and further equip recently deployed forest guards.
Tinubu criticised those politicising the state police initiative, stressing the need for community-based security outfits familiar with local terrains and culture.
Onanuga quoted the president as saying: ”The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders.
“We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.
”I have today directed all the security agencies to energise further and look at the strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones.”
Tinubu has also ordered daily operational reports on Katsina to ensure constant oversight and quick responses.
He said: ”I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically.
”We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihood, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”
Tinubu also assured that former President Muhammadu Buhari would be immortalised, citing his legacy as a foundation for national continuity.
He continued: “The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he has left in a good way.
”He didn’t hand over a defeated country, a battered political structure, but a legacy of success, which is the most important thing.
”We just have to continue praying that Almighty Allah should grant him Aljannah Firdausi and give the rest of us the ability to stand very strong and push Nigeria forward. Not to look back in sorrow but move forward with success.
”It would have been regretful if we had lost the elections to the other parties. There are no other wishes he would have had than to have Katsina State and the Presidency intact.”
Radda thanked Tinubu for prioritising Katsina, including appointments of indigenes to strategic roles and ongoing infrastructure development.
”Mr president, I would like to thank you very much, and I want to say before our elders that I never came to the President with a request that he rejected.
”We thank you, Mr President, for sharing with Katsina. You are a true son of Katsina State. I recall that Katsina was the first state you visited and spent a night in. We thank you for the privilege.
”We are here again, Mr President, I know that you are aware of the problem affecting our state,” he added.
Radda appealed for greater Federal support in security, youths empowerment, and critical infrastructure projects.
The former Governor of Katsina state, Aminu Masari, expressed appreciation for the state funeral accorded to the late president Buhari, calling it a mark of deep respect.
Masari reaffirmed the loyalty of Katsina to the Tinubu administration and its security vision.
The Waziri of Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, praised Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure, particularly the Kano-Maradi Rail project.
He also urged for an upgrade of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport to enhance functionality and regional connectivity.
Ida stressed that Southern Katsina required heightened security presence from the Federal Government to further protect lives and restore peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
