Africa Security Investigation News

RMAFC Hails Retiring Director, Says Nigeria Yet To Benefit Fully From His Expertise

Maryam Aminu

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has described the outgoing Director of Fiscal Efficiency, Dr. Tanimu Adamu Aliyu, as one of the finest and most accomplished directors ever produced by the Commission, declaring that Nigeria may still call on him for higher national assignments after retirement.

Speaking during a send-forth ceremony held in honour of the retiring director at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Shehu praised Dr. Aliyu’s discipline, intellectual depth and commitment to public service, saying his contributions left an enduring mark on the Commission.

“Dr. Tanimu Adamu Aliyu is one of the best directors we have ever had in this Commission. He is highly knowledgeable, disciplined and deeply committed to excellence. Nigeria is proud of his service to the nation, and the Commission is proud of his remarkable contributions,” the RMAFC chairman stated.

Dr. Shehu noted that the retiring director earned widespread respect within the Commission through his strict adherence to standards and refusal to tolerate mediocrity.
“He may not have been liked by everyone because he is very strict and straightforward, but that is precisely what made him outstanding. He had zero tolerance for mediocrity and always insisted on doing things the right way,” he added.

The chairman also commended Dr. Aliyu for pursuing academic and professional advancement while in active service, noting that he attained several qualifications, including a doctorate degree, during his career at the Commission.

He urged members of staff to emulate the retiring director’s commitment to self-development and professionalism.

Dr. Tanimu Aliyu Adamu, Outgoing Director Fiscal Efficiency, during the send-forth event organized in honour of the Director at RMAFC HQ, Abuja.n

Describing Dr. Aliyu as a versatile and intellectually grounded administrator, Dr. Shehu said the retiring official possessed rare insight into economics, politics and international affairs, qualities he said could still earn him greater responsibilities in national service.

“I will not be surprised if he returns to this Commission as a Federal Commissioner or even as Chairman. He has the competence, the experience and the leadership qualities to serve Nigeria at the highest levels,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Commissioners, Hon. Ozo Obodougo Obumneme, Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State and Chairman of the Customs Monitoring Committee, described Dr. Aliyu as a disciplined and principled public servant whose legacy would remain a reference point in the Commission.

“Dr. Tanimu Adamu Aliyu distinguished himself through hard work, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of public service,” he said.

Other Federal Commissioners present at the event included Hon. Abdulazeez Idris King of Kogi State, Hon. Muhammed Kabeer Usman of Gombe State, Kabir Muhammad Mashi of Katsina State and Hon. Nduka Henry Awuregu of Ebonyi State.
Management and staff of the Commission also paid glowing tributes to the retiring director, describing him as a consummate professional, mentor and exemplary public servant.

Responding, Dr. Aliyu expressed gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Commission for the honour accorded him, describing his years at the RMAFC as one of the greatest privileges of his professional life.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. Serving the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life,” he said.

He pledged continued support for the Commission and national development even in retirement.

FG Eyes Guinness World Record With 300-Participant Reading Relay To Drive Maternal Health Awareness

By Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government is backing an ambitious nationwide reading campaign expected to draw more than 300 Nigerians in a bid to break the Guinness World Record for the “Most People in an Online Video Reading Relay” while pushing awareness on maternal and family health.

The initiative, tagged My Family Companion National Reading Relay, is being spearheaded by Otubo Victor in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and Red Media Africa.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Emmanuel Essein, described the project as a national movement aimed at promoting literacy, youth engagement and advocacy for maternal, child and family health.

He disclosed that the event, scheduled for May 15 to mark the International Day of Families, seeks to surpass the current Guinness World Record of 130 participants by mobilising readers from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the diaspora.

According to the minister, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader push to strengthen family values and social development following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development.

“The National Reading Relay is not merely an attempt to set a Guinness World Record; it is a national movement that harnesses the power of reading, storytelling and youth participation to advance awareness of maternal, child and family health,” he said.

Olawande added that beyond chasing a global record, the programme is designed to amplify the voices of young Nigerians and nurture a new generation of advocates for maternal, newborn and child healthcare.

In his remarks, Victor, author of My Family Companion and Executive Director of Stand Consults, raised concerns over Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, noting that postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths after childbirth.

He attributed many of the deaths to misinformation, delays in accessing healthcare and poor preventive health practices, stressing the need for sustained awareness and counselling programmes for women and communities.

Victor explained that the initiative would also promote education on maternal health, vaccination, preventive care and herd immunity as part of efforts to reduce avoidable deaths.

Also speaking, Comrade Chukwuma Ugwoke, representing the Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Affairs, Emmanuel Essein, described the campaign as a platform that connects government policy with grassroots action.

“This is not just about reading a book, but about amplifying a message and transforming awareness into action,” he said.

FRC Unveils Reform Agenda, Positions Itself as Watchdog for Nigeria’s Emerging Tax Regime

Maryam Aminu

Amid growing public demand for transparency in the management of Nigeria’s finances, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has unveiled a bold new strategic plan aimed at repositioning the agency as a stronger oversight institution for fiscal governance and accountability.

The Acting Chairman of the Commission, Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, made this known while declaring open the Commission’s 2026 Management Retreat at Zuma Rock Resort, Niger State, describing the gathering as a defining moment in the history of the agency.

The four-day retreat, holding from May 11 to 14, 2026, is themed “Strengthening Institutional Performance through the Implementation of the Commission’s New Strategic Plan.”
Abana said the Commission was entering a new era of fiscal oversight at a time Nigerians and development partners were demanding greater prudence, accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

“This Strategic Plan is not simply a policy document; it is a roadmap for institutional transformation, a framework for measurable progress, and a guide for achieving sustainable results in the discharge of our responsibilities,” he stated.

He explained that the new plan would strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, improve stakeholder engagement, deepen inter-agency collaboration, leverage technology for operational efficiency and enhance institutional capacity across all levels of the Commission.

The Acting Chairman also unveiled the Commission’s new Vision and Mission statements, which he described as the foundation for a renewed institutional culture driven by professionalism, innovation, integrity and service excellence.

According to him, the Commission’s new Vision is “to be Nigeria’s leading fiscal authority ensuring transparent, accountable, and sustainable fiscal governance for national development,” while its Mission is “to promote fiscal integrity through evidential oversight in revenue, expenditure and debt management decisions for efficient service delivery.”

Abana further disclosed that the Fiscal Responsibility Commission would play a central accountability role in the implementation of Nigeria’s emerging tax reforms and fiscal policies.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission will act as a watchdog and policy-support institution in the new tax regime to ensure transparency, accountability, efficient revenue management, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.

He urged management staff and senior officers of the Commission to embrace the strategic plan with discipline and commitment, stressing that its success would depend on collective ownership and effective implementation.

The Acting Chairman also revealed that participants at the retreat would undergo capacity-building sessions on organisational process improvement, process mapping, problem analysis tools and the application of Artificial Intelligence within the fiscal ecosystem.

The retreat received endorsements from development partners and civil society organisations.

Speaking on behalf of the Country Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, Associate Project Officer, Muhammad Sani Kassim, reaffirmed RoLAC’s commitment to supporting the Commission in institutionalising the new Strategic Plan.

Kassim described the Commission as a critical partner in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria, adding that RoLAC would continue to provide technical support to strengthen the agency’s reform agenda.

Also speaking on behalf of BudgIT Country Director, Vahyala Kwaga, Mr. Thaddeus Jolayemi commended the Commission for sustaining reform-oriented engagement with civil society and development partners.

BudgIT praised the leadership style of Acting Chairman Charles Abana, describing it as constructive, accessible and forward-looking.

The civic technology organisation stressed that anti-corruption agencies and fiscal institutions must move beyond reactive anti-corruption campaigns to building sustainable systems where transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources become institutional culture.

The retreat is expected to produce key resolutions and strategic frameworks that will shape the Commission’s operations and priorities in the coming years as it seeks to strengthen fiscal discipline and restore public confidence in governance.

FRC Unveils Reform Agenda, Positions Itself as Watchdog for Nigeria’s Emerging Tax Regime

Maryam Aminu

Abana further disclosed that the Fiscal Responsibility Commission would play a central accountability role in the implementation of Nigeria’s emerging tax reforms and fiscal policies.

The retreat received endorsements from development partners and civil society organisations.

BudgIT praised the leadership style of Acting Chairman Charles Abana, describing it as constructive, accessible and forward-looking.

Chigbolu Leads Sponsorship Drive for Team Nigeria’s 2026 African Archery Championship Campaign

Maryam Aminu

As Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2026 African Archery Championship in Algeria, the Nigeria Archery Federation has launched an aggressive sponsorship drive by inaugurating a high-powered marketing committee headed by Ambassador Augustine Chigbolu to mobilise corporate and private sector support for Team Nigeria.

The committee, inaugurated ahead of the continental championship scheduled to hold in Oran, Algeria, from July 21 to July 26, 2026, is expected to spearhead fundraising and marketing efforts aimed at ensuring adequate preparation and participation of Nigerian archers at the tournament.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter dated May 8, 2026, signed by the Secretary General of the federation, Philips O. Ayo, who charged members of the committee to remain committed to advancing the development of archery in Nigeria.

Other members of the committee include Olatayo Oladipo, Hauwa Pindar, Abdulbasit Sanni, Abduljalal Mohammed, Chidinma Blessing Chukwu and Emmanuel Oyeleke, who will serve as secretary.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Chairman of the committee, Ambassador Augustine Chigbolu, appealed to corporate organisations, private institutions and well-meaning Nigerians to support Team Nigeria’s campaign through sponsorship and strategic partnerships.

According to him, adequate sponsorship would significantly boost the morale, training opportunities and international exposure of Nigerian archers ahead of the championship.

He described the forthcoming championship as a major opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its growing strength and competitiveness in archery on the African continent.

The federation also urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities diligently in line with efforts to reposition archery for greater growth and visibility in Nigeria.

“While wishing you all the best in this new assignment, I urge you to remain steadfast in the discharge of your selfless services to humanity and particularly the Archery sport in Nigeria and beyond,” the letter stated.

Dr Enenche, Wife Free Medical Outreach Treats Multitudes In BWARI Area Council Of FCT-Abuja

The senior pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche and Wife, Dr Mrs Becky Enenche free medical outreach treats multitudes of people in Bwari area council of Fct-Abuja.

The Bwari Healing and Deliverance crusade with the theme; ‘THE GOD OF MERCY’ began on the 7th-8th May 2026.

The crusade witness a deluge of miracles, signs, wonders, healings, diverse deliverances, intense worship and praise.

While In BWARI, Fct-Abuja, An atmosphere of divine glory; mercy poured out richly, saturating the air, as God’s presence overwhelmed the congregation with healings, deep restoration, uncontainable joy, true liberty and the day 2, was a sacred encounter; calm yet powerful. Hearts were lifted, burdens were broken, and destinies were realigned in the presence of God. Indeed, when mercy speaks, everything changes.

Beyond the crusade, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing of the people. While the spiritual transformation was profound, the clerics were privileged to reach out through free medical and welfare ministrations, ministering to the spirit while also caring for the body, with several relief materials, clothings and other food items were distributed.

In BWARI-Fct, Abuja, 956 Persons were medically attended to and given various treatments and medications, 46 Chest X-rays were conducted, 6 medically emergencies were handled, and 3 patient were taken to the hospital for further medical care.

The total number of Dental patients seen were 374. with 5 tooth extraction successfully done, while 306 scaling and polishing were also conducted.

In another development, within the same week, the revered clerics held crusades in Nicaragua-Central America and Doula Cameroon respectively.

In Nicaragua, the power of God was tangible, lives transformed, yokes broken, destinies released and hearts set ablaze for God. This is a clear move of revival; unstoppable, undeniable and spreading across the land and Nicaragua shall never remain the same again.

The week long respective programs concluded and climaxed on Saturday in Douala-Cameroon, where the atmosphere was saturated with faith and the presence of God as multitudes gathered for a divine encounter, and Healings erupted, Lives were transformed, Burdens were lifted and destinies encountered the touch of God. It was evident the God of mercy visited Cameroon in a mighty way. What a fitting climax to a time of divine visitation in Douala.

Worthy of note, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing and needs of the people and to the glory of God, every available space at the various crusades venue were filled with people.

Also, No offering was taken or collected at the crusades, this is the principle of the ministry for every crusade that is conducted by the revered clerics.

The revered clerics remain intentional and committed to Kingdom advancement, soul winning and global Evangelism, as they prepare for the 2026 Destiny Recovery Convention (DRC), coming up on the 26th-31st May 2026.

Defence Minister Moves To End Overseas Treatment, Pushes Stronger Military Healthcare System

Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria’s huge spending on foreign medical treatment may soon reduce significantly as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen local healthcare services for military personnel and their families.

This assurance was given by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit to the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, where he pledged renewed commitment to improving healthcare delivery within the Armed Forces and expanding Nigeria’s in-country treatment capacity.

Speaking during the visit, the retired General said the Ministry of Defence is determined to build a self-reliant military healthcare system capable of providing quality, accessible and timely medical care to personnel without the need for costly overseas treatment.

According to him, Nigeria must begin to place confidence in its own medical institutions by investing in facilities and services that can compete with global standards.
“We have spent enormous resources on medical tourism over the years. The goal now is to strengthen our institutions and ensure Nigerians, especially our military personnel, receive world-class care at home,” he stated.

The Defence Minister disclosed that reforms are already underway in the Defence Health Sector, including improved medical screening, early diagnosis mechanisms and expanded capacity to manage critical illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases.

He also revealed plans to establish a comprehensive mental health support framework for military personnel dealing with the psychological pressures associated with counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.

Addressing the security situation, General Musa raised concerns over the dangers faced by medical personnel operating in conflict zones, stressing that measures are being introduced to improve their protection and operational support.

The minister further announced plans to harmonise medical reporting systems across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force to improve coordination, efficiency and healthcare delivery within the military structure.

He added that the Ministry is also collaborating with international partners to enhance training, medical expertise and healthcare standards for military institutions nationwide.

During the visit, the minister met with Officer Cadet Salim Abdulnazir, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He commended the management and staff of AMCE for their professionalism and commitment to quality healthcare service delivery.

General Musa expressed optimism that the ongoing interventions would strengthen personnel welfare, improve health outcomes and build a more resilient military healthcare system for the country.

In her remarks, the Chief Medical Officer of AMCE, Aisha Umar, reaffirmed the centre’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Defence, noting that the facility possesses state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly trained professionals capable of delivering healthcare services that meet international standards.

The statement was signed by Captain Moses Yare for the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

One Acre Fund Nigeria Deploys 9,000 Tonnes of Farm Inputs to 88,000 Farmers Ahead of Planting Season

Maryam Aminu

As concerns over food inflation and declining agricultural productivity continue to mount across Nigeria, One Acre Fund Nigeria has commenced the distribution of 9,000 tonnes of agricultural inputs to 88,000 smallholder farmers in a major push to strengthen national food security ahead of the 2026 planting season.

The intervention, which includes the delivery of seeds, fertilizers, and other essential farm inputs on credit, is expected to be completed before May 31, according to a statement issued by the Communications Lead of the organisation, Kazi Nanyah.

The social enterprise said the initiative is targeted at tackling persistent challenges facing rural farmers, particularly poor access to credit facilities and inefficient distribution channels that often delay planting activities and reduce yields.

Under the programme, participating farmers will also receive agronomic training, advisory support, and digital services aimed at improving productivity and strengthening climate resilience. The organisation noted that the model has consistently helped farmers nearly double maize yields while increasing household income by an average of $328 per farming season.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, a 24-year-old maize farmer from Pyatta village in Niger State, Keziah Danjuma, said access to quality farm inputs through the programme has significantly improved her livelihood.

“Since I started farming with One Acre Fund, I now receive quality seed and fertilizer on credit right here in my village. My maize yield has nearly doubled, and the extra income has allowed me to invest more in my family,” she said.

The organisation further disclosed that women and youths account for more than 35 per cent of the beneficiaries, reflecting efforts to promote inclusive agricultural development across rural communities.

One Acre Fund Nigeria said its intervention strategy focuses on three key areas boosting productivity through improved inputs and training, strengthening farmers’ resilience with climate-smart solutions and tree planting, and expanding market access to improve livelihoods.

Since commencing operations in Nigeria in 2018, the organisation said it has supported more than 600,000 farmers across Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states through access to financing, quality inputs, extension services, and market linkages.

Experts Advocate Clean Energy, Sustainable Entrepreneurship at WSDGsO-Nigeria Webinar

Maryam Aminu

Stakeholders in sustainable development and climate advocacy have called on Nigerians to embrace innovation, clean energy, and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship as pathways to economic growth and national development.

The call was made on Friday 8th May, 2026 during a webinar hosted by the Nigerian chapter of the World Sustainable Development Goals Organization (WSDGsO) with the theme, “Innovating for Profit & Planet: Profit with Purpose as it Relates to Youth Empowerment in Nigeria.”

The virtual engagement brought together environmental advocates, and young participants to explore how businesses can remain profitable while contributing positively to society and the environment.

Speaking during the webinar, Deputy Director, Climate Action, WSDGsO, Rhoda Ibrahim said the initiative was designed to provide Nigerian youths with practical knowledge on how innovation can be transformed into sustainable business opportunities.

She explained that the programme sought to encourage youths to create enterprises that not only generate income but also address environmental concerns and support long-term development goals.

According to her, empowering young people with sustainability-driven ideas remains essential to building resilient communities and achieving global development targets.

She reiterated the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment and climate-conscious development initiatives.

In her remarks, American Continental Governor, WSDGsO, Prof. Doreen O. Yusuf emphasized the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices and reducing dependence on plastics, particularly in food consumption.

She warned that continuous exposure to harmful plastic materials poses significant environmental and public health risks, urging Nigerians to adopt safer and more sustainable alternatives.

Also speaking, George Okoye highlighted the role of sustainability and clean energy in shaping Nigeria’s future economy.

Okoye noted that renewable energy and green innovations present enormous opportunities for job creation, industrial growth, and environmental protection, especially for young entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in emerging sectors.

He urged youths to embrace clean energy solutions and equip themselves with relevant skills that would enable them to thrive in the rapidly evolving global green economy.

Participants at the webinar engaged in discussions bordering on climate action, sustainable innovation, green entrepreneurship, and strategies for balancing profitability with environmental responsibility.

The organisation noted that the webinar formed part of ongoing efforts to promote awareness on sustainable development goals, climate resilience, youth inclusion, and community-driven environmental solutions across Nigeria.

The event was organised on behalf of the Nigerian Country Representative of the organisation, H.E. Farila Sulaiman Ibrahim.

FG Moves To Create Green Jobs for Youths Through CNG, EV Skills Partnership

Maryam Aminu

In a major push to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the fast-growing clean energy economy, the Federal Government has partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EV) to train youths in CNG retrofitting and clean energy technologies.

The partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja on Friday, is expected to equip corps members and other young Nigerians with practical technical skills in CNG conversion, maintenance, and emerging automotive technologies aimed at boosting employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to position Nigerian youths at the centre of the country’s transition to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

According to him, the collaboration aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda on job creation, technical innovation, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

“This collaboration goes beyond signing documents. It is about creating jobs, building skills, and preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities within the evolving economy,” the minister said.

Olawande noted that with the government intensifying the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to conventional fuel, the demand for skilled manpower in the sector would continue to grow.

He stressed that Nigerian youths must be adequately prepared to take advantage of opportunities within the clean energy and automotive industries rather than being sidelined by global technological shifts.

Pictorial Story: Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande (middle), Director-General, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu (left), and Director-General, NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on youth skills development in CNG retrofitting and clean energy mobility in Abuja.

Under the arrangement, corps members participating in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme will receive hands-on training in CNG conversion and maintenance, with the goal of enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

The Minister commended the NYSC, NADDC, and Pi-CNG for expanding access to technical and vocational opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Anthony Chukwuka, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would strengthen institutional collaboration and improve youth-focused policy implementation.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to expanding the SAED programme to provide corps members with practical technical exposure and entrepreneurial capacity.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, said the collaboration would help accelerate local automotive innovation while building the skilled workforce required for Nigeria’s clean energy mobility transition.

Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, Ismaeel Ahmed, represented by Special Assistant Omo Imoukhuede, said the initiative would deepen CNG adoption and electric vehicle integration while creating sustainable green jobs for Nigerian youths.

The Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Titilope Gbadamosi, also assured stakeholders of effective monitoring and implementation of youth-focused programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.