Typical Trump,’ Amb Keshi Reviews US President’s Davos Speech

Ambassador Joe Keshi, former Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described President Donald Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland as “nothing special.”

Trump had declared the United States as the ‘economic engine of the planet’, a statement Keshi seemed to view as typical of the US leader’s style.

#Trump #Davos2026 #JoeKeshi #WorldEconomicForum

Another Tori oo! Nigeria, EU Ready to Tighten Relationship, Set Big 2026 Abuja Summit

Nigeria and the European Union don agree to strengthen their strategic partnership, with a major ministerial summit scheduled for Abuja in March 2026. According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimibie Ebienfa, the decision follow high-level talks between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignot. Both sides agree say future cooperation go focus more on non-oil sectors like agriculture, digital economy and green innovation, as Nigeria dey look for ways to reduce dependence on crude oil. The EU also pledge continued support for counter-terrorism, Gulf of Guinea maritime security and tackling root causes of instability such as youth unemployment. Nigeria, on her part, call for stronger EU backing on climate adaptation and green technology. Dem also agree on balanced migration approach through skills partnerships under the EU “Global Gateway” initiative, aimed at boosting infrastructure, clean energy and youth development. Both parties express confidence say 2026 go be turning point for deeper cooperation. Wahala oo, Nigeria foreign partnership don enter new level.

Why Is Tinubu Budgeting ₦6.1 Billion for Foreign Trips in 2026? What Nigeria’s Travel Spending Reveals About Presidential Priorities

A review of Nigeria’s 2026 budget has revealed that President Bola Tinubu plans to spend ₦6.1 billion on foreign travels in the coming fiscal year, raising fresh questions about government priorities amid economic strain. The figure, listed under “State House operations – President,” also shows an additional ₦873 million earmarked for local travel. When combined with the Vice President’s projected foreign travel costs of ₦1.3 billion, total international trip spending by the Presidency in 2026 is expected to reach ₦7.4 billion.

The budget breakdown comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs and fiscal pressures. According to the documents, travel expenses remain a major component of State House spending, with another ₦375 million allocated for foodstuffs and catering materials alone. While the Presidency has not released a detailed justification for the travel budget, officials insist the trips are essential for diplomacy, investment, and international engagement.

Recent movements by the President have already drawn public attention. President Tinubu recently departed Lagos for Europe before heading to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit (ADSW 2026). The Presidency described the summit as a high-level global forum bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss sustainable development. Officials also confirmed that the President would return to Nigeria after the event.

However, critics argue that the scale of spending on foreign trips is difficult to justify, especially in light of past expenditure. Although comprehensive 2025 data is unavailable, records from the Open Treasury Portal show that in 2024 alone, the State House spent over ₦36.3 billion on international travel. This included ₦12.2 billion for “international travel and transport (training)” and ₦24.19 billion for “international travel and transport (others).” Local travel was even more costly, with ₦47 billion spent on training and other domestic trips. In total, travel expenses—both local and foreign—amounted to approximately ₦83 billion in 2024.

Further reports revealed that between February and July 2024, the Presidency spent about ₦2.3 billion on foreign trips, while an additional ₦2.9 billion went toward foreign exchange for trips involving the President, Vice President, and First Lady across several countries. Payments running into hundreds of millions of naira were also recorded in individual months, fueling debate over transparency and fiscal discipline.

Opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, have questioned the frequency and cost of the President’s travels. At the same time, government officials have defended the expenditure. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has argued that the President should even travel more to advance Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests globally.

With the 2026 budget now in focus, the key questions remain: Does the ₦6.1 billion allocation reflect necessary diplomacy or excessive spending? How does such expenditure align with Nigeria’s current economic challenges? And will the government provide clearer accountability for the rising cost of presidential travel? As public scrutiny intensifies, the debate over leadership priorities and fiscal responsibility is likely to continue.

Why Did Nigeria Intervene in Benin Republic? How Diplomatic Pressure Secured the Release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji Jailed for Alleged Rape After Two Years in Detention

Why did the Nigerian government step in to secure the release of a pastor imprisoned abroad, and what role did diplomacy and humanitarian concerns play in his freedom?

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric and businessman from Cross River State who had been detained in the Republic of Benin for more than two years over alleged rape. His freedom, announced on January 8, 2026, followed a presidential pardon granted by Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, after sustained diplomatic intervention by Nigerian authorities.

According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Egbaji was released after what officials described as prolonged detention under “dehumanising conditions.” The amnesty that secured his freedom was formally gazetted on December 17, 2025, and took effect following high-level engagements between both governments.

Official statements revealed that Egbaji had initially been held in a hospital in Cotonou before being transferred to prison as his health deteriorated. His case attracted widespread attention after a photograph showing him chained to a hospital bed circulated on social media, sparking public outrage and urgent calls for intervention.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that her office maintained consistent diplomatic pressure, including a personal visit to the detained pastor while he was hospitalised in August 2025. She described the release as the outcome of “determined diplomatic action,” adding that Nigeria’s foreign policy places the welfare of its citizens abroad at the centre of international engagement.

“This release is the result of consistent and determined diplomatic action. We were deeply concerned by his condition and the circumstances of his detention,” the minister said, noting that although Egbaji is in high spirits, he requires extensive medical care after his prolonged incarceration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier appealed to Beninese authorities to free the pastor on humanitarian grounds or allow him to serve any remaining sentence in Nigeria. The request followed a joint visit by Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, during which Nigeria emphasized both Egbaji’s failing health and the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In official correspondence, Nigerian authorities cited the humanitarian imperative, stating that the cleric’s health had “deteriorated severely while in detention.” Ultimately, the Beninese government granted a presidential pardon, bringing an end to his imprisonment.

The development raises critical questions:
Was Egbaji’s release driven purely by humanitarian concerns?
How much influence did diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic play?
And what does this case reveal about the treatment of foreign detainees and the protection of citizens abroad?

While the allegations that led to his imprisonment remain a sensitive issue, the Nigerian government has framed the intervention as a matter of human rights, medical necessity, and diplomatic responsibility. The case has since become a reference point in discussions on how far governments should go to protect nationals facing detention overseas.

Chinese Hacking Group ‘Salt Typhoon’ Breaches U.S. House Committee Emails

A Chinese-linked hacking group, nicknamed Salt Typhoon, has reportedly compromised email systems used by staff members of several U.S. House of Representatives committees, including the House China Committee and panels overseeing foreign affairs, intelligence, and the armed services. The breach, detected in December, targeted committee aides, though it remains unclear whether lawmakers’ emails were accessed.

The cyberattack is part of ongoing allegations of espionage linked to Chinese intelligence, which has previously been accused of intercepting communications involving U.S. politicians and officials. In response, Beijing has denied involvement, while U.S. authorities have imposed sanctions on individuals and companies allegedly connected to Salt Typhoon’s operations.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has declined to comment, and the White House and the targeted committees have yet to issue official statements. Cybersecurity experts note that U.S. lawmakers and staffers have frequently been targeted for espionage, with prior incidents reported in the Senate and among senior officials.

Salt Typhoon’s alleged operations highlight persistent vulnerabilities in U.S. government digital communications and underscore the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China.

Somaliland Endorses U.S. Military Action in Venezuela, Says Intervention Could Restore Democracy

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has expressed support for the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as a measured international effort aimed at restoring constitutional order and democratic legitimacy. In a statement issued on January 4, 2026, Somaliland said it aligns “in principle” with U.S.-led action carried out in coordination with regional and multilateral partners.

According to Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the intervention could help ease Venezuela’s worsening humanitarian crisis, counter transnational criminal networks, and support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led political transition rooted in sovereignty, accountability, and human rights. The government stressed that its position is guided by international norms and collective security considerations.

The endorsement follows U.S. military strikes that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a major success and announced that Washington would oversee Venezuela’s affairs during a transition period. The intervention has sparked global reactions, drawing both support and sharp criticism amid concerns over sovereignty, human rights, and the future of international order.

Russia Condemns US Military Strike on Venezuela, Calls for UN Security Council Meeting

The Russian Federation has strongly condemned the United States’ military action against Venezuela, calling it unjustified and warning against further escalation. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Washington’s justification as “untenable” and said ideological animosity has overridden pragmatic engagement.

Moscow emphasized that Venezuela must determine its own future without foreign interference and urged dialogue-based resolution of disputes. The ministry expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for the Bolivarian government, while backing calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address the crisis. Russian authorities confirmed that their embassy in Caracas remains operational and no Russian citizens have been reported injured.

Anambra Government Declares Chieftaincy Title Conferred on Minister Bianca Ojukwu Fake

The Anambra State government has disowned the chieftaincy title of ‘Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora’ reportedly given to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, stating it was conferred by an impostor, Chief Austin C. Ndigwe, who is not a recognized traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State.

In a letter dated December 31, 2025, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, emphasized that official chieftaincy titles are conferred only by recognized traditional rulers following proper procedures. The government described Ojukwu’s social media announcement of the title as misleading and disrespectful to Anambra’s culture and the legitimate Eze Uzu II of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu.

Residents were reassured that the government will uphold law, tradition, and culture, and Ojukwu was advised to desist from using the unrecognized title.

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#AnambraState #BiancaOjukwu #ChieftaincyTitle #FakeTitle #TraditionalRulers #Awka #NigeriaNews #CultureAndTradition

Trump Bombs Farmlands in Sokoto, Tinubu Travels Abroad as Defence Minister Musa Goes Silent: A Scathing Review of Nigeria’s Security Crisis by Dr. Nasiru Aminu

In this hard-hitting opinion piece, Dr. Nasiru Aminu delivers a blistering critique of Nigeria’s leadership and security architecture following the controversial US airstrikes on Christmas night, which reportedly bombed farmlands in Sokoto rather than confirmed terrorist hideouts. He argues that the strikes were justified by former US President Donald Trump using claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria—claims the author describes as exaggerated, misleading and rooted in Trump’s polarising, post-truth political style.

Dr. Aminu questions why Sokoto was targeted instead of known terror hotspots in the North-East, noting that no credible evidence has emerged to confirm that ISIS or other terrorists were neutralised. He criticises Trump for belittling Nigeria publicly while simultaneously imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians, including Christians he claims to defend.

The article further examines the Nigerian government’s response, highlighting conflicting narratives from officials. While the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Information publicly supported the US action, Tinubu’s policy communication adviser, Daniel Bwala, openly described the situation as “sketchy.” Other ministers offered what the author calls unhelpful or misplaced commentary, while President Bola Tinubu himself remained silent and left the country on an end-of-year trip days after the bombing.

A major focus of the piece is the silence of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, whom Dr. Aminu accuses of failing in his responsibility at a critical national moment. Despite widespread public anxiety, Musa did not address the nation or clarify whether he was involved in, or even informed about, the bombing. Instead, media reports showed him attending personal celebrations and ceremonial events, behaviour the author describes as unprofessional and insensitive during a national security crisis.

Dr. Aminu concludes that the absence of leadership, accountability and clear communication following the bombing reflects deeper systemic failures in Nigeria’s security management. He warns that unless this pattern changes, Nigerians should brace for continued mediocrity, insecurity and public disillusionment in the year ahead.

Please Let Me See Him Before I Die’: 80-Year-Old Mother of Nigerian on Saudi Death Row Begs for Son’s Release

Relatives of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent nearly 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, have renewed their emotional plea for his release after the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed payment of the $570,000 (about ₦900 million) diyya demanded by the victim’s family. In a tearful video appeal, Olufemi’s 80-year-old mother begged Saudi authorities and the Nigerian government to show mercy and allow her son return home so she can see him before she dies. NiDCOM said diplomatic efforts were ongoing through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure a pardon, as Olufemi—who has consistently maintained his innocence—awaits clemency after being sentenced to death in 2005.

Nigerian Air Force Confirms C-130 Aircraft Detained In Burkina Faso Has Safely Arrived Portugal For Maintenance

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, earlier detained in Burkina Faso over alleged airspace violations, has safely arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for scheduled depot maintenance. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft completed a ferry flight on December 26, 2025, transiting through Banjul and Casablanca in line with approved flight plans and aviation safety procedures. He noted that the aircraft and crew arrived without incident and remain in high spirits. The detention, which lasted about 10 days, was resolved following diplomatic engagements led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, including talks with Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré, paving the way for the aircraft’s release and onward journey.

US Republican Lawmakers Praise Trump for Sokoto Airstrikes Against ISIS in Nigeria

The Conference of Republican Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives has commended former President Donald Trump for authorizing airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State, Nigeria. According to the lawmakers, the strikes were a decisive action against militants reportedly targeting Christians.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized that the airstrikes were a coordinated operation between Nigerian and U.S. authorities, highlighting that Nigeria supplied the intelligence for the mission. Tuggar stressed that the strikes were not aimed at any religion and were part of broader efforts to combat terrorism while safeguarding citizens in a multi-religious country.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the strikes. President Trump framed the operation as part of his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing. Nigerian officials have rejected the religious framing of violence, noting that victims of terrorism include citizens of various faiths across the country.

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth Thanks Nigeria for Cooperation in Christmas Day Counterterrorism Operation

United States War Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its cooperation in the recent US-led airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West region. The strikes, conducted on Christmas Day, were part of broader counterterrorism operations following Nigeria’s designation as a "Country of Particular Concern" by former President Donald Trump. Hegseth highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s support in ensuring the operation’s success and emphasized that extremists were confronted with the consequences of continued violence. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that President Bola Tinubu personally approved the strikes, stressing that the operations were joint, aimed at combating terrorism, and not targeting any religion. The collaborative efforts underscore growing US-Nigeria military cooperation amid heightened security challenges in the North-West.

Nigeria Confirms Awareness of US Airstrikes in Sokoto State Amid Debate Over Sovereignty

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the federal government was fully informed and involved in the US-led airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State. Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria provided critical intelligence and coordinated closely with US authorities, ensuring the operation avoided inflaming religious tensions. While the US Department of Defense and former President Donald Trump announced the strikes publicly, civil society groups have argued that Nigeria’s consent was not formally sought, raising questions about sovereignty and foreign policy communication.

China Imposes Sanctions on 20 US Companies and 10 Executives Over Taiwan Arms Sales

China has announced sanctions against 20 US military-linked companies and 10 senior executives in response to recent large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Taiwan issue is a core Chinese interest and warned that any provocations would trigger firm consequences. Beijing urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and stop actions undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, asserting its determination to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

U.S. Did Not Seek Nigeria’s Approval Before Airstrikes On Terrorists In North-West, CISLAC’s Rafsanjani Says

Civil society leader and CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, has claimed that the United States carried out recent airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West without informing or obtaining approval from the Nigerian government. Speaking on Arise Television, Rafsanjani criticised the federal government’s response, describing it as an attempt at damage control rather than a firm assertion of national sovereignty. He linked the incident to Nigeria’s weak foreign policy and failure to protect lives and property, while warning against framing insecurity as a religious conflict. The claims contradict Nigeria’s official position, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, insisted that President Bola Tinubu personally approved the joint counterterrorism operation with the U.S.

Nigeria Provided Intelligence, Approved US Terror Strikes as Tinubu Gave Final Go-Ahead — Foreign Minister Tuggar Reveals

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has confirmed that the Nigerian government provided intelligence and formally approved the recent US military airstrikes on terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria. Tuggar disclosed that he held a 19-minute phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the operation and subsequently consulted President Bola Tinubu, who gave the final approval. He stressed that the strikes were part of ongoing joint counterterrorism operations between Nigeria and the United States and were not religiously motivated. The minister said the objective was solely to protect Nigerians and other innocent lives from terrorism, reinforcing Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners in addressing regional insecurity.

Nigeria Can Now Purchase US Military Hardware as Washington Relaxes Leahy Law Restrictions – Foreign Minister Tuggar

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has confirmed that the country can now purchase military hardware from the United States following a relaxation of restrictions linked to the US Leahy Law. Speaking on Channels Television, Tuggar described the move as a major shift in Nigeria–US security cooperation after years of limitations imposed over human rights concerns. While welcoming the development, he cautioned that affordability remains a key challenge for Nigeria’s defence upgrades. The minister also blamed past foreign interventions, particularly NATO’s role in Libya and the killing of Muammar Gaddafi, for worsening insecurity across West Africa through the spread of fighters and weapons. Tuggar stressed that Nigeria’s security crisis should be addressed as a regional conflict rather than a purely domestic or religious issue.

PDP Slams Tinubu Govt for Poor Communication on US Military Strikes in Nigeria

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its delayed and unclear communication regarding the U.S. military strikes against terrorists in northwest Nigeria. The strikes, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump on December 25, targeted ISIS-linked militants responsible for killing Christians in the region. The PDP highlighted that Nigerians first learned about the operation from verified U.S. social media accounts, with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing only a vague confirmation hours later. The opposition party urged the government to adopt a proactive communication approach and ensure that future defense agreements with the U.S. prioritize joint operations to strengthen local security forces.

NIGERIA–UNITED STATES SECURITY COOPERATION PRECISELY HITS TERRORIST TARGETS - FG

The Federal Government confirms that Nigerian authorities, in structured security cooperation with international partners including the United States of America, have conducted successful precision air strikes against terrorist targets in the North-West region.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores that this joint action is a result of sustained intelligence collaboration and strategic coordination.

The cooperation strictly adheres to established international law, bilateral agreements, and mutual respect for sovereignty, with the shared goal of enhancing regional and global security.

The Federal Government reiterates that all counter-terrorism operations are conducted with the paramount objective of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens. Terrorism, whether targeting Christian, Muslim, or other communities, is a direct attack on Nigeria’s core values and a threat to international peace.

The Government remains committed to working through established diplomatic and security channels to degrade terrorist networks, disrupt their financing and logistics, and counter cross-border threats. These efforts are simultaneously focused on strengthening Nigeria’s domestic security institutions and intelligence capabilities.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry further assures of continued engagement with relevant partners and will keep the public informed through official channels.