Tinubu Orders Shettima to Convene NEC Meeting on Ranching Amid Rising Farmer-Herder Clashes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to summon a special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting focused on resolving Nigeria’s escalating farmer-herder crisis through ranching reforms. The directive comes as violent clashes surge across several states. Tinubu also ordered the immediate training, arming, and deployment of additional forest guards to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. According to the presidency, the worsening insecurity demands a more aggressive, coordinated national response to protect citizens.


#Tinubu
#Ranching
#Insecurity

NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Abidjan

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as President of that country.

In a Statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.

Quatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on October 25, 2025 as President of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

Both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalised by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like anti-trafficking, agriculture, and digital economy, with strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire, fostering deep bilateral economic and social connections.

The Vice President is accompanied by HE Omar Aliyu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Hon. Usman Zannah, member representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The Vice President is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.

IPI Nigeria to Immortalise Late Treasurer With University Endowment Prize*

The International Press Institute (#IPI) Nigeria has promised to endow a prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in honour of its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami.

In a statement on Friday, IPI Nigeria said, the prize to be endowed will be to instil in students of the institution the values that the late Treasurer stood for.

The President of the body, Musikilu Mojeed, confirmed the decision during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting on December 2, 2025.

Salami, the then Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), died on December 20, 2024, just days after the first annual conference and AGM of IPI Nigeria, where she participated actively despite being ill.

Speaking on her death in his welcome address at the second annual conference and AGM, Mojeed requested members and guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to observe a one-minute silence in her honour.

He said: “Last year, even in severe pain and confined to a wheelchair, she insisted on attending the conference.

“She greeted guests, co-ordinated logistics, took photographs with her phone and served with grace until her body could no longer carry her.

“Her commitment was a reminder that Journalism is not merely a job; it is a calling.

“It demands sacrifice; It demands conviction.”

Mojeed said: "to honour her legacy, the National Committee of IPI Nigeria will endow a prize in her name at the University of Abuja, which was her alma-mater.

He added: “We will work with the University to ensure that every year, young Journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by— integrity, courage, and selfless service.”

When she died last year, Salami was eulogised by the IPI; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where she had served as Secretary; her employer, VON and colleagues.

The late Salami began her career with VON as a News Editor and correspondent in Lagos.

She rose through the ranks to become VON’s Assistant Director in charge of Digital Media before her demise.

“The Igbos are the greatest stakeholders in the Nigerian project half of Abuja is owned by Ndigbo,”

~ Vice President Kashim Shettima

BREAKING NEWS: Wait Till 2027 If You’re Eyeing Shettima’s Seat

~ MURIC Tells Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, responding to Dachomo’s recent claim that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria because President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are Muslims.

2025 annual conference of the international press institute in Abuja.

With the theme, addressing media repression in Nigeria, safeguarding press freedom and democratic accountability.

Vice president Kashim Shettima, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, captains of media industries including heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation are in attendance.

The event futures paper presentations, panel discussions and the launch of the IPI Nigeria Book of Infamy.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Bauchi State to attend the burial ceremony of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Kebbi State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to meet with the state government and families of schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.

During his visit, the Vice President is scheduled to meet with Governor Nasiru Idris, traditional rulers, security officials & parents of the abducted students.

President Tinubu specifically instructed VP Shettima to reassure the people of Kebbi State that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the swift & safe release of the kidnapped girls.

The Vice President will also convey the President’s condolences regarding recent security challenges & reaffirm the administration’s dedication to protecting all educational institutions across the country.

Accompanying him are APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Reduction, Minister of Women Affairs & the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency.

Senator Sheriff Debunks Report Claiming He Accused Shettima of Creating Boko Haram.

Former Governor of Borno State and ex-APC National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has denied claims circulating online that he accused his colleague, Senator Kashim Shettima, of creating Boko Haram.

In a statement issued by his media office, Sheriff described the publication, titled “It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram—Sheriff Reveals,” as entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public and tarnish his reputation.

Sheriff clarified that he never granted any interview or made comments relating to the claims circulating online.

“The story is a total falsehood, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the nation’s political landscape. At no time did Senator Sheriff engage with any journalist on this matter,” the statement read.

The former governor called the publication a “dangerous piece of fake news,” aimed at undermining his contributions to peace, unity, and development in Borno State and across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his commitment to national stability and condemned those spreading misinformation for political gain.

Sheriff also said he has instructed his legal team to identify and prosecute the individuals behind the false report.

“Should the publication not be retracted, the Senator will seek full legal redress,” the statement warned.

He further urged the public and media to disregard the viral story, emphasizing his dedication to truth, justice, and accountability.

FG, EU, ECOWAS Sign Health Agreements to Boost Local Manufacturing, Reproductive Health in West Africa.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has signed three major agreements aimed at advancing local pharmaceutical production, attracting investments in the health sector, and improving reproductive health outcomes across West Africa.

The agreements, Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa, were formaliSed on Thursday during the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja.

The initiatives are part of the EU’s Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+) Programme, a global effort designed to enhance regional health resilience and reduce dependency on imported medical products.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the agreements reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a “sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven health economy.”

Represented by Uju Rochas, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Shettima said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order promoting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

“Through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and complementary frameworks such as the sector-wide approach (SWAp), this administration has taken concrete steps to strengthen health governance, stimulate investment, and promote local manufacturing,” he said.

“Our message is clear: Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has declared that Nigeria’s health transformation will not be driven by aid and dependency alone, but by ownership, accountability, and innovation made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians.”

Shettima also commended the EU, PVAC, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) for their collaboration, describing the partnership as “a new chapter defined by shared prosperity, local innovation, and global collaboration.”

Vatican Finally Breaks Silence on Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The Vatican has finally spoken out on the growing international narrative of an alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, addressed the issue while presenting a new global report on religious freedom by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Rome.

His comments come amid heated global debates following remarks made by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

Shettima’s call for peace in Gaza sparked a wave of reactions online, with some Western voices, including American security contractor Eric Prince, alleging that Christians in Nigeria were facing genocide.

Prince had even called on “the Vatican, the Pope, President Donald Trump, and Christian leaders worldwide to ‘fund and support’ a private Christian army to ‘protect the Christian community in Nigeria.’”

However, Parolin dismissed such claims, urging caution in labeling Nigeria’s security crisis as religious genocide.

According to him, the violence in Nigeria is not exclusively targeted at Christians but has broader social and ethnic roots.

“It is not a religious conflict. Much of the violence stems from social causes such as land disputes between herders and farmers in the North-Central region,” he said.

“We should also recognise that many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance. These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”

Unemployment on the Run as Shettima Announces $220m Plan to Empower Nigerian Youths.

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to equip graduates with hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional training.

Shettima said the new phase of the NJFP seeks to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of qualified but unemployed graduates. According to him, the Tinubu administration aims to turn Nigeria’s youthful population into an engine of economic growth by integrating the programme into the national planning and budgeting system.

“Our goal is to raise $220 million not as charity, but as an investment in our most valuable asset: our young people,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President further emphasized that inclusivity would be central to the implementation of NJFP 2.0, ensuring participation across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Priority sectors include agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that since its inception in 2021, the NJFP has empowered over 13,000 youths with skills and placements, with the new phase targeting 100,000 job opportunities within five years.

UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, both reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its sustainability through government integration and long-term funding mechanisms.

Teenager Takes Over as ‘Vice President for a Day,’ Champions Girl-Child Education.

A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, on Monday, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, using the moment to advocate for girls’ education and empowerment across the country.

According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, the handover occurred during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria — over 10.5 million, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent — urging government and stakeholders to invest in inclusive and safe learning environments.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day.”

Ogah further called on authorities to provide free sanitary products in schools, guarantee access to clean water, sanitation, and good nutrition, and implement policies that uphold the dignity of every girl.

Responding, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education nationwide, pledging continued collaboration with PLAN International.

“We will continue engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your advice regarding girl-child education. In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he stated.

Ogah’s “Vice President for a Day” experience, observers say, underscores the growing movement for inclusive education and equal opportunity, giving voice to the aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls still fighting for access to learning.

Nigerians blush uncontrollably as VP Shettima reveals EFCC recovered over ₦500 billion in assets in just two years.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made this known on Monday while declaring open a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

Representing President Tinubu, the VP said the administration’s policy of non-interference in anti-graft agencies has strengthened their independence and boosted Nigeria’s anti-corr¥ption drive.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by empowering anti-corr¥ption agencies to operate without political interference. The EFCC, for instance, has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets valued at over ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.

He noted that proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into national development schemes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit programmes to enhance economic growth and welfare.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima said no political ally enjoys protection from investigation, urging judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption.

“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune from its consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for stronger collaboration across government arms to sustain the anti-corruption fight.

“Nigeria Now Safer Than Before 2023” — Bwala Defends Tinubu’s Security Achievements


The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has claimed that Nigerians are now safer under the Tinubu administration than they were before 2023.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bwala stated that major security threats such as prison breaks and daylight kidnappings—which were rampant across the country—have drastically reduced since Tinubu assumed office.

“Before 2023, prison breaks were common everywhere, even in Abuja. Kidnappings in broad daylight were frequent. But since President Tinubu came on board, those incidents have largely stopped. Nigerians are superlatively safer today,” Bwala asserted.


He emphasized that while isolated security challenges still occur, the overall situation has improved nationwide. Bwala further argued that Nigeria’s crime rate is often exaggerated compared to other countries.

“Crimes committed in the United States in one day are more than what happens in Nigeria. People don’t put that into perspective,” he said.


Bwala also responded to recent claims by U.S. lawmakers led by Senator Ted Cruz, who accused the Nigerian government of enabling a “Christian genocide.” He dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated, maintaining that insecurity in Nigeria is not religiously driven.

“That genocide claim is a well-coordinated agenda,” Bwala explained, alleging that the report cited by the U.S. senators originated from a local group with ties to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).


According to him, the controversy intensified after Vice President Kashim Shettima’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which boosted Nigeria’s international visibility and possibly drew political backlash.

Bwala reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to security reform and national stability, urging citizens to recognize the visible progress achieved so far.

“Insecurity is not tied to any faith or region. What we are witnessing is steady progress in restoring law and order across Nigeria,” he concluded.

Court documents: Amupitan not part of 2023 presidential election dispute.

Contrary to rumour being peddled on social media and sections of the society, court documents have revealed that the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was never a member of the legal team of President Bola Tinubu at both the presidential election tribunal and the Supreme Court while the dispute over the 2023 presidential election lasted.

A search by The Nation through the lists of counsels’ appearances contained in the certified true copies (CTC) of the three judgments of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPC) and the two final judgments of the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election dispute did not reflect Prof Amupitan’s name.

Those peddling the rumour may have been unable to distinguish the name of Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared with Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) along with others for Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from that of Professor Joash Amupitan.

The PEPC rendered its consolidated judgment on September 6, 2023 on the three petitions that it fully considered.

The three petitions were:
*Petition No: CA/PEPC/03/2023 was filed by Peter Obi and Labour Party (LP), with INEC, Tinubu, Shettima and APC as 1st, 2nd , 3rd & 4th respondents.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/04/2023 was filed by Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with INEC, APC, Tinubu, Shettima and Kabir Masari listed as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/05/2023 was filed by Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, with INEC, Tinubu and the APC listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

PENGASSAN fires back at Shetima for condemning its strike action against Dangote.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has criticized the Vice President Kashim Shettima over his comments condemning its strike action against the Dangote refinery.

PENGASSAN Fires Back At Shettima For Condemning Its Strike Action Against Dangote
Last week, the PENGASSAN shut down key oil and gas facilities in protest against the alleged dismissal of 800 workers by the Dangote refinery for joining the union.

The refinery, however, denied the claim, insisting it only dismissed a few employees accused of sabotaging operations as part of its internal restructuring.

The strike caused disruptions in oil and gas production and affected electricity generation nationwide.

After government intervention, PENGASSAN suspended the strike on Wednesday when the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers to other business divisions.

Despite the resolution, fuel queues persisted in some cities, and the cost of cooking gas remained high, selling for around N2,000 per kilogram in Lagos and other areas.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima described Aliko Dangote as more than an individual, calling him a major institution in Nigeria’s economy.

The vice president warned that no group or association should hold the nation to ransom, saying Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.

In its response, PENGASSAN’s National President, Festus Osifo, stated that Nigeria is also greater than Dangote and the Presidency.

"Dangote is an institution, how we treat him will determine how outsiders will judge us" — VP Shettima warns PENGASSAN.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to respect and protect the multibillion-dollar investment of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, describing it as essential to the nation’s economic stability and growth.

He emphasized that the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery represents a national asset critical to Nigeria’s industrial expansion and global competitiveness. 

His remarks came amid the recent industrial action by oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the alleged dismissal of about 800 unionized employees. 

IThe strike was later suspended after the intervention of Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Shettima lauded Dangote’s decision to invest heavily in Nigeria rather than taking his capital abroad. 

He said, “Aliko Dangote, he’s not an individual, he’s an institution, and he’s a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. And how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, in Amazon, or in Google, he probably might be worth $70 to $80 billion by now. But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria.”

The Vice President also urged labour unions and the private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism when handling industrial disputes, warning that rash actions could jeopardize the nation’s progress.

“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not coming to you as a partisan,” he added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).