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.

Is Nyesom Wike Undermining APC from Inside Government? Why Rivers APC Leaders Are Urging Tinubu to Sanction the FCT Minister Over ‘Anti-Party’ Activities Why would leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) publicly demand the removal of a sitting minister appointed by their own government? And is Nigeria witnessing one of the most serious internal party confrontations since the 2023 elections? A coalition of APC leaders has formally asked President Bola Tinubu to sanction or remove the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of repeated anti-party conduct and statements that allegedly threaten national unity. The demand was conveyed in a memo addressed to the President through the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and was accompanied by plans for a protest at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The signatories—including party chieftains and youth leaders—say their action was prompted by growing concern that Wike, a former Rivers State governor and still a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has consistently attacked APC leadership while serving in an APC-led federal government. Could a minister appointed from outside the ruling party be working at cross-purposes with the party that empowered him? At the heart of the dispute are comments allegedly made by Wike during a “thank-you tour” in Oyigbo, Rivers State, where he was said to have criticised the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, accusing him of meddling in state politics for personal reasons and warning that those who interfere would “get their fingers burnt.” APC leaders argue that such remarks amount to direct disrespect for the party’s National Working Committee and an attempt by Wike to exert influence in Rivers State despite not being a registered APC member. The coalition further alleges that Wike has been undermining the APC-led government in Rivers State through persistent public attacks on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly calling his emergence a “mistake” and suggesting that the situation should be corrected in the 2027 elections. Are these political opinions—or a calculated strategy to weaken APC’s hold on Rivers State from within? Beyond party politics, the memo raises alarms over what it describes as “dangerous and inflammatory” statements, including claims attributed to Wike that “nobody can enter Rivers State.” The APC leaders warn that portraying any part of Nigeria as a “no-go area” challenges federal authority, risks reviving tensions in the Niger Delta, and could undermine the President’s constitutional role as Commander-in-Chief. Could such rhetoric threaten national cohesion at a time when unity remains fragile? The group insists that failure to act against the FCT Minister may deepen internal divisions, erode party discipline, and weaken APC’s electoral prospects in Rivers State. They have vowed to escalate their protests nationwide if their demand is ignored. Is this a necessary stand to defend party supremacy and national unity—or a dramatic political showdown that exposes deeper fractures within Nigeria’s ruling party? As the standoff unfolds, all eyes remain on President Tinubu and whether he will heed the call to sanction one of the most powerful political figures in the country.

VDM Calls Out President Tinubu Over Failed Scholarship Promises to Nigerian Students in Morocco Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, over the deteriorating conditions some Nigerian students are reportedly facing in Morocco. The students, granted scholarships by the Nigerian government, were promised full support including a $500 monthly allowance, and were allegedly instructed not to work while studying. In a video shared online, VDM revealed that some students have suffered serious consequences due to the government’s alleged failure to deliver on these promises. He claimed that one student died while another sustained a broken leg after attempting to work secretly to survive. He also highlighted the poor state of their accommodation, where up to five students were crammed into rooms meant for one, lacking electricity and proper study facilities. VDM warned that if students continue to be neglected, they may resort to cybercrime, which could negatively impact Nigeria’s international image. He also alleged that attempts by students to reach out to influencers and media houses were met with demands for money before their stories could be shared. The activist called on the government to intervene urgently and suggested that funds meant for students may have been embezzled. VDM’s video has received praise from fans who expressed outrage at the government’s inaction and applauded his advocacy for the students’ rights. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about government accountability in managing scholarship programs and protecting Nigerian students abroad, and it adds to VDM’s history of activism, which includes previous solo protests addressing national insecurity issues.

Is Tinubu Failing Yoruba Land? Pan-Yoruba Group Slams President Over Insecurity, Kidnapped Monarchs and ‘Silence From Power Is Nigeria’s security crisis finally reaching a breaking point in Yoruba land—and is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu truly doing enough to stop it? These are the urgent questions being raised after a Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, publicly condemned the President over what it described as his “deafening silence” in the face of worsening insecurity across the South-West. The group’s outcry followed the shocking abduction of a Kwara State monarch, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, who were reportedly kidnapped by suspected terrorists in the Ile-Ire district. For many observers, the incident marks a dangerous escalation in Nigeria’s security crisis: when even traditional rulers—symbols of authority, culture, and community stability—are no longer safe, what hope remains for ordinary citizens? In a strongly worded statement signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through Home Director Princess Balogun, the group accused President Tinubu of abandoning his constitutional duty as the nation’s chief security officer. According to the group, violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings have spread across Yoruba communities with little visible federal response. They argued that while statements are often issued, concrete action has been painfully absent. The union alleged that forests and rural communities in parts of Kwara and the wider South-West have become safe havens for armed groups posing as herdsmen, whom they directly described as terrorists. It lamented what it called the humiliation of Yoruba traditional institutions, stressing that the kidnapping of monarchs was once unimaginable in the region’s history. Quoting a Yoruba proverb—“Oríadé kì í sùn tán” (Royalty does not sleep outside)—the group said the abduction of kings represents not only a security failure but also a deep cultural wound. Beyond insecurity, the group launched a broader political critique of President Tinubu’s leadership. They accused him of prioritising personal interests, political allies, and future elections over the immediate safety and welfare of citizens. They further criticised what they described as his frequent foreign trips, alleging that he enjoys public funds abroad while Nigerians face poverty, fear, collapsing healthcare, and deteriorating schools at home. For the group, this contrast symbolises a widening gap between those in power and the people they govern. The statement also targeted Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing the state government of failing to protect residents. The group demanded the immediate release of the abducted monarch and his son, as well as other kidnapped citizens, including workers from the Kwara State Ministry of Works. To underline what it sees as a pattern of lawlessness, the union recalled earlier incidents, including the killing of Segun Aremu, a retired army general and monarch (the Olúkòrò of Koro), and the abduction of Kamilu Salami, the Oníbàrà of Bayagan Ile, who reportedly spent weeks in captivity before regaining freedom. These cases, the group argued, show that the crisis is not isolated but systemic. Perhaps most striking is the group’s warning that continued political inaction could lead to long-term devastation: deserted villages, abandoned farmlands, and forests fully occupied by armed groups. They questioned how elections can even matter if citizens are no longer safe enough to live in their communities. “Who will be alive to vote,” they asked, “if our villages are deserted and our forests controlled by terrorists?” The union went further, calling on Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora to take collective responsibility for protecting their region, suggesting that reliance on political leaders who have “clearly failed” could invite even greater catastrophe. As this controversy unfolds, Nigerians are left with uncomfortable but necessary questions: Has the federal government lost control of internal security? Is President Tinubu doing enough to protect his own region? And what happens when traditional institutions—once seen as untouchable—become targets of violence? On Fintter, this story is more than breaking news; it is a national conversation about leadership, accountability, and survival. Are these criticisms justified, or are they politically motivated? Can Nigeria still reverse its security decline, or has the crisis reached a point of no return? The answers may shape not just the future of Yoruba land, but the fate of the entire nation. 💬 What do you think? Is Tinubu truly failing on security—or is the crisis beyond any single leader? Share your thoughts and join the debate on Fintter.

What Will Be the End of Nyesom Wike? Analysis of His Political Influence and Future Prospects” In this incisive opinion piece, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq., examines the political trajectory and future of Nyesom Wike, one of Nigeria’s most influential and polarizing politicians. Wike, formerly instrumental in shaping the emergence of President Tinubu, has long dominated Rivers State politics, pushing aside rivals and asserting a near-absolute influence over his political domain. His style, a combination of strategic brilliance, territorial control, and relentless confrontation, has both earned him admiration and created friction with allies and the opposition alike. Wike’s political approach has been defined by territorial command—he defines the political space, punishes disloyalty, and keeps opponents uncertain. This method proved highly effective when he fully controlled Rivers politics, yet the shifting political terrain has begun to challenge his authority. The analysis highlights that when his former protégé, Governor Fubara, aligned with the APC, Wike’s influence began to face constraints, illustrating that political power dependent on perception and intimidation can be fragile. Olajengbesi notes that Wike’s predicament is heightened by his dual position as both a useful ally and an outsider within the ruling party. While his support for Tinubu and his ability to destabilize opposition calculations have made him relevant at the federal level, his independence and confrontational style are increasingly perceived as a threat to party discipline and structure. As the ruling party prepares for the next political cycle, Wike’s influence risks erosion if it continues to undermine institutional hierarchy. The opinion piece predicts several possible outcomes for Wike: gradual isolation, where his access and influence diminish quietly; neutralisation, where he retains office but loses political leverage; or forced realignment, requiring him to fully submit to party structures, sacrificing the independence that has defined his political brand. However, Wike’s experience and strategic acumen suggest he may yet adapt, potentially transitioning from territorial dominance to coalition management, balancing influence with accommodation. Ultimately, Olajengbesi portrays Wike as a fascinating case study of power, strategy, and political survival, highlighting that his future depends not only on strength but on his capacity to navigate institutional politics without alienating the structures that sustain it. The piece underscores that in Nigerian politics, influence without institutional belonging is potent but precarious, and Wike’s next moves will determine whether his story ends in decline or reinvention.

Atiku Abubakar Refuses to Step Down from ADC Presidential Race, Calls Tinubu a ‘National Liability’ Ahead of 2027 Elections Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphatically ruled out stepping aside from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties and establish a de facto one-party state. In a statement issued through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on January 7, 2026, Atiku dismissed calls for him to relinquish his ambition in favor of a southern candidate, describing such pressure as serving Tinubu’s interests rather than those of Nigerians. Atiku accused the APC-led government of punishing economic policies, shrinking democratic space, and systematically undermining opposition parties. He emphasized that the ADC is on a “national rescue mission” to restore democracy and build strong structures nationwide, and warned that no intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage would derail the party’s plans. He also referenced Peter Obi’s recent formal entry into the ADC as a sign of the ruling party’s fear of a united opposition, reinforcing his stance that if anyone should step aside in 2027, it should be President Tinubu.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the director-general of the Nigerian Law School. The appointment takes effect on January 10, 2026, for a four-year term. A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy indicates that Dr Odusote, 57, is currently the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus and will become the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962. She will succeed the current Director-General, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026, after eight years of service. Titilayo Odusote obtained her LL.B. degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She holds an LL.M from the same university, specialising in company and commercial law. She later obtained a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey, in the United Kingdom, with research interests in Public Law and the administration of justice. She joined the law school in 2001 as a lecturer. Since then, she has served in various capacities, including as head of the academic department, director of academics, and head of campus. During her career at the law school, she was a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK for a short time. Odusote has published extensively in reputable local and international law journals and has presented papers at numerous legal education conferences. She also served on committees of the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association. As Director-General, Odusote will be responsible for the institution’s overall academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction across all campuses. She will also serve as the primary liaison between the school, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Minister Sympathises with Borgu Victims After Deadly New Year Terror Attack In a heartfelt statement, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi expressed deep sorrow over a brutal terrorist attack on Kasuwan Daji rural communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed 42 lives just three days into the New Year. The assault, which occurred on January 3, left scores injured, homes destroyed, and an unknown number of residents abducted, including women, children, and the elderly. Dr Abdullahi described the violence as "senseless, deliberate, and murderous," highlighting the "depravity of the terrorists and bandits" who disrupted the peaceful livelihoods of the affected communities. "My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones, just as I wish a quick recovery to the many who were injured during the rage of atrocities," the minister said in his statement released on Tuesday. He extended support to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, acknowledging the "challenging times" and praising the governor's efforts to enhance security for residents, particularly in vulnerable areas. Urging resilience among Borgu residents, the minister called for unity against the perpetrators. "Let us grieve, because we have lost our loved ones and our possessions. But I call on the Borgu communities to invoke their age-old spirit of resilience, wipe away their tears, and firmly resolve to never allow the lawless terrorists and bandits dictate their rhythm of life," he stated. Dr Abdullahi emphasised the indiscriminate nature of the violence, noting that the attackers target individuals regardless of religion or ethnicity whether Bussawa, Hausa, Kambari, or Fulani. He encouraged communities to collaborate with security forces to eliminate the threats, asserting that Borgu must not become a "haven nor a theatre for their atrocities." The minister reassured residents of President Tinubu's commitment to pursuing and prosecuting those responsible for the "heinous crimes." Security agencies have yet to provide further details on the ongoing investigation or rescue efforts for the abducted.

Breaking: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Reaffirms Support for President Tinubu Amid Rivers APC Clash Ahead of 2027 Elections FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, emphasizing that his political structure in Rivers State is fully committed to the President. Wike made the statement on January 6, 2026, during ongoing consultations across local government areas in Rivers State. His declaration comes amid a public clash with APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru over party influence and local politics. Wike warned against interference in Rivers State, calling it a “no-go area” for outsiders. The tensions reflect deep divisions within the APC, particularly following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection from the PDP to the ruling party. Despite these challenges, Wike affirmed that his loyalty to Tinubu remains non-negotiable, reinforcing his influence over grassroots structures in Rivers State as a key factor in the party’s electoral strategy. #NyesomWike #BolaTinubu #APC #RiversStatePolitics #2027Elections #PoliticalTensions #FCTMinister #NigeriaPolitics

APC National Secretary Basiru Tells FCT Minister Wike to Resign Over Rivers State Politics Interference Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to resign immediately, accusing him of meddling in Rivers State politics while serving in an APC-led government. Basiru argued that Wike, a non-APC member, has no right to interfere in the party’s affairs and dismissed allegations of corruption involving Rivers APC as “cheap blackmail.” He described Wike’s actions as an attempt to import PDP-style politics into the APC and destabilize party structures. The APC secretary emphasized that peaceful party operations must be respected and warned that continued interference could lead to legal action. Basiru stressed that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not confer APC membership and reiterated that party governance should remain free from external disruption.

President Tinubu Nominates Magnus Abe as NUPRC Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation for 21 Oil and Gas Board Members President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted two letters to the Senate seeking confirmation of 21 nominees for boards of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). For the NUPRC, former senator Magnus Abe is nominated as chairman. Other nominees include seven executive commissioners covering finance, exploration, production, and corporate services, along with non-executive commissioners and a secretary/legal adviser. Some members were previously appointed under Presidents Buhari and Tinubu, while others are new nominations. For the NMDPRA, Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, a lawyer with over 30 years in energy and natural resources, is nominated as chairman. The board also includes executive and non-executive members with expertise in finance, hydrocarbon, midstream and downstream infrastructure, and corporate administration. The Senate has been urged to expedite confirmation following recent CEO confirmations for both agencies. President Tinubu emphasized that all appointees must perform their regulatory duties professionally to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES BOARD MEMBERS FOR NMDPRA, NUPRC, SEEKS SENATE CONFIRMATION President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written two letters to the Senate, seeking confirmation of 21 nominees for the boards of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, indicates that in the first letter, President Tinubu nominated Senator Magnus Abe to serve as the NUPRC board chair. Abe, who represented Rivers South East in the Senate for two terms, is a former NNPC board member and current chairman of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall. Other nominees for the NUPRC board are Engineer Paul Yaro Jezhi, a former Trade Union Congress chairman in Kaduna, and Mr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former deputy director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which was abolished by the PIA in 2021. Both men will serve as non-executive commissioners. President Tinubu also nominated executive commissioners to the board. They are: Muhammed Sabo Lamido, executive commissioner for finance; Mr Edu Inyang, executive commissioner for Exploration and Acreage; Justin Ezeala, executive commissioner for economic regulation and strategic planning; and Henry Darlington Oki, executive commissioner for Development and Production. Others are Indabawa Bashari Alka, executive commissioner for corporate services and administration; Mahmood Tijani, executive commissioner for health, safety and environment; and Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo, as secretary and legal adviser. Former President Buhari appointed Lamido and Adeboyejo in 2022, while President Tinubu appointed Alka in 2023. Inyang, Ezeala, the former managing director of Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited, Mahmood Tijani, Babalola and Jezhi are new appointees of President Tinubu. In his second letter to the Senate, President Tinubu nominated Mr Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, a lawyer, as chairman of the NMDPRA board. Adeniji has over 30 years of experience in energy and natural resources issues. He was a special technical adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum on upstream and gas until 2018. He was a member of the Oil & Gas Policy team at the World Bank, which advised the Government of Nigeria on the reform and restructuring of the petroleum sector, including the development of the Strategic Gas Plan for Nigeria. He is currently the managing partner at ENR Advisory. President Tinubu also nominated Chief Kenneth Kobani and Mrs Asabe Ahmed as non-executive members. Kobani was a former minister of state for trade under President Jonathan and secretary to the government of Rivers State, under Nyesom Wike. Also nominated for confirmation are Abiodun Adeniji, executive director of finance; Francis Ogaree, executive director of hydrocarbon; Oluwole Adama, executive director of midstream and Downstream gas infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, executive director of Corporate Services and Administration. President Tinubu appointed Adama in 2024, while late President Buhari appointed Lamorde and Adeniji in 2021 and Ogaree in 2022 Other members of the NMDPRA board, as proposed by President Tinubu, are Mr Yahaya Nasamu Yinusa, executive director, distribution systems; Adeyemi Murtala Aminu, executive director, corporate services; Ms Modie Ogechukwu, executive director, economic regulation and strategic planning; and Barrister Olawale Dawodu, as board secretary and legal adviser. Dawodu is an industry player and was, at a time, the Financial Reporting Manager at Exxon Nigerian subsidiaries. The President urged the Senate to approve the nominees expeditiously. The requests followed the recent appointment of chief executive officers for the two regulatory agencies. The Senate confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA. Mr President has charged all the appointees and nominees to discharge their duties and responsibilities professionally as regulators of the oil and gas sectors.

Tinubu Orders Security Agencies to Intensify Operations Around Forest Communities After Deadly Niger State Market Attack That Killed Over 40 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests, following a deadly terrorist attack in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and many women and children abducted. The attack occurred at Kasuwa Daji market along the Sokobara–Tunga Demo axis in Borgu Local Government Area, sparking outrage among residents who accused security forces of responding only after victims’ bodies were being evacuated. In a statement personally issued on January 4, 2026, President Tinubu said he had ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to hunt down those responsible for the attack and ensure they are swiftly brought to justice. He described the attackers as terrorists who had tested the resolve of the nation and warned that they would face the full weight of the law. The President also cautioned that anyone found aiding, abetting, or enabling the attackers would be prosecuted, regardless of their status or intent. He further instructed security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims and strengthen security presence in at-risk areas across the country, with particular focus on communities near forests that have increasingly become targets of violent attacks. Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to confront insecurity collectively and deny criminal elements any safe haven. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security to affected communities, stressing that Nigeria must stand together to defeat terrorism and reclaim safety for its citizens.

Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS to Hunt Kasuwan Daji Terrorists, Rescue Abducted Women and Children in Niger State President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify operations to track down and apprehend the terrorists behind the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State. The directive was issued on Sunday and conveyed in a statement signed on January 4, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The President ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to urgently locate the attackers and rescue all abducted victims, particularly women and children. The Kasuwan Daji attack, which occurred amid a surge in terrorist activities in Niger State, led to the killing of villagers and mass abductions. According to the presidency, the assailants are suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following a U.S. airstrike carried out on Christmas Eve. President Tinubu condemned the killings, described the attack as a test of Nigeria’s resolve, and vowed that the perpetrators and anyone aiding them would be hunted down and brought to justice. He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, while assuring that security operations would be strengthened around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts. The President urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric, stressing that collective resolve is crucial to defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.

SERAP Urges President Tinubu to Probe N128 Billion Missing From Power Ministry, NBET The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations that over N128 billion was misappropriated or diverted from the Federal Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET). Citing the Auditor-General’s 2022 and 2025 reports, SERAP highlighted missing funds, undocumented payments to contractors, irregular foreign travel expenses, unauthorized sub-account transfers, and extra-budgetary spending. SERAP urged prosecution of those responsible, recovery of the funds, and their use to address Nigeria’s 2026 budget deficit. The organization emphasized that tackling corruption in the power sector is essential to improve electricity supply and uphold constitutional and international anti-corruption obligations. SERAP warned it may take legal action if the government fails to act within seven days. #SERAP #Tinubu #PowerSectorCorruption #NBET #NigeriaNews #Accountability #AntiCorruption #ElectricityCrisis #PublicFunds

EXCLUSIVE: FIRS Chairman Zach Adedeji Plans Lavish Dubai Birthday With Seyi Tinubu Amid Controversy Over Alleged Tax Law Alterations The Chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, is reportedly planning a lavish birthday celebration in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 6, 2026, despite mounting public outrage over alleged alterations to recently enacted tax laws. Multiple sources disclosed that the high-profile event is expected to attract influential political and business figures, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The planned celebration comes at a sensitive time, as Adedeji and the FIRS face intense scrutiny over claims that provisions of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws were altered after passage by the National Assembly, allegedly to benefit powerful interests. While the controversy continues, President Tinubu has insisted that the implementation of the tax reforms would proceed as scheduled from January 1, 2026, describing the changes as critical to resetting Nigeria’s fiscal framework rather than increasing taxes. Lawmakers, particularly from the House of Representatives minority caucus, have raised concerns about discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws debated and passed by parliament and those published in the Federal Gazette. In response, investigative committees have been set up to probe the alleged alterations, even as the federal government moves ahead with the rollout of the new tax regime.

Peter Obi: The Man Who Taxed Poverty in Anambra Dear Peter Obi, Thank you for your thoughts on the Tax Reform Act, which came into force yesterday, which was New Year's Day. However, it seems you have forgotten the following historical facts. While you were the Governor of Anambra, poverty increased in the state, yet you imposed new and heavy taxes on the people of Anambra. Please fact-check me: The poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4% in 2003, before you, Obi took office, and rose to 53.7% by 2009, during your governorship, a 29.7% increase. Yet, despite the rise in poverty under your watch as Governor, on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, you imposed new and heavy taxes on Anambra markets, prompting traders in the state to protest. And again, please fact-check me. When 600 traders from Eke Awka Market protested and filed an appeal against you, you insisted that they must pay your new, heavy taxes. At that, they led another protest to the Anambra State House of Assembly, barricaded it, and prevented legislative business from proceeding. And all this was happening while you, Peter, dishonestly hid your own money in tax havens, as shown in the Pandora Papers of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Therefore, I find it strange that you, who increased poverty in Anambra and also simultaneously increased taxes, are now accusing the Tinubu administration, which has added $57 billion to our economy, of taxing the poor. And just so you know, your allegations show that you haven't read the new tax laws, because in those legislations, Nigerians earning less than ₦800,000 will not be taxed. Meaning that under President Tinubu, those petty traders in Anambra that you taxed to near death would have a tax holiday. So, please, Peter, reread your post, and direct it at yourself, because it is all about you, the man who taxed poverty in Anambra! You were taxing poverty as Anambra Governor, but President Tinubu is tackling poverty as Nigeria's President. ~ Reno Omokri Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. #1Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.

GOVERNOR MUTFWANG OF PLATEAU STATE FORMALLY JOINS APC Governor Caleb Mutfwang has formally picked the APC membership card following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party. He was formally received by the state executive Council of the All Progressives Congress at the APC secretariat in Jos. With the conclusion of all formalities, Governor Mutfwang said before the formal defection, he has made consultations far and wide and his dream is that of one United Plateau. He therefore calls for unity among all the people stressing that he will continue to support President Tinubu whom he says is determined to put the country on the path of development. Chairman of the All progressives congress, Plateau state,Rufus Bature who welcomed the governor and his team said the APC is a party that accommodates all without discrimination. Secretary to government of Plateau state, Samuel Jatau says it is time to put aside differences but think and act Plateau. The governor thereafter went into a closed door meeting with APC state leaders.

Nigerian Students Set January 14 for Nationwide Mass Protest as NANS Moves to Resist Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Reform Laws Amid Growing Opposition The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has fixed January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action to stage a mass protest against the implementation of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s new tax laws, which came into effect on January 1, 2026. The student body has begun nationwide mobilisation, warning that it will lead large-scale demonstrations unless the government suspends the controversial Tax Reform Law. The planned protest comes amid increasing resistance to the new tax regime, following claims of discrepancies between the versions of the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and those later gazetted. Several stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, have called on the federal government to halt the implementation pending clarification. Despite these concerns, President Tinubu has dismissed calls for suspension, insisting that no major issues have been identified to warrant stopping the reform process. Reacting to the government’s stance, NANS President Olushola Oladoja criticised the decision to proceed with enforcement while key issues remain unresolved, describing it as dismissive of public concerns and democratic engagement. Oladoja argued that enforcing the tax law without addressing widespread objections undermines transparency and public trust, particularly for policies that significantly affect ordinary Nigerians. He further faulted the Presidency for reaffirming the January 1 commencement date, saying it sidelines citizens most impacted by the reforms. As part of its action plan, NANS has instructed its structures nationwide to prepare for a peaceful protest in Abuja, with students expected to converge at the Unity Fountain and march to the Presidential Villa. The association is demanding an immediate suspension of the tax law’s implementation to allow for proper review and resolution of the alleged inconsistencies. NANS warned that failure to heed its demand could trigger sustained student-led protests across the country, adding to mounting pressure on the federal government over the contentious tax reforms.

Adeyanju Slams Tinubu Over Implementation of Controversial Tax Reform Act, Calls It an Insult to Nigerians and Violation of Rule of Law Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proceeding with the implementation of the controversial Tax Reform Act from January 1, 2026, describing the move as an insult to Nigerians and a serious breach of democratic principles. Adeyanju said the President’s decision to enforce the law despite unresolved controversies, including allegations of forgery and violations of constitutional procedures, demonstrates a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law. According to Adeyanju, the unresolved legal and procedural questions surrounding the Act render its enforcement illegitimate and potentially dangerous, warning that it could further erode public trust in government institutions. He argued that no law burdened with such serious allegations should be implemented without transparent investigations and constitutional clarification. The activist also raised concerns over reports that President Tinubu may have unilaterally written off debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), questioning the constitutional authority for such a decision. He stressed that matters involving taxation and public finance must follow due process and receive proper legislative approval. Adeyanju warned that bypassing constitutional safeguards could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria and called on the National Assembly and the judiciary to intervene to protect democracy. He urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Act until all allegations surrounding its passage are thoroughly investigated and resolved in line with constitutional provisions.