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Category: Politics

BREAKING: Tinubu nominates Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as CBN Deputy Governor

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the nomination of Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The appointment, announced in a statement by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, is subject to Senate confirmation in line with Section 8(1) of the CBN Act, 2007.

According to the statement, Yuguda’s nomination follows the redeployment of former Deputy Governor Bala Bello, who was recently appointed Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy. The President urged the new appointees to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.

Yuguda, a seasoned economist and financial expert, last served as Director‑General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2020 to 2024. He holds a B.Sc. in Accountancy from Ahmadu Bello University (1983) and a Master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (1991).

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. Yuguda began his career at the CBN in 1984 as a Senior Supervisor in the Foreign Operations Department. He later worked as an economist in the Africa Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) between 1997 and 2001, before returning to the CBN, where he rose to become Director of the Reserve Management Department until his retirement in 2016.

His nomination marks a return to the apex bank, where he is expected to bring decades of experience in fiscal governance, financial regulation, and international economic policy to Nigeria’s monetary leadership.

March 11, 2026
Nigeria Senate confirms Oyedele’s appointment as Minister of State for Finance

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation after lawmakers cleared the nominee through a voice vote during plenary. Oyedele replaces Doris Uzoka‑Anite in the role.

Before his appointment, Oyedele chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he played a key role in designing Nigeria’s new tax regime. According to a Senate statement, his confirmation followed a screening session in which senators questioned him for more than two hours.

During the proceedings, Oyedele described his nomination as a call to serve Nigeria at a critical time. “With over two decades of experience working with national governments, multilateral institutions, and global corporations, my journey across the private sector, academia, and public policy has focused on fiscal governance and economic transformation,” the 50‑year‑old told lawmakers.

He added: “This moment is not about personal accomplishments; it is a call to serve at a time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities. I am deeply honoured to appear before this distinguished chamber today. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me through this nomination, and I thank the Senate for the opportunity to share my vision.”

The confirmation marks a significant step in Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal management and economic policy framework.

March 11, 2026
Increased terrorist attacks: We are in control––Defence Minister

ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 11, 2026 —Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says the country’s military maintains control over insecurity despite renewed terrorist attacks in the North East.

Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja after a strategic meeting with Service Chiefs to review operational strategies nationwide. He said the meeting assessed the current security situation and strengthened efforts to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements.

“We had a quick meeting to review our strategy in all theatres. We are aware of the issues, but I assure Nigerians the Armed Forces are working tirelessly to keep the country safe,” he said.

The minister acknowledged military casualties but stressed terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier losses. “We know we have suffered some casualties, but terrorists and bandits are taking more. We are eliminating their commanders and destroying assets,” he added.

Musa urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces, warning that tackling insecurity required a whole-of-government and society approach. He cautioned against false information on social media, noting that misinformation could undermine security efforts and troop morale.

He appealed to media organisations to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through videos and materials produced by criminal groups. “When you use their videos and pictures, you give them the opportunity to shine and demoralise our troops,” he said.

Musa further urged citizens to report suspicious activities, warning that those aiding terrorists would be treated as accomplices. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces and congratulated the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assuring him of strong collaboration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting comes amid a resurgence of attacks in the North East. The military has lost personnel in recent days while eliminating scores of terrorists and their commanders. (NAN).

March 11, 2026
Peter Obi urges women and youth inclusion at REFELA Conference in Gambia

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — Nigerian politician and 2027 presidential aspirant under the All Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Peter Obi, has called for greater inclusion of women and youth in national development strategies. He made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing participants at the REFELA National Conference in Banjul, The Gambia, themed “Accelerating Representation, Safeguarding, and Strengthening Women’s Rights.”

Serving as both Guest Speaker and Chief Guest of the occasion, Obi aligned his remarks with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.”

He stressed that the prosperity of nations is directly linked to how seriously they invest in their people, particularly women. “When women are given equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, they become not just participants but critical drivers of national development,” he said.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Obi emphasised that for countries like Nigeria, The Gambia, and other African nations, sustainable prosperity requires deliberate investment in human capital. He highlighted education, healthcare, skills development, and economic inclusion for women and youth as the foundation for growth.

Obi, widely recognised as the leader of the Obidient Movement with strong youth support, noted that empowering women, fostering accountability, and prioritising education would enable Africa to transform potential into tangible progress. “This is development as freedom,” he declared, urging governments to embrace inclusive policies that build shared opportunities for all.

March 11, 2026
Nigerian Army launches landmark simulation training workshop, aims for operational excellence

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Nigerian Army has commenced its Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) Training Workshop, themed “Leveraging Joint and Multi-Agency Capabilities to Strengthen Troops’ Adaptability and Resilience during Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations.”

Declaring the workshop open on March 10, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness through simulation-based training. He described the initiative as a vital tool for improving adaptability, decision-making, and coordination without the logistical constraints of large-scale field exercises.

According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Adebowale David Adejimi, the COAS urged participants to fully engage in discussions, share professional experiences, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen operational effectiveness. He emphasised that insights gained from the workshop would significantly improve joint and multi-agency collaboration in tackling contemporary security challenges.

The event drew senior officers from Army Headquarters departments, commanders from various units and formations, as well as representatives of selected paramilitary agencies. Participants will benefit from lectures delivered by seasoned resource persons, followed by intensive interactive sessions designed to foster cooperation and innovation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

The Nigerian Army views simulation training as a cornerstone of modern military preparedness, ensuring troops are equipped to respond effectively to complex and dynamic operational scenarios. By leveraging joint and multi-agency capabilities, the workshop underscores the Army’s determination to achieve excellence in safeguarding national security.

March 11, 2026
Enugu Air soars as Governor Mbah secures Air Operator Certificate

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has announced a breakthrough for the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, as it received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The certificate was formally presented to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Lion Building, Enugu, by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, on March 9, 2026.

In a statement, Governor Mbah described the milestone as a transformative step for Enugu’s aviation ambitions. “This milestone is more than a regulatory approval; it is a strategic step in our broader vision to transform Enugu into a premier aviation hub in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.

He emphasised that the AOC would enable Enugu Air to expand into new destinations, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth through job creation and investment.

Governor Mbah further noted that aviation is central to his administration’s “Tomorrow is Here” agenda, linking transport, commerce, tourism, and logistics to unlock Enugu’s full potential. With the AOC secured, Enugu Air is now positioned to enter Nigeria’s aviation landscape as a reliable carrier connecting the Southeast to key national and international routes.

Established in July 2025, Enugu Air is Nigeria’s second state-owned airline after Ibom Air. Headquartered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the carrier is designed to strengthen regional connectivity and drive economic transformation in the entire Southeast of Nigeria.

March 11, 2026
Nigeria, South Africa armies to deepen cooperation for regional security

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — The Nigerian Army has pledged to strengthen military cooperation with the South African Army, following a visit by the Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, emphasised that closer collaboration among African militaries is critical to addressing terrorism and insurgency. He noted that shared training and operational knowledge would enhance regional security and professional capacity.

Shaibu highlighted Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts in the North‑East under Operation HADIN KAI, stressing the importance of specialised training in detecting and neutralising Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). He said cooperation with South Africa would strengthen these programs and improve battlefield survivability.

The army chief also pointed to ongoing collaboration in military education. Nigerian officers attend courses at the South African Defence College, while South African officers serve as instructors in Nigerian institutions such as the Army War College and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College. These exchanges, he said, build institutional ties and leadership capacity.

Mbatha, for his part, praised Nigeria’s extensive battlefield experience and expressed interest in learning from its operational strategies against asymmetric threats. He noted that South Africa’s expertise in aviation maintenance and pilot training could support Nigeria’s efforts to expand its air capabilities.

Both leaders concluded with a commitment to sustain joint training, operational exchanges, and technical cooperation. They agreed that stronger collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa would enhance the effectiveness of their forces and contribute to stability and collective defense across Africa.

March 10, 2026
Israeli President Herzog visits northern communities after Hezbollah attacks

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited northern Israel on Tuesday to comfort residents following recent Hezbollah attacks.

During the visit, Herzog met with the family of Staff Sergeant Maher Khatib, an engineering fighter who was killed in Lebanon a few days earlier. He offered condolences to Khatib’s widow, two daughters, and the Druze community, praising their resilience and contribution to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Herzog began his tour at the Golan Regional Council’s emergency operations centre in Katzrin, where he observed preparedness measures alongside Council Head Yehuda Doha and his team. “I saw up close how they operate during an emergency—with professionalism, dedication, and great responsibility for the residents’ security,” he said.

He later travelled to Majdal Shams to console Khatib’s family, describing them as “a noble family, grieving and in pain, that serves as a testament to the spirit of heroism and devotion—of the Druze community and of all IDF fighters.”

The president concluded his visit at an Iron Dome battery, where he praised commanders and air defence soldiers for their round‑the‑clock work intercepting rockets and protecting millions of Israelis.

The escalation follows Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel in response to ongoing Israeli and U.S. operations in Iran. Israel’s deployment of soldiers into Lebanon has displaced many civilians, with two Israeli soldiers killed in the fighting, including Staff Sergeant Khatib.

March 10, 2026
Trump’s bombing of Iran is a simple farmer-herder conflict—Mike Arnold consoles Pantami

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — Mike Arnold, a former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, USA, and now a leading activist on religious violence in Nigeria, has ridiculed Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of Digital Economy Technology, Isa Pantami, after a viral video showed him weeping over the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayotola Khamenei.

Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and Africa Arise USA, issued a sarcastic statement on Monday in response to Pantami’s grief. He asserted that the U.S. President’s bombing of Iran and the killing of its leader should be seen as nothing more than a “farmer-herder conflict.”

He wrote: “Oh, poor terrorist. He should know that Trump bombing Iran is not really Trump’s fault. He couldn’t help himself; it was just global warming. A simple farmer-herder conflict. Maybe he should dialogue with Trump, understand his position, offer him government money and jobs. They are brothers, after all. Maybe then Trump will stop bombing Iran and we could all be happy together.”

Arnold’s remarks reference the official stance often taken during the Buhari administration, in which Pantami served as a cabinet member. At the time, the government frequently described widespread killings by armed Fulani herdsmen as “farmer-herder clashes.”

That narrative persisted until the Tinubu-led government reclassified such attacks as acts of terrorism, declaring that anyone who sacks villages and kills civilians would be treated accordingly. Analysts note that this shift in terminology has sharpened the mandate of security agencies, enabling them to respond more decisively to protect communities across Nigeria.

March 10, 2026
UK strengthens partnership with Nigeria to achieve climate targets
Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — The United Kingdom has launched a joint government-and-partners initiative in Nigeria to advance sustainable climate action and accelerate the country’s transition to a low‑carbon, climate‑resilient economy.

In a statement on Tuesday, the UK Mission in Nigeria announced: “The UK is deepening its partnership with Nigeria through Phase 2 of the Nigeria–UK PACT, supporting the country’s shift to a low‑carbon, climate‑resilient economy. This week’s launch united government and partners to push forward impactful ideas for sustainable climate action.”

The UK–Nigeria Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) programme is designed to help Nigeria meet its net‑zero target by 2060. Recent initiatives include technical assistance projects, clean energy partnerships, and governance reforms announced at COP30 in 2025.

Key UK–Nigeria Climate Action Priorities
- Supporting Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
- Expanding renewable energy access to underserved communities.
- Addressing climate impacts such as flooding, desertification, and energy poverty.
- Strengthening climate governance to accelerate Nigeria’s low‑carbon transition.
The programme is anchored in the UK’s Strategy for International Development, which emphasises long‑term, transparent partnerships. It goes beyond traditional aid by leveraging the UK’s economic, scientific, and diplomatic expertise to support Nigeria’s sustainable development.

The UK’s climate partnership with Nigeria is multi‑dimensional, combining technical expertise, governance reform, and renewable energy investment. It aims not only to help Nigeria meet its climate targets but also to boost energy access, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.
March 10, 2026