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2023 : ‘For presiding over the ongoing illegality in NDDC, Akpabio is not fit to be president’, Niger Delta region
Controversial Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio , last Wednesday joined the long list of aspirants seeking the ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to contest for President of Nigeria.
Hardly had his motley crowd departed the Ikot Ekpene stadium venue of his declaration than the Niger Delta region literally went up in outrage at the Minister’s affront to vie for higher office in the face of what they describe as his “desecration” of the region’s foremost interventionist agency, NDDC, administering the Commission since October 2019 with Interim Managements/Sole Administrator contraptions which were not appointed according to the NDDC Act establishing the Commission.
The people of the Niger Delta region, and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians are understandably scandalised and outraged at Akpabio’s egregious and repulsive audacity to seek to aspire to the highest office in the land after he has spent the nearly three years of his tenure at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to spearhead, supervise, and superintend the running of the region’s foremost interventionist agency, NDDC in the breach of its establishment Act of 2000, administering the Commission since October 2019 with Interim Managements/Sole Administrator contraptions which were not appointed according to the statutes establishing the federal agency. It is the longest breach of the law governing the operation of the commission since its establishment in 2000.
The media had variously reported, and Senator Akpabio is yet to deny it that he (Akpabio), as supervising Minister of the NDDC, through an official memo in 2019 recommended the suspension of the inauguration of the substantive Board, which President Buhari had appointed, and which was confirmed by the Senate in November of 2019.
It was also reported in the media that the Minister recommended to President Buhari the running of NDDC with illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions until the completion of the forensic audit. These recommendations are contrary to the provisions of NDDC Act. The illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions have been administering NDDC since October 2019, in contravention of the law, and negates fair and equitable representation which a board guarantees and which ensures proper governance, accountability, equity and fairness to the nine constituent states.
As clearly stated in The NDDC Act, it only provides that the Board and Management (Managing Director and two Executive Directors) of the NDDC at any point in time should follow the provisions of the law which states that the Board and management is to be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. In effect, nobody is supposed to begin to administer the NDDC and utilise the huge funds accruing to it on a monthly basis without passing through this legal requirement as stipulated in the NDDC Act. To the detriment of the entire region, Senator Akpabio has been using these illegal interim contraptions/sole administrator to fleece the NDDC of its funds in the last two and half years.
In two scathing editorials in the first quarter of this year, “The Merry-Go-Round In NDDC” published on January 12, and “NDDC And The Anti-Graft Hoax” published on February 23, ThisDay newspaper emphatically stated that “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is becoming an object of jokes among critical stakeholders. Almost six months after the submission of the report of its much-touted forensic report, the federal government has not been able to implement any of the recommendations or appoint a substantive board to allow the commission function effectively as stipulated by law. All that Nigerians are regaled with are tales and empty presidential threats while the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio continues to run the commission with some nebulous interim management committees that are unknown to law.” The paper also affirmed that “Despite the agitations of critical stakeholders, the commission also remains without a substantive board. The minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio prefers to treat affairs of the NDDC more like a private estate by saddling the commission with cronies.”
Matter of fact, in October last year, Arewa leader in the South, Alhaji Musa Saidu had called on those urging Senator Godswill Akpabio to run for the 2023 presidency to thread with caution, noting that people of the Niger Delta region are bitter with the Minister over the delay in inaugurating the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Alhaji Saidu said who will become President come 2023 is of great importance to all Nigerians, adding that as the leader of the north in the South he would advise the north rightly on the feelings of people of the South on presidential aspirants from the Niger Delta region.
The employment of deceit, propaganda and lies by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in perpetuating the capture of the NDDC for selfish parochial interests is rather intriguing. When inaugurating the first illegal Interim Management Committee (IMC) in October 2019, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said the committee would stay in office for six months to ‘supervise the forensic audit.’ Then in January 2021 Akpabio re-stated that the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission would be concluded and the report submitted before April 2021.
But in February 2020, Senator Akpabio sacked his first IMC Acting Managing Director Ms Joi Nunieh and appointed a new Acting Managing Director, Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei who was his classmate at FGC Port Harcourt, and extended the stay of the IMC to December 2020, by which time he said the audit will be concluded and the Board put in place. Just when that was drawing near, he sacked the Interim Management Committee and appointed his personal aide, Mr Effiong Okon Akwa, as Interim Sole Administrator “to assume headship till completion of the forensic audit,” with a promised forensic audit completion date of March 2021. That again proved to be a lie as the so-called audit was only completed in August and the report of the audit was submitted to President Buhari by Chief Akpabio on September 2, 2021, yet Okon Akwa is still in office as sole administrator.
In fact, in furtherance of that lie, Akpabio, who has been under fire for how he has manipulated the capture of the NDDC, had assured Niger Deltans that the board will be put in place by the end of July 2021. That promise was, again, not fulfilled.
Unfortunately there has been unending irregularities and lack of due process in NDDC since October 2019 when the illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions have been administering the Commission in flagrant violation of the NDDC Act of 2000.
Under the illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions, the combined two-year budgets for 2019 and 2020, as approved by the National Assembly was N799 Billion. Yet, as pointed out by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), under the interim management/sole administrator contraptions, “over N600bn payments have been made for emergency contracts; over 1,000 persons have been allegedly employed in the NDDC between January and July, 2020 without due process; the 2020 budget was passed in December and N400bn was voted for the NDDC but the commission had spent over N190bn before the budget was passed, thereby violating the Procurement Act.”
It is also important to recall the Senate probe of NDDC in June/July of 2020 which revealed how the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC) blew N81.5 billion in just a couple of months on fictitious contracts, frivolities, and in breach of extant financial and public procurement laws. The Senate therefore passed a resolution recommending that the IMC should refund the sum of N4.923 Billion to the Federation Account, and that the IMC should be disbanded, while the substantive board should be inaugurated to manage the Commission in accordance with the law.
At the November 2021 protest by the Association of Contractors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (ACNDDC) who picketed the NDDC Head office in Port Harcourt, Chairman of ACNDDC, Joe Adia stated that “presently huge monies come into the Commission every month and the next thing we hear is that the money is finished. Who are you paying? Give us a record of the people you are paying. How can you pay N800 million each for so-called desilting jobs and yet contractors being owed N5 million you have refused to pay?
Also, earlier in the year, the media was awash with the doubly-restated scandal involving the illegal sole administrator contraption in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). According to some national newspapers, and many online platforms, in a story entitled “NDDC: IYC Alleges Illegal N20bn Payment To Ghost Contractors Over Phantom Job,” published on February 18, 2022, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) alleged that illegal N20bn payment was made to ghost contractors over phantom jobs.
In the reports, IYC alleged that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, “in connivance with some persons, paid the sum of N20 billion to ghost contractors for phony distilling contracts purportedly awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).”
The council further alleged that “information at its disposal showed that the signatures of a former acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, and the commission’s former executive director (projects), Samuel Ajogbe, were allegedly forged to carry out the sleazy process.”
A spokesman for the IYC, Ebilade Ekerefe, who spoke in Yenagoa alleged that the “phantom NDDC contractors were paid in tranches of between N300 million and N400 million in the last three months, amounting to N20 billion.”
He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an investigation into the alleged huge payment to the ghost contractors.
He said, “They should investigate the financial transaction of the commission in the months under review. We have also discovered that out of the N20billion paid out illegally by the NDDC, 60 per cent is going to Abuja through the Bureau de Change while he (Akpabio) has failed to pay the genuine contractors that have finished the projects awarded by the commission.”
Senator Akpabio, by his numerous illegal actions in the NDDC in the last two and half years has been de-marketing the APC under whose platform he now seeks to aspire to become the nation’s President. In an article, “NDDC: Buhari’s Legacy of Illegality and Contempt,” by Godspower Tamunosusi, published in a national daily on December 13, 2021 and in many other national newspapers, he stated that “Niger Deltans are very upset with the disdainful manner the region has been treated.” He also noted that there is increasing anger against Akpabio and the APC in the Niger Delta region “as a result of the very poor, biased, illegal and provocative actions of the Federal Government in the handling of matters concerning the NDDC and the Niger Delta region.”
Further checks on what the Minister has said in the past two and half years firmly show a pattern of lies and deceit employed by Senator Akpabio to perpetrate the ongoing illegality of administering NDDC with interim managements/sole administrator contraptions.
On January 6 2021, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had stated that a substantive board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be inaugurated by April 2021 after the forensic audit of the commission. Akpabio stated this in Abuja while receiving the interim report of the commission from the forensic auditors. Said he, “By April this year, when we are done with the forensic audit, we will inaugurate a board for the Commission and the report of the forensic audit will be given to those agitating for it so that we can have a new management.”
On the 4th of June 2021, following the ultimatum by Niger Delta militants including Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Godswill Akpabio stated that the process of inaugurating the NDDC Board starts with him as the supervising Minister and that he would fast-track the process of inaugurating the substantive Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board. He stated this after an emergency consultative visit to Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri Southwest of Delta State. Traditional rulers from Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo states joined the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom in Delta state as part of the consultative meeting.
The minister, at the consultative meeting said: “There is a process and that process starts with me as the Minister of Niger Delta. The major thing is that we have committed to work together to make sure that we give what the people want. We have agreed that government through me, through my office will work very hard to fast-track the process. The consensus of stakeholders is that there is a need for more representation in the NDDC and so a board is needed”.
Also on June 29 2021, The Minister, who spoke while appearing on a live Radio Nigeria Audience participatory programme organized as part of the activities marking the second term of the Buhari Administration at the Radio House in Abuja stated that the “recommendations and outcome of the forensic audit of the activities of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, would be implemented by the board to be inaugurated soon.”
The following day, June 30, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who fielded questions from State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja said that action had been expedited on the process of inauguration of the board of NDDC.
In continuation of a pattern of lies and deceit employed by Senator Akpabio to perpetrate the ongoing illegality of administering NDDC with interim managements/sole administrator contraptions, earlier this week, on May 8, 2022, a national online platform, published a story entitled “Despite failing to constitute board, Akpabio says he repositioned NDDC; A civil society campaigner said that NDDC has ‘failed woefully’ under Mr Akpabio.” According to the platform, despite failing to inaugurate a substantive board for NDDC, Akpabio claimed that he “effectively repositioned the agency to meet its core mandate.” But the online platform reported that under Akpabio, NDDC has become a “corruption haven” as the Commission has been “enmeshed in several contract-related scandals and sundry allegations and mismanagement of funds.”
The online platform also quoted the executive director “We the People”, a non-governmental organisation based in the Niger Delta, Ken Henshaw, as stating that “NDDC has failed woefully under Mr Akpabio.” According to the report, “Mr Henshaw lamented how Mr Akpabio continues to direct the affairs of the NDDC with no regard for extant rules, citing example of the appointment of a ‘sole administrator’ for the agency.” Said Mr. Henshaw, “If you doubt me check reports of past panels of enquiry, including the recent probe by the National Assembly. What you’d hear are tales of corruption, mismanagement and the rest.”
Rather than embark on a wild goose presidential chase, Senator Akpabio should hearken to the legitimate demands of Niger Deltans, to undo the damage which he has done to the Niger Delta region, and get President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the NDDC Board, in accordance with the law and ensure equitable representation of the nine constituent states. This, undoubtedly will ensure that both he and the President do not go down in infamy.
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₦213 Billion Worth of Properties Seized from Malami in Money Laundering Probe: Full List of 57 Luxury Homes and Hotels
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte motion filed by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman Malami.
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte motion filed by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
The assets, valued at ₦213.2 billion, include multi-billion naira landed properties spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States. The court ruled that the assets are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
The 57 properties are as follows:
1. Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5,950,000,000).
2. Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7,000,000,000.
3. Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850,000,000 with additional N300,000,000 to take possession (value after completion N8,400,000,000).
4. Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in January 2021 at N360,000,000.
5. Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Limited, Maitama With 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in February 2018 at N430,000,000 (current value after rehabilitation is N12,950,000,000).
6. Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent) AsokoroDistrict, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325,000,000.
7. Shop No. C82 Citiscape — Shariff Plaza, Plot 739 Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse Il, FCT, Abuja, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120,000,000.
8. No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, which was purchased in December 2022 at N300,000,000.
9. Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.
10. A Plaza, Commercial Toilets, Laundering, Warehouse Tanks Adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market at N100 million.
11. 100 Hectares of l;and Along Birnin Kebbi, Jega Road, which was purchased in 2020 at N100,000,000.
12. Four Bedroom Bungalow Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, which was purchased in 2023 at N101,000, 000.
13. Shops Nos. A36, B3 Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, Abuja, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158,000,000.
14. No. 26, Babbi Drive, Bua Estate, Abuja, purchased in 2022 at N136,000,000.
15. No. 27, Efab Estates Avenue, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, purchased in January 2016 at N120,000,000.
16. Four Bedroom/ 2 Rooms Boys Quarters at No. 10B, Doka Crescent Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, purchased in January 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.
17. Plot No. 13, Ipent 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja, purchased in June 2018 at N85,000,000.
18. A Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150,000,000.
19. Two Warehouse Shops B40 And B46, Wuse Market, Abuja, purchased in July 2020 at N50,000,000.
20. Twin Houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 14014, Gudu District, Abuja, was purchased between February and May 2017 at N250,000,000.
Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.
21, 22, and 23. Nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between February 2023 and September 2023 at N187,000,000, among other assets listed in the schedule.
RAYHAAN UNIVERSITY, KEBBI STATE
24. Rayhaan University Permanent Site -N56,000,000,000.00
25. Rayhaan University Temporary Site -N37,800,000,000.00
26. Rayhaan University Third Site – N2,450,000,000.00
27. Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor – N490,000,000.0
RAYHAAN AGRO ALLIED FACTORY IN KEBBI STATE
28. Factory Buildings -N4,200,000,000.00
29. Factory Machines and Plants Units -N10,500,000,000.00
30. Factory Mosque – N2,450,000,000.00
31. Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters –
N1,487,500,000.00
32. Rayhaan Bustan Building –
N3,150,000,000.00
AZBIR ARENA KEBBI STATE
33. Azbir Hotel – N10,325,000,000.00
34. Printing Press – N1,050,000,000.00
35. Gallery –
N581,000,000.00
36. Gardens –
N392,000,000.00
37. Mosque -N252,000,000.00
38. Azbir Clothing –
N350,000,000.00
39. Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket – N175,000,000.00
OTHER PROPERTIES HELD IN KEBBI STAT
40. Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre, along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin-Kebbi – N2,450,000,000.00
41. Rayhaan Model Academy -N11,200,000,000.0
42. Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School –
N8,750,000,000.00
43. Rayhaan Security House, off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi –
N245,700,000.00
44. Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha, Bypass Road, Birnin, Kebbi – N245,700,000.00
45. Uncompleted 2 Storey Complex Plaza located opposite Central Motor Park, (Eastern Park) Birnin Kebbi – N78,750,000.00
46. Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd filling station Structure along Sani Abacha Bypass, Road, Birnin Kebbi near Jambali Automobile Workshop, Birnin Kebbi – N665,000,000.00
47. Malami Support Organization Building –
N210,000,000.00
48. ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building – N56,000,000.00
49. Abubakar Malami SAN’s House GRA – N350,000,000.00
50. Abubakar Malami SAN’s House Behind Mobil – N490,000,000.00
51. Abdulaziz Malami (First Son’s House) at Gesse Phase II in Birnin Kebbi – N1,659,000,000.00
52. Abiru-Rahman Abubakar Malami (Second Son’s House) at Gesse Phase II in Birnin-Kebbi – N2,989,000,000.00
PROPERTIES IN KANO
53. Assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano with 131 rooms –
N11,200,000,000.00
54. Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga, Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano – N84,000,000.00
55. Zeennor Old Hotel Building -N280,000,000.00
56. Rayhaan Hotel, Kano Located at Plot 27/28 Opp-Aminu kano Teaching Hospital, Southern Kano (Land And Luxurious Building of more than 50 rooms, with appurtenances- N2,240,000,000.00
57. Rayhaan Gym, Kano House Comprising of a Storey Building Opposite Rayhaan Hotel – N1,225,000,000.00
President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pledging to drive down inflation further, strengthen foreign reserves and sustain the country’s GDP growth trajectory.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President expressed confidence in the nation’s collective resolve, saying the new year would be a more prosperous one for the country, its citizens, and all who call Nigeria home.
Tinubu argued that during 2025, his administration sustained momentum on major reforms, achieved a fiscal reset and recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, he said, Nigeria recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy.
“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.
The President disclosed that Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note, with annualised GDP growth expected to exceed four per cent for the year.
Trade surpluses were maintained and greater exchange rate stability was achieved, while inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with his administration’s target.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he said.
Tinubu pointed to the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which, he said, posted a robust 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On foreign reserves, he disclosed that sound monetary policy management had seen reserves stand at $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. He expressed optimism that this position would strengthen further in the new year.
Foreign direct investment, the President noted, was also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720m, up from $90m in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, had consistently affirmed and applauded.
Tinubu recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that his administration had implemented critical reforms laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
“With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” he said.
As inflation and interest rates moderate, the President said, his administration expected increased fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
He commended states that had aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on citizens and basic consumption.
The new year, Tinubu added, marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.
On security, the President acknowledged that the nation continues to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements.
He disclosed that in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.
The Armed Forces, he said, had since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country,” the President stated.
He reiterated his belief that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards and anchored on accountability, was critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
Tinubu also announced plans to accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country.
Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, he said, the administration would stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities. Investment would also continue in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.
The President called on all Nigerians to play their part, describing nation-building as a shared responsibility that required unity of purpose, patriotism, and service with honour and integrity.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.
“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles. Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability,” he stated.
Meanwhile, governors and other political leaders across the country reflected on the trials of the outgoing year, calling for unity, resilience, and renewed commitment to governance, security, and economic recovery.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, urged Nigerians to remain positive and hopeful about the future.
In his New Year message released on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas called on citizens to look forward to 2026 with optimism and to continue working collectively for the unity and progress of the country.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, the Speaker noted that 2025, despite its challenges, recorded commendable strides in good governance and improvements in national security, particularly with the successes achieved in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians across all divides to strengthen national cohesion and commitment to peace-building.
“In every new dawn lies a promise,” the Speaker said, as he commended Nigerians for their patience, perseverance, and contributions towards building a stronger nation.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, said social pressures and security challenges tested the resilience of his government in 2025.
He, however, said the state stood firm through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in his government.
Niger State experienced major security challenges in 2025, including incidents of tanker explosions which claimed many lives, boat accidents, and terrorist abductions, particularly of schoolchildren in November.
Therefore, Bago asked residents to continue to support his administration in its efforts to deliver the New Niger Agenda, anchored on good governance, security, and economic revitalisation.
“The outgoing year tested our resilience as a people, particularly in moments of security challenges and social pressures. Yet, through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in government, Niger State stood firm.
“I sincerely thank the people of Niger State for their trust, cooperation, and steadfast support at critical moments, which greatly strengthened our collective response and progress,” he said.
Bago promised that his government remained committed to transparent communication, responsive leadership, and policies that placed the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance.
A former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Makarfi, urged Nigerians to remain united and resilient in the New Year. In his message issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, he acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens over the past year but expressed optimism for a better future.
According to him, Nigerians must confront the nation’s challenges together as a united people bound by shared hopes and a promising destiny.
“As we exit the year 2025, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all Nigerians,” Makarfi said, praying that the New Year offered “a renewed opportunity to strengthen our resolve and collectively overcome our challenges.”
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, renewal, and collective resolve as the country enters 2026. He urged sustained support for policies aimed at economic stability, inclusive growth, and grassroots development.
In his New Year message to his constituents, Lagos State, and Nigerians at large, the lawmaker described the beginning of 2026 as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to progress and prosperity.
He reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that promote economic stability and inclusive growth, stressing that development must reach every ward, community, and household across Lagos East.
Abiru therefore urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu as it implemented policies targeted at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure, expanding opportunities, and securing a more prosperous future for citizens.
The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese of Ondo State, Stephen Fagbemi, called on Christians and all Nigerians to embrace peace and love in the New Year.
Tinubu projects lower inflation, stronger growth in 2026 New Year address
In a New Year message delivered through the Public Relations Officer of the diocese, Banjo Abitogun, on Wednesday, the cleric expressed optimism that the New Year would be a season of high hope and fresh opportunity for Christians with “unwavering faith in God, renewed commitment to righteous living, and genuine love for one another.”
He further prayed for Nigeria, asking God to grant the nation wise leadership, economic recovery, security of lives and property, and unity among all citizens.
For its part, the Young Progressives Party has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite widespread frustration arising from past electoral experiences.
The party made the call in its New Year message issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins.
Public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process sharply declined following the 2023 general elections, which were marred by widespread complaints of technical glitches, particularly the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal to upload polling unit results in real time.
The disruptions triggered protests, legal challenges and persistent allegations of manipulation, reinforcing calls for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore trust ahead of the 2027 polls.
Martins appealed to the masses to intensify civic engagement and political participation in what he described as a decisive period for Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, years of electoral setbacks should not translate into apathy or silence in the face of poor governance.
“Though the journey has been difficult and often discouraging, surrendering our sovereignty must never translate into docility or silence in the face of bad governance.
“The YPP calls on Nigerians not to be discouraged by the experiences of previous elections.
“Rather, citizens must mobilise like never before in this penultimate election year to reclaim their power at the ballot in 2027 and vote out incompetent, corrupt and insensitive leadership. The future of our democracy depends on active participation, not apathy,” he said.
The party further urged Nigerians to begin demanding accountability from public office holders, especially in light of fiscal reforms expected to increase government revenue.
“Nigerians must begin to ask critical questions, demand answers and closely scrutinise public spending, especially with the advent of the new tax law, which is expected to widen the tax net and significantly increase government revenue.
“Democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable. Increased revenue without transparency, accountability and prudence will only deepen public mistrust and hardship,” he stated.
The YPP also warned against what it described as the politicisation of anti-graft agencies, insisting that selective justice undermines democracy and weakens public institutions.
“We strongly warn against the weaponisation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-corruption agencies against political opponents.
“The fight against corruption must be sincere, impartial and devoid of political bias. Selective justice weakens institutions and erodes public confidence in governance,” he said.
On the newly introduced tax law, the party maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal crisis was rooted more in poor expenditure management than revenue shortfalls.
Martins criticised what he described as extravagant spending by public officials and called for accountability before full implementation of the law.
He argued, “Nigeria’s major challenge has never been revenue generation but the reckless, wasteful and opaque expenditure of public funds.
“Nigerians are not opposed to paying taxes; rather, they are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency, probity and discipline in the management of our commonwealth.
“It is unacceptable for taxpayers’ money to be used to fund religious pilgrimages, purchase private jets and yachts, procure luxury SUVs for members of the National Assembly and sustain the looting and frivolous lifestyle of a reckless political elite.”
“We therefore call on the government to urgently resolve all discrepancies associated with the new tax law before implementation.
“More importantly, those responsible for the discrepancies must be thoroughly investigated, apprehended and punished in accordance with the law,” Martins urged.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assured residents that his administration will consolidate on the achievements recorded in 2025 as the state steps into the new year, with renewed focus on security, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
In his New Year message released to journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday, the governor said 2026 would be a year of consolidation and accelerated development, guided by his administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda.
Aliyu said his government would continue to prioritise critical sectors capable of fast-tracking socio-economic growth across the state, stressing that peace and security remain central to development.
He disclosed that the state government had developed a fresh blueprint to further support security agencies in tackling banditry, especially in the 13 local government areas affected by insecurity.
“We have already drawn up a blueprint on how to further assist security agencies in the areas of logistics, intelligence gathering and intelligence sharing,” the governor said.
He urged security agencies to intensify their operations in the new year, while calling on residents, particularly those in frontline communities, to cooperate by providing timely and credible information.
Aliyu also appealed to communities to expose individuals exhibiting suspicious behaviour or living above their means, noting that community vigilance would help dismantle informant networks aiding criminal activities in rural areas.
On education and religious development, the governor announced plans to construct new Islamiyya schools and rehabilitate those in poor condition.
He added that ongoing renovations of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions would be completed, with more furniture supplied and sustained attention given to teachers’ welfare.
In infrastructure development, Aliyu said all ongoing housing projects in Wajake, Gidan Salanke and Sokoto New City, alongside rural and township road projects, would be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment programmes, including NG-CARES, Ahmadu-CARES and other initiatives targeting youths and women.
He also promised improved water supply, stating that all ongoing water projects would be completed, with additional machinery provided for major water intake facilities across the state.
In agriculture, Governor Aliyu said the government would continue to support farmers with inputs and implements, adding that contracts had already been awarded for the procurement of tractors to boost mechanised farming.
The health sector, he said, would remain a priority through the renovation of health facilities and the provision of modern medical equipment across the state.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, we will ensure the successful actualisation of all these projects in 2026,” he assured.
Governor Aliyu thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, while wishing residents and Nigerians a prosperous New Year.
A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to hold those in authority accountable, describing responsible and people-oriented leadership as key to addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
In his New Year message, Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and Transport Minister, said 2025 tested the nation’s resilience, with many families grappling with economic hardship, rising cost of living and widespread insecurity.
He called on Nigerians to use the new year as a turning point in the quest for peace, unity, improved security, economic stability and the overall well-being of the people.
According to him, citizens must collectively demand responsible, responsive, transparent and accountable leadership.
Amaechi also called for economic reforms that would lead to job creation, poverty reduction, affordable healthcare, housing and food, as well as quality education for all Nigerians.
news
Update : Road Crash: Anthony Joshua Hospitalised, Two Confirmed Dead — Ogun Police Spokesperson
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised after a road accident in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed this in a statement.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 am on Monday.
Our reporter, who was at the scene, said the crash happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, ahead of the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
Adeniyi Orojo stated that the Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua, with number plate KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.
The eyewitness revealed that Joshua sustained minor injuries, while two others died at the scene.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. A passenger sat beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.
His security detail followed in the vehicle behind.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles for help. Minutes after the crash, Federal Road Safety Corps officials arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” he said.
In a statement sent to Newsthumb on Monday, Oluseyi confirmed that Joshua and other injured persons were involved in a car accident and rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
He said, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital.
“Further updates will be communicated.”
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