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Amotekun: Southwest states gear up for take-off

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– Set to recruit personnel – Osun plans to engage 720 – Public hearing on harmonised bill holds in all six states Monday

The Western Nigeria Security Network otherwise known as Operation Amotekun has inched closer to take-off as the states prepare to recruit operatives for the outfit.
Various states in the region have also acquired operational vehicles including motorcycles as well as communication gadgets among other logistics, and also secured the offices for their operations.

Osun State alone is expected to employ 720 personnel.

The Houses of Assembly have already prioritised the passing of the bill and are only waiting for inputs from more stakeholders at public hearings to be held across the states next week.

In Oyo State, the government has donated a building in Ibadan to serve as the operational headquarters of the security outfit in the state. The building is located in Iyaganku area of the capital city.

The area also houses the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Southwest Zonal Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Besides, the state has also procured over 20 patrol vans, several buses and motorcycles to be used by Amotekun corps in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa, confirmed the preparedness of the state for the take-off of the agency, saying that the building and vehicles had also been equipped with security and communication gadgets.

Adisa said the general template for Amotekun’s operation was ready, pointing out that the passage of the bill by the House of Assembly would clear the way for its implementation.

He added that recruitment and related activities would commence after the bill has been passed into law.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has slated public hearing on Amotekun bill for Monday, February 24.

Once the bill is passed and assented to by the governor, the security agency will take off.

It is entitled Bill for a Law to Establish the Oyo State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining Law and Order in Oyo State and related matters.

The Assembly had pledged accelerated hearing for the bill in line with the joint commitment of the six Houses of Assembly in the Southwest Region.

Osun earmarks Olajokun Park for Amotekun operational base

The Osun State Government plans to use the Hassan Olajokun Park at Gbongan Junction in Ayedade Local Government Area as the operational base of the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, said on the phone yesterday that although government is considering engaging about 720 operatives, the exact number of employees, entry qualifications and other details will be determined by the provisions of the bill.

But he said the government had not procured more operational vehicles apart from the 20 Hilux vans it contributed to the pool of the regional security outfit.

Recruitments for Amotekun begin soon in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government said yesterday that the recruitment of personnel into the State’s Amotekun Corps would commence as soon as possible.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, told The Nation that the recruitment exercise would commence once the bill was signed into law.

The bill was passed into law penultimate Friday by the State House of Assembly.

According to Oyebode, the recruitment exercise would be thorough to ensure that only people of impeccable character and unquestionable integrity are recruited, saying the composition of the personnel would determine the success of the security outfits.

He said: “You are aware that the House of Assembly just passed the bill, which is still awaiting governor Fayemi’s assent.

“So, Mr. Governor’s assent will come any moment from now. And it’s after his assent that the issue of recruitment will follow. It’s then several other things will be unfolded because they are operational matters.

“Definitely, the headquarters will be in Ado-Ekiti but the base may not be made known now. The full details will be made known after the governor’s assent.”

He said the state has already procured 20 vehicles and other security gadgets to aid the work of the outfit.

Ogun Assembly seeks insurance cover for corps

Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly are keen to provide for ‘befitting and compulsory insurance cover’ for personnel of Amotekun Corps in the bill now before them.

The Bill “HB.NO 035/OG/2020- seeks to Establish the Ogun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining law and order in the State and for connected purposes.

The legislators, while debating the bill, said it was targeted at devising a community policing scheme to complement and collaborate with existing security agencies.

They added that the Amotekun Corps, when operational, would reduce crimes to the barest minimum in the state, the South West and the nation at large.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, told The Nation in Abeokuta that until the process for the establishment of the corps was concluded and the contents of the bill determined, it would amount to guess work to say what should be the qualifications of those that would be recruited into the corps or the take-off date.

But he was confident that by next week, significant progress would have been made, and when the Bill is passed by the state legislators and subsequently signed into law by the Governor, everything about Amotekun Corps in Ogun State would take a definite shape.

Lagos to amend Neighbourhood Safety Corps law to create Amotekun corps

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced the process of amending the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency Law 2019 to accommodate a section for Amotekun Corps.

The House took the first and second reading of the bill at plenary on Thursday and committed the bill to the Committee on Information, Publicity, Security and Strategy to report back to the House sine die

The House is to hold public hearing on the bill on Monday.

The Amotekun Corps, when operational, is to take charge of security at borders, forests, highways and the nooks and crannies of the state to ensure protection against hoodlums, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, bandits, etc.

The Corps can also collaborate with other security platforms in neighbouring states to ensure strengthening of security network in Lagos and such other states.

The Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni, had informed the House that he received a letter from the state’s Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Moyosore Onigbanjo, on Wednesday on the amendment of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency Law (LNSC), 2019.

The House subsequently took the first and second reading of the Bill entitled a House of Assembly Bill No. 5 Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Amendment Bill 2020 and for connected purposes.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1)  said that the bill though  an executive one , was predicated on the private member bill that established LNSC, which he said has been working well.

Agunbiade added that the bill incorporated the concept of a more dynamic and strengthened security platform than what currently obtains in Lagos State before.

He said: “The law only needs amendment to energise and strengthen the law owing to various challenges currently confronting the state and the South West region.

“It tries to create a unit out of the LNSC to be referred to as Amotekun Corps to take charge of security in certain areas such as in the forest, highway and other places to protect us against hoodlums, cattle rustling, kidnappers, herdsmen, bandits and others.

“The Amotekun corps is to take charge of security in borders, forest, highways, nooks and crannies of the state to be sure we are protected against hoodlums, herdsmen, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, bandits etc.”

The bill provides for a commander for Amotekun Corps who will be a retired police or army officer, and would bear arms with the approval of the police. “They will cooperate with other security platforms in Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and Osun States,” he said.

Ondo set to pass bill on Monday

The Ondo State House of Assembly is expected to pass the Amotekun Security bill on Monday.

The lawmakers   cut short their recess last Tuesday to expedite fast track the passing of the bill.

It was committed to the House Committee on Security on Wednesday following a robust debate on the benefits of the bill when passed into law.

The clerk of the Assembly, Bode Adeyelu, had earlier read a letter from the executive on the need to establish the security agency in order to assist in maintaining law and order across the state.

Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun commended his colleagues for cutting short their recess for the second time to attend to state matters.

The Speaker urged them to give the bill the desired attention in view of its benefits to the people.

Also, the Majority leader of the House, Jamiu Maito noted that the bill when passed into law would assist in reducing social vices in the state.

The bill was then committed to the House Committee on Security for proper scrutiny.

A public hearing on the bill is to be held on Monday to receive more contributions from the public.

Governor Akeredolu through his Special Adviser on security matter, Alhaji Dokumo said recruitment of personnel for the outfit will commence any moment from now.

Already, the state government had purchased 20 Vehicles and 100 Motorcycles for the use of the security outfit personnel.

The Western Nigeria Security Network was launched in Ibadan by Governors in the South West States, on January 9, as a way of confronting security challenges in the zone.

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SWITZERLAND PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA’S BID FOR IMO CATEGORY ‘C’ SEAT, Says Oyetola

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Nigeria’s quest to secure a Category ‘C’ seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026/2027 biennium received a major boost today as the Government of Switzerland formally pledged its support.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, received the letter of endorsement during a courtesy visit by the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Patrick Felix Egloff, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Expressing his delight, Oyetola described the Swiss government’s backing as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s campaign and a strong testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding international maritime standards.”

According to the Minister, Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council would further strengthen global efforts towards building “a more robust, safe, and sustainable maritime industry.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s maritime potential, Oyetola disclosed that the country boasts 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone and an extended continental shelf of 16,300km, positioning it as a strategic maritime nation.

“With these vast endowments, Nigeria, by any standard, is a maritime nation. That’s why the Ministry, in collaboration with the World Bank, AU-IBAR, the Kingdom of Norway, and other stakeholders, has developed a comprehensive National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy capable of standing the test of time,” he stated.

Oyetola further revealed that the Federal Government is adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to drive rapid investments in the maritime sector. These include inland waterways development, supply of boats, dredging, and navigation infrastructure.

On maritime security, the Minister emphasized the success of the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria’s state-of-the-art surveillance initiative:

“For the past three years, there has been zero piracy in our waters, and we’re committed to sustaining this achievement. We’re also working with other Gulf of Guinea countries to extend safety and security beyond our national waters.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Egloff noted that Switzerland’s decision to endorse Nigeria followed an earlier request from the Ministry in April 2025.

“I’m very glad to convey this letter of support. Switzerland is very happy to stand with Nigeria. You’re a strong candidate, and we appreciate your commitment to multilateralism and the maritime sector. Nigeria plays a very important role globally,” he affirmed.

With Switzerland’s endorsement, Nigeria’s campaign for the IMO Category ‘C’ Council seat gains further international momentum ahead of the elections slated for October/November 2025.

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Update : JUST IN: Tinubu returns after Japan, Brazil trips

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja around 1:20am on Thursday after concluding a three-day state visit to Brazil that yielded a raft of bilateral agreements and high-level engagements aimed at deepening Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with South America’s largest economy.

The President, who arrived aboard the presidential jet, was received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by a high-powered delegation of political leaders and senior government officials.

Among those present were Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Hope Uzodinma (Imo) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).

Also on hand to welcome the President were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and some Ministers, including Nyesom Wike (FCT); Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning) and Bello Matawalle (Defence, State).

President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil was marked by the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering aviation, trade, science, diplomacy, and finance.

At a joint press conference in Brasília, he welcomed the imminent return of Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, to Nigeria—five years after it halted its joint ventures.

“We have the largest gas repository. So I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done,” he said.

The agreements also included a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, to be operated by Air Peace.

Other MoUs targeted political consultations, scientific collaboration, and agricultural financing through Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development.

Beyond the MoUs, President Tinubu underscored his administration’s economic reforms, assuring Brazilian investors of a stable, transparent financial climate.

He cited Nigeria’s capital market growth as evidence of renewed investor confidence and pledged continued reforms to “unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation.”

In a meeting with Nigerians in Brazil, Tinubu called on the diaspora to contribute actively to nation-building, pledging technology-driven development and food security as the pillars of a prosperous future.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he told the gathering.

The visit, which featured red-carpet honours, bilateral meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and cultural engagements, signalled what both leaders described as a new era in Nigeria–Brazil relations.

Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil was preceded by his participation at the recently concluded ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

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Symbolic gestures to tangible cooperation, Air Peace clearance, Oil giant Petrobras return is key gain of Tinubu’s Brazil visit, Says Onanuga

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……Air Peace clearance for Lagos-Sao Paulo direct flights excites President

The return of Brazil’s oil giant, Petrobras, to Nigeria’s upstream is a major breakthrough recorded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the largest economy in South America, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said yesterday.

Besides, Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, was given the right to commence Lagos-Sao Paulo flights to underscore the renewed economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Sao Paulo is Brazil’s economic powerhouse and largest city.

Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, said the airline would deploy a Boeing 777 from its fleet to service the route.

A symbolic flight was planned for last night.

These agreements are part of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the two countries during the President’s third visit to Brazil in less than one year.

His two earlier visits were on invitations extended to Nigeria by G-20 and BRICS.

“Air Peace is now cleared to run flights between Lagos and Sao Paulo”, Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, declared to the excitement of President Tinubu at a joint news conference at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília to round off the visit.

According to Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the resumption of Petrobras’ operations five years after it halted joint ventures in Nigeria, would reignite economic cooperation in the energy sector.

“We have the largest gas repository. So, I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done as soon as possible,” Tinubu said.

The President praised his Brazilian counterpart for committing to revitalising the partnership between the two nations.

“Nigeria’s economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies,” Tinubu said, while acknowledging Embraer’s role in boosting local airline operations through plans for a service centre in Nigeria to support maintenance and repairs.

Reflecting on his past engagements in Brazil, Tinubu urged a shift from symbolic gestures to tangible cooperation.

“Honourable Ministers of both countries, members of the Brazil Business Group, I have listened carefully to my friend, President Lula. We had a lengthy discussion. We talked about history and about African and Brazilian heritage.

“We tried to see why we are not at the level we wanted. We have allowed some problems and activities in the past to deter us from making progress and fulfilling our promises. But today, we say that is the end of that,” he said.

Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner Brazil in technology transfer, food security, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

“Today, we are fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we, as a nation, the most populous, the most dynamic country, share with Brazil. We need to share—technology transfer, energy, economy — so Brazil can continue to widen opportunities for us to embrace Africa. Africa is the new frontier,” he said.

The President also called for knowledge sharing in pharmaceuticals, saying “we have elevated this promise to the path of reality, as you have seen in various MOUs. I don’t know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria.

“I don’t see why the technological superiority of Brazil is not shared with Africa. We assured each other that only we can develop our economies to help our sovereignty”, President Tinubu said.

Highlighting the reforms at home, Tinubu assured Brazilian investors of a new era in Nigeria’s economy.

“The reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming. It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and there will be no more corruption.

“We have the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria here. You don’t have to know him before getting the foreign exchange you need. The speculators are out. In our currency market, the door is open for businesses,” he said.

President Lula described the renewed Brazil–Nigeria engagement as timely in an era of rising protectionism.

“At a time when protectionism and unilateralism have returned, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their bet on free trade and productive integration. We continue to be dedicated to building a world of peace, free from hegemonic impositions.

“There are many possibilities for synergy between the world’s two largest countries with black populations. Agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, fertilisers, aircraft, and machinery, among others, represent wide avenues for cooperation.

“Increasing direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo,” he said.

The following MoUs were signed between the two countries:

*Bilateral Air Services Agreement by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos.

*Diplomatic Training Cooperation and MoU on political consultations were signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her Brazilian counterpart, Ambassador Mauro Vieira.

Nnaji, and Brazil’s Luciana Santos.

*The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s Minister for National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MOU for cooperation on trade and investment promotion, harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects.

Nigeria is currently Brazil’s 49th largest export destination, with trade between both countries reaching $2.1 billion in 2024.

Following the agreements, President Tinubu attended a state luncheon, hosted at the Itamaraty Palace.

Mohammed Idris: BASA to deepen ties

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed between Nigeria and Brazil as a significant breakthrough that will reconnect the two countries economically, socially, and culturally.

He described BASA as representing more than aviation.

“The 350 years of slavery between Africa and Brazil is being looked at again by the two leaders. And one way of looking at it is to ensure there is now a reconnection – economic, financial, social, cultural, whichever sphere. I think this is the best way to really go past what has happened during the period of slavery,” the minister said.

He noted that President Tinubu’s fourth meeting with President Lula in just over a year underscored the growing partnership between the two nations, which he said would also benefit Africa.

The minister said immediate “quick wins” from the agreement were already being realised, with a symbolic flight planned from Brazil to Abuja at midnight on Tuesday.

He noted that the direct link would reduce travel time between the two countries from more than 24 hours through European routes to about seven hours.

“Once this becomes commercially viable, it will not just enhance trade between the two countries, it will also improve the cultural and social cooperation that already exists,” he added.

Onyema, who described the BASA agreement as “a milestone,” said: “We cannot start daily flights for now, but we want to start with three weekly flights. As we go on, we develop the route and we’re going to increase the frequency. We told the Brazilians that we want to do Lagos, Rio, São Paulo and back to Lagos”.

The Air Peace chief emphasised that aviation would serve as a catalyst for unlocking the economic potential of both nations.

“The Brazilian economy is the largest in Latin America. The Nigerian economy is one of the largest in Africa. They need to tap into this. But without aviation, it’s very, very difficult for some of these things to be actualised,” Onyema said.

Boeing 777 for route

Speaking in an interview, Onyema said: “Nigerian aviation is grateful to President Tinubu for all he has been doing for the industry.

Air Peace has had long relation with Brazil as the biggest customer to Brazillian airplane maker, Embraer.

Air Peace signed a firm order for 13 Embraer E195-E2 jets in 2019, with the delivery of the first aircraft in early 2021. This was part of a larger agreement that included purchase rights for 17 additional aircraft of the same type, bringing the total potential order to 30 jets. The airline is the first African carrier to operate this new generation of Embraer aircraft.

Besides buying aeroplanes, Air Peace is fine-tuning strategies for the setting up of an aircraft maintenance facility in Nigeria.

Embraer, a few years ago, unveiled plans to establish an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility in Nigeria, in partnership with Air Peace. This initiative is part of a broader maintenance deal with the Nigerian airline to provide local maintenance support for its growing fleet of Embraer aircraft, aiming to conserve foreign exchange for airlines and create jobs in Nigeria.

As one of Nigeria’s biggest flag carriers , Air Peace is designated on Lagos/ London, Dubai, Johannesburg, Tel Aviv, China, Mumbai, Antigua and Barbuda,

Air Peace serves 20 major cities in Nigeria and many regional destinations throughout West Africa (Accra, Dakar, Douala Freetown, Banjul, and Monrovia.

Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., better known by and trading as the portmanteau Petrobras, is a Brazilian majority state-owned multinational corporation in the petroleum industry headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. The company’s name translates to Brazilian Petroleum Corporation — Petrobras.

Petrobras began operations in Nigeria in 1998 in the deep waters off the Niger Delta. It sold its stakes more than 10 years ago to raise cash for domestic projects. Since then, Nigeria has been working to address some of the problems that have limited oil and gas output.

Petrobras stopped business in Nigeria five years ago.

The company was ranked #71 in the 2023 Fortune Global 500 list. In the 2023 Forbes Global 2000, Petrobras was ranked as the 58th-largest public company in the world.

Petrobras was created in 1953 under the government of Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas with the slogan “The Oil is Ours”. It was given a legal monopoly in Brazil.

In 2000, Petrobras set a world record for oil exploration in deep waters, reaching a depth of 1,877 metres (6,158 ft) below sea level. In 2002, Petrobras acquired the Argentine company Perez Companc Energía (PECOM Energía S.A.) from the Perez Companc Family Group and its family foundation for $1.18 billion.

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