The Presidency on Thursday announced that President Bola Tinubu has extended the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The tenure of the CG of Customs is due to expire on August 31, 2025, but the President has extended his tenure by one year.
The Presidency, in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the extension, approved by Tinubu, will enable Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical initiatives of the administration.
The statement listed the reforms to include the modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, the implementation of the National Single Window Project, and the execution of Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol.
The statement further added that “President Tinubu recognises Mr. Adeniyi’s steadfast leadership and commitment to service.
“The President is confident that this extension will further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service in achieving its strategic mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.” (Vanguard)
Nigeriancitizens have praised the Super Falcons for helping the nation momentarily forget its problems following the women’s national team’s stunning comeback victory to claim a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
The 3-2 victory against hosts Morocco in Rabat saw the Falcons stage a remarkable comeback from being two goals down on Saturday night, prompting celebrations across the football-mad nation.
President Bola Tinubu led the country in celebrating the women’s squad, telling the team in a post-match video call that their “spectacular performance exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”
“You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation,” Tinubu said.
“You have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. Nigeria celebrates you.”
The triumph, dubbed Mission X, provided a welcome tonic for many Nigerians enduring the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as the government carries out economic reforms.
Taye Stephen, a father of three, told The PUNCH, “I’ve stopped watching the national teams for a while, but I’m so happy I watched this final. They have made all of us so happy.
“Sometimes, this is what Nigerians need to forget the issues going on here and just enjoy togetherness and joy. Let’s hope the Eagles can do the same when it’s their turn.”
Muhammad Awwal, a taxi driver who relocated to the northern city of Kano to escape the violence of Borno state, the epicentre of the jihadist insurgency, hailed the Falcons for helping Nigerians to momentarily forget the problems.
“Everywhere, people erupted in celebration after the final whistle. All our problems were drowned in the frenzy of celebration of the spectacular win,” Awwal told AFP.
“Last night, all the problems tormenting us – the high cost of living, banditry and Boko Haram violence – disappeared. It was a great relief, thanks to the Falcons,” he said.
Abuja housewife Comfort Zamani agreed, saying, “Life has not been easy, but at least the girls helped us to forget the hardships, even if for only a few hours.
“They have given us some hope that we should keep fighting and not give up even when things are rough.”
The victory confirmed the West Africans as the queens of women’s football in Africa, having now won 10 titles in 13 editions of the continental championship, providing a rare moment of national unity and joy amid challenging times. (Punch)
The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s $150,000 reward to the Super Falcons, arguing that the gesture is well-deserved, especially when compared to the ₦150 million prize money awarded to winners of the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu’s generous reward to the Super Falcons following backlash from some Nigerians about the gifts splashed on Nigeria’s women’s national team.
Defending the President’s gesture in a tweet on Tuesday, Onanuga compared the gifts to prize money awarded by reality show Big Brother Naija, saying some Nigerians didn’t appreciate President Tinubu’s gifts to the victorious players.
He wrote: “When you remember that Multichoice, the organizer of the BBNaija reality show, is offering the winner ₦150 million grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons. President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The comment comes amid debate over Tinubu’s lavish package for the national women’s football team after they clinched their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco on Saturday.
On Monday, the President hosted the victorious Falcons at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and announced national honours and substantial financial rewards for the team.
Each player received a national award of Order of the Niger (OON), a three-bedroom apartment, and $100,000 (approx. ₦153 million) in cash.
The 11-member technical team was also gifted $50,000 (₦75.6 million) each in recognition of their contribution to the team’s success.
President Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, calling their comeback from two goals down against host nation Morocco “a testament to the Nigerian fighting spirit.”
Despite widespread celebration of the win, some critics questioned the size of the reward amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The Super Falcons’ latest WAFCON triumph marks their 10th title, further cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team. (Vanguard)
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Alex Otti of Abia, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba have expressed grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Buhari as a transparent, courageous and honest leader who dedicated his life to Nigeria’s growth.
“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders.
“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader.
“His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor recalled Buhari’s long record of service, noting that he served as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and ultimately President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country… and served passionately,” he said.
He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, President Bola Tinubu, members of the All Progressives Congress, and the people of Katsina State.
In Taraba, Kefas also paid tribute, describing Buhari’s death as a monumental national loss.
A statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, noted Buhari’s lifelong dedication to public service, national unity, and the anti-corruption fight.
“Taraba State joins the rest of the country in mourning a leader who, despite criticisms, remained steadfast in his convictions and love for Nigeria,” the statement said.
Kefas praised Buhari’s austere lifestyle, discipline, and devotion to integrity and national security, urging Nigerians to uphold his legacy through unity and selfless service.
Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said he received the news of the former president’s death with sadness.
Otti extended condolences to the Federal Government, Tinubu, and the family of the deceased.
“Governor Otti, on behalf of his family and the good people of Abia State enjoins the ex-President’s family and loved ones to bear his demise with fortitude, while praying that God grants his soul eternal repose,” the statement read.
The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement released through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark noted that Buhari died at a crucial moment when his fatherly guidance was greatly needed to help steer the nation through its challenging leadership landscape.
President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, announced the death of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday.
The former President reportedly died in London at about 4:30 p.m. after battling a prolonged, undisclosed illness.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and was also the country’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
In response to his passing, President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to bring Buhari’s remains back for burial. He also ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect.
Mark, who served as the military governor of Niger State from 1984 to 1986 during Buhari’s tenure as Military Head of State, described the former President’s love for Nigeria as unmatched.
The ADC chieftain stated, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation.
“The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity”.
“It is sad that President Buhari transitioned to the great beyond at this time but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure.” (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as a national loss.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness”, the statement partly read.
Onanuga added that Tinubu has since reached out to the bereaved family.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences”, he stated.
To facilitate preparations and arrangements for the return of the late president’s remains, Onanuga revealed that the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel immediately.
“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria,” he added.
The statement concluded that as part of the nation’s mourning, Tinubu ordered a symbolic tribute, stating, “President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.” (Punch)
The Presidency on Sunday defended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a landmark diplomatic and cultural mission.
It said the visit is rekindling Nigeria’s ancestral and strategic ties with the Caribbean nation and the wider CARICOM bloc.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said, “In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia, it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit.”
The statement is titled ‘Why President Tinubu is on a state visit to Saint Lucia.’
It added, “First, from the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations.”
Onanuga explained that Saint Lucia, like many Caribbean nations, has deep ancestral roots connected to West Africa, especially Nigeria.
The statement read,” In the mid-19th century, a wave of immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing cultural and religious practices that persist today.
“Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island.
“They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links.”
The Presidency described the visit as a major effort within the framework of South-South cooperation and Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy strategy- Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.
It said, “Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the gateway to the 15 CARICOM member states.
“The CARICOM states have a combined GDP of over $130 billion, a significant figure in South-South trade discourse.”
Citing diplomatic and historical bonds, Onanuga recalled key historical ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, most notably the life and career of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979.
“Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who died on February 10, 1989, served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979,” it said, adding that, “He first came to Nigeria in 1957, recruited as a legal draftsman by the Western Regional Government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
It explained that Alexander became the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in 1958.
In 1960, he was appointed Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Western Regional Ministry of Justice.
Four years later, he was appointed a judge in the Lagos High Court, and in 1969, the defunct South Eastern State appointed him the chief judge.
He later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1975, succeeding Sir Teslim Olawale Elias.
The presidency also highlighted the contributions of other Saint Lucians, including Neville Skeete, who helped design the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, and Sir Darnley’s son Michael, a frontline medical officer during the Nigerian civil war.
On the cultural front, the Presidency stated that Tinubu’s visit aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as a key development partner.
“Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation.
“Our cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, are already making a significant impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean,” it said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s growing cultural footprint, the statement noted, “The Gros Islet Street Party is arguably one of Saint Lucia’s most famous cultural events. It has been held every Friday for over 50 years.
“On the Friday before President Tinubu’s arrival, Afrobeats and Nigerian music dominated the airwaves, a testament to Nigeria’s growing soft power and cultural footprint.”
On democratic values, the Presidency stressed that “Saint Lucia is a stable parliamentary democracy, making it a natural ally for Nigeria, which has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.”
During the live coverage of Tinubu’s arrival, a Saint Lucian commentator reportedly described him as a “fighter for democracy.”
Regarding Nigeria’s growing population, the statement said, “Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050.
“President Tinubu has consistently emphasised that Nigeria’s youthful population is a driver of economic transformation via education, industrialisation, and innovation.”
As part of his itinerary, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to deepen educational partnerships.
The delegation also includes members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, who are deployed to ACP countries to provide professional services.
“This assistance is delivered through the deployment of Nigerian professionals to recipient countries to address specific needs,” Onanuga explained. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State. Instead, he will travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Monday.
“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated.
According to him, Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects.
However, the official visit will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
During his stay, Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read.
Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ‘s founding fathers as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary.
In a keynote address on Wednesday in Lagos, the President urged leaders to look beyond the artificial borders created by colonialists and embrace one another as a family, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.
Tinubu, the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noted that the founding fathers foresaw a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional bloc that would benefit many generations.
“Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our community.
“In 1975, our founding leaders envisioned a West Africa where borders unite rather than divide – a region of free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence. That vision is still alive,” said Tinubu.
The President said the regional bloc had lived up to the founders’ expectations in many respects, including peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens, and working together to tackle security issues and global pandemics.
“ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity. In overcoming colonial legacies, we brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one vision —an achievement of global significance.
“Our region has pioneered free movement, expanded intra-regional trade, and deepened integration through instruments like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Joint Border Posts.
“These measures have facilitated business, cultural exchange, and mobility across West Africa,” Tinubu stated.
On peace and security, he said ECOWAS had acted decisively to restore constitutional order and counter instability.
“Our regional cooperation on counterterrorism and financial crime, including through GIABA, reflects our shared commitment to peace and safety.
“In governance, ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice — cementing accountability, rule of law, and people-centred governance,” the President stated.
President Tinubu pointed to progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation, singling out the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2045) and new platforms advancing regional growth and gender equality.
However, he emphasised the need for more vigorous policy implementation and urged member states to ensure citizens felt the tangible benefits of integration.
“Our young people and women – who form the majority – must be at the heart of ECOWAS development. We must invest deliberately in their education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership. Their success is the key to our future stability and prosperity.
“For nearly 40 years, Nigeria has supported regional capacity building through the Technical Aid Corps. We remain committed to deploying skilled professionals to ECOWAS countries and will continue to honour every eligible request,” the President added.
He urged leaders to close their ranks and work together to ensure the success of the economic bloc.
“As we look to the next fifty years, let us renew our compact with one another – with courage, clarity, and conviction.
“The work of integration is never done. Each generation must carry the flame forward, lighting the path of unity and shared progress for those who come after.
“Let us imagine a West Africa where our borders are zones of cooperation, not conflict; where our economies thrive through joint effort; and where our people, diverse yet bound by destiny, walk together toward peace, prosperity, and justice,” he said. (Vanguard)
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