The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed a comprehensive investigation into reports of a fresh COVID-19 case in Cross River State.
Akpabio issued the directive at the close of Thursday’s plenary, mandating the Senate Committee on Health to urgently examine the situation.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ipalibo Banigo, is expected to investigate the reported case and present its findings at the next legislative sitting.
The move follows reports of an isolated COVID-19 case in Cross River State, raising concerns over surveillance, testing and response capacity.
Health authorities are said to be monitoring the situation closely, amid calls for heightened vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.
Lawmakers said the probe would assess the public health response, the preparedness of health institutions and measures needed to contain any potential spread. (TVCNews)
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters in Abuja, declaring that no serious nation could attain lasting prosperity with a weak and fragmented revenue system.
Speaking at the official event, Tinubu said the commissioning went beyond the physical unveiling of the building, marking a pivotal step in the administration’s fiscal reforms aimed at restoring public trust and building an economy rooted in discipline and equity.
“No serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system. No government can demand trust from its citizens when taxation is opaque, inefficient or unjust,” Tinubu declared.
He said his administration had taken bold steps to overhaul the tax system, simplifying processes, eliminating distortions, and fostering a transparent, investment-friendly environment.
“That is why this administration took the bold decision to embark on far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms, reforms designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions and create a fair, transparent and investment-friendly environment,” the president said.
Tinubu said the early outcomes of these reforms were already evident, including improved fiscal stability and stronger investor confidence.
“Our direction is clear: a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth and ensures that every contribution to the national purse is matched by feasible value for people. The early results are encouraging, fantastic,” he said, thanking NRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji for his role.
He described the new headquarters as a symbol of professionalism and accountability. “The building is more than concrete and steel; it is a symbol of a new standard of professionalism, transparency, efficiency and service. It reflects our result that institutions must rise to meet the demand of reforms and the expectations of the Nigerian people,” Tinubu said.
The president urged the NRS to prioritise trust-building and fairness.
“We must thank Nigerian people for enduring and persevering, for their resilience to date and to the Nigerian Revenue Service, you must embody this new ethos. It must not only collect revenue, it must build trust, it must ensure fairness,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his inaugural pledge as a covenant with Nigerians. “On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we would move Nigeria from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. I committed that, that we will confront structural weaknesses, restore fairness and build an economy anchored on discipline, equity and opportunity. Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric. They were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” he said.
He concluded by commissioning the building, saying, “We are facing reform, we have chosen discipline, we have chosen progress, we have chosen development, prosperity and inclusiveness, and we will stay this course, steadfast and focused, until promise of Nigeria is matched by the performance of its institutions and the prosperity of its people. To the glory of God Almighty and to the benefit of Nigerians at home and abroad, I hereby declare this building and the God blessed public of Nigeria and the tax collector,” Tinubu said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his goodwill message, described the event as a testament to divine favour and visionary governance.
He celebrated the transformation of Nigeria’s revenue system under Tinubu in Lagos, from monthly collections of N4 billion to over N69 billion, attributing it to the president’s foresight.
“This is wonderful in the sight of God and this is wonderful in the sight of man. And of course, they say, whatever is done on earth, is also done in heaven. I’m very sure that this is the case. It’s also being celebrated in heaven,” Akpabio began.
He recalled his endorsement during the primaries, emphasising Tinubu’s unique vision.
“Your Excellency the President, when we were coming into office, during the primaries and the convention, I made a statement that We’re going to elect a candidate who has good sight and vision. And that sight and that vision enabled him to take the revenue service in legal sense from N4 billion a month in Lagos. So what we are having today is over N69 billion. And of course, I said can we do the same for Nigeria? If elected. Thank God, Nigerians believed me and elected you,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President highlighted state-level progress and Tinubu’s commitment to true federalism.
“Today, Mr President, you have sent me to commission many projects in states of the Federation. And one of those that we first commissioned was the lithium factory in Nasarawa State… Consistently you’ve shown that you do not only believe in democracy, but you believe in true federalism. That every money that goes into the Federation account, has a shine in our constitution,” he stated.
Akpabio celebrated NRS gains amid global oil disruptions and commended Tinubu’s personnel choices.
“Nigeria today even with the closure of the Hormuz Strait… we have not had 2, 3, 4, 5 kilometers of fuel line… You have a knack for picking good people… Dr Zacch, congratulations.”
Akpabio envisioned the NRS as a symbol of self-reliance. “Imagine this edifice, rising in the heart of our nation’s capital… No nation can endure if it depends only on what is given to it… The National Assembly must continue to stand firmly behind this president… Let us not say that you came to open a door that will work only through your administration, but you have opened a chapter that will bring total responsibility.”
Akpabio urged fiscal prudence on inherited debts.
“I get worried when I read that you have made numerous debts, including ways and means of worth N33 trillion… In the future of Nigeria, we cannot ignore others’ past mistakes.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in his goodwill message, said the NRS headquarters symbolised Nigeria’s commitment to institutional discipline.
“Institutions reveal themselves not only through laws or leadership but also through the systems they sustain over time. This building invites a different kind of reflection. It is not simply about scale or design. It is about whether Nigeria now possesses the institutional discipline to convert authority into consistent outcomes,” Abbas said.
He praised the Tinubu administration’s fiscal reforms for their courage and clarity.
“The fiscal reform programme initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu required not only technical clarity but political courage. It required a willingness to confront structural weaknesses that had accumulated over time and to make decisions whose benefits would not be immediate but whose necessity was clear,” the Speaker said.
Abbas highlighted the challenges of the old system and the impact of the 2025 Tax Reform Acts. (Sun)
President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the country will ultimately overcome banditry and terrorism despite current challenges.
He made the remarks while delivering a speech at the commissioning of the state-owned Gateway International Airport and Ogun State’s aircrafts in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area.
The president emphasised that Nigeria is on a path of development and greatness, driven by ongoing reforms in critical sectors of the economy, which have restored investor confidence.
“We will win over banditry and terrorism. I gave you the assurance that we will invest more in our people. Thank God for our youths, they are committed, brilliant and working hard. Nigeria, our country, is resolved to be great and is on the path to greatness once again,” Tinubu said.
The President added, “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity we have today to celebrate the remarkable vision of a governor and his predecessors. Today, we commission the economic nerve centre of our corridor.”
“In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism to grow Nigeria. We celebrate your contribution to national development. I have no regrets for whatever we have done with you.
“As your President, I am pleased to see that the increase in federal allocations is being effectively and judiciously used to build our country. I congratulate the people of this great state for supporting a government that is delivering measurable progress, and I thank you for your continued faith in our nation.”
Highlighting the people-centered nature of his administration’s investments, Tinubu said, “The Lord is liberating Nigeria from past mismanagement. We are back as a nation, well respected and highly recognized.”
He noted that the Gateway Airport is connected to investments in gas and energy and praised Governor Abiodun’s broader development projects, saying they reflect a commitment to progress that must “touch every level.”
Tinubu also commended Abiodun’s agricultural initiatives and the rollout of 1,000 electric bikes, describing them as “a smart response to modern transportation needs.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also attended the ceremony, thanked Tinubu for making the effort to participate and called the event a significant milestone in Ogun State’s history.
He commended Governor Abiodun for building the airport, noting that it is a landmark project.
“I’ve landed here from Abuja, and it took me 45 minutes to reach my home — at least 25 minutes shorter than if I had landed in Lagos. I want to thank our governor for doing us proud. I am happy to witness this historic occasion,” Obasanjo said.
He also recalled being part of the “conspiracy” to create Ogun State 50 years ago and noted that the level of development achieved under Abiodun is beyond what anyone could have imagined.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu for reforms that have, in his view, relieved states of salary arrears and other financial burdens. He also commended Governor Abiodun for constructing the Gateway Airport and for the judicious use of increased federal allocations.
Governor Abiodun, visibly elated by the president’s presence, described it as deeply symbolic. He praised Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” saying it has positioned Nigeria as a competitive investment destination and inspired confidence among local and international investors.
He highlighted that when he assumed office, he realized that for Ogun State to maximize its proximity to Lagos, the administration had to close the infrastructure gap.
Over the last seven years, Abiodun said, his government has enhanced trade mobility, expanded infrastructure, and positioned Ogun as one of the fastest-growing economies in Nigeria through deliberate policies that promote economic development.
Abiodun also highlighted accomplishments in transportation, housing, healthcare, energy, agriculture, security, and environmental sustainability.
He noted the construction of over 1,600 kilometers of roads, including the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, Sango-Abeokuta Expressway, Ilishan-Iperu Road, and the Sagamu–Iperu–Ode Remo–Sapade Expressway, now renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway, which serves as a bypass to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The state has also developed the Muhammadu Buhari Estate, offering 100 semi-detached and fully detached housing units, and over 7,000 affordable homes.
In healthcare, Abiodun pointed to 140 completed and equipped primary healthcare centers and the 200-bed Gateway Medical Centre of Excellence, now affiliated with the Abuja Medical Centre of Excellence, which he said reduces the need for medical travel and positions Ogun as a hub for medical tourism. Energy projects, including the 34.1-megawatt Onijanganjangan Independent Power Project, are supporting industrial growth and economic expansion, while mechanized farming initiatives are strengthening food security across the state.
The administration has also deployed 100 pickup vehicles and other infrastructure to support law enforcement, and introduced electric bikes to promote sustainable urban transportation and mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by governors of Zamfara, Bayelsa, Taraba, Ekiti, Ondo, Niger, and Lagos states, as well as the deputy governors of Oyo and Lagos. Former Ogun State governors Senators Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Ambassador Femi Pedro, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, chairmen of Dangote and BUA Groups, Femi Otedola, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, CEO of Zenith Bank, and Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi were also in attendance. (Channels)
The Senate on Tuesday passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026.
Before the passage, there was a rowdy session as the upper chamber resumed proceedings with a demand for division over Clause 60 raised by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC/Abia South).
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, stated that he believed the demand had previously been withdrawn, but several opposition senators immediately objected to that claim.
Citing Order 52(6), the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, argued that it would be out of order to revisit any provision on which the Senate President had already ruled.
This submission sparked another uproar in the chamber, during which Senator Sunday Karimi had a brief face-off with Abaribe.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, then reminded lawmakers that he had sponsored the motion for rescission, underscoring that decisions previously taken by the Senate are no longer valid.
He maintained that, consistent with his motion, Senator Abaribe’s demand was in line.
Akpabio further suggested that the call for division was merely an attempt by Senator Abaribe to publicly demonstrate his stance to Nigerians.
The senate president sustained the point of order, after which Abaribe rose in protest and was urged to formally move his motion.
Rising under Order 72(1), Abaribe called for a division on Clause 60(3), specifically concerning the provision that if electronic transmission of results fails, Form EC8A should not serve as the sole basis, calling for the removal of the proviso that allows for manual transmission of results in the event of network failure.
During the division, Akpabio directed senators who supported the caveat to stand.
He then asked those opposed to the caveat to rise.
Fifteen opposition senators stood in opposition.
However, when the votes were counted, the Senate President announced that 15 senators were not in support of the proviso, while 55 senators voted in support of it.
Earlier, proceedings in the Senate were momentarily stalled as lawmakers began clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, following a motion to rescind the earlier amendment.
The motion to rescind the bill was formally seconded on Tuesday, paving the way for the upper chamber to dissolve into the committee of the whole for detailed reconsideration and reenactment of the proposed legislation.
During the session, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reeled out the clauses one after the other for deliberation.
However, the process stalled when at clause 60, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC/Abia South), raised a point of order, drawing immediate attention on the floor.
Following the intervention, murmurs spread across the chamber as lawmakers began speaking in small groups and approaching the Senate President’s desk for consultations.
The session immediately moved into a closed door session. (Channels)
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced automatic employment for the two sons of his police rider, Deputy Superintendent of Police Hussani Ibrahim, who died in a motor accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Sunday.
Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday on the floor of the Senate while formally informing lawmakers of the officer’s death.
The late DSP Ibrahim, who served as the Senate President’s rider, according to a Premium Times report, was killed on Sunday when a petrol tanker rammed into Akpabio’s convoy.
The incident reportedly occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after the Senate President was picked up at the airport following his attendance at the chieftaincy conferment for Senator AbdulAzeez Yari and Seyi Tinubu in Oyo.
Speaking on the incident during plenary, Akpabio said, “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague and the vehicles that came to pick me at the Ibadan airport… Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.”
The Senate President appealed to heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to grant automatic employment to the children of the late rider.
He added that if no vacancies were available, he would personally ensure their employment.
“By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to, otherwise I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns,” Akpabio added.
In a solemn address, Akpabio paid tribute to the deceased officer, describing him as a disciplined and dedicated professional whose life was defined by service.
Addressing the bereaved family, the Senate President said, “Your late father understood the value of work and service. He devoted himself to it. Unfortunately, instead of earning a laurel for the devotion, he earned death.
“But it is death that is not in vain. It is death that testifies to his legacy of service. May the Lord accept his soul.”
Akpabio also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Police Force, describing Ibrahim as courageous and fearless.
“I commiserate with the family, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force over the loss of this courageous, fearless, and daring officer.
“While I pray to God to accept his soul, may He in His infinite mercy grant the family and the Nigeria Police Force the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
The Senate President explained that the pledge of automatic employment for the late officer’s sons was a personal gesture aimed at honouring his sacrifice and years of dedicated service.
Shortly after the announcement, Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, raised a motion for personal explanation to formally present the incident to the Senate through a substantive motion.
While sympathising with the Senate President, Karimi said the late dispatch rider was due for retirement next year.
He added that Mr Hussaini, a native of Kogi State, had served in Akpabio’s convoy since 2023, when he assumed office as Senate President.
Also on Tuesday, the Senate paid tribute to Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur, who died recently.
Tukur was described as a committed and dedicated driver who served for 25 years under the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Jibrin Echocho.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of both deceased individuals and offered prayers for the repose of their souls. (Punch)
The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin in support of efforts to restore peace and stability following last weekend’s attempted coup.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole in line with section 5, Part 11 of the Constitution.
The Senators unanimously voted in favour of the deployment, giving legislative backing for the regional security intervention.
Akpabio described the decision as a step in the right direction, noting that instability in any neighboring state poses a threat to the entire region.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the lawmaker said.
He underscored that it is Nigeria’s responsibility to support its Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) partner.
The Senate’s consent letter will be transmitted to President Tinubu immediately.
Tinubu had written to the Senate, seeking their approval for the deployment of troops to the Benin Republic. He said that Nigeria has a historical responsibility to support Benin under the existing Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) security frameworks.
According to the President, the crisis demands “urgent external intervention” to help restore stability and prevent further breakdown of order.
Benin Republic’s attempted coup occurred on Sunday, when some military personnel announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. (Channels)
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of three non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
The nominees are Kayode Aare (Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State), and Ayodele Oke (Oyo State).
The letter was read during plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio has, therefore, directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to review the nominations and report back to the chamber within one week.
This is the first list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate by Tinubu since he became the President on May 29, 2023.
There had been calls on the President to appoint ambassadors and high commissioners for foreign missions.
Concerns over the non-appointment of ambassors were reignited in the wake of the threat by
A former Nigerian External Affairs Minister, Bolaji Akinyemi, had argued that, despite internet access to information, diplomacy still required personal ambassadorial contact.
“I believe credible appointments should be made to the vacant ambassadorial posts. We need to fill them,” Akinyemi said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today in September. (Channels)
The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.
Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.
He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.
Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.
Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.
According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.
The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.
The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.
The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. (Punch)
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that Nigeria is moving in the right direction as President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor also dismissed claims that Nigeria is “finished” or irredeemable, insisting the country is on the right track under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akpabio made the appeal in a congratulatory message to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.
However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.
The statement read: “At 65, we are mature and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people. We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.
“In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria,’ I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms.
“We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms. But I want to assure you that very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.”
Continuing, the Senate president urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for a little while longer in the interest of the future generations.
Akpabio also dismissed insinuations by critics of the current administration that the country has finished running its course.
“I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable.
“We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.
“If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land,” he stated. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Abuja after concluding his annual working vacation in Europe.
Tinubu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and was received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Also at the airport were his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s return in a statement issued on Monday.
He said Tinubu concluded his work vacation ahead of schedule and would resume official duties on Tuesday.
The President departed Nigeria on September 4 for France, intending to split his annual holiday between France and the United Kingdom.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and pledged to strengthen partnerships for mutual prosperity and global stability. (Channels)
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