Television Nigerian

In order to increase the motivation of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel, former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has encouraged Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs to advocate for improved compensation.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decoration of the officers with their new levels, the lawmaker provided the recommendation on Thursday in a statement from Abuja.

On Wednesday, the Senate vetted and approved the appointment of General Oluyede and three others.

The Red Chamber also confirmed Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff in addition to the new Chief of Defense Staff.

The new service chiefs were decorated at the presidential palace by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday.

In response, Ndame, a senator from Borno South and the former chairman of the Senate Committee on Army in the Ninth Senate, argued that increased compensation was essential to boosting military morale in the battle against banditry, insurgency, and other threats to Nigerians’ lives and property.

“I have identified four pillars that would keep security threats at bay and make our military formidable at all times,” he declared. I have classified this as TEAM. Training comes first, followed by equipment, ammunition, and motivations, in that sequence.

Additionally, the member urged the current administration to prioritize the military budget by placing it under the First Line Charge.

“The First Line Charge should oversee the yearly budget for the armed forces and other security forces; it should not be left up to discretion. They ought to be loaded in front.

The former Senate Leader continued his argument for greater compensation by pointing out that, in comparison to their counterparts in nearby West African states, the salaries and benefits of Nigerian military leaders and soldiers are nothing to write home about.

The basic salary for enlisted servicemen in South Africa is around N250,000 per month (converted), while the entry-level salary for a private soldier in Ghana is roughly N180,000.

Junior enlisted officers in Egypt make between N230,000 and N280,000 per month, whereas a private in Kenya makes roughly N200,000, not including operational allowances.

Despite increased deployment frequency and operational challenges, the average private soldier in Nigeria makes substantially less money.

“Rising living expenses have outpaced the current minimum entry-level wage and compensation for many employees across these services, with knock-on effects on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness—particularly for personnel deployed in high-risk theaters and remote locations.”

Chief Ayiri Emami, a leader of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for approving a 15% ad-valorem import tax on gasoline and fuel, claiming that the action will make the plight of common Nigerians worse.

At a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, Emami brought up the issues.

The new tariff is intended to safeguard domestic refineries, stabilize the downstream oil industry, and bolster local refining capacity, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, which started the idea and won the President’s approval.

The proposal was part of continuing changes to “operationalize crude transactions in local currency, strengthen local refining capacity, and ensure a stable, affordable supply of petroleum products across Nigeria,” according to FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji.

Emami, the chairman and CEO of A & E Group, a construction, haulage, and oil company, disagreed.

He bemoaned that the legislation would “hurt the masses, not marketers” in an interview with reporters.

Additionally, the APC mainstay asked the President to put it on hold until the government gives Nigerians greater assistance.

“Mr. President is not benefiting from anyone’s advice to levy a 15% tax on petroleum at this time. This type of legislation will harm regular Nigerians rather than marketers.

“Any tax you impose on petroleum directly benefits the homeless. Nigerians already face hardship and hunger, he said.

Additionally, Emami cautioned that daily livelihoods have already been severely impacted by gasoline prices, especially for rural and riverine people that rely on transportation and fishing.

“Purchasing fuel determines whether you can even go out to fish,” he remarked. We can no longer afford to reach the fish, not that they have disappeared.

In my opinion, that 15% ought to be set aside until the government offers Nigerians additional assistance. There hasn’t been any improvement even after the fuel subsidy was eliminated. It’s still difficult. So why take on yet more burden?

The oil tycoon also voiced concern that the President must have been duped by some individuals.

“Some people only want to cause additional issues; they don’t care about Mr. President or what he’s going through. “Those are my genuine thoughts on the subject,” he continued.

According to reports, Tinubu approved the new pricing and ordered its immediate enforcement in a letter dated October 21, 2025, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the FIRS.

Official estimates indicate that the 15% import tariff might raise the landing cost of gasoline by roughly ₦99.72 per litre, pushing pump prices in Lagos to roughly ₦964.72 per litre, which is still less than regional norms.

According to government sources, the policy is a part of initiatives to encourage the Dangote Refinery and modular facilities in the states of Edo, Rivers, and Imo to increase production and lessen Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports, which still supply around 67% of the country’s fuel needs.

Industry analysts caution that without matching relief measures, the increased charge might put additional strain on people already struggling with the consequences of inflation and the elimination of fuel subsidies.

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, took office on Thursday and promised to step up efforts to combat maritime crimes endangering Nigeria’s economy, such as illicit bunkering and the theft of crude oil.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged that despite significant progress, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes that endanger national security and economic prosperity continue to threaten Nigeria’s maritime environment.

In order to tackle these issues, the naval chief announced his tenure’s top priorities, which include strengthening cooperation with other security agencies, prioritizing personnel welfare and training, boosting fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased use of technology, and improving maritime security.

“I am aware that a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking continue to threaten our maritime environment,” he declared. The livelihoods of our coastal towns, the stability and prosperity of our beloved country’s economy, and energy security are all at risk due to these crimes.

“My tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach to confront these challenges decisively. This approach will prioritize training and personnel welfare, strengthen maritime security and combat illegalities, enhance our fleet’s operational capability through aggressive fleet renewal use of technology, and foster inter-agency synergy, regional, and international collaboration.”
As the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff, I stand before you today with humility and thanksgiving to God. “I will always be appreciative to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief, for believing that I am qualified to command the Nigerian Navy,” he declared.

The naval head praised Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, his predecessor, for his “visionary leadership and service,” which he claimed had established a strong basis for the Navy’s ongoing advancement.

He emphasized that discipline and accountability will always be crucial and urged navy personnel to uphold the service’s essential characteristics of honesty, professionalism, and teamwork.

“I pledge to take the initiative and make sure that your well-being always comes first. reassuring Nigerians that the Navy will put up endless effort to protect the country’s seas and promote the expansion of the blue economy,” he stated.

According to reports, President Bola Tinubu named new service heads for the Army, Navy, and Air Force this week as part of a significant reorganization in the Armed Forces.

According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter, President Bola Tinubu is bolstering institutions rather than appealing to sentimentality or social media antics.

According to reports, the statement comes after Phrank Shaibu, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, lashed out at Tinubu for what he called a “pardon U-turn.”

In response to the examination of the presidential pardon list, Shaibu stated that Nigerians are seeing an administration that considers its actions before acting.

Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the spokesperson for the APC Lagos Chapter, responded by calling the comment a “cocktail of ignorance, frustration, and political bitterness from a camp desperate for attention” in a statement released on Thursday.

Oladejo urged Atiku’s side to refrain from using ignorance as a weapon, pointing out that Tinubu’s leadership is based on the law rather than feelings.

Oladejo stated that Nigeria is progressing under Tinubu’s leadership and that no amount of political outbursts will alter the situation, while advising Nigerians to disregard Atiku’s camp.

“President Tinubu’s decisions are driven by due process, rule of law, and national interest, in contrast to the impetuous and ignorant commentary that has become the trademark of the opposition,” the statement said.

“Informed review and reconsideration are indicators of credible leadership and institutional maturity, not weakness, in advanced democracies.”

Consultation and constitutional improvement only result in a U-turn in the narrowest recesses of the opposition’s consciousness.

“The Nigerian people are tired of this childish, resentful politics in which wise governing choices are criticized for the purpose of making noise.

“Instead than appealing to sentiment or social media theatrics, President Tinubu is bolstering institutions. Petty politicians shout while responsible leaders construct.

“We implore Nigerians to disregard the most recent media outbursts from the side of a defeated politician.” Instead of the resentment and bewilderment that have come to characterize individuals who have been frequently defeated at the polls, President Tinubu will continue to lead with constitutional discipline, courage, and clarity of purpose.

“No amount of political outbursts will change the fact that Nigeria is progressing.”

A 15% ad-valorem import charge on gasoline and diesel imports entering Nigeria has been approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Although the program is intended to stabilize the downstream market and safeguard regional refineries, pump prices will probably increase as a result.

Tinubu instructed the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to implement the tariff immediately as part of what the government referred to as a “market-responsive import tariff framework” in a letter dated October 21, 2025, which was made public on October 30, 2025.

The letter, which our correspondent got on Wednesday and was signed by his private secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, expressed the President’s acceptance of a suggestion made by Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the FIRS.

In order to bring import costs into line with domestic market realities, the proposal called for the imposition of a 15% tariff on the cost, insurance, and freight value of imported gasoline and diesel.

In his message to the President, Adedeji clarified that the action was a component of ongoing reforms to support local refining, maintain price stability, and fortify the naira-based oil economy in accordance with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for fiscal sustainability and energy security.

“Operationalizing crude transactions in local currency, strengthening local refining capacity, and ensuring a stable, affordable supply of petroleum products across Nigeria are the core objectives of this initiative,” Adedeji said.

Additionally, the head of FIRS cautioned that market volatility has resulted from the current mismatch between locally refined products and import parity price.

He stated, “Price instability persists, partly due to the misalignment between local refiners and marketers, even though domestic petrol refining has begun to increase and diesel sufficiency has been achieved.”

He pointed out that the standard for setting pump prices, import parity pricing, frequently falls short of local manufacturers’ cost recovery levels, especially during freight and foreign exchange fluctuations, placing pressure on newly established domestic refineries.

According to Adedeji, the government’s role is now “twofold, to ensure a level playing field for refiners to recover costs and attract investments, while protecting consumers and domestic producers from unfair pricing practices and collusion.”

He said that the new tariff structure will promote a fair and competitive downstream environment and deter duty-free gasoline imports from undermining domestic manufacturers.

The 15% import tariff could raise the landing cost of gasoline by an estimated N99.72 per liter, according to estimates in the letter.

This is an increase of about 99.72 per litre at current CIF levels, which pushes imported landed costs in the direction of local cost-recovery without restricting supply or raising consumer prices over acceptable limits. The predicted Lagos pump costs would still be substantially lower than regional averages like Senegal ($1.76 per litre), Cote d’Ivoire ($1.52 per litre), and Ghana ($1.37 per litre) even after this modification, remaining in the range of N964.72 per litre ($0.62).

The strategy is implemented as Nigeria steps up attempts to increase domestic refining and lessen reliance on imported petroleum products.

While modular refineries in the states of Edo, Rivers, and Imo have begun small-scale petrol refining, the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery in Lagos has started producing diesel and aviation fuel.

But even with these improvements, up to 67% of the country’s petrol needs are still met by imports.

The Federal Government, headed by President Bola Tinubu, has been urged by the House of Representatives to act quickly to bring back the former splendor of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; the University of Ibadan; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo) sponsored the motion that was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary session, which was followed by the resolution.

Legislators overwhelmingly supported the resolution, “Need to Upgrade First-Generation Universities and Investigate the Quality and Standards of TETFUND Projects Across Federal Universities in Nigeria.”

According to Oseni, the first-generation colleges, which were founded in the early 1960s, used to be the height of academic achievement, with top-notch facilities, highly skilled instructors, and an atmosphere that won praise from all over the world.

But their once-enviable status has been undermined by decades of neglect, insufficient support, and deteriorating infrastructure.

He bemoaned the state of these universities’ lecture halls, dorms, and auditoriums. On the other hand, once-thriving establishments like university zoos, which were previously popular tourist destinations, are either nonexistent or abandoned.

The member also voiced concern over the subpar Tertiary Education Trust Fund intervention projects, claiming that, in contrast to buildings constructed more than 60 years ago, many recently finished projects already exhibit signs of deterioration.

In response, in order to guarantee value for money and accountability in the use of public funds, the House decided to carry out a thorough examination of the caliber and standard of TETFund projects carried out in federal universities.

Additionally, lawmakers called on development partners, the National Universities Commission, the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, and TETFund to work together on ways to improve and rehabilitate first-generation universities.

The House also ordered its Committees on University Education, TETFund, and other pertinent organizations to look into finished and continuing projects in the nation’s tertiary institutions, make sure that standards are being followed, and report back within four weeks for additional legislative action.

According to reports, the universities, which include ABU, UI, UNN, and others, are among Nigeria’s oldest and most esteemed federal establishments. They were mostly founded during the period of independence in the early 1960s.

At first, they were the standard for intellectual excellence in Africa, drawing students and scholars from other countries.

These institutions have endured “decades of neglect, poor funding, and infrastructural decay,” as the motion makes clear.

Their “once enviable status” has been lost as a result of this ongoing decline, which has also lowered their stature internationally and made it harder for them to compete.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended by Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, for giving the policy backing that enabled the airline’s historic Abuja–London Heathrow trip.

He said that foreign airfares were reduced from up to $13,000 to roughly $3,000 thanks to the president’s intervention.

In an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Onyema called the achievement a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry and evidence of what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together effectively.

“I would want to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for accomplishing this. This is an illustration of how the government can facilitate the growth of the private sector.

“The private sector is essential to the development of any nation because it embodies and carries out the government’s goals and objectives.”

“President Tinubu made the right decision for this nation.” Foreign airlines were compelled by his action to dramatically lower their ticket costs. From Abuja to Heathrow, the cost has dropped from $13,000 to $3,000, according to Onyema.

His remarks followed the launch of a direct route from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to London Heathrow Airport by Air Peace Limited on Sunday.

“The flight took off this morning, Sunday, October 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive this evening in London, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry,” the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stated in a statement issued through his assistant.

The trip has “saved Nigerians money and made flying affordable again,” according to Onyema. The arrival of competition made even the Brits on our flights delighted.

The head of Air Peace disclosed that the airline currently runs 14 weekly flights between Nigeria and the UK, including routes from Abuja to London Heathrow and Lagos to London Gatwick. This is a first for any Nigerian airline.

He claimed that foreign airlines were compelled to reassess their prices as a result of entering the lucrative UK route, which was advantageous to all travelers.

The Lagos–London Gatwick and Abuja–London Heathrow routes will be operated concurrently by a Nigerian airline for the first time.

It has made the corridor accessible to all of the world, not just Europe. With our reasonable tickets, many of our passengers are traveling to America, Canada, and Asia via London, saving a significant amount of money.

“You can now fly other airlines at reduced fares even if you don’t fly Air Peace,” he continued.

“At least Nigerians now have a choice, even though Air Peace cannot fly everyone,” he stated.

Onyema gave Keyamo credit for spearheading the president’s aviation strategy, pointing out that after more than 15 years of restrictions, Nigerian airlines now have access to international leasing choices under Tinubu’s government.

“I can’t stop commending Festus Keyamo.” He is fully carrying out the President’s vision and mandate. Nigerian airlines will now offer leasing alternatives for the first time.

“The industry was blacklisted for more than 15 years, but this administration changed everything.” The Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which permits large leasing firms to enter Nigeria, was signed by them.

“Nigerian aviation has been revitalized by the government,” he declared.

Additionally, Onyema praised the government’s decision to remove the 4% FOB tax on imported aviation parts, claiming that such accommodating measures had increased investor confidence.

“We only want supporting policies, not financial assistance. The president promptly eliminated the charge when we voiced our concerns. A government that listens does just that.

However, Onyema issued a warning against bureaucratic animosity toward local businesses.

“A pull-him-down syndrome still affects certain people. Destroying a business like Air Peace, which employs more than 10,000 Nigerians, is bad for the country. Insecurity increases when people are unemployed.

He reiterated Air Peace’s dedication to promoting Nigeria internationally, emphasizing that the nation, not only the airline’s founder, is responsible for its success.

“Air Peace is about Nigeria, not Allen Onyema.” “Every time we fly our flag in London, we demonstrate what Nigerians can accomplish when the public and private sectors collaborate,” he continued.

According to reports, Kayemo stated in June 2025 that the historic flight is the result of the Federal Government’s persistent diplomatic efforts to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.

The breakthrough, according to the minister, was the outcome of a letter sent by the ministry to Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, on August 1, 2024.