COVER
Senate: Dino, Tinubu’s Men, Others Grab Juicy Committees
By Jude Opara, Abuja
Some notable members of the Senate were yesterday named as chairmen of some notable standing committees of the upper legislative arm of government.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan who announced the reconstitution of the standing committees named his rival to the position of the senate presidency, Ali Ndume as the chairman of the committee on the Army, while Abba Moro will serve as his vice.
Dino Melaye was announced as the chairman of the committee on Aviation while his deputy is Bala Na’ Allah.
Also, wife of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oluremi Tinubu is to head the committee on Communications with Ibrahim Bomai as her deputy.The immediate governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha heads the committee on Culture and Tourism with Ignatius Longjohn as the vice.
Lawan made the announcement on Tuesday before the senate adjourned for its annual recess.
While naming chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of the various committees, the president of the senate said they were now ready to engage the executive on various issues bordering on governance.
The immediate past deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu was named chairman of environment committee, while Ibrahim Hadejia will serve as the deputy.
Bala Na’Allah, a former deputy senate leader in the eight senate, was named chairman of air force committee with Michael Nnachi as his deputy,
The full list:
Here is the full list of chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of the 69 committees;
Full list of chairmen of Senate standing committees and their deputies
1. Agriculture – Abdullahi Adamu, Bima Enagi.
2. Airforce – Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Michael Nnachi.
3. Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes – Suleiman Kwari, Aliyu Wamakko.
4. Appropriation – Barau Jibrin, Stella Oduah.
5. Army – Ali Ndume, Abba Moro.
6. Aviation – Dino Melaye, Bala Na’Allah.
7. Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions – Uba Sani, Orji Uzor Kalu.
8. Capital Market – Ibikunle Amosun, Binos Yero
9. Communications – Oluremi Tinubu, Ibrahim Bomai.
10. Corporation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD – Chimaroke Nnamani, Yusuf Yusuf.
11. Culture and Tourism – Rochas Okorocha, Ignatius Longjohn.
12. Customs, Excise and Tarrifs – Francis Alimekhena, Francis Fardausi.
13. Defence – Aliyu Wamakko, Istifanus Gyang.
14. Diaspora and NGOs – Bashiru Ajibola, Ibrahim Oloriegbe.
15. Downstream Petroleum Sector – Sabo Mohammed, Philip Aduda.
16.Drugs and Narcotics – Hezekaiah Dimka, Chimaroke Nnamani.
17. Ecology Climate Change – Mohammad Gusau, Olubunmi Adetunmbi.
18. Education (Basic and Secondary) – Ibrahim Geidam, Akon Eyakenyi
19. Employment, Labour and Productivity – Ben Umajumogwu, Kabiru Barkiya.
20. Environment – Ike Ekweremadu, Ibrahim Hadejia.
21. Establishment and Public Service – Ibrahim Shekarau, Barinadas Mpigi.
22. Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions – Patrick Akinyelure, Ahmed Babba-Kaita.
23. FCT – Abubakar Kyari, Tolu Odebiyi.
24.Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs – Danjuma Laah, Yahaya Gumau.
25. FERMA – Gershom Bassey, Kabir Barkiya.
26. Finance – Adeola Olamilekan, Isa Jibrin.
27. Foreign Affairs – Mohammed Bulkachuwa, Ignatius Longjohn.
28. Gas Resources – James Manager, Biobaraku Wangagra.
29. Health (Secondary and Tertiary) – Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Betty Apiafi.
30. Housing – Sam Egwu, Lola Ashiru.
31. ICT and Cybercrime – Yakubu Useni, Abdulfatai Buhari.
32. INEC – Kabiru Gaya, Sahabi Ya’u.
33. Industries – Adebayo Osinowo.
34. Information and National Communication – Danladi Sankara, Aishatu Ahmed.
35. Interior -Kashim Shettima, Diri Douye.
36. Interparliamentary Affairs – Godiya Akwashiki, Abba Moro.
37. Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters – Michael Bamidele, Emmanuel Oker-Jev.
38. Land Transport – Abdulfatai Buhari, Nicholas Tofowomo.
39. Legislative Compliance – Oriolowo Adeyemi, Sabi Abdullahi.
40. Local Content – Teslim Folarin, Sabi Abdullahi.
41. Local and Foreign Debts – Clifford Ordia, Bima Enagi.
42. Marine Transport – Danjuma Goje, Adebayo Osinowo.
43. Media and Public Affairs – Adedayo Adeyeye, Akwashiki Godiya.
44. National Identity and National Population – Sa’idu Alkali, Suleiman Kwari.
45. National Planning – Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
46. National Security and Intelligence – Abdullahi Gobir, Chukwuka Utazi.
47. Navy – George Sekibo, Elisha Abbo.
48. Niger Delta – Peter Nwabaoshi, Bulus Amos.
49. Petroleum Upstream – Albert Akpan, Ifeanyi Ubah.
50. Police affairs – Dauda Jika, Abubakar Tambuwal.
51. Poverty Alleviation and Social Investment Program – Lawal Gumau, Michael Nnachi.
52. Power -Gabriel Suswam, Enyinnaya Abaribe.
53. Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases – Chuwkuka Utazi, Sadiq Umar.
54. Privatisation – Theodore Orji, Oriolowo Adeyemi.
55. Public Accounts – Mathew Urghohide, Ibrahim Hassan.
56. Public Procurement – Shuaibu Lau, Lola Ashiru.
57. Rules and business – Sadiq Umar, Yahaya Abdullahi.
58. Science and Technology – Uche Ekwunife, Robert Boroffice.
59. Senate Services – Sani Musa, Lawal Hassan.
60. Solid Minerals, Mine, Steel Development and Metallurgy – Tanko Almakura, Oriolowo Adeyeye.
61. Sports and Social Development – Joseph Garba
62. State and Local Government – Lekan Mustapha, Francis Onyewuchi.
63. Special duties – Yusuf Yusuf, Biobaraku Wangagra.
64. SDGs – Aisha Dahiru, Lekan Mustapha
65. Tertiary Institution and TETFUND – Ahmed Baba Kaita, Sandy Onor.
66. Trade and Investment – Rose Oko, Francis Fadahunsi.
67. Water Resources – Bello Mandiya, Christopher Ekpeyong.
68. Women Affairs and Youth Development – Betty Apiafi, Aishatu Dahiru.
69. Works – Adamu Aliero, Emmanuel Bwacha.
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Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has urged Dangote Industries Limited to consider investing in more sectors of the State economy.The Governor, who spoke at the ongoing Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition said Nasarawa is home to solid mineral resources, adding that the strategic partnership between the duo will speed up Nigeria’s industrialization project.
Sule, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, Hon. Muhammed Sani Otto, commended the Dangote Group for its outstanding performance at the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL).He expressed confidence that, given this success, the company would be a valuable partner in exploring additional investment opportunities within the state.In his remarks at the Dangote Special Day, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the Trade Fair which was sponsored by the Dangote Group has been very impactful.The Chairman advised Dangote Group to scale up its investments in the State by considering other sectors.He added: “The Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition (NASTFE) is a vital catalyst for the State’s economic transformation. This strategic initiative by NASSI directly aligns with Governor Abdullahi Alhaji Sule’s vision to stimulate investment and unlock significant growth.”The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment Hajiya Khadija Oshafu Nuhu said the state is strategically open for business, and that Dangote Group can be part of the compelling opportunities abound in the state.A statement from the Dangote Group’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said: “Nasarawa State is central to our overall investment in Nigeria. It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments on the African continent.”The statement quoted the Senior Special Adviser to the Dangote Group’s President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that: “We are not taking this partnership for granted. Our Strategic Business Units (SBUs) are participating.According to her, some of the Strategic Business Units that are participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Fertilizer Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement Plc.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo disclosed yesterday that Nigeria’s airports were below international standards, while hinting at the expansion of Old Murtala Muhammed International Airport.Keyamo admitted while quoting a commendation tweet by a Nigerian in diaspora, Dipo Awojide with the username @ogbenidipo, who hailed the improved passenger experience and recent improvements at the MMIA in Lagos.
The UK-based Nigerian tweeted that his recent experience at the airport is the easiest it has been for him in 15 years, while acknowledging the visible improvement. “Kudos @fkeyamo, Lagos airport has changed for good.“Aircraft to the welcome area looks cleaner and the security area is well designed. My bag came out in 10 minutes.“Exit to the parking area is way better. I say this as someone who has been travelling for over 15 years.“This is the easiest it has been for me in Lagos,” the tweet partly reads.Awojide highlighted that there are some cultural issues to tackle, but acknowledged the significant improvement by the federal government,” the tweet reads.Reacting to the extolling post, the minister appreciated the X user for his impressive feedback but stressed that airports in the country are below global standards.“Thank you, @OgbeniDipo for your compliments. But our airports are still far away from global standards, I must admit. We are just making the best of the situation as we found it,” he said.Keyamo noted that the situation is being managed, but barely, and revealed that the old MMIA terminal, built in 1977 for 200,000 passengers annually, now handles three million passengers at the airport and 15 million nationwide each year, putting immense strain on the facilities.He reassured Nigerians that major upgrades are forthcoming under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.The minister specified that a total rebuilding of the Old MMIA in Lagos will be facilitated to meet modern standards and accommodate approximately 20 million passengers annually.“Hence, over the years, the facilities almost collapsed! But thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, @officialABAT, we are about to embark on a total rebuilding of the old MMI Airport in Lagos to meet modern standards, with a projection of about 20 million passengers per annum.“We will unveil the full details before Nigerians in the next few weeks. Thanks.” Keyamo concluded. Air Peace Aircraft Collides with Antelope on Abuja RunwayAn Air Peace aircraft was grounded at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State after it collided with a large antelope while taxiing on the runway.The impact decimated the animal and rendered the aircraft on the ground, causing flight disruptions.Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, via his official X account, clarified the implications of such occurrences.According to him, “Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground).”He added that as a result of this incident, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted, even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.“Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions NOT caused by the airlines (domestic or international),” he said.Achimugu emphasised that while such events are beyond the control of the airline, they do not absolve operators from their responsibilities to passengers.“This explainer is for illustration purposes, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers,” he said.“Even with situations like this, the airline still owes its passengers the information, refund, and other forms of care they are entitled to, and can still be sanctioned if they fail to provide the same,” Achimugu added.The agency also noted that efforts are currently underway to repair the aircraft and resume normal operations.
By Andrew Oota, Abuja
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun has confirmed Nigeria’s exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan of $3.4 billion.Nigeria had borrowed $3.4 billion from the IMF during the Covid-19 pandemic.According to the minister, “the loan had been repaid on the agreed terms.
””The West African nation now has no outstanding IMF debt, though the Fund expects it to honor some additional payments of roughly $30 million a year in Special Drawing Rights charges, ” IMF resident representative for Nigeria Christian Ebeke said in a separate statement. ”Still, the repayment is a mark of the country’s improved financial position, with the central bank’s net foreign exchange reserves, reaching a three-year high last month.”Nigeria has sought to improve local dollar liquidity after years of running a fixed exchange rate regime that burdened the economy of Africa’s largest oil producer, with a wildly overvalued local currency.”President Bola Tinubu’s free-floated the Naira after taking office in 2023 as part of a broader campaign of economic reform, contributing to the currency losing more than 70% of its value against the dollar.” He said.The Senior Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to President Bola Tinubu, O’tega Ogara had earlier hinted about the debt repayment.The IMF, in the credit outstanding list covering May 1 to May 6, 2025, disclosed that over 90 countries owe $117.79 billion, noting that Nigeria was not among the indebted nations.The IMF published the list on Tuesday.The institution revealed that it disbursed SDR 2.45 billion to Nigeria in 2020, saying repayments were made between 2023 and 2025.It noted that SDR613.62 million was made in 2023, SDR1.22 billion in 2024, while SDR613.62 million was paid in 2025.The development was also confirmed by Tolu Ogunlesi, the former Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, May 8.Ogunlesi, who was serving his second term when the loan was obtained, stated: “This US$3.4 billion (equivalent to 2.454.5 billion SDR; amounting to 100% of our SDR quota) Covid-19 assistance from the IMF to Nigerian governors, under the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), has now been fully repaid, in line with the terms of the agreement.“A repayment period of 5 years, meaning 2020 to 2025, and a moratorium of 3.25 years, meaning that we had a grace period until Q3 2023 before we had to start repaying.“So, repayment schedule: 2023-2025.“PBAT has kept to the terms, and as of May 2025, the loan has been fully repaid. Naija no dey carry last, and we no dey default.“This is what the repayment looks like, from the @IMFNews website: Outstanding as at June 30, 2023: 2,454,500,000.“Dec 31, 2023: 1,840,875,000; June 30, 2024: 1,227,250,000; March 31, 2025: 306,810,000; May 07, 2025: 0.”
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