Recent statistics illustrate that Nigeria sells raw cocoa for about $8,000 per tonne. Process that same cocoa into butter, and the value rises to roughly $48,000. Turn it into finished chocolate products, and the earnings can reach as high as $240,000 per tonne. For decades, this stark reality has highlighted one of Nigeria’s biggest economic challenges: exporting wealth in its raw form while importing prosperity in finished products. The question has never been about whether Nigeria has the resources. The question has been whether the country has the political will to move up the value chain. Today, the administration of…
Author: Akanji Michael
Fellow Nigerians Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it. In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, tackling insecurity, and delivering economic prosperity, as the nation marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. In his Democracy Day address, the President described June 12 as a defining symbol of Nigeria’s democratic journey, paying tribute to the heroes and activists whose sacrifices helped secure civilian rule and political freedoms. “Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit,” Tinubu said, noting that since 1999 Nigerians have consistently chosen their leaders through the ballot box, witnessed peaceful transfers of power, and resolved political disputes through democratic…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a modern capital city that reflects Nigeria’s growing population, economic aspirations, and national identity. The President made the pledge on Wednesday during the commissioning of the completed Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), which links Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of Abuja. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described infrastructure development as a key indicator of national progress and effective governance. He noted that improved transport connectivity in Abuja would help reduce logistics costs, attract investment,…
Governor of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called for a coordinated nationwide mobilisation strategy to strengthen support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and prepare for the 2027 general elections. Delivering the keynote address at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Retreat for National Mobilisation held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Uzodimma said the movement must focus on three core objectives: mobilising citizens, unifying Nigerians behind a common vision, and delivering measurable results. Speaking on the theme, “Building a Unified National Mobilisation Architecture,” the governor…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, alongside the immediate release of N10 billion to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against a potential outbreak. The emergency funding is expected to enhance the operational capacity of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical public health response measures across the country. The newly created task force will be chaired by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and will comprise representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as state governments.…
The decision to power the Aso Rock Presidential Villa with an off-grid solar energy system represents a major milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prudent governance and sustainable energy solutions. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project has reportedly eliminated the enormous monthly electricity costs previously incurred by the Villa, demonstrating a practical approach to reducing government expenditure while embracing modern energy alternatives. For decades, the Presidential Villa consumed substantial resources to maintain uninterrupted power supply. With the successful deployment of the solar-powered system, the administration has effectively halted an estimated ₦5 billion in monthly electricity-related spending. This achievement…
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has disclosed that major progress has been made toward the establishment of state police in Nigeria, following months of high-level deliberations among key stakeholders. The Chief of Staff spoke after a special meeting on the proposed reform. Gbajabiamila revealed that discussions on state policing have been ongoing for the past three to four months, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to develop a framework for its implementation. According to him, creating state police requires a careful and structured process, as it involves complex constitutional and legal considerations. “Establishing state police…
President Bola Tinubu today celebrated the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, describing the service as Africa’s most formidable naval force and a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity. Speaking at the International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos, the President joined military officials, foreign dignitaries and international partners to mark the historic milestone, while reflecting on the Navy’s transformation over the past seven decades. Tinubu said the anniversary was not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the Navy’s remarkable journey from its origins as a colonial Marine Department in…
By Micheal Akanji It’s no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has continued to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape through bold reforms, infrastructure expansion, and fiscal restructuring aimed at restoring long-term stability and growth. Although the reforms came with initial challenges for me, recent economic indicators suggest that Nigeria is gradually recovering from years of structural weaknesses. The unbiased international financial institutions, economic analysts, and local observers increasingly acknowledge that the administration’s policies are laying the foundation for sustainable development and renewed investor confidence. One of the administration’s most significant achievements has been the implementation of difficult but necessary…