Kano Pension Reforms: Over N32B out of N48B Cleared Without Commercial Loans
Governor Abba K. Yusuf’s administration has cleared ₦32 billion out of Kano State's ₦48 billion inherited pension and gratuity backlog across six batches. Funded entirely through state internal revenu
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Tinubu extends working vacation by a few days
President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation.
After spending a week in London, he moved to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Mr Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group.
Since he began the vacation, President Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation, like ordering an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other things.
While away, President Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. Though Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at events, will continue to do so.
On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers in the country.
The Presidency described the baseless insinuation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict about President Tinubu's non-attendance at UNGA as irresponsible.
Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, will present Nigeria's national statement.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
September 21, 2026.
Vice President @KashimSM has arrived in New York, United States, to represent President @officialABAT and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
VP @KashimSM said Nigeria’s engagements at the global gathering will be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President @officialABAT’s consistent advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
“Our message in New York is clear: Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable and responsive to the realities of today,” Senator @KashimSM said.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest, while advancing President @officialABAT’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.”
#UNGA81
Oluremi mi, @SenRemiTinubu
Today, I celebrate the woman who has walked beside me with patience, grace and uncommon courage.
Àwọn àgbà sọ pé, “Ìyàwó rere ni adé ọkọ rẹ̀.” A good wife is her husband’s crown. The Book of Proverbs, which you know far better than I do, also speaks eloquently of the worth of a virtuous woman.
You have given these words true meaning in my life. You have stood by my side through every season.
The burdens that were mine to bear often found their way onto your shoulders. The thoughts I could not put into words somehow found their way to you.
In difficult times, when the future was uncertain, you stayed calm beside me and prayed with me.
Through all these years, you have remained the one who truly understands me.
More often than not, you sense when I need counsel before I ask. There have been nights when your presence alone was counsel enough.
I call you my truest friend and confidante because you speak the truth plainly, even on the days I would rather not hear it.
After a demanding day, you wait until we are alone before telling me what I need to hear. I have always cherished you for that honesty.
Our home bears the lasting imprint of your devotion. Our children and grandchildren have grown beneath the shelter of your prayers. They carry your values of faith and kindness wherever life takes them.
Nigerians know you for your compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit and steadfast faith. I have watched you touch lives quietly and consistently, offering hope and support to those in need.
From the New Era Foundation during our years in the saddle in Lagos to the Renewed Hope Initiative today, your care has reached many young boys and girls, widows, elderly citizens, and women farmers across the country.
Those affected by tuberculosis or any disease at all have found in you a compassionate advocate and a determined champion.
I know the prayers you offer for people whose names you may never know. I also know many whom you have helped without ever meeting them. For you, compassion has never recognised the boundaries of tribe, region or religion.
A long journey teaches a man the true value of a good partner. We have travelled a long road together. I think of the difficult decisions we talked through for hours and the sacrifices no one else saw. Laughter and prayer carried us through many of them.
If life returned me to the beginning, I would choose the same road that led me to you. Through every mile, my heart has always remained at home with you.
I thank you for the life we have built and the love that has held it together.
Happy 66th birthday, my darling Oluremi. I pray that God Almighty will grant you many more years in good health and joy.
May the years ahead bring you the same comfort and happiness you have so freely given to me and many others.
With all my love,
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
September 21, 2026
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
Cike da alhini da jimami, na samu labarin rasuwar tsohon Darakta Janar na Hukumar Jin Daɗin Alhazai ta Jihar Kano, Alhaji Sani Lawan Kofar Mata, wanda Allah Ya yi wa rasuwa a yau.
Marigayin ƙwararren mai kula da harkokin aikin Hajji ne, wanda ya sadaukar da wani muhimmin ɓangare na rayuwarsa wajen hidima ga alhazai da kuma ci gaban harkokin hidimar Hajji a ƙasarmu.
A wannan lokaci na jimami, ina miƙa saƙon ta’aziyyata, addu’a da jaje ga iyalansa, ’yan uwansa, abokansa da dukkan waɗanda rasuwar tasa ta shafa.
Ina roƙon Allah Maɗaukakin Sarki Ya gafarta masa kura-kuransa, Ya jiƙansa da rahama, Ya yalwata kabarinsa, Ya sanya haske a cikinsa, kuma Ya karɓe shi cikin bayinsa salihai, Ya kuma azurta shi da Jannatul Firdaus.
Allah Ya jikansa da rahama, Ya ba iyalansa da sauran waɗanda suka yi rashi haƙurin jure wannan babban rashi. Ameen.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
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Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un
I mourn the passing of the former Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sani Lawan Kofar Mata, who passed away today.
The veteran Hajj administrator contributed immensely to the development and service of our country.
At this moment of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences, prayers, and sympathies to his family, loved ones, and all those who mourn his passing.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, have mercy upon him, expand his grave and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
Allah ya jikansa da rahama. Ameen.
Pictures: Scenes from our last night's APC caucus meeting held at the Kano Government House under the chairmanship of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf
APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
PRESS STATEMENT
ATIKU MUST EXPLAIN THE LEGAL AND FISCAL BASIS OF HIS PETROL SUBSIDY PROPOSAL
At his press conference in Abuja on Friday, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar reiterated his proposed “production subsidy” for locally refined petrol, which he said would reduce pump prices. He went further to ask President Bola Tinubu to slash the cost of diesel and petrol at the pump.
That proposal raises important legal, fiscal and practical questions that he must answer.
Section 205(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 provides that unrestricted free-market conditions shall determine wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, in a statement on Saturday, explained that it neither fixes pump prices nor issues administrative price templates, except where the statutory conditions for intervention are met. The PIA provisions guide its function. At the moment, “No such market failure has been declared,” NMPDRA said.
Atiku should therefore explain whether a refinery receiving his proposed subsidy would be required to sell petrol at a prescribed price.
If the answer is yes, he should identify the legal framework under which the government would impose that price condition and explain how it would operate consistently with the Petroleum Industry Act.
If the answer is no, he should explain how public support to refiners would guarantee lower prices at filling stations. Without an enforceable mechanism, refiners could receive the benefit while consumers continued to pay market prices.
Atiku must also disclose the cost of his proposal and how he would fund it.
His earlier statement suggested that the intervention could take the form of preferentially priced crude for domestic refineries. Any discount on crude would reduce the value accruing to the Federation and, consequently, the revenue available to the federal, state and local governments, triggering afresh the fiscal crisis that made 27 states unable to pay salaries and pensions before President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
Based on publicly reported refinery throughput and domestic petrol-supply figures, the cost of the new subsidy could run as high as N17 or N21 trillion annually, depending on the discount size, the volume covered, and whether the support applies to the entire barrel or only to petrol sold domestically.
These assumptions must be clearly defined. Nigerians deserve to know:
1. the proposed subsidy rate;
2. the annual spending ceiling;
3. the volume of crude or petrol to be covered;
4. the source of funding;
5. the mechanism guaranteeing lower pump prices;
6. the safeguards against diversion, smuggling and fraudulent claims; and
7. whether amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act would be required.
An appropriation by the National Assembly may authorise expenditure, but it would not by itself resolve every regulatory question arising under the Petroleum Industry Act. If Atiku intends to amend the law, he should say so plainly.
His latest position must also be reconciled with his previous support for downstream deregulation. In November 2022 at the Lagos Business School, Atiku described the petrol subsidy system as fraudulent and pledged to complete its removal. He reminded his audience that he chaired the committee that removed its first and second phases, and promised to complete the process. On 25 August 2026, he announced on X, “I will restore it!”
He must explain why he now advocates restoring subsidy in another form and how his proposed arrangement would avoid the abuse, scarcity, smuggling and fiscal losses associated with the old system.
Deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector began under the Obasanjo-Atiku administration. Diesel—which powers food trucks, generators and factories—was deregulated in June 2003. Aviation fuel also moved to market pricing under the same administration. The Buhari administration deregulated kerosene in 2016. Petrol was the last major product retained under the old subsidy regime, which was scheduled to end in June 2023 under the PIA.
Nigeria spent about two decades developing the PIA. The reform process began in 2000, during the first term of the administration in which Atiku served as Vice President. He should therefore explain how his new proposal aligns with the legal and regulatory framework that emerged from that process.
President Tinubu’s administration has instead focused on expanding lower-cost alternatives through compressed natural gas and electric mass transit. These programmes are already reducing transport costs on routes served by CNG and electric buses, while vehicle conversions and supporting infrastructure continue to expand nationwide.
The government has converted more than 120,000 vehicles to CNG, with thousands more converted privately. The administration is working with state governments to extend these savings nationwide.
In his statement on Saturday, President Tinubu recalled the programme he agreed with the governors of the 36 states on August 27:
“From October 1, more Nigerians should begin to see measurable reductions in transportation costs.”
Commuters in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory are already paying between 31 and 83 per cent less on routes served by CNG and electric buses.
In Borno State, the services charge between ₦50 and ₦100 on routes where commercial operators charge between ₦300 and ₦600. Passengers on the Suleja–Abuja service in Niger State pay ₦550 instead of about ₦800. Kaduna’s free CNG buses carried more than 1.4 million passengers in five months of 2025, saving residents an estimated ₦1.39 billion in fares.
Alternative-energy transport in Adamawa State has reduced fares by as much as 50 per cent, while Abia State has deployed 40 electric buses and 20 charging stations.
In contrast, Atiku is reaching into Nigeria’s past with another subsidy scheme that will enrich smugglers in particular. He has yet to tell Nigerians what it will cost or under what law it will operate.
President Tinubu urges Nigerians to ignore politicians who want to drag the country back to the subsidy era. That road leads to mounting debt, petrol queues, payments pocketed by smugglers and cheap Nigerian fuel subsidised for the whole of West Africa.
Nigeria will continue to move forward with a deregulated market that has supported increased investment in domestic refining. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reached its nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and reportedly achieved 700,000 barrels per day during performance tests. The company has also launched an initial public offering targeting ₦2.1 trillion for expansion.
The APC-PCC acknowledges the pressure that higher petrol prices place on Nigerian families. The Tinubu administration will continue to implement policies to support our people. Petrol sold for about ₦830 per litre before the Middle East crisis pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel. A de-escalation of the crisis could help reduce crude oil prices and, consequently, the pump prices of petrol and diesel, not just in Nigeria, but worldwide. The NMDPRA is working with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission against price-gouging and with the Nigeria Customs Service against the diversion of petroleum products across our borders.
The APC-PCC believes that every proposed intervention in the downstream sector must be lawful, transparent, properly costed and capable of delivering measurable benefits to consumers.
Atiku should provide Nigerians with a detailed policy document and an independent legal and fiscal analysis of his proposal. Until he does so, his production-subsidy plan remains an uncosted promise without a clearly identified legal or operational framework.
It will also qualify as one of those fantasies and policy options anchored on what President Olusegun Obasanjo described in his book, My Watch, as Atiku's "propensity for poor judgment”.
For a start, we recommend that Atiku read the PIA, as he appears out of touch with reality and the oil sector's current dynamics.
Dele Alake,
Spokesman,
APC Presidential Campaign Council
September 20, 2026
Alhamdulillah Ya Razzaq
Thank you @BashirAhmaad
Special thanks to @KSAembassyNG
And thank you to everyone who helped me win this, I appreciate every little help, I will not take this win for granted
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Tinubu Mandates VP Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To 81st UNGA*
* Governors Fubara, Dauda Lawal, ministers, senior officials join delegation to New York
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.
VP Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate will hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
At the General Debate, Senator Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.
Senator Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
VP Shettima will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
20th September, 2026.
The great @CaptJamyl changed my life on this app. He was the reason I became a millionaire and the reason I got my international passport.
My passport will expire next year in May 2027, and I honestly never knew when I would finally get the chance to use it. Now @BashirAhmaad and @KSAembassyNG will be the reason I’ll finally be using that passport to leave Nigeria for the very first time. It’s hard to believe that something that started on this app has brought me this far. I’m beyond grateful. May Allah bless you both and reward you for being part of a journey I’ll never forget.
MUSBEY baya mance alkhairi. Allah ya saka muku da alkhairin duniya da Qiyama. Ameen.
Earlier today, I led a delegation of friends and colleagues on a condolence visit to the Government and people of Niger State, as well as the families affected by the tragic loss of lives.
We expressed our deepest sympathies and stood in solidarity with the bereaved families, the government and all those who have been affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the deceased, the injured, and everyone affected during this difficult time. May God grant the departed eternal rest and give their loved ones the strength and comfort to bear the loss.
-MBA