Tinubu names new executives for NUC, NERDC, NEPAD

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of executive officers for three key institutions: the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.

This move is part of the President’s continued efforts to strengthen key national institutions, and it is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the organizations. The appointments are as follows

Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu as executive secretary, NUC 

Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor and expert in veterinary reproduction, has been appointed the Executive Secretary of the NUC.

He previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

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Prof. Salisu Shehu as executive secretary, NERDC 

President Tinubu appointed Prof. Salisu Shehu, a distinguished academic in educational and human psychology, as the Executive Secretary of the NERDC.

Prof. Shehu has been instrumental in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and served as Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri as national coordinator, NEPAD 

Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri has been appointed the National Coordinator of NEPAD. A seasoned administrator with a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Tsauri brings expertise in legislative affairs, global diplomacy, and public service.

President Tinubu cancelled the earlier appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), stating that “there is no vacancy in the agency.”

• He approved the renewal of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi’s appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI).
• Shinkafi, originally appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been credited as a driving force behind transformative changes in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
• The President noted that their experience and expertise would drive the progress of their respective institutions.

He said the appointments would bring a new sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes to fulfil Nigerians’ expectations.

Tinubu names new executives for NUC, NERDC, NEPAD

Ex-Reps Speaker Dogara backs Tax Reform Bills

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged Nigerian governors to contribute constructively to the controversial Tax Reform Bills rather than attempting to block them. Dogara made this appeal during a town hall meeting on the bills, broadcast by Channels Television.

He dismissed claims that the timing of the bills and the alleged lack of consultation with governors were sufficient reasons to halt the reforms.

Dogara prioritised national interest over regional or sectional biases in addressing the country’s challenges.

“When I decided to join this discussion, I received numerous calls pleading with me not to show up,” Dogara revealed. “But I believe leadership demands engagement, even when there are disagreements. We must rise above sectionalism and approach this with a national leadership mindset to solve our problems.”

The former Speaker also criticized governors, particularly from the North, for raising concerns about consultation. He argued that many governors fail to engage stakeholders when enacting laws in their states.

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“At the state level, how many people do governors consult when making laws? In some cases, these laws are written from their living rooms,” Dogara said. “Should the process stop because governors were not fully engaged? To me, the answer is no.”

Baba Yusuf, Group CEO of Global Investment and Trade Company, emphasized that the proposed tax reforms would benefit the North significantly.

He highlighted that the legal frameworks could address about 70% of the region’s multidimensional poverty. Yusuf also encouraged citizens to review the bills independently rather than relying solely on political leaders.

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, stated that extensive consultations were conducted with major stakeholders, including governors. He noted that most stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the bills.

Oyedele dismissed concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who argued that the reforms might leave Northern states unable to pay minimum wage. “Our analysis and data do not support that fear,” Oyedele said.

The town hall discussion highlighted the need for constructive dialogue and leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the tax reforms, which are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Ex-Reps Speaker Dogara backs Tax Reform Bills

$2.2bn Eurobond oversubscription by 300% pass mark for Tinubu’s reforms – Finance minister

The diverse range of subscriptions from multiple investors (local and foreign) to Nigeria’s $2.2 billion Eurobonds is a testament of the confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, said yesterday.

The Eurobond had been oversubscribed by 300 per cent by investors from the United Kingdom (UK), North America, Europe, Asia and Middle East as at yesterday.

According to the minister, the peak orderbook of $9.0 billion was an expression of continued investor confidence in Nigeria’s sound macro-economic policy framework and prudent fiscal and monetary management.

The demand for the bonds came from a combination of fund managers, insurance and pension funds, hedge funds, banks and other financial institutions.

Edun said: “The successful issuance signposts increasing confidence in ongoing efforts of President Bola Tinubu administration to stabilise the Nigerian economy and position it on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“The broad range of investor appetite to invest in our Eurobonds is encouraging as we continue to diversify our funding sources and deepen our engagement with the international capital markets.”