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Shehu Sani Urges Catholic Bishops to Appreciate Tinubu’s Achievements, Offer Constructive Criticism

Shehu Sani Urges Catholic Bishops to Appreciate Tinubu’s Achievements, Offer Constructive Criticism

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while continuing to offer constructive criticism in the interest of the nation.

Sani, in a statement on Sunday, said the Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in shaping public discourse and providing moral guidance, a contribution he said is widely appreciated.

He noted that while it is important for religious leaders to hold government accountable, they should also objectively assess the current situation against what obtained in previous administrations.

“We appreciate that Tinubu has achieved in infrastructure, security and the economy,” Sani said. “Catholic leaders are men of honour and integrity. They should encourage the President to achieve more.”

The former lawmaker stressed that comparing the present realities with the past would give Nigerians a clearer perspective on the progress made so far, particularly in road construction, efforts to curb insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms.

“The role the Catholic leaders are playing in the past is appreciated, but they should compare the situation of the country before the present administration,” he added.

Sani urged the bishops to continue engaging government with facts and recommendations, saying such engagement would help strengthen governance and ensure more dividends of democracy for citizens.

The comment comes amid heightened public debate on the performance of the Tinubu administration, with various stakeholders calling for collaboration between government and civil society to address national challenges.

How Nigeria’s Mineral Wealth Is Being Handed to China

How Nigeria’s Mineral Wealth Is Being Handed to China

Nigeria’s Minister for Mines, Dele Henry Alake, prides himself on his re-election as Chairman of the newly formed Africa Minerals Strategy Group. He congratulates himself on the cover of magazines. As a former journalist Minister Alake is good with scripting media stories. He doesn’t have any background in mining or related industries. During President Tinubu’s two terms as Governor of Lagos State it was Alake who managed the Governor’s media as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

Since bagging the Ministry for Sold Minerals Development Minister Alake’s primary focus has been on securing large-scale investments and fostering partnerships for local mineral processing. This has led to the development of several lithium processing plants in Nigeria, primarily backed by Chinese investment.

Minister Alake’s emphasis on moving beyond raw material extraction to local processing is a good decision that will support Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification. However, favouring Chinese companies and punishing local Nigerian miners is a cruel blow to Nigerians and a step too far in surrendering Nigeria’s natural assets to a foreign power.

Under Minister Alake’s tenure, major Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy, and Asba have pledged lithium processing facilities in Nigeria.

Since late 2025, Canmax has aggressively secured raw spodumene (lithium ore) to feed its expanding processing faciliies. Canmax Technologies is primarily owned and controlled by its founder and chairman, Mr Pei Zhenhua, alongside his wife, Rong Jianfen. Alake claims Canmax is investing US$200M to develop lithium mining operations in Nigeria, in line with Chinese aggressive moves to control African mineral resources and infrastructure such as ports and railways necessary to exploit the mineral reserves.

In late 2025, Chinese megafirm CATL announced plans to increase its stake in Canmax’s lithium subsidiaries. CATL holds approximately 40 percent of the global EV battery market and almost 70 percent of the NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) battery market in China. China as a whole processes approximately 65 percent to 80 percent of the world’s lithium. As the dominant player in China, CATL effectively directs a majority of the lithium hydroxide refined within the country toward its own Gigafactories.

While UK company Jupiter Lithium Ltd’s massive lithium project in Kaduna State reels under the onslaught from armed illegal miners, Alake’s ministry deployed a specialized security unit known as Mining Marshals to safeguard nearby Canmax and Avatar sites from illegal mining activities. No amount of requests from Jupiter for assistance from Minister Alake elicited any support. Rather, Minister Alake revoked key lithium deposits discovered by Jupiter and allowed Chinese mining companies, escorted by Federal Government security, to enter Jupiter’s leases and commence mining and removing the ore mined and stockpiled by Jupiter.

Minister Alake has prioritised diplomatic engagement with Chinese officials to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and find ways to diminish the public attention to China’s involvement in illegal mining in Nigeria.

The mines minister has become a strong and frequent advocate for China’s involvement in Nigeria’s minerals and infrastructure development which has been a hallmark of his many trips to China.

Nigeria has fallen into line with China’s strategy for accessing and controlling Africa’s minerals resources and delivering more markets for Chinese technology and products.

China’s first stage of embedding itself in another nation is the offer to develop a country’s infrastructure; ports, roads, airports and railways. This essential infrastructure often facilitates the development of mineral projects China has chosen.

The second stage is introducing Chinese technology through the project development, especially surveillance technology. China replaces the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS) with China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system and blocks access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite. In so doing China is able to offer its support for the national government while penetrating Nigeria’s national security. Chinese technology can deliver facial recognition throughout entire cities, even at night.

In Iran several of China’s communications companies including Huawei, facial recognition and ethnicity tracking company Tiandy Technologies and ZTE, often operating through Iranian front companies, have worked with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to provide 360 degrees 24/7 surveillance of Iran’s population. Iran and China have signed a 25-year co-operation agreement that will facilitate the transfer of a range of surveillance and monitoring technologies under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Surveillance of a nation’s populations is now an integral part of China’s program of building a nation’s infrastructure through roads, airports and mines. This provides an unprecedented tool for national governments to retain power and be manipulated by China

…Steven Kefas is a conflict reporter with keen interest in mining and solid minerals.

Trump’s Praise for Tinubu’s Security Efforts a Boost for Nigeria, Ex-Councilors Say

Trump’s Praise for Tinubu’s Security Efforts a Boost for Nigeria, Ex-Councilors Say

The National Forum of Ex-Councilors has described the reported commendation by United States President Donald Trump of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity as a significant endorsement of Nigeria’s ongoing security reforms.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the National President of the forum, Ambassador Auwal Kasim Hassan, said the recognition by the U.S. leader would serve as a morale booster for President Tinubu and officials across ministries, departments and agencies working to improve security and governance.

Hassan said the alleged commendation reflected growing international recognition of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges.

According to him, such recognition would further encourage the Tinubu administration to intensify efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.

The forum also applauded President Tinubu for establishing additional divisions of the Nigerian Army, describing the move as a strategic and proactive step towards strengthening the country’s security architecture.

Hassan said the expansion of the Army’s operational capacity would enhance the military’s ability to respond effectively to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

“The establishment of additional Army divisions is timely and demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to improve national security. We believe this initiative will significantly strengthen ongoing operations against criminal elements across the country,” he said.

The forum urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing credible intelligence and cooperating with lawful security operations.

It expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the government, security agencies and citizens would further consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against insecurity and promote national development.

The National Forum of Ex-Councilors reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu administration, pledging to continue mobilising grassroots support for policies aimed at enhancing peace, security and economic progress nationwide.

Southern Kaduna Political Forum Rejects ADC Governorship Ticket, Alleges El-Rufai’s Influence

Southern Kaduna Political Forum Rejects ADC Governorship Ticket, Alleges El-Rufai’s Influence

The Southern Kaduna Political Forum has rejected the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship ticket in Kaduna State, alleging that the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan, and his running mate, Hon. Irimiya Kantiyok, was influenced by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Addressing journalists at a press conference held on Saturday at Epitome Event Center, Barnawa, Kaduna, the Convener of the Forum, Comrade Boniface Ishaku Kambai, expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of El-Rufai in the affairs of the ADC in Kaduna State.

According to the Forum, the emergence of the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates has reinforced the perception among many political stakeholders in Southern Kaduna that key decisions within the party are being dictated by a narrow political circle rather than through transparent and democratic processes.

The Forum alleged that the nomination of Hon. Irimiya Kantiyok as the deputy governorship candidate did not result from broad consultations with stakeholders, traditional leaders, youth groups and political actors across Southern Kaduna.

It argued that the selection process fell short of the principles of inclusiveness, consultation and collective participation, insisting that the nomination did not reflect the aspirations of the people of the region.

The group further claimed that dissatisfaction over the party’s internal processes has continued to grow among party supporters and stakeholders, alleging that major decisions within the Kaduna ADC are increasingly influenced by individuals associated with the immediate past governor.

The Forum also questioned Kantiyok’s political record, noting that although he served three terms in the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Zonkwa Constituency, many stakeholders believe his tenure did not adequately advance the political and developmental interests of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area and Southern Kaduna.

It maintained that the Isa Ashiru-Irimiya Kantiyok ticket lacks the confidence needed to unite the diverse people of Kaduna State and effectively address the state’s developmental and governance challenges.

Consequently, the Forum called on the people of Southern Kaduna to critically assess the ADC governorship ticket and reject any political arrangement they believe does not genuinely represent or advance the collective interests and aspirations of the region.

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, equity, justice, inclusiveness and accountability, the Forum said Southern Kaduna deserves leaders whose emergence is rooted in transparent consultations, democratic participation and the genuine will of the people.

The group also reiterated its opposition to what it described as external political interference in the affairs of Southern Kaduna, pledging to continue advocating for the political emancipation, unity and overall development of the region.

Igbo Youth League Accuses Paul Ibe of Betraying South-East Interests for Atiku

Igbo Youth League Accuses Paul Ibe of Betraying South-East Interests for Atiku

The Igbo Youth League (IYL) has accused the media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, of placing personal political interests above the collective aspirations of the Igbo people, alleging that he has chosen “Atiku’s crumbs” over the interests of the South-East.

The group, in a statement issued on Thursday, alleged that Ibe’s recent political engagements and public comments were inconsistent with the quest for greater political inclusion and equity for the Igbo nation.

According to the league, Ibe’s continued defence of Atiku Abubakar and his political agenda amounts to a betrayal of the aspirations of many Igbos who believe the South-East deserves stronger representation in Nigeria’s leadership.

The youth organisation claimed that political appointments and personal benefits should not take precedence over the broader interests of the region, urging Igbo political actors to remain committed to advancing the collective cause of the South-East rather than individual ambitions.

The league further warned that history would judge public figures who, in its view, sacrifice regional interests for personal political gain.

It called on Igbo leaders, professionals and youths to remain united in pursuing justice, fairness and political inclusion, insisting that no individual should undermine the region’s collective voice for temporary political advantage.

Paul Ibe, a long-time spokesman and media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has consistently defended his principal’s political positions and recently criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over issues of governance, security and the economy.

As of the time of filing this report, Paul Ibe had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the Igbo Youth League.

Mustapha Abdullahi Empowers Young Nigerians Through Energy Leadership Fellowship

Mustapha Abdullahi Empowers Young Nigerians Through Energy Leadership Fellowship

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Shehu Sani condemns hiring of Washington firm to rubbish Tinubu, FG

Shehu Sani condemns hiring of Washington firm to rubbish Tinubu, FG

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has condemned the engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to circulate documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to officials in the United States.

Sani described the move as unnecessary and capable of undermining Nigeria’s image abroad, urging political actors to resolve their differences within the country’s democratic and legal institutions rather than seeking to influence foreign governments.

His reaction followed reports that the Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., retained by Atiku Abubakar under a reported 12-month contract, had begun distributing documents relating to a long-running U.S. civil forfeiture case involving President Tinubu to officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, members of Congress and congressional staff.

According to reports, the firm said it was sharing records from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds allegedly linked to Tinubu. The lobbying contract, reportedly valued at $1.2 million, covers advocacy, diplomatic outreach and the presentation of Atiku’s positions to U.S. policymakers.

Reacting to the development, Sani maintained that disagreements arising from Nigeria’s political process should not be exported to foreign capitals.

He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation should take precedence over partisan interests, warning that attempts to lobby foreign governments against the country’s leadership could have unintended consequences for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and national interest.

The former lawmaker called on politicians across party lines to conduct their political engagements responsibly, stressing that elections and governance issues should be addressed through constitutional means and established democratic institutions.

Sani further urged all stakeholders to place national unity and the country’s global image above political rivalry, noting that healthy opposition remains an essential part of democracy but should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.

ADC Chieftain Dismisses Governorship Candidate Replacement Rumour, Warns Party Risks Crisis if Omar Suleiman Is Dropped

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‎ADC Chieftain Dismisses Governorship Candidate Replacement Rumour, Warns Party Risks Crisis if Omar Suleiman Is Dropped
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‎By Tom Garba, Yola
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‎A founding member and staunch loyalist of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Suleiman Adamu Jimeta, has strongly dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the party has replaced its governorship candidate, Omar Suleiman, with Alhaji Tukur Modibbo, describing the development as false and potentially damaging to the party’s future.
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‎Jimeta, in a statement made available to TGNews, said the rumoured replacement of Omar Suleiman, popularly known as Omarana, would trigger widespread dissatisfaction among party supporters and could plunge the ADC into a crisis ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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‎The report, which has been making the rounds online, alleged that the Adamawa ADC had substituted Omar Suleiman with Tukur Modibbo as its governorship candidate. It further claimed that the decision had been welcomed by some party stakeholders, including a congratulatory message reportedly attributed to party chieftain Musa Halilu OFR, who was quoted as describing Modibbo as a better choice because of his loyalty, courage, and commitment to the party and the state.
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‎However, Jimeta rejected the claims outright, insisting that no such decision had been communicated through the appropriate party structures.
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‎According to him, Omar Suleiman remains the party’s legitimate candidate and has worked tirelessly to earn the confidence and support of ADC members across the state.
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‎“This decision, which I strongly believe is false, will sink the ADC in Adamawa State if allowed to happen,” Jimeta said. “Who knows Modibbo in ADC or even across Adamawa the way Omarana is known? This kind of injustice will create serious problems for the party.”
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‎He argued that Omar Suleiman had invested significant time, energy, and resources in building the party’s presence in Adamawa and had earned his position through dedication and grassroots engagement.
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‎Jimeta warned that replacing the candidate at this stage would amount to a betrayal of loyal party members and supporters who have rallied behind Omar Suleiman’s governorship ambition.
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‎He described the reported move as a recipe for confusion and internal division, cautioning that it could severely weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
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‎“Omarana has done well and earned his ticket. Any attempt to replace him will be a serious failure. It will have grave consequences for the ADC in Adamawa State,” he said.
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‎The ADC stalwart further warned that such a development could lead to disillusionment among party faithful and undermine broader opposition efforts in the state.
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‎According to him, the party must remain focused on unity and fairness if it hopes to remain competitive in the upcoming elections.
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‎He stressed that internal disputes and perceived injustices could erode public confidence in the ADC and affect the political aspirations of prominent opposition figures associated with the party.
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‎Jimeta therefore called on party leaders to clarify the situation and reassure supporters that due process and internal democracy would continue to guide the party’s affairs.
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‎As of the time of filing this report, the Adamawa State chapter of the ADC had not issued an official statement confirming any change in its governorship ticket, leaving questions surrounding the viral report unresolved.
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‎The controversy comes as political activities continue to intensify across Adamawa State ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties seeking to consolidate their structures and strengthen their chances in what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship race.
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‎For now, supporters of Omar Suleiman maintain that he remains the party’s recognized candidate, while stakeholders await official clarification from the ADC leadership on the matter.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi: A Policy Driver, Advocate, Voice For Hydrogen Energy And Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Transition.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi: A Policy Driver, Advocate, Voice For Hydrogen Energy And Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Transition.

It is not in doubt that Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director General of Energy Commission is the voice for hydrogen energy and Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

Beyond Solar and Wind: ECN DG Champions Hydrogen Energy as Nigeria’s Next Renewable Frontier

As the global energy landscape continues to shift towards cleaner and more sustainable alternatives, Nigeria is beginning to position itself for a future where renewable energy sources play a more dominant role in powering economic growth and industrial development.

At the forefront of this transition is the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, whose advocacy for emerging clean energy technologies, particularly low-carbon hydrogen, is shaping conversations around Nigeria’s future energy mix.

With increasing global attention on hydrogen as a potential solution for decarbonising industries, transportation, and power systems, the ECN under Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership has continued to promote research, policy discussions, and strategic partnerships aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s renewable energy potential.

Hydrogen energy, often described as a fuel of the future, is produced through processes that can utilise renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. When generated through clean technologies, green hydrogen offers the possibility of reducing carbon emissions while providing a reliable energy source for sectors that are difficult to electrify.

For a country like Nigeria, blessed with abundant renewable resources and a growing demand for energy, hydrogen presents an opportunity not only to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio but also to support industrialization, energy security, and economic competitiveness.

Dr. Abdullahi’s push for hydrogen energy aligns with the broader vision of transitioning Nigeria towards a cleaner and more resilient energy system.

His background in renewable energy research and engineering has further strengthened his advocacy for innovative solutions capable of addressing the country’s longstanding energy challenges.

Under his leadership, the ECN has continued to emphasise the importance of renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and sustainable solutions as key pillars for Nigeria’s energy future.

Hydrogen: A New Opportunity for Nigeria

Beyond reducing carbon emissions, hydrogen energy could create new economic opportunities for Nigeria through technology development, investment attraction, job creation, and the emergence of new industries.

Experts believe that Nigeria’s renewable resources, particularly its solar potential, could provide the foundation for large-scale hydrogen production in the future. Such developments could position the country as a major player in the emerging global clean energy market.

However, achieving this ambition will require deliberate policies, investment in infrastructure, research and development, and collaboration between government, private sector players, and international partners.

Recognising this need, the ECN has continued to encourage stakeholder engagement and knowledge development around low-carbon hydrogen opportunities.

Recent initiatives have focused on building awareness among government institutions and private sector stakeholders on the role of hydrogen in Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

Building the Energy Future

For Dr. Abdullahi, the journey towards energy sustainability goes beyond adopting new technologies; it requires a long-term vision that integrates innovation, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships.

As Nigeria seeks solutions to address energy poverty while meeting global climate commitments, hydrogen energy could become an important component of the country’s future energy architecture.

The coming years may therefore see hydrogen move from policy discussions and research spaces into practical applications across industries, transport systems, and power generation.

With advocates such as the ECN DG championing the conversation, Nigeria’s renewable energy story could be entering a new chapter — one powered not only by sunlight and wind, but also by the promise of hydrogen.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has been championing low-carbon hydrogen development, including capacity-building programmes and policies aimed at developing Nigeria’s hydrogen ecosystem.

At the NOG Energy Week panel discussion, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi spoke on why hydrogen is no longer just an energy solution for the future; that, “it is already shaping the global energy landscape today.

He stated that Countries such as Namibia, Morocco, and Egypt are making remarkable progress in building hydrogen ecosystems, and believe Nigeria must position itself as a key player in this emerging sector by harnessing our abundant renewable energy resources and strategic geographic advantage.

According to him, “I am encouraged by the progress we are making toward developing Nigeria’s first-ever National Hydrogen Policy through the Presidential Committee on the National Hydrogen Policy.

“The approval of the National Energy Master Plan by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 further reinforces hydrogen’s role in Nigeria’s long-term energy transition and provides a strategic framework for integrating hydrogen into our national energy mix.

“At the Energy Commission of Nigeria, we remain committed to advancing policies, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives that will unlock Nigeria’s hydrogen potential.

“By leveraging our abundant solar resources, we can drive sustainable economic growth, strengthen energy security, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s clean energy transition. Our future depends on the decisions we make today

Also at the opening of a 3-day Summit on Low-Carbon Hydrogen Economy organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the European Union (EU), Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi stated that, the government wants Nigeria to be a hydrogen hub that would not just utilise, but export to other African countries

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi explained that the global hydrogen market was predicted to reach 50 billion dollars in the coming decades, stressing that Nigeria should leverage its massive natural gas reserves to produce blue hydrogen and create a new economic opportunity while working toward cleaner alternatives.

With the dedication of Dr Mustapha Abdullahi in championing and advocating for Hydrogen Energy and Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Transition, continued stakeholder engagement and knowledge development around low-carbon hydrogen opportunities, and with the support of indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is beginning to position itself for a future where renewable energy sources play a more dominant role in powering economic growth and industrial development

CJTF Chairman Unveils New Commander-General at National Security Summit

Nigeria’s Civilian JTF Appoints Retired Major General Abdullahi Maikano as Acting Commander-General

By Our Correspondent

The national leadership of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has appointed retired Major General Abdullahi Maikano as the Acting Commander-General of the organisation, with a mandate to strengthen its operations and deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s security agencies.

The appointment was announced on Saturday by the National Chairman of the CJTF, Prof. Kailani Muhammad, during the Civilian JTF National Security Summit held in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Building a Resilient Nation: Strategic Partnerships for Peace, Stability and National Development,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the role of community-based security initiatives in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Announcing the appointment, Prof. Muhammad described Maikano as a seasoned military officer and sports administrator whose wealth of experience would help institutionalise the Civilian JTF and provide strategic direction for the organisation.

He recalled the establishment of the Civilian JTF 15 years ago, saying the group’s primary objective was to complement the efforts of the nation’s security agencies in promoting peace, national unity and stability.

“The purpose of establishing the Civilian Joint Task Force was to foster peace and unity across Nigeria. Regardless of tribe or religion, this country belongs to all of us, and we must work together to protect it,” Muhammad said.

He noted that the organisation had remained committed to supporting security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality affecting innocent Nigerians.

According to him, the appointment of the new Commander-General marks the beginning of a new phase for the organisation, including the development of a comprehensive operational blueprint aimed at strengthening the CJTF’s structure and expanding partnerships with international organisations.

Muhammad disclosed that the Civilian JTF had already initiated collaborations across West Africa and was engaging with partners in more than 80 countries to enhance its peace-building initiatives.

In his acceptance remarks, Maikano expressed gratitude to the leadership of the organisation for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to build on the achievements recorded by the Civilian JTF over the past 15 years.

He said his immediate priority would be to review the organisation’s accomplishments and implement strategies that would reposition it for greater effectiveness.

Maikano emphasised that the Civilian JTF would continue to play a complementary role alongside the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

“Our responsibility is to support the constituted security agencies because we understand the local terrain. We will continue to work with them to promote peace, security and stability across the country,” he said.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to national unity, stressing that every member of the Civilian JTF remained dedicated to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding Nigeria and protecting the lives of its citizens.