Power, Defence Ministers Not Sacked” _ Onanuga

• David Peter
 
• Agency and Ministry, News 
 
• April 29, 2025
 
•  0 Comments

Presidency Charges Security Agencies to Beam Light on Fake Sites

The Presidency has called on the security agencies to take stringent action against fake news websites and platforms as well as purveyors who fail to check the authenticity of the stories before disseminating viral.

The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, frowns at the false report, stating, “Tinubu sacks Ministers of Defence and Power published by Phoenix BrowseBrowse

The report is completely false, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis. At no point has President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed the Ministers of Defence or Power. This falsehood, presented as breaking news, is nothing but reckless propaganda designed to misinform the public.

To set the record straight, the most recent cabinet changes announced in October 2024 did not include the Ministers of Defence or Power. Those affected were Ministers of Women’s Affairs, Tourism, Education, State for Housing and Urban Development, and Youth Development. Furthermore, ten ministers were reassigned, and seven new nominees were presented for Senate confirmation, all of which were officially documented and widely reported by credible media platforms.

Nigerians are strongly advised to ignore the concocted report by Phoenix Browser. It is fake news, plain and simple, sensationalist hogwash that should be treated with the contempt it deserves.

The Presidential aide, however, clarified that “Press freedom and freedom of speech will not exist when some people can wake up and concoct their news and narratives with regards for truth.”

Tinubu spokesman described the report as simply “licentiousness and must be criminalized.”

He, therefore, urged the public to depend on official government channels and trusted news outlets for accurate and verified 

50kg Rice Price Drops to N58,000 in Nigeria - Report

 50kg Rice Price Drops to N58,000 in Nigeria - Report

The price of a 50kg bag of rice has dropped sharply to as low as ₦58,000 in parts of Nigeria, according to a new market report released this week.

*Major Price Decline Across Markets*

The report, compiled by S&P Global and corroborated by market surveys, reveals that rice prices have fallen from highs of ₦80,000 to ₦90,000 per bag to around ₦58,000, especially in remote regions and border communities. In some areas near the Benin Republic, prices have dipped even further, dropping below ₦50,000 per bag.

*Why Are Prices Falling?*

This dramatic decline is attributed to a flood of imported rice entering West Africa, following India’s recent removal of export duties on parboiled rice. As a result, Indian rice exports to West Africa surged to 2.11 million metric tonnes between September and December 2024, nearly triple the amount from the same period in 2023. For the whole of 2024, India exported 5.35 million metric tonnes of parboiled rice to the region, up from 3.9 million metric tonnes the previous year.

Warehouses in the Benin Republic, which neighbors Nigeria, are reportedly filled to capacity with the influx of Indian rice. Much of this rice is making its way into Nigerian markets, both legally and illegally, despite Nigeria’s official ban on rice imports.

*Impact on Local Rice and Border Communities*

The price drop is not limited to imported rice. Locally produced rice, which previously sold for ₦80,000–₦90,000 per 50kg bag, is now available for about ₦60,000. In border towns, particularly in Ogun State, the proximity to Benin has led to even lower prices, with rice sometimes selling below ₦50,000 per bag.

*Demand Remains Muted*

Despite the price crash, traders report that demand for rice has not increased significantly. Many buyers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, hoping prices will stabilize further before making large purchases. Market analysts suggest that a significant uptick in demand may not occur until the festive season later in the year.

*Authorities Struggle With Smuggling*

The Nigerian Customs Service continues to face challenges in curbing the illegal flow of rice across the country’s borders. Rice remains the most smuggled commodity into Nigeria, complicating efforts to support local production and stabilize the market.

As rice prices hit a near two-year low, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the downward trend will persist and if demand will rebound in the coming months. 

For now, the drop offers some relief to consumers but also underscores the complexities of West Africa’s rice trade and the ongoing struggle to balance local production with import pressures.

Reporter *Caleb James*

 

President Tinubu Appoints Akpabio, Others to Pope Francis’ Funeral 

• David Peter
 
• Politics, Stories 
 
• April 25, 2025
 
•  0 Comments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-powered delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of His Holiness, Pope Francis, on Saturday, April 26.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is at the head of the five-member delegation.

Other members of the delegation are the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

Pope Francis, the revered head of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88, just a day after appearing for Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.

The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican.

On Monday, President Tinubu joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who he described as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”

In the condolence message, President Tinubu remarked that Pope Francis’s death, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

 

FG to Relaunch School Feeding Programme in May, Targeting 10 Million Pupils

• David Peter
 
• Policies, Politics 
 
• April 25, 2025
 
•  0 Comments

The Federal Government will relaunch the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) on May 29, 2025, as part of events marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

The initiative, under the supervision of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, targets the daily feeding of 10 million public school pupils in Primary 1–3 with nutritious, locally sourced meals.

Key objectives of the programme include:

• Increasing school enrolment by 20% and academic performance by 15% by the end of 2025.

• Reducing child malnutrition, improving retention rates, and boosting local agricultural economies.

• Empowering women, youth, cooks, and smallholder farmers through targeted training, job creation, and inclusive practices.

According to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu: “Our mission is to feed every public school pupil in Primary One to Three, nurturing their potential and building the nation’s future.

This initiative is a major step toward fighting hunger, malnutrition, and low school enrolment across the country.”

The programme is backed by a ₦100 billion allocation in the 2025 budget. Major upgrades include QR-coded supply chains, real-time tracking for improved transparency, and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to register and monitor all beneficiaries.

Nutritionists and health professionals will also assess food quality and monitor pupil wellbeing.

By prioritizing local sourcing—particularly through women-led cooperatives—the RH-NHGSFP seeks to reduce rural poverty by 40% while reinforcing President Tinubu’s broader commitment to human capital development and poverty alleviation

INEC Announces Voter Card Revalidation, New Registration, Transfers, and Replacement: Exercise Runs May 27 – June 5, 2025

 INEC Announces Voter Card Revalidation, New Registration, Transfers, and Replacement: Exercise Runs May 27 – June 5, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the commencement of a nationwide voter registration and revalidation exercise, set to run from May 27 to June 5, 2025. 

This exercise covers four key services: new voter registration, revalidation of existing voter cards, transfer of voter registration to a new location, and replacement of lost or damaged voter cards.

*Key Details of the Exercise*

Duration: May 27, 2025 – June 5, 2025

New voter registration for Nigerians who have not previously registered

Revalidation for existing voters whose information is outdated or whose registration is over five years old and has not been revalidated in the last three years

Transfer of voter registration for those who have relocated and wish to vote in a new polling unit

Replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)

Who Should Participate?

*Nigerians aged 18 and above who have not previously registered to vote*

*Registered voters whose details have changed or need to be updated (e.g., name, address, gender, date of birth)*

*Voters who have relocated and wish to transfer their registration to a new polling unit*

*Individuals who have lost or damaged their PVCs and require a replacement*

*How to Access the Services Online*

Visit the INEC Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org to begin the process for revalidation, transfer, update, or replacement.

Applicants can sign in, follow the prompts for the relevant service, and complete the process online, including uploading required documents and photographs.

*In-Person*

Visit the nearest INEC registration center, located in INEC State and Local Government Offices and other designated locations nationwide.

At the center, applicants can register as new voters, revalidate or update their information, transfer their registration, or request a replacement PVC.

Applicants for revalidation must have been previously registered, and their registration must be over five years old or not revalidated within the last three years.

For transfers, applicants must provide proof of new residence and a copy of their existing PVC.

For replacements, applicants must provide details of the lost or damaged card and may be required to submit supporting documents.

All updates and changes are subject to verification by INEC officials.

INEC urges all eligible Nigerians to take advantage of this limited window to ensure their voter information is up-to-date, to register if they have not done so previously, and to secure their PVCs ahead of forthcoming elections. Participation in this exercise is crucial for ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“Your PVC is your key to making your voice heard in our democratic process. We urge every eligible voter to seize this opportunity to register, update their information, collect their PVCs, and actively participate in shaping their future.”

— *Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman*

*Please share this information widely to ensure all eligible Nigerians are informed and able to participate in the exercise*

CBN Cuts Interest Rates on Nigerian Treasury Bills

 CBN Cuts Interest Rates on Nigerian Treasury Bills

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced interest rates on Nigerian Treasury Bills at recent primary market auctions, marking a notable shift in monetary policy as the apex bank seeks to manage its debt servicing costs and respond to strong investor demand.

*Key Details of the Rate Cut*

At the latest auction, stop rates for the 91-day Treasury bill fell by 50 basis points to 18.00%, the 182-day bill dropped by 100 basis points to 18.50%, and the 364-day bill declined by 3 basis points to 19.60%.

In a previous auction, the 364-day bill rate was cut by 31 basis points to 19.63%, while rates for the 91-day and 182-day bills held steady at 18.00% and 18.50% respectively.

The CBN offered N400 billion worth of bills but received total subscriptions of N1.54 trillion, highlighting robust investor appetite, especially for the longer 364-day tenor.

*Market Dynamics Behind the Rate Cut*

The CBN’s decision to lower rates is influenced by a surge in demand for Treasury bills, particularly the 364-day paper, which accounted for the vast majority of subscriptions and allotments at recent auctions.

High liquidity in the financial system and strong investor interest have allowed the CBN to reduce yields while still attracting significant investment.

The move also aligns with the CBN’s strategy to reduce its payment burden on government securities, especially as the benchmark interest rate has risen above headline inflation.

*Implications for Investors and the Economy*

Lower Treasury bill rates mean reduced returns for investors, but the continued high demand suggests that T-bills remain an attractive, low-risk investment option in the current economic climate.

The rate cuts may help the government manage its borrowing costs but could also influence the attractiveness of naira-denominated assets for foreign and domestic investors.

In the secondary market, yields have also declined slightly across short, mid, and long tenors, reflecting the shift in primary market rates.

The CBN’s rate cuts on Treasury bills signal a period of strong demand and high liquidity in Nigeria’s money market. Investors should monitor future auctions for further changes, as rates are subject to shifts in liquidity, inflation, and central bank policy. The continued oversubscription of T-bills, especially the 364-day tenor, underlines their enduring appeal despite the lower yields.

NEC Approves $90 Billion Agribusiness and Livestock Development Plan, Sets 2035 Target

 NEC Approves $90 Billion Agribusiness and Livestock Development Plan, Sets 2035 Target

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a sweeping $90 billion Agribusiness and Livestock Development Plan for Nigeria, aiming to unlock transformative economic value and position the country as a global player in agricultural exports by 2035.

*Key Highlights of the Plan*

*Economic Ambition*

The strategy is projected to generate between $74 billion and $90 billion in economic value by 2035, with a strong focus on modernizing Nigeria’s livestock sector and agribusiness value chains.

Global Export Drive: One of the plan’s central goals is to transform Nigeria into a major exporter of red meat, targeting lucrative markets in the Middle East and Asia.

*Job Creation and Security*

The initiative is designed to create jobs, boost internally generated revenue, and address the root causes of insecurity, particularly those linked to the current system of animal husbandry.

Strategic Pillars (2025–2026)

The plan prioritizes five critical pillars for immediate investment and reform:

Animal Health and Zoonoses Control

Feed and Fodder Development

Water Resources Management

Statistics and Information Systems

These pillars are intended to drive sustainable growth, enhance productivity, and ensure the sector’s resilience against disease and climate-related shocks.

*Institutional Reforms and Investments*

 NEC endorsed the formal transfer of N100 billion in previously approved funds to the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, empowering it to spearhead sector modernization.

 The plan calls for the creation of counterpart livestock ministries at the state level and full sub-national and private sector participation, ensuring a coordinated national approach.

Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board: In tandem, NEC approved the establishment of a regulatory board to revive the cotton, textile, and garment industry, which once powered Nigeria’s economy. This board will include representatives from all six geopolitical zones and relevant ministries, be domiciled in the Presidency, and funded through the Textile Import Levy.

Green Imperative Project (GIP): NEC approved the creation of a national GIP office in Abuja and regional offices across the six geopolitical zones to support agricultural mechanization and food production.

National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism: The Council formalized support for this mechanism to drive policy coherence and attract investment.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the NEC meeting, emphasized that these measures are part of President Bola Tinubu’s economic revival agenda. He described the Council as “architects of a sustainable future,” urging a focus on tangible results rather than rhetoric.

“Our people do not evaluate us by the elegance of our policies, but by the evidence of their impact. Let us rise above partisan interests and regional divisions and focus on what truly matters—building a nation that delivers for all.” — Vice President Kashim Shettima

NEC called for robust monitoring of implementation, including field visits by the NEC Implementation Monitoring Committee, to ensure that policy translates into measurable impact for Nigerians.

*Summary Table: Main Features of the $90 Billion Plan*

Target Economic Value $74–$90 billion by 2035

Main Goal Transform Nigeria into a global red meat exporter

Priority Pillars (2025–2026) Animal health, feed/fodder, water, data, breed improvement.

*Key Institutional Reforms*

New Federal Ministry, state-level ministries, regulatory board

Supporting Projects Green Imperative Project, National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism

Funding Mechanisms N100bn transfer, Textile Import Levy

Stakeholder Involvement Federal, state, private sector, and foreign investors

This ambitious plan marks a significant step toward reviving Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors, with the potential to drive economic growth, job creation, and national security over the next decade.

Taraba Receives 20,000 Bags of Rice from Dangote Foundation to Ease Hardship

 Taraba Receives 20,000 Bags of Rice from Dangote Foundation to Ease Hardship

The Aliko Dangote Foundation has donated 20,000 bags of rice to Taraba State as part of efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on residents. Each bag weighs 10 kilograms and will be distributed across the state's 16 local government areas.

The consignment was officially received by the Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Hon. Sale Sa’ad, alongside members of the committee and all 16 local government chairmen, led by Hon. Dr. Aminu Hassan.

The gesture by the Dangote Foundation is aimed at supporting vulnerable households and mitigating the effects of the current economic challenges in the state.

Sussan David

FAAC Distributes N1.578 Trillion for March 2025 as Revenue Allocations Decline for Third Consecutive Month

 

FAAC Distributes N1.578 Trillion for March 2025 as Revenue Allocations Decline for Third Consecutive Month

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a total of N1.578 trillion among the Federal Government, states, and local government areas for March 2025. 

This marks the third consecutive monthly decline in revenue allocations this year, with the March figure dropping from N1.678 trillion in February and N1.703 trillion in January.

Breakdown of March 2025 Allocation:

Statutory Revenue: N931.325 billion

Value Added Tax (VAT): N593.750 billion

Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL): N24.971 billion

Exchange Difference Revenue: N28.711 billion.

From the total distributable sum:

The Federal Government received N528.696 billion

State governments received N530.448 billion

Local government councils got N387.002 billion

Oil-producing states received N132.611 billion as 13% derivation revenue.

The gross revenue available for March was N2.411 trillion. After deductions for collection costs (N85.376 billion) and transfers, interventions, and refunds (N747.180 billion), the distributable amount stood at N1.578 trillion.

Trend and Context:

Despite the gross statutory revenue for March (N1.718 trillion) being higher than February's (N1.653 trillion), the overall distributable amount has continued to decline, largely due to higher deductions and lower VAT revenue. VAT collections for March were N637.618 billion, down from N654.456 billion in February.

This downward trend comes after a record year in 2024, when FAAC allocations soared by 43% to N15.26 trillion, driven by fiscal reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments.

Tinubu Declares National Emergency on Food Security to Tackle Inflation and Revitalize Agriculture

 Tinubu Declares National Emergency on Food Security to Tackle Inflation and Revitalize Agriculture

In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s escalating food crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared a national emergency on food security. 

This declaration comes amid rising food prices, inflationary pressures, and growing concerns over the country’s ability to feed its rapidly expanding population.

*Addressing Inflation and Food Prices*

The President’s announcement underscores the urgent need to stabilize food prices, which have surged in recent months, putting immense pressure on Nigerian households. Inflation, particularly in the food sector, has been a major contributor to the overall economic challenges facing the country. 

By declaring a national emergency, the government aims to prioritize food security in its policy agenda and mobilize resources to ensure affordable and accessible food for all Nigerians.

*Revitalizing Agriculture*

Central to this emergency declaration is a renewed focus on revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. 

The government plans to implement a series of strategic interventions, including increased investment in agricultural inputs, support for smallholder farmers, and the promotion of modern farming techniques. These measures are designed to boost domestic food production, reduce reliance on imports, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.

*Government’s Strategic Plan*

President Tinubu’s administration is expected to roll out a comprehensive food security plan that involves collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture, private sector players, and international development partners. 

The plan will also emphasize infrastructure development, improved supply chains, and enhanced access to credit for farmers.

*Impact on Nigerians*

The national emergency declaration is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing the country. It aims to alleviate hunger, reduce poverty, and ensure that every Nigerian has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

As Nigeria confronts the realities of food insecurity and inflation, President Tinubu’s declaration marks a critical turning point. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, sustained political will, and active participation from all sectors of society. 

The government’s proactive stance offers hope for a more food-secure future for Nigeria.

UPDATE ON THE CRUDE AND REFINED PRODUCT SALES IN NAIRA INITIATIVE

 UPDATE ON THE CRUDE AND REFINED PRODUCT SALES IN NAIRA INITIATIVE

The Technical Sub-Committee on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative has today convened an update meeting held in Abuja with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, presiding. The meeting reviewed progress and addressed ongoing implementation matters.

The stakeholders reaffirmed the government's commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). It stated that the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.

The Committee acknowledges that implementation challenges may arise from time to time. However, such issues are being actively addressed through coordinated efforts among all relevant parties. The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports the national economy.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, the Honourable 

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; the Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Dapo Segun; the Coordinator of NNPC Refineries; Management of NNPC Trading; representatives of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals; and senior officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), representative of Afreximbank, as well as the Secretary of the Committee, Hauwa Ibrahim.

The meeting underscored the government's commitment to the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative, a strategic move expected to have a lasting impact on Nigeria's economy, fostering growth, stability, and self-sufficiency. This bold step positions Nigeria for success in the years to come

CBN Injects $197.71m to Stabilize Naira Amid Trump Tariffs and Oil Price Decline*

 CBN Injects $197.71m to Stabilize Naira Amid Trump Tariffs and Oil Price Decline

In a decisive move to stabilize Nigeria's foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected $197.71 million into the market. This intervention comes as global markets face disruptions following the imposition of a 14% import tariff on Nigerian products by U.S.

President Donald Trump. The tariffs have weakened the naira and compounded challenges for Nigeria's oil-dependent economy.

*Impact of Trump’s Tariffs*

The new U.S. tariffs have triggered significant adjustments in global markets, particularly affecting emerging economies like Nigeria. 

The naira has seen increased volatility against the dollar in recent days, reflecting broader macroeconomic shifts. 

According to Omolara Duke, CBN’s Director of Financial Markets Department, these tariffs have added pressure to Nigeria’s foreign exchange market dynamics.

*Decline in Crude Oil Prices*

Adding to the strain is a sharp decline in crude oil prices, which fell by over 12% to approximately $65.50 per barrel. As an oil-exporting nation, Nigeria faces reduced revenue from crude exports, further complicating its economic outlook.

*CBN’s Response*

To counter these challenges, the CBN facilitated market activity on April 4, 2025, by injecting $197.71 million through sales to Authorized Dealers. This action aligns with the Bank’s commitment to ensuring liquidity and maintaining orderly market functioning. 

Duke emphasized that this step is part of CBN’s broader strategy to foster a stable and transparent foreign exchange framework capable of adapting to evolving global conditions.

*Future Outlook*

The CBN assured stakeholders that it will continue monitoring both domestic and international market trends while adhering to principles outlined in the Nigeria FX Market Code. 

Authorized Dealers have been urged to maintain high standards in their dealings, ensuring confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

As the country navigates these economic headwinds, the CBN’s intervention underscores its proactive approach to safeguarding the naira and stabilizing the economy amid global uncertainties. 

The coming weeks will reveal whether these measures can mitigate the impacts of Trump’s tariffs and declining oil prices on Nigeria’s financial stability.

Reporter *Caleb James*

Education Minister Proposes Two-Year NYSC Scheme and Expanded Skill Training Program

 *Education Minister Proposes Two-Year NYSC Scheme and Expanded Skill Training Program*

 Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has proposed extending the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from its current one-year duration to two years. 

The announcement was made during a meeting on Friday with the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the minister’s office in Abuja.

*Details of the Proposal*

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the extension would provide corps members with more time to acquire critical skills through the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. The expanded program aims to better prepare young Nigerians for self-reliance by equipping them with entrepreneurial tools and professional training necessary for job creation and economic growth.

The minister also highlighted the importance of deploying more graduate teachers to rural areas, addressing manpower shortages in underserved communities. 

He praised the NYSC for its digital reforms, particularly in curbing certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates, and called for further collaboration between the Ministry of Education and NYSC to enhance national service outcomes.

*Rationale Behind the Extension*

Dr. Alausa argued that a two-year service period would allow corps members to gain deeper insights into Nigeria’s diverse needs while contributing more meaningfully to national development. 

He noted that the longer duration would also align with efforts to tackle youth unemployment by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

*Reactions and Next Steps*

Brigadier General Nafiu commended the minister’s vision, expressing optimism about the potential impact of these reforms. He also suggested creating a database to track Nigerian students abroad, ensuring better coordination for national service.

The proposal is expected to spark nationwide discussions as stakeholders evaluate its feasibility and implications. 

While some have welcomed the initiative as a step toward youth empowerment, others have raised concerns about its practicality and potential challenges.

As Nigeria continues to address pressing issues such as unemployment and skill gaps among its youth, this proposal represents a significant shift in policy direction.

Whether or not it gains approval, it underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging national service as a tool for development.