President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of 2,000 tractors and numerous agricultural tools as part of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme—an initiative designed to enhance food security and promote economic growth across Nigeria.

At the official launch held in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to fulfilling its pledges and fostering a resilient agricultural sector for the nation.

“Today, we take a monumental leap forward with the introduction of the state-of-the-art tractors through our new agricultural mechanisation programme. We are very proud of what we are doing,” he stated.

The President also reflected on a warning he issued two years ago regarding the looming risks to Nigeria’s food supply and noted that he had tasked his team with finding creative and effective solutions.

“We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise. Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on our nation’s food security. While we are here, there are over 2,000 advanced tractors, 50 industrial-grade land preparation booths, 12 fully equipped mobile workshops, and 8,000-plus specialised farming implements. This equipment, when deployed to empower mechanisation and service providers, creates job opportunities.”

Tinubu stressed the overarching goal of shifting Nigeria’s status from a food-importing country to a leading force in global agriculture.

“Our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency. We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse. Supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen has access to affordable nutrition,” he said.

He highlighted that the initial stage of the project involves deploying more than 2,000 modern tractors, 50 heavy-duty bulldozers for land preparation, 12 fully equipped mobile repair units, and over 8,000 specialized agricultural tools.

“You don’t have to use an 18th-century method for a 21st-century agricultural family,” he stated.

Tinubu also revealed a collaboration with Belarus to educate Nigerian youths in operating machinery, performing repairs, and mastering mechanization technology.

“We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youth, teach them how to do things, get them off the streets, empower them in technology, review mechanisation, empower them in machine repairs and fabrication,” he stated.

Tinubu reiterated his call for accountability and effective use of the agricultural equipment by beneficiaries.

“To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy it with maximum efficiency. We will work with you, we will supervise you at various locations, and we will hold you accountable,” he warned.

The President also applauded the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. “I sincerely commend the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their productive effort in addressing the food crisis and maintaining stability with our food system. Together, we shall cultivate a future where Nigeria is not only sustaining itself, but nourishes the world over,” Tinubu said.

During the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as “the single largest mechanisation drive ever undertaken in Nigeria.”

He further emphasized the President’s early commitment to the sector, saying, “From the very first days of this administration, Mr President made it abundantly clear. Food security is national security.”

Kyari noted that the programme aligns with four major mechanisation schemes under the Renewed Hope Agenda: the John Deere Tractorisation Programme, the Greener Hope Project, the Green Imperative Programme, and the Belarus Project.

He credited the swift rollout of the initiative to a technical partnership with AFTRADE DMCC, a global leader in agricultural machinery.

“Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus,” Kyari stated.

According to him, the programme includes the deployment of 2,000 advanced tractors with trailers, ploughs, harrows, sprayers, and planters, in addition to 10 combined harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 50 bulldozers for land clearing, and over 9,000 supplementary farming tools and spare parts.

Kyari outlined the programme’s goals, which include cultivating more than 550,000 hectares of land, producing over two million metric tonnes of staple food, creating upwards of 16,000 jobs, and directly benefiting over 550,000 farming households.

“This is not just about distributing tractors. It is about transforming the entire narrative of Nigerian agriculture, from subsistence to scale, from effort to efficiency, from hand hoes to horsepower,” he explained.

The initiative also features compulsory training for machine operators, GPS tracking for accountability, and financing options through development and non-interest banks.

“Mechanisation must inspire a new generation of agri-preneurs,” Kyari added. “We are already building a Nigeria that grows what it eats and eats what it grows.”

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has no realistic chance of being re-elected in 2027, saying he would be “lucky to come third.”

Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Monday, El-Rufai pointed to the weak economy, rising insecurity, and poor infrastructure as key reasons behind growing public dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s government.

El-Rufai, who was a supporter of Tinubu during the 2023 election, said recent polls reveal that many Nigerians have lost confidence in the president’s leadership.

He went further to warn that Tinubu’s performance could cost him even a second-place finish, stressing that the president has “no pathway to win” in 2027 and would be “lucky to come third.”

“I have mentioned some time ago that in many parts of the country, particularly in the southeast and the North, President Tinubu has a 91% disapproval rating. Even in Lagos, he has a 78% disapproval rating. Okay, it’s a scientific fall, and in some states in the southwest, he’s doing a bit better, like in Ondo and Ekiti, where he’s doing better than a 78% disapproval rating, but there is no way he’s doing better than 50%, even in the southwest; the guy is gone,” El-Rufai stated.

“He has performed miserably. The economy has tanked. The security architecture has failed. There are no clear trade, industrial and investment policies. Everything is going wrong. They are raising lots of revenues, but we don’t know where the revenues are going because there are no results.”

El-Rufai, who had previously backed both former President Buhari and President Tinubu, now says Tinubu’s administration is performing worse than Buhari’s, despite initially believing Tinubu would deliver better results.

Reflecting on his earlier optimism, the former governor stated, “If you asked me in 2022 or 2023 when we are campaigning that things will ever be this bad, I would, I would, I would say that you are, you are mentally ill.”

“Why is there no improvement in 2024? Over 2.2 million Nigerians were abducted. 615,000 were killed. Is Nigeria at war? These numbers are worse than the eight years of Buhari in one year. This is data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics. So it’s government data. I’m not coaching something out of the air. So for that 100 billion that goes out every month from the Federation account, without appropriation by the National Assembly, by the way, without appropriation by the state assemblies, because part of the money belongs to the states, each state assembly is supposed to appropriate that part.

“So the entire deduction and spending expenditure is unconstitutional. It’s an impeachable offence, but it has been going on for more than 15 months from the last time I checked. So where has that 1.5 trillion gone? What is it being used for? Why is the security situation just getting worse? Why is the government asking communities to protect themselves?”

Although El-Rufai did not reveal whether he plans to contest the presidency in 2027, he emphasized that his main concern is ensuring improved governance in Nigeria.

He also rejected the notion that the outcome of the 2027 election is already determined due to recent defections to the ruling party.

“I have not made any decision about what position to run for. I’m thinking about it. We are discussing with many people; even in the coalition, we discussed that, but I have not made any fun decision. For me, priority number one, okay, is to get a person that will improve the quality of governance in Nigeria. If the governance, if the quality of governance in Nigeria, is improved, I will thrive. I will do well, okay? I have an address, I have a profession, and I have capabilities.

“I don’t need to be in politics. I don’t need to be in public service to thrive. So the first order of business is to have a country that is well run, where the resources are applied, where people have a great opportunity to realise their potential. So for me, that’s number one. Okay, that person also should be able to defeat President Tinubu because President Tinubu is determined to make this election look as if it is settled.

“It is not. They are giving the impression through defections and so on. as I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, I have looked at the numbers. I’ve looked at the trends of elections. President Tinubu has no pathway to win. He cannot win. In fact, he will be lucky if he was third.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withheld his assent to the 2025 National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, citing that it contradicts established federal laws and government policies.

In a letter directed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and presented during Tuesday’s plenary session, the President acknowledged the bill’s purpose but expressed concerns regarding particular clauses.

The correspondence highlighted President Tinubu’s position that some aspects of the bill—especially those concerning how agencies under the National Assembly are funded, taxation of national institutions, remuneration structures in the public service, and rules on age and tenure—clash with existing legal frameworks and national policies.

“Notwithstanding the laudable objectives of the legislation, certain provisions contained therein go against the settled law and policies of the federal government of Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote.

He warned that approving the bill in its present form could compromise current governance mechanisms and create a problematic standard that is not in the nation’s best interest.

“If this bill becomes law, these provisions will establish an unsustainable precedent against the public interest,” he added.

The President officially informed the House that he would not be approving the bill and urged legislators to review and amend the provisions in question.

“I hope that the House of Representatives will take necessary steps to fix the identified issues with the legislation,” the letter concluded.

The proposed amendment aims to revise the structure for funding and managing the National Assembly’s library and to enhance support for legislative research.

Nigeria’s electricity sector is undergoing a historic shift as seven states—Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Oyo, Edo, and Kogi—have assumed regulatory control of their electricity markets under the Electricity Act 2023, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

This decentralization allows states to independently generate, transmit, distribute, and regulate power, marking a departure from the centralized authority previously held by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Four additional states—Lagos, Ogun, Niger, and Plateau—are expected to complete their transitions by September 2025, while Anambra is preparing to join after enacting its own electricity law.

The move aims to foster a competitive market and address Nigeria’s persistent power shortages but has sparked concerns about state capacity, regulatory consistency, and potential disparities in electricity access.

The Electricity Act 2023 enables states to issue licenses to private investors for power projects, encouraging localized solutions and investment. For example, Lagos has launched plans for 500-megawatt power hubs to boost energy reliability. Distribution companies in transitioned states, such as Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, have established subsidiaries like Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited to operate under state regulations.

At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, discussions focused on the need for capacity building, regulatory alignment, and investment readiness to ensure sustainable state-led markets. Eleven states are currently transitioning, with NERC providing guidance to navigate challenges.

However, industry experts warn that many states lack the technical expertise to handle complex tasks like setting cost-reflective tariffs, a skill globally limited to a small pool of professionals. Manpower shortages and weak institutional frameworks could undermine the transition. Asset delineation—dividing infrastructure like transmission lines that span multiple states—poses another hurdle, potentially causing regulatory conflicts.

Electricity theft remains a concern, as state regulators may lack the enforcement capacity to address violations effectively, especially since NERC must now transfer such cases to state commissions.

A critical issue is subsidies, with governors deciding whether to fund electricity subsidies or adopt market-based pricing.

This could lead to unequal access, as wealthier states may afford subsidies while others impose higher tariffs, impacting low-income households. Enugu stands out as a leader, with an experienced regulator and operational framework, while other states face early challenges.

Critics caution that fragmented oversight risks inconsistent standards and consumer exploitation, urging harmonized policies to maintain fairness.

The Act also promotes renewable energy and private investment, with provisions for tax incentives and rural electrification initiatives to expand access.

Since April 2024, NERC has issued transfer orders to 11 states, each with a six-month timeline for full operational handover.

As Nigeria navigates this transformative period, the success of state-led electricity markets depends on addressing capacity gaps, ensuring regulatory clarity, and fostering federal-state collaboration to deliver reliable, affordable power to millions.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced the commencement of a fresh nationwide recruitment exercise into four major paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior. These agencies include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

This was made known in an official statement released by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, who urged qualified and interested Nigerians to submit their applications through the board’s official portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.org.

According to him, “Applications should be submitted online within three weeks from the date of this publication and note that the application is absolutely free.” He also warned applicants to apply for only one of the four agencies, as multiple applications would lead to automatic disqualification.

The recruitment covers various cadres, including:

• Superintendent Cadre:
  Superintendent of Corrections (CONMESS 09) for NCoS applicants holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery.
  
• Assistant Superintendent Cadre I (CONPASS 09):
  Applicable to FFS applicants with a Degree in Law or BSc in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Water Engineering or other related fields.
  
• Assistant Superintendent Cadre II (CONPASS 08):
  Applicable to NSCDC, FFS, and NIS applicants with BSc or HND in relevant disciplines.
  
• Inspectorate Cadre (CONHESS 06):
  For NCoS, NSCDC, and FFS; applicants must be Registered Nurses or Midwives.
  
• Assistant Inspector (CONPASS 06):
  ND or NCE holders in any relevant field.
  
• Assistant Cadre (CONPASS 04/03):
  General duty roles for holders of GCE O’Level, SSCE/NECO, or equivalent with a minimum of 4 or 5 credits in not more than two sittings. General Requirements:

-Must be Nigerian by birth

-Between the ages of 18 and 35

-Medically fit

-No criminal record or history of financial crimes

Official Confirmation via X (formerly Twitter):

To further authenticate this recruitment exercise, the Federal Fire Service of Nigeria posted the following on their official X handle, @fedfireng:

“PRESS RELEASE 2025 RECRUITMENT EXERCISE”

The general public is hereby informed that recruitment into the following four agencies under the Ministry of Interior has officially commenced:

Nigerian Correctional Service

Nigerian Immigration Service

Federal Fire Service

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Interested applicants are to apply via the official recruitment portal:
https://recruitment.cdcfib.org

The application portal will be opened on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.

Applicants are strongly advised to beware of fraudsters. The recruitment exercise is entirely free of charge, and no payment is required at any stage.

Public Relations Unit
Federal Fire Service Headquarters
23rd June, 2025”

You can view the official post:

How and Where to Apply:

1. Visit the official recruitment portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.org.
2. Select only one agency to apply to.
3. Fill out the online form carefully and attach the required documents.
4. Submit the form before the application deadline (three weeks from 23rd June 2025).
5. Note that no fee is required at any stage of the process.

Applicants are warned to beware of individuals or websites requesting payment. The exercise is transparent and free, as emphasized by the CDCFIB.

Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, and his wife, Maria Alckmin, arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday to participate in the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism.

They were received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Welcoming the delegation alongside them were the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, among other top officials.

The visit is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties within the South-South cooperation framework.

It is projected to generate significant policy advancements across various sectors.

At a brief airport reception, Hadejia described the visit as “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He underscored the importance of enhancing ties with Brazil.

“This dialogue mechanism represents our commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our citizens.

“Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, energy transition, and industrial development aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Hadejia said.

The three-day summit will conclude with the signing of over 30 Memoranda of Understanding in key sectors.

These sectors include defense cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration, and cultural exchange programs.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu launched the 15-kilometre A2–Pai Town Road in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. This road forms part of the 150 kilometres of roads either completed or in progress across the six Area Councils since May 29, 2023.

President Tinubu underscored the vital role of rural connectivity in promoting national progress and prosperity.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared this in a statement he released on Monday.

“Infrastructure means nothing if it is not developed for the benefit of the people. The true value of this progress lies in how it lifts lives and expands opportunity. And indeed, this administration will continue prioritising infrastructure development in all zones,” President Tinubu stated.

He praised the FCT Minister for emphasizing rural development.

“You are doing commendable work in the underserved rural areas. We will ensure that development is not one-sided but balanced, inclusive, and aimed at improving lives.

“The commissioning of this newly constructed road, from the A2 junction on the Abuja–Lokoja expressway to Pai Town, is symbolic and strategic. It is symbolic because it represents Renewed Hope.

“It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, and mobility—all of which are essential to strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.

President Tinubu encouraged the Pai community to take ownership of the road and maintain it for local advancement.

“Let this road serve as a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for farmers, traders, students, and youth,” he said.

He also remarked, while traveling from Sheda to Pai after inaugurating 2000 tractors for mechanised farming, the critical need for grain farmers and livestock owners to establish grazing opportunities and take measures to boost productivity.

“We will help you. We will work with you. We will convert what used to be a liability and a source of conflict into a means of prosperity,” the President said.

Minister Wike stated that 150 kilometres of roads have been completed or are underway across all six Area Councils of the FCT since the onset of the Tinubu administration.

“This is not propaganda. All six emergency roads approved in the 2023 supplementary budget have been completed and commissioned. These roads have transformed access and connectivity for our rural populations,” Wike said.

The six road projects that have been completed are the 9km Paikon-Kore–Ibwa road in Gwagwalada Area Council, the 5km Gaba–Tokulo road in Bwari Area Council which includes a two-span river bridge, and the 5km asphalt road stretching from Tipper Garage Junction to the LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council.

Other completed roads include the 11km Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo road in Kwali Area Council, the 5km Saburi 1 & 2 road within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and the Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market road located in Gwagwalada Area Council.

The Minister also announced several roads set to be commissioned later in the week. These include the 18km Karshi–Nyanya road, the 7.4km Old Ushafa Road, the rehabilitation of the Dutse–Lower Usman Dam road, and the 16.4km dualisation of the Ushafa–War College–Army Checkpoint road.

According to Wike, the value of these projects goes beyond improving transportation. He stated that they are also key to enhancing food security, bolstering security efforts, and promoting inclusive socioeconomic growth.

“With better access, isolated communities can be reached, farmers can access their farmlands, and security agencies can patrol more effectively. We encourage real farmers—not speculators—to use this infrastructure to support the government’s food security agenda,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the FCT Administration, under President Tinubu’s leadership, is committed to expanding development outside the city centre, particularly in road and electricity infrastructure.

“You can give someone an appointment, but nothing happens if you don’t support them. You have done both, and the results are visible across the FCT,” he said.

The traditional ruler of Pai, Sarkin Pai, Alhaji Sani Abubakar, expressed heartfelt thanks to President Tinubu for his leadership and for appointing the current FCT Minister.

“Mr President, we want to thank you for two things. One is appointing Mr Project to the FCT because the FCT Minister has transformed how we live in rural communities. He is the right man for this job. We cannot thank you enough,” said the monarch.

He noted that the new road has greatly improved local economic activities and recalled past struggles with moving goods to the market.

“This road has opened up many economic activities for us. Many of us had serious challenges transporting goods to market in the past—it hasn’t been fun. But now, you can see that everybody is happy. They have shown a large amount of appreciation for you and the Honourable Minister.”

He added that the Minister has consistently called for leadership and praised both the President and the Minister for the improvements being witnessed.

“The Minister used to say that we need leadership in this country, and you have given us that leadership. We want to thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank the Honourable Minister; he has been doing well for us, and a lot is still coming in this direction. We thank you, Mr. President,” Abubakar added.