Tag: Presidency

  • Nigeria records unprecedented rise in non-oil revenues – Presidency

    Nigeria records unprecedented rise in non-oil revenues – Presidency

    The Presidency has announced that Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented growth in non-oil revenues, driven by reforms targeting fiscal stability, compliance, and digital tax administration.

    Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said President Bola Tinubu highlighted the revenue growth while addressing a delegation from the Buhari Organisation on Tuesday.

    The President cited significant increases in non-oil revenues for all tiers of government between January and August 2025.

    Total collections reached ₦20.59 trillion, representing a 40.5 per cent rise from ₦14.6 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.

    This performance aligns with projections and keeps government on track to achieve its annual non-oil revenue target.

    Tinubu added that the Federal Government has ceased borrowing from local banks since early 2025, underscoring improved fiscal discipline.

    He noted that while non-oil tax revenues are rising, oil-based revenues remain under pressure due to declining crude oil prices.

    The President emphasised that higher revenues have enabled record disbursements to states and local governments, supporting grassroots development.

    For the first time ever, monthly FAAC allocations exceeded ₦2 trillion in July 2025, enabling investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and essential public services.

    Still, the Presidency admitted that revenue growth alone is insufficient to meet ambitious goals for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

    Tinubu stressed that oil is no longer the main engine of national revenue, signalling a historic shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

    “Nigeria’s fiscal foundations are being reshaped. For the first time in decades, oil is no longer the dominant driver of government revenue.

    “The combination of reforms, compliance, and digitisation powers a more resilient economy.

    “The task ahead is ensuring these gains improve citizens’ lives through better schools, hospitals, and jobs,” he said.

    The President revealed that ₦20.59 trillion was mobilised in eight months, marking the highest collection in recent history.

    “With ₦15.69 trillion collected, non-oil revenues now account for three of every four naira, showing a decisive shift from oil dependence.

    “While inflation and FX revaluation contributed, the uplift is mainly reform-driven — digitised filings, Customs automation, stricter enforcement, and broadened compliance.

    “₦3.68 trillion was collected in H1, ₦390 billion above target, already 56 per cent of the full-year goal. This reflects systemic reforms, not mere windfalls,” he said.

    Tinubu also confirmed that FAAC allocations to states had increased, empowering subnationals to drive local development.

    “FAAC allocations reached ₦2 trillion in July for the first time, giving states resources to strengthen grassroots development.

    “The government affirms collections are ahead of expectations, with final validation to be published by the Budget Office at year’s end,” he said.

    He reiterated that Nigeria’s revenue base is expanding and reforms are producing tangible results.

    “The priority is translating numbers into real relief — putting food on the table, creating jobs, and investing in roads, schools, and hospitals,” he said.

  • Presidency refutes ‘empty booth’ claims at TICAD9

    Presidency refutes ‘empty booth’ claims at TICAD9

    The Presidency has said Nigeria’s delegation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is focused on strategic engagements, not a trade exhibition.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said President Bola Tinubu’s delegation is pursuing results in key sectors such as power, industry, and agriculture.

    The clarification follows social media reports showing an empty booth labelled “Nigeria” at the TICAD9 venue in Yokohama, Japan.

    Onanuga described the viral narrative as a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s mission at the triennial conference, stressing that the country is not participating as a trade exhibitor.

    He noted that while the reports may reflect patriotic concern, they reveal ignorance about Nigeria’s actual objectives at TICAD9.

    According to him, Nigeria’s participation is centred on forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships that will support economic growth and development.

    Onanuga revealed that the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) will host a targeted investment forum at the conference on Thursday.

    He added that ministers are holding bilateral meetings, while President Tinubu will meet executives from Toyota, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation.

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is leading talks on several projects backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including power transmission improvements in Lagos and Ogun states.

    Other projects include a partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA on vocational training, and a $190 million renewable energy access initiative.

    Adelabu is also scheduled to meet with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as TOSHIBA and HITACHI, on possible collaborations in the power sector.

    Onanuga further disclosed that the Bank of Industry, led by Dr Supo Olusi, is engaged in high-level talks with JICA and other multilateral financial institutions.

    He affirmed that Nigeria is well represented at TICAD9 and actively involved in all critical diplomatic and investment negotiations.

  • ‘Not true’ – Presidency reacts to Ojulari’s forced resignation

    ‘Not true’ – Presidency reacts to Ojulari’s forced resignation

    A presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare has made clarification over alleged force resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari. by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services

    Dare debunked the claim, noting that there is no such thing.

    “Not true,” he told DAILY POST.

    This followed a statement from NNPCL on June 27, 2025, which raised the alarm over plans to sabotage the state-owned oil firm’s new leadership.

    In April 2, 2025 president Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ojulari as GCEO of NNPCL after the removal of Mele Kyari.

  • Surveyor-General’s Office moved to Presidency‎

    Surveyor-General’s Office moved to Presidency‎

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) from the Ministry of Works to the Presidency.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the President.

    NAN eports that the directive aims to streamline geospatial data management and ensure more direct oversight of national mapping and land administration priorities.

    Although the minister did not provide detailed reasons for the reassignment, the move aligns with the administration’s reform agenda and growing reliance on geospatial intelligence for planning, infrastructure development, and security mapping.

    The OSGoF is the country’s apex mapping agency, responsible for providing geospatial information, data, and services.

  • There is no coalition anywhere – Presidency

    There is no coalition anywhere – Presidency

    The presidency has downplayed the coalition of opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, said this on Wednesday while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

    Bwala described the efforts as being overblown, saying there is no coalition in Nigeria.

    “This coalition issue you are hearing is overblown; there is no coalition anywhere.

    “Those who left the PDP, who are the proponents of this coalition, are just a handful of people who left. The governors of the PDP have not followed them, and the National Working Committee, national executives have not followed them.

    “Where is the coalition? There are even tossing to get someone to come and run on the platform of the PDP,” he added.

    Opposition leaders, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi; and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, are part of the coalition aimed at defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    To lead this new phase, the coalition appointed seasoned political figures as interim leaders: former Senate President David Mark as national chairman, ex-Osun State Governor and former Tinubu ally Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Bolaji Abdullahi as its spokesperson.

  • Presidency slams ADC over criticism of Buhari’s state burial

    Presidency slams ADC over criticism of Buhari’s state burial

    The Presidency has rebuked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for its criticism of the state burial accorded former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    ‎In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, described ADC’s criticism as “opportunistic, dishonest and politically desperate.”

    ‎“The latest outburst from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding former President Buhari’s state burial is nothing but an opportunistic exercise in manufactured outrage.

    ‎”It’s a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain.

    ‎”This is not the first time the ADC, in its pitiful, stuttering attempts at reinvention, has embarrassed itself with hollow, attention-seeking criticisms and press releases,” Dare said.

    ‎The ADC had accused the Tinubu administration of politicising Buhari’s death, a claim the presidency strongly rejected.

    ‎It argued that the ADC, not the government, was the one seeking political mileage from Buhari’s passing.

    ‎”Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buhari’s death for political attention, not this government.

    ”They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance.

    ‎”From Atiku and El-Rufai’s choreographed arrival in Daura, greeted with chants seeking to make political capital from the solemnity of the moment, to this disgraceful press statement, the ADC has shown itself to be utterly shameless.

    ‎”For clarity, President Tinubu’s administration is neither desperate nor searching for cheap popularity,” Dare said.

    He emphasised that Buhari’s burial was dignified, honourable, and drew both national and global attention.

    ‎“World leaders showed up, millions tuned in, and even ADC promoters pranced around Daura like eager real estate agents,” Dare added.

    ‎He also highlighted key achievements under President Tinubu, including economic recovery and infrastructure development.

    ‎Major milestones listed included stabilised currency, increased oil output, and revitalised state finances through improved FAAC allocations.

    ‎The rollout of the student loan scheme was also cited as a sign of reform-focused governance.

    He added: ‎”These are not press statements. These are results. Tangible, measurable, and ongoing.

    ” That is leadership. What does the ADC offer Nigerians beyond sanctimonious whining?”

    ‎He questioned the ADC’s relevance, describing it as a party riddled with internal crises and legal confusion.

    ‎Dare reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, refusing to dignify what he called “political scavengers.”

    ‎He urged Nigerians to ignore what he called the noise from a party “gasping for attention.”

  • Lamido’s June 12 claims rattle presidency

    Lamido’s June 12 claims rattle presidency

    The Presidency has strongly denied claims made by former Jigawa Governor, Sule Lamido, about President Bola Tinubu’s role in the annulled June 12, 1993 election.

    In a statement titled ‘Setting the Record Straight’, Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Lamido’s comments as false, revisionist, and historically dishonest.

    Lamido had claimed during a television interview that Tinubu supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

    “Alhaji Lamido’s claims represent a distortion of history and a regrettable attempt at revisionism,” Onanuga said.

    Lamido alleged that Tinubu only gained prominence after NADECO was formed and claimed Tinubu’s mother backed the annulment.

    The former Jigawa governor also claimed Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Tinubu’s mother, mobilised market women to support the annulment of the election.

    “These allegations are patently false,” Onanuga stated.

    Onanuga insisted that Alhaja Mogaji never mobilised market women in support of the annulment.

    “Had she done so, she would have lost her position as market leader in Lagos,” he added.

    Onanuga acknowledged her relationship with Babangida but said it existed before the annulment crisis.

    The Presidential aide accused Lamido of failing to defend MKO Abiola’s mandate as SDP National Secretary.

    “Lamido, as SDP Secretary, failed to oppose the military’s injustice after Abiola’s election victory,” he said.

    “The SDP leadership, including Lamido and Tony Anenih, shamefully surrendered the people’s mandate without resistance.

    “Lamido and Anenih allied with the defeated NRC to deny Abiola his rightful mandate,” Onanuga alleged.

    In contrast, Onanuga said Tinubu, who was then a senator, stood firm before Gen. Sani Abacha dissolved democratic structures on Nov. 17, 1993.

    “Following Babangida’s decision to step aside on Aug. 27, 1993, Tinubu strongly opposed the annulment.

    “On 19 Aug. 19, 1993, on the Senate floor, Tinubu condemned the annulment, calling it another coup d’état,” Onanuga stated.

    He urged Nigerians then to resist injustice and lawlessness.

    Tinubu, then representing Lagos West, said the annulment constituted another unconstitutional seizure of power.

    “We cannot keep tolerating injustice and coup d’état from those funded by public money,” Tinubu warned.

    Tinubu described the political crisis as self-inflicted, caused by the annulment of a free and fair election.

    He said the government violated its own decree, committing a grave offence against its people.

    Onanuga highlighted Tinubu’s major role in NADECO and international efforts like NALICON led by Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    He said Tinubu’s backing of NADECO and other pro-democracy movements was crucial in challenging military dictatorship.

    “Tinubu was a central figure in the June 12 struggle and a consistent supporter of democracy,” Onanuga added.

    He said many NADECO leaders and journalists credited Tinubu for funding and sustaining the resistance.

    Onanuga dismissed Lamido’s narrative as part of a political agenda from a so-called ‘Coalition of the Disgruntled’.

    “The facts remain: Tinubu was — and remains — a defender of democracy, unlike Lamido, who capitulated,” Onanuga said.

  • Presidency tackles  AfDB’s Adesina over Nigeria’s GDP Per capita claims

    Presidency tackles  AfDB’s Adesina over Nigeria’s GDP Per capita claims

    The Nigerian Presidency has strongly challenged recent comments made by African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, regarding the country’s economic progress since independence. In a widely shared statement, Adesina had claimed that Nigeria’s GDP per capita was significantly higher in 1960 estimated at $1,847 than it is today at $824, suggesting a decline in citizens’ living standards.

    In a rebuttal issued by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency criticized Adesina for what it described as inaccurate and poorly researched claims, comparing his remarks to political rhetoric. The statement said Adesina’s assertion was “unverifiable” and lacked due diligence, pointing out that in 1960, Nigeria’s GDP per capita was actually about $93 based on a total GDP of $4.2 billion and a population of nearly 45 million.

    The Presidency emphasized that Nigeria’s GDP only began to grow substantially in the 1970s due to oil revenue. By 1981, per capita income peaked at $2,187 but soon dropped. The figure hit a record high of $3,200 in 2014 following a rebasing of economic data.

    Furthermore, the Presidency criticized Adesina for basing conclusions about poverty and development solely on GDP per capita, arguing that the metric fails to account for key aspects like wealth distribution, informal economic activity, and improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

    Highlighting advancements since 1960, the statement pointed to expanded access to education, improved healthcare, a modern transportation system, and the widespread availability of mobile phones and digital services—contrasting sharply with the limited infrastructure at independence.

    Using MTN’s success in Nigeria as an example, the Presidency argued that GDP figures do not always reflect a country’s true economic potential or living standards, citing how early consultants underestimated the viability of the telecom market based on GDP data.

    In conclusion, the Presidency insisted that despite challenges, Nigeria has made substantial progress since independence and warned against drawing simplistic conclusions from incomplete economic indicators.

  • Tinubu will return home today – Presidency

    Tinubu will return home today – Presidency

    President Bola Tinubu will return to the country on Monday after a two-week working visit to Europe.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said this on his X handle.

    “President Bola Tinubu will return home today,” the spokesman said in a brief statement.

    The President, who departed Nigeria on April 2 for Paris, France, held a high-level meeting with Mr Massad Boulos, the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa.

    The discussion focused on deepening bilateral cooperation to enhance regional security and sustainable economic development across Africa.

    After his engagements in Paris, Tinubu proceeded to London over the weekend, where he continued consultations and maintained regular communication with senior government officials in Abuja.

  • Presidency clarifies report of Shettima barred from Aso Rock

    Presidency clarifies report of Shettima barred from Aso Rock

    The Presidency has reacted to reports alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima was barred from gaining access to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The spokesperson to the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Saturday debunked the reports that armed military units denied Shettima access.

    According to him, such misinformation can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.

    Nkwocha, therefore, urged the public to disregard such malicious publications and advised the media to continue to seek information from credible sources and approach sensational claims with the caution it deserves.

    ”This we owe ourselves collectively as a nation.”

    He said that in recent times, there has been deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood against the vice president’s person and office in many multidimensional forms.

    ”These mischievous and totally fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate total clash in the Presidency.

    ”These reports seek to mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest levels of government.

    ”The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice-President has been refused entry to the Villa.

    ”This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.

    ”The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking.

    “(It’s) a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.”

    Nkwocha said earlier this week, the Presidency dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu.

    ” These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution.

    ” Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.

    ”It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President.

    ”However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray.

    ”These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”

    He said that Shettima remains focused on his duties and on supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians.

    ” He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire.

    ” He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.”

    Nkwocha commended Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards the Tinubu’s administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news.

    ”Your trust and support are deeply appreciated. The covenant between this government and the citizens of Nigeria was made possible through a legitimate and constitutional process.

    ”No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Tinubu.”