News
Oyedele Sets Up Advisory Committee to Turn Economic Reforms into Results
…urge members to challenge government thinking as committee pledges practical solutions over paperwork
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has inaugurated a Ministerial Advisory Committee to provide independent policy advice aimed at translating the Federal Government’s economic reforms into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, Oyedele said the committee would serve as a bridge between policy formulation and implementation, insisting that the era of reform must now give way to tangible results.
The minister said: “Today is not simply about constituting another committee.
“It is about institutionalising a new way of thinking, a new way of solving problems, a new way of connecting ideas with implementation and strengthening the quality of economic decision making in service of the Nigerian people. This is what I call the public-policy-private partnership. The context is that we want to move from reform to results.”
Oyedele said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had embarked on some of the country’s most difficult economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification and comprehensive tax reforms.
“These were not easy choices, but are essential because sustainable development cannot be built on fiscal illusion.
“We acknowledge that these decisions impose real, immediate costs on households, businesses and communities. So our focus now is on converting the reforms into tangible results.
“It is one thing to make or change policy. It is quite another to translate that change into outcomes ordinary Nigerians can feel. The true measure of reform is not the number of policies announced or macroeconomic indicators cited. It is the number of jobs created, inflation declining, naira stabilising, and businesses investing with confidence.
“It is about the number of lives improved. That is why this committee has been established”, stated.
The minister said government required honest and evidence-based advice capable of identifying policy risks before they become crises.
He emphasised that the advisory body will not duplicate the functions of government institutions.
“This committee exists therefore to provide independent, evidence-based, and constructive external counsel. We need you to think through the second and third order effects of our policies.
“Surface vulnerabilities and risks before they become crises. Bring international best practice into our decision-making. Relay how our reforms are actually landing in factories, shops and communities so we can adjust course dynamically where necessary”
“Let me be explicit about what this committee is not. It does not exercise executive authority, nor does it duplicate or replace the existing work of any statutory institution. Your role is to advise.
“Your independent perspective will strengthen our decisions and ensure our efforts remain relentlessly focused on outcomes”, he added.
Oyedele said the committee’s work will revolve around four key priorities: economic policy advisory, public financial management, economic coordination and ensuring reforms produce practical benefits.
“We need data-driven counsel on how to achieve our core developmental objectives of job creation, robust growth, enhanced productivity and revenue optimisation.
“The government’s aspirations remain bold. Achieving seven per cent annual real GDP growth and building a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 requires thinking differently, questioning assumptions, challenging long-held theories and developing strategies that stretch us while remaining deeply grounded in economic reality”, he noted.
He therefore urged members of the committee to offer frank advice, free from political considerations, and challenged them to remain connected to on the ground.
Oyedele assured members that their recommendations will not be ignored.
“Be rigorous and bold. Ground your advice in hard evidence, not intuition, populism or political convenience. Data should illuminate our choices, not merely justify predetermined outcomes.
“Do not be constrained by conventional thinking. We do not need this committee to validate what we have already decided. We need you to challenge our assumptions, point out the trade-offs we might be preparing over, and tell us the truth we may not want to hear.
“Healthy, fact-based disagreement is not a weakness, it is an advantage.
“Do not let this committee become an ivory tower exercise. Speak with manufacturers, exporters and everyday citizens. Understand where policy is creating friction and how it can open doors.
“A young entrepreneur deterred by red tape, or a factory manager struggling for a permit, they are not abstractions. They are the living metrics of whether our policies succeed or fail.”
“You have agreed to serve on a pro bono basis, sacrificing your time and energy during a critical period. For this demonstration of deep patriotism, we are immensely grateful.
“In return, I promise you that your counsel will be heard. Your advice will not languish in forgotten files. It will actively inform ministerial decisions and the guidance I provide to the President”, he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Permanent Secretary Finance in the Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, described the inauguration as an important step towards strengthening fiscal governance and improving economic policy through external expertise.
According to him, the committee comprises economists, public finance specialists, development practitioners, governance experts, business leaders and representatives of the organised private sector.
“Today’s inauguration reflects the Honourable Minister’s conviction that the complex economic challenges before our nation require not only sound public institutions, but also the collective wisdom, experience and perspective of accomplished professionals from diverse fields.
“The committee is designed to serve as an independent advisory body, providing strategic counselling on economic policy, fiscal reforms, public financial management, government efficiency, stakeholder engagement and economic coordination.
“Equally important is the role of helping us to translate ongoing reforms into measurable improvement in the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Omachi said members were expected to provide objective, innovative and nationally focused recommendations capable of strengthening fiscal sustainability and public confidence in government reforms.
Responding chairman of the committee, Abubakar Suleiman, assured the minister that members will focus on producing practical and implementable solutions rather than academic reports.
“I promise you that’s not what we’ll give you.
“What I think you’ve asked of us is that because the job of keeping this country going is a full-time job, and those who have been mandated to do it do not have enough time to think about the new things or the different things or the things that are not yet on the table.
“Our job is to free you to keep running this ministry and keep coordinating this economy while we take time off to think about things that, if you were not on this job, you would have been able to do yourself”, he said.
Suleiman said the committee understands that its role was not to repeat ideas government officials already knew.
“It will be my commitment on behalf of my members that we’ll do everything possible not to come to you with advice on the things you already know, or the things that you’ve heard all the brilliant minds that work with you advise us to tell you.
“We understand that that is not our job”, he noted.
He pledged that the committee will remain connected to the realities facing ordinary Nigerians and relay genuine feedback to government.
He assured the minister that the committee’s recommendations will be practical, implementable and focused on delivering quick wins.
“We will serve as a bridge so that what is happening on the street, what is happening in the farms, what is happening in the factory, beyond the noise, beyond the social media noise, beyond the conversations that are held spontaneously in marketplaces and beer parlours, we will try to listen and hear what people are really saying, where Nigerians are really feeling the pain, which of the policies is really working, and then we’ll bring that back to you in an environment that you can work with.
“Our hope is that the few things that we put our effort to will be valuable things. There will be things that are executable, things that are practical, but also things that can be done very quickly”, he said.
The Committee members are:
1. Abubakar Suleiman – Chairman
2. Dr. Ayo Teriba – Member
3. Prof. Uche Uwaleke – Member
4. Chinyere Almond – Member
5. Vincent Nwani – Member
6. Segun Oloketuyi – Member
7. Jide Adeola – Member
8. Dimeji Salaudeen – Member
9. Damilola Akinbami – Member
10. Idris Bob-Osagie – Member
11. Dr. Jani Ibrahim – Member
12. Segun Ajayi-Kadri – Member
13. Prof. Joseph Nanna – Member
14. Dr. Suleiman Ndanusa – Member
15. Dr. Baba Yusuf Musa – Member
The committee, made up of economists, business leaders, governance experts and development professionals, is expected to provide strategic advice to the Ministry of Finance on fiscal reforms, public financial management, economic coordination and stakeholder engagement as the government seeks to consolidate its economic reform agenda.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 abductees and neutralized two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The military also arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing and other items during the operations conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 16.
According to the statement, troops in Katsina rescued 10 kidnap victims, comprising three males and seven females, after responding to distress reports from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the victims.
Among those rescued was an infant.
The victims were subsequently taken into military custody for necessary assistance and further action.
21 Victims Rescued in Kebbi
Also on September 14, troops operating in Kebbi State responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence, the troops launched a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they reportedly engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The terrorists were forced to withdraw from the area, allowing the troops to continue their operation and rescue 21 kidnapped victims.
The rescued civilians were later reunited with their families.
Terrorist Kingpin Killed in Katsina
The following day, September 15, troops in Katsina reportedly foiled an attempted terrorist attack on communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.
Acting on intelligence, the troops moved towards a suspected terrorist hideout and engaged the group with superior firepower.
The military said two terrorists were killed during the encounter, including Abbah Alhassan, whom it identified as a known terrorist kingpin.
Other terrorists reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush.
Troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and suspected Indian hemp from the area.
Two Suspects Arrested
In another operation on September 15, troops arrested two suspected terrorists around the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.
The suspects remain in military custody while investigations continue.
The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped civilians, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the movement and operational freedom of armed groups across its area of responsibility.
The task force also commended residents for providing security-related information and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency.
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states for consideration and approval.
The transmission, carried out on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, marks the next stage in the ongoing constitutional alteration process and was undertaken pursuant to a directive from the leadership of the National Assembly.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., said the Bill was transmitted to the state legislatures in compliance with the provisions of Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Under Section 9, a bill seeking to alter the Constitution cannot be passed by either chamber of the National Assembly unless it is approved by resolutions of not less than two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states.
The state legislatures are therefore required to consider the proposed constitutional amendments in accordance with their respective legislative procedures and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly after completing their deliberations.
Although the Constitution does not stipulate a specific timeframe within which state Houses of Assembly must respond to a constitutional alteration bill, the National Assembly said the state legislatures are expected to communicate their decisions within 30 days of receiving the Bill.
The National Assembly, however, stressed that the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe and not a constitutional deadline.
According to the Clerk, the timeframe is intended to promote an orderly, coordinated and timely conclusion of the constitutional amendment process while respecting the constitutional independence of the state legislatures.
What the Constitution Requires
Nigeria’s Constitution sets a deliberately high threshold for constitutional amendments because changes to the country’s supreme law require approval beyond the National Assembly alone.
In addition to the required approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly, Section 9 prescribes other legislative requirements depending on the particular constitutional provisions being altered.
The process generally involves the introduction and passage of the alteration Bill by the National Assembly before it is transmitted to the state legislatures for consideration. The resolutions of the state assemblies are subsequently communicated to the National Assembly for the next stage of the process.
The requirement for state-level approval gives the 36 Houses of Assembly a constitutionally recognised role in determining whether proposed amendments can proceed.
The National Assembly said it recognises this responsibility and respects the independence of the state legislatures in considering the Bill.
National Assembly Seeks Coordinated Process
In the statement, the Clerk said the transmission was intended to facilitate the orderly discharge of the state assemblies’ constitutional responsibilities rather than interfere with their legislative processes.
“The National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the constitutional alteration process is conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution,” the statement said.
It added that the process would be guided by due process, institutional cooperation and respect for the legislative responsibilities of all tiers of the legislature.
The National Assembly will await the resolutions of the 36 state Houses of Assembly before taking the subsequent steps required under the Constitution.
The transmission of the Sixth Alteration Bill comes amid continued efforts to amend aspects of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a process that requires cooperation between the federal and state legislatures because of the constitutional threshold for altering the nation’s supreme law.
The statement was signed by Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., Clerk to the National Assembly.
News
REVEALED: 11 Nigerian-Born Lawyers Hit by U.S. Disciplinary Actions Over Professional Violations
At least 11 Nigerian-born lawyers practising or based in the United States have faced suspension or other disciplinary measures over alleged or established professional violations, according to disciplinary records cited in a report by The Peoples Gazette.
The cases span several years and involve different jurisdictions and regulatory bodies, including state bar authorities, U.S. immigration authorities and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
The disciplinary matters range from unauthorised practice of law and failure to meet professional obligations to alleged misrepresentation, neglect of clients’ cases and mishandling of client funds.
The sanctions are not identical, and the grounds for disciplinary action vary from one case to another. Some of the lawyers have also reportedly been reinstated, while others remain suspended or have not been reinstated.
Below is a summary of the lawyers and the disciplinary actions reported against them.
1. Aloysius O. Ejimakor
Aloysius O. Ejimakor was suspended from practising law in New York for nine months in 2004 following disciplinary proceedings over alleged false claims concerning his professional qualifications.
According to a U.S. Department of Justice document, the Office of General Counsel for the Executive Office for Immigration Review commenced proceedings against him in July 2003.
The proceedings alleged that Ejimakor violated federal regulations by making false statements concerning his qualifications.
The report states that he had not been reinstated following the suspension.
2. Abiola O. Adesioye
Abiola O. Adesioye, based in the District of Columbia, was suspended in July 2025 by the Board of Immigration Appeals from practising before the board, U.S. immigration courts and the Department of Homeland Security.
The suspension followed an order issued by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals on March 25, 2025.
According to the report, disciplinary counsel for the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Department of Homeland Security jointly petitioned for her immediate suspension under applicable federal regulations.
The Board of Immigration Appeals granted the petition pending the final resolution of the disciplinary proceedings.
3. Emelike Nwosuocha
Emelike Nwosuocha, who died on July 21, 2024, aged 64, faced disciplinary proceedings before his death.
According to the report, he was posthumously suspended for three years in 2024 over professional misconduct.
The disciplinary matter included an alleged failure to provide an affidavit required under an earlier suspension and failure to pay attorney fees owed to a defendant in a medical negligence lawsuit.
In 2023, Nwosuocha had reportedly received a six-month suspension after failing to respond to a disciplinary grievance.
The relevant disciplinary authorities subsequently affirmed the suspension.
4. Michael Ozulumba
Michael Ozulumba, who is based in Massachusetts, was reportedly suspended from practising before the Internal Revenue Service and the Executive Office for Immigration Review for two years.
The reported disciplinary findings involved professional misconduct, neglect of client cases and misrepresentations.
However, the supplied material contains a reference to a 2027 board decision. Since that date is still in the future as of September 16, 2026, that portion requires independent verification and has therefore not been treated here as an established past event.
5. Michael Imevbore Ojo
Michael Imevbore Ojo, based in Houston, Texas, was suspended from practising law for 12 months by the Evidentiary Panel of the District 4C05 Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas.
The disciplinary action reportedly involved alleged violations of Texas professional conduct rules, including neglect, failure to communicate with clients and failure to cooperate with a State Bar investigation.
Troops rescue 31 abductees, neutralize terrorist kingpin in Katsina, Kebbi
NASS Transmits 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to 36 State Assemblies
REVEALED: 11 Nigerian-Born Lawyers Hit by U.S. Disciplinary Actions Over Professional Violations
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