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HOW FAR CAN WIKE GO?
BY GILBERT BWANSHAK
As active participants in Nigeria’s unfortunate and needless civil war that spanned three years between 1967 and 1970, and major players in the General Yakubu Gowon administration in the early to mid-70s, the duo of Generals Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo when they assumed leadership of Nigeria in 1975, reasoned the need for decisive and deliberate actions to unify the country. From inception, the Murtala/Obasanjo government resolved to build on the mileage covered by Gowon who was overthrown by the new crop of military rulers.
Their passion for true nationhood and commitment to patriotism and nation building led to the carving of Abuja as the new Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. In doing this, the Murtala/Obasanjo government envisioned a federal capital that will be home to every Nigerian no matter your ethnicity, tribe, religion and any other persuasion. In their projection, Abuja should be a place where every Nigerian would have sense of belonging, inclusivity and true brotherhood among all citizens. The capital territory went through different stages and assumed various nomenclature; from proposed to emerging and substantive capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In like manner, it witnessed many stages of development from raw state to infancy and what it is today. During the military regimes of Ibrahim Babaginda, Sani Abacha and Abdulsalami Abubakar the capital territory was given varied degrees of concentration by respective leadership. Given their orientation, background and experiences in the military profession, there were conscious efforts to maintain the status of Abuja as the unifying capital city of Nigeria and for Nigerians. In every way possible, they tried to toe the line of their superiors who birth the new capital city.
With Nigeria’s return to civilian governance in 1999 which saw the emergence of a retired military general, Olusegun Obasanjo as the new democratic president of Nigeria, many envisaged the further enforcement of Abuja as home for all. Being the other leg of the duo that carved and created the new federal capital, residents and Nigerians were expectant with deliberate enthusiasm. In his own way, the Obasanjo government endeavoured to meet the aspiration of Nigerians. Though much was not achieved in the first term (1999-2003) but the story changed in the second term (2003-2007), as considerable mileage were covered in few areas, particularly restoring the original plan of the federal capital territory.
According to opinions and comments of many long term residents of Abuja, it was obvious that though past ministers of the Federal Capital Territory tried in their respective tenures to ensure the all-inclusivity vision of the founders of Abuja, in some ways the bureaucracy favoured a particular section of the country. Perhaps this may not be their making considering the evolution of Abuja particularly as it relates to personnel recruitment at it’s formative years. This trend continued from one administration to the other. Somehow, it was only during the tenure of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that attempts were made to correct the skewed bureaucracy. Even at that, some people argued that the former Kaduna state governor was calculative and strategic in appointing and posting of those carefully selected to juicy positions and departments.
However it became worse in the last administration. Previously laid down guidelines and rules for some appointments were flagrantly abused. Adherence to federal character were deliberately jettisoned. For instance, while previous administrations ensured that one Mandate Secretary was picked to represent each of the six geo-political zones, this well-thought principle was shoved aside. In virtually all departments and units, the depth of skewed bureaucracy was glaring. In many ways, it affected the morale of workers such that service delivery took the backseat.
When Nyesom Wike assumed office as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the third quarter of 2023, many workers wondered if he would have the nerve to address these anomalies. Many staff secretly wish that Wike would have the political will to right the wrong in the ministry’s bureaucracy which was eroding trust, believe, and cohesion. Many agreed that if the trend persists it will lead to widespread failure in service delivery which may impact negatively on the development of the territory.
In almost a year in office, Wike (and his junior Minister) have made significant landmarks in many sectors. From building of bridges, roads, and Infrastructures in other sectors to the improvement and upgrade of facilities, Wike has recorded achievements that dwarfs that of his predecessors. Fact is, of all the past ministers, only El-Rufai posted achievements that are close to what is happening in Abuja now. A visit round the city and across the six Area Councils will convince everyone that Wike is working.
Over the past couple of months, some profound and transformational policies have been introduced in the governance structure of the federal capital territory. Perhaps unknown to him, in a quiet, meticulous, and deliberate approach to leadership and governance, Wike has been taking decisions which are in total conformity with the ideals and visions of the founder fathers and creators of Abuja as the federal capital of Nigeria. For a start, with the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, the minister has succeeded in the restructuring of the entity from a ministry-focal to full-state structure with all the compliments of necessary appurtenances. With this singular and successful step, the scope of the vision of governance in the federal capital has swiftly expanded.
For the first time since it’s creation over four decade ago, the bureaucracy of the federal capital has weaned itself from the control of the Federal Civil Service by having its own; FCT Civil Service Commission. As a follow-up, the pioneer FCT’s Head of Service was appointed. In addition, ten(10) Permanent Secretaries were subsequently appointed and deployed to fit into the new governance and organisational structure of the federal capital territory. Similarly, to encourage gender equality and deepen inclusivity, which was the main reason for creating the federal capital territory the Women Affairs Secretariat was empaneled thereby increasing the Mandate Secretariats to seven.
It is instructive that Wike has been adhering to the principles of federal character in appointments, deployment of staff and every bureaucracy in the federal capital territory. From observation and comments by staff and residents there are empirical proofs to confirm that Wike is meticulously maintaining and sustaining the visions and principles of the federal capital territory which are also in sync with the agenda of Tinubu. Just as he ensured that the positions of the six Mandate Secretaries were given to people from the six geo-political zones, the ten Permanent Secretaries were evenly distributed, same with Directors of key Agencies and Departments.
Wike’s courageous actions has emplaced equity, fairness and justice in the federal capital territory. Though it has elicited minor hush-hush murmurings among few people but the vast majority of staff are excited. With adherence to competence, track record and experience many have witnessed rightful placements and long over-due promotions. Suddenly, a new culture of inclusivity, belonginess and unity is now in the federal capital territory. Unlike in the past when your career progression is solely anchored on where you come from, the reverse is the case. Workers are now encouraged to put in their best knowing that they would be appropriately appreciated through career growth when the need arises.
Though a huge percentage of federal capital territory’s over 7,000 work force are extremely happy with Wike’s commitment to all inclusivity, some are worried if he can sustain it till the end of his tenure. Few are also concerned that he may be victim of intense pressure and sustained blackmail orchestrated by few people who believe that every juicy positions in the federal capital territory is their birthright. Given Wike’s commitment to equity, fairness and justice as eloquently exemplified during his political fight with the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate during the last general election, it is certain that he will not bow to any intimidation and subterfuge. As a firm believer in “agreement na agreement” Wike is expected to enforce and ingrain the principles of law, order, justice, fairness and equity in the federal capital territory under his watch.
* GILBERT BWANSHAK is an Abuja based public affairs analyst
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Reforms in NNPCL under Ojulari have increased Nigerians’ trust in current administration – Centre
The Centre for Reforms and Good Governance (CRGG) has hailed the transformative leadership of Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), declaring that the sweeping reforms under his stewardship have significantly boosted public confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Maxwell Onazi, the Centre described Ojulari’s tenure since his appointment on April 2, 2025, as a defining chapter in the commercialisation and professionalisation of Nigeria’s national oil company.
According to the CRGG, Ojulari’s results-driven approach has delivered measurable gains across upstream production, financial performance, transparency, infrastructure delivery and investor confidence, reversing years of opacity and operational inefficiency.
The Centre noted that these outcomes align directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrate the administration’s capacity to appoint competent technocrats capable of delivering tangible national value.
“Engr. Bayo Ojulari has shown that with disciplined leadership, commercial focus and commitment to transparency, NNPCL can be transformed from a historically loss-making entity into a profitable, investor-ready national asset,” Maxwell Onazi stated.
“The surge in production, the restoration of regular Federation Account remittances, the unprecedented financial disclosures and the unlocking of multi-billion-dollar investments are not abstract achievements.
“They are concrete evidence that the Tinubu administration’s reforms in the oil and gas sector are working and that Nigerians can once again trust that their most strategic national resource is being managed with integrity and competence.”
The Centre highlighted the dramatic rise in upstream output under Ojulari’s watch.
According to the CRGG, the first half of 2026 alone produced clear evidence of the transformation. NNPCL recorded ₦19.04 trillion in revenue and ₦2.28 trillion in profit after tax between January and June 2026, while statutory remittances to the Federation Account reached ₦6.286 trillion in the same period and climbed to ₦7.913 trillion by the end of July, including a single-month payment of ₦1.627 trillion in July.
These figures, the Centre noted, represent a decisive break from past patterns of irregular transfers and limited disclosure.
“The 2026 half-year numbers speak louder than any rhetoric. Revenue of ₦19.04 trillion, profit after tax of ₦2.28 trillion and nearly ₦8 trillion remitted to the Federation Account in seven months show that NNPCL is now operating as a true commercial entity that delivers value to the Nigerian people,” Maxwell Onazi stated.
“When citizens see consistent, transparent remittances and rising production under a leadership appointed by this administration, their trust in the broader reform agenda of President Tinubu naturally increases.
“Ojulari’s results have made that connection clear and credible.”
The Centre further highlighted the operational gains that underpinned the financial performance.
National crude oil production has been sustained at levels above 1.7 million barrels per day for much of 2026, reaching peaks of approximately 1.73 million barrels per day, the highest in five years.
NNPC Exploration and Production Limited continued to post strong output, with earlier records of 355,000 barrels per day in late 2025 extended into higher peaks of around 365,000 barrels per day.
Gas production also strengthened, hitting 7,841 million standard cubic feet per day in June 2026, supporting the administration’s gas-based industrialisation push.
“Infrastructure progress has been equally notable, the group added. “The Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) and Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) gas pipelines advanced to 94 per cent and 98 per cent completion respectively in 2026, while major upstream projects such as Bonga Southwest-Aparo moved closer to delivering additional barrels and jobs.
“Cost discipline remained a priority, with Ojulari’s team achieving $3.4 billion in savings through systematic contract reviews and optimisation.
“These are not isolated successes. Higher production, stronger gas output, near-completion of critical pipelines and multi-billion-dollar cost savings form a coherent picture of a national oil company that is finally being run with commercial rigour,” Onazi said.
The Centre for Reforms and Good Governance concluded that Ojulari’s first year-plus in office has set a new benchmark for public-sector performance and provided a clear demonstration that competent, reform-minded leadership can deliver results that benefit the entire nation.
It called on stakeholders to sustain support for the ongoing transformation so that the gains already recorded can be consolidated and expanded in the years ahead.
The Good Governance Assembly (GGA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, from office over allegations arising from the recently concluded insurance industry recapitalisation exercise.
The civil society organisation, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Peter Bawa, alleged regulatory overreach, abuse of office and financial impropriety in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme.
The group said its demand was based on a petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Ministry of Finance concerning disputed fees and capital transfer requirements imposed during the exercise.
Among the issues raised are an alleged one per cent capital injection fee, the directive requiring certain insurers to transfer their recapitalisation funds into an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and an alleged N180 million payment described as a fee for verification consultants.
The allegations have also been raised by NICON Insurance Limited and Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, which petitioned government authorities over the disputed requirements. The Federal Ministry of Finance subsequently directed NAICOM to suspend enforcement of the contested fees and the full-capital escrow directive against the two companies pending determination of their petition.
The ministry also requested NAICOM to provide detailed explanations and legal justification for the disputed requirements.
According to the GGA, the controversy raises questions about regulatory accountability and could affect confidence in the insurance industry.
“The allegations against Mr. Ayo Omosehin are not administrative technicalities,” Bawa said, alleging that the disputed requirements involved significant sums of money across the sector.
He argued that Omosehin should not remain in charge of the industry regulator while the allegations are being examined.
The GGA further claimed that the disputed charges, if applied across the industry, could amount to billions of naira.
It said the development was particularly concerning coming after the recapitalisation exercise, which was designed to strengthen the financial capacity of insurance companies and improve confidence in the sector.
The organisation also urged the Federal Government to ensure that any investigation into the allegations is independent and transparent.
“We therefore call on President Tinubu to remove the NAICOM boss without further delay so that a full, independent and transparent investigation can proceed free from any perception of interference,” Bawa said.
However, NAICOM has rejected allegations of fraud or wrongdoing by its officials.
In a September 10 rejoinder, the commission described reports alleging fraudulent activities and the detention of its officials as false and misleading. NAICOM said neither the Commissioner for Insurance nor any of its directors had been indicted, charged or found culpable of fraudulent activity.
The commission also confirmed that the EFCC had requested information and explanations concerning allegations circulated in the media, but said responding to such a request was part of its cooperation with law-enforcement agencies and should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing or culpability.
NICON and Nigeria Re, however, have maintained their call for an investigation, alleging that the one per cent capital injection fee lacked statutory backing and questioning the handling of funds collected during the recapitalisation process.
The companies have also challenged NAICOM’s alleged requirement that insurers transfer their entire capital injections into a CBN escrow account, arguing that Section 16(3) of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025 provides for a 10 per cent statutory deposit.
. As NDLEA intercepts over N3billion worth of opioids at Lagos airport, nabs Cross-border Togolese traffickers, others in Lagos, Oyo, Edo, Bauchi raids
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 25-year-old newlywed businessman Lovely Chukwulobelu at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, for attempting to traffic 72 wraps of cocaine which he ingested, to Portugal where he resides.
The groom was intercepted by NDLEA officers at the departure hall of the Enugu airport on Thursday 25th September 2026, with cocaine in his gut and wedding ring on his finger, while he attempted to board an Ethiopian Airline flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa. He was subsequently placed under excretion observation during which he egested a total of 72 wraps of the Class A illicit drug.
The suspect, who claimed he was into car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo area of Lagos before he relocated to Portugal in May 2023, said he returned to Nigeria recently to get married on 13th September 2026. He said he resorted to the criminal trade to offset expenses incurred during his wedding.
At the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 22nd September 2026 uncovered one of the year’s biggest opioid hauls during a joint examination of three monitored consignments, leading to the seizure of Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand (2,550,000 ) pills of Tramaking 225mg, Tramaking 250mg, and Royal Tapentadol 250mg, with a combined gross weight of 1,640.55 kilograms. The consignments, were imported from India and Bangladesh via Qatar Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian Airlines.
In Bauchi, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects: Umar Hamidu, 35, and Abdulkarim Salihu, 45, along the Maiduguri bypass with 300 compressed blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 262.5kg, concealed in the false bottom of a truck marked MUB757 YH, while two cannabis farms with a combined estimated yield of 1,360.23kg at Eko Camp, Ilushi, Edo state were destroyed by NDLEA officers supported by soldiers on Wednesday 23rd September.
In Lagos, two female suspects: Odumabo Kehinde, 36, and Obiekwe Chioma, 40, were arrested on Saturday 26th September when NDLEA operatives raided Anifowoshe Street in Mushin where they recovered 3.4kg skunk from them. In another operation in Lagos same day, NDLEA officers intercepted a 58-year-old man Ugwu Johnson at Ebute-Ero motor park, with large quantities of illicit consignments, including: 5.920kg skunk; 2,400 ampoules of pentazocine injection; 8,400 tablets of nitrazepam; and 40,000 pills of tramadol.
Two Togolese nationals: Yinusa Abdulsamad, 35, and Fatai Baba, 33, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Saturday 26th September at Iganna-Ilero road, Iganna, Oyo state with 305.6kg of skunk concealed in two pick-up vans used for cross-border trafficking racket, moving Ghanaian-sourced cannabis into Nigeria through the Oyo axis.
At the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos, five suspects were arrested with 420 cartons of nitrous oxide popularly called laughing gas weighing 1,688.4kg, along with two vehicles used in conveying the exhibit from the border into Lagos. They include: Kingsley John, 40; John Chibuike Okeke, 44; Lamidi Ismaila, 40; Babatunde Samuel, 42; and Afeesu Idowu, 47.
With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Community High School, Saki, Oyo state; Auchi College, Auchi, Edo; Alkali Modibbo Islamic Centre, Dukku, Gombe; and Junior Arabic Secondary School, Kahu, Kibiya LGA, Kano, while the Delta Ports Command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatshe III, the Olu Of Warri, Delta state, among others.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Lagos, Oyo, Edo, Seme, and Bauchi Commands for the various successful operations, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.
Reforms in NNPCL under Ojulari have increased Nigerians’ trust in current administration – Centre
Group Demands Omosehin’s Removal as NAICOM Chief Over Recapitalisation Allegations
Europe-bound bridegroom excretes 72 wraps of cocaine at Enugu airport(Photos)
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