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US/Israel-Iran War: Tinubu Assures UAE, Other Gulf States Of Nigeria’s Solidarity
President Bola Tinubu has expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries that came under attack in the heat of the US/Israel war with Iran.
Commending the countries for their resilience and restraint, the President noted that Nigeria will always stand for peace and stability.
President Tinubu in a statement signed by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga stated this at the State House in Abuja when he received Letters of Credence from seven Ambassadors and two High Commissioners, including those of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“Let me first of all congratulate all of you and use this opportunity to say that the Federal Republic of Nigeria expresses its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in the face of the recent attacks and say that we will always strive for peace and stability across the world.
“The world needs tranquillity, peace and love. We share that solidarity with all of you in that region,’’ he said.
The President received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hail; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yousef Bin Mohammed Albalawi; Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic, Wissam Kalakeche; Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan, Mohammed Abdelaal Haroun and High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, Walda Natangwe Ndevashiya.
Other envoys who presented their Letters of Credence were: High Commissioner of Rwanda, Moses Rugema; Ambassador of the Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Osman Mohamed; Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, Nicolas Perazzo Naon; and Ambassador of the Republic of Congo, Moyongo Dieudonne.
President Tinubu told the envoys that Nigeria will continue to work together with international partners to pursue peace within the African sub-region and the globe.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Nigeria and your various countries, as I receive your Letters of Credence and the Letters of Recall of your predecessors.
“I am confident that your appointment as Principal Envoys of your respective countries in Nigeria is a testament to your years of service to your country and the strength of your character. I therefore request that you convey my warmest fraternal greetings and best wishes to your respective Heads of State and Government.
“Nigeria values the bonds of friendship we share. We remain fully committed to deepening these ties, for the mutual prosperity and progress of our peoples,’’ he added.
President Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy will guide its active engagements with the global community for mutual benefits.
“Your Excellencies, you are arriving in Nigeria at a pivotal period in our national trajectory. My administration is undertaking bold and necessary economic reforms designed to reposition Nigeria as a globally competitive hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
“As you commence your tour of duty, I invite you to see Nigeria not just as Africa’s most populous nation, but as a dynamic partner open for strategic and mutually beneficial business collaboration.
“As you engage with our government and our people, you will observe that our strategic foreign policy actively guides our interactions on the global stage. Nigeria seeks to collaborate with your nations to harness the boundless energy of our youthful demography, drive infrastructural and economic development, maximise the mutual potential of our diaspora populations and champion democratic governance.
“Furthermore, Nigeria remains acutely aware of its responsibilities within our immediate neighbourhood and the broader African continent. We are resolute in our commitment to the principles and protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The defence of constitutional order, the pursuit of regional economic integration, and the stabilisation of the Sahel region are priorities that we cannot achieve in isolation. We look forward to robust partnership and cooperation with your respective countries in addressing these transnational security and development challenges,’’ the President stated.
President Tinubu said global challenges can be tackled with the collective will and cooperation of nations and international institutions.
“The global community today faces a complex web of overlapping crises—from the changing international order, climate change and energy transitions to counter-terrorism and the need for a more equitable global financial architecture. Nigeria stands ready to work with your governments bilaterally and in multilateral forums to advocate for a fairer, more secure world order.
“To achieve these shared objectives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to extend to you their full cooperation.
“Your Excellencies, as you embark on your diplomatic missions in Nigeria, you have my personal assurance and the full cooperation of my administration. Our institutions are ready to work with you to ensure the resounding success of your tenure,’’ the President assured the envoys.
President Tinubu told the ambassadors to travel and explore the country beyond Abuja, and experience the rich cultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and unparalleled warmth and friendship of Nigerians.
On behalf of the envoys, the Ambassador of Qatar thanked the President for taking the time to receive them at the Presidential Villa.
He assured the President of excellent relations with Qatar and pledged that all the envoys would do their best to improve relations with Nigeria after their tour.
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FG increases allowances for Civil Servants
The Federal Government has approved an increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants.
Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, in a move expected to increase the take-home pay of civil servants and boost the morale of the government’s workforce.
Walson-Jack said the increment affects workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).
This is targeted at ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres of the civil service.
According to her, the allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, leading to better earnings for senior and junior officers.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved a review of some key allowances for civil servants.
Some of them include duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance.
The head of service said almost all allowances in the Public Service Rules have been revised.
One key reform is the approval of 100 percent DTA, which is for civil servants attending approved training programmes irrespective of whether travel is involved or not.
She said, “Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA.”
Apart from salary-related adjustments, the Federal Government has also introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The scheme, which provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, takes effect from January 1, 2026.
For the head of service, the move is part of efforts to enhance dignity in retirement. She maintained that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.
The Federal Government equally confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at financially protecting workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.
Nigeria’s latest reforms followed an increase in calls from labour unions for improved welfare for civil servants as the cost of living continues to soar, putting more pressure on workers.
It comes about two years after the Federal Government approved a salary rise of between 25% and 35% for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.
The salary structure includes the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
Support for Oyo Workers
In the meantime, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a ₦10,000 monthly transportation support fund for civil servants in the state to cushion the impacts of the rising costs of living.
Makinde said this will run for an initial period of three months. According to him, the move is part of the Oyo government’s response to prevailing economic pressures, particularly the rising cost of transportation.
The governor said it will help lessen the financial burden on civil servants in the state and ensure uninterrupted service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.
“This support is a direct response to the realities our workers are facing,” Makinde said. “We understand that transportation costs have gone up significantly, and as a government, we must act to ease that burden.”
The transport allowance took effect in March, 2026.
News
Military set to try suspected coup plotters, set up General Court-Martial
The Nigerian military on Friday inaugurated a General Court-Martial to try officers accused in an alleged coup plot, marking the formal commencement of proceedings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the accused officers were brought to the venue of the sitting, the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, at about 8:53 a.m. under tight security.
Journalists were, however, denied access into the courtroom as proceedings commenced behind closed doors.
Several civil lawyers were observed arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, suggesting the presence of legal representatives for the accused.
The sitting signals the beginning of the military’s internal trial process following months of investigation into the alleged plot.
The case dates back to October 2025 when about 16 serving military personnel, comprising senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline.
Subsequent investigations by military authorities, however, established that some of the officers had cases to answer bordering on an alleged attempt to overthrow the constitutional government, leading to the decision to subject them to court-martial.
NAN reports that more than 30 accused officer were brought in a “Marcopolo” luxurious bus.
In a related development, the Federal Government had earlier arraigned several civilian suspects and retired military personnel before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the same alleged coup plot.
The defendants, Including a retired Major General and a serving police officer, were charged with offences bordering on treason and terrorism.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court subsequently ordered their remand in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.
The parallel proceedings underscore the dual-track approach, with serving military personnel facing court-martial, while civilians and retired officers are being tried in civilian courts.
Further details of the court-martial proceedings were not immediately available as at the time of filing this report. (NAN)
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Oyedele Formally Assumes Office as Finance Minister Vows to Sustaim Reform Momentum
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has formally assumed office following the completion of the handover process by the former Minister, Mr. Wale Edun, OFR.
The handover was conducted Thursday 23rd April 2026, within the stipulated timeline following President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s directive.
Mr. Edun’s period in office was marked by the advancement of key fiscal and economic reforms aimed at stabilising the macroeconomic environment and repositioning the economy for sustainable growth.
These included efforts to strengthen revenue performance, improve fiscal coordination, and support broader structural reforms under the Administration’s economic agenda.
The newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Oyedele in his remarks commended the outgoing Minister for his service and contributions to the ongoing reform efforts in the economy.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the confidence reposed in him to serve in this capacity. He also extoled Mr. Wale Edun for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Welcoming the new Minister to the Ministry in this new capacity, the Permanent Secretary, Finance, Mr. Raymond Omachi and Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma pledged full support and loyalty of the Management and staff of the Ministry in advancing the Minister’s mandates.
Mr. Oyedele reaffirmed his readiness to working closely with the leadership and staff of the Ministry in order to deliver concrete outcomes aligned with the government’s economic priorities.
He emphasised the need to build on existing reforms while focusing on measurable impact across key sectors of the economy.
The assumption of office signals continuity in the Ministry’s service delivery to the nation, with focus on deepening economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and improved outcomes for Nigerians.
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