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EXPLAINER: Who are non-career ambassadors?

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In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s global footprint nearly two years after recalling all envoys, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated 32 high-profile figures for ambassadorial roles, blending seasoned diplomats with political heavyweights.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The announcement, detailed in letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, includes 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career appointees—political allies and experts selected for their networks and expertise rather than traditional Foreign Service ladders. This hybrid approach, a hallmark of Nigerian diplomacy under Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution, aims to inject fresh vigor into bilateral ties but has ignited fierce debate over patronage and merit.

With Senate confirmation pending, the picks signal Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, targeting key economic and security partnerships, though critics decry it as rewarding loyalists over national interest.

Who Are Non-Career Ambassadors?

Non-career ambassadors represent a president’s prerogative to appoint outsiders—often politicians, donors, or specialists—to diplomatic posts, bypassing the rigorous career track of professional Foreign Service officers. In Nigeria, where about 40-50% of envoys historically fall into this category, these roles reward loyalty, ensure regional balance, and bring niche skills like intelligence or advocacy to the table.

Unlike career diplomats, who undergo decades of training and rotations, non-career picks typically serve shorter terms tied to the administration, with Senate vetting as the sole check.

Globally, the US mirrors this with 30-35% political ambassadors, but Nigeria’s system amplifies ethnic and political equity, making it a tool for federal cohesion.

Tinubu’s list, with its 53% non-career tilt, underscores this tradition while prioritising strategic outposts like the US, UK, and China.
The Initial Batch: Security Savvy for Western Capitals

Tinubu kicked off the nominations last week with three non-career heavy-hitters, all with deep intelligence and diplomatic pedigrees, poised for elite Western postings. Ambassador Ayodele Oke, a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) from Oyo, brings counterterrorism expertise honed at Emory University and a prior stint as Nigeria’s envoy to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. Flanking him is Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State, a national security veteran who led the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu from Jigawa State, a Buhari-era diplomat who served in South Korea. These nominees, awaiting Senate nods, are tipped for the United States, United Kingdom, or France—hubs for oil deals, counter-extremism pacts, and climate talks—highlighting Tinubu’s focus on security amid Sahel threats and economic diplomacy.
The Big Reveal: 32 Nominees and High-Profile Non-Career Stars

Saturday’s blockbuster submission expands the roster to 32, explicitly splitting 15 career pros from 17 non-career influencers, with 10 women total (four in career slots, six non-career) to boost gender parity. The non-career slate reads like a who’s-who of political and public figures: former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, whose 2023 election oversight drew fraud allegations; vocal Tinubu ally Reno Omokri, the Delta-born ex-presidential aide and social media firebrand; ex-Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode from Osun, a polarising lawyer with a history of legal battles; former Abia Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu; ex-Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Oyo First Lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi; ex-Lagos Commissioner Lola Akande; former Adamawa Senator Grace Bent; Ondo Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; ex-Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo; former Plateau Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut; ex-Lagos Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro; Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra; Tasiu Musa Maigari, ex-Katsina House Speaker; Yakubu N. Gambo, former Plateau Commissioner; and Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu, ex-envoy to the Holy See from Benue. Career picks, like Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia) and Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), fill the merit-based complement, ensuring continuity in protocol-heavy roles.
Strategic Postings: Eyes on Economic Powerhouses and Multi-laterals

Once confirmed, these envoys will fan out to Nigeria’s vital partners, blending economic lures with geopolitical heft. Non-career stars like Omokri and Fani-Kayode could land in influencer-friendly spots such as Canada, India, or the UAE, leveraging personal clout for trade and diaspora outreach. Security-focused Oke might anchor Washington for counterterrorism synergy, while Yakubu’s electoral know-how suits multilateral forums. Key destinations include China and South Korea for infrastructure loans; Mexico and Qatar for energy swaps; South Africa and Kenya for AfCFTA boosts; and missions to the United Nations, UNESCO, and African Union for global advocacy on migration and climate. Tinubu teased more names soon, promising a full diplomatic overhaul to align with his reformist vision, though exact assignments hinge on Senate greenlights.
Backlash and Buzz: Rewards or Renewal?

The nominations have sparked a firestorm on social media and in op-ed pages, with detractors like lawyer Inibehe Effiong slamming the list as “rewarding criminality”—pointing to Yakubu’s disputed tenure and Fani-Kayode’s scandals as stains on Nigeria’s image. X (formerly Twitter) erupted with memes and rants, branding picks like Omokri “sycophants” unfit for global stages, echoing fears of patronage trumping professionalism.

Defenders, including Tinubu’s camp, hail the diversity—spanning states from Abia to Osun—as a masterstroke for unity and agility, arguing non-career voices like Ikpeazu’s can unlock investments where bureaucrats falter.

Civil society urges rigorous screenings to avert past gaffes, but with Tinubu pressing for “expeditious” action, the Senate’s week-long deadline could fast-track this contentious crew. As Nigeria eyes 2026 polls and economic rebound, these ambassadors will test whether political flair fortifies or fractures the nation’s diplomatic clout.

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Federal Government of Nigeria Finally Commissions CNG Station to Boost Domestic Supply

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The Federal Government has commissioned an integrated Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, refueling station at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic gas supply and promote cleaner energy alternatives.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Director of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Oluwole Adama, described the move as a major step toward advancing Nigeria’s gas-powered energy transition.

He noted that the facility goes beyond being just a refueling station, adding that it reflects progress, collaboration, and commitment to expanding domestic gas utilization in line with national energy goals.

“This project represents more than the commissioning of a refueling station. It symbolizes progress, partnership, and purpose in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition, promoting cleaner fuels, and deepening domestic gas utilization in line with national energy objectives,” Adama stated.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, praised the initiative, saying the facility will serve both the university community and residents of the surrounding area.

He added that the project would create opportunities for research, hands-on learning, and innovation in alternative energy solutions.

DAILY POST gathered that the federal government-backed initiative forms part of broader efforts to drive renewable energy adoption and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuel sources.

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BREAKING NEWS: MTN Nigeria invests N1trillion on fibre rollout, network upgrade

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MTN Nigeria said it invested N1tn in 2025 to expand fibre infrastructure, roll out additional base stations and strengthen network capacity nationwide, as the country’s biggest telco returned to profitability after a choking financial year marked by foreign exchange pressures and negative equity.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The capital expenditure, more than double the prior year’s spending, formed part of a broader recovery that saw the company post a profit after tax of N1.1tn for the year ended December 31, 2025. The rebound followed a difficult 2024 in which MTN suspended dividend payments and grappled with balance sheet strain.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Karl Toriola described 2025 as a defining year for the company, linking the improved earnings position to renewed long-term infrastructure investment.

“During the year, we invested N1tn in network expansion and modernisation, more than double the prior year’s capital expenditure. This investment translates to additional base stations, deeper fibre rollout, expanded capacity and improved network resilience across the country because sustaining critical digital infrastructure requires disciplined capital allocation and a deliberate long-term approach,” the executive said.

The telcos’ total subscriber base increased to 87.3 million, up 7.9 per cent, while active data subscribers rose to 53.2 million. Data traffic grew by 34 per cent during the year. These figures reflect sustained demand for digital services across the country and underscore the need for continued investment in network capacity and resilience.

“We are mindful that in a period of economic pressure, expectations from customers are heightened. When Nigerians purchase data or rely on our network for work, education, financial services or daily communication, they expect reliability, fairness and continuous improvement. That expectation is both legitimate and central to our responsibility, Toriola noted.

MTN’s service revenue rose 55.1 per cent to N5.2tn in 2025, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation more than doubled to N2.7tn. Earnings per share improved to N53.07 from a negative N19.05 a year earlier, reflecting the sharp turnaround in operational performance.

Chief Financial Officer Modupe Kadiri said the company’s financial recovery was built on deliberate balance sheet repair, disciplined capital allocation and reduced foreign exchange exposure.

“A year ago, MTN Nigeria was in negative equity. Today, we are declaring a N20 total dividend for the 2025 financial year,” Kadiri stated.

The board approved a final dividend of N15 per share, subject to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting, bringing the total dividend for the year to N20 per share, including an interim dividend of N5 already paid in the fourth quarter.

According to its report, MTN generated N1.2tn in free cash flow during the year and rebuilt shareholders’ equity to N548.7bn, with retained earnings standing at N400.4bn at year-end, signalling restored financial stability after the previous year’s market volatility.

Toriola said profitability would continue to underpin infrastructure expansion, noting that profit enables sustained reinvestment in network quality and broader coverage rather than serving as an end in itself.

“Profit, in our context, is not an end in itself. It is the mechanism that enables continued investment in network quality, broader coverage and enhanced customer experience. As Nigeria’s digital ecosystem continues to expand across fintech, small businesses, education and public services, resilient and future-ready telecommunications infrastructure remains foundational to national development,” he added.

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Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA orders airline to refund passengers charged VAT before January 1

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed Overland Airways to refund passengers who were wrongly charged Value Added Tax on flight tickets purchased before January 1, 2026.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The directive followed clarification issued by the Nigeria Revenue Service on the implementation of the new tax regime affecting airline tickets.

Passengers had complained to the regulators after an elderly woman was forced to pay the new tax in 2025, a fee that was expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that the matter had been resolved after regulatory engagement with the airline and the Nigeria Revenue Service.

“As directed by the NCAA, the operator, Overland Airways, has reverted with clarification from the Nigeria Revenue Service,” Achimugu said.

He clarified that passengers who bought tickets before the new tax laws came into force should never have been subjected to additional charges.

“Tickets purchased before January 1, 2026 were not affected by the new tax laws,” he said, adding that passengers who bought tickets in 2025 but were later made to pay VAT at check-in in 2026 were not supposed to have been charged.

According to the NCAA, the airline had initially implemented the VAT requirement based on its interpretation of the new fiscal policy, prompting complaints from affected travellers.

Achimugu explained that regulatory clarification became necessary to determine the correct application of the tax.

“The onus was on the NRS to clarify, which they have now done,” he said, noting that the aviation regulator had earlier communicated its position to the airline.

Following the clarification, Overland Airways agreed to correct the situation.

“The airline has committed to redress the situation by initiating a refund for affected passengers,” Achimugu added.

The controversy arose after several passengers complained that they were compelled to pay additional VAT charges at airport counters despite purchasing their tickets months before the tax provisions took effect.

Travellers described the development as unexpected and financially burdensome, especially during peak travel periods in December.

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