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Tinubu Extends Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year to Consolidate Reforms

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July 31, 2025

Tinubu Extends Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year to Consolidate Reforms

Abuja, Nigeria – July 31, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. The extension, which takes effect immediately, will now see Adeniyi remain in office until August 31, 2026.

This was made known in a press release signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and made available to Newsheadline247 on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the extension aims to allow Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate key reforms and complete vital national initiatives already underway under his leadership.

“The extension, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will enable Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical initiatives of this administration,” the statement read in part.

Key projects mentioned include:

The modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service;
The implementation of the National Single Window Project; and
The execution of Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol.

The Presidency commended Mr. Adeniyi’s dedication to service and reform. “President Tinubu recognises Mr. Adeniyi’s steadfast leadership and commitment to service,” Onanuga stated.

Reaffirming the administration’s confidence in the Customs CG, Onanuga added, “The President is confident that this extension will further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service in achieving its strategic mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.”

Mr. Bashir Adeniyi was first appointed in June 2023 and has since led several transformation efforts aimed at boosting operational efficiency, curbing smuggling, and improving revenue collection within the Service.

With this extension, stakeholders expect continued momentum in ongoing customs reform and stronger alignment with the government’s trade and economic priorities. Read More

Dangote Cement set to commission 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire

Business

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July 30, 2025

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Dangote Cement set to commission 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire

Management of Dangote Cement has announced that it will commission the 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire by the third quarter of this year, which is expected to strengthen the company’s position in Africa and contribute significantly to its exports.

Chief Executive of Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, in a note to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, said the company is encouraged by the growth in its export business. He said: “Export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2%, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon. This demonstrates the growing importance of our pan-African footprint and our ongoing commitment to regional trade and self-sufficiency.”

Arvind Pathak also revealed that the company’s strategic priorities remain focused on long-term value creation. He said Dangote Cement has made significant progress in further strengthening its cost architecture. “…During the period, we began the phased delivery of 1,600 additional CNG-powered trucks, which will significantly reduce our logistics costs and enhance environmental efficiency.”

Commenting on the financials for the second quarter, which he said was built on the company’s strength, resilience, and adaptability amidst improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, he said the company’s focus on operational efficiency and cost containment is delivering tangible results. According to him: “Group EBITDA rose by an impressive 41.8% to ₦944.9 billion, while Group profit surged by 174.1%. This remarkable performance is a testament to our disciplined execution, strong cost leadership, and the strategic investments we have made over the years.”

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer that have a production capacity of 35.25Mta in Nigeria. Its Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; while its Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta. In the same vein, its Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta, and its Okpella plant in Edo state has 3Mta. Through its recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.

In addition, the company has operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (2.0Mta clinker grinding and import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).

US Slams Nigerian Governors Over Wasteful Spending, Dapo Abiodun’s Extravagant Birthday Bash Condemned

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July 30, 2025

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Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s Birthday Beach Party

US Slams Nigerian Governors Over Wasteful Spending, Dapo Abiodun’s Extravagant Birthday Bash Condemned

The recent 65th birthday celebration of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, has ignited widespread public criticism over what many see as an extravagant show of wealth at a time of deepening economic hardship in Nigeria.

Held at a beachside venue and graced by top dignitaries from across the nation, the opulent event has been labelled a tone-deaf spectacle, especially given the current struggles of many Ogun residents.

The backlash has now attracted international attention, with the United States Embassy in Nigeria issuing a pointed rebuke of such excessive spending by state leaders.

In a statement released Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Embassy highlighted the Nigerian governors’ wasteful spending, saying it is “completely out of touch with the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.”

“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the embassy wrote, calling attention to a wider pattern of financial irresponsibility among state governors.

The criticism follows an investigative report exposing the scale of luxury spending across various Nigerian states. In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has reportedly earmarked N63.4 billion for Government House renovations—a project even he admitted was “an embarrassment.” Gombe State, one of Nigeria’s most impoverished regions, has seen Governor Inuwa Yahaya set aside N14.9 billion for a new government residence and another N14.23 billion for a House of Assembly complex.

The embassy did not mince words, describing these projects as “a clear demonstration of fiscal irresponsibility,” adding that “such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”

This diplomatic rebuke lands amid the harsh realities of ongoing economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation. These measures have led to spiraling inflation, job losses, and increasing hardship across households.

Civic groups and watchdog organizations have joined the growing chorus of condemnation, urging a shift toward more responsible and people-focused governance. They argue that state funds should be directed toward critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education, not vanity projects and elite celebrations.

The U.S. Embassy’s rare public condemnation marks a significant international concern over Nigeria’s governance practices, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and reform at the sub-national level. Read More

Tinubu Has Kept His Promises to the North – Information Minister Idris Declares

AGENCY REPORT

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July 30, 2025

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AGENCY REPORT

Tinubu Has Kept His Promises to the North – Information Minister Idris Declares

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled most of the promises he made to Northern Nigeria during his presidential campaign—and is committed to doing even more.

Idris made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking on “Hannu Da Yawa,” a live Hausa-language phone-in programme aired on Radio Nigeria Kaduna and monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The minister said President Tinubu’s pledges on security, education, and agriculture—made during his appearance at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation before the 2023 presidential election—have largely been honored.

“Before the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu came to the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation and made some promises on security, education, and agriculture to the North,” Idris said.

He added that the president’s presence was again felt at the foundation’s two-day interactive session on Government-Citizens’ Engagement, where the theme focused on evaluating electoral promises and promoting national unity.

“Let it be known that when he won the election, Tinubu kept his promises to the North. He appointed so many people from the North to work with him in his administration,” he stated.

Idris highlighted key appointments, including the Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and ministers in strategic portfolios such as Agriculture, Health, Women Affairs, Culture, and Information, among others.

“In fact, we are more than 60 from the North working with Tinubu,” Idris said.

He emphasized that the administration is still in its early phase, with only two years completed, yet the achievements—particularly those impacting the North—are already significant.

Addressing claims that President Tinubu has marginalized the North, Idris strongly refuted such narratives:

“There have been some misinformation that Tinubu had sidelined the North, but today, we have demonstrated and seen that such narrative is not true. In fact, he has done so well for the North.”

He assured that the government will intensify its outreach efforts to educate the public—especially Northern citizens—on the progress made under the Tinubu administration.

“We will continue to sensitise the people, especially those in the North, about the outstanding achievements recorded by President Tinubu,” he concluded. Read More

(NAN)

NDLEA Seizes 1.3 Billion Tramadol Pills, 4.4 Million Bottles of Codeine in 18 Months – Marwa

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July 30, 2025

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“Imagine 200 trailers of illegal substances on our streets”

NDLEA Seizes 1.3 Billion Tramadol Pills, 4.4 Million Bottles of Codeine in 18 Months – Marwa

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has revealed that the agency seized 1.3 billion pills of Tramadol and 4.4 million bottles of Codeine between January 2024 and June 2025 as part of intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Marwa made the disclosure on Tuesday during a plenary session at the two-day Interactive Session on Government-Citizens’ Engagement held in Kaduna, praising President Bola Tinubu for the strong political support that enabled the landmark achievements.

“Between January 2024 and June 2025, we have seized over 4.4 million bottles of codeine. We also seized 1.3 billion tablets of opium, also known as tramadol,” Marwa said.

He warned of the potential national security implications if such volumes of drugs had flooded Nigerian streets.

“A pill of Tramadol is now N1,000. The street value of one billion pills can be close to one trillion naira. Imagine the kind of weapons terrorists or bandits can buy with that amount of money—or imagine one billion pills of tramadol in circulation,” he cautioned.

According to the NDLEA chief, the agency also intercepted 5,555 tonnes of illicit drugs—the equivalent of 200 trailers—since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

“Imagine 200 trailers of illegal substances on our streets,” he said.

Other achievements within the same period include the arrest of 2,000 drug traffickers, 8,682 convictions, and rehabilitation of over 24,000 individuals.

Marwa highlighted the agency’s expansive advocacy efforts which cover motor parks, schools, churches, mosques, and markets to raise awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

He further revealed that President Tinubu has approved the construction of seven new drug rehabilitation centres, adding to the agency’s existing 30 centres, bringing the total to 37 nationwide.

“This means every state in the country will have one. Also, the President has approved one modern rehabilitation centre for each geopolitical zone of the country. And we hope to start this year,” Marwa said.

Speaking on the broader national strategy, Marwa expressed confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, noting that it addresses core drivers of drug abuse such as idleness, poverty, and unemployment.

He also lauded the governments of Kwara and Kaduna states for taking proactive steps in addressing substance abuse and urged other state governments to emulate their efforts.

Marwa concluded by calling for a whole-of-society approach, urging families, communities, religious leaders, and educators to take active roles in tackling drug abuse.

“Families should not wait for Tinubu to solve all the problems of drug abuse and NDLEA. It starts with parenting. We want drug and substance abuse to be included in the curriculum of primary schools. Communities, traditional rulers, churches, and mosques must get involved,” he urged. Read More

(NAN)

Minister Extols Dangote Cement, Seeks Partnership To Bridge Housing Gap

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July 30, 2025

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Minister Extols Dangote Cement, Seeks Partnership To Bridge Housing Gap

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has lauded the Dangote Cement Plc for its contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy, urging the company to join hand with the government in bridging the housing gap in the country.

Speaking during a tour of the company’s exhibition stand at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, the minister said the Dangote Cement Plc has contributed enormously to the development of the Nigerian economy.

He said his Ministry was partnering the company to address Nigeria’s housing deficit through affordable housing projects.

“We recognize Dangote Cement’s pivotal role in our economy and urge them to sustain these efforts,” Dangiwa said.

Meanwhile, Arch. Dangiwa said there was the need to extend the company’s developmental efforts to the housing sector to help reverse the gap in the country.

Nigeria is said to face a severe housing deficit, estimated to be over 20 million units, largely fueled by rapid urbanization, a growing population, and limited access to affordable housing units.

Speaking during the tour, Coordinator of the Show, Bar. Festus Adebayo told newsmen that the housing gap in the country can be addressed through the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He urged the private sector in Nigeria to consider the provision of housing in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes.

The Dangote Cement Plc is sponsoring the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) which opened on Monday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

A statement from the company said aside from the sponsorship, the Dangote Cement is also participating in the event, which is the 19th in the series.

The statement said the event, which is expected to host participants from 21 countries, offers a rare platform for the company to connect with key players in the housing industry across the continent.

It said the theme of this year, “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy” aptly resonates with the company’s core value.

The Dangote Cement Plc has scheduled Thursday July 30, 2025, for its Special Day, the statement added. Read More

Nigerian nurses commence nationwide strike today

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July 30, 2025

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AGENCY REPORT

Nigerian nurses commence nationwide strike today

Nigerian nurses will commence a nationwide strike today to demand improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses.

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) said the strike action became necessary after a 15-day ultimatum, issued on 14 July, expired without a meaningful response from the federal government or Federal Ministry of Health.

“The strike, starting 12 midnight Tuesday, July 29, will involve total service withdrawal across all federal health institutions.

“Nurses nationwide have been asked to comply fully and stand in solidarity,” the union said in a Monday statement.

The seven-day warning strike is expected to end on 5 August. It will involve nurses in public health institutions across the country and is expected to impact health services in public hospitals.

The NANNM reaffirmed nurses’ central role in healthcare delivery. It said its members contribute 60–70 per cent of hospital services and so deserved improved welfare, fair treatment, and recognition for their essential services.

It rejected a 27 June circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and demanded adjustments to various allowances, including shift, call duty, and retention.

State chapters of the NANNM have already indicated their willingness to join the strike.

The union’s secretary in Oyo, Emmanuel Aina, said in a statement that nurses in Oyo will join the strike. He said the strike action followed a resolution reached at an emergency meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council and a subsequent directive from the national headquarters.

“I write to notify you that all nurses and midwives across all healthcare institutions, federal, state, and local government, are directed to embark on a seven-day warning strike.

“The strike is scheduled to commence at midnight on Wednesday, July 30, and will run through August 5, 2025,” the statement read.

Mr Aina urged full compliance, adding that official communication regarding the union’s eight-point demand had been sent to relevant authorities.

“This seven-day warning strike is a litmus test for our readiness to pursue a more serious struggle if our demands are not addressed,” he said.

Aina said that among the union’s key demands is the implementation of the new minimum wage for nurses and other staff at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.

He added that the union was also calling for the payment of uniform allowances to all nurses and midwives in the service of Oyo State, in accordance with public service rules.

Other key demands include: Mass recruitment of nurses and midwives into the Hospital Management Board and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to address severe staffing shortages.

Also, implementation of a 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment circular for nurses and midwives in Oyo State service and implementation of enhanced hazard allowances for those working at the local government level.

Aina emphasised that the strike aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for improved welfare and working conditions for nurses and midwives across the state. Read More

“We Won’t Bow to Blackmail” – Minister Alake Vows Sustained Crackdown on Illegal Mining

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July 30, 2025

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“We Won’t Bow to Blackmail” – Minister Alake Vows Sustained Crackdown on Illegal Mining

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has affirmed that the Federal Government remains resolute in its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country, despite growing blackmail, smear campaigns, and resistance from those benefiting from the illicit trade.

Speaking at a recent forum, Alake described the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria’s mining sector as external and orchestrated by vested interests fighting against the government’s reforms.

“The challenges that I’ve seen, in a nutshell, are not administrative at all, they are external,” he stated.
“First, on the security, the efforts that we’ve made so far in curbing or stemming the tide of insecurity and illegal mining operations is facing serious pushback from those who are benefiting from the nefarious activities.”

Alake revealed that the government’s introduction of mine marshals—a special unit tasked with combating illegal mining—has led to backlash, including unfounded bribery allegations against the unit’s leadership.

“In fact, some came to say that the leader of the mine marshals is asking them for bribe and that they’ve paid him bribe,” he said.
“I said, ‘Wow, this is what I’ve been looking for. Please give me the evidence.’
One of them said he was coming back the following day with the evidence. That was six months ago. I’m yet to see him.”

The minister also recounted how the smear campaign extended to the media, with one television station publicly apologizing after airing false claims against the mine marshals’ leader.

“At some point, the man came to me to say one medium blackmailed him. I said, ‘Well, did you do it?’ He said, no, he didn’t do it. I said, okay, get a lawyer to sue that medium. And he did. Forty-eight hours later, that same medium, a TV station, put up a public apology because they were paid to do the hatchet job.”

Alake lamented the lack of ethical journalism in some quarters, saying, “Like every profession in this degeneration, also in journalism, there’s no balancing of reportage.”

He, however, declared that neither blackmail nor inducement will derail the ministry’s reforms, stressing that the administration is backed by President Bola Tinubu’s clear stance on accountability and enforcement.

“Our hands are on the plough and there’s no looking back. I am not going to remove anybody from the mine marshals except I see concrete evidence of malfeasance or misdemeanor,” Alake said.

“But I am one person that never buckles under any blackmail. No inducement can sway me at all. So we are confronting that challenge as well.”

The minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to sanitizing the solid minerals sector and restoring order to one of Nigeria’s most critical but underregulated industries. Read More

Coalition: ADC Founder Nwosu Says 28 Senators, 46 Reps Now Aligned with Party

Politics

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July 30, 2025

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Coalition: ADC Founder Nwosu Says 28 Senators, 46 Reps Now Aligned with Party

With these developments, the ADC appears to be positioning itself as a formidable third force ahead of the next general elections

Coalition: ADC Founder Nwosu Says 28 Senators, 46 Reps Now Aligned with Party

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing a major boost in its political influence, with its Founder and pioneer National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, announcing that the party now commands the support of 28 senators, 46 House of Representatives members, and over 100 elected officials across the country.

Nwosu made the declaration during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the party’s growing strength stems from its uncompromising stance on integrity and refusal to accept financial inducements designed to weaken its opposition credentials.

“We stood our ground against offers both at home and abroad. While some politicians believe everything can be bought, we said no. The ADC refused to be compromised,” Nwosu stated.

He continued, “The result of our integrity is clear. Today, the ADC has 28 senators, over 46 House of Representatives members, and more than 50 lawmakers across State Assemblies. We now have over 100 elected persons—and we’re still growing.”

Nwosu added that ADC’s membership has surged significantly, with its online registration platform flooded by young Nigerians eager to join a credible political alternative. He also reaffirmed the party’s opposition to a one-party political structure, saying its principled stand has earned widespread national respect.

In his address, the party’s Interim National Chairman, David Mark, commended members for their confidence and pledged to lead with transparency, inclusiveness, and discipline.

Mark unveiled key reforms to strengthen party structures and promote equity, including 35% female representation, significant youth inclusion and empowerment of grassroots structures.

A new 50-member Policy Committee to shape party policies across sectors like education, health, security, and infrastructure

“The ADC remains Nigeria’s true platform for progressive, inclusive, and transparent governance,” Mark affirmed.

With these developments, the ADC appears to be positioning itself as a formidable third force ahead of the next general elections, drawing momentum from its expanding coalition of lawmakers and reform-driven agenda. Read More

Customs, US Mission Partner to Avert Expanded Visa Ban on Nigerians

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July 30, 2025

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The Customs Service assured that it is actively partnering with the U.S. Mission to ensure that Nigerians conducting legitimate business and travel activities are not affected by a broadened visa restriction regime

Customs, US Mission Partner to Avert Expanded Visa Ban on Nigerians

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed a collaborative effort with the United States Mission in Abuja to prevent Nigeria’s inclusion in an expanded U.S. visa ban list, urging citizens to strictly adhere to visa rules and international travel protocols.

According to a press release made available to Newsheadline247, the NCS emphasized growing concerns raised by U.S. authorities over the misuse of entry visas by Nigerian citizens—particularly engaging in activities inconsistent with the stated purpose of travel or visa classification.

The statement, signed by Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, warned that U.S. security vetting for visa applicants continues well after arrival in the country.

“U.S. authorities will continuously monitor the activities of visa holders, and visas can be revoked if holders are found to have violated U.S. immigration protocols, import/export guidelines, and other laws,” the statement read.

Customs also reminded Nigerian travelers of the legal requirement to declare cash exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at the point of entry or exit. Passengers were cautioned against carrying prohibited items or engaging in fraudulent activity, which could result in prosecution under both Nigerian and American law.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with international travel regulations, adding that maintaining a positive national image and upholding individual integrity abroad are essential to avoiding further travel restrictions.

“Intending passengers to the United States should know that whoever commits fraud in any jurisdiction will face legal consequences both under U.S. and Nigerian laws,” the statement added.

The Customs Service assured that it is actively partnering with the U.S. Mission to ensure that Nigerians conducting legitimate business and travel activities are not affected by a broadened visa restriction regime.

The agency concluded by encouraging all Nigerians to remain law-abiding and of good conduct both within and outside the country. Read More