Tinubu Directs Timely Funding for Regional Infrastructure and Development Projects

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to ensure that all approved funds belonging to Nigeria’s regional development commissions are released when due.

The President issued the directive during the North Central Development Commission summit, which focused on a proposed 20-year economic, infrastructure and social development plan for the region.

Akume, who represented Tinubu at the summit, said the establishment of regional development commissions formed part of the administration’s strategy to accelerate economic growth and address infrastructure gaps across the country.

Tinubu assured the commissions of continued political and financial support to implement projects capable of unlocking the economic and industrial potential of their respective regions.

He, however, advised the commissions not to depend exclusively on federal allocations. They were encouraged to attract private-sector investment, donor support and development finance for major projects.

According to the President, their priority areas should include rail infrastructure, air transportation, industrial development, security, investment, education, healthcare and human-capital development.

Investment in housing, roads, transportation and essential public infrastructure will be necessary to support the new economic corridors and industrial centres envisaged under the regional development plans.

Tinubu also warned the boards and management teams of the commissions against corruption, political interference, marginalisation and the misuse of public resources.

He said the government would sanction officials found responsible for financial misconduct or other abuses.

The President clarified that the regional commissions were not created to duplicate or replace the responsibilities of state governments, local councils or existing federal agencies. Instead, they are expected to coordinate interventions and support development projects that require cooperation across state boundaries.

He also urged the North Central Development Commission to support efforts to address insecurity, noting that lasting economic and infrastructure development would be difficult without a stable environment.

Speaking at the summit, Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, Abdullahi Sule, said the region possessed considerable resources in agriculture, mining and industrial production.

Sule called for greater investment in local processing and value addition, arguing that minerals and agricultural products extracted within the region should also be processed there.

He cited the development of cement production in Kogi State and lithium-processing plants in Nasarawa as examples of how local industries could generate employment, expand economic activity and strengthen government revenue.

The governor said the North Central region had significant potential in cement, rice, sesame and solid-mineral production but required effective leadership and long-term planning to translate those resources into sustainable development.

Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission, Cyril Tsenyil, said the commission would coordinate regional development while mobilising investment and partnerships.

He explained that its 20-year plan would prioritise economic corridors, infrastructure expansion, agricultural and mineral processing, industrial development and opportunities for young people.

Successful implementation of the plan could stimulate construction, expand urban infrastructure, create jobs and increase demand for housing across the North Central region.

The post Tinubu Orders Funding for Regional Infrastructure Projects appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

President Bola Tinubu has officialized the reopening of the newly rehabilitated Premier Hotel located in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasizing the hospitality sector’s potential to drive economic growth and regional integration. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President described the project as a critical landmark that highlights the commercial, cultural, and strategic prominence of the South-West region. He noted that the restoration of the iconic facility underscores his administration’s commitment to preserving national heritage while adapting major economic assets to modern realities.

The extensive modernization of the 62-year-old hospitality landmark was spearheaded by Odu’a Investment Company Limited, a conglomerate jointly owned by the six South-West states. Originally established in the 1960s under the industrialization vision of the old Western Region, the facility has been upgraded from an 87-room hotel into an ultra-modern 154-room five-star luxury destination. Stakeholders revealed that the upgraded facility on Mokola Hill will become fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2026, generating approximately 600 direct jobs and over 2,500 indirect employment opportunities to boost the local economy.

During the event, the President linked the structural transformation of the hotel to the broader economic reforms of his Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that rising investor confidence and stabilizing foreign reserves indicate a path toward sustainable growth. Beyond economy and tourism, the federal government utilized the platform to address regional security concerns, assuring residents of absolute dedication toward combating banditry and ensuring the safe return of abducted citizens from the Oriire local government area. Leaders across the South-West states praised the joint venture as a masterclass in regional cooperation and sustainable asset management.

The post Tinubu Commissions Remodelled Premier Hotel in Ibadan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence coordination and improve internal security operations across Nigeria.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to the statement, Famadewa’s appointment was approved in recognition of his extensive experience, strategic expertise and contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.

The statement, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen intelligence-driven security operations and improve inter-agency collaboration against emerging security threats.

Famadewa, a retired Major General, reportedly possesses over three decades of experience in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, national security strategy and international security diplomacy.

He previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) between 2015 and 2021.

During his time at ONSA, Famadewa played a key role in the development of Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework and security information-sharing systems.

The statement further disclosed that he spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at ONSA, designed as a unified intelligence-sharing platform involving major security and intelligence agencies.

The agencies include the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces.

According to the Federal Government, the appointment is expected to enhance strategic coordination among security institutions and strengthen Nigeria’s response to internal security challenges.

The Tinubu administration has repeatedly emphasised intelligence-led security operations as part of broader efforts to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats affecting different parts of the country.

The post Tinubu Appoints Ex-Military Intelligence Officer Famadewa As Homeland Security Adviser appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has raised concerns over what it described as repeated errors in the official appellation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by organisations and media platforms, warning against further misuse of the president’s title in public communications.

The clarification was issued on Friday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, through a statement signed by his media adviser, Yomi Odunuga.

According to the SGF, the warning became necessary after a national newspaper reportedly published an incorrect designation for the president in one of its editions circulated on Wednesday, May 7, 2026.

Akume stressed that the correct and official title of the Nigerian leader remains: “His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The government noted that the increasing frequency of such mistakes in official documents, publications and public references was unacceptable and avoidable.

He urged media organisations, institutions and members of the public to verify official titles and designations before publication or public use to prevent what he described as embarrassing inaccuracies in both print and digital platforms.

The SGF further advised that verification of official information relating to the presidency and government offices could be obtained through approved communication channels, including official social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X, as well as designated government email platforms.

The post FG Faults Wrong Use of Tinubu’s Official Title, Issues Clarification appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has blamed a fresh wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria on recent statements issued by the United States, warning that the international commentary has emboldened criminal networks already destabilizing several communities.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, delivered the warning on Wednesday following two major attacks—the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State—which have triggered widespread public outrage.

Akume said President Donald Trump’s posts accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” and threatening potential military action had created what he described as a dangerous narrative now being exploited by violent groups seeking visibility.

“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” the SGF said.

According to him, before the controversial statements went viral, terrorist and insurgent structures had been significantly degraded, with most activities reduced to scattered banditry. He insisted that the renewed aggression seen over the past week suggests that extremist networks were attempting to leverage global narratives to justify attacks.

Akume stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops—a direct response to Trump’s threat to deploy US forces—but instead needs enhanced collaboration with international partners in intelligence, technology, and advanced military equipment.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP. What Nigeria needs is targeted support, not foreign military deployment,” he added.

Addressing Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide,” the SGF firmly rejected the claim, insisting that available intelligence shows extremist groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing victims of different faiths.

“Nigeria is a secular state. Verified evidence shows these criminal groups attack Muslims and Christians alike,” he said, noting that government appointments also reflect the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He cautioned against narratives that oversimplify the crisis, arguing that such portrayals risk fueling division and providing ideological cover for criminal elements.

The recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara—two of the deadliest in weeks—have amplified security concerns across the country. In Kebbi, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 students.

Makuku reportedly died while attempting to protect students during the assault.

In Kwara State, gunmen attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing at least two people and injuring others before abducting an unspecified number of residents. A second attack along the Ilorin–Kabba Road forced travellers to flee into nearby bushes.

The SGF stated that while the government continues to strengthen security operations, international partners—especially the United States—must avoid statements capable of escalating tension or emboldening insurgents.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks and protecting every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

The post FG Says US Remarks Fueling New Wave of Kidnappings, Bandit Attacks in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This appointment was confirmed through a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and shared with journalists in Abuja on Monday.

Prior to this role, Audu, a seasoned entrepreneur and technology expert, served as the President’s technical adviser on Foreign Direct Investment. She now steps into the position previously held by Jumoke Oduwole, who has been reassigned as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment following a cabinet reshuffle.

The memo highlighted that this appointment reflects Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s economy by entrusting visionary leaders with key roles to enhance the country’s business climate.

With Princess Zahrah’s wealth of experience, her leadership is expected to bring transformative changes, furthering the council’s mandate to create an enabling environment for business growth in Nigeria.

The post Zahrah Audu Takes Charge as PEBEC DG in a Strategic Move by Tinubu appeared first on Housing TV Africa.