NATIONAL NEWS
PRESIDENT TINUBU PROPOSES VISA WAIVERS FOR OECS OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS AS NIGERIA, SAINT LUCIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
President Bola Tinubu formally announced on Monday the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.”
President Tinubu stated this while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
The President proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
President Tinubu also announced that he would offer full scholarships to students of OECS to promote cultural understanding that further strengthens the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.
The Nigerian leader, who delivered his address in the presence of leaders from the OECS, emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the OECS, and called for greater people-to-people engagement.
The leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin and Saint Vincent were in the audience.
President Tinubu declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders, and urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.
”I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” he said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with OECS and Caribbean nations, anchored in shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.
”As one who feels a profound kinship with our shared African heritage, I am fully aware of the historical currents that have bound us together, currents shaped by the transatlantic slave trade and colonial subjugation, but out of which emerged a shared cultural identity, an indomitable resilience and a legacy of aspiration.
”My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising their strategic and emotional significance.
“This occasion serves as a testament to the enduring ideals of Pan-Africanism and the unyielding desire for unity and collaboration among peoples of African descent.
”It is in this context that I reaffirm OECS as a cherished partner of Nigeria. We remain committed to strengthening and expanding the enduring bonds of friendship that unite our regions,” he said.
On economic diplomacy and trade, President Tinubu offered OECS access to Africa’s largest market and called for joint ventures and deeper commercial ties.
He advocated enhanced trade and investment partnerships, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, that would position Nigeria as a supplier and destination for OECS exports.
”When I assumed the Office of the President of Nigeria in May 2023, my Administration embarked on a series of economic, political and social reforms which were aimed at laying a solid foundation for the promotion of a better Nigeria and to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development.
”It is in line with this orientation and to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration between the East Caribbean States, that I decided to undertake this State Visit to Saint Lucia.
”In this spirit, I wish to express Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the OECS in mutual interest, including trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience.
“Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities for the OECS, both as a source of essential inputs and a growing export destination.
”Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investment, create jobs, and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples,” he said.
President Tinubu proposed a maritime university collaboration and extending Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries.
He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to provide skilled education, healthcare, and engineering professionals to support regional capacity-building.
“I strongly advocate for educational exchange programmes between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities. Such partnerships will build technical capacity and foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration.
“Beyond maritime education, both regions should explore joint scientific research initiatives, particularly addressing common health challenges. To structure these efforts, we should formalise agreements that clearly define key areas of cooperation in education and research,” he said.
Recognising the existential climate threats facing small island states, President Tinubu called for joint research on adaptation strategies, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate-induced migration.
“By sharing research findings on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management—including a rise in sea level and outbreak of hurricanes—we can deepen our understanding and enhance our collective resilience,” he said
Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, President Tinubu emphasised the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the diaspora and its enduring role in global Black solidarity.
”Nigeria, as the most populous nation on the African continent and the foremost Black nation globally, has long stood at the vanguard of advocacy for the dignity and advancement of Black people worldwide.
”This was evident from its strong opposition to colonialism and racial injustice, to its leadership in the Pan-African movement.
”Our foreign policy remains unapologetically Afrocentric. Notably, Nigeria played an instrumental role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, which has since embraced the Caribbean and the broader diaspora as its sixth region,” he said.
”Aside its demographic and economic prominence in Africa, Nigeria has a rich history of enduring contributions to the advancement of the Black race.
”It is home to the largest diaspora community of African descent and situated in West Africa, from whence countless enslaved Africans were tragically taken.
”My country holds a special place in the collective memory of the diaspora.
”Culturally, Nigeria is regarded as the continent’s creative heart, with its rich array of ethnicities and globally celebrated traditions in music, cuisine, fashion, film (notably Nollywood) and literature,” he told the audience of over 300 people at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, which included OECS Heads of Government, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia.
While calling for unity, President Tinubu quoted Marcus Garvey and an African proverb.
“As we chart the course forward, I am reminded of the words of Marcus Garvey: ‘Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you.’ His charge remains as resonant now as it was first made.”
“Likewise, an African proverb teaches us: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage,” he said.
By BAYO ONANUGA Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
NATIONAL NEWS
NSA Nuhu Ribadu confirmed El-Rufai tapped his phone, according to the DSS in a Federal High Court Abuja investigation
The trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on charges of treason and breach of national security continued on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with prosecutors presenting a television interview in which he allegedly discussed receiving a wiretapped conversation involving the National Security Adviser (NSA).
During the proceedings, the prosecution played a 43-minute TV interview featuring El-Rufai, in which he reportedly stated that someone had intercepted a private conversation involving the NSA and forwarded it to him. In the interview, the former governor was said to have defended the practice, claiming that governments routinely monitor communications.
A prosecution witness testified that investigators interviewed the National Security Adviser following the broadcast. The NSA verbally confirmed that the conversation referenced by El-Rufai had taken place between him and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The ICPC Chairman also corroborated the existence of the discussion after portions of the interview were played to him.
The court heard that the TV anchor, Charles Aniagolu, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, and the cameraman were invited for questioning. Aniagolu reportedly confirmed that El-Rufai admitted during the interview that the conversation was intercepted and passed to him, while reiterating that such practices are common among governments.
The prosecution tendered statements from Aniagolu and Adeyanju, which were admitted without objection from the defence as Exhibits C, C1, and E respectively. A statement from the cameraman, Ugochukwu Agalayana, was admitted as Exhibit D. Agalayana confirmed setting up the recording equipment but said he did not follow the content of the conversation.
According to the witness, investigators viewed El-Rufai’s remarks in the interview as an “open confession” regarding the interception of the NSA’s conversation. The team concluded that the act could undermine national security and recommended prosecution. A preliminary investigation report was admitted as Exhibit F.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, the witness admitted that investigators did not examine any communication devices belonging to the NSA, obtain IP addresses, or carry out forensic analysis of the alleged interception. He explained, however, that such steps were deemed unnecessary after the NSA confirmed the authenticity of the conversation.
The witness acknowledged that El-Rufai did not claim in the interview to have personally carried out the interception, but maintained that the former governor repeatedly stood by the assertion that the conversation had been tapped and forwarded to him. When asked if El-Rufai might have been boasting in a politically charged appearance, the witness described him as “a person of integrity” and said he believed the statements were genuine.
After the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to June 22 and 23 for continuation of hearing.
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC described the appointment as recognition of Dr. Ikpeazu’s experience in public service and his contributions to governance during his tenure as governor.
The party noted that the new diplomatic role provides another opportunity for the former governor to serve the country while helping to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Spain.
According to the statement, the Abia APC expressed optimism that Ikpeazu would leverage his administrative experience to advance Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests in the European nation.
The party also wished him success in the assignment and prayed for wisdom and good health as he undertakes the responsibility of representing Nigeria abroad.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain. The appointment comes amid a series of diplomatic postings announced by the President today.
The posting marks a significant transition for Ikpeazu, who served as Abia State governor from 2015 to 2023. His tenure was noted for various infrastructural and policy initiatives, and he now takes on a crucial role representing Nigeria’s interests in Europe.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Ikpeazu’s appointment is part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Spain, a key partner in trade, investment, and cultural exchange, is regarded as a strategic posting for the former governor.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES THE POSTINGS OF AMBASSADORS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December.
POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T
POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.
President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.
Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
March 6, 2026
-
OPINION9 months ago10 seconds with Wike, reshaped my mindset on the difference between wants and needs – Udensi Bernard
-
NEWS10 months agoEFCC Detains Former Governor Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraud
-
NEWS10 months agoGov. Mbah Increases Corps Members’ Allowance to ₦20,000
-
NEWS9 months agoRep. Unyime Idem Unveils ₦1bn Family Business Grant for Constituents
-
POLITICS12 months agoDr. Okezie Ikpeazu: A Voice That Still Inspires – Enyinnaya Appolos
-
NEWS11 months agoAppeal Court Orders FRSC to Pay ₦10 Million in Landmark Human Rights Case
-
NEWS10 months agoIkonne to Otti: Fear God, Show Us 51 Schools for ₦54bn, Stop Forcing ₦36k Revenue on Aba Traders
-
NEWS11 months ago
Prince Paul Ikonne Applauds Governor Uzodinma’s Support for Aba State, Criticizes Governor Otti’s Stance