News
Presidential panels gulp N21bn in seven years
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have collectively inaugurated at least 42 committees to drive various programmes of the administration since assuming office about 20 months ago, The PUNCH reports.
The committees traverse various sectors including education, agriculture, health, security, the digital economy and the civil service.
Further analysis revealed that the total cost of running key presidential committees since 2018 amounted to N21.17bn.
Over the past seven years, the government earmarked an average of N3bn on presidential committees annually. More so, the amount allocated for these committees in the 2025 budget proposal now stands at N3.73bn.
On June 19, barely three weeks into the administration, then-Special Adviser to the President on Communications, Special Duties and Strategy, Dele Alake, announced the creation of a steering committee to consider the various demands presented by the organised labour following the abrupt discontinuance of petrol subsidies.
The committee was mandated to produce a workable framework within eight weeks.
On July 7, Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He appointed former Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, as its chair. The committee was inaugurated the following month.
In the same month, the FG created the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives to forestall an impending nationwide labour crisis.
On September 14, Tinubu created the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms which heralded the establishment of a new Ministry of Livestock Development.
On October 10, he created the Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response, directing an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of flooding disasters nationwide. Then Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, chaired the committee.
The committee produced a road map harmonising the National Economic Council report on the flood, the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan as well as all other national reports on flood eventually approved on November 23.
Six days later, the Federal Executive Council chaired by Tinubu created the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalisation Roadmap, with the President as its chairperson.
The then Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the 10 subcommittees in the Council would consider all the policies within various ministries, as well as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
At the meeting of the Nigeria Police Council, on November 1, Tinubu received a briefing from the newly-appointed Inspector-General of Police and consequently set up a special committee to assess the shortcomings in the 1999 constitution to enhance coordination and align technology and manpower resources towards strengthening the police.
A week later, he inaugurated the National Coordination Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System alongside the National Geospatial Data Repository.
On November 10, Vice President Kashim Shettima constituted an ad-hoc committee to harmonise Nigeria’s agenda at the COP28 Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates that began on November 30.
10 days later, Shettima established a multi-sectoral committee to drive the FG’s Human Capital Development programme. It was inaugurated in May 2024.
On December 21, the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President, created two committees on Economic Affairs and Crude Oil Theft and Management. Both committees were headed by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, respectively.
On January 11, 2024, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, revealed that his ministry received Tinubu’s nod to create a committee to scout for an appropriate site to establish a new steel plant in the country.
A day later, the President asked state governors to create a committee that would provide a framework to make the school feeding programme more comprehensive and successful across all states, taking into consideration the peculiarities of each locality.
“We should set up a committee to look into the methods. I am ready to invest in school feeding. We have children of school age who are out of school…We should not measure the children as statistics. We should measure their return to classrooms as our achievement. We should see economic growth in terms of value and empowerment,” the President said.
On January 13, Tinubu approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to, among other functions, “conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes to conclusively reform the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.”
This followed the suspension of the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, on January 7, 2024.
On January 17, the FEC chaired by Tinubu set up a committee to review the laws guiding the control of explosives in the country. It came days after a devastating explosion rocked the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, earlier.
On January 31, VP Shettima inaugurated a 37-member Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage comprising officials from across federal and state governments, the private sector and organised labour.
On February 8, Tinubu created a Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention which facilitated the release of 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.
Shettima, on February 13, inaugurated an implementation committee for the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme to address the causes of clashes between farmers and herders in various flashpoints nationwide.
Two days later, President Tinubu approved the establishment of a committee comprising state governors and FG representatives to, among other things, explore the modalities for establishing state police.
On February 20, the VP revealed that a committee led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is finalising a report on the Ban of Agriculture’s recapitalisation and restructuring.
Two days later, he reinstated an ad-hoc committee to produce a roadmap for flood prevention over warnings of potential flooding from Lagdo dam in October 2023.
On February 26, Tinubu created an economic advisory committee comprising the FG, sub-nationals and the private sector.
Some prominent private sector players on the committee include the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
At the FEC meeting the next day, the President constituted a committee to implement the mergers, scrapping and relocations of government ministries, departments, and agencies as part of the implementation of the Oronsaye report.
Also, Tinubu convened a committee to establish a consumer credit scheme. The committee comprised the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as its chair, with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy as members.
On March 20, Vice President Shettima reconstituted the National Council on Skills.
Five days later, former Youth Minister, Jamila Ibrahim announced that Tinubu commissioned a technical committee to review and restructure the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund to institutionalise it through a legal framework, which will lead to the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Fund.
On March 27, The PUNCH learned that the President had set up a committee recommending qualified individuals to fill ambassadorial roles.
The next day, the President established a 31-man Presidential Economic Coordination Council comprising himself, the Vice President, the Senate President and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, among others.
Tinubu also established a 19-member Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce which he mandated to meet twice weekly and submit a six-month comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024.
On April 17, he directed the Presidential Steering Committee on the National Single Window Project to “Dismantle all block webs” in the way of trade efficiency.
Between May 14 and May 19, Tinubu established a tripartite committee to streamline visa processes and acquisition for investors interested in investing in Nigeria. He also established a 25-person Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, the supervisory technical working group, to oversee the country’s green economic initiatives.
In June, the President created a cabinet committee to oversee the emergency operations centre led by the National Center for Disease Control in response to a cholera outbreak.
On July 4, the Vice President inaugurated a Steering Committee for the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” Campaign.
Tinubu also inaugurated the presidential committee on CNG months into his administration.
In early September, the National Economic Council led by the VP established a Committee on the Eradication of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus.
Following the collapse of the Alau Dam in August, Tinubu established a technical committee to reassess the integrity of the Borno State dam and others nationwide on September 23.
On November 1, VP Shettima inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council at the State House, Abuja. This followed recommendations from an updated roadmap on disaster management developed by a committee led by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo under the direction of the National Economic Council.
Four days later, Tinubu established an Administrative Committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to review all aspects related to the arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release of 76 minors linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests.
On November 22, the NEC established a committee to strengthen states’ participation in the Electricity Reform Act 2023 and implement the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.
On February 10, 2025, Vice President Shettima inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion.
While most of the presidential committees had definite timelines to conclude their assignments, others have perpetual mandates.
To keep these running, the Federal Government has earmarked no less than N18.9bn for sitting allowances and other remunerations for committee members since 2018.
In 2018, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which oversees the operations of the committees, earmarked N2.13bn.
These include N1.73bn for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N6m for the organisation of the presidential standing committee on private jetties & other research activities of the special duties office, N187.95m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and innovations and N20m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties.
Others include N8.06m for the presidential committee on barracks rehabilitation, N200m for the presidential advisory committee, N342.12m for the presidential technical committee on land reforms and N3m for the organization of the presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy activities.
In 2019, the OSGF earmarked N2.5bn for committees. These include N1.73bn for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N6.6m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties & other research activities of the special duties office and N168.62m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and Innovations and N20m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties.
Others include N6.52m for establishing the presidential committee on e-government, N8.06m for the presidential advisory committee, and N69.62m for the presidential technical committee on land reforms.
N3m for the organisation of the presidential standing committee on private jetties and other research activities of the special duties’ office, N2m for the organisation of the presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy, and N500m to run the presidential enabling business environment council.
In 2020, the OSGF earmarked N1.84bn for running committees. The breakdown is as follows: N1.19bn for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N30.98m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties & other research activities of the special duties office and N70.72m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and Innovations.
Others include N6.52m for the establishment of the presidential committee on e-government, N5.51m for the presidential advisory committee, N47.63m for the presidential technical committee on land reforms, N3m for the organisation of the presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy and N500m to run the presidential enabling business environment council.
In 2021, the OSGF earmarked N5.01bn for committees. A breakdown by The PUNCH revealed that N1.92bn was allocated for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N58.49m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties & other research activities of the special duties office, N164.94m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and Innovations and N50m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties.
Others include N6.52m for the establishment of the presidential committee on e-government, N5.51m for the presidential advisory committee, N162.31m for the presidential technical committee on land reforms, N3.01m for the organisation of the presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy and N1bn to run the presidential enabling business environment council.
In 2022, the OSGF budgeted 3.22bn for committees. These include N1.93bn allocated for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N50m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties and N100m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and Innovations.
Others are N8.06m for the presidential advisory committee, N142.97m for the presidential technical committee on land reforms, N2m for the presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy and N1bn to run the presidential enabling business environment council.
In 2023, the Presidency budgeted N3.73bn for Political Officers and Standing Committees, the presidential standing committee on private jetties and the presidential standing committee on inventions and Innovations.
The rest include the Presidential Advisory Committee, the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.
In 2024, N2.58bn was allocated for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N50m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties and N89.29m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and innovations.
The rest include N10.73m for the Presidential Advisory Committee, N221.3m for the Presidential Technical Committee on land reforms, N9.8m for the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of mercy and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.
In 2025, N2.58bn was allocated for Political Officers and Standing Committees, N65m for the presidential standing committee on private jetties and N89.29m for the presidential standing committee on inventions and innovations.
The rest include N15.38m for the presidential advisory committee, N478.45m for the presidential technical committee on land reforms, N8m for the presidential advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy and the presidential enabling business environment council.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has yet to respond to queries on the issue as of this report.
A sociopolitical activist and former leader of the Concerned Nigerians Advocacy Group, Mr Deji Adeyanju, argued that the committees must justify their existence by the results they produce.
He said “I think it is all about political patronage because none of the committees has led to anything significant. Whether it’s to improve the economy, improve societal values or issues around even the policy, none of them has been able to come up with anything substantial. There’s always this policy flip-flop. So, that is money down the drain in several committees like that.”(PUNCH)
Two more Nigerians have been killed in South Africa as the violent attacks and harassment of black foreigners continue.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg announced the deaths in a statement issued on Saturday.
The victims, identified as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe, were both killed last Sunday, 28 June, but under different circumstances.
According to the consulate, Mr Joe was killed by “suspected criminals” in Witbank city, Mpumalanga province, while security operatives murdered Mr Iroegbu in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
Mr Iroegbu was reportedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in the suburbs of Pretoria. The Nigerian consulate noted that the victim was subjected to gruesome torture techniques at the hands of the Metro police, which led to his death.
The latest deaths raise the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa since the latest wave of xenophobic attacks began this year to four. The pattern of the recent deaths mirrors that of the two Nigerians murdered earlier in the country. These are: Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.
They were arrested and allegedly beaten to death by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth.
Mr Andrew’s corpse was found days after his arrest on 19 April in the Booysens area of Pretoria.
He was arrested due to an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary afterwards.
Mr Emmanuel died a day afterwards due to injuries he sustained from an attack by the SANDF.
Following the incident, the Nigerian government summoned the South African High Commissioner and demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of the two Nigerians.
This investigation is still pending, and no arrests have been made in two months. Nigerian officials have repeatedly condemned the attacks in South Africa but have urged Nigerians to avoid retaliatory attacks on South African interests in Nigeria.
South Africa’s anti-foreigner campaign began in April, with footage of citizens attacking African foreigners circulating online. The arbitrary 30 June deadline announced by anti-immigrant South Africans for African foreigners to leave the country has further intensified tension.
Last Tuesday, many South Africans marched out in droves across cities to protest the presence of African migrants in the country, chanting “Abahambe!” This means “They must go!” in Zulu, the most widely spoken language in the country.
The deaths of at least five Mozambicans and five Ethiopians have also been attributed to xenophobic violence in the country.
The latest announcement by the Nigerian consulate now raises the death toll.
Hundreds of African foreigners in the country have also been displaced.
During the protest last week, shops were looted and properties destroyed, as has become customary in xenophobic attacks in the country.
Several African countries have so far repatriated hundreds of their citizens, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
The Nigerian consulate stated that the continuing pattern of “such terrible incidents raises questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”
“The death is coming at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa, raising questions about what seems to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to generalise wrongfully and tag well-meaning, hard-working and respectable Nigerians in the country as criminals,” it noted.
The consulate also demanded a thorough and immediate investigation into the murders.
“We expect the authorities to d o the needful and achieve the ultimate prosecution of the perpetrators,” the statement read.
Some Nigerians in South Africa who appeared to have rejected the June 30 deadline to leave the country have taken up arms to defend themselves.
Anti-migrant groups have been pushing for the ejection of foreign nationals, a move that has generated global outrage.
Groups such as March and March, who are at the forefront of those mobilising against illegal immigrants, claim they take jobs and services from locals.
“South Africans have been replaced by illegal foreigners, increasing unemployment,” the leader of the March and March group, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, told a crowd in Durban 24 hours to the unofficial deadline for migrants to leave.
“We want mass deportation,” she said. “For the next six months we want the government to get rid of the people who have not left.”
After the deadline, the groups broke into homes and hotels where they said migrants were hiding.
In a footage, which went viral, a man and his family comprising minors were seen being chased out of his house.
“My wife is pregnant,” he kept saying as the protesters marched them on the street.
At least two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian and a Malawian have been killed in the latest outburst of anti-immigrant violence, according to police.
Several African governments — including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique — have organised voluntary repatriation flights and buses for their citizens.
More than 25,000 people had been processed for departure in recent weeks, authorities said Monday.
However, some Nigerians who have vowed not to leave South Africa have taken up arms to defend themselves.
In a video seen on Saturday, two groups facing each other across a makeshift line marked with ropes, with police officers positioned between them in an apparent effort to prevent violence.
On one side were Nigerians, while their aggressive hosts stood on the other end.
The commentator in the video claimed that the Nigerians were “waiting for the South Africans to cross the line” while security personnel stood between both sides.
The video also appears to show some individuals on the Nigerian side carrying cutlasses and other light weapons. A gunshot is heard during the recording, prompting chants from the crowd in apparent defiance of the reported deadline.
The commentator claimed, “Can you hear the gunshots?” as the situation became increasingly chaotic.
Daily Trust subjected the video to checks and found out that it is authentic.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian or South African authorities had not issued official statements on the incident.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned attacks targeting its citizens in South Africa and has urged the South African authorities to guarantee their safety. Through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, officials have maintained contact with affected Nigerians while advising them to remain calm, avoid flashpoints and report threats to security agencies.
Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have been strained several times over recurring xenophobic violence, with previous and recent attacks prompting diplomatic protests, evacuation of Nigerians and calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals living in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has shared an AI-generated image of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her comments on micro-enterprises sparked widespread criticism on social media.
The image, posted on the Presidency’s official social media accounts on Friday, depicts the First Lady at a roadside akara stand wearing an apron bearing the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”
The post followed remarks by the First Lady during an interview in which she said small-scale businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and making kuli kuli require little start-up capital.
She explained that the Federal Government was supporting such ventures with grants rather than loans as part of efforts to improve livelihoods.
Tinubu, Osinbajo, Eight Others Aspiring To Become…
“We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she had said.
Her comments triggered mixed reactions, with many Nigerians accusing her of being insensitive to the country’s economic realities, while others defended her, saying she was highlighting accessible business opportunities.
The Presidency’s AI-generated image has further fuelled debate online, with supporters describing it as a light-hearted response to critics and others condemning it as trivialising the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
Reacting on X, a user identified as @Top_GunM wrote, “Warra country. It’s so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she’s being reduced to.”
Another user, who tweets as #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team, saying, “Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job.”
Tinubu media centre posts AI image of Remi Tinubu selling akara
Tinubu media centre posts AI image of Remi Tinubu selling akara
Also reacting,zaddy wilver who identifies #WilverZaddy said, “I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess.”
CHEQNBALNCE who identifies as #ChimaAmako82045 described the post as an insult to Nigerians, “Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of aso rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won’t last forever.”
Straight who writes as #outtahighbee argued that the Presidency was hurting its own image., “lol You guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli now Abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o.”
Gentry☮️ who tweets as #gentrytee22 said the image reflected how poorly the government rated citizens, describing it as “a nationwide meme.”, “This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation , people who wants better for themselves complain now it has to turn to a nationwide meme being used by the government media team lol. It’s a shame”
Highlighting rising living costs, Bruno Fernandes broda who identifies as #AminJaman added, “Even akara has becomes more expensive because beans, oil, and transport costs keep rising. The smile is beautiful, but behind it is the reality of soaring food prices, expensive cooking gas, and declining purchasing power.”
Tim Oma who writes as #SirTimeyin defended the post, arguing that Nigerians had initially turned the First Lady’s remarks into memes.”I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady’s “Akara” comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed, and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to thesame joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Sta M who tweets as #sto0511M welcomed the image, urging the Presidency to continue releasing similar content. “Thank you for this image we want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that theh can continue roaming in 1 roundabout,abeg pepper 🌶 dem more for us our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement”
Tinubu had on Thursday playfully referred to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller), in an apparent light-hearted reference to the recent controversy surrounding her remarks on small-scale businesses.
The President made the remark while observing protocol during his address at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja.
A video of the event, shared by Aso Rock TV on YouTube, showed Tinubu smiling as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance before turning to the First Lady.
-
Uncategorized2 days agoThree brothers charged with murder after beating mother’s boyfriend to death
-
News23 hours ago
Tinubu media centre posts AI image of Remi Tinubu selling akara
-
Uncategorized2 days ago
Gunmen ambush, kill ex-Benue SSG Salifu
-
Uncategorized3 days ago
US withdraws troops deployed to Nigeria, retains intelligence partnership
-
News10 hours ago
Xenophobia : Nigerians in South Africa take up arms in self defence
-
News2 days ago
PFIPC scandal: NDC seeks Gbajabiamila’s sack, independent probe
-
News23 hours ago
PFIPC scam: Presidency asks DSS, EFCC to unravel criminal network
-
Uncategorized3 days ago
Atiku reaffirms 2027 ambition after Court clears Mark-Led ADC
