NIGERIA’S LAUDABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR WITH ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA Ph.D, DG ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA

In the last two years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigerians and foreigners alike have witnessed a huge surge in the country’s leap towards visible and sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector. This becomes more evident as the country moves towards closing the energy gap, thereby, ensuring power stability for all Nigerians.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government, through the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN led by the indefatigable Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General/Chief Executive, introduced the Renewable Energy; brining into the homes of Nigerians, the gains of solarization ensuring that critical sectors of the economy enjoy stable power supply.

According to Dr. Mustapha, “Renewable energy (RE) solutions present a practical and sustainable way to address the challenges created by persistent national grid collapses and other energy crises. The national grid in its current state requires more reliable alternative within the power generation ecosystem.

He restated the need to infuse RE solutions, such as solar energy, wind power and hydropower, remains crucial in addressing current power generation challenges, stressing that “the federal government has already begun to implement the National Renewable Energy Roadmap (NRER) developed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) with a clear aim of providing alternative power that reduce reliance on the centralized grid while maintaining at least an average power supply through decentralization.”.

According to Dr. Mustapha, “Decentralized RE systems will play a key role in bridging the current power supply gap. For instance, photovoltaic solar and onshore wind systems can power rural and semi-urban areas often neglected by the national grid. These systems will not only provide consistent electricity but also empower rural economies, enabling micro-businesses to grow and improving access to essential services such as healthcare and education. With meaningful local and global collaborations, we can achieve the optimal installed capacity of electricity by leveraging on RE sources to ensure energy stability across the country”

He enthused the capacity and capability of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, under his stewardship, to act as a catalyst, which would champion policies that attract private sector investment, build local capacity, and prioritize renewable energy integration through extended collaborations with stakeholders, governments, and global communities.

The ECN Director General reiterated that the National Energy Policy and its Master Plan recently unveiled by the Federal Government through ECN, seek to increase the renewable electricity generation by aggressively pursuing RE energy integration into the Nation’s energy mix.

“The RE systems have become more efficient and cheaper over the years, a paradigm shift to renewable energy will substantially close the energy gaps, reduce grid disruptions, and accelerate its journey toward energy independence and economic growth”, Abdullahi stated.

Since his assumption into office as Director General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has carved a niche for himself with stakeholders applauding his enviable strides in repositioning the Commission from its near-obscurity where it had been plunged into in the decades past.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his choice of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as Chief Executive of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, foresaw the qualities; passion, dedication and most especially, capacity to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda; his campaign catch-phrase that aims to retool the country and ensure that it takes its rightful [lace in the comity of nations in the global society.

Dr. Abdullahi, shortly after his assumption, set to task in delivering on the mandate and this, according to industry watchers, leaves one without to a choice but to affirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man known to assemble quality hands to deliver on his set tasks, indeed made the right choice.

Followers of the trajectory of President Tinubu’s governance style express their confidence in his administration to rewrite the Nigerian story and return the nation to the path of sustainable growth development and shared prosperity. His stern advisory to his appointees to match his vision in delivering on the Renewed Hope Initiative of his administration, most certainly is bearing fruit with many of these appointees, creating landmark achievements in their various areas of responsibilities.

As a visionary, Dr. Abdullahi on assumption of office, did not hesitate to point out his direction and focus; “delivering on Mr. President’s mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, comes first as far as the Energy Commission of Nigeria is concerned”, stressing that; “Under my stewardship and with the support of our dedicated staff and stakeholders,

the ECN as the Lead Agency in the country’s push for energy transition will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Indeed, industry watchers and stakeholders in the sector have continued to applaud his every stride which, in their varying opinions, will set the pace for a new dawn for the country’s energy economy, as he is indeed poised to create a new face for the sector with result driven policies and quality leadership that will attract positive investment, growth and sustainable development for the industry.

The agenda of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, since emerging as the DG of the Commission has remained hinged on five points: vis-à-vis;

• Integration of the Renewable and Alternative Energy Policy Structure into the Mainstream National Energy Architecture.
• Immediate facilitation of the actualization of the Energy Transition Plan
• Facilitation of Research and Development Funding and Partnership Initiatives in the Energy Sector.
• Review of extant Energy Policies, Initiatives and Frameworks to stimulate economic development.
• Facilitation of improved welfare consideration for staff of the Commission commensurate with standards in the Energy Sector.

While many stakeholders laud the initiative of the Tinubu administration and the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the nations power sector as top priority and then, his choice of Mustapha Abdullahi Ph.D. to head the ECN, others say it that was one of the best moves of the President as the Commission has moved away from its near obscurity to a point of global recognition following the positive push of the Commission, led by the indefatigable Director General.

With his commitment, dedication and zeal to actualize the mandate of the Commission as dictated by the Renewed Hope Agenda, Abdullahi has displayed tremendous capacity to make a positive mark. These attributes have seen him engage with prominent global leaders in discussions on Renewable Energy. Of great note is his outstanding performance at the annual global event, #COP28UAE, and other international events including the G20 Energy Summit in Brasilia, Brazil where he spoke on behalf of Africa, emphasizing energy transitions and net-zero emissions, and in Cape Town, South Africa where he presented a paper at the Africa Energy Indaba Summit alongside other global energy experts.

His thirst for achieving excellence in service delivery or quality leadership deliverables has remained a point of referencing with the energy sector. From providing leadership for West African sub-region and beyond, to leading advocacy on energy transition from fossil fuel in international space, Mustapha Abdullahi has displayed a strong resolve to exploring renewable and alternative energy to provide homegrown solutions to the energy needs of the Nigerian people.

As the new Chairman, Nigeria National Committee on World Energy Council (NNC WEC), Dr. Mustapha, it is recalled, had proposed to activate mechanisms with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) geared towards instauration of novel action plans that would not only change the ugly story of the energy economy of the country, but also that of West Africa sub-region and Africa as a whole. He is, at the moment working through tapping opportunities through the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an institution within the ECOWAS to chart a new cause for the energy economy for the country, Africans

Knowing and appreciating the needs of his team and workers around him, Abdullahi appreciates the fact that securing the efficiency of your colleagues and workers alike, is hinged, often times on staff motivation at work place. “A value-driven leadership spurs its workforce to efficiency and optimal performance through incentives and conducive working environment.” He is a leader with ample experience that cuts across the globe recognizes workers’ psyche at work, especially when such workforce is motivated. He understands that remuneration is a major factor in the determination of a worker’s productivity. He is aware of the near-zero motivation and he was prepared to address the situation frontally by making the necessary moves that would ultimately enliven the workers’ spirit and gear them towards the overall success of his leadership at the Commission. As an expert, Abdullahi recognizes the value of human capital development in driving positive change and understands that the Commission is largely knowledge-driven,

With a leadership that encourages inclusivity, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has ensured that all regions of the country are captured in the activities of the Commission. The groundbreaking ceremony of an Assembly Plant in the Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The event came up as a corollary of the need to boost access to affordable electricity in the country, and to take several communities off the national grid.

In addressing the electricity menace therefore, the visionary Chief Executive of the Energy Commission saw an opportunity in photovoltaic (PV) electricity to provide alternative energy to millions of households. Hence, consolidating the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. Such solar PV module assembling plant which will provide sustainable, reliable, and decentralized power source capable of reaching the remotest part of the country – thereby giving light and hope to Nigerians; one of the initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu’s administration.

Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership on Saturday, August 10, 2024 scored another record breaking milestone the ground-breaking ceremony of Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BRE College), Osara, Kogi State. The concept of a Renewable Energy College was in line with the manifesto of President Tinubu whose party’s agenda is to explore various energy potential of the country, one move that will see the country take a bold leap further into transitioning from fossil-based energy resources to renewable energy. The Barefoot Renewable Energy College was conceptualized to bridge the energy manpower gap, drive innovation, competence, and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector. The future is assured with a safer environment and a cleaner energy.

Under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Mustapha, the Commission collaborated with a number of development partners, international organizations as well as relevant and critical stakeholders such as:

• The United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) and Clean Cooling

Collaborative (CCC) on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in the area of

Air-conditioners that aims to reduce carbon emissions, thereby leading to safer environment.

• Signing up a tripartite wind energy agreement at the #COP28UAE held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the Niger State Government.
• Teaming up with the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy and

Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for energy planning workshop.

• Collaboration with DEWA and the European Union (EU) delegation on energy transition initiative of his leadership at the Commission.
• Capacity building of the Commission’s staff with the Economic Community of

West African States (ECOWAS).

• Entered into partnership agreement with the National Biomass Ethanol

Programme (NBEP) amongst others.

Celebrating such a worthy personality is not out of the ordinary as this gentleman is indeed deserving of commendation and due recognition following his verifiable leadership milestones and footprints that have been firmly etched into the sands of time in the country’s energy space and beyond. It is also, worthy of mention that Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi will lead and coordinate the record breaking Nigeria-Germany $130billion Global Hydrogen Project from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic. Such pedestal does not come on a platter of gold, but of capacity, competence and trust in this jewel from the savannah.

To the discerning eyes, Mustapha Abdullahi is one young gentleman poised for greater heights as he remains focused on delivering on the set goals and mandate of the ENERGY Commission of Nigeria under the guidance of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; a leader of men whose visionary leadership, tenacity, doggedness and strong political will to reshape the country for the collective good of all, remains unshakeable.

Dr. Bakari Storms Girei, Promises ‘Unforgettable’ APC Legacy

…Gets Top Endorsement from party’s Stakeholders, other key stalwarts

By Tom Garba, Yola

Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections, stormed the APC secretariat in Girei Local Government Area on Saturday.

He received a heroic and massive welcome from thousands of party supporters, stakeholders, and various support groups. The excited crowd cheered loudly, waving placards with messages like “Girei 2027 Rescue Mission” and “SBG Movement.” Many called him the leader who will bring true transformation to Adamawa State.

Speaking to the cheering crowd, Dr. Bakari delivered a powerful and refined speech. He started by affirming support for APC candidates in the upcoming local government elections in Girei.

“I am here to support our candidates for the coming local government elections and to make sure our party stays united,” he said.

He thanked party leaders who have been working hard behind the scenes to keep APC strong and thriving. “Some people are working overtime for the party. We must recognize and respect their efforts,” he added.

Dr. Bakari then made a bold promise about the future. “We have endured six years without being in government in Adamawa. Only two years are left. I promise you today – Insha Allah, APC will take over the state in 2027!” The crowd erupted in loud cheers. He repeated, “We are taking over power by 2027 in the state.”

He praised key national figures for their roles in strengthening the party. Dr. Bakari called National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu “our daddy” who loves Adamawa deeply.

“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has no personal candidate – everyone is his own. He has promised free and fair primaries. Because of his leadership, we are all united and focused on rescuing the state from PDP,” he said.

Dr. Bakari also thanked President Bola Tinubu. “We are grateful to God for President Tinubu’s leadership. He is a man who has spent his life building democracy in Nigeria. No one has any reason to fail in elections because of what he has done,” he noted.

On the local government elections, Dr. Bakari called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure free and fair polls.

“It was free and fair elections that brought you to power in 2019 and 2023. You should do the same now to leave a good legacy. We know you are a man of integrity. Let the winner be announced as winner and give the mandate to the rightful person,” he urged.

Bakari affirmed his acceptance to run for the Adamawa governorship seat is shielded his sincerity of purpose never to disappoint the people of the state and numerous others who have been calling on him to contest for over a year because they believe in his ability, capacity to bring wider development in all parts of the state.

“The desire to lead with passion and leave behind a legacy of indelible performance and change the narrative of Adamawa to that of prosperous, united and integrated society is my prime agenda.” He further reiterated that if God will him the opportunity is going to leave behind a legacy of servant leader and become a model for future leaders of the State

He further praised the humane leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu as men with undisputed desirable leadership qualities whose vision is for a progressive Nigeria, Adamawa State in particular.

“The firm believe in leadership qualities of the NSA in unifying all aspirants to work towards achieving the success of our great party and building a prosperous future for Adamawa.

“My firm belief that the NSA and other party leaders would provide a level field for a free and fair primaries and in the NSA’s capacity to unite all aspirants to fight a common cause

“My conviction, capacity and capability to effectively and efficiently lead the state to prosperity and heights of development in timely and sustainable manner is my call distress to duty.” He said

A major highlight of the event was Dr. Bakari’s promise to upgrade the APC secretariat in Girei. He described the current building as not befitting for a big party like APC.

“We promised you a good secretariat before. Today, I announce that you will get a new one. After we finish it, no other party secretariat in Girei will compare to it!” The massive crowd applauded wildly and cheered even more.

Finally, he encouraged all APC contestants and members to stay active on the ground. “Be visible in every nook and cranny to make our party strong everywhere,” he said.

A former Lawmaker for Girei constituency and Council secretary, Dr Abubakar Umar who conveyed the central message of Dr Bakari’s candidacy said the entire critical stakeholders of Girei APC and the Local government elders statesmen unilaterally endorsed and called on any interested individuals shield their swords for governorship ambition.

He said Dr Bakari is sellable candidate to everyone in Adamawa state and they are ready to take him to anywhere as their sole candidate and marketable product.

While appreciating NSA Nuhu Ribadu for giving a leveling playing Field to all aspirants, he said Nuhu is a Man of integrity that will never allow injustice to thrive in Adamawa APC, especially as regard the governorship seat.

The event gained even more momentum with a powerful endorsement from Prof. Bashir Hamman Gabdo, a respected academic and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, from 2021 to 2025.

In a heartfelt open letter sent around the festive season, Prof. Gabdo, who is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, declared full support for Dr. Bakari’s ambition to become governor.

He called Dr. Bakari “the most suitable” among all contenders. “You are the most learned of all the contenders. You have laboured hard for education at state, national, and international levels. And above all, you are a teacher like me,” the professor wrote.

Prof. Gabdo shared that he had visited Dr. Bakari’s office when he was TETFund Desk Officer for ADSU. He promised not only his personal support but also that of his many followers for the SBG Movement.

The letter ended with warm seasonal greetings and a Fulfulde blessing: “Allah lamido hokku en sa’a,” meaning God should give power at the right time.

This endorsement highlights Dr. Bakari’s deep roots in education. As an Adamawa indigene, he served as Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB).

There, he built many modern schools, including storey buildings in both urban and rural areas. Later, as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he brought peace and harmony among traditional rulers and local officials.

Today, Dr. Bakari works with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), representing it at big events like the recent commissioning of a new office complex at ADSU, Mubi. He continues to push for better education in his home state.

Political watchers say this strong backing from a top scholar like Prof. Gabdo will help Dr. Bakari win support from teachers, students, intellectuals, and young people. Education is a big issue in Adamawa, and Dr. Bakari’s record makes him stand out.

The Girei visit shows Dr. Bakari’s growing popularity across APC in Adamawa’s 21 local government areas. Recent events, like a big rally in Ganye with over 1,000 coordinators, prove his wide appeal. Many party members now see him as the “ace” to defeat PDP and bring APC back to power in 2027.

As politics heats up ahead of 2027, Dr. Bakari’s promises of unity, development, and an unforgettable APC legacy are winning hearts. With endorsements from respected figures and massive crowd support, his rescue mission for Adamawa looks stronger than ever.

REBUTTING THE REGRESSION NARRATIVE: KANO’S TRUE DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORY

By Aminu Hussaini
In recent commentary portraying Kano State as a place where development is allegedly “in reverse,” facts have been sacrificed on the altar of political rhetoric. Such claims, repeated by some commentators including Garba Mohammed, do not withstand scrutiny when measured against the visible, verifiable and ongoing development outcomes across Kano State. The assertion of regression collapses the moment one steps outside social-media SoundBits and examines realities on ground.
Kano is not declining. Kano is undergoing a deliberate, people-centred rebuilding process whose results are increasingly evident.

Infrastructure: Development You Can See, Not Just Talk About – One of the loudest claims of regression is that Kano’s infrastructure has stalled. This is demonstrably false. Across the metropolis and major towns, rehabilitated and newly constructed roads have eased mobility, reduced travel time and revived commercial activity. Key corridors that had been abandoned for years are now traversable, while drainage rehabilitation and urban renewal projects are reshaping the physical outlook of the city.

Beyond roads, the approval of multi-billion-naira capital projects covering public buildings, traffic management systems and utilities reflects a government investing in long-term infrastructure rather than cosmetic gestures. Development is no longer theoretical; it is concrete, asphalt and steel, experienced daily by commuters, traders and residents.

Education: Strategic Investment, Not Empty Promises – Perhaps the most misleading aspect of the regression narrative is its dismissal of progress in education. The Kano State Government has made education a cornerstone of governance, committing an unprecedented share of its budget to the sector.

This investment is translating into renovation of dilapidated schools, recruitment of qualified teachers, provision of learning materials and strengthening of basic, secondary and technical education.
These are not symbolic actions. They represent a strategic reversal of years of decay and laying the foundation for human capital development. External recognition of Kano’s education reforms further affirms that this progress is real, measurable and nationally acknowledged.
Healthcare: From Neglect to Recognition – Claims of collapsing healthcare ignore the tangible reforms already implemented. Health facilities across the state have been rehabilitated and re-equipped, while hundreds of medical professionals have been recruited to improve service delivery.
Most significantly, Kano has taken bold institutional steps by establishing a subnational disease control centre, strengthening epidemic preparedness and public health surveillance.

These reforms have attracted national commendations from professional bodies – an outcome impossible in a system supposedly “in reverse.”
Economic Empowerment and Social Impact – Development is not only about physical structures; it is about people’s livelihoods. Across Kano, empowerment initiatives targeting women, youths, artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs are improving household incomes and economic resilience. Livestock distribution, skills training and micro-enterprise support are helping thousands move from dependency to productivity.
Equally important is the settlement of pension and gratuity backlogs, restoring dignity and financial stability to retirees who had long been neglected. These interventions directly contradict any claim of social regression.

Awards and External Validation: Beyond Self-Praise – Development narratives are best tested through independent validation. Kano’s recent national and continental recognitions for governance, education and healthcare reforms did not emerge from political propaganda but from assessments by external institutions. Such recognition reinforces a simple truth: progress is occurring and it is being noticed beyond Kano’s political divide.

Context Matters: Politics Is Not Performance – It is important to acknowledge that much of the “development in reverse” argument is rooted in political positioning rather than objective analysis. While scrutiny of government is healthy and necessary, it must be anchored in fairness and full context. Selective use of partial data, or early-year budget figures without lifecycle understanding, is not analysis – it is distortion.

Conclusion: Evidence Over Emotion – The claim that Kano’s development is regressing does not survive contact with reality. Roads are being rebuilt; schools are being revived; hospitals are functioning better; citizens are being empowered and Institutions are being strengthened.
Disagreement is legitimate in a democracy, but facts remain stubborn matters and those facts show that Kano’s development trajectory is forward-looking, people-focused and increasingly visible.
Kano is not in reverse. Kano is rebuilding – deliberately, steadily, and unmistakably.

This rejoinder was written by Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters – +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

Coalition Dares Dangote to Name His Preferred NMDPRA CEO Amid Pressure Allegations

A group has challenged billionaire industrialist, Aliko Dangote, to publicly disclose who his preferred candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) would be, amid allegations of attempts to forcefully edge out the current CEO, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition for Market Transparency in Energy Reform, alleged in a statement on Wednesday that sustained pressure against the NMDPRA leadership was driven by vested interests seeking to reverse ongoing efforts to open Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to healthy competition.

“If Mr. Dangote succeeds in pushing out Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Nigerians deserve to know whose interests the next NMDPRA CEO will serve,” the group said. “Will the successor be a regulator for the market or a proxy for private commercial interests?”

The coalition warned that any attempt to impose a favoured candidate at the NMDPRA would amount to regulatory capture, with grave implications for competition, pricing discipline and long-term investor confidence in the sector.

According to the group, Engr. Ahmed’s tenure has been marked by policies aimed at expanding market participation, reducing single-player dominance and aligning the downstream industry with the liberalisation objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“These reforms are inconvenient for monopolistic ambitions, but they are essential for market health,” the statement said.

The group alleged that truncating these efforts through leadership manipulation would undermine Nigeria’s post-subsidy reforms and entrench a new form of private-sector dominance in place of the defunct state monopoly.

“It would be dangerous for Nigeria’s energy security to replace decades of NNPC operations with the dominance of one private refinery, no matter how large or locally celebrated,” the coalition added.

The group also questioned the broader implications of allowing powerful investors to influence regulatory leadership, warning that such precedents could discourage both local and foreign investors who rely on predictable, rules-based governance rather than personality-driven regulation.

“If regulators become vulnerable to pressure from dominant market players, smaller investors will exit, competition will collapse, and consumers will ultimately pay the price,” it said.

The coalition urged the Federal Government and relevant oversight institutions to protect the independence of the NMDPRA, stressing that leadership changes, if any, must follow due process and be guided strictly by performance, not private convenience.

“The Nigerian downstream sector does not need a compliant regulator; it needs a courageous one,” the group stated. “Any attempt to impose a CEO who will do the bidding of a single investor would represent a direct assault on market reform.”

Separating Strategy from Sentiment: A Technical Response to the Allegations Against the Minister of State for Defence

By Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu

In every society grappling with complex security challenges, there is always the temptation to reduce serious policy decisions to simplistic accusations. This is particularly true in environments where politics thrives on narratives rather than facts. The recent allegations linking the Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle to banditry and terrorism fall squarely into this category and deserve a sober, technical and unemotional response.

At the outset, it must be clearly stated that there is a fundamental difference between engagement as a security strategy and collusion as a criminal act. Unfortunately, some commentators have either deliberately or ignorantly blurred this distinction, creating a misleading narrative that does not withstand empirical scrutiny.

Nigeria’s security challenge, especially in the North West, is not conventional warfare. It is asymmetrical, community-embedded and fuelled by poverty, arms proliferation and transnational criminal networks. For this reason, modern counterterrorism doctrine, both globally and locally, recognizes that non-kinetic measures must complement kinetic operations. Dialogue, intelligence penetration, psychological operations, de-radicalization and negotiated disengagement are tools used by states worldwide, including advanced democracies.

The decision by government authorities at the time to open channels of communication with individuals linked to violent networks was not an endorsement of criminality, but a deliberate attempt to dismantle such networks from within. Intelligence-led engagement often requires interfacing with unsavoury actors to extract information, disrupt supply chains and secure the release of abducted citizens. This is standard practice in security operations and cannot logically be equated with sponsorship of crime.

It is also important to emphasize that engagement does not imply immunity. Where individuals involved in peace efforts later violated the law or abused the opportunity extended to them, the state acted decisively. Arrests were made, prosecutions followed, and convictions were secured. This sequence alone dismantles the claim that there was any form of protection or complicity. A government that prosecutes and imprisons offenders cannot, by any stretch of logic, be accused of shielding them.

Another critical fact often ignored by critics is that the insecurity in question predated the tenure of the Minister when he served as a subnational leader. He inherited a deeply rooted crisis, one that had already devastated communities, displaced thousands and crippled economic activity. His administration chose a strategy aimed at reducing civilian casualties first, reopening critical transport routes, restoring markets and allowing farmers and traders to return to their livelihoods. These outcomes were achieved, not by magic, but by a calibrated mix of dialogue and force.

Evidence of this approach’s effectiveness was visible in the reopening of previously inaccessible roads, the revival of major markets, and the release of large numbers of abducted citizens without bloodshed. These outcomes were acknowledged at the time by citizens, traditional leaders, and security experts. It is therefore disingenuous for the same approach, now replicated at the federal level with similar results, to suddenly be rebranded as evidence of sympathy for terrorism.

What is most concerning about the current allegations is their selective application. Similar non-kinetic strategies were adopted by multiple state actors across the region, yet the outrage appears targeted. This selective outrage strongly suggests political motivations rather than genuine concern for national security. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that the Minister’s growing national relevance and proximity to the centre of power have made him a convenient target for political adversaries seeking relevance through controversy.

Security policy must be evaluated by outcomes, not emotions. If lives were preserved, hostages freed and communities stabilized, then the strategy deserves objective assessment, not politicized condemnation. To conflate tactical engagement with criminal complicity is not only intellectually dishonest but also dangerous, as it undermines legitimate security tools and discourages innovation in counterterrorism.

Nigeria’s fight against insecurity requires unity, trust in institutions, and respect for professional judgment. Reckless accusations weaken morale, distract security leadership and hand propaganda victories to violent groups who thrive on division and confusion.

In conclusion, the allegations against the Minister of State for Defence are baseless, speculative and politically fuelled. They collapse when examined against facts, outcomes and established security doctrine. The Minister’s record shows a consistent alignment with the core objective of any responsible government which is the preservation of lives and the restoration of peace.

History will ultimately be kinder to strategies that saved citizens than to voices that sought political gain from national pain. Nigeria must resist the weaponization of insecurity for partisan ends and instead support approaches that blend firmness with intelligence, strength with restraint and force with foresight.

How Dr. MB Shehu is Transforming RMAFC to a World-class Institution

By Salisu Ibrahim

Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), a key Institution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is becoming more visible and impactful in its pursuit of fair and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources.
Thanks to the visionary leadership of its Chairman, Dr Muhammad Bello Shehu whose strategic approach to leadership, good governance and accountability is leaving a transparent and accountable footprint in the Commission’s
fiscal operations.

The country is now witnessing a robust fiscal operations in fulfilment of the Commission’s Constitution role.

The Constitution has mandated RMAFC to monitor revenue accruals and disbursements as well as determine remuneration for public office holders.

This task is by no means daunting, yet the Commission’s management under the Chairmanship of Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu is up and doing in meeting up with the nation’s expectations.

A cursory look at how the Chairman runs the affairs of the Commission in collaboration with the board and the management is what’s working in the strategic repositioning of the Commission’s operations.

In all its activities, the Commission focuses on data collection and analysis from government agencies to achieve its mandate, while it reviews revenue allocation formulae every five years, just to ensure fair and equitable distribution of resources.
This perhaps, explain why, RMAFC has been at the forefront of calls for a reduction in the day-to-day government expenditure, and ensuring that public funds are spent judiciously and for the welfare of the people.

Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu, as Chairman has created a very conducive atmosphere for workers to function effectively. He is undoubtedly promoting the principles of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fiscal operations in the management of Nigeria’s vital resources, and is enjoying the support of his management team and board members.

Under his leadership, RMAFC, has been up and doing, implementing various strategies to meet the nation’s and public expectations.

So far, the Commission has developed a clear roadmap and accessible strategies that focuses on transparency and accountability, while reaching out to the relevant stakeholders to enhance its visibility and impact.

Beside that, the Commission has launched several initiatives to enhance its visibility and impact, by developing an acceptable and transparent framework for the management of derivation funds.

Additionally, the Commission has engages consultants to drive the recovery of unremitted revenues, remain open for public scrutiny and has launched several initiatives to promote transparency and accountability as it engages with citizens and relevant stakeholders.

Fiscal efficiency and revenue mobilization as is being driven by the Commission, is currently supporting sustainable economic development of the country, with the Commission leading the process and making it to work for the Nation’s growth.

Under Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu’s leadership, RMAFC is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fiscal operations. It has successfully provided a framework for equitable distribution of resources among federal, state, and local governments, while enhancing fiscal efficiency and revenue mobilization to support sustainable economic development of the country.

The leadership vision of Dr MB Shehu is to transform the Commission to become a world-class institution, that is promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fiscal operations, as it ensures equitable distribution of resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Salisu Ibrahim contributed this piece from Kano, could be reached on faccageltd10@gmail.com