Author Archives: News All Around

By Sarah Asake

ABUJA,

– The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has appointed 15 Special Advisers, Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants to bolster the party’s strategic and administrative operations. The move, aimed at enhancing coordination and stakeholder engagement, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties who label it as wasteful patronage amid economic hardship.

Strengthening Party Operations

According to a statement from the Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Hon. Mustapha Dawaki, the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to improve policy formulation, coordination, and engagement with key stakeholders at the party’s national secretariat. The newly appointed aides are expected to leverage their professional experience to support the chairman in fulfilling his duties.

· National Chairman’s Charge: Prof. Yilwatda congratulated the appointees and urged them to demonstrate dedication, loyalty, and commitment to the party’s ideals. The appointments take immediate effect.

The New Appointees

The appointments span three categories, covering political, administrative, and strategic functions.

Special Advisers (3 Appointments)
This tier includes high-level strategic roles:

· Sen. Danladi Sankara: Special Adviser on Political Matters.
· Hon. Daniel Oritsegbubemi: Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters.
· Dr. Sorochi Longdet: Special Adviser on Research, Strategy and Planning.

Advisers (4 Appointments)
These positions focus on specific operational areas:

· Hon. Jibrin Abdullahi Surajo: Adviser on Community Engagement.
· Mr. Paul Domsing: Adviser on Special Duties.
· Suleiman Bukari: Adviser on Intelligence Coordination.
· Prof. Taiwo Ajibolu Balofin: Honorary Adviser on Diaspora Coordination and Mobilisation.

Senior Special Assistants (8 Appointments)
These roles are tasked with managing key stakeholder relationships and communications:

· Imran Muhammad: SSA on New Media.
· Mildred Bako: SSA on Civil Society Organisations.
· Yusuf Dingyadi: SSA on Media.
· Mrs. Enenedu Idusuyi: SSA on Protocol.
· Ismaila Mohammed: SSA on Conflict Management.
· Zarah Onyinye: SSA on Media (Public Relations).
· Adaku Apugo: SSA on Inter-Governmental Relations.
· Obinta Juliet Chinenye: SSA on Youth Mobilisation.

Opposition Parties Condemn Appointments

The expansion of the APC chairman’s office has been met with condemnation from major opposition parties, who criticize the move as insensitive profligacy.

· ADC’s Position: Ralph Nwosu, immediate past National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated the ruling party is acting “without any recourse to what Nigerians are passing through.” He questioned the source of funds for remunerating the aides and contrasted it with his own tenure, saying, “When I was ADC National Chairman, I never had more than three aides”.
· PDP’s Reaction: Eddy Olafeso, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (South-West), described the APC as “a profligacy-driven political party” that wastes resources at the party level while Nigerians suffer.
· Labour Party’s View: Tanko Yinusa, spokesman for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, lamented the “level of decay and wastage” under the APC. He criticized the party for failing to devote adequate resources to critical sectors like education and security.

Analysis: A Strategic or Political Move?

The appointments reveal the APC’s focus on several key areas:

· Media and Communication: With two dedicated SSAs for Media and Public Relations and another for New Media, the party is prioritizing its public messaging and digital presence.
· Stakeholder Management: Roles focusing on the National Assembly, Civil Society, Inter-Governmental Relations, and Youth Mobilisation indicate an effort to manage relationships across different sectors of society.
· Internal Coordination: The creation of positions for Intelligence Coordination, Conflict Management, and Protocol suggests an aim to streamline internal party operations and security.

However, the strong opposition criticism frames these appointments within the broader national context of economic challenges, setting the stage for continued political debate about government and party spending.

By Sarah Asake

Residents of Chibiri community in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received a significant boost on Tuesday as the Omalife Rescue Foundation distributed foodstuffs and clothing materials to vulnerable households.

The outreach was part of the foundation’s 2025 Annual Food and Clothes Fiesta, an initiative aimed at supporting underserved families and alleviating the pressures of economic hardship.

A large crowd of beneficiaries, including women, children and the elderly, gathered to collect the assorted items, which are expected to help them meet basic needs during the festive season.

Founder of the foundation, Dr. Mrs. Omanibe Sanusi, stated that the drive was motivated by compassion and a dedication to restoring hope and dignity to the less privileged.

“Poverty, hunger and inadequate childcare remain serious challenges in many of our communities,” she said. “The efforts of individuals and non-governmental organisations are vital in complementing government interventions.”

She explained that Chibiri was chosen for this year’s outreach following an assessment that identified substantial needs among residents, particularly widows, orphans and low-income families.

Community leaders expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention. The Chief of Chibiri, Chief Alhaji Ishaku Sakokwai, and the Onu of Igala Kuje, Chief Alhaji Hassan Khalid, who were present at the event, thanked the foundation for selecting their community and offered prayers for the donors and organisers.

Beneficiaries also praised the initiative, noting that the support would help cushion the effect of current economic challenges for many households.

Volunteers from the foundation coordinated the orderly distribution to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Dr. Sanusi reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to its broader mandate of emergency relief, child welfare, skills development and sustainable support for vulnerable populations.

ENDS

By Musa Maye

The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has commended the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their strategic collaboration that led to the arrest of notorious bandit kingpin and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group described Wurgi’s capture as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North-West region.
NSCI said the successful operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led and coordinated security efforts under the current defence leadership, noting that the development has renewed public confidence in the capacity of the armed forces to restore peace and stability.
According to the statement, General Musa’s leadership has strengthened military operations through improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and community engagement, which have collectively weakened criminal networks operating across affected states.
The group also acknowledged the role of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, noting that his approach to security goes beyond military action to include socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry.
“Matawalle’s emphasis on dialogue, alternative livelihoods and community inclusion has complemented kinetic operations, helping to reduce local support for criminal elements,” the statement said.
NSCI described Bako Wurgi as a central figure in the banditry ecosystem, whose arrest is expected to disrupt arms supply chains and criminal coordination in the region. The group further noted that Wurgi’s reported links to other notorious bandit leaders underscore the importance of sustained pressure on criminal networks.
The organisation called on the federal and state governments to continue providing adequate support, logistics and intelligence to security agencies to consolidate recent gains. It also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities.
While celebrating the success, NSCI cautioned that the fight against insecurity remains ongoing, stressing the need for long-term strategies focused on education, economic empowerment and social cohesion to prevent the recruitment of vulnerable youths into criminal groups.
“The capture of Bako Wurgi is a significant milestone, but it must be followed by sustained action and development-driven policies to achieve lasting peace,” the statement added.
NSCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at ending banditry and terrorism, expressing optimism that continued collaboration among security agencies, political leaders and communities would lead Nigeria towards greater peace and stability.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini, in this piece, as his personal opinion, examined Kano’s political history, arguing that Kano, as a hub of economic activities in Northern Nigeria, and a Powerful political bloc in the region, must wake up and play politics not only with a passion but with pragmatism, purpose and strategic alignment with the centre that can deliver real results to its people.

Political analysts are of the view that, politics at its core, is not an exercise in sentiment or protest; it is a contest for power, influence and outcomes.

In every democratic system, numbers matter. Coalitions matter. Access matters. Today’s political reality in Nigeria is stark and undeniable: the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 29 States, while all other parties combined govern just seven.

This imbalance is not cosmetic – it defines the flow of influence, federal attention and development opportunities. Kano State must therefore confront an uncomfortable but necessary truth: strategic alignment with the national majority is no longer optional; it is imperative.

Kano is not a peripheral state. It is Nigeria’s most politically significant Northern State by population, economic activity and historical influence. For decades, Kano has shaped national politics, produced national leaders and acted as a bellwether for political trends in the North. Yet, influence is not sustained by history alone. In modern governance, relevance is maintained by being at the table where decisions are made – not watching from the sidelines.

The federal system rewards cooperation, not isolation. States aligned with the centre enjoy smoother access to federal interventions, accelerated approvals for infrastructure projects, stronger representation in national policymaking and enhanced bargaining power within intergovernmental forums.

This is not a partisan fantasy; it is political reality, observable across administrations and parties since 1999. When a party dominates both the centre and the majority of States, internal party mechanisms-not opposition platforms – become the main arena where national priorities are negotiated.

Those arguing for political “independence” or “romantic opposition” must answer a simple question: what tangible benefits has political isolation delivered to Kano in recent years? Opposition politics may energize rallies and social media debates, but it rarely translates into handout roads, rail, power infrastructure, industrial clusters or sustained federal investments. Development is not awarded for moral positioning; it is negotiated through power structures.

Kano’s past offers sobering lessons about the price of strained federal relations. During the second republic, the state was governed by Muhammad Abubakar Rimi of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP); an ideologically driven but federally isolated administration. At the centre, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) controlled federal power. The result was an unprecedented intervention: President Shehu Shagari appointed Lawal Kaita as presidential liaison officer in Kano, effectively supervising federal agencies in the state and asserting central authority over federal interests. This arrangement, widely seen as a response to Rimi’s confrontational posture, underscored how political estrangement can weaken a state’s bargaining power and invite federal encroachment rather than cooperation.

The lesson resurfaced decades later under Ibrahim Shekarau’s administration (2003–2011). Governing Kano while the PDP dominated the centre, Shekarau’s government often found itself outside the inner circles where federal priorities were shaped. While Kano did not grind to a halt, it increasingly lost momentum in attracting major federal projects and strategic appointments compared to states aligned with the ruling party. The absence of strong political synergy meant slower access to opportunities that flowed more easily to allied states.

In contemporary times, the pattern remains familiar.
The current Kano State administration has been marked by frequent friction with federal institutions, ranging from disputes with federal security agencies to open political hostilities with influential figures within the ruling establishment. These tensions have created an atmosphere of distrust and chaos, diverting energy from development-driven engagement and weakening Kano’s ability to negotiate effectively for federal investments, institutional support and national influence. These episodes are not coincidences; they reveal a consistent structural reality of Nigerian politics.

It is also important to dispel the myth that alignment equals surrender. Strategic alignment does not mean abandoning Kano’s identity, interests or bargaining power. On the contrary, Kano’s size and electoral weight make it a powerful bloc within any dominant political platform. Aligning with the majority offers Kano the opportunity to shape national policy from within, influence party direction and secure leadership positions that directly benefit the state’s long-term development agenda.

The numbers speak loudly. With 29 APC-governed states, national consensus within the ruling party effectively determines legislative priorities, budgetary focus and policy direction. Remaining outside this consensus does not make Kano principled; it makes Kano peripheral. In a country as competitive and resource-constrained as Nigeria, no serious state can afford such self-marginalization.

Kano’s political elite and stakeholders must therefore ask not what feels emotionally satisfying, but what delivers results. Roads, water projects, education funding, healthcare upgrades, security interventions and economic revitalization require federal-state synergy. That synergy is strongest when political alignment exists.

History favours those who read the moment correctly. Kano has never been a follower state-it has always been a strategic one. The present moment calls for pragmatism over posturing, realism over rhetoric and outcomes over outrage. Aligning with the national majority is not about party colors; it is about securing Kano’s rightful place in Nigeria’s future.

Politics is arithmetic before it is poetry. Today, the arithmetic is clear: 29 versus 7. Kano cannot afford to be sidelined-not in 2026; not in the years leading to the 2027 elections. The State’s political elite, business community, civil society and traditional institutions must prioritize strategic engagement with political majority at the centre. This is not to sacrifice local identity or autonomy-but to secure the tangible dividends of governance: infrastructure, jobs, investment, healthcare, education and security.

History has taught Kano painful lessons about the cost of opposing the centre without sufficient leverage. It is time to play politics not only with passion but with pragmatism, purpose and strategic alignment that delivers real results to the people. Kano must wake up, recalibrate and choose strategic relevance over symbolic resistance.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi could be reached on- +234 8033742424, aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

A coalition of Islamic groups has cautioned Muslim leaders and clerics across the country against undue interference in ongoing tax reform discussions, warning that such matters are technical, constitutional and should be handled by relevant government institutions.

The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Islamic Organisations for National Development (CIOND), made their position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, stressing that tax reform policies are economic and administrative issues that should not be politicised or religiously coloured.

According to the statement, signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Sheikh Abdulrahman Musa, while Islam encourages justice, accountability and fairness in governance, it does not support the distortion of public policy debates through sentiments that could inflame religious tensions.

“The issue of tax reform is a national economic matter that affects all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. It requires expert analysis, stakeholder engagement and constitutional processes, not emotional or sectarian interventions,” the statement read.

The coalition noted that recent comments by some religious figures risk misleading the public and creating unnecessary suspicion about government policies aimed at strengthening revenue generation and economic stability.

CIOND urged Muslim leaders to focus on their primary responsibilities of moral guidance, peacebuilding and social harmony, rather than making pronouncements on technical fiscal policies beyond their competence.

“Islam upholds knowledge and professionalism. Where policies are being debated, those with the requisite expertise should be allowed to lead the conversation, while religious leaders can contribute by advocating fairness, transparency and protection of the poor,” the group added.

The Islamic groups further called on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment on the objectives and safeguards of the proposed tax reforms, to address misinformation and build public trust.

They also appealed to Nigerians to resist attempts to frame economic reforms along religious lines, warning that such narratives could undermine national unity and derail well-intentioned policies.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with government on policies that promote economic growth, social justice and national development.

Grace Tesem

A Northern group under the auspices of of Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace (AJIP) on Thursday rallied behind Defence Minister, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, condemning a “political witch‑hunt” launched by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and other “unpatriotic” outfits.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the spokesperson of the group, Aminu Abbas Arabi said the CNG’s recent attacks on Matawalle are “a disservice to the people of Northern Nigeria” and amount to “misinformation and character assassination.”

He warned that the group’s “indecision” aligns it with forces of destruction rather than progress.

Arabi highlighted Matawalle’s record: bold action against banditry and insurgency, security‑reform initiatives, and sustained collaboration with local communities that have yielded tangible safety gains.

“To attack him is to attack the very foundation of peace we so desperately need,” he said.

The group also reached out to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to “be vigilant against the machinations of political merchants such as the CNG.”

AJIP warned that the CNG’s agenda is “self‑serving” and threatens the security strides made under Tinubu’s administration.

AJIP accused the CNG of “sowing division and discord” instead of fostering dialogue. “The challenges we face; banditry, insurgency, socio‑economic instability demand a united front, not fragmented factions that undermine one another,” Arabi added.

The coalition reaffirmed its firm support for Minister Matawalle, stressing that his leadership at the Ministry of Defence is “crucial for the ongoing efforts to restore order and safety across our regions.”

The group pleaded with all stakeholders; political leaders, civil‑society groups, and citizens to “unite in the pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Northern Nigeria” and to reject the “divisive tactics” of the CNG.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) had recently expressed deep concern over what it described as grave and disturbing revelations contained in the recent confessional statements attributed to Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former aide to the current minister of state for defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

The coalition said the allegations go beyond political controversy, saying they strike at the moral foundation of Nigeria’s security architecture; therefore raise critical questions about possible high-level complicity in the criminal networks fuelling insecurity across northern Nigeria.

A statement by CNG’s national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said Kamarawa reportedly detailed claims involving direct transfer of funds to a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, the procurement of dozens of Hilux vehicles for groups and the provision of extensive logistical support, including housing, cattle and other assets.

END.

By: Dr. Lawal Umar Maradun, FNIPR, ARPA

In recent weeks, a surge of allegations and commentary concerning the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has dominated sections of the media and social platforms. While public scrutiny of office holders is both legitimate and essential in a democracy, such scrutiny must be anchored in facts, due process, and contextual accuracy—not conjecture, selective narratives, or partisan interpretation.

This intervention is neither an attempt to litigate public opinion nor a call for universal agreement. Rather, it seeks to clarify the record for stakeholders whose judgments are guided by evidence, institutional processes, and long-term national interest.

UNDERSTANDING BELLO MOHAMMED MATAWALLE

Born on February 12, 1969, in Maradun, Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle is a trained educator, administrator, and political technocrat with over three decades of public service experience. He served as the Executive Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023, a period marked by some of the most complex security challenges in Nigeria’s recent history.

For over a decade prior to his tenure, Zamfara State had been at the epicentre of banditry, mass displacement, and kidnapping for ransom. Upon assuming office, Matawalle adopted a multi-layered strategy that combined security operations with dialogue, community engagement, and intelligence-led interventions. Within his first year, the state recorded a notable reduction in violent incidents—an outcome widely acknowledged at the time as a departure from previous inertia.

POST-TENURE SCRUTINY AND POLITICAL CONTEXT

Following the conclusion of his tenure in 2023, Matawalle became the subject of sustained criticism, much of which relies on retrospective reinterpretations of his policies and actions. During the 2023 general elections, he also served as the North-West Zonal Coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign, a role widely credited by party stakeholders as instrumental in consolidating electoral support across the region.

His brief absence from public view after the elections was interpreted by some commentators as evasion, particularly amid publicised allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, Matawalle re-emerged publicly in Abuja ahead of the May 29, 2023 presidential inauguration, attending official state functions without hesitation—conduct inconsistent with claims of a public official “in hiding.”

UNDERSTANDING THE ALLEGATIONS IN PROPER CONTEXT

The allegations currently circulating broadly fall into three categories:

1. Claims of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor, largely driven by political successors and commentators.
2. Mischaracterisation of security dialogue initiatives, portrayed by some as complicity rather than conflict-resolution strategies.
3. Opinion-based conclusions that presume guilt in the absence of judicial determination.

It is critical to distinguish between allegations under review, administrative or investigative processes, and established facts. Much of the prevailing discourse collapses these distinctions, resulting in misleading conclusions and reputational damage unsupported by legal findings.

CLARIFYING THE FACTS

Several facts deserve emphasis:

No court of competent jurisdiction has found Dr. Bello Matawalle guilty of any wrongdoing. Engagements with anti-corruption or oversight institutions where they exist are procedural mechanisms, not verdicts. Financial governance during Matawalle’s administration followed approved budgetary frameworks and was subject to statutory audits and legislative oversight, consistent with constitutional requirements for state governments.

Conflating investigative processes with criminal conviction not only misrepresents reality but also undermines the credibility of accountability institutions themselves.

MEDIA AMPLIFICATION AND POLITICAL INCENTIVES

An examination of how these allegations are amplified reveals a familiar pattern: partisan actors, politically motivated platforms, and commentators who often substitute outrage for verification. In such environments, “media trialism” thrives—where individuals are tried and sentenced in the court of public opinion long before due process is allowed to run its course.

Several respected journalists and policy analysts have warned that this trend erodes public trust, weakens institutions, and distorts democratic accountability.

DUE PROCESS IS A DEMOCRATIC STRENGTH

Dr. Matawalle has consistently affirmed his respect for lawful institutions and due process. In a functioning democracy, the presumption of innocence is not a favour it is a right. Investigations must be allowed to conclude independently, and outcomes must rest on evidence, not volume or virality.

History repeatedly shows that many high-profile allegations lose credibility once subjected to forensic scrutiny. This reality underscores why restraint—not a rush to judgment—defines responsible citizenship and ethical journalism.

A CALL FOR BALANCE, NOT SILENCE

This moment does not call for blind loyalty or uncritical defence. It calls for balance.

Public officials must remain accountable. Institutions must be allowed to work. Citizens must demand accuracy over amplification. Dr. Matawalle’s record, like that of any public servant, should be evaluated holistically—through verified facts and lawful outcomes, not fragmented narratives designed to inflame rather than inform.

CONCLUSION: TRUTH HAS A TIMELINE

Reputations are often tested during moments of political uncertainty. But truth is rarely rushed and never replaced by rumour. Where institutional processes are ongoing, the responsible position is to allow due process to speak, facts to lead, and time to separate allegation from reality.

In the end, credibility is not built by shouting the loudest, but by standing firmly on verifiable truth.

Dr. Lawal Umar Maradun is a journalist and Corporate Affairs Manager, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, Abuja.

The Forum for Good Governance and Economic Development (FGGED) has dismissed recent claims allegedly made by the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, describing the allegations as unfounded, misleading and capable of undermining regulatory stability in the petroleum sector.

In a statement issued today and made available to Journalists, the forum said it had carefully reviewed the claims attributed to Dangote and found them to be “lacking in factual basis and unsupported by regulatory or operational realities within the downstream petroleum industry.”

The Forum in the Statement signed by its Secretary,Dr. Abraham Japhet further passed a vote of confidence on Engr. Ahmed, commending his leadership of the NMDPRA and his commitment to transparency, due process and strict adherence to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to the forum, since assuming office, the NMDPRA under Ahmed has implemented key reforms aimed at sanitising the downstream sector, improving regulatory oversight, ensuring fair competition and protecting the interests of consumers and investors alike.

“The NMDPRA boss has demonstrated professionalism and independence in the discharge of his duties, resisting undue pressure from vested interests while prioritising national interest,” the statement said.

FGGED warned against what it described as attempts by powerful corporate actors to intimidate or discredit regulators in order to secure favourable outcomes, stressing that no individual or company should be allowed to undermine institutions established by law.

The forum urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to engage constructively with regulators and utilise established dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to public statements that could erode investor confidence and destabilise the sector.

It also called on the Federal Government to continue to support the NMDPRA in the effective implementation of the PIA, noting that a strong and independent regulator is critical to the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The group reaffirmed its support for reforms in the oil and gas sector and pledged to continue to defend public institutions and officials who act in accordance with the law and in the best interest of the country.

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A pro-revenue advocacy group, alongside several civil society voices under the umbrella of the Forum for Economic Recovery and Development (FERD), has defended the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, over criticisms trailing a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FIRS and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists, the group described calls for Dr. Adedeji’s suspension over the MoU as “baseless, malicious and politically sponsored,” warning that such attacks were aimed at undermining ongoing tax administration reforms that have contributed to improved revenue collection.

The statement, signed by FERD’s President, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, said critics of the agreement had failed to present any verifiable evidence to support claims that the MoU would hand over control of Nigerian taxpayers’ data to France.

According to the group, the pact, signed on December 10, 2025, is a technical assistance and capacity-building arrangement designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration through the exchange of expertise in digital tax tools, automated compliance systems and data analytics.

“We must have trust in our public institutions,” the statement said. “The FIRS has clearly stated that the MoU does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer databases, digital systems or operational infrastructure. Existing Nigerian data protection and cybersecurity laws remain fully applicable, and these assurances should be accepted until proven otherwise.”

FERD expressed concern that, despite these assurances, several political parties, regional groups and civil society organisations had continued to criticise the agreement, arguing that it could threaten national sovereignty and expose sensitive economic data.

The group noted that recent public statements by the FIRS had emphasised that the collaboration is a non-executive, advisory arrangement focused on skills transfer, adding that the agency would continue to work with Nigerian technology firms and payment processors within a multi-channel revenue collection framework.

“Independent tax policy experts would ordinarily not oppose technical cooperation with advanced tax authorities if it can accelerate modernisation,” the statement added. “However, we urge the government to remain transparent about the scope of data sharing, the safeguards in place, and the procurement and oversight mechanisms that will protect Nigerians’ information.

“However, we gathered that the controversy has begun to attract the attention of lawmakers and opposition parties, with some calling for the MoU to be presented before the National Assembly or for a comprehensive public briefing on its terms.

We therefore suggest that the FIRS and the Federal Government may need to move swiftly to provide clearer details on legal safeguards, data-handling protocols and the role, if any, that foreign agencies or vendors will play in Nigeria’s future revenue collection systems.

The group concluded that the handling of the issue will be critical to shaping public confidence in Nigeria’s digital tax transformation and the credibility of the reforms being pursued by the FIRS under Dr. Adedeji’s leadership.

A pro-revenue advocacy group, alongside several civil society voices under the umbrella of the Forum for Economic Recovery and Development (FERD), has defended the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, over criticisms trailing a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FIRS and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists, the group described calls for Dr. Adedeji’s suspension over the MoU as “baseless, malicious and politically sponsored,” warning that such attacks were aimed at undermining ongoing tax administration reforms that have contributed to improved revenue collection.

The statement, signed by FERD’s President, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, said critics of the agreement had failed to present any verifiable evidence to support claims that the MoU would hand over control of Nigerian taxpayers’ data to France.

According to the group, the pact, signed on December 10, 2025, is a technical assistance and capacity-building arrangement designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration through the exchange of expertise in digital tax tools, automated compliance systems and data analytics.

“We must have trust in our public institutions,” the statement said. “The FIRS has clearly stated that the MoU does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer databases, digital systems or operational infrastructure. Existing Nigerian data protection and cybersecurity laws remain fully applicable, and these assurances should be accepted until proven otherwise.”

FERD expressed concern that, despite these assurances, several political parties, regional groups and civil society organisations had continued to criticise the agreement, arguing that it could threaten national sovereignty and expose sensitive economic data.

The group noted that recent public statements by the FIRS had emphasised that the collaboration is a non-executive, advisory arrangement focused on skills transfer, adding that the agency would continue to work with Nigerian technology firms and payment processors within a multi-channel revenue collection framework.

“Independent tax policy experts would ordinarily not oppose technical cooperation with advanced tax authorities if it can accelerate modernisation,” the statement added. “However, we urge the government to remain transparent about the scope of data sharing, the safeguards in place, and the procurement and oversight mechanisms that will protect Nigerians’ information.

“However, we gathered that the controversy has begun to attract the attention of lawmakers and opposition parties, with some calling for the MoU to be presented before the National Assembly or for a comprehensive public briefing on its terms.

We therefore suggest that the FIRS and the Federal Government may need to move swiftly to provide clearer details on legal safeguards, data-handling protocols and the role, if any, that foreign agencies or vendors will play in Nigeria’s future revenue collection systems.

The group concluded that the handling of the issue will be critical to shaping public confidence in Nigeria’s digital tax transformation and the credibility of the reforms being pursued by the FIRS under Dr. Adedeji’s leadership.