Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Presidency has refuted claims that African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, poses any political threat to President Bola Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines programme, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Adesina’s recent economic comments as inaccurate and politically misplaced. Adesina had stated during a policy forum in Abuja that Nigeria’s GDP per capita had declined from $1,847 in 1960 to about $824 in 2025, arguing that Nigerians are now worse off than they were 64 years ago. Responding, the Presidency rejected these figures, citing World Bank data which estimated Nigeria’s 1960 GDP per capita at just $93, not nearly $2,000. Onanuga stressed that GDP alone cannot determine citizens’ wellbeing and pointed to significant progress in infrastructure, education, and life expectancy. He maintained that, considering broader quality-of-life indicators and ongoing development projects, Nigerians are better off today than at independence.

In just 17 months, the Tinubu administration has expressed interest in establishing a decentralized police force in Nigeria. This comes after President Bola Tinubu stated that the Federal Government will expedite the devolution of power to sub-national levels and further equip forest guards. The National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, welcomed the renewed call by the President. Ajayi expressed hope that Tinubu would remove delays clogging the implementation pipeline before the end of 2025. The idea of state police has been on the front burner for quite a while, and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced Tinubu's renewed move to create state police after talks with state governors. The creation of state police was part of agreements reached at an emergency meeting between the President and state governors, following nationwide killings, kidnappings, food price hikes, and economic hardship. The process is still in its infancy and will only take shape after more deliberations between stakeholders.

Nigeria's security crisis has intensified with coordinated bandit attacks resulting in the abduction of over 490 individuals, including monarchs, students, and worshippers, across multiple states. The Senate has urged for the enhancement of community-based policing as security agencies struggle to address the escalating violence, despite a declared nationwide security emergency. Incidents report abductions and attacks from Sokoto to Kogi, with specific cases including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers, students, and a traditional ruler whose captors demanded a ransom of N150 million. Various officials have called for a more localized approach to security, emphasizing the role of community efforts in combating banditry. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria criticized the government's current strategies, asserting a lack of urgency and effectiveness in addressing terrorism and advocating for a more aggressive stance against perpetrators.

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State to foster peace and community harmony following recent violence. Essiet met with local leaders, including Christian clerics and Fulani representatives, and held a town hall in Jos to reinforce community-based peace structures. Her visit, part of a broader effort for inclusive engagement, follows escalating violence in the region and aims to mediate longstanding disputes. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also called for unity and forgiveness among citizens during a Thanksgiving service, emphasizing the need for collaboration to enhance security and stability in Plateau State. Additionally, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has distanced itself from violence, asserting its role as a lawful trade association committed to non-violence and socio-economic representation.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new Directors-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) following the resignations of the previous heads. Mohammed Mohammed is the new NIA Director-General, succeeding Ahmed Abubakar, who resigned on Saturday. Adeola Ajayi replaces Yusuf Bichi as the new DSS Director-General. Mohammed, a long-time NIA member, has served in various roles including as head of the Nigerian mission to Libya, while Ajayi, who has worked in multiple states and risen through the ranks, was previously an Assistant Director-General of the DSS. President Tinubu expects the new leaders to improve the agencies' performance and enhance collaboration with other security bodies. He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing directors for their service.

President Bola Tinubu is set to finalize the long-awaited appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions after months of delays and diplomatic gaps. According to multiple presidency sources, the President ordered a “final cleanup” of the list of nominees to replace those who have died, retired, or become ineligible since the initial submission to the Senate. Although the Senate had screened the original nominees, revisions became necessary due to deaths, ill health, and other disqualifications. The cleanup aims to ensure only qualified candidates remain, with the process expected to be completed within a week. The move follows Tinubu’s September 2023 decision to recall all ambassadors for a comprehensive diplomatic review, leaving most missions managed by chargés d’affaires with limited authority. The absence of ambassadors has reportedly weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, especially amid rising international tensions, including recent controversial remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected to brief Tinubu on the finalized list for imminent announcement.

President Bola Tinubu will announce a new Minister of Defence this week following Badaru Abubakar's resignation due to health issues, effective immediately as noted in a December 1 letter. Tinubu accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Abubakar's service. The announcement of his successor is expected soon, amid increasing insecurity leading to Tinubu's declaration of a nationwide security emergency and new security measures, including the hiring of 20,000 police officers. Amid ongoing criticism of Abubakar's leadership, a private meeting between Tinubu and former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa has generated speculation about potential candidates for the position.

On Tuesday, U.S. Congressional committees held a joint briefing regarding the ongoing kidnappings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, prompted by President Trump's call for an investigation into these issues. Led by Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, the session brought together various representatives and religious freedom experts who emphasized the need to protect religious freedoms globally. Speakers described the violence in Nigeria as a critical crisis, framing it as a targeted campaign of religious cleansing, and urged action against the Nigerian government for its inaction against perpetrators. Congressional officials are preparing a report with recommendations for tackling religious persecution, coinciding with strengthened U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation. Meanwhile, the Nigerian House of Representatives plans to address the country's security state, which includes debates on constitutional amendments and a report on state policing.