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In an endeavor to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s mining industry, the federal government has canceled 924 inactive licenses across exploration, mining, small-scale mining, and quarrying sectors. The revocation was announced by Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, during a press conference held on Wednesday. He stated that in compliance with the constitutional guidelines, sufficient notification was provided to relevant parties via the official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, No. 227, issued on December 27, 2023. He said, “The notice gave all concerned parties 30 days to regularise their status, including clarifications on what caused the license to be dormant. Thus, although a total of 963 licensees were published and notified of the threat of revocation, no fewer than 39 either moved to the site immediately or convinced the authorities of the challenges hindering their operations”,

During an interview on TVC News Sunday Politics, Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, offered assurances that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fortified against the influence of cabals, a concern that has plagued previous administrations. Ngelale underscored Tinubu’s professional credentials as a seasoned accountant and auditor, highlighting his deep understanding of governance mechanisms at both federal and sub-national levels. He emphasized Tinubu’s accessibility, stating that no individual within the Presidency holds a monopoly over the information reaching the President. According to Ngelale, Tinubu maintains direct communication with key stakeholders such as heads of intelligence agencies and anti-graft bodies, ensuring a transparent and inclusive decision-making process. Ngelale’s remarks suggest Tinubu’s determination to prevent the formation of cabals, drawing on lessons from past administrations. Tinubu’s administration appears committed to fostering transparency and accountability, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of centralized power and promote a more participatory approach to governance.

Customs Chief Adewale Adeniyi addressed the issue during a meeting in Katsina yesterday, engaging with residents from border communities at Kongolam and Mai’Adua border stations. He conveyed President Tinubu’s extraordinary decision, highlighting that it deviates from legal protocols, yet underscores Tinubu’s profound generosity towards Nigeria. Adeniyi elaborated, stating, “In doing so, he has directed that those food items that were intended for export but seized in various border areas should be returned to their rightful owners under the condition that these goods would be made available for sale within Nigerian markets.” He stressed the importance of compliance, affirming, “So, we will be closely monitoring to ensure there is no violation of this directive. The seized food items will be returned, and they must be reintroduced into the Nigerian markets in adherence to this directive.” This detailed explanation from Adeniyi provides clarity on the implementation of President Tinubu’s directive regarding the seized food items at the border.

The Presidency, in a statement on Sunday, asserted that the recent wave of kidnappings across the country is part of a coordinated effort by certain regional factions aimed at destabilizing President Bola Tinubu’s government. During an appearance on TVC’s Politics show hosted by Mr. Femi Akande, Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, highlighted this allegation. Ngelale stated, “We are aware that various sub-regional geopolitical forces in the north are actively plotting against Nigeria’s stability.” He emphasized the government’s proactive response to the situation, mentioning collaboration with the United States to rescue kidnapped schoolchildren in Kaduna and address local insurgent groups. “We are vigilant and mobilizing efforts, not only domestically but also internationally, to apprehend and silence regional actors involved in conspiracies against our nation,” Ngelale added.