The race for the position of Accountant-General of the Federation is progressing, with ten out of fifteen candidates successfully passing the written examination. This announcement was made by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. These ten candidates will now proceed to the next stage, which is the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency test, scheduled for February 13, 2025.

The written examination assessed key areas such as public financial management, auditing, and fiscal policy, ensuring that only those who meet the highest standards of competence move forward. The rigorous process is in line with the government’s goal of improving accountability, transparency, and efficiency in managing public finances.

Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, expressed confidence in the selection process, emphasizing the importance of appointing skilled professionals who can maintain integrity and excellence in financial management. The position of Accountant-General will be vacant after the current tenure of Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein ends on March 7, 2025.

The Israeli military has indeed called up reservists in preparation for potential renewed fighting in Gaza due to the hostages issue. The situation remains tense as Hamas suspended the planned handover of hostages, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms. Both Israeli and U.S. officials are making it clear that there will be severe consequences if the remaining hostages are not released by Saturday, including the possibility of resuming intense military action in Gaza.

The conflict has already resulted in significant loss of life and devastation, with ongoing humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip.

Fela Durotoye’s recent claims about rejecting a fraudulent government deal highlight both the pressure and the moral dilemmas that individuals in public positions may face. He explained that a government official, who claimed to be a pastor, approached him with an offer involving a training contract meant to span all local government areas in Nigeria. However, the deal quickly took a suspicious turn when the amount requested for the contract escalated to N5bn, with a promise of extra funds. Durotoye, however, stood firm against the corruption, even after the official attempted to reassure him by claiming it was an opportunity for mutual benefit.

Durotoye also mentioned that this event occurred in a previous administration and pointed to the fact that, just months after his encounter, some of these same officials were arrested for embezzling a substantial amount of money from a similar training fund. Additionally, he revealed his decision not to take a salary, official car, or a house during his service under President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing his commitment to ethical leadership.

This story serves as a reminder of the temptations and moral challenges that often accompany power and influence within political circles. It also reinforces the notion that even when one refuses to partake in corrupt activities, the surrounding pressure and scrutiny can be overwhelming.

President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive for ministers to present regular performance reports reflects a strong push for transparency and public engagement. By having ministers engage with the media on a rotational basis, the administration is ensuring that the public is kept informed about ongoing initiatives and the impact of various policies. This move could also serve as an important platform for ministers to address any concerns directly, fostering greater accountability.

In addition, the ongoing process of appointing a new Accountant-General of the Federation and two permanent secretaries shows the administration’s focus on making key appointments based on merit and credibility. This structured selection process further aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining a competent and effective public service.

With these efforts, the Tinubu administration seems to be emphasizing governance that is both transparent and focused on the long-term growth and development of Nigeria.

The House of Representatives’ call to reverse the 50% hike in telecommunication tariffs highlights growing concerns over the financial burden on Nigerians, especially following the removal of fuel subsidies. Representative Oboku Oforji, who sponsored the motion, raised points about the long-standing push from telecom companies for higher tariffs due to rising operational costs. However, Oforji emphasized that Nigerians are already facing significant economic hardships, and any additional costs—especially in the telecommunications sector—could worsen their struggles.

The rejection by the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers adds to the public backlash, arguing that the increase is insensitive given the country’s current economic conditions. The Association has also highlighted poor network services, questioning why telecom companies would raise prices without improving service delivery first.

In the motion, Oforji also warned that the tariff hikes could have a damaging impact on Nigeria’s broader economic recovery plans, potentially deepening poverty and exacerbating inequalities. It seems like there’s a strong push to prioritize more accessible and reliable services before considering price hikes.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative for civil servants in the state. This decision was communicated in a circular released on February 11, 2025, by the Office of the Head of Service (HoS).

The work-from-home arrangement was first introduced in February 2024, especially for junior staff, to alleviate the economic challenges brought on by the petrol subsidy removal. Under the initiative, junior staff worked from home for part of the week, while senior staff continued to report to the office daily.

However, with the implementation of the new minimum wage and other measures aimed at improving the welfare of public servants, the Governor has now decided that civil servants will return to their regular office schedule from Monday to Friday. The cancellation of the work-from-home policy will take effect on March 31, 2025.

This move marks a shift towards returning to more traditional working conditions for state employees after a year of flexible arrangements.

While Elon Musk is indeed a prominent figure known for his work with Tesla, SpaceX, and more recently, his acquisition of Twitter, he is not currently a leader of any government department, including something called the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), nor has there been any official move to dismantle federal agencies like USAID under his leadership.

However, your description sounds like it might be exploring a fictional or imagined future scenario where Musk, or a similar figure, takes charge of such a department, leading efforts to reduce federal spending in a radical way. This could be a satirical or speculative take on government policy and efficiency, especially given Musk’s outspoken views on business and government spending.

Would you like me to help clarify any details or explore this as a hypothetical discussion?

The confirmation process for the 27 nominees is progressing in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The Governor’s message was officially presented to the lawmakers, and the confirmation process is now in the hands of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions, led by Hon. Anefiok Attah. This committee has been tasked with screening the nominees and providing a report back to the House within a week.

The involvement of several former House of Representatives members, such as Aniekan Umana, Nsikak Ekong, and Henry Archibong, adds weight to the process, as they bring with them experience from their previous legislative roles.

It will be interesting to see the reactions from the House as the screening and potential confirmation proceed. Do you think any particular nominee might face scrutiny during the screening?

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ogun State Command made significant strides in 2024 in tackling drug abuse and trafficking. They arrested 675 suspects and convicted 221 individuals, while seizing 9.7 tonnes of various hard drugs and 537.81 liters of liquid-based substances of abuse. The state saw a surge in drug activity, particularly during the ember months, prompting the NDLEA to launch “Operation Close The Gate” to block access routes into the state. This operation led to the seizure of 1.3 tonnes of cannabis sativa.

In addition to enforcement, the Ogun State Command made extensive efforts in public sensitization, reaching over 27,000 people across 128 locations. They targeted schools, government offices, and faith-based organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Their advocacy also extended to influential individuals in society to garner support for the fight against drug use.

In 2025, the command plans to intensify enforcement measures, strengthen interception efforts, and establish more interdiction points along key routes into Ogun State to reduce drug trafficking. The 221 convictions in 2024 positioned Ogun State as the second-highest in the country, just behind the top-ranking state command with 261 convictions.

Mike Ejiofor’s statement highlights the growing trend of kidnapping in Nigeria, describing it as a “franchise” where individuals are exploiting the crime as a money-making venture. His comments are particularly alarming, as they suggest that kidnapping has become a more systematic and lucrative business for criminals.

The abduction of Adekunle Raif Adeniji, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a reflection of this trend, where kidnappers now demand large ransoms, such as the N350 million mentioned in this case. Ejiofor’s analysis implies that the motives behind these kidnappings are not only driven by economic factors, but also political ones, as politicians are increasingly becoming prime targets.

He points out that traditional crimes like robbery are in decline, partly because people no longer keep large sums of money at home, making kidnapping a more attractive alternative. He also stresses that the rising trend of kidnapping is directly linked to broader socio-economic issues, suggesting that the government must address the root causes, such as economic inequality and insufficient job opportunities, to curb the crime effectively.

Ejiofor also emphasizes the need for political leaders to take extra precautions, as their positions make them vulnerable targets. At the same time, he advocates for a more comprehensive approach, urging the government to not only focus on tackling kidnapping but also create an environment where people can earn a living through legitimate means.

It’s clear that tackling kidnapping in Nigeria requires addressing both immediate security concerns and long-term socio-economic challenges.