The Nigerian Government has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to provide suggestions and feedback that can help improve public services across the country.

This call was made by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, during the Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Abuja.

He encouraged civil society groups to use data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) when assessing government policies and programmes.

According to him, active citizen participation is essential for ensuring better service delivery, especially at the local ward level.

The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Taminu Yakubu, explained that the Nigerian Constitution gives citizens ownership of public resources, which means they have a right to influence how budgets are prepared and implemented.

He urged Nigerians to take an active interest in the budget process and not just remain passive observers.

Yakubu also clarified that the 2024 and 2025 budgets are being implemented at the same time, with the capital component of the 2024 budget extended to run concurrently with the 2025 budget.

Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, advised civil society groups to rely on official NBS data when making decisions or offering input, noting that the data are publicly available.

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, highlighted that the engagement demonstrates the government’s recognition of the value and experience civil society brings to policymaking.

He stressed that the insights and recommendations from CSOs are crucial for shaping the country’s development, promoting transparency, participatory planning, and accountable management of resources, which are fundamental rights for every Nigerian.

The Anambra State Police Command has decorated 89 newly promoted Inspectors with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), signifying their elevation into the officer cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, underscored that leadership in the Nigeria Police is not merely about wearing higher ranks, but about embodying professionalism, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

He reminded the newly promoted officers that their new responsibilities demand integrity, accountability, and a higher sense of duty, stressing that effective policing depends on leaders who can inspire trust and deliver justice without compromise.

Alongside their promotion, the officers were formally inducted into the Police Officers’ Mess, a symbolic rite of passage into their new responsibilities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Mantu Chong at the Command Headquarters in Awka, the state capital in Southeast Nigeria.

CP Orutugu congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing their elevation as both a reward for diligence and a call to higher responsibility.

“This promotion is a recognition of your dedication, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in appreciation of your service and sacrifices.” he said.

CP Orutugu urged the officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability while serving as role models to their subordinates.

He further encouraged them to deepen community engagement as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and sustain peace in Anambra State.

“We are grateful to the Police Service Commission and the Force Headquarters for approving these promotions

“The Command pledges that the officers will justify this elevation through enhanced commitment and performance.” the Commissioner added.

PIAK

The Director-General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike says accurate weather and climate information is critical for credible sustainability financial reporting and informed investment decisions.

Anosike, who also serves as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), made the remarks during a strategic meeting with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) headquarters in Lagos.

The high-level session explored how climate data can be embedded into corporate sustainability and financial disclosures across Nigeria to align with global standards.

“NiMet’s data is essential for evaluating the financial impact of emission factors and guiding economic and investment outcomes. Our goal is to ensure businesses and regulators have the evidence base they need for sound, climate-aligned decisions.” Professor Anosike said.

During the meeting, NiMet presented a paper titled ‘Socio-Economic Benefits of Agricultural Meteorology in an Emerging Economy: Risks and Opportunities. The presentation highlighted how timely weather forecasts help farmers cut post-harvest losses, improve yields, and enhance food security, while outlining adaptation strategies and funding opportunities to strengthen agricultural resilience.

Welcoming the initiative, Head of the SEC Lagos Office, John Briggs stressed the importance of linking climate science with Nigeria’s capital markets.

“Integrating NiMet’s climate data into the commodity value chain at the Nigerian Exchange will strengthen transparency and boost investor confidence,” he said.

Dr. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien of the IFRS Foundation also underscored the value of credible science-backed information.

“Robust, evidence-based data underpins investor confidence and ensures alignment with global sustainability standards.” Dr. Edozien said.

Participants at the meeting agreed that while climate finance provides capital, meteorology supplies the science and data needed to direct investments effectively.

Other attendees included Professor Richard Barker, ISSB Board Member; Dr. Neil Stewart; senior SEC officials; and NiMet representatives.

The meeting reinforced meteorology’s strategic role in advancing sustainability reporting, promoting transparency, and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness as the country deepens its integration into international financial and climate governance systems.

PIAK

The Director General (DG) of the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu will significantly stabilise and develop the Nigerian economy. 

Dr Agama disclosed this in Kaduna at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 23rd Convocation Lecture titled “Pathway to Economic Prosperity for a Public Servant in a Deregulated Economy”.

The lecture was part of activities lined up for graduating Cadets of the 72 Regular Course and Postgraduate Students of the military academy.

Dr Agama said President Tinubu has initiated bold and transformative reforms across key sectors to lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth and long-term sustainable development for the country. 

He said; “The government has undertaken several significant macro-fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and the tightening of monetary policy.”

According to him, through these measures, the country has made notable progress in deregulating key sectors of the economy. 

“The bold decision to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing fuel subsidy programme on May 29, 2023, was more than a fiscal adjustment, it marked a pivotal shift towards a deregulated economy, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens and redirecting public funds to more productive sectors.”

“The move signalled the Tinubu administration’s commitment to market liberalisation, allowing fuel prices to be determined by supply and demand rather than government control,” he explained.

Dr Agama also said; “the government has begun scaling back electricity subsidies by adjusting tariffs, a strategy designed to enhance efficiency and attract private investment into Nigeria’s power sector. “

The SEC Director General said to address rising inflation and support the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has adopted a tighter monetary policy stance, notably through interest rate hikes

“These measures are part of a broader strategy to stabilise prices, restore investor confidence, and lay the foundation for a more market-oriented and resilient Nigerian economy.

“Another significant step taken by the CBN was the unification of the country’s multiple exchange rate systems, aimed at simplifying foreign exchange transactions and enhancing transparency in the currency market,” he further said.

Dr Agama also spoke on the investment opportunities in the capital market and the need for the cadets to invest to secure their future. 

He appreciated the Commandant of NDA, Major General Abdul Ibrahim for inviting him to deliver the convocation lecture, saying “it was a great opportunity to make the cadets financially literate and the value of investment to secure one’s future.”

The SEC Director General advised that while officers and men of the military battle to make the nation secure, it is important that they have a scheme behind them to sustain their families.

The Commandant NDA, Major General Abdul Ibrahim appreciated the SEC official for the incisive lecture. 

Ibrahim said the NDA has been providing primary officer training for the Nigerian Armed Forces since 1964, with a focus on producing well-rounded commissioned officers.

According to him, “the academy has adopted the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) requirements to ensure quality and competitiveness in its programmes.”

He stressed that NDA provides intensive professional training, including physical fitness, weapons handling, and tactical manoeuvres, to prepare cadets for the national defence and security challenges.

Ibrahim said “the postgraduate students undergo programmes in military science, defence and strategic studies, psychology, technology, and national development, aiming to develop students’ critical thinking and research skills.”

He said the NDA has bilateral partnerships with foreign military academies, providing opportunities for cadets to complete the final year of their training abroad and enhancing regional defence cooperation.

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria, has graduated 302 officers, airmen, and airwomen from various military courses during a ceremony held in the state.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the institute for upholding the values of discipline, academic integrity, and technological progress. 

He said that “AFIT’s reputation is anchored on excellence, strict discipline, zero tolerance for industrial strikes, and adherence to federal character principles, making it one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.”

Air Marshal Abubakar further emphasised that these values have positioned AFIT as a rallying point for technological innovation and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence architecture. 

CAS CELEBRATES AFIT’s LEGACY OF DISCIPLINE AND EXCELLENCE AS 302 PERSONNEL GRADUATE

For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has stood as the premier source of technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and a centre of excellence in… pic.twitter.com/LA3fvzlA5v

— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) September 10, 2025

He lauded the graduates for their dedication to service and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted AFIT’s growing role in national development, citing the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub on its premises as a bold step toward advancing Nigeria’s technological sovereignty. 

He also noted AFIT’s recent tuition-free training of personnel from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport for the Army Aviation Wing, describing it as evidence of inter-service cooperation and AFIT’s expanding influence across the Armed Forces. 

Addressing the graduands, the CAS charged them to take ownership of Nigeria’s new-generation aircraft. 

“You are now the custodians of these platforms, entrusted with their safety, airworthiness, and mission readiness. The Service looks to you to apply your skills with precision, innovation, and dedication, ensuring that our assets remain combat-ready at all times,” he stated.

He further urged the graduands to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning, and uphold the NAF’s core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. 

“By living up to these ideals, you will not only help defeat terrorism and insurgency but also make our beloved country a bastion of peace, progress, and sustainable development,” he said.

 The CAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary and outstanding leadership” and unwavering support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 

He also commended the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence, AFIT Governing Council, and other stakeholders for their consistent oversight and contributions to the Institute’s success.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his unwavering support of the Institute. 

He noted that under the current leadership, AFIT has witnessed remarkable growth in infrastructure, training programmes, and research initiatives, all of which continue to elevate its status as a centre of excellence. 

He assured that the Institute remains committed to producing disciplined, highly skilled professionals and driving innovations that would further enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute to national development.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of gifts to outstanding awardees who distinguished themselves during the course. 

In a symbolic gesture, the Chief of the Air Staff personally presented gifts to the awardees, recalling his own days as a student of AFIT, where he emerged as the best graduating student in the Officer Engineering Course of 1992 and the best graduating student in the Aeromechanical Department. 

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, partners, and families of the graduands, reaffirmed AFIT’s status as a centre of excellence dedicated to building the technical capacity required for national defence and regional security.

For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has provided technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and expanded into a multidisciplinary centre for research and academic training.

Its work includes producing skilled professionals, conducting research, and developing solutions that support aircraft maintenance, operational readiness, and Nigeria’s efforts toward self-reliance in airpower.