Airline Operators Opposes NAMA push for Tariff Hike

The Director-General of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Farouk Umar, has declared that the current charge of N11,000 per flight imposed on airline operators is no longer sustainable, given prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of maintaining aviation infrastructure.

Umar made this known in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing stakeholders at a summit organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation. The event focused on the theme: “Emerging Trends in Global Aviation: Sustainability, Technology and Digital Transformation.”

Umar explained that the N11,000 fee, which has remained unchanged since 2008, is charged per flight rather than per passenger. He cited an example of a Lagos-to-Abuja flight where airlines pay only N11,000 to NAMA, regardless of the number of passengers carried.

“In 2008, NAMA was collecting N11,000 per flight. From then till now, airfares have risen significantly, with economy tickets now ranging between N150,000 and N200,000, yet we are still charging the same N11,000,” Umar said.

He stressed that the agency is a cost recovery organisation, not a charity, and must recoup the money invested in procuring and upgrading critical aviation infrastructure, including landing, surveillance, and communication systems.

NAMA has invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities to ensure safety in Nigerian airspace. These include upgraded Instrument Landing Systems, modern radar surveillance technologies, and enhanced communication systems that align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global safety standards.

Umar warned that the cost of procuring, installing, and maintaining these facilities has grown exponentially due to inflation, exchange rate pressures, and global supply chain disruptions.

“We keep modernising to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in global aviation development. Yet, the airlines are still paying us peanuts. The world needs to know, and the airlines need to face reality. We cannot continue this way,” he insisted.

Airlines resist

According to Umar, NAMA has made several attempts to engage airlines on the need for a fee review, but operators have resisted the idea. He argued that this resistance is unfair, especially as airlines frequently increase ticket fares to reflect rising operational costs.

“The airlines have not been fair to the agency. They respond to economic circumstances by raising ticket prices, but they do not want to understand that we also operate in the same economy. We go to the same markets to procure equipment. Safety is at stake if we cannot recover costs,” he said.

He emphasised that the agency’s charges are not designed for profit-making but strictly for cost recovery to ensure safe, reliable, and modern air navigation services.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, stressed the importance of collaboration in developing a stronger aviation sector. Represented by his deputy, Festus Akingbaso, Garba described the summit as a critical step toward strengthening the sector’s foundation.

“Our goal is to develop actionable plans and reinforce priorities that enhance aviation safety, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance,” he said. Garba emphasised that parliament remains committed to supporting NAMA and other aviation agencies in addressing funding challenges, provided they can demonstrate transparency and efficiency in their operations.

Nigeria’s aviation sector faces a unique dilemma: airlines struggle with high operational costs, while regulators face shrinking budgets to maintain critical infrastructure. Unlike in many advanced economies, where airspace management agencies charge rates reflective of operational costs, Nigeria’s charges have remained stagnant for 16 years.

For instance, in countries such as the United States, Canada, and across Europe, en-route and terminal navigation charges are pegged to aircraft size, distance covered, and other operational parameters, ensuring that airspace management agencies recover the full cost of services.

By contrast, Nigeria’s flat N11,000 charge per flight severely undercuts the real cost of providing air navigation services. Aviation analysts argue that the disparity not only undermines NAMA’s sustainability but also poses risks to safety if the agency cannot reinvest in its systems.

Airline operators, however, argue that increasing regulatory charges could worsen their already fragile financial situation. With rising fuel costs, foreign exchange shortages, and multiple taxes across different tiers of government, many airlines claim they are operating on thin margins.

Operators fear that higher charges could translate into even higher ticket prices, further burdening Nigerian travelers who already pay some of the highest airfares in Africa. Industry stakeholders therefore call for a balanced approach—one that ensures NAMA recovers its costs without pushing airlines or passengers to breaking point.

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 with Discounts, Flexible Payments, and December Rewards

Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

🎁 Promo Rewards by Category:
• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration
• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

Group calls on Security Agencies, International Community to include former AGF Malami on terrorism watch list

…Describes Malami’s allegations against Gov Nasir as a smokescreen to promote terrorists agenda in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Justice and Equity (CJE) has called on security agencies and the international community to include former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on their terorrism watchlist due to the potential dangers his actions pose to national stability.

The group labelled Malami’s recent allegations against Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, as a “smokescreen to promote a terrorist agenda” in Nigeria, labelling his claims as baseless, politically motivated, and a dangerous attempt to destabilise Kebbi State and undermine Nigeria’s national security.

Comrade Isaac Olayemi, Executive Director of the Coalition for Justice and Equity, emphasised that Malami’s petition represents “a brazen display of political opportunism” and “deeply mischievously fabricated with the intent to distract, destabilise, and delegitimise the progress Kebbi State has made under its current leadership.”

In a petition dated September 10, 2025, addressed to the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and other security chiefs, Malami alleged that Governor Idris was covertly supporting the importation of foreign mercenaries, thugs, and clandestine arms networks into Kebbi State.

However, the coalition dismissed these claims as “mischievously fabricated” and a desperate bid by Malami to deflect attention from his own alleged involvement in similar activities, including reports of him facilitating banditry in the state just 48 hours prior.

Olayemi accused Malami of hypocrisy, pointing to his silence during his eight-year tenure as Attorney General (2015-2023) under President Muhammadu Buhari.

“During that era, bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs brutally attacked numerous towns in Kebbi and throughout Nigeria during that time. Yet, not once did Malami raise his voice in solidarity with the victims, issue letters of condolence, or used his immense power to persuade the federal government to take immediate action,” Olayemi said.

He described Malami’s sudden concern for Kebbi as “laughable and insulting,” accusing him of attempting to recast himself as a “messiah” after years of alleged negligence and corruption scandals, including “the brazen abuse of office we want to start from, the unexplained accumulation of wealth that is visible to the blind, the controversial handling of high-profile cases, or the brazen attempt to shield cronies from accountability.”

The coalition highlighted the suspicious timing of Malami’s petition, noting it came just 48 hours after reports surfaced accusing him of facilitating banditry in Kebbi.

“This is the oldest trick in the book: when caught in the act, cry louder than your accusers. This is a classic case of the guilty pointing outward to deflect attention from his own shadowy dealings—just like a hunter who is trying to pose as prey,” Olayemi stated.

The group questioned the credibility of Malami’s intelligence, asking, “Could it be that he knows so much because he is himself part of the orchestration?”

Olayemi praised Governor Idris for his proactive leadership in tackling insecurity, collaborating with security agencies, and supporting affected communities.

“Since the Governor assumption into office, he has demonstrated proactive leadership by working together with security agencies to tackle insecurities, support victims of attacks, and restore peace to troubled communities,” he said.

He called Malami’s claim that Idris has ties to terrorists “very laughable and unfounded,” arguing it is “an attempt to weaken the public’s confidence in legitimate institutions” and part of a broader conspiracy by “displaced politicians – people who have lost relevance, who the people have rejected, and who now seek to fan the embers of discord to regain political relevance.”

The coalition labelled Malami’s actions as unpatriotic and treasonable, warning that “Security is not a pawn on the chessboard of political ambition.

“The preservation of lives and property is the sacred duty of any responsible government. To politicize it, to exaggerate figures, to conjure phantom mercenaries, and to smear sitting leaders with unsubstantiated allegations, is not only unpatriotic but treasonable.”

They urged the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of DSS, and all relevant agencies to place Malami under strict watch, subjecting “his finance, movements, networks, and people he associates must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.”

Group demands immediate proclamation of emergency rule to forestall continuous use of security votes by Governor Lawal to feed bandits

The Situation Room on Monitoring the War Against Banditry has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of complicity in the state’s spiralling banditry crisis.

The group alleged that Lawal is using state funds to carter for bandits in his state, emboldening criminals and betraying the trust of ordinary citizens.

The group’s fury was sparked by a viral video in which Governor Lawal admitted to knowing the precise locations of bandit leaders terrorising the state

Patriot Henry Abba, the group’s convener, at a press conference condemned this as a “shocking, heartbreaking, a betrayal of trust, a failure of leadership, and a dangerous signal to every Nigerian who still believes in the rule of law.”

He labelled Lawal’s words a “confession of complicity,” arguing that his failure to share this intelligence with security agencies has left Zamfara a “graveyard” synonymous with death, destruction, and broken dreams.

Abba described Zamfara’s suffering in vivid terms, with communities ravaged by abductions, killings, and displacement.

Despite receiving “₦600 million monthly in security votes,” Lawal’s claim of powerlessness was deemed “irresponsible on many levels” and a move that “demoralises our soldiers” and “insults the memory of those who have died defending our country.”

The group rejected efforts by Lawal’s loyalists to frame his remarks as a cry for help, with Abba asserting, “This is not a cry for help. It is a confession of complicity.

“It is an admission that he knows where the killers live, yet chooses to remain passive while his people bleed.”

Abba questioned why Lawal has not provided evidence of sharing these “known locations with the necessary or relevant security agencies that in turn, failed to act on the shared intelligence.”

The group further accused Lawal of allowing local government chairmen to operate from Gusau, alleging that “allocations meant for developing the grassroots through the local governments somewhat found their way into private pockets.”

Some suspect the governor’s video was a political stunt, with Abba noting a “fringe postulation” that Lawal’s “video theatrics were politics taken too far” to “demonise the government at the center” and mask his administration’s failure to govern Zamfara’s ungoverned spaces.

He called this a “confirmation that what we have in Zamfara state is a leadership that has lost its moral compass and raison d’être.”

The Situation Room urged President Tinubu to halt Zamfara’s federal allocations pending a “full investigation” into Lawal’s handling of security funds and intelligence.

They demanded a joint probe by the EFCC, DSS, and the National Security Adviser to determine “whether public funds have been misused or diverted,” alongside a National Assembly hearing to hold the governor accountable.

The group also pressed for “protection for whistleblowers and victims who may have been silenced or ignored” and urged “strong consideration of the declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara State” if Lawal is found to have enabled criminal networks.

Sahara Weekly Publisher, Femi Oyewale, Launches New Book, ‘Brand-New Beginnings’, on Selar and Amazon

Publisher of Sahara weekly Magazine and Sahara online, Femi Oyewale has released a powerful new book, “Brand-New Beginnings: Finding God in the Midst of Endings,” now available on Selar and Amazon.

The book speaks directly to anyone who has faced sudden loss, heartbreak, or the silence of unanswered prayers. With compassion and authenticity, Oyewale weaves together real-life–inspired stories, biblical truths, and reflective lessons that remind readers that endings are not final—they are God’s way of preparing the stage for something greater.

Structured in five uplifting chapters—When the Curtains Close, The Silence Between Seasons, Rising from the Rubble, The Birth of the New, and Living with Expectation—the book takes readers on a journey from pain to purpose. Each chapter includes reflection questions and key takeaways designed to help readers not only process their struggles but also embrace hope.

“Life has a way of surprising us with sudden endings—jobs end, relationships fracture, dreams collapse,” Oyewale explains. “But what feels like the end is often God’s way of setting the stage for a brand-new beginning.”

Oyewale’s writing offers encouragement to the “weary heart and silent sufferer,” blending personal insights with timeless biblical examples. From Joseph’s pit to Job’s ashes and Ruth’s loss, the stories in the book point to one truth: every ending can become a doorway to a new beginning when God is involved.

This inspiring release comes at a crucial time, as many are navigating uncertainty and searching for renewed faith. Whether in seasons of silence, rubble, or transition, Oyewale’s words equip readers to trust God’s process and step into fresh hope.

Brand-New Beginnings: Finding God in the Midst of Endings is available now on Selar and Amazon.

For anyone standing at the edge of an ending, Oyewale’s message is clear: Your story isn’t over. The best is yet to come.

NiDCC Sets Stage for Lagos Grand Launch After High-Level Washington Conference

by Patricia McDougall

The Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC) has concluded a pivotal conference at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., setting a clear course for its highly anticipated Lagos Grand Project Launch scheduled for December 15–16, 2025.

Hosted by Ambassador Samson Itegboje, the event drew diplomats, business leaders, diaspora professionals, and development partners under the theme “From D.C. to Lagos: Shaping the Future of Business.”

NiDCC President and CEO, Patience Ndidi Ofure Key, declared the Chamber as “a bridge between emerging and advanced markets, between vision and execution, and between our diaspora and Africa’s enterprise.” She stressed that NiDCC is not just about Nigeria but about Africa’s broader participation in global trade.

The Chamber previewed five flagship initiatives, including a Diaspora Capital & Guarantees Facility to de-risk African SMEs, an AfCFTA Export Readiness Accelerator, a Women-in-Procurement Cohort, the Youth365 Talent Pipeline, and a Digital Trade Corridor.

Keynotes emphasized shifting from aid to trade, investment-led growth, and industrialization across Africa. Delegates agreed the Lagos event would serve as a watershed moment for diaspora-led economic transformation.

Wema Bank Concludes ₦150 Billion Rights Issue with CBN & SEC Approval, Surpasses Regulatory Capital Requirement

Wema Bank Plc (“the Bank”) announces the successful completion of its ₦150 billion Rights Issue, which opened on April 14th,2025, and closed on May 21st,2025. The exercise has received formal approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This Rights Issue was undertaken in response to the CBN’s directive on the recapitalization of banks in Nigeria. With the successful completion and regulatory approval, Wema Bank has now met the
₦200 billion minimum capital requirement applicable to commercial banks with national authorization.

In addition to the Rights Issue, Wema Bank also recently concluded a ₦50 billion Private Placement, which is now awaiting regulatory reviews. This additional capital raises the Bank’s total capital base above the regulatory threshold, further strengthening its buffer, enhancing its shock-absorption capacity, and positioning the Bank for sustained growth.

Commenting on the Bank’s success in meeting the regulatory threshold ahead of the 24-month timeline, Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, reaffirmed the Bank’s promise of delivering the best value as it continues its growth journey. According to Oseni, “As a growth-driven Bank, the industry recapitalization requirement came as a welcome mission, and we undertook it with full confidence. Our success in surpassing the ₦200 billion benchmark ahead of the 2026 deadline not only reinforces our strong financial standing as a bank but also attests to the mutual trust and confidence that exists between Wema Bank and its shareholders. We do not take this trust for granted and we take this moment to firmly reiterate our commitment to continue delivering optimum value to every shareholder and stakeholder of Wema Bank.”

The conclusion of these capital-raising initiatives reinforces the Bank’s prudential position and provides a solid foundation for long-term stability. It also reflects the continued confidence of stakeholders in Wema Bank’s governance, financial performance, and strategic direction.

Wema Bank remains committed to full regulatory compliance and prudent risk management. With its strengthened capital base, the Bank is well positioned to support customers, contribute to the stability of the Nigerian financial system, and deliver sustainable value to its stakeholders.

For more information, please reach out to investor.relations@wemabank.com or visit www.wemabank.com.

Tinubu: Nigeria Met Non-Oil Revenue Target Early, Unfazed by U.S. Tariffs

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that his administration remains resilient and unshaken by U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade policies, including tariffs targeting Nigerian exports.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving a delegation of The Buhari Organisation led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Tinubu said Nigeria’s growing non-oil revenues provide a buffer against external shocks.

“If non-oil revenue is growing, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side,” the President said, noting that Nigeria had already met its 2025 revenue target by August and that the naira had stabilised at around ₦1,450 to the dollar, up from ₦1,900 when he assumed office in May 2023.

Trump, in his second term, has rolled out sweeping trade measures under the “America First” agenda, including a 10 per cent baseline tariff on nearly all imports and additional country-specific levies of up to 50 per cent. Nigerian exports now face a 15 per cent tariff effective August 7, though energy products like oil and gas remain exempt.

Tinubu also cited his government’s agricultural reforms and nationwide mechanisation drive as part of efforts to ensure food security. “If we remove hunger, we have defeated poverty,” he said.

On a lighter note, the President recalled internal clashes with the late Muhammadu Buhari during the 2013 merger talks that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC). “We even argued over a symbol. He insisted on parliament, and I insisted on broom. He’s so stubborn,” Tinubu recounted to laughter.

The meeting, which also had in attendance Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and former Governor Aminu Masari, is seen as part of efforts to consolidate APC’s northern bloc ahead of the 2027 elections.

Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Energy Future: The Gbenga Komolafe Story

By Moses Udo

Among the constellation of Nigeria’s leadership, there are individuals whose vision and tenacity do more than just inspire people, they are representation and an architect of transformation. Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, helming the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), is irrevocably one such luminary. His leadership over this critical agency has been exceptionally administrative; it is emblematic of the purposeful reform which has become one of the answers to the clarion calls within the broader framework of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Komolafe’s leadership is one that has yielded structural innovations, an article which can be likened to a Master builder who is laying the foundation for a high skyscraper. He is constructing a new framework for the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. And for the record, he has championed non-kinetic strategies to quell crude oil theft, a feat which has remarkably reduced losses to 5,000 barrels per dau, and has stabilized production at 1.7 million barrels per day. Under his Project 1 MMBOPD initiative, there is an expectancy for additional million barrels per day by December 2026. This type of gains are what cannot just be conjured from rhetoric, but only from disciplined execution by a focused leader.

However, what we can call the most compelling evidence of Komolafe’s reformative ascendancy lies in report of N5.21 trillion mid-year revenue generated by the NUPRC in the first half of 2025 alone. To put this in better context, this figure represents a 42.7% of the record N12.2 trillion garnered in the entire year of 2024. Even against the N15 trillion target of 2025, this constitutes 34.7% already achieved in just six months. This is a sterling pace amid global oil market volatility and domestic production challenges. This monetary performance is not merely impressive, it is massive, and undoubtedly transformative.

Moreover, Engineer Komolafe strategies have strengthened the confidence of investors and also repositioned Nigeria’s upstream sector as a reliable sector for the country’s revenue. It’s no mean feat that the nation now holds the largest gas reserves and the second-largest oil reserves in Africa; this enviable status owes much to the labor and strategic framework he has painstakingly put in place.

It is also worth nothing to state that Komolafe’s tenure is equally defined by transparency, sustainability, and inclusivity. In achieving this feat, he has pioneered the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and the Carbon Credits Earning Framework, becoming a twin initiative which is positioned at the intersection of environmental responsibility and economic sustainability. These flagship projects aimed at not just eliminating the challenges of gas flaring but also reducing methane emissions, encouraging carbon capture technologies, monetizing the decarbonization strategy, remaining at the vanguard of the country’s energy transition, and promoting sustainable energy practices.

In complementing these, he established the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC), which help to create a participatory governance and further fostering conflicts resolutions that once marred upstream operations.

Under his leadership, the upstream sector has achieved fiscal discipline through metering reforms, transparent cargo declarations, and simplified royalty frameworks as a result of his adoption of progressive regulation, which is a plan that is rooted in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the 10-Year Regulatory and Corporate Strategic Plan (2023–2033), and the 2024 Regulatory Action Plan.

The Energy Policy Advancement Centre (EPAC) lauded this performance as a salient testament to strategic governance, foresight, and institutional discipline. Their Director-General, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, asserted, “NUPRC has moved beyond passive regulation to active value generation”, and he further emphasized that what sets this leadership apart “is not just the quantum of revenue but the discipline with which it is being pursued”

Musa also praised NUPRC’s debt recovery drive, which yielded $459,226 from outstanding obligations — part of a cumulative $1.436 billion owed from crude oil lifting contracts.
He said: “Debt recovery may not attract headlines, but it is the backbone of fiscal discipline. Every dollar recovered is a step towards stabilising government finances and strengthening our economic resilience. The NUPRC’s persistence in this regard is commendable,”

But why do all these matter within President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda? At its heart, the president agenda seeks to restore public confidence, strengthens institutional capacity, and rejuvenate Nigeria’s struggling economy. Fortunately for Nigerians, Engr. Komolafe’s conduct encapsulates these ideals. Komolafe is not merely an agent of reform; he is an embodiment of that agenda’s promise. His work is the praxis through which Renewed Hope becomes a loved reality, and more than just a campaign slogan it used to be known for.

History praises visionaries, because they alone perceive possibilities where others see only patches, and Komolafe exemplifies this through his strategic foresight in curbing theft and production stabilizaion within the oil and gas sector. His holistic reforms has integrated environmental imperatives, enshrined accountability within the NUPRC, and created community welfare; His ability to leverage policies and frameworks to recalibrate oil and gas governance has fostered institutional renewal; and his ability to deliver tangible gains for the federation’s revenue base has ensured fiscal prominence.

As we have found ourselves in an era where grandiloquence often eclipses genuine progress, and political ambitions serves personal interest, the tenure of Eng. Gbenga Komolafe in NUPRC is one which has stand among others as impactful, transformative, and substantive. He is not a mere bureaucrat, he is an architect of modern Nigeria’s energy future, who builds a legacy of reforms, and not rhetoric.

His contributions ripple outside the confmes of the oil and gas sector, nourishing the ethos and reinforcing the Renewed Hope Agenda upon which our collective future depends. Thanks to him, the oil Industry is now much more efficient as a result of the implemented strategic reforms which have drastically reduced capital and operational expenditure in oil production.

Indeed, a man of vision is not just an asset but a lodestar to his nation, and In Gbenga Komolafe, we find a man of vision who is unequivocally an invaluable asset to our great nation.

Udo is a public affairs analyst writing from Glasgow, United Kingdom.

FALEKE: Understanding Trust and Loyalty in Leadership

By William Ochonu

Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke stands as a towering figure of loyalty and transformative leadership, his name etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history for his unwavering commitment to public service. Faleke’s career radiates strategic brilliance and selfless dedication.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast ally, his pivotal leadership in the 2023 presidential campaign and resolute embrace of the Renewed Hope Agenda have solidified his title as the “dependable ally.” Through his sharp legislative insight, profound humility, and remarkable ability to unite diverse stakeholders, Faleke not only drives Nigeria’s progress but also forges a lasting legacy of trust and sacrifice, paving the way for a united and prosperous future.

Born on December 25, 1959, in Ekinrin Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Chief Faleke has built a remarkable career defined by dedication, integrity, and loyalty. Rt. Hon. Faleke’s political journey began with his appointment as the pioneer Executive Secretary of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, a role he held from 2003 to 2004. His diligent service earned him the trust of the people, who subsequently elected him as the substantive chairman of the LCDA for two tenures, serving until 2011.

In 2011, Rt. Hon. Faleke was elected to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, a position he has held with distinction. His legislative contributions, marked by insightful debates and impactful work, have been notable. He has served as Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values, and later as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, earning widespread respect for his commitment to public service.

Rt. Hon. Faleke’s exemplary performance, patriotism, and steadfast support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) culminated in his appointment as the National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election. His strategic leadership and dedication were pivotal to the campaign’s success.

If a new word were to be added to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as a synonym for loyalty, it would undoubtedly be Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. His unwavering faithfulness to President Tinubu is legendary, comparable to few in Nigeria’s political history. For instance, the bond between Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, and Alhaji Maitama Sule, a close associate, exemplified such loyalty.

Maitama Sule’s dedication to Bello’s vision for Northern Nigeria mirrors the commitment Faleke demonstrates. Similarly, Anthony Enahoro’s unwavering loyalty to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ideals reflects the same steadfast allegiance Faleke shows toward Tinubu’s vision.

In the complex dynamics of principal-agent relationships in politics, where loyalty can waver amid power and wealth, Rt. Hon. Faleke remains a beacon of trust and dependability. His loyalty to President Tinubu has been proven time and again, most notably through his strategic and decisive contributions to Tinubu’s emergence as president during the 2022–2023 campaign. Despite daunting challenges, criticism, and opposition, Faleke’s resolute support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has earned him the moniker “dependable ally” and “workhorse” from the President himself.

Faleke’s commitment is further reflected in his alignment with Tinubu’s governance priorities, including transparency, anti-corruption, and youth empowerment. As Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, he has consistently championed these ideals, demonstrating his belief in the President’s vision through his public stands and legislative efforts.

A man of integrity and reliability, Faleke has never taken his decades-long relationship with President Tinubu for granted. Instead, he has worked tirelessly as a servant of the President’s agenda, prioritizing empowerment, inclusivity, and teamwork. His leadership style mirrors Tinubu’s, reflecting a shared commitment to building a united and progressive team without pursuing personal political ambitions.

Faleke’s trustworthy demeanor has inspired confidence in others, who rely on his sense of responsibility, compassion, and understanding. His humility and approachable nature have become a source of strength, drawing many to President Tinubu’s camp. By valuing others’ input and consistently following through on commitments, Faleke has earned respect and built a strong track record as a leader.

Strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, Faleke’s legislative contributions and innovative insights make him an effective confidant and advisor. His ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results has solidified his reputation as a dependable leader. President Tinubu trusts Faleke’s judgment, often seeking his counsel on critical issues, leveraging his deep experience to shape policies and decisions.

Faleke’s emotional intelligence, humility, and collaborative spirit have positioned him as a vital bridge between President Tinubu and various stakeholders. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has earned him recognition as a unifying force in Nigerian politics. His tireless work ethic and passion for results underscore his commitment to public service.

Indeed, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has proven beyond doubt that he is willing to go to great lengths for President Tinubu. As a kingmaker in Abuja, he works relentlessly to achieve results, embodying the essence of trust and loyalty in leadership.

Ochonu is a public affairs analyst writing from Abuja.