Economy
Tinubu Government Sets For Digital, Fiscal Reforms Of NYSC
Tinubu Government Sets For Digital, Fiscal Reforms Of NYSC
Tinubu Government sets for digital, fiscal reforms of NYSC. She added that the current NYSC framework was outdated, overstretched and misaligned with national priorities.
The federal government says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) must be transformed into a modern, digitally driven and fiscally sustainable national institution capable of meeting Nigeria’s current and future manpower needs.
Hadiza Usman, special adviser to the president on policy and coordination and head of the central results delivery coordination unit, stated this on Monday in Abuja at the NYSC Reform Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement Forum.
The forum was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination to validate recommendations of the NYSC reform committee.
Ms Usman said that although the scheme had, for more than five decades, symbolised national unity and civic responsibility, it could no longer operate under structures designed for the 1990s.
“For over five decades, the NYSC has symbolised unity, civic responsibility and national integration. Yet, as with all human institutions, relevance requires reinvention,” she said.
She added that the current NYSC framework was outdated, overstretched and misaligned with national priorities.
“These realities have made clear that the current structure – centralised, analogue, financially overstretched, and misaligned with national manpower needs – cannot carry the scheme into the future,” she said.
Ms Usman said diagnostic reviews conducted by the committee revealed legal, operational, digital and fiscal gaps requiring immediate action.
She said the findings showed that centralisation had slowed service delivery, the funding model relied too heavily on the federal government, and skill development programmes were misaligned with labour-market needs.
In response to these gaps, she said the committee proposed far-reaching reforms, including amendment of the NYSC Act to provide for digital service, gender-responsive deployment, co-funding by states and local governments, and explicit employer obligations.
Others include a three-tier governance structure for improved accountability, a unified digital command and service platform, zonal innovation hubs under a redesigned skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development model, and the creation of a N2 billion NYSC Innovation Fund.
“The reform proposal envisions a phased implementation between 2026 and 2028, beginning with legislative amendments and digital pilots in 2026, and culminating in a nationwide sector-aligned deployment model by 2028,” she said.
She noted that the success of the reforms depended on broad stakeholder ownership.
Earlier, the minister of youth, Ayodele Olawande, said the reforms were necessary to ensure that corps members were better prepared for employment and self-reliance, adding that the scheme must produce graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to the economy.
“Let us make NYSC productive so that after one year, corps members will not just come out looking for government jobs but can become employers of labour,” he said.
He added that with the number of corps members expected to rise from 400,000 to 600,000 annually, Nigeria must ensure that the scheme remained relevant and aligned with economic realities.
The director-general of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakinle Nafiu, said the scheme had undergone several internal and external reforms over the decades and must continue to evolve.
“As a matter of fact, in 1973, the first set of corps members mobilised were 2,364. Today, we mobilise 400,000 annually, and we expect 650,000 locally trained graduates to present for service next year,” he said.
Tinubu Government Sets For Digital, Fiscal Reforms Of NYSC
He added that the NYSC remained a model in Africa and must keep improving to retain that status.
The director-general of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said the reforms must enable the country to harness its human capital to drive national growth and global competitiveness.
He noted that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding population provided both an opportunity and a challenge that the NYSC must help to address.
“In Nigeria, we can conveniently train our youth and help them to reach the global talent gap. Imagine we have two million Nigerians working remotely; this can earn the country nothing less than 100 billion dollars annually. We can achieve a one trillion-dollar economy if we harness our human capital,” he said.
A youth participant, Fatima Lamisula, representing Borno North at the Nigerian Youth Parliament, said the reforms were timely and aligned with the needs of young graduates who face a rapidly changing labour market.
“These policies are outdated and youth have to bring in their ideas and innovations. Life after NYSC is something we have to think of even before finishing the programme, so the reforms should align with the future of corps members,” she said.
Recommendations from the forum will be forwarded to the federal executive council and subsequently to the National Assembly for legislative action.
EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).
Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.
“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.
Eereporter.com
Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”
Fraud
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
Eereporter.com
He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
NNPC, Chinese Firms Sign MoU Towards Restart, Expansion Of Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries
The NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.
The MoU was signed by the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Eereporter.com
The potential framework would cover completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance. Planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The potential collaboration also contemplates expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the MoU execution as a significant milestone, following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Ojulari noted.
NNPC
The GCEO further stated that the MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
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