FG Declares PASGA Exercise A Major Success, Sets Path For A Future-Ready Public Service

The Federal Government has declared the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) exercise at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to reposition the public service for efficiency, transparency, and digital transformation.

The high-level presentation, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, brought together senior government officials, representatives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and consultants, to review key findings and outline strategic pathways for institutional reform.

Presenting the report, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Stransform Ltd, Offiong Archibong, stated that the PASGA project has successfully achieved its core objectives through a combination of personnel audits, stakeholder engagements, and data-driven assessments designed to strengthen workforce structure and enhance service delivery.

She explained that the exercise was designed “to present key findings, receive feedback, and discuss next steps,” adding that the process covered extensive field verification across departments and state-linked offices to ensure accuracy and credibility of data.

She stressed that the PASGA exercise provides more than just diagnostics, stating that “the idea is to build an agile, future-ready workforce… not just for what you need now, but for what you need tomorrow.”

On institutional sustainability, she emphasised the urgency of structured succession planning and knowledge transfer, warning that “we are advocating that you don’t let people just exit like that… these are the foundation of knowledge within the system, and when they leave, they always leave a gap.”

Archibong further identified critical capacity gaps in strategic communication, digital content development, records management, and data analytics, noting that strengthening these areas is essential to improving national narrative management and governance effectiveness.

She also pointed to systemic challenges rather than individual shortcomings, stating that “these skills deficits are not individual failure; they reflect systemic design challenges in role specification, training, governance, recruitment strategy, and performance management.”

Federal Government

Speaking on gender representation, she commended the Ministry’s workforce composition, describing it as a positive benchmark, noting that “this is the first ministry we have seen with this kind of gender representation… 56 per cent are women, and we are very proud of it.”

In his remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the Director, Publication, Production and Documentary, Mr Okunnu Ibidapo, acknowledged the significance of the PASGA findings and commended the consulting team for a thorough and insightful exercise. He noted that the report provides a clear direction for strengthening institutional performance and assured that the Ministry will carefully review the recommendations with a view to full implementation.

Suleiman Haruna, PhD, mnipr
Director, Public Relations and Protocol
Thursday, 16 April, 2026

Nigeria Open To More Investment In Offshore Oil And Gas Sector

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has boosted investor confidence in Nigeria, expressing optimism that reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are driving a steady rise in Foreign Direct Investment, particularly in offshore oil and gas exploration.

The Minister shared this optimism today while receiving Mr. Jagir Baxi on a working visit. Mr. Baxi is the newly appointed Chairman, Managing Director, and Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliates — Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated: “We can increase our production. I sincerely believe we can do more than we are currently doing in oil exploration. We need more investment from ExxonMobil. Investors require the right policies, as well as strategic partnerships and alliances.”

He assured the ExxonMobil management team of the Federal Government’s unwavering support, particularly from the Ministry of Interior.

The Minister commended ExxonMobil and its affiliates for their cutting-edge initiatives in developing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, especially in offshore exploration. He also expressed appreciation to the company for its sustained investment and commitment to the Nigerian economy.

According to verified statistics, ExxonMobil and its affiliates have invested over $3.5 billion in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Earlier, Mr. Jagir Baxi commended the Minister’s reform-driven leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s internal security, immigration, emergency management, and correctional services. He reaffirmed that ExxonMobil will continue to invest in Nigeria, with a focus on deep-water resources.

Nigeria Open To More Investment In Offshore Oil And Gas Sector

Highlighting the company’s over 70-year presence in Nigeria, Mr. Baxi cited the Erha offshore oil and gas platform as a flagship project delivering significant value to the country. He noted that the platform has generated over $1 billion in royalties, $22 billion in taxes, and $300 million in levies for the Nigerian economy.

E-Signed
Mary Ali (Mrs)
Head, Press and Public Relations
16th April 2026

Mamman Fails To File Final Written Address In Alleged N33.8b Fraud

Proceedings were stalled in the trial of the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on Thursday, April 16, 2026 as he could not file his final written address before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 12-count charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo).

EFCC

At Thursday’s proceeding which was for adoption of final written addresses, Mamman through his counsel Femi Atteh, SAN, acknowledged the receipt of the final written address of the prosecution but drew the court’s attention to his motion filed on April 1, 2026 seeking for extension of time to enable him file his own final written address. With no objection from the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the court obliged him.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter till April 23, 2026 for adoption of final written addresses.