Sack other overaged govt officials like ex-DSS DG Yusuf Bichi – Lawyer tells Tinubu

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August 29, 2024
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Activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam, on Thursday urged President Bola Tinubu to sack all over-aged government officials like he did to the immediate past Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Yusuf Bichi.

Idam said the decision to sack Bichi was a good turn that deserved another from Tinubu.

A few days ago, Tinubu had removed Bichi as the head of the secret police and replaced him with Adeola Ajayi.

However, Idam said the removal of the now-former DSS DG came too late because Bichi was aged 68 years when his appointment was terminated.

In a message sent to DAILY POST, titled, ‘The Removal of Yusuf Magaji Bichi, a “one good turn that deserves another” by the President’, the activist lawyer said: “The news about the removal of the Director General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) has been greeted with jeer and sneer reactions by the public. Till date, I’m yet to see a comment by any Nigerian against the removal of the immediate past DG of SSS. Interestingly, both the ruling party and the members of the opposition appear to be united in praising Mr. President for this singular action. A confirmation that positive actions bear no enemy.

“The removal of the now-former DG of SSS, in my view, came too late in the day. By his Wikipedia profile, he was born in 1956 (i.e., 68 years by 2024), one will ask what has he been doing in service till 2024 having exceeded the 60 year statutory retirement rule.

“What a mockery of the the Public Service Rules. Interestingly, apart from Mr. Bichi’s unimpressive record of human rights abuses, gross disobedience of court orders and abuse of power which his regime was notorious for, his stay in office after cloaking the age of sixty (60) years in 2018 was in utter violation of the Public Service Rules, which provides in Section 9 that a Public Servant in Nigeria shall retire from service upon the attainment of 60 years of age or 35 years in service, whichever comes first. By the aforesaid rule, the DG was already eight (8) years in excess of the permitted age of service in 2024, when he was removed.

“At 68 (1956-2024) years of age, he remained in public service and also headed the Security Service as Director General while his junior/ younger officers would have retired and exited the Service as they attain the statutory age limit of 60 years. But, he remained in Service in clear violation of the Public Service Rules 2021 made pursuant to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and nothing was said or done about that till now.

“Unfortunately, there are many other Bichis in the Nigerian Public Service to date, some of whom were re-appointed despite over-staying their years of service and also exceeding their permissible biological age. Example of them is the Director General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Dr. Vincent Isegbe who was born in 1961 and was appointed into the Service in 1989, in 2014 he became a Director General of the Agency and held the position till December 2023, when his second term expired. Consequently, he was directed to handover to the next most senior officer and vacate the office by the supervising Minister.

“Curiously, after a few months, he got re-appointed by the President into the same position even as he is already 38 years of age in-service and has also clocked the sixty years of statutory age limit.

“More interesting is that, he was re-appointed also in violation of the law establishing the Agency he presided over as Director General. The spirit and letters of Section 10 (5) the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine, Service Establishment Act, 2018 is to the effect that a person who is retired from Public Service cannot be appointed as the DG of the Service. This, including plethora of petitions on corruption allegations and allegations of abuse of office pending in various Security Agencies against him, was also ignored and he was re-appointed for another five years.

“What can be more illegal, unlawful, autocratic, tyrannical, monarchical than this? Dr. Isegbe will remain in service having spent 38 years in service, attained 60 years of statutory age limit and 9 years of uninterrupted period as DG of the Agency( also against the eight year directorate limit provided by the Public Service Rules).All in clear and gross violation of the extant laws of Nigeria.

“I and several well-meaning Nigerians will only join the public to give kudos to President Tinubu if Bichi’s sack is applied across board.

“For President Tinubu’s action to enjoy a larger public support, it must be holistic. Otherwise, it will remain a political lip service, in my view and that of other patriotic Nigerians. Laws are meant to command obedience.”

Sack other overaged govt officials like ex-DSS DG Yusuf Bichi – Lawyer tells Tinubu

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August 23, 2025
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Tinubu Pushes for Local Arms, Ammunition Production to Enhance Insurgency Fight

*Says his administration desirous of institutions’ strengthening

*Optimistic about renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economy

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday vowed to scale up local production of arms and ammunition as part of his renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. He said boosting homegrown defence capacity will not only reduce dependence on foreign suppliers but also sharpen the nation’s fight against insecurity.
Speaking in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College, the President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the College as a vivid representation of his administration’s commitment to building human capital in areas critical to our national survival.
Tinubu stressed that strengthening indigenous manufacturing of military hardware was crucial in enhancing Nigeria’s security and development.
He applauded the culture of excellence in research at the National Defence College (NDC), citing the Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040, as an affirmation of the strength of such a tradition in the country.
“I must also commend the tradition of research excellence in this College. Your Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 is a clear demonstration of this strength.
“I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” the President stated.
He expressed delight at the theme for the College’s Course 33, “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria,” pointing out that the foundation of every successful society was strong and resilient institutions.
Noting that his administration has since made strong institutions a national priority, Tinubu said, “They uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services. In national security, they are the framework for managing conflict, countering threats, and building resilience against instability.
“In development, they ensure sound governance, effective planning, and the delivery of policies that serve the common good. This is why this administration has made institutional strengthening a national priority, and I trust that the knowledge you have acquired here will be deployed to fortify the institutions of Nigeria and of your respective nations.”
The President expressed firm belief that “without strong institutions there can be no lasting democracy,” stating that in pursuit of this conviction, his administration has taken bold steps to reposition the nation’s “economy for growth and shared prosperity.
“Today, there is renewed confidence in our economy, reflected in the nation’s rising business outlook. Today, even the stock market has grown by over forty-eight percent year on year, the best performance in almost three decades.
“While this reflects investor faith in our reforms, I acknowledge that we must continue to tackle inflation and food insecurity to ensure that this growth translates into real prosperity for every Nigerian,” he declared.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s resolve to complete construction at the permanent site of the National Defence College in Piwoyi, saying that while it is a matter close to the heart of the College, he had been briefed on the state of infrastructure at the site.
According to him: “While progress has been made, much remains to be done. I assure you that this administration is committed to completing the permanent site, to ensure that the College continues to deliver strategic training not only for Nigeria but also for allied nations. When fully equipped, this College can, and should, evolve into a Defence Postgraduate University.
“I have therefore directed the Commandant to work closely with the Minister of Defence to develop a clear strategy to upgrade the facilities, while government explores further interventions to enhance the infrastructure,” he assured.
The President implored the Course 33 graduands to join hands in delivering his administration’s renewed hope to Nigerians, just as he recalled that his pledge to the people is “to provide effective and creative leadership, and I call on you to be partners in the task of birthing the new Nigeria we all dream of.
“Graduates of Course 33, you step out today into a world more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than when you began your course last year. Global economic headwinds, the war in Ukraine, the disruptive force of emerging technologies, the threats in cyberspace, and the unsettling resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in our region form the backdrop of your service.
“But you have been prepared for this moment. You have been trained to think and act strategically. You have been equipped to lead with vision and courage,” he also stated.
Tinubu further commended the Commandant, the management team, and the Faculty of the College for grooming the Course 33 graduands for the “Armed Forces, for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and for the friendly nations represented,” in the Course.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu, welcomed the President to the ceremony, highlighting his administration’s solid support for the military institution.
He expressed confidence in the graduands’ abilities to deliver, stressing that the training programme is aimed, among other things, at tackling several pertinent security challenges, including banditry and oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
On his part, the Deputy Commandant of NDC, Major General Kevin Ukandu, explained that knowledge and skills were imparted to the participants in several areas, including defense management, strategy formulation, command, and geopolitics.

According to him, the training was designed to prepare them to undertake high-level policy, command, and staff functions in single and joint service headquarters, as well as civil appointments at national and international levels.

The Course 33 graduates are drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and other institutions both within and outside Nigeria

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August 23, 2025
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NNPC, Gas Suppliers Sign 1.29bscf/d Feedgas Supply Deals with NLNG

*Lokpobiri: FG wooing global oil firms with new incentives

*American firm eyes investment in OML 145

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and some upstream gas suppliers yesterday signed long-term Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs) with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for the delivery of 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d) of feed gas.
This emerged as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said President Bola Tinubu remains committed to ensuring that oil companies that once exited the country are compelled to return, given the recent incentives provided in the sector by the government.
The 20-year agreements, with extension options between the NNPC and GSAs, were signed in Abuja, by the NLNG and Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited; Sunlink Energies and Resources Limited; First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited; SNEPCo; NNPC Gas Marketing Limited; NNPC E&P Limited; Shell Nigeria Gas Solutions Limited; Oando Group; and Aradel Holdings.
The agreements, a statement from the NNPC said, aims at bridging the prolonged shortfall in upstream gas availability, and marks a major boost for Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and the federal government’s gas reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s economic prosperity and energy security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, commended NLNG’s shareholders and the government for their long-term commitment to value delivery despite the challenges faced over the years.
He described the agreements as a giant step towards value creation and sustainable gas supply.
“These GSAs have opened up opportunities for the growth of our industry both for local and international development. They’re hinged on collaboration, synergies and opportunities. We need to leverage economies of scale, share risk and opportunities for us to attain Mr. President’s Decade of Gas vision,” he said.
Ojulari lauded the enabling environment and private sector support fostered by Tinubu.
“It is important to commend the President’s tremendous effort that has enabled the business through the issuance of Executive Orders targeted at gas developments and ease of doing business,” he added.
The GCEO reaffirmed NNPC’s readiness to accelerate the realisation of the Presidential Executive Orders for the industry, pledging to work with partners to unlock opportunities for collective prosperity, in line with the national gas development targets for incremental production.
In his remarks, NLNG Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, who hailed the GSAs as a game-changer for Nigeria’s gas industry, said they will enhance local gas production capacity, improve supply reliability, and advance the nation’s energy security, industrialisation aspirations, and economic growth.
“We could not have achieved this sooner without the deliberate and concerted efforts of our shareholders and stakeholders in the energy industry in Nigeria. These agreements are a turning point in NLNG’s journey, restoring reliability of supply and ensuring we remain firmly on the path of growth and expansion,” Mshelbila noted.

According to him, the new GSAs reinforce Nigeria’s role in the global energy market while strengthening feed gas supply to the Bonny Island plant and supporting the company’s expansion drive.

The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) is an incorporated joint venture (IJV), with NNPC Ltd holding 49 per cent, Shell Gas 25.6 per cent, TotalEnergies 15 per cent, and Eni International 10.4 per cent.

The third-party gas suppliers, a separate statement from NLNG said, is a strategic move to strengthen feedgas supply to its existing trains on Bonny Island and support the company’s expansion drive.

It said the new GSAs represent a significant boost to feedgas availability, enhancing NLNG’s capacity to meet its commercial commitments while laying the groundwork for expansion.

“This development is aligned with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, which places natural gas at the centre of Nigeria’s industrialisation and energy transition agenda,” it added.

Meanwhile, Lokpobiri, has said Tinubu is ensuring that oil companies which once exited the country are compelled to return, given recent incentives provided in the sector by the government.

To this end, the minister noted that Nigeria is strengthening its position as a top global investment destination, welcoming international partners back to its oil and gas industry with competitive incentives and a renewed commitment to collaboration.

A statement in Abuja yesterday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, said Lokpobiri made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Vaalco Energy, an American independent oil and gas exploration and development company.

In recent years, Nigeria has introduced a range of incentives in the oil sector aimed at attracting investment, boosting production, and stabilising revenues. Central to this is the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, which overhauled the fiscal and regulatory framework.

The law provides for more competitive royalty and tax regimes, especially for deep offshore and frontier acreages, where exploration costs are high as well as ensure that investors are offered production allowances, reduced hydrocarbon tax rates, and flexible royalty structures tied to price and terrain.

Beyond fiscal reforms, the government has also promoted gas development through incentives such as tax holidays, zero customs duties on equipment, and capital allowances for companies investing in domestic gas supply and infrastructure.

According to the statement, the American firm has also already expressed interest in re-entering Nigeria through the acquisition of Svenska’s PSC interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 145.

“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is particularly interested in creating a better environment for companies that were once here but left for various reasons to return. We are prepared to offer incentives comparable to the best available globally.

“It is gratifying for us as a nation when those who have worked here become ambassadors, speaking of how friendly and conducive Nigeria is for business. We are glad to welcome you back,” Lokpobiri, who commended Vaalco’s renewed interest in Nigeria, was quoted as saying.

Lokpobiri assured that Nigeria’s oil sector policies now provide clarity, fiscal stability, and investor-friendly frameworks that encourage long-term partnerships.

“Your renewed presence will help us ramp up production and achieve our national energy objectives. Together, we can build a future of shared growth and prosperity,” he stressed.

In his remarks, Vaalco Energy’s Managing Director, Pieter Van der Groen, said the company still sees Nigeria as a key investment hub, explaining that as a listed company in the US, the firm already has access to funding.

“We are here to seek regulatory guidance for acquiring Svenska’s interest in OML 145, but more importantly, to return to Nigeria and invest in a stronger way. As a New York Stock Exchange-listed company, we have access to funding to develop the assets we acquire. We are not here to sit on them; we are here to produce,” the MD stated

The post NNPC, Gas Suppliers Sign 1.29bscf/d Feedgas Supply Deals with NLNG appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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Sack other overaged govt officials like ex-DSS DG Yusuf Bichi – Lawyer tells Tinubu

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