By Okanga Agila

The Budget Office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria operates under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Over the years, the Office has witnessed numerous leadership transitions—often abrupt and inconsistent—leading to underperformance, infrastructural decay, and an erosion of professionalism. Leadership struggles and industrial unrest were further compounded by partisanship and blatant disregard for established procedures. Staff postings were dictated more by personal preferences than institutional needs, resulting in a disoriented system that drifted far from its mandate.

At its lowest point, the Budget Office had deviated from being a cornerstone of national development to a platform marred by inefficiency and weakened leadership. It became symbolic of bureaucratic lethargy and a conduit for underwhelming outcomes.

This dismal trajectory began to reverse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his knack for spotting talent and assigning responsibilities to the most capable hands, appointed Tanimu Yakubu as Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation. A respected economist and former Chief Economic Adviser to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Yakubu brought to the role the intellectual depth and administrative acumen needed to drive transformational change.

Under his leadership, the country has witnessed a marked turnaround in budgetary performance. Sound economic reforms and a focus on sustainable growth have contributed to stabilizing an ailing economy. A significant part of this transformation is attributable to a restructured and inclusive budgetary process that emphasizes team spirit, delivery, and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.

Yakubu has streamlined the budget planning and allocation system, ensuring that national resources are channelled toward addressing real economic gaps. His approach is both focused and people-centred, leading to strategic outcomes such as a reduction in inflation—from 34% to 15% in 2025—and a steady improvement in economic indicators.

Among his most notable innovations is the enhanced monitoring of projects, supported by the engagement of consultants to ensure cost-effective and durable implementation. These measures have built investor confidence and encouraged both local and foreign investments.

His reform agenda also includes a redefinition of agricultural investment. By opening up previously untapped opportunities and portfolios, food security has been bolstered through widespread bumper harvests, contributing to the reduction of food-related inflation.

The Budget Office, under Yakubu’s direction, has adopted policies that prioritize poverty alleviation and disaster response. Strategic reallocations—such as N120 billion earmarked for flood mitigation and support to public hospitals—have ensured that underserved populations gain access to life-saving medicines, including for conditions like tuberculosis and HIV.

Furthermore, Yakubu’s organizational restructuring of the Budget Office has significantly improved staff performance and internal coordination. His strategic foresight in identifying inflationary triggers and implementing countermeasures has helped stabilize the economy. Today, Nigeria not only enjoys steady revenue growth and increased foreign reserves (now exceeding $42 billion) but has also surpassed its oil production targets—reaching over 2.6 million barrels per day, with an initial boost of 130,000 barrels per day.

A distinguished alumnus of Wagner College, Yakubu anchors his policy direction on promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency, and accountability in public finance management. He is widely recognized for his results-driven, inclusive leadership style that inspires and empowers staff across the Office’s six operational departments and seven units. This collaborative environment has led to impressive improvements in the functions of departments such as Revenue/Fiscal Policy, Social and Economic Expenditure, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource Management, and Finance and Accounts.

By fostering interdepartmental synergy, Yakubu has achieved a high-performance culture. His strong communication skills and motivational leadership have unified the workforce, enhancing productivity and accountability at all levels.

Yakubu’s crowning achievements include the development of a forward-looking economic blueprint aligned with the government’s development priorities and the establishment of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Budget Office. His commitment to staff welfare, transparent monitoring systems, and project tracking has ensured a more efficient and impactful budget performance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Indeed, Tanimu Yakubu stands as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and meritocracy. His appointment has brought about a necessary transformation in the Budget Office, catalyzing economic stabilization and laying a firm foundation for national development and prosperity.

Okanga writes from Agila, Benue State.

By Samson Ike

As the custodian of Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) which is expected to be the guarantor of energy security, the engine for economic growth, and the catalyst for industrial transformation has become a symbol of corruption, incompetence, and systemic failure, under the leadership of Mele Kyari. The latest manifestation is the NNPCL’s deliberate effort to stifle the growth and survival of local refineries, a move that has once again led to the reconsideration of Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

Being one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries, it is expected of Nigeria to naturally be a net exporter of refined petroleum products. However, despite being endowed with abundant crude oil reserves, the reality is starkly different. Nigeria remains heavily reliant on imported refined products to meet the domestic energy needs of the country. This dependency is not a result of natural constraints but man-made, a consequence of institutional sabotage and deliberate policy failures that were orchestrated by the NNPCL under Mele Kyari’s Leadership. One that could be tagged: “the NNPCL anti-local refinery agenda,” a gross betrayal of National interest.

However, one of the most conspicuous examples of this sabotage is the recent suspension of the naira-for-crude deal with Dangote, BUA, and other local refineries. This policy is not only absurd but also economically untenable. It defies logic for local refineries, which are supposed to be the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, to be subjected to the vagaries of foreign exchange markets to access crude oil produced within the country. It is an incontrovertible absurdity.

It is important to understand that the NNPCL’s deal allowed local refineries to pay for crude oil in naira while servicing the needs of the general populace. A continuation of this deal would be a lifeline for these refineries, a move which would help in their finance management, and enable them to bypass the dollar scarcity that has plagued Nigeria’s economy. The decision to suspend this deal, however, is a clear indication that the NNPCL is more interested in frustrating local refineries than in supporting them.

With this decision made, the NNPCL has effectively pulled the rug from under the feet of local refineries, leaving them at the mercy of a volatile foreign exchange market. This move is not just ill-advised; it is a deliberate act of economic sabotage. This decision, shrouded in secrecy and driven by questionable motives, is a betrayal of the Nigerian people and a slap in the face of a nation striving for self-sufficiency in its energy sector. It is time to ask: What does the NNPCL want again? And why does it seem hell-bent on frustrating the growth of local refineries?

The tenure of Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL has been a complete disaster over the years. The NNPCL has been a definition for corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement under his leadership. With all the recent happenings in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, one can easily come to a verifiable conclusion that Kyari’s incompetence is very much evident in the fact that, despite the billions of dollars spent on the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, not a single one has been brought back to full operational capacity, and the much-touted revival of Nigeria’s indigenous refineries remains a pipe dream, a mirage that continues to elude the Nigerian people.

For the Tinubu-led administration, Kyari remains an inherited bane from the previous administration, and he must be flushed for the sector to be healthy. His corruption is very glaring. His leadership has been known for a series of scandals, including the infamous importation of adulterated petroleum products, subsidy fraud, and the mismanagement of crude oil swap deals. These scandals have not only cost Nigeria billions of dollars in lost revenue but have also exposed the people of Nigeria to serious health hazards like respiratory diseases and other health problems.

On a scrutiny of the NNPCL’s policies, it appears very meticulously orchestrated to thwart the progress of local refineries for a particular hidden agenda. The dollar-denominated crude procurement, which the local refineries are compelled to engage in, would exacerbate their operational cost leading to a financial strain, and rendering them less competitive. This NNPCL’s strategy ostensibly perpetuates Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products, thereby sustaining the lucrative corrupt profits made on importation by some high-level cabals.

Furthermore, the NNPCL’s anti-local refinery policies are a medium to stifle the growth of Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, thereby depriving the country of the economic benefits that would accrue from a robust local refining industry. Undoubtedly, it is general knowledge that the establishment of local refineries would create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported products. Yet, under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL has done everything in its power to frustrate the efforts of local refineries to achieve these objectives.

It is clear that Kyari’s continued leadership in the NNPCL is untenable, and the crescendo of discontent has culminated in vehement calls for his resignation. His leadership is a disaster to Nigeria’s global status, and his continued presence at the helm of the NNPCL is a threat to the nation’s economic and energy security.

Therefore, to avert further catastrophe, it is obvious that the NNPCL must replace its present leader with someone who will institute comprehensive reforms, prioritise the revitalisation of local refineries, and eradicate the pervasive corruption that has stymied progress in protecting Nigeria’s national interest. It needs a leader who will ensure that Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources are used to benefit the Nigerian people, rather than being squandered through corruption and mismanagement.

As it stands, the NNPCL’s war against local refineries is a betrayal of Nigeria’s national interest and evidence of the failure of Mele Kyari’s leadership. Under his watch, the NNPCL has become a tool for economic sabotage, a vehicle for corruption, and a symbol of incompetence. The policies made under Kyari have systematically undermined the viability of local refineries, perpetuated economic dependency on fuel imports, and engendered widespread corruption. We ask ourselves, of what use is a leader, without evidential growth and progress to show for his work?

What many Nigerians don’t understand is this: our indigenous refineries are not only competent, they are also fully capable of meeting domestic demands, and they have demonstrated their capacity to compete on a global scale if given the necessary support. The suspension of the naira-for-crude deal is a calculated move to cause a financial strain for the refineries’ operators and a direct attack on the refineries’ viability. The message is clear: the NNPCL does not want Nigeria to refine its crude. If urgent steps are not taken to reverse this catastrophic decision, Nigeria will once again in no time be plunged into an era of crippling fuel scarcity, unbearable pump prices, and unnecessary reliance on foreign refiners.

The exigency of this situation necessitates Mele Kyari’s immediate resignation and the implementation of reforms to salvage Nigeria’s refining industry. Kyari’s resignation is not just a matter of honour; it is a necessity for the survival of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Only then can Nigeria hope to achieve energy security, economic growth, and industrial transformation. The clarion call for accountability and transparency must resonate across all strata of governance to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The time for change is now. The time for accountability is now. Nigerians deserve transparency and justice. Mele Kyari must go.

Ike PhD wrote this piece from Zaria, Kaduna State.

By Ochonu Ochonu

Captain Chris Ona Najomo’s confirmation as the substantive head of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was a foregone conclusion, given his impressive track record and outstanding performance as the acting Director General and CEO. Under his leadership, the NCAA has undergone significant transformations, cementing its role as a critical regulator of Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace development.

The NCAA’s mandate is vast and complex, overseeing 20 airports, several regulated airstrips and heliports, 23 domestic airlines, and over 3,000 licensed aviation professionals. Additionally, the agency is responsible for establishing international best practices, ensuring security measures, and managing bilateral Air Services Agreements with 78 countries.

Given the critical role of the agency in Nigeria’s aviation sector, it is not surprising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took his time to confirm Captain Najomo’s appointment. For a government focused on driving development through private sector investment, a country’s airports and gateways are crucial to its investment potential.

Owing to the NCAA’s significance, its leader must possess exceptional qualifications, expertise, and professional qualities to effectively oversee the agency’s vast responsibilities. Captain Najomo has already demonstrated his capabilities, initiating various reforms and compliance initiatives soon after assuming office as Acting DG. These efforts aimed to eliminate bottlenecks hindering the achievement of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-point agenda.

Captain Najomo’s various initiatives, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology Centre, and an effective result-oriented independent Audit Department, were deliberate moves aimed at accelerating the achievements of his mandate within target time. Other key reforms included the reorganisation of various directorates, such as the Directorate of Airworthiness Standard (DAWS), Directorate Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Directorate of Air Transport, Regulation (DATR), Directorate of Aviation Security (DAS), Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (DPA/CP), Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Directorate of Human Resources and Administration (DHR and A), Directorate of Corporate Service (DCS), Directorate Legal Services/ Company Secretary (DLS/CS), and Directorate Special Duties (DSD), as well as the creation of a quality assurance ombudsman Servicom office.

Today, the restructuring programme has taken root, bearing outstanding performance and bringing out unbeatable results of excellence both nationally and internationally. Captain Najomo created a favourable ambience for a fruitful result-oriented interface, dialogue, and exchange of ideas on the best ways to move the agency forward. This deliberate demonstration of wisdom and inclusivity led to various insights and innovations, leading to several positive actions which today has brought about significant turn-around and steady positive growth and development of the agency.

As a labour-friendly administrator, Captain Najomo, immediately after assuming office as acting head, ensured the payment of the year-accumulated backlog of housing arrears to all staff and also reviewed the promotions of staff. He also, as a measure to motivate and boost the welfare of the agency’s workforce, released the inter-directorate deployment, thereby removing the bureaucratic bottlenecks in the structure, and subsequently promoted staff on GL.14 to GL.15 with notional promotions for staff whose promotions had stagnated for several years.

An empathetic leader, he cleared the huge backlog of relocation allowance due to staff who were transferred from the NCAA headquarters in Lagos to Abuja. These measures highly motivated the staff positively and spurred them to put in their best in the discharge of their duties in the agency, building confidence and goodwill and establishing a very favourable workplace ambience. In a consistent demonstration of his determination to position the agency’s workforce for positive performance and sustainable career success and development, Najomo also inaugurated committees to review the NCAA Scheme of Service and Staff Conditions of Service to improve staff welfare.

To further enhance the competency as well as build the capacity of the middle cadre management staff of the agency, he also introduced an Indoctrination Course for the personnel in DAWS, DOLTS, DAAS and Legal and the outstanding mandatory Courses for FSG personnel at BON Hotel, Kano. To enhance infrastructural development, and ensure probity, transparency and compliance with technical and non-technical policies and procedures within and in the execution of agency projects, Najomo also introduced the Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit (PMCEU), and the Quality Assurance Department (QAD) within the agency.

A detail-oriented professional, Captain Najomo also introduced various reforms aimed at re-evaluating all holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) while enforcing compliance with the terms and conditions of their permits. This includes the establishment of a dedicated unit for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) which drives the growth of the RPAS industry, as well as the introduction of a simplified certification process as a derivative of the ease-of-doing business policy.

Najomo’s insistence on service providers obtaining the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) has established a culture of sanity and compliance. Those unable to meet this requirement are excluded from the sector, ensuring that only qualified operators provide services. The NCAA has also implemented various reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency. The certification process has been streamlined, reducing the time required for certifications, aircraft registrations, and technical services. The publication of certified heliports on the NCAA website has also been enhanced, with proficient updates ensuring that stakeholders have access to accurate information.

Furthermore, the NCAA has deployed EMPIC-EAP as the regulatory software for selected modules, training super-users to ensure seamless implementation. The authority has also demonstrated its commitment to complying with international regulations, as evidenced by the ICAO’s Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) — Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) in March 2024. The NCAA, led by Captain Najomo, successfully navigated this intensive audit, showcasing the country’s dedication to aviation security.

All AVSEC national documents have been reviewed and approved by ICAO requirements, underscoring the NCAA’s commitment to upholding global standards. The promotion of transparency and accountability in procurement matters has also been achieved through the establishment of the Procurement Department, which has been relocated from the DGCA’s Office to the DCS. This move has ensured prompt resolution of customer issues, necessitating the rebranding of the Consumer Protection Department for public awareness and effective service delivery.

Within his short acting position, Captain Najomo has demonstrated remarkable resilience and speed of actualization in performance that far exceeds expectations. A strict and determined professional, he insisted that service providers must meet the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) requirement certification, and those unable to meet up were summarily excluded from the sector. He also reduced the total time for certifications, aircraft registrations, and provision of technical services.

As part of his commitment to ensuring air safety and compliance with air safety standards, Captain Najomo insisted on the publication of the list of certified Heliports on the NCAA website with consistent updates, and the deployment of EMPIC-EAP as the regulatory software for selected modules by trained super-users. His streak for compliance and demonstration of patriotic commitment has led to the thorough observation of all International Aviation Safety Regulations, with the ICAO conducting a 2-week intensive audit of the Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) and Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) of Nigeria’s civil aviation security system in March 2024.

He has also ensured the review of all AVSEC national documents, such as NCASP, NCASTP, NCASCP, NCASQCP, and NCP, securing their approval by ICAO requirements. Other reforms carried out by Captain Najomo include the establishment of the Procurement Department and the relocation from the DGCA’s Office to the DCS, bringing about easy access, prompt resolution of customer issues, necessitating the rebranding of the Consumer Protection Department for public awareness and effective service delivery.

To enhance the passenger experience for Nigerian passport holders by foreign airlines, Captain Nojomo has implemented measures such as prompt ticket refunds and payment of compensation for flight disruptions or baggage issues. As Captain Nojomo continues to work tirelessly to transform the NCAA, Nigerians expect him to maintain his high standards and strive for even greater excellence. With the trust and confidence of the President and the nation, he is poised to take the aviation sector to new heights

Ochonu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja