The Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice, and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) has highly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the re-appointment of Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a second term of five years.

In a statement released from Mombasa, Kenya, the Guild described the President’s decision as that of a round peg in a round hole, affirming it as a testament to Prof. Audi’s transformative leadership and the remarkable success trajectory recorded during his first tenure.

The President of GOCMEJ, Omoba Kenneth Agbegbele, hailed the re-appointment as a “nationalist, decisive, and visionary action” that reaffirms the administration’s unwavering commitment to excellence, capacity, and continuity.

“Your avowed confidence in Prof. Audi is not only a recognition of his hard work and dedication but a bold statement that merit, proven results, and loyalty remain the bulwark of your administration’s cardinal principles,” the statement read.

According to the Guild, the CG’s first tenure witnessed an unprecedented repositioning of the Service, changing its narrative through a series of landmark achievements.

These include:

· Institutional Development: Establishment of the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, Plateau State; the NSCDC Arms Squad Training School in Ugede Development Area, Nasarawa State; and the creation of the NSCDC Female Squad to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in schools nationwide.

· Sector-Specific Interventions: Creation of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining, which has drastically reduced the pillage of natural resources.

· Operational Capacity & Welfare: Massive acquisition of arms and accoutrements; procurement of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and over 250 operational vehicles; purchase of mini-fire-fighting tankers for disaster management; robust staff welfare packages, including mass promotions and the provision of staff buses; and the construction of official and residential buildings.

· Infrastructure Protection: Destruction of over 450 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta; arrest and prosecution of vandals with record conviction rates; and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at over ₦5 billion.

· Strategic Initiatives: Pioneering the ‘Safe Schools Initiative’ for the protection of vulnerable schools across the country; and the creation of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, which has made significant impacts in the war against illegal bunkering, kidnapping, and banditry.

The statement further highlighted Prof. Audi’s role in fostering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing public trust. It also praised the effective supervision of Private Guard Companies and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to amicably settle conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as other community disputes, contributing to national peace-building.

“Transparency and professionalism have remained at the forefront of Prof. Audi’s transformational philosophy,” the statement noted. “His introduction of far-reaching institutional reforms, including the yearly and quarterly Commandant General’s Conferences, has kept the Corps abreast of global best practices and aligned its operations with the mandate of President Tinubu’s administration.”

GOCMEJ reiterated that the efforts of the NSCDC under Prof. Audi are in line with the President’s vision to diversify the economy and protect critical national assets, including those in the mining, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors.

“The Guild looks forward to a second tenure marked by unprecedented milestones, improved policy direction, and sustained public trust,” Omoba Agbegbele added.

“We call on all Nigerians to join hands with this pragmatic and transformative leader as he drives the NSCDC to even greater heights in national development, security, and safety.”

Members of the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa (CELCE-Africa) on Thursday staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Health headquarters in Abuja, calling for the immediate disengagement of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.

Addressing journalists during a press conference at the ministry premises, the group accused the NAFDAC boss of what it described as “gross insensitivity to issues of national concern,” particularly over the agency’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.

The group argued that the enforcement of the ban was hasty and inconsistent with the provisions of the National Alcohol Policy already adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to CELCE-Africa, the decision also contradicts a directive from the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu which, it said, advised the agency not to disrupt the operations of affected companies pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze warned that the policy could lead to job losses and economic disruption within the alcohol production and distribution value chain.

He further referenced a resolution of the House of Representatives of Nigeria dated March 14, 2024, which restrained NAFDAC from proceeding with the ban after stakeholder consultations and a public hearing.

The group also criticised comments allegedly attributed to the NAFDAC Director-General linking alcohol consumption to banditry in Nigeria, describing the claim as misleading and lacking empirical evidence.

According to the organisation, Nigeria’s banditry crisis is driven by complex factors including organised criminal networks, proliferation of illegal arms, kidnapping activities and the abuse of hard drugs, rather than regulated alcoholic beverages.

CELCE-Africa said sachet and small PET alcohol products were introduced to provide affordable options for low-income adult consumers and warned that removing them from the market could encourage illicit production and cross-border smuggling.

The group maintained that while it supports strict regulation of unsafe and substandard products, government policies should be evidence-based and developed through broad consultation with stakeholders.

It also warned that the enforcement of the ban could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians involved in the production, distribution and retail of alcoholic beverages.

The protesters therefore called on President Tinubu to urgently review the policy and consider removing the NAFDAC Director-General, arguing that her recent actions were no longer aligned with public interest.

Officials of NAFDAC had yet to respond to the protest as of the time of filing this report.

Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sani Musa has extended heartfelt appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for graciously approving the long-awaited reconstruction of the Suleja–Minna Road, a critical federal highway of immense economic and strategic importance to Niger State and the nation at large.

The Senator described the approval as a landmark intervention and a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians, and unwavering commitment to infrastructural transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Senator Musa, the Suleja–Minna Road serves as a vital gateway linking the Federal Capital Territory to several parts of the North-Central and Northern regions. Over the years, the condition of the road has posed serious challenges to motorists, commuters, traders, and security operations. With this decisive approval by Mr. President, a new chapter of safety, economic growth, and regional integration is set to unfold.

He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians, noting that the administration continues to demonstrate courage, foresight, and a deep understanding of the nation’s infrastructural deficits.

“President Tinubu has once again proven himself as a leader who listens and acts. His commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure across the country speaks volumes about his dedication to national development and economic revitalization,” Senator Musa stated.

The Senator also specially commended the Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his relentless advocacy, strategic engagement, and continuous efforts in ensuring that this critical project became a reality. He noted that Governor Bago’s proactive leadership, consistent interface with the Federal Government, and unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal in Niger State significantly contributed to the realization of the approval.

Senator Musa acknowledged that the synergy between the Federal Government and the Niger State Government reflects a shared vision for development and a strong partnership aimed at delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people.

The reconstruction of the Suleja–Minna Road is expected to ease transportation burdens, reduce travel time, boost commercial activities, enhance security mobility, and create employment opportunities for local communities. It will also strengthen connectivity between Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, thereby accelerating trade and investment prospects.

Senator Musa reassured the people of Niger East Senatorial District of his continued advocacy for impactful projects and pledged sustained collaboration with the Tinubu administration and the Niger State Government to ensure that more dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.

He concluded by praying for wisdom and strength for President Tinubu and Governor Bago as they continue to steer the nation and Niger State toward progress, stability, and prosperity.