Headlines
OPINION: With due respect Mr. President, Nigerians are suffering
By Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada
With the increase in fuel price amid closure of borders due to COVID-19, increase in electricity tariff, insecurity, lack of access to good roads, hospitals and other basic amenities; it’s an understatement to say that Nigerians are suffering.
President Muhammadu Buhari was the last hope of the common man in recent years.
But many now doubt whether it is the Buhari of yesterday that is leading Nigeria today.
If not for the little improvement on the fight against Boko Haram, I can say that the Jonathan administration performed better than that of Buhari.
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I don’t have to go into any comparison with previous governments, but it is a duty for government to account for what it is doing.
It is a duty for active citizens to ask questions like where we are and where we are heading to.
Since the coming of Buhari to power, the electricity tariff has never gone down.
The petrol price will plummet for just few days or weeks and astronomically skyrockets again.
Unfilfilled promises
Mr. President made so many promises that are yet to be fulfilled. On the economy, the government has done a wonderful job in the area of farming.
But farmers’ access to fertilizer is still not impressive as expected.
There is rapid development in rice farming.
Nigeria is doing well on this sector, but we still have a long way in making the agricultural economy of this country money-spinning, like in other countries.
Where are we in making the refineries active?
What about the Kaduna refinery that we were told is going to start working before the end of Buhari’s first term?
Mr. President, where are we in reducing the cost of governance for political appointees and more especially the running cost of your government?
I am sure so many Nigerians will not forgive him for making them to believe that he was the only messiah, who can rescue the nation’s ship.
Failed government
The gruesome killings in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Benue and Plateau States because of bandits and farmers-herders clash, together with the kidnapping of innocent citizens by gunmen on our highways is enough testimony of the failure of Buhari government.
One thing that makes life pleasurable for citizens is access to constant electricity and water supply, good roads, health care services and job security.
But of none aforementioned has improved under Mr. President.
The worst is the failure of the President to unite his appointees. There is inter-agency rivalry.
It was Magu and Malami, Abike Irewa and Pantami, Ngige and NSITF, Keyamo and NDE, NSA Babagana Monguno and Late Abba Kyari, all under the watch of PMB.
Nothing in this country is making the common man excited as was envisioned before President Buhari assumed office.
Care-free attitude
There is increase in the price of food stuffs.
The local rice is today being sold at either N23K or N24K, while the foreign rice is close to N30K.
Where will the meager salary of N30K as minimum wage take workers to?
How will a worker pay for his rent, pays school fees for his children, among others?
It is apparent Mr. President seems less bothered about the state of the nation.
He does not even care to address Nigerians in their hardship.
This is totally unacceptable, and reprehensible.
It is time for the President to address the deplorable condition of diverse sectors of the country’s economy.
He still has three more years to bequeath a lasting legacy.
But before that time, I say, and with due respect Mr. President, Nigerians are suffering.
Adnan, a Kano-based journalist can be reached via: Adnanmukhtaradam@gmail.com, or Twitter: @adnanmouckhtar
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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