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Dr. Usman’s Book Presentation Sparks National Reflection: Who Truly Owns Nigeria—the People or the Politicians

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6 months ago

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By Mukhtar Yahya Usman

Former Minister of Finance and one of Nigeria’s most respected economic minds, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, on Saturday presented his latest book Public Policy and Agent Interest: Perspectives from the Emerging World to the people of Kano, in a powerful homecoming ceremony hosted at Bayero University Kano (BUK).

Though the book was formally launched in Abuja months earlier, Dr. Usman chose Kano his birthplace and the foundation of his public service journeyfor its first public presentation in Northern Nigeria.

The event gathered dignitaries including Academics, traditional leaders, students, and development professionals.

“This is more than a presentation,” he said in his keynote. “It is my way of returning home not just with memories, but with ideas that can serve our people.”

From Global Insight to Local Urgency

Dr. Usman, who began his journey in Kano’s Garangamawa quarters and rose to global influence through positions at the World Bank, the IMF, and Nigeria’s top economic posts, offered a brutally honest diagnosis of Nigeria’s stagnation: a failure of governance rooted in a betrayal of public trust.

He explained the concept of the principal-agent problem where those entrusted to serve (agents) begin to serve themselves instead, leaving the true owners of the nation (the principals the people) disillusioned and abandoned.

“This book is about the broken promise between government and citizens. What we call in Hausa, rashin rikon amana.”

Personal Reflections, National Realities

Drawing from his experience as Finance Minister, Dr. Usman recalled efforts to establish the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund an initiative aimed at securing the country’s oil wealth for future generations but which faced fierce opposition from those driven by short-term political calculations.

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“That fight wasn’t just about economics. It was about values about choosing between national interest and personal interest.”

This tension between policy and politics, public duty and private gain, he argued, is the central theme of the book and a major factor in Nigeria’s persistent development failures.

The Local Cost of National Failure

Dr. Usman reminded the audience that this is not an abstract theory but a lived reality especially in places like Kano.

He highlighted the alarming number of out-of-school children, the decay of urban infrastructure, and the collapse of trust in public institutions, especially among young people.

“When our youths see a system that rewards connections over competence, they don’t just lose faith they lose direction.”

He described this as the greatest cost of the agency problem: not just bad roads or failed schools, but a generation that begins to believe mediocrity and corruption are the norm.

A New Development Bargain: The People Must Rise

Rather than dwell on the failures, Dr. Usman emphasized solutions.

The book, co-authored with renowned contributors including Dr. Yemi Kale and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, outlines a four-point development bargain aimed at restoring balance between the people and those in power:

1. Demand transparency – Citizens must insist on public access to data and government spending.

2. Challenge vested interests  Society must defend honest leaders and confront those who exploit the system.

3. Rebuild the social contract   Citizens must perform civic duties and demand quality services in return.

4. Engage actively   Everyone must act, speak, or at least reject injustice with their hearts.

He invoked a prophetic Hadith as a moral compass:

“If you see evil, change it with your hand. If not, speak out. If not, reject it in your heart that is the weakest of faith.”

A Foundation for the Future

The event also marked the public announcement of the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation, established by his children and focused on education, health, and information technology.

“We cannot just criticize the past we must build the future. That is why this Foundation exists: to give our children the tools to lead.”

More Than a Book, a Call to Action

Dr. Usman closed by stressing that Public Policy and Agent Interest is not an academic exercise it is a civic manual for ordinary Nigerians to understand their power, reclaim their role, and demand better governance.

“This book is for you. It is a guide to demand the accountability and dignity every Nigerian deserves. Let us work together to mend this broken promise.”

As the applause resounded through the halls of BUK, the message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s destiny will not be shaped by its agents, but by the renewed resolve of its true owners the people.

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NNPC Ltd Commends Chevron Nigeria Ltd on Successful Awodi-07 Discovery

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1 hour ago

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January 26, 2026

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing efforts to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were concluded in mid-December 2025, with all activities executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards. Following the completion of comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, bringing the programme to a successful close.

Results from the well are highly encouraging, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. This outcome represents a notable milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture,on strengthening confidence in the underlying asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area. The success of Awodi-07 further highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration, sound technical evaluation, and the strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and its Joint Venture partner.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical competence, and consistent delivery of value.

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He stated: “The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves. This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”

Also speaking on the milestone, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the Awodi-07 results as a clear demonstration of the value of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable, enabling operating environment.

According to him: “This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation.”

NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Ltd work together under a joint venture agreement to operate several oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. In this partnership, Chevron owns 40 per cent of the assets, while NNPC Limited holds the remaining share. The arrangement allows both companies to combine resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources more effectively.

Through this collaboration, the partners aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, which would support government revenue, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s energy supply.

Signed:
Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd
26th January 2026

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Ganduje, Barau Raise Governor Yusuf’s Hands Into APC

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2 hours ago

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January 26, 2026

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Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf made the declaration at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House.

The declaration was made in the presence of the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator representing Kano South; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; among other dignitaries.

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He noted that his return is firmly anchored on working more closely with the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Those who raised Governor Yusuf’s hand were the immediate former Governor of Kano State and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin.

 

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Commissioner Of Internal Security AVM Ibrahim Resigns

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2 hours ago

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January 26, 2026

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The Kano state commissioner for internal security and special services AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd) has resigned his post with immediate effect.

The Commissioner disclosed this in a letter of resignation addressed to the executive governor of Kano state Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, a copy of which was sent to GLOBAL TRACKER in Kano on Monday.

According to him, the decision is based on strained relationship between Kano state governor and his political mentor Engineer Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

The letter reads “I write with profound gratitude and a deep sense of duty to formally tender my resignation from my position as the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Kano State, with immediate effect. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to you, Your Excellency, for the trust and confidence you reposed in me.

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First, by appointing me as the Director General of the Special Services Directorate in June 2023, and subsequently elevating me to the role of Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services.

It has been a distinct honour and privilege to be entrusted with the duty of ensuring the safety and security of our beloved Kano State under your leadership.

“However, following the recent turn of events, I believe it is in the best interest of the state and the administration that I step aside from this role. This decision, though difficult, is made after careful consideration.

My service in these roles has been guided by the enduring principles of our leader and mentor, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which emphasise justice, discipline, and service to the people.

“I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have contributed, however modestly, to the security and wellbeing of our citizens.

“I assure you of my continued support to the government and people of Kano State, as well as its goals for a safe, stronger, and more prosperous Kano State.

Once again, I thank you for the invaluable opportunity to serve. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with wisdom, strength, and good health while you steer the affairs of our great state.

May Allah (SWT) bless Kano State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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