The Kogi State Government has withdrawn the powers of land owners to issue consent approvals, directing that such authority will now reside solely with the Office of the Executive Governor of the State.

This was one of the key resolutions reached at the Kogi State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, 6th November, 2025, at the New EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja, under the chairmanship of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo said with the new directive, all previously issued consent approvals by land owners are now declared invalid, while holders of such documents have been given four weeks to revalidate them at the Office of the Executive Governor.

Fanwo explained that the decision was taken after the government discovered that several individuals were in possession of forged consent approvals, which pose both administrative and security threats to the state.

He said the revalidation process would enable the government to properly profile all land users, ensure genuine ownership, and enhance security across communities.

“We have found that many of the consent approvals being paraded are fake, and the state has no record of those holding them.

This situation poses a serious security risk. By centralizing the process and revalidating existing consents, we will know who occupies our land and for what purpose”, he stated.

The Commissioner said Governor Ododo’s administration remains committed to transparency, orderliness, and the protection of both citizens and investors in land administration, stressing that the move was in the overall interest of public safety and sustainable development.

He assured the citizens that the government will continue to implement policies that strengthen governance structures and safeguard the integrity of state assets.

Other key highlights from the Executive Council meeting included directives to Commissioners to provide three boreholes each in their local government areas, the restriction of articulated vehicles on Lokoja roads during the day, approval for transformer procurement across senatorial districts, and consideration of the 2026 Draft Budget christened “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, for the first time, spoken publicly since U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution and issued threats of military action against terrorist groups in the region.

Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu avoided direct reference to President Trump but underscored Nigeria’s resilience and growing economic credibility. He cited the overwhelming success of the country’s recent $2.35 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed by 453 percent, as clear proof of “strong investor confidence despite political headwinds.”

“Nigeria remains open for business. The confidence of global investors in our economy is unshaken. We will continue to engage our international partners diplomatically while working tirelessly to defeat terrorism and build a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient nation,” Tinubu said.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, briefed the council that the Eurobond attracted $13 billion in orders, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform trajectory.

He added that the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on removing barriers to investment, reviewing tariffs and import restrictions, and improving fiscal discipline to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.

Thursday’s FEC meeting marked the first in three months, with President Tinubu also swearing in two new ministers — Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) from Enugu State and Bernard Doro from Plateau State — bringing the cabinet back to its full complement of 48 members.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to crush terrorism and violent extremism, stating that no external pressure or political distraction would deter Nigeria from safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.

In a high-stakes moment for Nigeria’s diplomacy and domestic political agenda, President Bola Tinubu has spoken publicly for the first time in response to threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump — at the same time swearing in two new ministers to his Cabinet.

President Trump recently directed U.S. military planning toward Nigeria, warning that American assistance could be cut off if Nigeria continues to “allow the killing of Christians” — and even suggesting the possibility of U.S. intervention.

In response, Tinubu’s office, via Minister of Information & National Orientation Mohammed Idris, announced that the president remains calm and is taking the matter “with the depth it requires”.

The government emphasised that Nigeria is engaging via multiple channels — including religious leaders, international organisations and regional bodies — to clarify its position and dispel narratives of religious intolerance.

Analysts say the seriousness of the U.S. approach underscores global concern about Nigeria’s security and religious-freedom situation.

At a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held earlier today, President Tinubu swore in:

• Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro (from Plateau State) to fill the vacant Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Reduction.
• Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN, from Enugu State) to fill the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, following the resignation of his predecessor amid allegations of certificate forgery.

Their appointments were confirmed by the Senate and came at a moment of heightened domestic and international scrutiny.