In a landmark decision, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Alfred Abah as the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Service Matters, marking the creation of a brand-new role within Nigeria’s Civil Service.

Abah, a retired director from the Federal Civil Service, is tasked with improving the administration and operational efficiency of the civil service.

The appointment was officially announced by Eno Olotu, Director of Press at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, on Wednesday.

This new role is seen as a critical step in modernizing and enhancing the performance of Nigeria’s civil service system.

Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service, expressed her gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing this unprecedented position, emphasizing that Abah’s leadership will play a key role in transforming the effectiveness of the civil service.

The statement read, “She emphasized that this strategic decision reflects the administration’s commitment to advancing ongoing reform efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil Service.

“Mr. Alfred Abah, an accomplished administrator and a retired Director of the Federal Civil Service, brings with him a wealth of experience, deep expertise, and a solid reputation for integrity and professionalism. With over three decades of dedicated service in various key roles across the public sector, his track record speaks to his capability in driving reforms and fostering organisational excellence.

“The HCSF noted that, under the leadership of President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigerian Civil Service has witnessed transformative progress. These reforms have boosted the confidence of the Nigerian people in the government’s dedication to good governance and public service excellence.”

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially announced the commencement of recruitment for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC33/2024), inviting qualified graduates and post-graduates to apply for officer training in various professional fields.

In a statement issued by Air Vice Marshal A.H. Bakari on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the NAF encouraged interested applicants to register online at no cost through the official recruitment portal: [www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng](http://www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng).

The online registration process will begin on October 14, 2024, and will remain open until November 26, 2024.

This presents a valuable opportunity for prospective candidates to join the Nigerian Air Force and contribute to the nation’s defense and security efforts.

Applicants are advised to thoroughly review the required disciplines before submitting their applications, as the NAF has emphasized that multiple submissions or errors will lead to automatic disqualification.

“Only one application can be made, as once submitted, it cannot be corrected. Multiple applications will result in disqualification,” the NAF warned.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Direct Short Service Commission, applicants must:

• Be Nigerian by birth.
• Meet the height requirements of 1.66 meters for males and 1.63 meters for females.
• Be medically, physically, and psychologically fit.
• Have no criminal convictions.
• Be aged between 20 and 30 years.
• However, Medical Consultants are eligible between the ages of 25 and 40 years.

The NAF emphasized the importance of applicants meeting these criteria, noting that failure to meet any of the conditions will lead to disqualification.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must possess at least a Second Class Upper Division for degree holders or an Upper Credit for HND holders.

Additionally, candidates must have credits in English, Mathematics, and three other subjects relevant to their course of study. Computer literacy is considered an added advantage.

The NAF also requires applicants to have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and present either a Discharge Certificate or a Letter of Exemption at the time of application.

Registration with relevant professional bodies in Nigeria is required where applicable.

Aptitude tests will be scheduled, and candidates are expected to monitor the NAF recruitment portal for updates on the dates and locations of the tests.

Any false declarations or multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.

All application submissions must be completed within the given timeframe, and applicants are required to print and sign all relevant documents upon successful application.

Required documents

Upon completing the application process, candidates whose submissions meet the stipulated requirements will be required to print the following documents:

Local Government Area Attestation Form, signed by a Military/Police Officer of appropriate rank, or other approved authorities.

Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
Attestation of Good Character Form.
Acknowledgment Form.

These documents are necessary to complete the application process, and invalid applications will not generate these slips.

Further details are available on the Nigerian Air Force website, applicants may also contact NAF support lines at 07052683575 and 07030562381 or via email at careers@airforce.mil.ng for inquiries.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that it is not accountable for the recent surge in petrol prices following the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) announcement of significant increases in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

On Wednesday, the NNPCL raised petrol prices across the country, causing prices to jump to N1,030 per litre in Abuja, up from N897.

In Lagos, the price increased from N855 to N998, while regions in the South-South now face prices as high as N1,075. The North-East has seen prices reach N1,070, with the South-East at N1,045 and other South-West states at N1,025 per litre.

In response to the public outcry, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the Federal Government did not influence NNPCL’s decision to raise prices.

He emphasized that the company’s actions were a direct response to current market conditions within the energy sector.

Since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, the government has lost its ability to regulate fuel prices, as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

This shift has led to fluctuations in fuel prices based on market dynamics, leaving many Nigerians concerned about the rising cost of living.

“The differential you’re seeing is a result of different factors. One of them is the crisis in the Middle East. There’s volatility in the market. Therefore, the prices of petroleum products are going up, consistent with what is happening with other operators in the industry globally.

“Secondly, NNPC cannot continue to absorb these losses for Nigeria because as a limited liability company, it would be operating at a loss,” he said.

The Minister appealed to Nigerians to understand the situation, assuring that prices would eventually decrease.