Buhari’s in-law, other top NSPM officials sacked as CBN appoints acting mgt team

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the firing of top management of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM), appointing Abubakar Minjibr as interim Managing Director.

The change was communicated through an internal memo titled “House Notice No. 2083 – Executive Management Changes,” signed by Soji Ogungbesan, General Manager of Corporate Services at NSPM.

Minjibr steps in for Ahmed Halilu, the former MD and CEO, who is said to be elder brother of Aisha Buhari, the wife of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Halilu was appointed to his position in 2022.

The interim executive team also includes Mohammed Mustapha as General Manager of Finance and Strategy, and Adesoji Ogungbesan as General Manager of Corporate Services.

The memo, dated July 10, 2024, stated: “The board has announced the immediate dissolution of the current executive management team of the NSPM and has approved the immediate formation of an interim executive management team, comprising Mr. Abubakar Sule Minjibir as Acting Managing Director; Mr. Mohammed Mustapha as General Manager of Finance and Strategy; and Mr. Adesoji Ogungbesan as General Manager of Corporate Services.”

” The management team assures all staff of its commitment to the welfare of the staff of the NSPM, the strategic initiative and organization transformation developed by the board.

“Staff members are encouraged to cooperate with the new management team to achieve the board’s strategic vision for the company.”

Sacked alongside Halilu include Ado Danjuma, who served as ED Corporate Services; Tunji Kazeem, ED Security Documents; Chris Orewa, ED Lagos factory and Victoria Lucky Irabor, Company Secretary and Legal Adviser.

Recall that Buhari’s appointment of his brother-in-law to head the Mint had raised an uproar with Gravitas Group, an international advocacy organisation, entirely condemning it and calling it a family affair.

“It was worrisome that the President’s brother-in-law would superintend over the printing of all sensitive materials in the land, a development it said was tantamount to bringing the country’s Mint to his bedroom,” Gravitas Group had noted in a statement at the time.

(BUSINESS DAY)