President Tinubu
Olamilekan Abayomi
The Federal Government has issued a formal correction on the official title of President Bola Tinubu, expressing concern over what it described as recurring errors by media organisations and public institutions. The clarification was released on May 9, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume personally signing the statement. According to the SGF, the move became necessary after a national daily misrepresented the president’s appellation in its publication on May 7, 2026.
The government stated that the correct and official designation is *“His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”* The SGF stressed that this format should be used consistently in all official communications, documents, and media publications. Akume noted that the frequent omission or alteration of parts of the title undermines protocol and creates avoidable embarrassment in both local and international contexts.
Akume said the office had observed a pattern where some outlets shortened the title to exclude “His Excellency” or the “GCFR” honorific, while others omitted the full reference to the president’s role as Commander-in-Chief. He described these lapses as avoidable and urged editors, journalists, and public officials to verify titles before publication. The SGF emphasised that accuracy in addressing the presidency is not a matter of style but of constitutional and protocol significance.
To prevent further errors, the SGF directed the public and media organisations to use the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s official channels for verification. These include the office’s verified accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X, as well as its official email address. Akume said the office remains open to confirmations and would respond promptly to requests for clarification on official designations and titles.
The statement also served as a reminder that the presidency’s communication protocols are standardised and publicly available. The SGF noted that misrepresentation of titles, even when unintentional, can create confusion about the status and authority of the office. In diplomatic and official correspondence, he added, such errors could affect how documents are received and processed by foreign governments and institutions.
The correction follows a broader push by the Tinubu administration to tighten communication standards across ministries, departments, and agencies. Since assuming office, the government has repeatedly called for consistency in official messaging, particularly on matters of protocol, titles, and policy pronouncements. Officials say this is part of efforts to project a coherent image of government and avoid contradictions that could be exploited politically.
While the issue may appear minor, protocol experts argue that titles carry weight in both domestic governance and international relations. The inclusion of “His Excellency” reflects the dignity of the office, while “GCFR” denotes the highest national honour conferred on the president. Omitting these elements, even in casual reporting, can be read as a breach of protocol and diminishes the formal recognition accorded to the office.
The FG said it expects immediate compliance and will continue to monitor publications for adherence to the correct appellation. Akume concluded by appealing to all stakeholders to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, noting that small details in communication often reflect the larger discipline of governance. The office has made it clear that future infractions will be flagged publicly to maintain standards.
