Television Nigerian

State governors have received a severe warning from President Bola Tinubu that if they disregard a recent Supreme Court decision upholding financial autonomy for Nigeria’s third tier of government, he may be forced to issue an Executive Order to mandate direct allocations to local governments.

At the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Friday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu gave a speech.

Tinubu threatened to utilize the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to directly distribute local council monies if governors were found to have withheld statutory amounts intended for local councils.

“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly,'” the President remarked, addressing NEC members, who included governors, members of the National Working Committee, and other party leaders. I have the yam and the knife, so if you wait for my Executive Order, I’ll chop it.

“I’m simply being very respectful and understanding with my governors,” he continued. Otherwise, you’ll see if you don’t begin putting it into practice.

Tinubu’s comments come after the Supreme Court’s historic ruling on July 11, 2024, which affirmed the Federal Government’s lawsuit to require local governments to be financially independent.

A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that it is unlawful for state governments to keep or handle money intended for local councils.

According to Section 162(5–8) of the 1999 Constitution (as modified), the court mandated that allotments from the Federation Account be paid directly to local governments. Nonetheless, a few of states have persisted in using joint accounts to transfer the money.

In his remarks, Tinubu reaffirmed the need for governors to follow the ruling of the highest court and warned that any more infractions would result in federal intervention.

Our Supreme Court is the end aim. We must follow the rules. “The judgment must be respected,” he said.

The 2026 Appropriations Bill, which President Bola Tinubu submitted to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, calls for a total budget of N58.46 trillion, of which N15.25 trillion is expected for non-debt recurrent expenditures.

During his speech, the President established N26.08 trillion for capital expenditures and US$64.85 per barrel as the benchmark for crude oil prices for the fiscal year.

The President’s address and a summary of the 2026 budget are available here.
Techniques

Respected Senate President,

Honorable Members of the House of Representatives and Honorable Speaker,

Respected Senators and Honorable National Assembly Members,

Friends from Nigeria,

1. I am here to bring the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 2026 Appropriations Bill before this Joint Session of the National Assembly in accordance with my constitutional obligation.

2. In the process of reforming and transforming our country, this is a turning point. We have made a conscious decision over the past two and a half years to address long-standing structural flaws, stabilize our economy, restore trust, and create a solid basis for a more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic Nigeria.

3. These changes have not been easy, but they were necessary. Budget execution has been put to the test, established procedures have been upset, and families and businesses have experienced strain. I openly accept these challenges and reassure Nigerians that their sacrifices are not in vain. Reform is the most certain way to achieve shared wealth and long-term stability, but it is rarely easy.

4. Today, we provide a budget that unifies our progress, fortifies our resiliency, and transforms recovery into higher living standards for every Nigerian household.

The budget’s theme for 2026

5. The topic of the budget for 2026 is “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.” It demonstrates our commitment to securing macroeconomic stability, enhancing competitiveness, and guaranteeing that growth results in respectable employment, rising wages, and an improved standard of living throughout our Federation.

Economic realities: indicators of stabilization and the goal of the following action

6. In light of the strengthening global picture, Mr. Chairman of this Joint Sitting, the 2026 Budget was created. However, Nigeria continues to be our first priority: creating a robust economy that benefits our citizens.

7. The fact that our reform initiatives are already producing quantifiable effects gives me hope:

Compared to the 3.86% growth in Q3 2024, our GDP expanded by 3.98% in Q3 2025.

Headline inflation dropped from 24.23% in March 2025 to 14.45% in November 2025, marking eight consecutive months of moderation in inflation. We anticipate that the disinflationary trend will continue due to stabilizing food and energy prices, tighter monetary conditions, and better supply responses. This means that, absent significant supply shocks, inflation will continue to drop over the 2026 timeframe.

Oil output has increased thanks to sector reforms, increased security, and technological deployment.

Improved tax management, not high taxes, has greatly increased non-oil revenues.

Capital inflows, fresh project finance, and increased private sector involvement are all indicators of the recovery of investor confidence.

As of November 14, 2025, our external reserves had increased to a seven-year high of over US$47 billion, offering more than ten months’ worth of import coverage and a more robust buffer against shocks.

8. These results are deliberate. They are a reflection of thoughtful yet challenging policy choices. Now is the time to build on these successes so that stability leads to prosperity and prosperity leads to shared wealth.

LESSONS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND EXECUTION OF THE 2025 BUDGET PERFORMANCE

9. Distinguished Members, the implementation of our 2025 budget had to deal with the challenges of transition and conflicting demands for execution. As of Q3 2025, our records showed:

61% of our goal, or N18.6 trillion in revenue; and

60% of our goal, or N24.66 trillion, was spent.

10. As of June 2025, N2.23 trillion has been released for the execution of 2024 capital projects after the 2024 capital budget execution was extended to December 2025.

11. The government fulfilled its primary responsibilities despite ongoing financial difficulties. However, as of Q3, only N3.10 trillion, or around 17.7% of the 2025 capital budget, has been disclosed, indicating the focus on finishing priority 2024 capital projects during the transition period.

12. To be clear, 2026 will be a year of increased budget execution discipline. To ensure that the 2026 Budget is implemented strictly in accordance with the appropriated details and timelines, I have given directives to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation.

13. With the new National Tax Acts and the ongoing changes in the oil and gas industry, we anticipate better revenue performance. These reforms are intended to promote openness, efficiency, fairness, and long-term value in our fiscal architecture in addition to increasing revenue.

14. I’ll also be clear about government-owned businesses. All GOE heads are hereby instructed to meet the income targets that have been given to them. We will implement end-to-end digitization of revenue mobilization to support this, including standardized e-collections, interoperable payment rails, automated reconciliation, data-driven risk profiling, and real-time performance dashboards. This will ensure that leakages are sealed, compliance is verifiable, and remittances are timely. Institutional scorecards and performance reviews will be built around these goals. Leakages, inefficiencies, and poor performance in vital agencies are no longer acceptable to Nigeria. Each institution needs to contribute.

The 2026 Budget’s goals and philosophy

15. The 2026 Budget is directed by four distinct goals, Mr. Chairman and fellow Nigerians:

First, stabilize the macroeconomic environment;

2. Enhance the business and investment landscape

Three, lessen poverty and encourage growth that is rich in jobs; and

Four, bolster human capital while safeguarding the weak.

16. To put it succinctly, we will pursue growth that is broad rather than limited, sustainable rather than transient, and manage debt with discipline.

Summary of the 2026 Budget: The Financial Structure

17. Distinguished Members, the Federal Budget for 2026 is based on growth direction, prudence, and realism.

18. These are the major aggregates:

Total revenue of N34.33 trillion is anticipated.

An estimated N58.18 trillion will be spent overall, of which N15.52 trillion will go toward debt repayment.

Recurring (non-debt) spending: N15.25 trillion.

Spending on capital: N26.08 trillion.

4.28% of GDP, or N23.85 trillion, is the budget deficit.

19. These figures represent more than simply accounting lines. They represent the priorities of the country. We are still steadfastly devoted to value-for-money spending, debt transparency, and fiscal sustainability.

20. The 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper establishes the budget’s criteria. The foundation of our forecasts is:

a prudent benchmark for crude oil at US$64.85 per barrel;

daily production of 1.84 million barrels of crude oil; and

For the fiscal year 2026, the currency rate was ₦1,400 to the USD.

21. We will keep cutting back on waste, tightening regulations, and making sure that every naira borrowed or spent generates quantifiable public benefit, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, human capital, and security.

SECURITY, PEOPLE, AND PRODUCTIVITY AS PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

22. Nigerians’ practical needs and the Renewed Hope Agenda are reflected in our allocations. Among the important sectoral provisions are:

N5.41 trillion for security and defense

Facilities: N3.56 trillion

Schooling: N3.52 trillion

Medical: N2.48 trillion

23. These priorities are connected. Investments will fail in the absence of security. Productivity will not increase without folks who are healthy and educated. Infrastructure is necessary for businesses and jobs to grow. For this reason, the budget is created as a single, cohesive national revitalization program.

24. Development is still built on security. The Budget for 2026 increases assistance for:

updating the armed forces;

intelligence-driven law enforcement and collaborative efforts;

border protection and technology-assisted monitoring; and

community-based efforts to prevent conflict and promote peace.

25. Since security spending must result in security outcomes, we will invest in security with clear accountability for results. Our first priority will continue to be enhancing the fighting capabilities of our armed forces and other security agencies through manpower increases and the acquisition of state-of-the-art platforms and other gear in order to safeguard our nation. In order to eradicate terrorism, banditry, abduction for ransom, and other violent crimes, we are also pursuing a new era in the criminal justice system. A new national counterterrorism doctrine—a comprehensive redesign based on unified command, intelligence, community stability, and counter-insurgency—is being established by our administration along with a reset of the national security architecture. This new ideology will drastically alter how we deal with terrorism and other violent crimes that have increased public fear and become existential threats to our corporate survival.

Any armed group or non-state actors with guns acting outside of official authority will be considered terrorists going forward under this new architecture. Bandits, militias, armed gangs, armed criminal networks, armed robbers, violent cult organizations, armed collectives headquartered in forests, and foreign-affiliated mercenaries are some examples of these. Terrorists also include organizations or individuals that use violence for sectarian, political, ethnic, or financial purposes. Any group that kidnaps civilians, extorts communities, or occupies or seeks to occupy Nigerian land would be labeled as terrorists. The commonality is that you are a terrorist if you use deadly weapons and act outside the bounds of official authority. Terrorists will also include any person or organization that facilitates the stated groups as financiers, money handlers, harborers, informants, ransom facilitators, and negotiators. Owners of safe houses, arms suppliers, transporters, and political guardians and intermediaries will all be labeled terrorists. Terrorists include politicians, traditional leaders, community leaders, and religious leaders who support and incite acts of violence and terror against Nigerians.

26. The caliber of a country’s citizens is its greatest asset. The budget for 2026 increases spending on social protection, healthcare, education, and skills.

27. In terms of education, we are using the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to increase access to higher education. In collaboration with 229 postsecondary institutions around the country, more than 418,000 students have received assistance.

28. I’m happy to point you that, net of liabilities, healthcare spending accounts for 6% of the whole budget.

29. International partners’ assistance is also greatly appreciated. More than US$500 million in grant financing for focused health treatments throughout Nigeria is now possible because to recent high-level interactions with the US government. We applaud this collaboration and guarantee Nigerians that these resources will be used efficiently and openly.

30. Throughout the country, initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda—such as energy and transportation infrastructure, port modernization, agricultural reforms, and strategic investments that unlock private capital—are progressing from concept to reality.

31. We will act decisively to bolster agricultural markets. Security of food is security of the country. Agro-value chains, irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture, storage and processing, and input financing and mechanization are all given top priority in the 2026 budget.

32. These actions will strengthen agro-industrialization, lower post-harvest losses, increase smallholder incomes, and create a more robust, diverse economy.

DISCIPLINE, NATIONAL COMPACT, AND DELIVERY

33. Distinguished Members and fellow Nigerians, we do not announce the best budget. We are the ones who provide it.

34. Consequently, three pragmatic commitments will serve as the foundation for 2026:

Efficiency, transparency, and compliance—particularly from GOEs—as well as better governance of the oil and gas industry will increase revenue mobilization.

Spending more wisely means giving priority to initiatives that citizens can measure, feel, and finish.

Improved accountability: bolstering monitoring, reporting, and procurement discipline so Nigerians can understand what their money is supporting.

35. We shall establish confidence by aligning our statements with outcomes and allocations with results.

RESULTS: A BUDGET THAT IS OURS ALL

36. Remarkable The 2026 budget is a budget of consolidation, renewed resilience, and shared prosperity, not a budget of promises, fellow Nigerians and members of the National Assembly. It addresses new issues, expands on the reforms of the previous 2.5 years, and lays out a clear course for a Nigeria that is safer, more competitive, more equal, and more optimistic.

37. I applaud our people for their perseverance, understanding, and selflessness. My government is still dedicated to making the transition easier and making sure that households and communities throughout the Federation benefit from reform.

38. We will fulfill the entire promise of the Renewed Hope Agenda with the help of the Nigerian people’s tenacity and the Executive and Legislature’s shared goal.

39. As a result, I am delighted to present to this esteemed Joint Session of the National Assembly the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 2026 Appropriations Bill, which is titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.”

God bless Nigeria’s Federal Republic.

The moment he nearly resigned from the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, according to former Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, was the hardest choice.

Mohammed reportedly revealed this information on Wednesday in Abuja during the publication of his book, “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration.”

He clarified that the book provided an inside look at how the Buhari administration’s narratives were developed, maintained, and disseminated—often in the face of crises, false information, and heavy public scrutiny.

“The toughest decision I took as minister was at a moment when I almost resigned,” he stated, emphasizing that he had a duty to maintain an accurate historical record and dispel long-standing myths because of his extended access to government decision-making.

Lia Mohammed claims that his conviction that Africans must speak their own tales or risk having their histories misrepresented motivated him to write about his experience.

He stated that the newsletter was created to give background information, dispel myths, and share personal observations from his time in office.

“I was at the center of government communication, crisis management, national orientation, culture, and tourism for nearly eight years,” he said. I observed how choices were made and how false information frequently took precedence over the truth.

Former presidential spokesman Segun Adeniyi reviewed the book and pointed out that some contentious themes, such the #EndSARS protests and the Twitter suspension, were handled more like legal briefs than fair historical accounts.

Speaking as well, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, praised Lai Mohammed’s efforts and called him one of the Buhari administration’s most criticized ministers for his defense of government policies.

Furthermore, Halima, the late former president Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, stated that her father was fully aware of the criticism directed at his administration throughout his tenure.

“He heard both the disappointment of critics and the appreciation of supporters,” stated Halima, who spoke on behalf of former First Lady Aisha Buhari.

What transpired in one of the National Assembly’s committee chambers last week was more than just a procedural dispute; it was a striking example of how politics, precedent, power, and personality interact to confirm Nigeria’s foreign representatives.

Reno Omokri, a well-known non-career ambassadorial candidate, was at the center of the controversy. Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume got into a furious argument over Omokri’s screening.

Their altercation, which was characterized by high voices and pointed procedural disputes, briefly took over the meeting and brought attention to what is frequently a pointless exercise on a national level.

The competence and readiness of applicants had already come under intense scrutiny a day earlier due to another incident, this time involving a career diplomat who was unable to name all three senators from his home state.

When taken as a whole, these occurrences turned the screenings into a more comprehensive discussion about norms, symbols, and the constitutional role of the Senate in molding Nigeria’s public image.

Beyond the drama, the ambassadorial screening process represents a turning point in Nigeria’s foreign policy. Following months of openings and acting appointments, President Tinubu’s nomination of 65 nominees—34 career and 31 non-career—indicates a desire to reevaluate diplomatic missions.

The list highlights the dual nature of Nigeria’s ambassadorial system—professional diplomacy on the one hand and political representation on the other—by combining seasoned diplomats with political heavyweights, former governors, retired service chiefs, and presidential loyalists.

In this backdrop, a staggered screening procedure was initiated by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which is presided over by former Niger State governor Senator Mohammed Bello.

The strategy adhered to long-standing legislative custom by gathering nominees and, where appropriate, permitting former lawmakers and high-ranking public officials to bow and leave. However, as events have shown, when personalities clash and political stakes rise, convention itself may easily turn into a contentious area.

The crisis occurred during the screening of a mixed set of applicants, which included Omokri, a well-known public pundit and non-career nominee, along with four career diplomats.

Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South, proposed that the delegation be let to bow and depart, claiming that the committee was already familiar with the career diplomats and that Omokri’s public persona eliminated the need for additional interrogation. Other senators expressed interest in speaking before the motion could be properly seconded, which led the chairman to acknowledge more interventions.

When Senator Oshiomhole was acknowledged to speak and Ndume insisted that no discussion could begin until his motion had been properly seconded, what could have remained a mere procedural diversion took a dramatic turn.

Oshiomhole disagreed, stating that the chairman’s acknowledgment granted him the authority to speak to the committee. The chairman had to continually call for order as the argument swiftly turned into a shouting match that stopped the meeting for about twenty minutes.

In addition to the outcome of a single motion, the chair’s power, the interpretation of Senate rules, and, implicitly, the influence of individual senators in committee discussions were all at risk.

Oshiomhole, who had previously criticized President Tinubu and the ruling party, used his contribution to launch a vigorous defense of Omokri once the situation had somewhat calmed down. He portrayed Omokri as a pragmatist capable of progress and national loyalty. He maintained that the President’s readiness to nominate erstwhile opponents showed inclusivity and political maturity, traits that he claimed should be praised rather than viewed with mistrust.

However, Ndume insisted that a protracted discussion was superfluous because there was no official appeal against Omokri.

In contrast to Oshiomhole’s emphasis on discretion and political judgment, he insisted on protocol, saying that a proposal that was not seconded was dead. Different legislative oversight philosophies—one based only on regulations and the other on political context—were exposed by the conversation.

Many observers saw the altercation as representative of the Nigerian Senate, a body where formalities frequently conceal more serious power battles. Both Ndume and Oshiomhole are seasoned politicians known for their strong personal values and independence. Some members acknowledged in private that their disagreement was more about who controls the tone and tempo of discussions within influential committees than it was about the nominee in issue.

Some contended that the incident demonstrated democracy in action, despite its mess, while others expressed worries about efficiency and decorum. They pointed out that parliamentary scrutiny is rarely a sterile process, particularly when nominees have a lot of political symbolism or baggage.

Wednesday’s screening emphasized concerns about competency, while Thursday’s clash brought attention to political tension. When challenged to list all three of his state’s senators, Emmanuel Adeyemi, a career diplomat from Ekiti State with outstanding academic qualifications and international assignments, faltered. He mentioned Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele accurately, but he was unable to remember Senator Cyril Fasuyi. When a member of his delegation was observed frantically looking up the missing name online, the situation got worse.

Committee members harshly criticized the oversight. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong warned that Nigeria’s reputation abroad could not afford such instances of unpreparedness, characterizing the occurrence as a sign of a deeper illness. The worry was shared by Senators Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson, who emphasized that political knowledge and attention to detail were crucial qualities for diplomats expected to represent the nation’s interests overseas. Despite appeals for forgiveness, the harm had already been done.

The event revealed a contradiction in the screening procedure. In a system where ambassadors are also expected to confidently traverse Nigeria’s internal political terrain, career diplomats’ perceived technical expertise and institutional knowledge may become a liability due to their isolation from domestic political realities.

The ongoing discussion about striking a balance between career and non-career activities lies at the heart of both episodes. Professional diplomacy proponents contend that in a complicated international setting, consistency, protocol proficiency, and training are essential.

In response, proponents of political appointments argue that envoys must also be reliable representatives of the President, able to use their power and access to further political and economic objectives.

An attempt to combine both strategies may be seen in President Tinubu’s selection of nominees.

Political leaders including as former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Victor Ikpeazu, retired military commanders Abdulrahman Dambazzau and Ibok-Ete Ibas, and vocal political players like Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri coexist with seasoned diplomats like Sulu Gambari and Maimuna Ibrahim.

Therefore, the Senate’s responsibility goes beyond individual screening to guarantee that the diplomatic corps’ general makeup is in line with Nigeria’s strategic interests.

The “take a bow and go” custom, which is frequently used, was also scrutinized again. Critics contend that the approach jeopardizes accountability even if it is intended to speed up proceedings for former parliamentarians and high-ranking officials who are already familiar to the Senate. They argue that even symbolic questioning reassures citizens that no nominee is immune from vetting in an era of increased public scrutiny.

Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, defended the convention by pointing out that several of the nominees were well-known among their peers and had previously served in the National Assembly. However, the Omokri incident showed that familiarity does not always equate to harmony or peace.

Beyond the spectacle, the screenings serve as a springboard for a major reform of Nigeria’s diplomatic outposts. The nation’s international standing has been undermined by years of underfunding, protracted vacancies, and changing geopolitical conditions.

The Tinubu administration has made it clear that it intends to revitalize diplomacy as a means of promoting diaspora involvement, security collaboration, and economic recovery. A key component of that goal will be the caliber, reliability, and unity of Nigeria’s ambassadors.

Ultimately, the commotion in the Senate chamber was unsettling, somewhat unedifying, but eventually illuminating. It highlighted the conflicts that exist within Nigeria’s democratic institutions between politics and process, loyalty and knowledge, and efficiency and discussion.

For a public that is frequently kept in the dark about the inner workings of legislative oversight, the event provided a unique window into the debate and resolution of decisions that shape Nigeria’s international representation.

It will be difficult to put aside personality conflicts and concentrate solely on content as the Senate works to complete the confirmation process. Nigeria’s ambassadors will soon represent the country overseas, and the process that created them must, in spite of its flaws, demonstrate the gravity and accountability of that duty.

In November 2025, Nigeria’s federation account got ₦2.34 trillion, a significant decrease from the previous month’s sum.

According to a report, this is based on data from the Federation’s Office of the Accountant-General.

Inflows decreased by ₦591.22 billion from ₦2.93 trillion reported in October, according to records from the Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting in December.

The decline was attributed to lower profits from a number of significant revenue streams at that time.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission paid ₦660.04 billion to the federation account in November, compared to ₦873.1 billion in October.

Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service sent in less non-oil revenue; collections dropped from ₦591.15 billion to ₦337.22 billion in the preceding month.

Nigeria Customs Service receipts decreased from ₦370.28 billion in October to ₦287.17 billion in November.

Proceeds from the electronic money transfer levy decreased to ₦43.4 billion from ₦49.86 billion, while value-added tax revenue decreased to ₦563.04 billion from ₦719.82 billion.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on the other hand, had an increase in revenue during the month, going from ₦14.72 billion in October to ₦44.92 billion.

Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s oil-related revenue increased from ₦315.64 billion to ₦407.57 billion.

In November, gas flare penalties totaling ₦49.76 billion were sent to the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund.

Following these modifications, the federation’s net revenue was ₦2.29 trillion, which was N581.56 billion less than the ₦2.87 trillion reported in October.

In November, the federation account deductions decreased to ₦365.1 billion from ₦780.45 billion in the preceding month.

The account’s savings decreased from ₦300 billion to ₦200 billion, and the FIRS, Customs, and NUPRC’s revenue collection costs dropped from ₦115.27 billion to ₦84.25 billion.

Additionally, transfers to the North-East Development Commission fell from ₦20.73 billion to ₦16.21 billion.

The amount of ₦18.16 billion that was refunded for the 13% derivation associated with priority projects, subsidies, and the police trust fund did not change.

The deductions associated with 13% derivation for funding for frontier exploration and NNPC management fees fell precipitously to ₦2.87 billion from ₦21.47 billion.

In addition to a separate deduction of ₦37.45 billion for unpaid arrears, the portion of non-oil revenue allotted to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission increased to ₦6.15 billion from ₦4.8 billion.

In November 2025, the amount distributed to the federal, state, and municipal governments was ₦1.92 trillion after all deductions, which was less than the ₦2.09 trillion in October.

Ahmed Farouk, the former managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has been accused of corruption. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded an investigation into these claims.

According to reports, Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, accused Farouk of corruption and economic sabotage, leading to his recent resignation.

Farouk allegedly spent millions of dollars on his children’s secondary school education in Switzerland using “taxpayers'” money, according to Dangote.

President Bola Tinubu and Farouk met briefly before Farouk submitted his resignation.

Despite Ahmed’s departure, the NBA President responded to the news in a Channels Television appearance by saying that an inquiry is still required.

He said that either a thorough inquiry would be the best course of action or the accusation would be interpreted as a plot to remove the former head of NMDPRA.

“It will be unfair for me to take sides with any of the sides,” Osigwe stated.

“The government and public servants now find the situation embarrassing. The claim will be looked into, according to the ICPC. Let’s hope that these accusations weren’t utilized to fire someone.

“Let there be a proper investigation to either clear the man’s name or prove that he was corrupt or guilty of the accusations against him.”

On Friday, Tinubu will deliver the 2026 Budget to NASS.
At 2:00 PM on Friday, President Bola Tinubu will introduce the 2026 Budget before a Joint Session of the National Assembly.
This is stated in a letter written by Mr. Kamorudeen Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), and signed by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development.

“I am directed to inform you that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, is presenting the 2026 proposed Budget at a Joint Session of the National Assembly,” the letter states. “As a result, all accredited persons must endeavor to be at their duty posts by 11:00 am, otherwise they would not be allowed access into the Complex for security reasons.”Except for the CNA, Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), and their deputies, non-accredited individuals should avoid the National Assembly on that particular day. “Every other member of staff is required to park his/her vehicle at available spaces at the Annex or the new car park by the national assembly gate.”

Together with civil society organizations (CSOs), organized labor unions operating under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) platform have criticized the federal government for widespread insecurity, pointing out that “the fundamental rights of all Nigerians are sacrosanct.”

Organized labor and CSOs lamented the government’s terrible failure to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 revised constitution.

Amid concerns over insecurity, the unions held a nonviolent protest in Jos on Wednesday. They carried banners and placards with various inscriptions and threatened to shut down the nation without warning if the Federal Government did nothing.

According to the Daily Champion, the demonstrators gathered as early as 8:00 a.m. and then went to the Plateau State House of Assembly and Government House Little Rayfield, where they delivered a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that he might take the appropriate action.

They claimed that “many communities were ransacked and taken over by the terrorists” and demanded that internally displaced people (IDPs) be immediately returned to their ancestral homes in order to prevent further attacks in the towns.

“Today we are here to register and express our displeasure to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, from the state to the local government and to the three tiers of government of this country,” stated Comrade Eugene Manji, the NLC chairman of the Plateau State Chapter.

We have all seen the problem of insecurity.

Manji, who provided an explanation of the protest’s motivation, stated that it is a follow-up to their May Day (Workers’ Day 2025) event, in which they voiced their disapproval of Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

At the National Executive Council meeting of the NLC last week in Lagos, it was decided that all 36 of the federation’s states should take action at the same time.

“It is very relevant that you live in a nation where people are being killed like animals, and you are unaware of this until another nation, like the United States of America, reminds you that you are a country of particular concern.”

Take a look at our Plateau schools today. Due of insecurity, students have been absent from class for over a month.

Since Boko Haram claims that Western education is prohibited, we are encouraging these people by closing schools.

They have already succeeded in severely impairing education by the time we close schools.

A nation devoid of education is already doomed. That a nation of more than 250 million people might become ignorant is quite regrettable.

Imagine the amount of insecurity that will result from this.

Today, that’s where we are. About 300 pupils were selected from schools in Niger State, and no one was able to contest them. There are perhaps 100 out there, but where are the others?

That indicates the extent of the issue. It occurs daily at mosques, churches, Zamfara, and other locations.

We are arguing that regardless of your beliefs—Christian, Muslim, or free-thinking—you are either directly or indirectly impacted.

You are affected, or your person is affected.

“To ensure proper coordination to combat the threat of insecurity, we are urging the Office of the National Security Adviser to be more proactive and to work in robust synergy with all security agencies,” comrade Manji said.

Steve Aluko, Coordinator of Civil Liberty Organizations, voiced concern that the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ability to quickly use fighter jets and other equipment to thwart a planned coup in the Benin Republic would be a grave indictment of the government’s incapacity to defend Nigerians.

“The situation continues to worsen despite the enormous resources devoted to combating insecurity.

Does the Nigerian government have any control over the issues we face, such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping?

Aluko said, “We want to see more practical action from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches rather than just rhetoric. The problem is not beyond the government.”

Additionally, the Borno state chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) joined its national counterparts on Wednesday in a nonviolent demonstration against the nation’s insecurity.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) procession, which took place in Maiduguri today, December 17, 2025, was successfully organized and adequately secured by the Borno State Police Command.

The calm and well-planned parade began at NUJ Junction and finished at Today’s Store along Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri.

In order to prevent a breakdown of law and order, Nigerian police officers and men were present.

Due in large part to the great degree of collaboration, understanding, and support from the NLC’s leadership and members, no undesired incidents were reported during the exercise.

Movements of cars and pedestrians were efficiently controlled, guaranteeing unrestricted traffic flow without interfering with citizens’ legal activities.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the Borno State Police Command claimed that the peaceful procession, which started at NUJ Junction and ended at Today’s Store off Gidan Madara Road Maiduguri, was made possible by the deployment of sufficient security.

The statement read, “CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, Commissioner of Police Borno State Command, commends all participants’ conduct and reassures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of constitutional rights within the state.”

Plateau: NLC and CSOs denounce widespread insecurity and declare that every Nigerian’s fundamental human rights are inviolable.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Enugu state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) started a protest against the country’s growing insecurity.

As the demonstrators marched across the city in support of the nationwide protest over the country’s growing insecurity, the protest brought Enugu’s metropolis to a halt for hours.

Deep concern over the widespread threat to lives and property across the country was evident at the protest organized by NLC Chairman Comrade Fabian Nwigbo.

Chanting slogans like “another challenge! another challenge!” and carrying signs that read “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” “End insecurity now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries,” protesters marched through Enugu’s main thoroughfares.

Other signs urged the government to act decisively rather than rhetorically, calling for the security of citizens and schools.

“Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security personnel,” Nwigbo said to the demonstrators, expressing deep regret that cows are safer than people in Nigeria.

He bemoaned the fact that everyone is impacted by insecurity, including workers, teachers, students, farmers, tourists, and even political leaders, underscoring the frightening level of disorder in the nation.

He underlined that protecting the lives and property of its residents is the government’s first priority.

He revealed that the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the pressing need for government action to reestablish security and peace throughout Nigeria.

“The country is bleeding,” he said, adding that during its most recent NEC meeting, the NLC took a strong stance to draw attention to the deteriorating circumstances.

Nwigbo criticized the security inadequacies that have resulted in a spike in kidnappings and attacks, pointing out the paradox that cows are better protected than humans.

He questioned the reasoning behind a recent event in which a security commander in the North pulled his troops from guarding a school, only to have the school attacked and students kidnapped.

He explained that the demonstration also serves as a declaration that the NLC is a group advocating for Nigerians’ safety and dignity rather than being a part of any plot fueling the country’s insecurity situation.