The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Simon Ortuanya, has appointed renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a visiting professor of the institution.

Mr Ortuanya, a professor, also appointed African Development Bank executive Kevin Urama and a professor from the University of Chicago, James Robinson, as visiting professors.

This information is contained in a statement issued in Nsukka on Wednesday by the acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of UNN, Inya Egwu.

The statement said that the appointments dated 18 December and signed by the vice-chancellor were part of the drive by Mr Ortuanya’s administration to put the university on the global academic stage.

It stated that the letters of appointment outlined the roles and expectations of visiting professors, including teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.

According to the statement, Mrs Adichie, one of the world’s most influential literary voices, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.

“Her visiting professorship will enrich the arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.

“Prof Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, is appointed in view of his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.

“His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines, while Prof James Robinson is a political economist at the University of Chicago, whose work on institutions, governance, and economic development has earned global recognition.”

The visiting professors are expected to deepen academic collaboration, advance research, and expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.

READ ALSO: Nigerian diplomat Christopher Mbanefo is dead

The statement noted that the appointments align with the vice-chancellor’s commitment to attract eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

“UNN was founded to be a globally competitive institution. The latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance,” the acting PRO said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mrs Adichie had attended UNN, where she studied medicine for about a year and a half, before moving to the United States for further education.

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By Stella Odueme

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement as a demonstration of hope and a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.

Ojulari disclosed this while speaking during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, in Rivers State, Chief Corporate Communications Office, Andy Odeh, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari stated.

While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the GCEO emphasized that recognising the past is essential to building a different future.

He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership in building confidence and trust.

According to the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd.’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, but one that places people, livelihoods, and the environment at the centre of its operations. “We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.

Reaffirming NNPC Ltd.’s responsibility to host communities, the Group CEO offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity.

“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality. The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued. We look forward with pride to welcoming them as they resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities.,” he stated.

On his part, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to a decades-long, recurring issue in Ogoniland, which is now beginning to yield positive results.

We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun to fulfill those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives. As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.” he concluded.

In his remarks, National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu during the engagement, thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.

“We have worked as one, and we are here today because of the Ogoni people, to thank them on behalf of Nigeria. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” the NSA added.

Located in Ogoniland and operated by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40% of its recoverable reserves.

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• A Nigerian man cried out after his wife abandoned him with their three-month-old baby following a “little misunderstanding”
• The man took to social media to lament how he would be able to take care of the baby in the absence of her mother
• Many reacted as he spoke about the “little misunderstanding” that led to his wife’s actions, sparking mixed reactions

A man cried out after his wife left his house, abandoning him and their three-month-old baby.

He lamented that he would have to take care of the child by himself and cried out online.

Man Cries Out as Wife Abandons Him With Their 3-months-old Baby Over “Little Misunderstanding”
Source: TikTok

In a video by @joepatrick047, the man was seen feeding his baby with formula.

He captioned the video:

“Its not easy taking care of baby, i wish i could bring back time, i just want forgiveness.”

Watch his video below:

More details shortly

Source: Legit.ng

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A Nigerian lady has stirred reactions online after raising question concerning the ongoing controversy between Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and popular cleric Dr. Chris Okafor.

Her post challenged the timing and sincerity of the allegations made by the actress, especially considering their former romantic relationship.

Viral Post Sparks Debate

The lady, identified as @blessing_jonah on X (formerly Twitter), took to the microblogging platform to react to Doris Ogala’s recent claims accusing Pastor Okafor of several alleged wrongdoings.

According to her, if the actress truly believed the pastor had such questionable character, it was surprising that she still considered marrying him in the past.

“Was She Blind Then or Angry Now?”

In the now-viral tweet, the lady questioned whether the supposed concerns about Pastor Okafor’s character existed during their relationship or only emerged after the breakup.

She suggested that the actress may have ignored the alleged red flags while things were still going smoothly between them.

Allegations Questioned Over Timing

The lady wondered why such serious accusations only surfaced after their relationship ended, instead of being addressed earlier if they were genuinely troubling.

“People Don’t Hate Evil, They Hate Losing Its Benefits”

She wrote: “If Doris Ogala says Dr Chris Okafor is a murderer, juju pastor, fake miracle worker, yahoo ally, and she still wanted to marry him… Was she blind then or just angry now? Some people don’t hate evil. They only hate it when it stops benefiting them.”

The post generated massive reactions online, with many social media users sharing different opinions.

See below;

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A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Minority Leader of House Of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, said if the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, decides to destroy their party on their own, it is to APC’s advantage.

Speaking during an interview on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST on Wednesday, Aliyu said the issues in PDP are not the making of APC.

“No, we in the APC don’t have plans to make this country a one party state. No. And I’m confirming that to you that not the president, not us in the party, not the leadership, not the leaders of the party.

“What’s the problem in PDP? If you remember very well, Nigerians can remember that what happened was, during their convention in 2023 I think, coming to the election when they decided, I mean, who gets the ticket, whether the north or the south and so on and so forth.

“We saw it on the pages of newspapers and on television, when Atiku Abubakar got the ticket. He set up a committee to go and get the VP candidate for them. Somewhere along the line, they agreed on Nyesom Wike, and then his wisdom changed to another person.So Wike went berserk. So that’s their making, not our making, not the making of APC.

“But then of course, if PDP decides to destroy their party on their own, it is to APC’s advantage; however, the issues in PDP are not the making of APC,” he said.

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Popular afrobeats singer David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, has made a major political move ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

The singer has declared his decision to formally align with the Accord Party, the same platform recently adopted by his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

The announcement places Davido directly in the unfolding Osun 2026 political contest. It also strengthens the governor’s new political base, as the election season gradually takes shape across the state.

Davido confirmed his move on Tuesday via his verified X account. He revealed plans to travel to Osogbo to complete the process and officially become a card-carrying member of the Accord Party.

“I Will be live in Osun to pick up my @AccordPartyNG membership card @ IMOLE HOUSE OSOGBO Tomorrow… see you soon ACCORDINGLY 😇 Cc @AAdeleke_01,” the singer wrote.

His declaration comes shortly after Governor Adeleke publicly unveiled the Accord Party as his new political platform.

The governor is seeking a second term in office in the 2026 governorship election after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

Governor Adeleke announced his defection during a political gathering held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo. The event was attended by key national and state figures within the Accord Party.

Explaining his decision, the governor pointed to the unresolved leadership crisis within the PDP at the national level. He said the situation made it difficult to pursue his re-election plans under the party.

“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely November 6th, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders,” Adeleke had said.

He also stated that the Accord Party’s guiding principles align with the focus of his administration, particularly in the area of social welfare.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare,” he stated.

Before the public announcement, the governor had already severed ties with the PDP. He confirmed that his resignation letter was submitted earlier to party officials in his ward in Ede North Local Government Area.

Following the announcement of his uncle’s exit from the PDP, Davido had earlier shown public support. He reposted the resignation update online with the brief caption, “Jeje…”.

In a related development, Politics Nigeria had earlier reported the formal defection of Governor Adeleke from the PDP, a move that reshaped the political structure in Osun State and set the tone for the 2026 governorship race.

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Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has raised serious concerns over a growing and disturbing trend in the country’s kidnapping crisis, revealing that some Nigerians now stage their own abductions to collect ransom from their families.

Ribadu made this known while addressing the worsening internal security situation in the country.

He said the challenge goes beyond armed criminal gangs, pointing fingers at citizens who actively aid kidnappers or deliberately fabricate kidnapping incidents for personal financial gain.

According to the NSA, security agencies have uncovered several cases where supposed victims were not forcefully abducted but were instead willing participants in the crime.

He explained that some individuals collaborate with friends or acquaintances to create false kidnapping scenarios, all aimed at extorting money from unsuspecting relatives.

“We are talking about the population informing the kidnappers,” the NSA said. “When we are even having situations whereby people arrange with themselves to kidnap themselves to collect ransom from their families.”

Ribadu disclosed that such cases have already been confirmed by security operatives during investigations. He narrated instances where young people deliberately planned their own abduction, using trusted friends to deceive their parents and relatives.

“I have seen situations whereby a boy arranged with his friends to kidnap him so that his father can pay the ransom,” he added.

The NSA also raised alarm over the increasing role of technology in these fake kidnapping schemes. He noted that artificial intelligence tools are now being used to clone voices and create distress calls that sound convincingly real to family members.

“Some will even arrange themselves. There are AI tools where you can change your voice. You say you have been kidnapped, ask for ransom, you pay yourself and then you reappear,” he said.

He warned that this dangerous trend is complicating national security efforts and weakening public confidence, as families are now left confused about whether ransom demands are genuine or staged.

Ribadu stressed that community complicity remains one of the biggest challenges in tackling kidnapping across the country. He said some residents provide critical information, logistics and safe cover for criminal operations, making it harder for security agencies to respond effectively.

The NSA called for a change in public attitude, urging Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility. He emphasized the need for renewed public enlightenment, vigilance and stronger cooperation with law enforcement agencies to curb both real and staged kidnappings.

“I think there is a need for us to resuscitate the population,” Ribadu said, as he appealed to citizens to stop aiding criminal activities that worsen insecurity nationwide.

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PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has released its unaudited results for the half year ended 30 November 2025, posting a pre-tax profit of N37.9 billion.

This marks a sharp turnaround from the N5.5 billion pre-tax loss recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, with second-quarter earnings of N16.3 billion playing a key role in the recovery.

The rebound was driven by stronger revenue, foreign exchange gains, higher other income, and lower interest costs, which together restored profitability.

Key highlights (Half-year 2025 vs Half-year 2024) 

• Revenue: N127.9 billion, +32.59% YoY
• Cost of sales: N93.6 billion, +34.80% YoY
• Gross profit: N34.2 billion, +26.91% YoY
• Foreign exchange gain: N8.6 billion (vs a N15.1 billion loss)
• Other income: N14.7 billion, +1,424.05% YoY
• Operating profit: N37.9 billion (vs a N3.3 billion loss)
• Pre-tax profit: N37.9 billion (vs a N5.52 billion loss)
• Total assets: N179.4 billion, +6.23% YoY

Strong top-line performance 

PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc posted revenue of N127.9 billion for the half year ended 30 November 2025, rising from N96.4 billion a year earlier.

• The growth was driven by robust demand across its Hygiene, Baby, Beauty, Food & Nutrition, and Electricals segments.

While the cost of sales increased to N93.6 billion, up 34.80%, the company still delivered a solid gross profit of N34.2 billion, representing a 26.91% year-on-year rise.

Healthy operations 

According to the half-year financial statements, selling and distribution expenses rose sharply to N11.6 billion, up 46%.

On a positive note, PZ Cussons reduced administrative expenses to N8.02 billion from N8.08 billion in 2024 and recorded an FX gain of N8.6 billion, reversing a N15.1 billion loss.

Most notably, other income surged to N14.7 billion, up 1,424.05%.

• Profit on disposal of fixed assets accounted for N14.2 billion of this figure, while rental income and scrap sales contributed N412.7 million and N150.3 million, respectively.

As a result, operations swung from a N3.3 billion loss in half-year 2024 to a N37.9 billion profit.

Bottom-line profits 

The group reported interest income of N431.4 million and cut finance costs sharply to N473.7 million from N2.7 billion in the half year.

This supported a rebound in pre-tax profit to N37.9 billion, compared with a N5.5 billion loss a year earlier.

After accounting for income tax of N16.4 billion, profit after tax settled at N21.4 billion.

Balance sheet snapshot 

Total assets rose to N179.4 billion, up 6.23% from N168.9 billion in the prior period.

• Inventories, a key current asset, accounted for N66.2 billion, while cash and cash equivalents stood at N45.5 billion.

Total equity rebounded to N4 billion from a N17.3 billion loss.

• Retained earnings, though still negative at N18.2 billion, improved from a loss of N38.7 billion.

On the liabilities side, PZ Cussons reduced total obligations from N186.2 billion to N175.3 billion.

PZ Cussons Nigeria shares have returned 93.42% year-to-date on NGX as of trading day ended 23 December 2025.

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Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has been granted bail by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Bello Kawu granted Malami bail on Monday, approving conditions earlier proposed by the EFCC.

As part of the bail terms, Malami is to surrender his international passport and execute bail bonds with two sureties.

The sureties include the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.

Justice Kawu ruled that bail was granted based on exceptional hardship, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.

The court adjourned the matter to January 5, 2026, for further hearing.

Earlier, Malami had strongly denied EFCC allegations linking him to 46 illegal bank accounts and alleged financial misconduct, including claims surrounding the repatriation of funds linked to the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, the former Attorney-General described the allegations as “ridiculous and baseless.”

He insisted that he operates only six bank accounts, all of which, according to him, are already known to the anti-graft agency.

Doka further stated that Malami has no connection to any recovered Abacha loot or any other financial impropriety being circulated in the media.

With bail secured, attention now shifts to January 2026, when the court will hear the substantive motion that could shape the direction of the case against the former Justice Minister.

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Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is relishing the prospect of knocking former club Chelsea out of the League Cup following his key role in a penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace.

The Gunners went through to the semi-finals on Tuesday after Kepa saved Maxence Lacroix’s spot-kick in a dramatic 8-7 shootout success following a 1-1 draw with Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

Kepa spent seven years with the Blues before moving to north London in pre-season and he could now deny his old side a spot in the first major final of the current campaign.

Kepa, who has made all three of his Arsenal appearances so far in the League Cup, said: “Right now, if you want a trophy, and that’s something that we want, we have to fight against good teams.

“Both semi-finals are big games, and it’s going to be tough, but we’ll prepare well for the game, and we’ll be ready and we’ll go for it.”

Arsenal will take on Chelsea for a place at Wembley with the first of two legs to be played at Stamford Bridge on January 14 before the return match at the Emirates on February 3.

The Gunners were on course to reach the semi-finals in regulation time before Marc Guehi’s late equaliser — the third time in Arsenal’s last five fixtures the Premier League leaders’ defence has been breached in or beyond the 90th minute.

“We’ve conceded in a couple of games in the last minute so it’s something that we have to look at,” said Kepa, deputising for Arsenal first-choice keeper David Raya.

The 31-year-old Spaniard added: “But we are in the next round and we’re happy. We made a huge effort. We should have scored a couple in the first half. We played so well. Then the second half was more like 50-50.”

“Credit to the guys, they took amazing penalties. They kept us in the game, and they gave me an opportunity to make a save.

“Emotionally, you have to be focused, be strong, because obviously when you concede in the last minute and then you have to go to penalties, you need to 100 percent be focused on your penalty takers, you need to save. So it was a change of mindset, and it worked.”

The post Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga eager for more League Cup heroics against Chelsea appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, has reaffirmed that the party remains united, insisting there is no division at any level of its leadership.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Mgbudem accused the party’s former presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, of peddling falsehoods in the media following his expulsion from the party.

According to the national chairman, Imumolen no longer holds any authority within the party, having been expelled for gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

“I state categorically that Accord is the most peaceful, stable, united, progressive and fastest-growing political party in Nigeria today,” he said.

He added that, “Accord has no faction at any levels of leadership. The party remains focused and unwavering in its commitment to democratic values, ethics, ideology and internal democracy, and will not be distracted by the antics of anti-democratic and reactionary forces seeking cheap publicity and stomach infrastructure for personal aggrandisement.”

He further dismissed recent claims credited to Imumolen, including assertions that he is the party’s national chairman and that he nominated a governorship candidate for Osun State, describing them as false and misleading.

Mgbudem explained that Senator Ademola Adeleke emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Osun State through a duly conducted primary election monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the process was transparent and widely covered by the media.

He further stated that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the party’s national convention held in Abuja on July 28, 2024, emerged in strict compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

According to him, Imumolen neither attended the convention nor participated in the screening process but instead approached the court through an ex parte motion in a bid to declare himself as the national chairman.

Mgbudem said the court subsequently ordered Imumolen and his associates to vacate the party’s national secretariat while maintaining the status quo, pending the determination of substantive motions before it.

He added that a disciplinary committee constituted by the party later found the former presidential candidate guilty of gross misconduct and recommended his expulsion, a decision unanimously ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in November 2024.

“The NEC passed a vote of confidence in the current leadership and reaffirmed that INEC and other stakeholders recognise this leadership,” Mgbudem said.

He noted that subsequent court rulings dismissed Imumolen’s suits, stressing that leadership disputes within political parties are considered internal matters by the courts.

Mgbudem assured that Accord would not be distracted by what he described as “political jobbers seeking relevance,” stressing that the party is firmly focused on forthcoming elections.

“Our attention is on Osun, Ekiti, the FCT area councils and preparations for the 2027 general election,” he added.

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A Road Safety officer, identified as Ibrahim Dalhatu Tafoki, has been killed by armed bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident was disclosed in a post shared on X on Wednesday by security analyst Bakatsine.

According to Bakatsine, the attack happened on Tuesday evening along the Funtua–Tafoki road, specifically in the Tafoki axis of Faskari LGA. 

The assailants reportedly killed the officer and made away with his motorcycle.

“Yesterday evening, a Road Safety officer, Ibrahim Dalhatu Tafoki, was killed by armed bandits in the Tafoki axis of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, along the Funtua–Tafoki road and they took his motorcycle. 

“The attack occurred within an area that has recently witnessed several peace and reconciliation efforts with bandits aimed at restoring calm,” he wrote. 

“The deceased was the younger brother of Rt. Hon. Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki, Member of the House of Representatives representing Kankara–Faskari–Sabua Federal Constituency, and a son of Tafoki traditional leader Alhaji Dalhatu Tafoki. His killing raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing peace initiatives in Faskari LGA.

“How many more lives must be lost before security truly returns to these communities?,” Bakatsine asked.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. 

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Some Nigerians are set to spend the Christmas period without electricity following a nationwide drop in power supply.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, which oversees the national grid, has confirmed that the disruption will continue for at least another 24 to 48 hours.

NISO attributed the situation to the recent explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline, which has severely affected gas supply to several power plants across the country, leading to reduced electricity generation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency said it is closely monitoring repair efforts on the damaged pipeline, being handled by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company.

According to NISO, restoration work is progressing and the pipeline is expected to become fully operational within the next 24 to 48 hours. Once repairs are completed, affected power stations are expected to resume operations, resulting in the gradual restoration of electricity supply nationwide.

The agency noted that the explosion caused a major setback to power generation, but assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

“This explosion caused a significant drop in electricity generation. It is expected that the vandalised pipeline will be fully operational within the next 24–48 hours,” NISO said.

DAILY POST recalls that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had earlier confirmed that an explosion occurred on an oil pipeline in Delta State.

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On Tuesday, the National Assembly approved a major fiscal reset aimed at addressing revenue shortfalls, weak capital execution, and overlapping budget cycles. It approved a revised ₦43.5 trillion 2024 Appropriation Act and a reworked ₦48.3 trillion 2025 budget framework, extending the 2025 fiscal year to March 31, 2026.

The approval followed marathon plenary sessions in both chambers, culminating in the passage of the Appropriation Act (Repeal and Re‑enactment) Bills for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted to the legislature last Friday.

At the Senate, the revised budget frameworks were approved after the adoption of a consolidated report of the Committee on Appropriations, presented by its chairman, Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West).

The exercise, lawmakers said, was designed to align Nigeria’s budget architecture with current fiscal realities, address implementation gaps and restore discipline to the budgeting process.

Presenting the report, Adeola explained that the core objective was to repeal earlier budget provisions and replace them with figures that reflect prevailing revenue constraints, debt sustainability concerns and emerging national priorities.

According to Adeola, the original ₦35.005tn 2024 Appropriation Act was repealed and re‑enacted with an aggregate expenditure of ₦43.561tn, capturing statutory transfers, debt servicing, recurrent and capital expenditure.

Highlighting key adjustments, Adeola said an additional ₦8.5tn was injected into the capital component of the 2024 budget to fund special interventions in response to security, humanitarian and economic emergencies.

He added that the revised framework was structured to balance responsiveness with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that debt‑related spending does not erode legislative oversight or fiscal prudence.

On the 2025 fiscal year, Adeola disclosed that the earlier ₦54.99tn Appropriation Act was repealed and replaced with a revised total expenditure of ₦48.316tn.

Noting funding constraints highlighted during the presidential budget presentation, he said part of the capital expenditure was rolled over into the 2026 fiscal year to enhance implementation effectiveness.

Specifically, ₦6.674tn was removed from the capital allocation and deferred to 2026 in anticipation of improved revenue inflows.

Adeola warned that the continued practice of running multiple budget cycles concurrently undermines fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, stressing that extending one budget while another is already in force must be avoided.

On the strength of these findings, the committee recommended that the Senate approve the repeal and re‑enactment of the 2024 Appropriation Act to authorise total expenditure of N43.5tn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, alongside the revised N48.3tn framework for the 2025 fiscal year, with implementation to March 31, 2026.

The Senate subsequently passed the bills for third reading after exhaustive debate.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives also passed the revised ₦43.56tn 2024 budget and the ₦48.31tn 2025 budget after considering and adopting the report of its Committee on Appropriations.

The passage followed clause‑by‑clause consideration of the estimates at the Committee of Supply and their subsequent approval at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

A breakdown of the revised 2024 budget shows that ₦1.74tn was earmarked for statutory transfers, ₦8.27tn for debt servicing, ₦11.26tn for recurrent (non‑debt) expenditure, while ₦22.27tn is allocated to capital expenditure and development fund contributions for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

For the revised 2025 budget, ₦3.64tn is provided for statutory transfers, ₦14.31tn for debt service, ₦13.58tn for recurrent (non‑debt) expenditure, and ₦16.76tn for capital expenditure through development fund contributions.

Like the Senate version, the 2025 budget is expected to run until March 31, 2026.

In his communication to the National Assembly, President Tinubu explained that the revisions were necessitated by the need to accommodate budgetary items previously omitted and to adjust capital implementation targets in line with Nigeria’s execution capacity and revenue realities.

He said the revised framework reflects a more realistic capital implementation benchmark of 30 per cent.

The President acknowledged persistent weaknesses in the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget, noting that these challenges significantly undermined infrastructure delivery and development projects nationwide.

According to him, extending the lifespan of the 2025 budget to March 31, 2026, would allow Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) adequate time to access and utilise the targeted 30 per cent capital releases.

Tinubu said the approach forms part of a broader fiscal reform agenda aimed at correcting structural flaws in Nigeria’s budgeting process, including the long‑standing problem of overlapping budgets.

He stressed that ending the practice of running multiple budgets simultaneously would improve planning, enhance implementation, and strengthen transparency and accountability in public expenditure.

The president added that the revised budget framework is designed to deliver more credible budget performance, better coordination of government programmes and improved value for money for Nigerians.

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The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Enlightenment to Ondo State Governor, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the successful conclusion of his statewide Local Government Areas (LGAs) tour.

Speaking during a media engagement following the tour, Lawson described the tour as impactful, people-centred and reassuring to citizens across the state.

Lawson applauded the Governor’s forthright and detailed engagements with stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of the LGAs visited.

He noted that the Governor’s statements during the tour clearly reflected a government that is focused, responsive and committed to equitable development across Ondo State.

According to the SSA, Governor Aiyedatiwa used the tour to clearly outline both ongoing and forthcoming projects in each LGA, cutting across critical sectors such as road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and urban renewal.

He emphasised that the Governor’s updates reassured the people that governance under his leadership is driven by planning, continuity and a strong desire to deliver tangible dividends of democracy.

Lawson stressed that beyond being an opportunity for Governor Aiyedatiwa to appreciate the unwavering support of the people, the LGA tour became a pivotal moment to properly intimate communities with the various reforms and programmes currently being implemented across the state.

He noted that the Governor took time to explain government policies in clear terms, while also unveiling plans aimed at improving livelihoods, stimulating local economies and strengthening social welfare in the years ahead.

“The Governor’s engagements across the LGAs were not ceremonial. They were deeply informative and reassuring.

“He spoke directly to the people about what the government has done, what it is doing and what it plans to do. This level of openness and accountability has further strengthened public trust in his administration,” he said.

Lawson further highlighted that Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and the general well-being of citizens.

He pointed to ongoing efforts to improve workers’ conditions, sustain prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and expand social intervention programmes targeted at the most vulnerable across the state.

Lawson urged the people of Ondo State to remain hopeful and supportive, assuring them that the Aiyedatiwa administration is laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.

He added that residents should anticipate accelerated development, inclusive governance and people-focused policies under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

He concluded by reiterating that the administration remains resolute in its mission to deliver good governance, deepen grassroots development and ensure that every community in Ondo State feels the positive impact of government in the years to come.

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