NIGERIA NEWS
Senate Reduces Oil Benchmark To $60 Per Barrel
The Senate on Tuesday reduced the oil benchmark for the projected ₦54.46 trillion 2026 budget from $64.8 to $60 per barrel, citing the need for caution in Nigeria’s economic planning amid global uncertainties and fluctuating crude oil prices.
The apex legislative assembly, however, retained all other projections and parameters contained in the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
The decision followed the Senate’s approval of the 2026–2028 MTEF and FSP after considering the report of its Committee on Finance, presented by the committee’s chairman, Senator Sani Musa.
Presenting the report, Musa said the committee recommended key adjustments to the original 2026 budget proposals, explaining that the changes reflected a cautious and realistic approach to economic planning in view of volatility in the global oil market.
He disclosed that the committee recommended a revised crude oil benchmark of $60 per barrel for 2026, $65 for 2027 and $70 for 2028. The original estimates approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were $64.85, $64.30 and $60.50 per barrel for 2026, 2027 and 2028 respectively.
According to Musa, the adjustments were necessitated by persistent global oil price volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and other external factors.
He added that the committee recommended retaining domestic crude oil production targets at 1.84 million barrels per day in 2026, with marginal increases to 1.88 million barrels per day in 2027 and 1.92 million barrels per day in 2028. He said the figures reflect a steady and realistic production outlook despite prevailing challenges.
Other macroeconomic projections retained include an exchange rate of ₦1,512 per dollar in 2026, ₦1,432.15 in 2027 and ₦1,383.18 in 2028, with inflation rates projected at 16.5 per cent, 13 per cent and nine per cent respectively over the three years. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected at 4.68 per cent in 2026, 5.96 per cent in 2027 and 7.9 per cent in 2028.
The committee also emphasised the need for the effective implementation of new tax policies, the national single window scanning policy and revenue assurance measures to boost revenue generation, transparency and economic growth.
Under the framework, total expenditure for 2026 is projected at ₦54.46 trillion, with a budget deficit of ₦20.12 trillion and planned new borrowings of ₦17.88 trillion. The committee expressed optimism that the projections would help address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges while supporting long-term economic stability.
Contributing to the debate, several senators expressed support for the revised projections, describing them as realistic and achievable.
Senator Mohammed Monguno said the adjusted parameters reflected current economic realities, particularly in crude oil production and exchange rate assumptions.
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East, commended the government’s cautious approach to revenue projections, especially non-oil revenue, noting that oil revenue performance had consistently fallen below expectations. He described the decision to moderate projected revenue for 2026 to ₦34 trillion from ₦41 trillion in 2025 as prudent.
Senator Aminu Abbas also supported the revised exchange rate projections, noting that previous budgets often underestimated exchange rates, leading to frequent revisions.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole acknowledged the difficulty of accurately projecting oil output but said the revised production target of 1.84 million barrels per day was achievable, given Nigeria’s historical production capacity.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the committees and senators involved in reviewing the MTEF and FSP. While acknowledging that the projections may be reviewed in the future, he said the approved framework provides a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic planning.
Please follow and like us:
Kwara State House of Assembly has voted to suspend Saba Yisa Gideon, member representing Edu State Constituency, for three months after he was found to have recorded a closed‑door meeting and shared the audio with an unauthorised person, DAILY POST reports.
Debates on the matter, revealed that Gideon confessed to committing the alleged offence.
The motion moved without notice by the leader of the House, Abdulkadir Magaji, cited Order 4, Rule 14 of the House’s privileges rules and Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017.
Members who contributed to the debate included Ganiyu Folabi Salaudeen, representing Omupo state constituency, Musa Kareem of Patigi state constituency, Owolabi Rasaq of Shaare Oke ode constituency, Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba of Kaiama/Kemanji//Wajibe constituency and Oniboki Yunusa of Afon constituency.
In the resolution, the House said the unauthorised recording “is capable of bringing the legislative institution to disrepute” and that Gideon’s actions amounted to contempt and a breach of privilege.
He was ordered to write a formal apology to the House within the suspension period.
Gideon’s suspension takes effect immediately.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore disclosed the visit on Thursday, commending the cleric for his show of solidarity.
“Thank you so much, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for taking the time to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu today. As the distinguished Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, your visitation symbolizes your solidarity & that of Sokoto Diocese with #MNK in this time of distress,” Sowore said.
Kanu was convicted on terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was subsequently transferred to the Sokoto Custodial Centre on November 21, 2025, in accordance with a court directive that excluded Kuje Prison, where he had been held.
The conviction followed prosecution on seven terrorism‑related counts, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts, brought by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court delivered the ruling, convicting Kanu on all counts and imposing a life sentence.
Kanu’s detention in Sokoto has since sparked legal motions seeking his transfer back to Abuja to facilitate his appeal. His defence team insists that the distance hinders his ability to prepare appeals, access court records, and interact with his legal team.
They have also argued that Nigeria lacked jurisdiction to prosecute him for broadcasts made in the UK, describing the trial as rushed and flawed.
Under the judgment, Kanu was ordered to be detained in any correctional facility except Kuje Prison.
In late November, other notable figures, including Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, also visited Kanu in the custodial centre.
- A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, in his ongoing ₦2.2 billion contract fraud trial.
- Justice Maryam Hassan upheld the terms of Ngige’s earlier administrative bail but imposed additional conditions, including a federal director-level surety, property ownership within the FCT, and the surrender of all travel documents.
- The case has been adjourned to January 28 and 29, 2026, for trial to begin.
Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, in his ongoing N2.2 billion contract fraud trial.
Ngige, who served as minister from 2015 to 2023, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In her ruling on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Justice Hassan adopted the terms of his previous administrative bail but added several strict requirements.
Bail Conditions:
- One Surety: Must be a Director on the federal government payroll.
- Property: The surety must own a property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Documents: Ngige must surrender all travel documents to the court.
Justice Hassan emphasized that while bail is at the court’s discretion, the conditions must not be “unreasonable and stringent.” She further noted that judicial powers “must not be exercised arbitrarily.”
The court has adjourned the matter until January 28 and 29, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
In other news,….. A Nigerian man has shared a viral video on X through user @Teniola, describing the difficult reality of starting over in the United Kingdom after leaving a high-status job in Nigeria.
The man revealed that back home, he worked as a “Head of Department (HOD),” a senior role that provided him with comfort and a flexible routine. He explained that he rarely had to wake up early because his position was well-structured and manageable.
His life changed drastically after moving abroad. He disclosed that he now has to resume work as early as “4:30am,” a schedule he described as exhausting and very hard to adjust to. He noted that many Nigerians who relocate often face the harsh reality of taking on demanding jobs and working their way up from the bottom again.
The story has sparked a huge debate online. Many Nigerians living overseas agreed with him, noting that while they may earn more money, the “workload, long hours, and lifestyle adjustments” can be completely overwhelming compared to their lives in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to screen and confirm Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Saidu Mohammed as chief executive officers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), respectively.
The president’s request was contained in separate letters read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Thursday.
Their appointments followed the resignation of Farouk Ahmed as CEO of NMDPRA and Gbenga Komolafe of the NUPRC.
The two officials were appointed in 2021 by the late former President Buhari to lead the two regulatory agencies. Their resignations were announced by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Ononuga, on Wednesday.
Mr Ahmed resigned after allegations of corruption and abuse of office were made against him by Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive officer of Dangote Group.
Mr Dangote accused the leadership of the NMDPRA under Mr Ahmed of colluding with international traders and petroleum importers to undermine local refining by continuously issuing import licences for petroleum products.
He also alleged that Mr Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, claiming that four of his children were enrolled in secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several million dollars, raising concerns about possible conflicts of interest and regulatory integrity in the downstream petroleum sector.
READ ALSO: NUPRC issues permits to 28 companies for flare gas utilisation, targets $2 billion investment
In his letter, President Tinubu said the confirmation request was made in compliance with Sections 41 and 11(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which require him to transmit such nominations to the National Assembly for confirmation before appointees can be sworn in as substantive heads of the agencies.
The president urged lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process.
After the letters were read, Mr Akpabio referred the nominations to the Senate Committees on Petroleum (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream), and Oil and Gas for screening and reporting.
The committees are expected to jointly screen the nominees and report back to the Senate on Friday.
The Arewa Youths Development Initiative has attributed the success of the Borno State local government elections to the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The group praised the peaceful, credible and transparent conduct of the polls, describing them as a milestone in the state’s democratic journey.
In a statement yesterday, the National Coordinator of AYDI, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammed, said the governor provided an enabling environment, approved critical resources and ensured coordination among electoral and security agencies.
He said the elections were conducted in a calm atmosphere, with active participation by political parties, election observers, civil society groups and the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
According to him, the process reflected growing confidence in democratic institutions across the state.
AYDI said reports from its independent monitors showed that voting, counting, collation and declaration of results were peaceful across the state.
It added that areas previously affected by insecurity, including Gwoza, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Askira/Uba and Biu, recorded orderly exercises.
“Our monitors observed professionalism and orderliness throughout the exercise,” the group said.
The organisation acknowledged the declaration of results by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission, which announced that the All Progressives Congress won all chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 27 local government areas.
It recalled that the BOSIEC Chairman, Dr Tahiru Shettima, described the polls as peaceful, credible and largely hitch-free, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
AYDI also commended special arrangements made for displaced voters from Abadam, Guzamala, Kala-Balge and Marte to vote in secure locations in Maiduguri.
The group said the use of Maiduguri as an operational hub ensured that no eligible voter was disenfranchised.
It further noted the calm acceptance of the results by opposition parties and the absence of post-election violence.
“This level of maturity shows that democracy is taking firm root in Borno State,” the statement said.
AYDI urged the newly elected council officials to prioritise good governance and deliver dividends of democracy to communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
NIGERIA NEWS
Former Deeper Life Church Member Recounts What Happened 8 Years Ago that Made Him Leave Christianity
- An ex-member of Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC) has opened up about a particular low moment in his life that led him away from Christianity
- He recounted what happened when his mother suffered a stroke eight years ago, noting that the pastors and the church were not helpful
- His unpleasant encounter with the church and clerics opened his eyes to reality and made him develop a deep hatred of Christianity
A former member of Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC), @JJExclusive1, has revisited the heartbreaking experience behind his decision to leave the Christian faith.
@JJExclusive1 shared his story on X, and it triggered mixed feelings.
A former Deeper Life Church member says he left Christianity after his eyes were opened to reality.
Photo Credit: @JJExclusive1
Source: Twitter
Why ex-Deeper Life member left Christianity
According to @JJExclusive1, his mum suffered a stroke eight years ago, and the pastors and the church were not helpful when they turned to them for a solution.
This, he said, opened his eyes to reality and made him develop a deep hatred for Christianity. In his words:
Read also
Lady shares hilarious encounter with fake prophet, story goes viral: “I allowed him to say everything”
“I lost faith in God when my mum became a stroke patient 8yrs ago, I’m not really in the mood to explain but bro, pastors whine us like mad, church whine us like mad, my eyes opened to reality and I developed a crazy hatred for christianity I experienced first hand manipulation from the so-called respected Top men of God.”
In a follow-up tweet, he had a message for those messaging him privately to preach Jesus.
“Preaching Jesus to me in my dm after saying “I lost my faith in God” is funny, Maybe you don’t know, I was born and raised in deeper life, brought up with the Bible, I once stood on the pulpit to preach the gospel, so what exactly do you want to use to convince me Back to Christianity ? I’ve see reality, religion is bullsh’it!”
A former Deeper Life Church member who is no longer a Christian says his eyes opened to reality.
Photo Credit: @JJExclusive1
Source: Twitter
Read his tweet below:
Ex-Deeper Life member’s experience sparks reactions
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the ex-Deeper Life member’s story below:
@BarziniRoth said:
“My own church will always claim they can see the future, they always foresee money to be contributed but never saw I will lose a mother that year. Religion is a big scam.”
@MachiavelliCap1 said:
“Bro the deal is, loose faith in any fraudulent pastor, man of God, priest etc The truth is they all humans but don’t loose trust and faith in God.”
Read also
Islamic cleric shares opinion on Peller’s car accident: “I wanted to curse him”
@Kckingson said:
“I stopped going to church when I needed something and pastor told me to pray but when pastor needed something, they said we should give.”
@PunishedFTV said:
“You should look into Catholicism. suffering is unavoidable, the question is what does your suffering mean?”
@equitysociety_ said:
“I had the same experience when my mother was sick. I prayed and I fasted even inside a fast class hospital then when she died . I lost my faith in healing power of God till during the burial. One Reverend Father who officiated her burial was preaching and he said, you might have been feeling God failed you but He didn’t ! But do you know divine privileged to be sick for even a week before death? “God gave you chance to reconcile and pleads for forgiveness even received sacraments? And He gave all to your mother . How about those that didn’t even have that opportunity. It is His will and we shouldn’t question it or using logic to understand it. There I repented and embraced him back. He is God that’s all and have been faithful to me since. Just lean on HIM without questioning His actions.”
Read also
“Who is after the church?” Pastor in pain as thieves cart away speakers, AC from auditorium
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a man had narrated how a pastor’s action made him stop attending church.
Man who quit church for months speaks
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a man who stopped going to church for nine months had narrated what happened in his life.
In a video shared on TikTok, the man said he quit church after leaving home, saying it negatively affected his life.
He, however, did not share the negative toll it took on his life, but advised people not to make the mistake he made.
Source: Legit.ng
A female undergraduate of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), who identifies as a computer science student, has shared her firm views on dating and financial standards.
In a viral video circulating online, the lady stated that she is not open to romantic relationships with men who earn less than ₦5 million monthly.
Lady.
Dating for financial standards
According to her, income plays a major role in her dating decisions, as she believes anyone earning between ₦1 million and ₦2 million per month falls into what she described as the “poor” category.
She explained that men who earn below ₦1 million are only suitable for casual friendships, adding that she might only reach out to such individuals when she needs small emergency funds.
Lady insists on dating from N5M income above
For a romantic relationship, however, she insisted that her ideal partner must earn at least ₦5 million monthly, with expectations of generous financial support.
She said …
“Those who earn less than N2 million monthly are poor. You can be earning 1 to 2 million monthly and expect to date me. I can only befriend those who earn below one million, maybe when I need emergency 50K or 100k that’s when I’ll message him.
To date me, you must be earning from N5M and above. You give me N3M and keep N2M for yourself.”
Watch video below …
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State has dismissed reports that the party’s chairman in Maradun Local Government Area, Alhaji Muttaka Dalhatu, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on December 18, 2025, the part described the claim as false and misleading.
The party said it was reacting to a statement credited to the APC alleging that Muttaka Dalhatu, described as the PDP chairman in Maradun, had left the party.
The PDP, under the leadership of its state chairman, Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki, said the claim has no basis.
According to the party, it has not appointed any chairman for Maradun Local Government since the former chairman, Hon. Adamu Kantu Gora, was made Secretary of the Maradun Local Government Council.
The PDP said Muttaka Dalhatu is not, and has never been the party’s chairman in Maradun.
“We challenge Muttaka Dalhatu to publicly show any letter appointing him as PDP chairman of Maradun Local Government. No such letter exists,” the statement said, adding that the claim of defection was “false and deliberately meant to mislead the public.”
The party also described the reported defection as a political stunt. It alleged that the move was being used by desperate politicians to gain attention and possibly collect money, while also trying to impress the former governor of
Zamfara State and current Minister of Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
PDP assured its members and supporters that the party remains united and strong in Maradun Local Government Area.
It said all recognized party structures in the area are still intact and loyal to the PDP and to the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal.
The party urged the public to ignore what it called the APC’s “fabricated story, insisting that it does not reflect the true situation on the ground.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the bail summons filed by Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and minister of justice, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Babangida Hassan of the Federal High Court, held that Malami’s detention by the EFCC was lawful.
Malami, through his counsel, Suliaman Hassan, had asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that his detention by the commission in the course of an ongoing investigation was illegal.
Jubrin Okutepa, counsel to the EFCC, told the court that the commission was holding Malami pursuant to a valid remand order issued by Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court.
In his ruling, Hassan cited section 35 of the constitution and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to hold that Malami was lawfully detained under a subsisting remand order.
“Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which the court has no power to do,” the judge said.
The EFCC had earlier dismissed claims of political bias, insisting that its operations are apolitical.
The commission was responding to allegations by Malami that his bail was revoked over his alleged attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi state.
Malami, who is under investigation by the commission, is facing 18 allegations bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and terrorism financing.
The Inspector-General of Police has approved the demobilisation of officers attached to No. 24 police mobile force (PMF) presidential escort at the State House in Abuja, with immediate redeployment to state commands nationwide.
A police signal dated December 16, 2025, and referenced CH:5660/WEL/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.96, directed senior formations to effect the movement of the affected officers without delay.
The signal was issued by the department of finance and administration (welfare) at force headquarters, Abuja.
It was addressed to the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of operations, assistant inspectors-general overseeing PMF and zonal commands, and commissioners of police across the country.
The directive confirmed that the officers affected were those deployed for close protection duties at the presidential villa.
The officers are to return from Abuja to their respective state commands, including Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, and the federal capital territory.
Other commands receiving redeployed officers include Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
The signal also indicated redeployments to police zones, including zones 1 (Kano), 3 (Yola), and 7 (Abuja).
Copies of the directive were sent to the chief personal security officer to the president, the commander of No. 24 PMF Abuja, and police formations across several state capitals.
The redeployment follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive in November ordering the withdrawal of police officers from VIP escort and guard duties.
Tinubu had directed that the officers be reassigned to core policing duties amid rising insecurity across the country.
The directive has triggered enforcement measures, including the deployment of special police teams to monitor compliance and the assignment of civil defence officers to replace withdrawn escorts.