The Nation News

Category: News

  • Gov. Fintiri bans covering of plate numbers, threatens clampdown in Adamawa

    Gov. Fintiri bans covering of plate numbers, threatens clampdown in Adamawa

    By Yagana Ali Yola 

    The governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Tuesday banned covering of vehicle plate numbers by government officials, and however vowed to sign an executive order to enforce the ban in the state.

    He directed that no government officials no matter how highly placed, should cover his or her vehicle plate numbers while plying the state roads.

    Fintiri made this known while in a remark, after he received an award of excellence as ‘gender friendly governor’ from Adamawa State women under the leadership of the PDP state women leader, Susan Mark Zirra.

    The governor, Fintiri said that some people with ulterior motives  are impersonating government officials to traffic drugs and other shady deals that are detrimental to the lives of the Youths and government will not accept that.

    He said that women have dual responsibility in the development of the society  from taking care of the home, to the training of the children, hence the need to always stand by them, fight for them and provide  opportunities for women and Youths to serve the state.

    Governor Fintiri, on behalf of his wife appreciated the women for the recognition which he described as a motivational strength for his administration.

    The women equally  gave an award to the deputy governor of Adamawa State,  Kaletapwa George Farauta with an award of good representation of women in the state and the wife of the governor, Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri with the award of being  a supportive wife. 

    The deputy governor of Adamawa State, professor Kaletapwa George Farauta  said it’s only a women friendly governor like Fintiri can bring women with various life  experiences, different backgrounds to contribute their quota in the development of the state, putting behind past lives  challenges and forge ahead.

    She therefore thanked the governor and his wife for opportunities given to women in the state , assuring that building the women in Adamawa State is just the beginning of women participation at both national and international levels.

    In her welcome speech, the women leader of PDP in Adamawa State, Susan Mark Zirra explained that the event is to present the governor, his wife and the deputy governor with the award as result of his exemplary leadership,  supportive wife and good women  representation in politics and leadership.

    She said governor Fintiri’s performance are immeasurable and women have fully benefitted from this administration, noting that the governor has appointed women  to serve at different capacities, an  indication of equity and gender sensitivity.

    Also, the zonal women leader of PDP, Zainab Ahmed Jangol thanked the governor for being a hero of democracy for his doggedness and resilient in the political arena and commended him for the efforts of including women in his administration who are proven to be equal to the task.

  • 2025: Gov Mbah presents N971b budget  estimate to Enugu State Assembly 

    From, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

    The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, on Tuesday presented a total of N971 Billion budget estimate to the State House of Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.

    Presenting the estimates entitled “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” at the floor of the House, Mbah said the proposed estimates comprised N837.9billion Capital Expenditure, representing 86 percent of the budget estimates, and a Recurrent Expenditure component of N133.1billion, representing  only 14  percent of the budget.

    This topples the record-holding 2024 budget of N521.5bn, consisting of N414.3bn Capital Expenditure, representing 79 per cent of the total budget and N107.2bn Recurrent Expenditure, representing about 21 per cent.

    The 2024 budget, the 2025 budget proposal emphasizes huge investment in education as well as basic but critical infrastructure and amenities like roads and bridges, water supply, transport services, energy, modernization and digitization of public services and associated processes, with the Education sector getting a lion-share of N320.6bn, representing over 33 per cent of the total budget for two consecutive years.

    Mbah said that this was in line with his administration’s target of poverty eradication and an inclusive development model, which ensures that no one or segment of the society is left behind.

    The governor equally announced a growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, from N37.4bn at the end of 2023 to N144.7bn in September 2024, representing a radical 286.2 per cent increase in line with the administration’s deliberate effort to wean the state off reliance on FAAC allocations.

    Addressing the House, Mbah said, “In crafting this budget, we have to continue to lay the right foundation in Enugu to enhance the economy and attract even more private investment. 

    “In spite of the dreary economic environment across the country, for us here in Enugu, we have elected to remain bullish in our aspirations, and to double down on our commitment to elevate our state to top three status in terms of GDP nationally, and eradicate poverty from our midst.

    “Indeed, we see this as a vindication of our previously espoused view that sustainable national growth can really only be driven from the sub-national units to the federal levels, and not the other way round as we have attempted to do to date.

    “It is on account of this that we are proposing to the House of Assembly today, a budget with a total envelope of N971,084,000,000.00 as against the budget for 2024 fiscal year which totaled N521,561,386,000.00.

    “This represents an 86.4 per cent increase from the 2024 revised budget.

    “The budget is broken down as follows: N133,140,000,000.00 as Recurrent Expenditure and N837,944,000,000.00 as Capital Expenditure,” he said.

    On sources of revenue, he said, “In the area of our revenues, we estimated that total Recurrent revenues during 2025 will amount to N692,179,000,000 as against the approved revised provision for 2024 of N383,789,000,000.00.

    “The Recurrent revenues for 2025 are broken down as follows: opening balance – N32,000,000,000; Internally Generated Revenue, IGR – N509,947,000,000; statutory revenue – N48,749,000,000; exchange rate differential – N26,559,000,000; and Value Added Tax, VAT – N74,924,000,000.

    “With the total Recurrent Expenditure at N133,140,000,000.00, this translates to a Net Recurrent Revenue of N559,039,000,000.00, which is thus transferred to the Capital Development Fund.

    “The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2025 is projected at N837,944,000,000.00 as against N414,334,120,000.00 for the 2024 Revised Budget. The Current Capital Expenditure estimate will be funded from the sum of N559,039,000,000.00 to be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and the Capital receipts of N278,905,000,000.00 to be realized as follows: External and Internal Aids and Grants – N15,000,000,000; other receipts – N80,202,000,000; Domestic Loans/Borrowings receipts – N55,000,000,000; and International Loans/Borrowings – N128,503,000,000.”

    Meanwhile, in terms of broad sectors, the Economic Sector got a lion share of N462bn, representing 55.1 per cent of the Capital Expenditure, followed by the Social Sector with N345.7bn, representing 41.2 per cent.

    In terms of specific sectors, Education got 33.2 per cent, the largest chunk, in sync with Mbah’s effort to eradicate poverty and graduate the state to a knowledge-based economy.

    “As we must all know by now, Education is both our ‘sword’ and ‘shield’ in this battle to achieve economic growth in our state and banish poverty and want among our population. Consequently, we are maintaining the ambitious direction we charted in 2024 by voting a total of N320,609,059,000,00 for that sector. This represents 78% of the social sector of the budget and 33.2% of our Capital Expenditure this year,” he stated.

    The governor explained that the 2025 budget would also focus greatly on health, road infrastructure, transport, agriculture, and water sectors, among others.

    “There can be no economic growth without quality healthcare. This is why we are spending N45,830,896,000.00 on the sector this year.

    “In the area of Works and Infrastructure, we will continue our relentless advance towards our target to build or refurbish all key roads across the state by 2031. In line with this, we will spend a total of N213,120,267,000.00 in 2025.

    “Food inflation is a major component of core inflation in Nigeria. Consequently, food production is critical to moderation of the currently high levels of inflation in the Country. As a result, we will be spending up to N82,300,761,000.00 in the agricultural and agro-industrialisation sector this year.

    “In the area of Transport, we will be spending a total of N41,132,463,000.00 to expand Enugu Air with the acquisition of 4 additional aircraft. In addition, we will be consummating the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam international airport as well as the construction of an international cargo terminal. 

    “We will also be floating a new taxi scheme in collaboration with the private sector to modernize urban and inter-urban transportation for Ndi Enugu.

    Giving a breakdown of the state’s IGR and overall performance of the 2024 budget, the governor noted “a remarkable increase in the state’s IGR since the inception of this administration, explaining that while the state’s IGR stood at N26.8bn in 2022, the administration it by 39 per cent to N37.4bn at the end of 2023.

    “However, as at September 2024, the state’s IGR had drastically increased to ₦144.7bn, representing a 286.2 per cent increase, expressing confidence that it would surpass 200billion by the end of the year.

    “In terms of budgetary performance, the total revenue realised in the state as at October 2024 came to N459,851,309,396.47, which comes to a budget performance of 88%. Of this amount, N178,354,494,502.47 related to Statutory Receipts, while N136,700,000,000.00 related to Capital Receipts and N144,796,814,894.00 to Internally Generated Revenue.

    “As at October, these inflows had been applied to Expenditure with N382,427,929,564.00 as Capital Expenditure and N76,546,090,116.18 as Recurrent Expenditure. These translated to a budget performance of 88%. Additional revenues and Expenditure are still expected before the end of the year, with IGR envisaged to surpass the N200 billion mark.

    “While we may make bold to say that our progress in this past year is commendable given the odds that were arranged against the state economy, we are not yet ready to rest on our oars,” Mbah said.

    Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Uchenna Ugwu, has promised early passage of the budget by the House to sustain the governor’s development strides.

    “Because you have demonstrated enormous capacity; because you have exhibited enormous potential of the very fabric of our state’s economy, I want to assure you that the House of Assembly shall expeditiously consider this and give you the legal framework to continue flying high,” Ugwu stated.

  • ‘Probe the sack of UNIZIK governing council – Mbadiwe urges Tinubu 

    ‘Probe the sack of UNIZIK governing council – Mbadiwe urges Tinubu 

    By Daniel Usman 

    The Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe has called on President Bola Tinubu to probe the recent sack of Council by the Ministry of Education and to ascertain the authority of the signatory of the dissolution letter.

    Mbadiwe who spoke on behalf of other members of the Council made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen in Owerri over the recent dissolution of the Council said the council did nothing wrong in the appointment of both the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of the the institution. 

    The sacking of the Mbadiwe led Governing Council and officials of the University, The Guardian gathered followed reports that the Council appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor for the university without following due process.

    But Mbadiwe countered that the selection of the vice Chancellor and Registrar were legally done and all due process followed to the letter.

    He urged the President to review the situation with a view of saving his career and reputation and that of other members of the council from unwarranted destruction.

    He said, “My silence on the ongoing matters at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where I serve as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, should not be misconstrued as weakness or fear. It is a deliberate decision to allow justice to take its course”.

    “However, recent events, particularly the declaration of illegality concerning the properly constituted Committees of the Council tasked with selecting the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, which strictly adhered to the provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012 (as amended) and the abrupt dissolution of the University Council by the Ministry of Education compel me to speak out”.

    He continued, “During the appointment process for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar, all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Council and Senate, were fully involved and adequately represented. The Search Committee was properly constituted, with one external member of the Council serving as Chairman and four other internal members”.

    “The Selection Committees for both the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar were also duly and lawfully constituted in line with established regulations. It is important to note that the so-called aggrieved parties have already filed multiple cases in court, which are still ongoing. The court of law remains the highest arbiter of justice, law, equity, and fairness. Resolving these matters administratively, without regard for judicial processes or court orders, is not only unjust but also a grave miscarriage of justice”. 

    “Does this suggest that the authority of the court, as the ultimate institution for adjudicating justice, no longer holds sway in our beloved country, Nigeria? I respectfully disagree and take exception to such a notion”. 

    “Over the years, I have undertaken various other assignments for my country, far too numerous to list here. I hold my integrity in high regard and remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in all my endeavours”.

    “Finally with utmost respect and highest regard, I appeal to Mr President to save me and my reputation and meritorious services spanning nearly 3 decades from wonton destruction. I have served my country diligently and with all the strength it pleased the good Lord to avail to me.”

    “It’s therefore violation of ones rights that the ministry of Education acted without inviting the council to ask any questions or seek inputs in any aspect of the subject matter in question in a matter as critical as this”. he added.

    Recall that few days ago that, President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.

    In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the president on Information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga said, Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar”.

    Other four members of the dissolved council, are: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.

  • Ebonyi:  Gov. Nwifuru suspends 2 commissioners over gross misconduct, to miss Xmas largesse

    Ebonyi:  Gov. Nwifuru suspends 2 commissioners over gross misconduct, to miss Xmas largesse

    By Uchenna Okeh

    Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru on Tuesday, announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners for indulging in gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.

    The embattled Commissioners include; commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Francis Ori and commissioner for Health, Mr. Moses Ekuma

    Recall that the governor, Nwifuru had recently suspended the commissioner for water resources, Mr. Chinedu Nkah for the same reason of gross misconduct, bringing it to a total of 3 commissioners that are suspended.

    The Commissioner for information and state orientation, Mr. Jude Okpor made this known while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

    According to him: “Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three (3) months suspension of the Commissioner for Health respectively.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the embattled commissioners are to proceed for three months suspension, and thereby would miss the governor’s Christmas largesse and other benefits accruable to the state government officials.

    The governor, Nwifuru however ordered the embattled Commissioners to handover to the permanent secretary immediately.

    Ukpor stated further that: “The commissioners are to proceed on a three-month suspension are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Executive Secretaries of the State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency and that of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.

    “In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended Commissioner.

    “The suspended government officials are to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the Government on or before the close of work on Monday, November 25, 2024” he stated.

  • Minister of Defence, Abubakar reaffirms Tinubu’s efforts in restoring peace, economy in Nigeria 

    Minister of Defence, Abubakar reaffirms Tinubu’s efforts in restoring peace, economy in Nigeria 

    By Yagana Ali, Yola.

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration in restoring peace and stabilization of the nation’s economy through Public Private Partnership.

    He extolled the role of Public Private Partnership in the development of the Nigerian economy, adding that the role of the private sector was key to Nigeria’s development.

    Abubakar however, urged Nigerians to continue supporting the government with prayers, while maintaining confidence in the security forces, whose unwavering dedication is crucial to sustaining these achievements.

    The minister of defense, Abubakar made this known shortly after visiting the Dangote pavilion at the ongoing 2024 Kano international trade fair.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the pavilion of the Dangote Group at the ongoing 2024 Kano International Trade Fair has become Mecca of a sort, attracting a torrent of customers excited to make inquiries and purchases as the year winds down.

    The trade fair organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), with the themed “Non-Oil Export for Economic Prosperity,” aligns closely with Dangote Group’s vision of economic diversification.

    A statement from the Branding and Corporate Communications Department of the Dangote Group said the Trade Fair, running from November 23 to December 7, 2024, has seen the Dangote pavilion actively engage visitors with designated help desks addressing inquiries.

    It said: “Nigeria is a powerhouse for non-oil export, but only if it taps into its numerous resources and potentials.

    At Dangote, we have demonstrated this with our huge investments in fertiliser, sugar, salt and cement products spread across several African countries.”

    The company therefore urged participants to leverage on the opportunity to visit the company’s pavilion and take advantage of the various products on display which include: Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar and Dangote Salt and Dangote Fertiliser.

    Meanwhile, the president of the Chamber, Alhaji Garba Imam commended the Dangote Group for its support and partnership, adding that the company has been consistent in its sponsorship of the annual event.  

    Speaking to newsmen, the Director General of KACCIMA Alhaji Sabiu Umar Yola said: “The relationship between KACCIMA and Dangote has been very supportive and a great partnership.”

    He said that the theme for this year’s trade fair was meant to encourage Nigerians to source for other commodities for export instead of crude oil.

  • Women protest, demand release of 177 husbands jailed over war in Ebonyi 

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    Women in their great numbers on Monday, protested and demanded for the immediate release of their husbands numbering over 177 and currently languishing in Abakaliki prisons over the intractable war between Effium and Ezza

    in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the said war between the two communities started in 2021, with many lives lost and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.

    The last administration in the state made efforts to resolve the crisis but killings, maiming and destruction persisted. 

    Many people from the two communities were arrested, and remanded in prisons.

    The total number of  detainees is 177. 92 of them are Ezza while 85 are Effium.

    They have been awaiting trial for four years.

    About ten of them have reportedly died in detention while many have gone blind and some suffering different diseases for lack of medical care.

    NEDC donates dignity kit to vulnerable students in Adamawa 

    The women said life has become so difficult for them since their husbands and children who are among the detainees were remanded.

    They alleged that they have lost many children and husbands in detention and called on governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene and ensure that they are released 

    Mrs. Uguru Blessing, from Effium said she has been suffering for four years after her husband was sent to prison.

    “My husband has been in prison for over four years now and I don’t know what to do. 

    “I really appreciate our governor for the kind of peace he has brought in Effium. I am so happy, I really appreciate him, he is a good man.

    “One thing I am begging him, he should please help us. We are suffering, we are dying. My husband left four children for me and since then, I don’t know what I am doing. The load of two people has turned to one person.

    “My children have dropped out of school, they are at home because of my inability to pay their school fees. Our governor should please help us so that our husbands can be released “, she said 

    On her part, Mrs  Kindness Ekpeta from  Ezza, commended governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring peace in Effium and appealed to him to intervene in the imprisonment of their husbands and children so that they can be released.

    She alleged that over 10  of their husbands and children in the prison have died while those that are alive are now very sick.

    “I went there last Sunday to visit them and I shed tears because many of them are sick, many are blind because of lack of care. 

    “My promise to our governor is that we will continue to be supportive for bringing peace in Effium”, she stated.

    Other women including  Mrs Martha Nworie and Mrs Virginia Ufuo from Ezza, lamented that the detention of their husbands and children have brought untold hardship for them as they can no longer care for their children. 

    They also appealed to governor Nwifuru to assist in releasing them even as they commended him for restoring peace to the area.

  • Minimum wage: NLC embarks on 2-day warning strike in C’River 

         …as Gov Otu appeals for understanding 

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, cross river state chapter has embarked on two day warning strike action as a result of the state government’s inability to implement the 70,000 naira minimum wage.

    This was contained in their bulletin dated 20th Nov. 2024 and signed by the action committee.

    It reads; whereas organized labour in the state having listened to briefings from their representatives in the state minimum wage implementation committee and having deliberated on the issue resolved that all workers in cross river state should commence on a two day warning strike action beginning from midnight of Sunday 24th of Nov, 2014

    A member of the labour committee who wanted to remain anonymous told our reporter that the organized labour is angry because the government is not forthcoming with the implementation of the minimum wage.

    At the meeting of the negotiating committee with the government last week, it was gathered that government wants to buy time as against the expectations of labour 

    Recalled that the national leadership of NLC had already directed workers whose State Government are yet to comply with the implementation of the minimum wage in the country to embark on strike action from December I, 2024.

    Meanwhile, the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has called on organized labor in the state to reconsider its planned two-day warning strike scheduled to commence from midnight on Sunday, the 24th of November, to Tuesday, the 26th of November, 2024.  

    Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, made this appeal during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly held on Saturday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.  

    “Governor Otu prioritizes the welfare of the workforce,” Odey stated. “In light of this, I appeal to the leadership of organized labor, along with all affiliates of the NLC and TUC, to suspend their planned state-wide strike, and I enjoin them to support the Governor in his quest to improve the lot of our people.”  

    Highlighting the progress made since the inception of the Solemn Assembly, Odey emphasized that Governor Otu is committed to building a better Cross River for the benefit of all citizens. 

    He urged Cross Riverians to sustain their support and prayers for the administration to achieve its ‘People First’ mantra in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu at the federal level.  

    Speaking further, Odey intimated that Governor Otu is committed to improving conditions for both serving and retired workers. 

    These include clearing backlogs of gratuities, regularizing pension payments, and implementing overdue worker promotions. 

    He also mentioned that Cross River State is committed to paying even above the recommended ₦70,000 new national minimum wage.  

  • Bauchi: Gov. Bala calls for  total reform in Nigeria’s financial architecture

    AJIYAAYUBA, Bauchi 

    The governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir has called for a total reform in Nigeria’s financial architecture by accelerating domestic resource mobilization through tax administration.

    Bala  made this known during the presentation of the 2025 proposal budget estimate N465bn at the Bauchi State House of Assembly complex. 

    He said that the new policy direction taken by the Federal Government, though essential, had in the short-term added to already intense pressures on households and firms. 

    The governor noted that, It had significantly disrupted economic activities, contributing to a challenging business environment that had resulted in the exit of multinational companies and the closure of over 200 local manufacturing firms within a year.

    He further said that the African Development Bank is supporting the introduction of an integrated unique identification system aimed at improving tax compliance.

    Ebonyi: Fear of the ex-PDP Guber candidate, Odii, beginning of Political Wisdom

    “Nigeria also faces exorbitant financing costs in global financial markets, with its 30-year bond trading at a double-digit yield of 11.11% in January 2023 (and 10.58% in April 2024) compared with 8.25% at issue in 2021. 

    “Nigeria was unable to mobilize financing from the Eurobond market in 2023 though plans are on going to issue Eurobonds and Islamic sukuk bonds as part of the funding arrangement for the 2024 budget”

    “While stabilizing the macroeconomy, it has become critical to protect the poor and the economically insecure by deliberate policy aimed at enhancing the social protection framework. Poverty is high and rising with a high rate of unemployment. 

    “Sustained poverty reduction depends on creating wage jobs through macro-fiscal stability, growth, and private sector development, complemented by building human capital. Policy initiatives for women and youth are also anticipated to improve the labour market’s poverty-reducing potential”

    “The foregoing has given rise to major concerns upon which we have argued over the last few months. As sub-nationals, we had initially supported the federal government in the roll-out of these polices. We strongly believe, however, that empathy and strong consideration must be given to the plight of citizens in the implementation of the reforms”

    “Rising prices require palliatives including cash transfers and grains to be provided to cushion the effect of the reforms. The impact and adequacy of the palliatives provided, in view of the needs and additional shocks caused by incessant flooding that had affected lives and livelihoods of citizens across the country, had not been commensurate. There is the need for the Federal Government to scale up the intervention measures it had introduced”

    “In respect of the proposed tax reforms, it is important to note that trust deficit between citizens and Governments has been the bane in revenue generation in the country. This needs to be addressed with effective and more efficient deployment of revenues to meet citizens needs in infrastructure and services”

    “Greater care must be taken to note the rate at which more Nigerians have been driven into the poverty zone. The reforms should be targeted appropriately where the weaknesses are while proper, sustained consultation and public enlightenment should be made to carry citizens along”

    According to the governor, senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir said that “In terms of outlook and risks, economic growth is projected to increase to 3.2% by the end of 2024 and 3.4% in 2025, due to improved security, higher oil production, and stronger consumer demand. Inflation is expected to rise to 33.5% by the end of 2024, driven by higher food prices and continued depreciation of the naira, before moderating to 20.7% in 2025 as inflationary pressures abate”

    “The fiscal deficit, financed by domestic borrowing, is projected to narrow to 4.3% of GDP in 2024 and 4.1% in 2025 as both oil and non oil revenues improve. The current account surplus is expected to improve to 3.0% of GDP in 2024 and 3.6% in 2025 due to higher oil exports. Headwinds include insecurity, lower oil production, rising fuel and food prices, and further exchange rate depreciation.Tailwinds include new oil production from the Dangote refinery, which is expected to lower energy prices as it starts supplying the local market” he stated.

  • Gov Bala presents 2025 budget estimate of  N465bn to State Assembly for approval

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

    Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir of Bauchi State on Thursday presented the 2025 budget proposal estimated at N465bn to the state House of Assembly for approval.

    The governor presented the budget at the Bauchi State House of Assembly complex. Said that the sum of N465,085,248,317.12 has been Budgeted for Capital and Recurrent services during the 2025 fiscal year. This comprises Recurrent Expenditure of N182,743,925,931.60 representing 39.3% while Capital Expenditure receives the sum of N282,341,322,385.52 which represents 60.7%.

    “The 2025 proposed Budget is 18% higher than the budget I presented in for 2024 as well as the Supplementary Budget considered by the House within the year. The increase is attributable to the increased revenue arising from the reforms embarked upon and the upward inflationary trends associated with the depreciating state of the local currency. This implies an increase in prices upon which our projects and programmes will be implemented.  The adoption of this conservative approach is to ensure that projects and programmes captured are appropriately costed”

    “The process of the preparation of the budget has been all inclusive. Budget Public Hearings were conducted in the three Senatorial Zones where inputs from Stakeholders were elicited and incorporated into the Budget proposal”

    “The sum of N465,085,248,317.12 has been Budgeted for Capital and Recurrent services during the 2025 fiscal year. This comprises of Recurrent Expenditure of N182,743,925,931.60 representing 39.3% while Capital Expenditure receives the sum of N282,341,322,385.52 which represents 60.7%”

    “The 2025 proposed Budget is 18% higher than the budget I presented in for 2024 as well as the Supplementary Budget considered by the House within the year.

    ” The increase is attributable to the increased revenue arising from the reforms embarked upon and the upward inflationary trends associated with the depreciating state of the local currency. 

    “This implies an increase in prices upon which our projects and programmes will be implemented.  The adoption of this conservative approach is to ensure that projects and programmes captured are appropriately costed”

    “The process of the preparation of the budget has been all inclusive. Budget Public Hearings were conducted in the three Senatorial Zones where inputs from Stakeholders were elicited and incorporated into the Budget proposal”

    “We will continue to work to ensure that the prevailing peace, security and protection of lives and properties of citizens is guaranteed. Our absolute trust is, indeed, in the Almighty Allah in Whom we truly believe”

    The governor senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir expressed his appreciation to the Bauchi state House of Assembly for their  rapt attention to the presentation of the 2025 Budget proposals. 

    He appeals to the Honourable Members to expedite action towards passing the budget to enable the planned government implement the programmes and projects.

  • ‘You can’t usurp Court powers  in my appointment’ -Odoh hits back at Education Minister

    ‘You can’t usurp Court powers  in my appointment’ -Odoh hits back at Education Minister

    By Uchenna Okeh

    The vice chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Benard Odoh on Thursday called on the federal ministry of Education not to be desperate in trying to set the institution on fire, or  attempting to usurp the powers of the courts before whom are multiple lawsuits on the matter and shouldn’t run into conclusion without evidence.

    Odoh made this known while reacting to a statement credited to the federal Ministry of Education which was signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade and titled ‘Dissolution of Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka’.

    The vice chancellor, Odoh  in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Charles Otu described the letter purporting his sack and dissolution of the governing council of the varsity as mischievous, strange and a grievous attempt to set the institution on fire.

    He insisted that the constitution of the university’s governing council and the appointment of the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor followed due process.

    Odoh said that the said letter is contemptuous having regard that the subject matter of the said letter is subjudice, “Incidentally, MInistry of Education is a party in  Suit No: NICN/ABJ/383/2024  and also in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/372/2024 where legality or otherwise of the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University by the Council was submitted to the National Industrial Court to determine and the Court is yet to make pronouncement. 

    “This notwithstanding, the Ministry of Education without an iota of respect to the Court proceeded and passed its judgment. Meanwhile the Ministry of Education is a Defendant in the above suits with no counter claim. This is unprecedented.

    The vice chancellor, Odoh however stated as follows: “Has there been any crises needless to allude ‘breakdown of law and order’ in the institution since the subsequent inauguration into office of the Seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University? 

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    “The simple answer is that the Awka temple of knowledge just like it’s sister campuses have been very calm and peaceful and the Vice-Chancellor has been discharging his duties effectively without rancour. It can even be safe to conclude that the Ministry, ostensibly working for some fifth columnists may want to ignite or spark crises with its highly dictatorial treatise.

    “Again, for the second time in less than three weeks, the Ministry of Education violated the extant provisions of the University’s Act by announcing for the second time, a purported removal from office of the Seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university which we still insist it has no powers to do, not especially when parties are already in the various Courts of Law.

    “Top among the many other flaws in the purported ‘sack letter’ is the fact that even the Council’s Chairman who was duly appointed with a letter has not been officially or formally communicated about this purported dissolution. 

    “Already, the greatest question mark on the integrity of the purported letter is the fact that it never emanated from the President or Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who issued the council members with appointment letters. 

    “It was rather strangely endorsed, not by a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry perhaps on behalf of the Honourable Minister but by a Public Relations Director. This obviously casts strong doubts on the genuineness and intents of the said letter.

    “We would wish to maintain that since parties have remained in Court, let the issues be expeditiously tested and established by the relevant provisions of our laws” he stressed.

    He however, called on the general public, particularly members of the university community, to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses, and also urged them to as well maintain peace and order in the area.