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Wike Defends N1.78trn FCT Budget, Seeks Senate Backing for Project Commissionings

By
Toyin Adebayo
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…Says 85% of Capital Funds Target Inherited Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday defended the FCT Administration’s proposed 2025 statutory budget of ₦1.78 trillion before the Senate Committees on FCT and FCT Area Councils, emphasizing that 85% of the capital allocation is earmarked for completing ongoing and inherited projects across the Territory.

Presenting the proposal at the National Assembly, Wike explained that the budget is structured to prioritize infrastructural continuity, service delivery, and fiscal responsibility, especially in both city and satellite areas.

“Eighty-five percent of the capital budget is for completing projects we inherited—some dating back to 2010. It doesn’t matter who awarded them. What matters is who completes them,” he stated.

The budget includes ₦1.29 trillion for capital expenditure (72.33%) and ₦494 billion for recurrent spending, aligning with global best practices that favor investment in infrastructure.

Wike, joined by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud and senior FCTA officials, commended the National Assembly’s support, attributing the FCTA’s 85% budget performance in 2024 to legislative collaboration.

Using a local proverb, Wike said, “If the monkey jumps, it’s because the tree is close. What you see happening in the FCT is due to the synergy between this committee and the administration.”

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a 19-day window for commissioning completed projects across key sectors such as transportation, education, and public services, including in satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji, and AMAC.

Highlighting the new National Conference Centre as a major milestone, Wike urged lawmakers to attend its unveiling. “We can’t be the giant of Africa by mouth alone. Our infrastructure must reflect it,” he said, referencing past embarrassment during the ECOWAS Parliament event at the aging International Conference Centre.

Wike also clarified FCT revenue streams, distinguishing between distributable funds and restricted inflows such as the China Exim Bank loan for the Abuja Light Rail and the UBEC counterpart fund.

Compared to the ₦1.66 trillion revised 2024 budget, the 2025 proposal is higher by ₦115 billion, driven by stronger revenue performance. Personnel costs also rose slightly—from ₦140 billion to ₦150 billion—due to promotions and new appointments.

The Minister assured lawmakers of formal invitations to project commissioning events but stressed that their oversight role already earned them a central place in the FCT’s success.

“Even if you visit unannounced, you’ll see this isn’t TV talk. This is real service,” he said.

Senate Endorses Completion-Focused Budget

Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, commended the FCTA’s record 85% budget implementation in 2024.

He highlighted that ₦1.089 trillion—85% of the capital allocation—is directed toward ongoing projects, with only ₦200.77 billion set aside for new initiatives, confirming the administration’s focus on project completion.

“This is a budget of consolidation. We must prioritize completing what has already begun over initiating new white-elephant projects,” he said.

Bomai thanked the Ministers and FCT officials for their transparency and commitment, pledging the Senate’s continued support through diligent oversight.

The Senate will continue reviewing the proposal before forwarding its recommendations to the Appropriation Committee for inclusion in the national budget.

Reps Committees Propose Five Key Bills to Address Oil Sector Challenges

By
Uche Kingsley
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In a decisive move to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Crude Oil Theft have unveiled plans to introduce five strategic bills targeting persistent challenges in the industry.

Chairman of both committees, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, made the disclosure during a joint session held on Tuesday, describing the proposed legislation as a unified response to rampant crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and regulatory lapses.

“One of the bills will create a statutory commission specifically tasked with tackling pipeline vandalism and prosecuting oil-related crimes,” Doguwa announced. “The worsening insecurity in oil-producing areas demands a structured and proactive legislative solution.”

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the two committees, pointing out that although they have distinct mandates, their core focus on crude oil production and security aligns.

“While one committee zeroes in on theft and sabotage, the other oversees exploration and export activities. By harmonizing our efforts, we can deliver more robust and coherent legislative outcomes,” Doguwa stated.

Among the five bills is a proposed legislation, backed by the Speaker of the House, seeking to establish a regulatory commission for the decommissioning of oil installations—a process that has raised environmental and accountability concerns, especially among host communities.

“The current administration recognizes the importance of properly managing decommissioned oil infrastructure,” Doguwa said. “But the absence of a clear regulatory framework has stalled progress. This bill aims to introduce transparency and ensure host communities are meaningfully engaged.”

He noted that although the bills will be sponsored by different members of the House, they represent a coordinated and unified effort by the National Assembly.

“Each bill may have an individual sponsor, but collectively, they represent our shared resolve to confront the systemic challenges facing the oil and gas industry. It’s a joint legislative response to a national imperative,” Doguwa concluded.

Alleged $35m Fraud: EFCC Opens Trial Against Oil Tycoon Akintoye Akindele

By
Udehi Alambo
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0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday commenced the trial of oil magnate, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, at the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged $35 million fraud involving funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Akindele is facing a four-count charge alongside two corporate entities—Platform Capital Investment Partners Ltd and Duport Midstream Company Ltd—in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/641/2024.

According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly diverted funds paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment for infrastructure projects in Brass, Bayelsa State, including a modular refinery and jetty.

The anti-graft agency alleged that between December 2020 and February 2021, Akindele and Platform Capital dishonestly retained $16,006,000, which was part of the funds paid by NCDMB, knowing it to be proceeds of unlawful activity—an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

In another count, the EFCC accused the defendants of indirectly using $9,048,725 from the same pool of funds, while also alleging that Akindele and Duport retained $784,681 and $220,000 in separate transactions, all believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC presented its first prosecution witness, Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Led in evidence by EFCC counsel R.U. Adagba, Goli testified that he wrote a petition to the EFCC after observing that little to no work had been done on the Brass project site 24 months after the full disbursement of funds.

According to Goli, the then Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, had confirmed that $30 million had been paid for the project, yet the only visible development on the ground was land clearing and a non-functional jetty. He added that the caravans used by Atlantic Ltd for accommodation had been overtaken by reptiles.

Under cross-examination by Akindele’s counsel, Chief A.O. Okeaya-Inneh (SAN), Goli denied claims that Brass was a difficult terrain, asserting there was no security issue that would have hindered the project.

Asked whether he was aware that the $35 million was meant as equity investment rather than total project funding, Goli said he only knew what the NCDMB secretary told them—that the funds had been fully paid for the project.

He also admitted not being an investigator and could not confirm whether the EFCC was prosecuting NCDMB officials or whether the agency had filed a petition on the matter.

When cross-examined by counsel for the second and third defendants, Mr. B.J. Akomolafe (SAN), Goli admitted that he did not come across Duport Midstream during his inquiries, and that he had no direct evidence of any funds paid to them.

After the cross-examination, EFCC counsel sought an adjournment to call the next witness. An application by Akindele’s counsel for permission to allow his client travel for medical reasons could not proceed as the prosecution’s counter-affidavit was not before the court.

Justice Ekerete Akpan subsequently adjourned the case to July 10 and 15 for continuation of trial.

MPC: CBN Retains MPR at 27.50%, CRR at 50%, Liquidity Ratio at 30%

By
Grace Itodu
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27.50 percent following the 300th meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), held on May 19 and 20, 2025, in Abuja.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced that all committee members unanimously agreed to hold the benchmark interest rate steady, while maintaining the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +500/-100 basis points.

Other key policy parameters were also retained. The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for Deposit Money Banks remains at 50.00 percent, for Merchant Banks at 16.00 percent, and the Liquidity Ratio at 30.00 percent.

The MPC, while noting progress in Nigeria’s monetary and economic indicators, called on the fiscal authorities to intensify efforts to boost foreign exchange earnings, especially from oil, gas, and non-oil exports. It expressed concern over the recent decline in crude oil prices, driven by increased output from non-OPEC countries and global monetary policy uncertainties—particularly in the U.S.—which pose challenges to Nigeria’s fiscal revenues and budget implementation.

Despite these risks, the committee reaffirmed confidence in the stability of Nigeria’s banking system, citing improvements in performance indicators and ongoing recapitalization efforts. The MPC urged the CBN to sustain rigorous oversight to ensure compliance with regulatory and macroprudential standards.

The decision to maintain current rates, according to Cardoso, reflects the committee’s cautious stance amidst a volatile global economic environment. Members emphasized the need to allow more time to monitor trends and assess the impact of previous policy measures.

On inflation, the MPC noted a positive trend. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), year-on-year headline inflation declined to 23.71 percent in April 2025 from 24.23 percent in March. Month-on-month inflation also dropped to 1.86 percent in April from 3.90 percent in March. Food inflation eased to 21.26 percent in April, down from 21.79 percent, while core inflation slowed to 23.39 percent from 24.43 percent.

Real GDP grew by 3.84 percent in Q4 2024, up from 3.46 percent in Q3, driven by gains in both oil and non-oil sectors, particularly services.

Additionally, Nigeria’s gross external reserves rose by 2.85 percent to $38.90 billion as of May 16, 2025, up from $37.82 billion at the end of March, representing an import cover of 7.6 months.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to policies aimed at stabilizing inflation and the exchange rate, while fostering sustainable economic growth.

Over 38% of Nigerian Adults Battling Hypertension, Cardiologist Tells Lawmakers

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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A Professor of Cardiology at the University of Abuja, Prof. Dike Orji, has raised alarm over the high prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria, revealing that 38.1% of Nigerian adults are affected by the condition. He described hypertension as one of the most pervasive yet poorly managed health challenges in the country.

Addressing lawmakers during a House of Representatives plenary on Tuesday, Prof. Orji, who spoke on behalf of the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance of Nigeria, stressed the urgent need to include hypertension treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), citing the high cost of care and its impact on household finances.

He warned that nearly 40% of Nigerians over the age of 18 are at risk of developing hypertension, yet awareness, diagnosis, and effective management remain dangerously low.

The cardiologist also drew attention to the growing burden of diabetes, noting a 5.7% prevalence among adults, with rates particularly higher in urban areas due to poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity. Most cases, he added, are Type 2 diabetes.

Calling for strategic action, Prof. Orji urged the federal government to:

Create a dedicated budget line for NCDs,

Meet the 15% Abuja Declaration target for health funding,

Integrate NCD services into primary healthcare,

Complete and publish the pending NCD STEP survey, and

Establish a standing committee on hypertension and diabetes.

He further recommended pooled procurement and local manufacturing of NCD medications, including antihypertensives, to reduce costs and improve accessibility. Repurposing funds meant for medical outreaches towards expanding NHIS coverage for NCD patients at the primary care level, he said, would be a more sustainable solution.

Prof. Orji, who also serves as lead investigator at the Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Abuja, highlighted that Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) account for 31% of adult health conditions in Nigeria, while strokes—largely caused by unmanaged hypertension—result in 29 deaths per 100,000 people annually.

“NCDs do not spare anyone, not even lawmakers,” he warned. “Data shows lawmakers may even be at greater cardiovascular risk. These diseases cause 29% of all deaths in Nigeria and lead to 22% of adults dying prematurely. Households are spending up to 24% of food-related income on NCD treatments.”

Despite having several NCD-related policies, including the 1992 Health Sector Plan and the 2019 National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP), Prof. Orji lamented that implementation remains weak. The NMSAP targets include reducing hypertension by 25%, increasing screening coverage to 80%, and cutting salt consumption by 30%.

He cited successes recorded by the Nigeria Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI), supported by AstraZeneca, which has raised hypertension control rates in the FCT and 19 other states from 23% to 57% over three years.

Prof. Orji concluded by emphasizing that patients enrolled in health insurance programs are more likely to adhere to treatment and show better health outcomes, urging lawmakers to support the expansion of NHIS to cover NCD care at scale.

Don’t Carry Out Defection Threat, PDP Urges South East Chapter

By
Roland Edet
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to its South East chapter not to follow through on its threat to exit the party over unresolved internal issues.

The warning came days after the South East bloc, backing Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, vowed to dump the PDP if its demand for recognition is ignored.

On Tuesday, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum—represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja—received the caucus’ resolution at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

While addressing the delegation, Damagum urged the South East leaders to remain committed to dialogue, emphasizing that the party remains the most inclusive and grassroots-based political platform in the country.

He called for calm and assured them that their concerns would be addressed in line with party procedures and fairness.

Details later…

Gas Explosion Rocks Alake Sports Complex in Abeokuta

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

A gas explosion rocked the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, just after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, sending shockwaves through one of the major venues of the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State.

Eyewitnesses reported that a gas truck supplying fuel to the complex’s generating set suddenly went up in flames, causing panic among athletes, officials, and spectators in the vicinity.

Security operatives and emergency responders quickly moved to the scene and are currently battling to contain the fire. As of the time of filing this report, there are no confirmed reports of casualties.

The extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and festival organizers are expected to release a formal statement soon.

More details to follow.

PDP Senate Caucus Dismisses Defection Fears, Reaffirms Party’s Strength

By
Roland Edet
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0

Amidst a wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senate Caucus of the PDP on Tuesday declared that the party remains unshaken and robust at the grassroots. Speaking after plenary in Abuja, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), said the party was neither intimidated nor weakened by the exit of governors, senators, and lawmakers, insisting that PDP’s strength lies in its widespread grassroots appeal.

“We are not rattled,” Moro said. “We remain confident that the ordinary party members across the country still believe in the PDP. No amount of defection by political elites will erase the party’s connection to the people. Our optimism is high that the reconciliation committee led by Senator Bukola Saraki has the capacity to resolve or minimize all internal issues within the party.”

While acknowledging the recent defections as a challenge, the caucus described them as temporary setbacks that do not diminish the PDP’s stature as a national political force. Moro assured that the party was actively engaging in reconciliation processes, planning zonal congresses, and preparing for a national convention to usher in new leadership. Flanked by Senators Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Abdul Ningi, and others, Moro emphasized that PDP remains Nigeria’s leading opposition and a strong alternative to the ruling party.

On the prospect of political coalitions, the caucus welcomed the idea but maintained that such alliances must be party-led, not driven by individual ambitions. “As Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, our umbrella is big enough to accommodate all groups desiring a united front,” Moro said. Responding to questions on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s olive branch to Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Moro clarified that Atiku, like any politician, has the right to seek alliances, but the Senate caucus’s statement was focused on party direction, not personal ambitions. The caucus concluded by urging party members to remain loyal, warning that the celebration of opposition party disintegration only threatens democracy.

Outrage in Ibadan as Police Stray Bullet Kills Student, Oyo Assembly Demands Justice

By
Gladys Phillip
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Tension gripped parts of Ibadan on Tuesday following the tragic death of a secondary school student, Taiwo, who was fatally struck by a stray police bullet along the Gbagi/Alakia road. The boy was being driven to school by his father when the incident occurred, allegedly during a police chase targeting suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys.”

Narrating the ordeal through tears, the bereaved father explained that he had been stopped by officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) for driving against traffic while taking his twin sons and their older brother to school. During the encounter, policemen pursuing a vehicle stormed the scene. “I was pleading and explaining that we were late for an exam when I suddenly heard a gunshot,” he said. “Before I knew it, my son was bleeding and gasping for air.” Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Taiwo was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The tragic incident sparked immediate protests as enraged residents, commercial motorcyclists, and traders marched to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, carrying the lifeless body of the teenager and demanding justice. The demonstration led to heightened security around the premises. In swift response, the Oyo State House of Assembly, during plenary, condemned the killing as “painful and avoidable.” Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, raised the matter under urgent public importance, confirming the student was en route to his WAEC examination when the bullet struck. The House called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the officer responsible, as well as financial and psychological support for the grieving family. A committee led by the Deputy Speaker was constituted to engage the State Commissioner of Police, while the Assembly urged the Inspector General of Police to enforce stricter control over the use of firearms and prioritize the training of officers in responsible suspect apprehension.

PDP Appeals to South East Not to Dump Party Over National Secretary Dispute

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday appealed to its South East chapter not to carry out its threat to exit the party over unresolved issues surrounding the position of the National Secretary.

The appeal follows a resolution reached at a recent meeting of the South East PDP caucus in Enugu, where members expressed strong dissatisfaction with the party’s delay in officially recognizing Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary. The caucus warned it could consider severing ties with the PDP if its demand was not addressed.

Receiving the resolution at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum — represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja — urged the South East leaders to remain calm and committed to the unity of the party.

Damagum assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be thoroughly reviewed and that justice would be done. He emphasized that the matter would be deliberated upon by the National Working Committee (NWC) and forwarded to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for next week.

Addressing the delegation, Arapaja said:

> “I understand your frustration. But in any political family, disagreements are inevitable. This is a party of the people — where every voice matters. Let’s not abandon our house simply because the roof is leaking. Together, we can fix it.”

He described the PDP as a democratic platform where members can freely express their views and urged the South East not to allow the disagreement weaken their longstanding commitment to the party.

> “This is a zone that has always stood with the PDP. You have made sacrifices for the party. I believe we will find a solution that restores confidence and morale.”

Earlier, the leader of the South East PDP caucus and Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, formally presented the region’s resolution, reaffirming their unanimous endorsement of Rt. Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye — a former National Youth Leader of the party — as their preferred candidate for the role of National Secretary.

Ngwu reminded the NWC that the South East remains a stronghold of the PDP, having consistently delivered electoral victories in past elections, and urged the party not to ignore the zone’s request.

> “We’re not creating a new precedent. There are examples in the past where NWC members were replaced based on zonal consensus. We ask for fairness. This is about reviving the confidence of our people and charting a path of recovery for the PDP,” Ngwu said.

He appealed to the leadership to treat the matter on its merit and act in the collective interest of the party’s future, warning that failure to address the issue could alienate one of PDP’s most loyal zones.

The PDP is expected to make a decision on the matter at its NEC meeting in the coming days.

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