Nigeria’s public debt has climbed to ₦152 trillion, but the surge is not the result of fresh borrowing, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has clarified.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook Report in Lagos, Edun said the headline figure largely reflects transparency reforms and exchange rate adjustments rather than fiscal recklessness.
According to him, about ₦30 trillion of the debt represents previously unrecorded Ways and Means advances that have now been formally captured, while nearly ₦49 trillion resulted from the revaluation of Nigeria’s foreign-denominated obligations following naira devaluation under ongoing economic reforms.
Edun stressed that Nigeria’s debt profile remains sustainable, noting that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has improved to 36.1 per cent—one of the lowest in Africa and well below global averages.
“Our debt figures reflect transparency and exchange rate correction, not reckless borrowing,” he said, urging the media and the public to focus on debt sustainability ratios rather than absolute figures.
The minister said the clarification underscores Nigeria’s transition from economic stabilisation to consolidation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted key gains recorded in 2025, including a drop in inflation from 33.18 per cent in 2024 to 14.45 per cent by November 2025, GDP growth of 3.78 per cent by the third quarter, external reserves of $45.5 billion, naira stability below ₦1,500 to the dollar and a ₦19.33 trillion trade surplus in the first nine months of the year.
Edun also noted improved fiscal discipline, with the budget deficit contained at 3.4 per cent of GDP, stronger non-oil revenue performance and 84 per cent implementation of the 2024 capital budget despite oil revenue shortfalls. He added that states benefited from increased federal allocations.
Looking ahead to 2026, the minister projected GDP growth of 4.68 per cent, inflation averaging 16.5 per cent and naira stability around ₦1,400 per dollar.
He said the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience, and Shared Prosperity,” will devote ₦26 trillion—44 per cent of total spending—to capital projects, financed through a carefully managed 4 per cent deficit.
Edun disclosed that structural reforms, including full digitalisation of revenue collection, improved treasury transparency, elimination of leakages and a pro-poor tax regime, would strengthen debt management and drive inclusive growth.
“Nigeria cannot afford to pause or retreat. The task now is to turn stability into sustained, inclusive and job-rich growth,” he said, adding that the reforms are expected to translate into lower food prices, better infrastructure, more jobs and stronger social protection.
Prominent Nigerian leaders, including Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), Prof. Jerry Gana, Senator David Mark, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and former SGF, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, on Thursday converged in Abuja to honour late renowned educationist and former vice-chancellor, Prof. David Adamu Baikie, describing him as a towering source of inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
Prof. Baikie, who died at the age of 94, was celebrated for his rare integrity, selfless service and enduring contributions to education in Nigeria and across Africa.
Chairman of the occasion, Lt. Gen. Danjuma, described the late academic as a man of exceptional character and leadership, urging Nigerian youths to emulate his life of honesty, discipline and dedication to service.
Danjuma said Prof. Baikie’s record as Vice-Chancellor of three universities—the University of Benin, the University of Lesotho and Nasarawa State University—remains unmatched, noting that his legacy would continue to shape the nation’s educational system.
“We are here to celebrate a life richly lived and generously given in service to Nigeria and Africa. His legacy of excellence, humility and integrity must inspire our youths,” Danjuma said.
Also speaking, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, called on Northern leaders and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to immortalise Baikie through a special scholarship scheme dedicated to training teachers.
According to Yayale, Prof. Baikie was a pillar of Nigeria’s education sector, spending over 60 years shaping academic development, particularly at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“Professor Baikie was a professional teacher who produced professional teachers. His impact on education in Northern Nigeria is immeasurable,” he said.
Prof. Jerry Gana, in his tribute, described the late scholar as a builder of men of character and distinction, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin helped entrench academic excellence and institutional growth.
He noted that Baikie’s contributions extended beyond Nigeria, adding that his leadership and ideas helped strengthen universities across Africa.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Senate President David Mark, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II (who joined virtually), and several political, traditional and academic leaders, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the late educationist’s life of service, faith and commitment to national development.
The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has moved to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency healthcare delivery, calling for closer collaboration among the FCT Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (FCT-EMSAS), the National Hospital Abuja and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
At a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday, NEMSAS assured Nigerians of improved emergency response, faster claims reimbursement and free emergency treatment for vulnerable patients within the first 48 hours of care.
National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr. Doubra Emuren, said emergency healthcare funding is provided through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) under the National Health Act, with special focus on the poor and vulnerable.
He explained that unconscious patients, unidentified victims and those brought in by good Samaritans are entitled to free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours at designated facilities, including the National Hospital Abuja and FMC Jabi. Ambulance services, he added, can also be accessed at no cost through the 112 emergency number.
To address long-standing delays in reimbursement, Emuren announced the rollout of a digital claims management system, developed with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He said the new system would replace manual processes, reduce errors and curb fraudulent claims.
Under the arrangement, claims will be submitted monthly, digitally verified and paid by the second week of the following month, boosting transparency and efficiency across participating hospitals and states.
Emuren also revealed plans to position the National Hospital Abuja as a major emergency response training hub for frontline responders, expressing confidence that the reforms would reduce preventable deaths from accidents, trauma and other life-threatening emergencies.
Responding, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Isiaka Lawal, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step towards improved coordination among emergency service providers.
Lawal said quicker reimbursement of claims would ease pressure on the hospital’s limited resources and help sustain quality emergency care, assuring Nigerians that emergency victims would receive treatment within the first 48 hours, regardless of their ability to pay.
The meeting also reviewed ambulance tariffs, emergency treatment committees and national standards, as part of efforts to fully integrate the National Hospital into Nigeria’s emergency medical response system.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has paid glowing tributes to late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, describing his death as a painful loss to Nasarawa State, the party and Nigeria.
Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, died penultimate week at an Indian hospital at the age of 52.
At a tribute night organised by the SDP National Working Committee in Lafia, party leaders and stakeholders hailed the late lawmaker as a man of integrity, courage and uncommon dedication to public service.
Born in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Akwashiki was first elected senator in 2019 and returned in 2023. He had earlier served in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he rose to Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker.
In the Senate, he chaired the Committee on Air Force and also served as Chairman, Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, and Vice Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs.
SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, described Akwashiki as a “shining star” whose leadership style was anchored on accountability, compassion and service to the people.
Gombe revealed that shortly before his death, the senator had expressed worries over his failing health and even considered stepping aside to ensure effective representation for his constituents, a move he described as rare and patriotic.
Other speakers, including Senator Suleiman Adokwe and Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, praised Akwashiki’s commitment to grassroots development and impactful constituency projects, noting that he would be remembered as one of the state’s most effective lawmakers.
The event ended with prayers for the repose of his soul and calls for leaders to emulate his values of integrity, selflessness and service.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has vowed to sustain its ongoing withdrawal of medical services over what it described as the worsening insecurity in the state, insisting that its abducted member must be rescued unhurt before doctors return to work.
The association said the strike action would continue indefinitely until the doctor, who was kidnapped in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, is safely released.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, and the State Secretary, Dr. Iluobe Inegbenosun, condemned the prevailing security situation and called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently overhaul the state’s security architecture.
According to the association, the proposed restructuring should prioritise the integration of local vigilante groups into formal security arrangements, backed by strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to effectively tackle the rising wave of insecurity across the state.
Dr. Oseghale said the decision to extend the service withdrawal was taken after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, stressing that the safety of healthcare workers and the general public must not be compromised.
“We insist that the security of lives and property is paramount and should not be taken lightly. Our member who was abducted in Auchi must be released unhurt. Until then, we will continue the withdrawal of our services,” he said.
He added that the continued strike was necessary not only to secure the release of the kidnapped doctor but also to draw attention to the broader security challenges confronting Edo State.
The NMA chairman also expressed concern over what he described as the intimidation of doctors in the state, warning that such actions could further escalate the dispute.
The association urged the Edo State Government to demonstrate, as a matter of urgency, a clear commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that the crisis could deepen if decisive action is not taken.
It further warned that private medical practitioners in the state may join the strike if there is no speedy resolution to the matter, a development that could significantly worsen access to healthcare services in Edo State.
Support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid gathered momentum on Wednesday as the Tinubu Impact Movement (TIM) publicly endorsed his leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, unveiling what it described as an evidence-based scorecard of the administration’s performance across key sectors.
At a well-attended press conference in Abuja, leaders of the movement presented a midterm assessment of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that the administration’s early and often difficult reforms are beginning to deliver measurable gains in governance, economic stability and social welfare.
Speaking at the event, TIM’s National Chairman, Chief Dr. Obinna Ebirim, said the group’s endorsement was anchored on verifiable data rather than partisan sentiment, stressing that the Tinubu administration had confronted deep-seated structural challenges inherited at inception.
According to him, reforms in public finance, energy pricing and foreign exchange management were deliberate corrective measures taken in the long-term national interest.
“Our assessment shows clearly that these were not arbitrary or reckless choices. They were necessary decisions whose positive cumulative effects are now evident across multiple sectors,” Ebirim said.
He added that TIM would continue to track policy outcomes, engage the administration constructively and bridge what he described as a “dangerous communication gap” that allows misinformation and negative narratives to dominate public discourse.
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, TIM National Secretary and educationist, Dr. Ajibola Meraiyebu, said President Tinubu inherited a system plagued by chronic underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure and a growing population of out-of-school children.
He noted that education funding has increased from about ₦1.54 trillion in 2023 to approximately ₦3.52 trillion by 2025, marking what he described as a significant policy shift.
Meraiyebu also cited the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), disclosing that ₦161.97 billion has been disbursed to 864,798 students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.
“This intervention alone has kept hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students in school who might otherwise have dropped out,” he said, describing the scheme as a landmark move toward equity and sustainability in tertiary education financing.
From a subnational perspective, TIM’s Borno State Coordinator, Muhammad Elzubairu, pointed to expanded TETFund interventions supporting the rehabilitation of lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels and research facilities, as well as improved UBEC matching grants, teacher training and curriculum reforms focused on digital literacy, technical skills and entrepreneurship.
On the economy, TIM Director of Finance, Mr. Omasirichi Nmecha, acknowledged the hardship associated with fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification but argued that the reforms were unavoidable.
He said the elimination of unsustainable subsidy payments, combined with improved revenue mobilisation and forex reforms, has resulted in higher FAAC allocations to states, improved fiscal transparency, stronger external reserves and renewed investor confidence.
“These are the foundations for long-term economic stability, even as inflationary pressures from the transition are gradually easing,” Nmecha said.
Addressing security, Edward Ndahi, Director of TIM’s Security Committee, said Nigeria before May 29, 2023, was characterised by widespread abductions, terror attacks and unsafe highways. He attributed recent improvements to sustained security sector reforms, enhanced intelligence gathering, better inter-agency coordination and improved welfare for security personnel.
According to him, these efforts have led to reduced incidents of mass abductions, increased rescue operations, disruption of criminal networks and safer travel along major transport corridors.
On sports development, TIM Director of Social and Events, Okome Edrin, said the administration prioritised institutional stability over ad-hoc interventions, noting improved funding frameworks, better athlete welfare and stronger governance structures. He also commended the decision to place sports solely under the National Sports Commission, separate from youth development.
Presenting the youth development scorecard, Mr. Stanley Ochoma said the administration inherited weak coordination, skills mismatches and limited access to finance for young people. He highlighted expanded digital and vocational training programmes, youth-focused credit schemes and stronger public-private partnerships.
Similarly, a TIM member and former Anambra State governorship aspirant, High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, cited initiatives under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, including the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA), Yo! Health, YouthCred and the Waste2Wealth circular economy programme. Both speakers praised President Tinubu’s decision to appoint a young minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, describing the ministry as one of the administration’s standout performers.
On reforms in the interior sector, Otunba Akinsanya Sunday, Director of Logistics and Transportation, said issues such as passport backlogs, overcrowded correctional facilities and weak emergency response systems were being addressed through automation, correctional decongestion, improved border management and faster fire service response times under the leadership of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Speaking on women, social protection and inclusion, TIM’s Jigawa-based Women Leader, Hajiya Amina Dogonyaro, said reforms have strengthened digital verification systems, improved cash transfer efficiency, expanded livelihood support and increased women’s participation in governance.
On healthcare, TIM member and APC chieftain in Enugu State, Basil Eze, noted expanded health insurance coverage, renewed investment in primary healthcare, incentives for local pharmaceutical production and a gradual reduction in medical tourism.
Addressing foreign affairs and investment, Arc. Stephen Otalike, Director of Recruitment and Mobilisation, said renewed diplomatic engagement, clearer policy direction and fiscal reforms have improved Nigeria’s global image and attracted fresh foreign direct investment commitments.
On ICT-driven governance, Hauwa Malami, Director of ICT and Public Communications, highlighted the rollout of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), also known as the 1-Government (1-Gov) Cloud, noting its impact on passport processing, education financing, health insurance enrolment, social registers and revenue tracking.
In his closing remarks, Ebirim said the performance outlined by TIM reflects a coherent and long-term reform agenda, adding that significant progress had also been recorded in the solid minerals sector under the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has introduced a dual-certificate graduation policy designed to equip students with both academic qualifications and entrepreneurial skills, as it matriculated 1,644 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, announced the policy at the institution’s 21st matriculation ceremony held at the university auditorium, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards producing well-rounded, economically relevant graduates.
According to him, the dual-certification framework reflects the university’s commitment to combining academic excellence with entrepreneurship training in response to the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Prof. Akindele said the matriculation ceremony was more than a formal ritual, but a defining milestone in the academic, moral and spiritual journey of the students.
“Today is not just a ceremony; it is a crossing of thresholds. You were admitted not by chance, but by purpose, in line with the founding vision of this university,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the new intake, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university admitted a total of 1,644 students, comprising 286 postgraduate students and 1,358 undergraduates. The undergraduate cohort, he said, included 1,236 candidates admitted through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and 122 Direct Entry students.
He explained that the matriculating students had been designated the “Remarkable Set,” not as a mark of instant distinction, but as a reflection of the values the university expects them to uphold.
“To be remarkable means to stand out by values, not by noise; to excel by discipline, not by shortcuts; and to shine by integrity, not by compromise,” Akindele said.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Redeemer’s University places equal premium on knowledge, character and faith, stressing that intellectual development without moral discipline could be dangerous.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are intellectually sound, morally upright and spiritually grounded. Knowledge without character is dangerous, and faith without excellence is incomplete,” he stated.
He urged the new students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution by demonstrating excellence in learning, discipline, character, faith and societal impact, while reaffirming the university’s mission of raising competent scholars, responsible leaders and globally relevant citizens.
Akindele also reminded the students that Redeemer’s University is a Christian institution, noting that chapel attendance is compulsory and aimed at fostering spiritual growth and alignment with divine purpose.
Describing the matriculation oath as a binding commitment rather than a mere formality, he charged the students to adhere strictly to the university’s rules and core values.
“The friends you keep will influence you, your choices will shape you, and your discipline will define you,” he cautioned.
The ceremony climaxed with the administration of the matriculation oath by the University Registrar, Mr. David Akintola, formally admitting the students into the academic community of Redeemer’s University.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to combat illegal investment schemes, capital market abuses and cryptocurrency-related frauds, in a renewed effort to protect investors and restore confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.
Agama said the SEC, as the regulator of Nigeria’s capital market, is mandated to protect investors, ensure fair, efficient and transparent markets, and support economic growth through effective regulation, licensing of operators and market surveillance. However, he noted that these efforts are increasingly threatened by fraudulent operators who exploit regulatory gaps and prey on unsuspecting members of the public.
According to him, many of the perpetrators operate outside the formal financial system, luring victims with promises of unrealistic returns, often disguised as cryptocurrency or forex investments.
“These operators cloak their deceit in the glamorous but poorly understood language of cryptocurrency and forex trading, promising returns such as 200 per cent in 30 days. They target the vulnerable and unsuspecting, leaving behind shattered lives, depleted pensions and broken trust,” Agama said.
He described investment fraud as not only a financial crime but a social menace capable of undermining public confidence in the entire financial system.
Agama stressed that while the SEC has the authority to identify regulatory breaches and illegal market activities, effective enforcement requires the investigative and prosecutorial powers of the police. He observed that fraudsters often exploit the gap between regulatory detection and law enforcement action.
“To close this gap permanently, we propose a robust and institutionalised collaboration,” he said, outlining key pillars of the partnership to include a joint intelligence and operations task force, capacity building and knowledge transfer, streamlined enforcement processes, and a coordinated national public awareness campaign.
The SEC boss advocated the establishment of a dedicated SEC–NPF team combining market intelligence, forensic accounting expertise and investigative capacity to serve as a rapid-response unit against emerging financial crimes.
He also sought the approval of the IGP to formalise collaboration with the Police Cyber Security Unit through a Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at enhancing the safety of Nigeria’s digital and financial space.
“The fight against financial crime is a fight for the soul of our economy. It is a fight for the widow who has lost her savings, the youth lured by fake crypto promises, and the retiree seeking a safe return. Together, the SEC and the Police can form an impenetrable shield against these crimes,” Agama said.
In his response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured the SEC of the NPF’s readiness to deepen collaboration and provide the necessary support to strengthen enforcement efforts.
He described the role of the SEC as critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, noting that effective enforcement in the capital market would yield significant benefits for the economy.
“If the police unit attached to the SEC is strengthened, it will make a significant impact on your enforcement drive. Effective enforcement is key to achieving your objectives and ensuring confidence in the capital market,” Egbetokun said.
The IGP also congratulated the SEC on the recent attainment of a ₦100 trillion market capitalisation milestone, describing it as a major achievement that would support economic growth and development.
On the proposed collaboration, Egbetokun said the Police Force fully supports the initiative and approved the SEC’s request to partner with the NPF Cyber Security Centre to enhance oversight and enforcement in the digital space.
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, foiling kidnapping attempts, rescuing abducted victims and arresting suspects linked to murder and other fatal incidents across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, attributing the successes to sustained intelligence-led policing and proactive strategies under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna.
According to the police, a kidnapping attempt was foiled on January 11, 2026, at Budo via Bassi Camp in Iseyin, where about five armed men abducted a 60-year-old man, Isiaku Saidu.
Following the incident, CP Haruna ordered an immediate rescue operation, leading to coordinated patrols and bush-combing by operatives of the Ago-Are Police Division and other security agencies.
“The kidnappers’ hideout was discovered, and a gun duel ensued. One suspect was neutralised, another arrested and is currently assisting investigations, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” Olayinka said, urging the public to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet injuries.
In another operation, police rescued a kidnapped woman, Hussinat Abubakar, at Gelede Camp in Komu. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Komu Division carried out aggressive bush-combing operations that led to her rescue without any ransom being paid.
Three suspects — Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25) and Abubakar Sidi (55) — were arrested in connection with the abduction and reportedly confessed to the crime. Six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate. The rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention.
In a separate incident, the Command arrested a suspect over the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki. Police said the student died from a gunshot wound sustained during a violent clash among students behind the institution on January 7, 2026.
“A suspect, Olatunji David Segun, has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said.
The police also confirmed the arrest of Waheed Rasaki, 35, in connection with a fatal hunting incident at Oretan Ijaiye Forest, Moniya. Rasaki reportedly admitted to mistakenly shooting his colleague, Femi Oyedepom, during a hunting expedition.
Commending the officers involved, CP Haruna praised their bravery and professionalism, describing the operations as critical to restoring public confidence in security.
He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their continued support, assuring residents that the Command remains resolute in maintaining law and order.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support the police by reporting suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Command’s control room numbers.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved key infrastructure, education and revenue-related measures aimed at fast-tracking development of the nation’s capital at its first meeting of 2026.
Briefing journalists after the meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr. Chidi Amadi, said the council considered and approved five critical memoranda after extensive deliberations, describing the session as a strong foundation for the administration’s 2026 agenda.
“This is the first meeting of the FCT Administration in 2026 and it was chaired by the Honourable Minister himself. At the end of the meeting, council received and approved five critical memos, all targeted at driving the development of the capital city,” Amadi said.
He also commended the media for its support in 2025, expressing optimism for stronger collaboration in the new year.
Education Boost: N62m Approved for Korea Model School
On the education sector, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced that EXCO approved a N62 million contract for facility management services at the Korea Model School in Abuja.
The high-tech school, built between 2018 and 2019 by the Korean Government in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), was handed over to the FCT Administration in 2019.
Hayyo said the contract, which will run for one year, will ensure effective management and maintenance of the school, which serves as a benchmark for quality education in the FCT.
Roads, Water Infrastructure Ratified
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, disclosed that EXCO ratified three major emergency projects already executed by the authority.
He said the projects include the rehabilitation and resurfacing of internal roads within the Presidential Villa, which had been in use for over 30 years before being upgraded by Julius Berger Plc.
EXCO also ratified the emergency construction of the Kabusa-Ketti Road, undertaken due to rising security concerns linked to the road’s deplorable state. The road, completed and commissioned in June 2025, was approved at a final cost of N9.8 billion.
In addition, the council approved the erosion control and restoration of critical water pipelines supplying Abuja from the Lower Usuma Dam. The project, executed by SCC Nigeria Limited at about N1.7 billion, was aimed at preventing a potential disruption of water supply to the city.
Revenue Enforcement Gets EXCO Nod
On revenue generation, the Director of Lands, Mr. Chijoke Nwankwoeze, said EXCO approved enforcement actions against property owners who have defaulted on ground rents, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees and land use conversion charges.
He disclosed that enforcement would commence next week and would include revocation of land titles, sealing of properties and other lawful measures.
“Defaulters in areas such as Wuse II, Garki Areas 7 and 8 and other locations are hereby notified to comply or face enforcement,” Nwankwoeze warned.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, also urged residents to meet their tax and statutory obligations, stressing that internally generated revenue is vital to sustaining world-class infrastructure in Abuja.
“The Honourable Minister is committed to providing a livable, modern capital city. But this can only be achieved if residents pay their taxes, ground rents and statutory fees,” Ango said.
Officials said the approvals and directives underscore the FCT Administration’s renewed focus on infrastructure renewal, quality service delivery and fiscal discipline, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
