The Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), has enrolled a total of 275,358 people into the contributory healthcare scheme in the state. The State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, who spoke during his end of year media briefing in Damaturu, said that the enrolment was a reflection of the agency’s commitment to expanding healthcare coverage across the state. He said that in the area of contributory healthcare, the government had continued to provide support to 222 primary healthcare providers through capitation and 24 secondary healthcare facilities through fee-for-service arrangement under the YSCHMA. The governor acknowledged that 2024 was a significant year for the health and human services sector in the state, adding that the efforts by his Administration led Yobe to win US$500,000 in the primary healthcare leadership challenge for states in the North-East sub-region. He said that his administration had achieved 100% payment of hazard allowances and adjustment of CONMESS and CONHESS salary scales to healthcare workers, recruited 311 new members of staff, including doctors, nurses and other cadres, and ensured the continuation of the state’s free dialysis programme for kidney patients. “We have also embarked on the renovation and reconstruction work at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu; we have provided high-quality hospital mattresses and procured anti-bacterial curtain system at Maternal and Child Health Complex, Damaturu.” Governor Buni said that aside from the construction of a modern ICT Center to enhance social protection initiatives for the benefit of the people of the state, the Government has also built an ante-natal and VIP ward at Women and Children Hospital, Damaturu, constructed an Accident and Emergency complex and a one-storey building doctors’ quarters at State Specialist Hospital, Buni-Yadi. The governor announced the procurement and distribution of various state-of-the-art medical equipment across different healthcare facilities in the state and kept the momentum on the ongoing research on chronic kidney disease affecting some local government areas of the state. “We have also procured an important software for our MRI Machine at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), Damaturu – the PV VAR ASSAT Software.”
President Bola Tinubu has advised Nigerians to be mindful of those who are facing all types of difficulties around them. “As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.” In his Christmas message today, December 24, Tinubu said: “may we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. “Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.” The President observed that kindness transcends financial status, saying that those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement. “Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.” Tinubu asked Nigerians to honour the brave troops, who have been risking their lives to safeguard the nation. “They deserve our prayers and steadfast support. “Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.” According to President Tinubu, Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. “In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.” He said that his government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the transportation routes are secure and convenient. “We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.”
President Bola Tinubu has given reasons why he removed fuel Subsidy, one of which was the unceasing corruption that surrounded it. In his first media chat last night, December 23, the President said that Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries. “I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future. We were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary.” Tinubu said that the subsidy removal has increased competition within the petroleum sector and that the pump price of petrol has gradually crashed. “The market is being saturated. No monopoly, no oligopoly, a free market economy flowing.” The President said that he does not believe in price control. “I don’t believe in price control. We will work hard to supply the market.”
Survivors at the scene of the tragic stampede in Abuja, where several lives were lost as they sought food and basic necessities amidst Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis. | Photo Credit: ChannelsTV
When some patriotic Nigerians, including yours truly, rose in 2023 to defend and promote a man they believed would usher in a new era of good governance, restore national dignity, and unite the country with inclusive policies, they acted in the hope of salvaging the nation from decades of systemic leadership failure and pervasive poverty. The movement was fueled by a shared yearning for informed and transformative leadership that would not only bring prosperity, equity, and justice for all Nigerians but restore the battered social trust in governance.
Un-known to them, their burning quest to return the country to a glorious era blinded them to the true capacity, integrity, and mission of the individual they marketed to the masses. This grave misunderstanding led to a catastrophic miscalculation, plunging the nation into an unimaginable mess. The hope of a new dawn was dashed, no thanks to the Lagos headmaster’s misguided policies, which continue to reverberate across every facet of national life.
Since his swearing-in in May 2023, the country has not, for a single moment, breathed the fresh air symbolizing the so-called ‘renewed hope’ promised to Nigerians. Instead, his policies, actions, and inactions have suffocated the masses, driving them to the brink of despair. This reflects a stark disconnect between existential realities and the policies churned out thus far. The failure to promptly address critical issues affecting the populace, ranging from inflation to unemployment and general economic hardship, has left the masses drowning in a sea of hopelessness. Basic necessities such as food, medication, and transportation have become unaffordable for the average Nigerian, leaving the larger population on the brink of destitution—a global hallmark of a failed state.
While the administration continues to offer excuses for its acute leadership failure, available evidence suggests that the main reasons behind the regime’s progressive mess are a lack of preparedness for governance and a poor understanding of the country’s existential challenges. Ironically, this is striking for a man who had been within the corridors of power for over two decades and boasted of being one of the most informed leaders of our time, yet surprisingly appears uninformed about addressing the country’s challenges after ascending to lead Africa’s most populous country.
Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which had previously encouraged the current administration to push on with subsidy removal and currency devaluation, acknowledged the doldrums resulting from these policies. The IMF specifically described the administration’s reforms as ‘not working,’ underscoring the depth of the crisis. This acknowledgment, coming from global financial institutions that are often reluctant to criticize governments publicly, highlights the magnitude of the current leadership failure.
It is baffling that a man who claimed to have inherited a collapsing economy with dwindling revenue would hastily set up the most expansive and extravagant cabinet in Nigeria’s history. In August, over ₦150 billion was reportedly spent to purchase a new presidential jet at a time when Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship and a high cost of living crisis. These moves, among others, not only contradict his rhetoric of fiscal prudence but also place an additional burden on the masses, who are now wallowing in extreme poverty. The disparity between leadership rhetoric and reality becomes more glaring as the government’s priorities seem skewed toward self-enrichment rather than public service.
Nearly two years into the regime, none of his policies have mitigated the disastrous effects of fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation—policies that have catapulted the nation’s inflation rate to an all-time high, eroded the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, and impoverished millions of Nigerians. Every sluggishly implemented mitigating measure appears more like a scam, leaving the country teetering on the edge of economic collapse.
It is incontrovertible that economic reforms that have rendered over half of the country’s population destitute, driven thousands of multinational companies away, shut down thousands of local manufacturers, sacrificed 90% of the currency’s value, and degraded Nigeria’s economic standing on the global stage are nothing short of disastrous. These reforms, far from benefiting the masses, seem to serve the political elite exclusively, earning them the dubious distinction of being the scam of the century. The aftermath of these policies is visible in the growing number of unemployed youths, shuttered businesses, and the erosion of social trust in governance.
For those who still harbour hope for positive outcomes from the current administration, the question remains: how much longer can the nation endure these self-inflicted wounds? The evidence of policy failure is glaringly overwhelming, and the ripple effects are spreading far and wide.
Just a few days ago, several people, mostly children, lost their lives while searching for food for survival in three states, including the FCT. A few months earlier, some underage children who were forced onto the streets to protest against unbearable hunger and economic hardship were brutally arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment in detention by security agents. Their haggard footage in a courtroom, which later attracted global outrage, exposed the administration’s numbness. As a matter of fact, these embarrassing scenarios are unprecedented in the country’s history, not even under military rule.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the promised ‘renewed hope’ is a facade, masking a reality of incompetence and mismanagement. The disconnect between policy formulation and execution speaks volumes about the leadership’s lack of understanding of the socio-economic realities on the ground.
As Nigerians desperately yearn for a change in leadership, it must be recognized that neither Atiku nor Peter Obi possesses a silver bullet to solve the country’s socio-economic woes. Both figures come with their baggage and limitations, making them less-than-ideal saviors. However, to urgently safeguard the nation from being completely debased beyond repair by the current administration, anything other than the Lagos headmaster should be considered. The urgent task is to halt the downward spiral and chart a new course for national recovery.
The path forward requires more than just a change in leadership. It calls for a paradigm shift in governance, where policies are people-centered and driven by data and evidence. Nigeria’s challenges are multifaceted, ranging from economic restructuring to social cohesion and institutional reform. Addressing these issues demands leadership that is not only competent but also compassionate and inclusive.
The current administration’s failures should serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians. It is a reminder that leadership goes beyond rhetoric and promises; it requires a deep understanding of the nation’s complexities and a genuine commitment to service. As the nation grapples with the consequences of poor leadership and bad policies, the call for accountability grows louder. Nigerians must demand better and refuse to settle for mediocrity in governance.
The journey ahead is daunting but not insurmountable. With the right leadership and collective effort, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger. The lessons of the past two years must not be forgotten; they should guide the nation in making better choices for its future. The time to act is now, before the scars of today become the permanent wounds of tomorrow.
Adavize, a researcher and concerned Nigerian, writes in from Kogi and can be reached via: adavize4u@gmail.com
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has called on the security agencies to ensure safety of the innocent residents and visitors during the end of year festivities and after. Wike, at the a Security committee meeting on December 20, said that the security agencies should do all they can to ensure that people sleep with their eyes closed at all times. “Normally, criminals will like to take advantage and try to make it uncomfortable for our citizens. I believe we are prepared to provide security for us. You have done well, you have done good policing, but we will not fold our arms and say things are ok now. “We have to continue to be vigilant, to make sure that there is no room for anybody to manipulate. The people in Abuja must sleep with their two eyes closed and can run their businesses.” Shortly after the meeting, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, told newsmen that the committee is intensifying efforts to ensure that the FCT is safe during and after the end of year festivities. Disu said that joint teams of all the security agencies will embark on clearance operations in the coming days and advised residents not to panic at the sight of the high-power security operatives. He explained that specific places have been identified for more deployment. “We are intensifying our activities in all the borders. Exit and entry into the FCT. We are synergising with all the neighbouring states and focusing on all the bushes around. The Nigeria Airforce is bringing in their helicopters for surveillance of the identified areas while the Nigeria Army, Navy, NSCDC and Police are ready and already clearing the bushes. “You are going to be seeing all of us patrolling together. These are sights not usually seen under normal circumstances. So, you will see us patrol together to ensure we bring peace ”
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has hosted a virtual stakeholders’ forum to discuss the draft Application-to-Person (A2P) licensing framework. The event, held on December 20, was aimed at addressing challenges in the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria, including consumer protection, fraud prevention and industry fairness. The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Ag. Head, Legal and Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, said that A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. “A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication and supports socio-economic development. “It has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional or service-related, directly to consumers,” Whyte said. She emphasized the importance of effective regulation, stressing that the NCC’s strategic focus is centered on three key stakeholders: the government, consumers and the industry. Whyte noted that the proposed framework seeks to foster innovation, ensure fair and transparent operations and protect consumers. “The NCC firmly believes that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration. “This forum is an opportunity for all of us – operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers and consumers – to engage in meaningful discussions,” she said. The commission presented the various feedbacks received as inputs into the A2P Licensing Framework and gave NCC’s responses to each of the observations and recommendations made by the licensees. The Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorisation Department of the NCC, Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku presented an overview of the framework for international A2P messaging in Nigeria. The NCC assured stakeholders that it would continue to engage internal and external stakeholders ahead of the final draft of the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework. The commission asked stakeholders to provide feedback and recommendations to refine the framework and create a sustainable A2P messaging ecosystem. Source: Ravenewsonline.
To be charitable, it is not a fun to be a leader in Nigeria, either as a president or as a governor, at the moment. But to be brutally frank, it is nothing to brag about, because all it gets one is, at the best, an insult, or an abuse, in as many words, as there are perversive poverty and ravaging hunger in the country. All brought by the overwhelming corruption that, unfortunately, defines leadership on these shores. More so at this very time. Not quite a long time ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told his French hosts that there was no hunger in Nigeria; that it was a false claim being made in order to force his regime into reversing the subsidy removal and other (biting) economic policies introduced by his regime. It is therefore, safe to give the president the benefit of the doubt of claiming to be ignorant of the horrible situation in the country. After all, he is constantly shielded (to his liking) from the, or interacting with, common people. But his ministers and other aides are not so shielded, since they get to mingle or interact with the common people, and are therefore very much aware of the citizens’s suffering. However, because most of presidential aides are part of the problem, they appear comfortable with the president not being any more the wiser about the extremely negative situation. But the traditional media owned by those in the government, both print and electronic, the social media set up by the government or set up by some people in the government, and some self serving Non Governmental organisations (NGOs), set up by the government, appear to always be in the annoying habit of fulfilling the aims for which they were founded; which is to praise the government for the performance that is NOT visible to anyone but themselves. In the pages of such on and off lines media as well as the airwaves, and the rented voices of those who prefer the temporary enjoyment of a corrupted today than a better tomorrow for all, one finds and hears nothing mostly but praises, verging on obsequiousness, to the governments or their heads. Hardly does one ventures on a material challenging the corruption, inefficiency, poverty and hunger that defines the ill performance of the present leadership at the federal and state levels, in the country. Otherwise, take the highly extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle of the people in the corridors of power, including the First Family and the Second Family of Nigeria, and a visitor would never believe the twin evil of poverty and hunger are severely rampaging every part of the country with a vengeance, as if on a revenge mission. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Central’s Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, who support the president’s constant (worrying) BORROWINGS (10 times from the World Bank so far) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), look like anything, but those suffering from the debilitating times in Nigeria. They ride in a convoy of N150 to N200 million state-of-the-art vehicles, which are mostly the rides of extremely successful business people. The duo have perhaps, borrowed a leaf from Mr. President, who singlehandedly purchased multi billion naira air, sea and road means of transportation for his official use, without requesting or even informing the National Assembly (NASS), which would have, in any way, been only too happy to oblige him. He later did the same undemocratic manipulation by awarding the 15.6 trillion Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway, which traverses seven southern states to the company of his Paris based Lebanese ally (some people whisper FRONT), Mr. Gilbert Chagoury . The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who is a former Governor, hired six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), to file a counter case in court to block the many cases challenging the legality of the Lagos to Calabar Costal Highway, and its award without the consent and knowledge of the NASS. For a regime that claims to be transparently bereft of the corrupt practices of its predecessors, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) is at the moment enmeshed in controversy following the sudden removal of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the substantive Accountant General, who was reportedly directed to proceed on a premature retirement leave. The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, is alleged to have demanded from the sacked substantive Accountants General, and was therefore shown the gate. But the handpicked Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, is said to have agreed to the deal. However, apart from exposing the lie in the regime’s vaunted ‘war against corruption’, which is elevated to a new hight by the president Tinubu regime, the drama has also cast a shadow of doubt over the credibility of the CBN Governor himself. It also gave credence to the allegation made by the rebellious biological daughter of the President, Adetoun Tinubu. She alleged the GBN Governor and another presidential aide were operating in different directions with Mr. President. She claimed that while the president meant to straiten the country, the singular desire of the two appointees was to enrich themselves beyond imagination from the Commonwealth. Senator Adamu Aliero, a former Governor of Kebbi State and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the government of being corrupt, (internal bleeding) during a presentation in the chamber of the Nigerian Senate, by the various heads of the revenue agencies, all of which are under the ministry of finance. He asked the Senate President, to the hearing of all the heads, the reasons why Nigeria was borrowing from the world Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), when the revenue generation agencies had claimed to have exceeded their targets, some by up to 20%. And, he also wanted to know what is DONE (probably disappeared in private pockets, including the president’s deep ones) with the excess from N51 trillion said to have been generated, while the government submitted before the NASS, N47.9 trillion budget for 2025, of which 15% is allocated to debt servicing. The Delta State Governor, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, also took exception to the biting economic policies of the Tinubu regime, accusing it, and the ruling APC of putting the nation “deeper into poverty”. President Tinubu is rightly the most hated for most, and despised for many, Nigerian leader the country is unblessed with in its history. No day, or moment passes, without one negative comment or another against his person or against his biting economic policies or against the style of his corrupt leadership or against his ministers, or the others of his overzealous aides. Even in the (UN), a member of the parliament, Mr. referred to the Tinubu regime as the worst in the history of war against corruption that the Tinubu regime is waging. If he claims not to know or be aware of the suffering in the country, then someone ought to tell him, since the relevant authorities charged with doing just that, are not living up to their responsibility. May God come to the aid of Nigeria and its citizens, both held in a state capture like a vice grief.
The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has laughed off the buzz In the media about the reported seizure of his purported piece of land by the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Administration (FCTA). The former President, in a statement by his spokesman while in office, Malam Garba Shehu made it clear that he is personally not the owner of the said plot of the land, adding that it is allocated in the name a “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.” “The Foundation was itself floated by some utilitarian individuals around him who, it must said, went about it in a lawful manner with the support of a number of well-meaning persons. “But they ran into a roadblock in the land department of the FCDA which handed them an outrageous bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, very high in cost that did not at all compare with the bills given to similar organizations. “It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of land as no surprise to anyone. “As a person, the former president has a plot of land to his name in Abuja. “When he and his cabinet members were invited to fill the forms and obtain land during his tenure in office, he returned the form without filling it, saying that he already had a plot of land in the FCT, that those who did not have should be be given. “He, therefore, turned down the offer. So please let all those jumping up and down in the digital space talking about the rightfulness or the lack of it on the reported seizure of Buhari’s land in Abuja get their facts right, and stop dragging down the name of the former president.”
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his government is restructuring the nation’s economy to ensure that it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn. The President, at the presentation of the 2025 nation’s budget proposal to the joint session of the National Assembly today, December 18, said that the 2025 budget is one of restoration. He stressed that it seeks to consolidate the key policies which his government has instituted to restructure the economy, boost human capital development, increase the volume of trade and investments, bolster oil and gas production, get the manufacturing sector humming again and ultimately increase the competitiveness of the economy. He insisted: “We must build on the progress we have made in the past eighteen months in restructuring our economy and ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn.” Read below, the full text of Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Speech: PRESENTATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR OF THE 2025 BUDGET OF RESTORATION: SECURING PEACE, REBUILDING PROSPERITY TO A JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2024 PROTOCOLS: — The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima — Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio — Right Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas — National Chairman of our great party, Excellency, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje — State Governors here present — Distinguished Leaders and Members of the National Assembly — Senior Government Officials here present — Gentlemen of the press, My Fellow Nigerians, In fulfilment of one of my constitutional duties and with unyielding commitment to rebuilding Nigeria towards ensuring that we remain steadfast on the journey to a prosperous future, I hereby present the 2025 Budget to the Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly. On this day, before this hallowed chamber, I present to you the 2025 Budget at a time when our country is at a crucial point in its development trajectory. The 2025 Budget Proposal again reinforces our administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for our beloved nation. This budget christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of our Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates our commitment to stabilizing the economy, improving lives, and repositioning our country for greater performance. The journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which we began 18 months ago as a nation, is very much underway. It is not a journey of our choosing but one we had to embark on for Nigeria to have a real chance at greatness. I thank every Nigerian for embarking on this journey of REFORMS and TRANSFORMATION with us. The road of reforms is now clearly upon us, and as the President of this blessed nation, I know this less-travelled road has not been easy. That there have been difficulties and sacrifices. They will not be in vain. And we must keep faith with the process to arrive at our collectively desired destination. We must build on the progress we have made in the past eighteen months in restructuring our economy and ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn. The 2025 budget that I present today is one of restoration. It seeks to consolidate the key policies we have instituted to restructure our economy, boost human capital development, increase the volume of trade and investments, bolster oil and gas production, get our manufacturing sector humming again and ultimately increase the competitiveness of our economy. We do not intend to depart from this critical path to strengthen the Nigerian economy. Just as I believe in the resilience of our economy to withstand the current challenges, I also strongly believe in the resilience of the Nigerian people. Again, I summon the unstoppable Nigerian spirit to lead us on as we work to rebuild the fabric of our economy and existence. The improvements we witnessed in the 2024 budget have led us into the 2025 budget. The goals of advancing national security, creating economic opportunities, investing in our youthful population, infrastructure development, and national re-orientation form the core of the 2025 budget. But more than that, this will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future growth trajectory. CURRENT ECONOMIC REALITIES AND PROGRESS Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly, I report today that our economy is responding positively to stimulus. Our objective is to further stimulate the economy through the implementation of targeted fiscal stimulus packages through public expenditures and specific non-inflationary spending. The reforms we have instituted are beginning to yield results. Nigerians will soon experience a better and more functional economy. Global economic growth for the outgoing year 2024 was projected at 3.2 percent, and against predictions, our country made significant progress. o Our economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023. o Our Foreign Reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing a robust buffer against external shocks. o Our rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. These clear results of gradual recovery, among others, reflect the resilience of our economy and the impact of deliberate policy choices we made from the outset. 2024 BUDGET PERFORMANCE I am happy to inform this National Assembly that our administration attained remarkable milestones in implementing the 2024 Budget. In 2024, we achieved: o 14.55 trillion naira in revenue, meeting 75 percent of our target as of the third quarter. o 21.60 trillion naira in expenditure, representing 85 percent of our target, also in the third quarter. While challenges persist, we improved revenue collection and fulfilled key obligations. The transformational effects of this on our economy are gradually being felt. PHILOSOPHY OF THE 2025 BUDGET The 2025 Budget seeks to: o Restore macroeconomic stability. o Enhance the business environment. o Foster inclusive growth, employment, and poverty reduction. o Promote equitable income distribution and human capital development. Our budgetary allocations reflect the administration’s strategic priorities, especially in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its developmental objectives. 2025 BUDGET OVERVIEW The numbers for our 2025 budget proposal tell a bold and exciting story of the direction we are taking to retool and revamp the socio-economic fabric of our society. o In 2025, we are targeting 34.82 trillion naira in revenue to fund the budget. o Government expenditure in the same year is projected to be 47.90 trillion naira, including 15.81 trillion naira for debt servicing. o A total of 13.08 trillion naira, or 3.89 percent of GDP, will make up the budget deficit. This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future. The Budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately 1,700 naira per US dollar to 1,500 naira, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd). These projections are based on the following observations: o Reduced importation of petroleum products alongside increased export of finished petroleum products. o Bumper harvests, driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports. o Increased foreign exchange inflows through Foreign Portfolio Investments. o Higher crude oil output and exports, coupled with a substantial reduction in upstream oil and gas production costs. KEY PRIORITIES: REBUILDING NIGERIA Our budgetary allocations underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives. Highlights of the 2025 Budget Allocations: Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion Health: N2.48 trillion Education: N3.52 trillion As we embark on implementing the 2025 Budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision. Securing Our Nation: Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory. The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women in the armed forces will remain our government’s top priority. The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation. Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty. Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities. By restoring peace, we restore productivity, revive businesses, and rebuild our communities. Infrastructure Development: When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy. Under this programme, we are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works. By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs. We have already embarked on key legacy projects: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will have a huge impact on the lives of our people and accelerate economic output. Human Capital Development: Our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are making record investments in education, healthcare, and social services: o Our administration has so far disbursed 34 billion naira to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). In the 2025 Budget, we have made provision for 826.90 billion naira for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the nine new higher educational institutions. o We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated 402 billion naira for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 Budget and another 282.65 billion naira for the Basic Health Care Fund. Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians. This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency. Revitalizing Agriculture: Increasing agricultural production is central to our food security agenda, but insecurity has crippled this vital sector. We are supporting our farmers with funding and inputs to reignite productivity. Food security is non-negotiable. In this regard, we are taking bold steps to ensure that every Nigerian can feed conveniently, and none of our citizens will have to go to bed hungry. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly and fellow Nigerians, our 2025 budget proposal is not just another statement on projected government revenue and expenditures. It is one that calls for action. Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them. We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part. The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act. A time to support and promote greater investment in the private sector. A time for our civil servants to faithfully execute our policies and programmes. It is a time for every Nigerian to look hopefully towards a brighter future because a new day has dawned for us as a nation. As your President, I remain committed and resolute to continue to lead the charge. This 2025 budget proposal lays the foundation for peace, prosperity, and much needed hope. It is the plan through which a Nigeria where every citizen can dream, work, and thrive in safety can be achieved. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly the 2025 Budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria titled “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity. May God bless our Armed Forces and keep them safe. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has said that because internet usage has become essential to daily life of average Nigerians, the Commission has no choice than to meet up with the trend. “Our role at the NCC is to not only ensure accessibility, but to enhance service delivery for consumers.” Dr. Maida, who spoke at a just concluded stakeholders meeting in Abuja said that the determination of the NCC to move fast towards meeting world class telecommunications system is borne out of the fact that Nigeria has become one of the fastest growing internet user countries in the world. According to him, Nigeria is currently ranked among top internet users globally, adding that the country now accounts for 132 million internet connections out of the estimated five billion internet users globally. “Nigerians spend an average of four hours and 20 minutes on social media daily, far above the global average, underscoring how deeply embedded digital interaction is in our lives. “In 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage averaged 336 gigabytes per second, marking a 39% increase from the previous year, a clear indication of the data-driven lifestyle many Nigerians lead.” Dr. Maida said that the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria has transformed from basic voice services to high-speed data that connects, informs and powers innovations in the last two decades. “With the rollout of 3G, 4G, and now 5G, we’ve seen Nigerians adopting social media, e-commerce, online banking, and more. “The introduction of 3G networks in the mid-2000s marked the beginning of this shift, enabling basic browsing and email. “The leap to 4G LTE brought faster speeds, enabling video streaming, online gaming, and a myriad of digital activities. “Now, with 5G promising even faster speeds and lower latency, new frontiers are opening for innovations such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things, driving further demand for data.” The NCC boss said that the NCC is prepared to remove all impediments to meeting the needs of all consumers, stressing that at the heart of the Commission’s Strategic Vision “is the commitment to meet the expectations of our stakeholders: the Consumers, the Industry/Licensees, and the Government. “To achieve this, our focus has evolved from simply demanding quality service to ensuring a holistic Quality of Experience throughout the telecom consumer’s lifecycle, from SIM registration to usage and even service disposal. “Our goal is for consumers to be consistently satisfied with telecom services.” Source: GBN.
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Does Tinubu Really Know Of Pervasive Ravaging Hunger In Nigeria? By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi
To be charitable, it is not a fun to be a leader in Nigeria, either as a president or as a governor, at the moment. But to be brutally frank, it is nothing to brag about, because all it gets one is, at the best, an insult, or an abuse, in as many words, as there are perversive poverty and ravaging hunger in the country. All brought by the overwhelming corruption that, unfortunately, defines leadership on these shores. More so at this very time.
Not quite a long time ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told his French hosts that there was no hunger in Nigeria; that it was a false claim being made in order to force his regime into reversing the subsidy removal and other (biting) economic policies introduced by his regime.
It is therefore, safe to give the president the benefit of the doubt of claiming to be ignorant of the horrible situation in the country. After all, he is constantly shielded (to his liking) from the, or interacting with, common people. But his ministers and other aides are not so shielded, since they get to mingle or interact with the common people, and are therefore very much aware of the citizens’s suffering. However, because most of presidential aides are part of the problem, they appear comfortable with the president not being any more the wiser about the extremely negative situation.
But the traditional media owned by those in the government, both print and electronic, the social media set up by the government or set up by some people in the government, and some self serving Non Governmental organisations (NGOs), set up by the government, appear to always be in the annoying habit of fulfilling the aims for which they were founded; which is to praise the government for the performance that is NOT visible to anyone but themselves.
In the pages of such on and off lines media as well as the airwaves, and the rented voices of those who prefer the temporary enjoyment of a corrupted today than a better tomorrow for all, one finds and hears nothing mostly but praises, verging on obsequiousness, to the governments or their heads. Hardly does one ventures on a material challenging the corruption, inefficiency, poverty and hunger that defines the ill performance of the present leadership at the federal and state levels, in the country.
Otherwise, take the highly extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle of the people in the corridors of power, including the First Family and the Second Family of Nigeria, and a visitor would never believe the twin evil of poverty and hunger are severely rampaging every part of the country with a vengeance, as if on a revenge mission.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Central’s Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, who support the president’s constant (worrying) BORROWINGS (10 times from the World Bank so far) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), look like anything, but those suffering from the debilitating times in Nigeria.
They ride in a convoy of N150 to N200 million state-of-the-art vehicles, which are mostly the rides of extremely successful business people. The duo have perhaps, borrowed a leaf from Mr. President, who singlehandedly purchased multi billion naira air, sea and road means of transportation for his official use, without requesting or even informing the National Assembly (NASS), which would have, in any way, been only too happy to oblige him. He later did the same undemocratic manipulation by awarding the 15.6 trillion Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway, which traverses seven southern states to the company of his Paris based Lebanese ally (some people whisper FRONT), Mr. Gilbert Chagoury .
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who is a former Governor, hired six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), to file a counter case in court to block the many cases challenging the legality of the Lagos to Calabar Costal Highway, and its award without the consent and knowledge of the NASS.
For a regime that claims to be transparently bereft of the corrupt practices of its predecessors, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) is at the moment enmeshed in controversy following the sudden removal of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the substantive Accountant General, who was reportedly directed to proceed on a premature retirement leave.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, is alleged to have demanded from the sacked substantive Accountants General, and was therefore shown the gate. But the handpicked Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, is said to have agreed to the deal.
However, apart from exposing the lie in the regime’s vaunted ‘war against corruption’, which is elevated to a new hight by the president Tinubu regime, the drama has also cast a shadow of doubt over the credibility of the CBN Governor himself. It also gave credence to the allegation made by the rebellious biological daughter of the President, Adetoun Tinubu. She alleged the GBN Governor and another presidential aide were operating in different directions with Mr. President. She claimed that while the president meant to straiten the country, the singular desire of the two appointees was to enrich themselves beyond imagination from the Commonwealth.
Senator Adamu Aliero, a former Governor of Kebbi State and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the government of being corrupt, (internal bleeding) during a presentation in the chamber of the Nigerian Senate, by the various heads of the revenue agencies, all of which are under the ministry of finance.
He asked the Senate President, to the hearing of all the heads, the reasons why Nigeria was borrowing from the world Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), when the revenue generation agencies had claimed to have exceeded their targets, some by up to 20%. And, he also wanted to know what is DONE (probably disappeared in private pockets, including the president’s deep ones) with the excess from N51 trillion said to have been generated, while the government submitted before the NASS, N47.9 trillion budget for 2025, of which 15% is allocated to debt servicing.
The Delta State Governor, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, also took exception to the biting economic policies of the Tinubu regime, accusing it, and the ruling APC of putting the nation “deeper into poverty”.
President Tinubu is rightly the most hated for most, and despised for many, Nigerian leader the country is unblessed with in its history. No day, or moment passes, without one negative comment or another against his person or against his biting economic policies or against the style of his corrupt leadership or against his ministers, or the others of his overzealous aides.
Even in the (UN), a member of the parliament, Mr. referred to the Tinubu regime as the worst in the history of war against corruption that the Tinubu regime is waging. If he claims not to know or be aware of the suffering in the country, then someone ought to tell him, since the relevant authorities charged with doing just that, are not living up to their responsibility.
May God come to the aid of Nigeria and its citizens, both held in a state capture like a vice grief.
Malumfashi wrote in from Katsina.