Author: Joy Gyakyor

President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order mandating the direct remittances of oil and gas revenues to the federation account, aiming to slash wasteful deductions and reclaim billions lost under the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The order, gazetted on 13 February and invoking constitutional powers over mineral resources, targets “duplicative structures” that have diverted more than two-thirds of potential revenues through fees and funds managed by Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. NewsQuest reports that Critics of the PIA argue it allows NNPC to skim 30% of profit oil and gas as a management fee—on top of 20%…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Tinubu for rapidly signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, hailing it as a key step towards more credible elections. In a statement on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, Minister Wike described the move as further evidence of President Tinubu’s dedication to bolstering democracy. The Miniater said that the National Assembly’s passage of the bill—followed by the President’s assent within 24 hours—had swiftly quelled protests from opponents, whom he accused of seeking excuses for expected defeats. “Democracy has always…

The Independent National Election (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections raising fears that funding shortfalls could disrupt preparations. Chairman of INEC Professor Joash Amupitan stated this on Thursday in a presentation to the National Assembly, where he said total estimate covers five key areas. He said N379.75 billion is for operations, N92.32 billion for administration, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for election capital costs, and N42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses. Professor Amupitan presented this before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja, stressing compliance with the Electoral Act 2022’s requirement for…

Kaduna State governor Uba Sani has hailed his administration’s reforms as delivering early gains in public finance, governance and the business climate, with the state topping the country’s fiscal transparency rankings for two years running. Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai who represented the Governor at the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair stated this and said the measures were stabilising finances, enhancing accountability and drawing investors. “Industrialisation must be rooted in local enterprise, local skills and strong local value chains,” she said, spotlighting agribusiness, minerals, manufacturing, ICT and services. The fair, she added, was a chance to…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has dismissed accusations that new housing for judges amounts to an attempt to undermine judicial independence, insisting the projects fulfil a constitutional duty. The Minister stated after inspecting major judicial infrastructure in Abuja, including the near-complete Court of Appeal office complex in Dakibiyu, judges’ quarters in Katampe and exclusive residences for court heads in Asokoro. Critics of the Minister have alleged that the accommodations—ordered by President Bola Tinubu to ease the judiciary’s housing shortages—represent an executive bid to “buy off” judges. But, Minister Wike rejects this, and has argued that judicial…

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has hailed US president Donald Trump’s praise for Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as a “respected woman” describing the development as a major diplomatic milestone for the country. Trump’s remarks came at the annual interfaith gathering attended by global leaders, where the America lPresident singled out Mrs. Tinubu amid discussions on faith and international ties. Oshiomhole said the pronouncement by the most powerful world President remains a significant diplomatic milestone that underscores religious harmony and elevates Nigeria’s stature on the world stage. The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly stated this while speaking…

President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic measures are steadying the country after years of instability and restoring public trust, the Miinister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has said. The Minister stated this while speaking in a virtual interview on ICAN ON Air, a live programme of  the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He said that scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange rate were tough but essential fixes for deep-rooted problems. According to him, in May 2023, 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states could not pay salaries, with 97% of revenues swallowed by debt servicing. “You cannot…

The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a national strategy to exploit the $7.7tn (£6.1tn) global halal economy, aiming to unlock $12bn in value and transform Nigeria into a halal-friendly tourism destination. Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this when he represented President Bola Tinubu to launch the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Vice President described it as a bold move to diversify exports, attract investment and create jobs, projecting a $1.5bn addition to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2027. “This document is a declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to…

The Federal Government has inaugurated construction of the Bela Dam and a pilot drip irrigation scheme for sweet potato (kaukau) farming in Bichi, Kano State, as part of efforts to tackle flooding, enhance water security, and drive agricultural growth. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Professor Joseph Otsev at the foundation-laying ceremony in Bela community on Tuesday, described the £multi-million multipurpose dam – with a 775,000 cubic metre capacity – as a “major milestone” in sustainable water management. The project aims to curb perennial floods while supporting irrigation, drinking water, fisheries, and livestock in the area. Minister Utsev said it…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday inspected major road projects as Abuja marked its 50th anniversary, pledging completions to coincide with President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office. The Minister toured sites managed by Chinese firm Geoengineering Construction (CGC), including the N16 arterial road in Katampe district, the outer southern expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I to II, and a 3km access road to the Wasa informal sector hub. The Wasa road, designed to relocate traders from the Apo mechanics village, is due by August 2026, while OSEX and N16 should be ready by May.…