Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The Federal Government has directed ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to carry over 70 per cent of their 2025 capital allocations into the 2026 fiscal year, as part of efforts to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and manage spending pressures arising from weak revenues. The directive is contained in the 2026 Abridged Budget Call Circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and circulated to ministers, service chiefs, agency heads and senior officials in Abuja. The circular, obtained by New Daily Prime, states that preparations for the 2026 budget will not accommodate new capital projects and…

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that over $185 million and N14.9 billion have so far been released to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) from the Frontier Exploration Fund, countering recent reports alleging that the regulator withheld the money. The Commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, clarified the development in a statement issued on Monday, stressing that all approved funds had been duly disbursed to the national oil company in line with statutory provisions. Akinkuotu explained that the fund—created under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)—is not held by the NUPRC, but is…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen democratic institutions, describing the effort as essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and promoting stability across the West African sub-region. Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke in Abuja at the 28th anniversary of the death of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, themed “The Union We Hope to Become.” Paying tribute to the late soldier and statesman, the President said Yar’Adua embodied conviction, humility, patriotism and a deep commitment to national service above personal interest. He noted that the memorial offered…

United States Congressman Riley Moore has expressed deep concern over rising terrorism and continued killings in parts of Nigeria, saying that while progress has been made, “much work still remains.” Moore made the remarks in a statement posted on X on Monday following a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja. According to the congressman, discussions centred on escalating terrorist activities in the North-East and the persistent violence in the Middle Belt—issues he described as a major priority for US President Donald Trump and himself. “There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has predicted that the country will not only overcome its economic challenges but will rise to the point of lending money to other nations, declaring that “great prosperity lies ahead.” She made the remark on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, shortly after she was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua. The event formed part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The ceremony drew an array of political leaders, royal fathers and dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; wife of…

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged Yoruba communities across the South-West to heighten their vigilance as insecurity intensifies across northern and central Nigeria, warning that recent attacks pose an increasing danger to the region. The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, following the monarch’s address at the weekend celebration of Ode-Omu Day in Osun State. Nigeria has in recent weeks witnessed a spike in terrorist and bandit attacks, particularly in northern states where killings, mass abductions and violent raids have surged. Fresh incidents in Kwara and Kogi States,…

Aloy Ejimakor, legal consultant to the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has compared the self-representation stance of the separatist figure to that of the late Premier of the Old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Speaking on Sunday, Ejimakor revealed that Kanu’s refusal to engage a legal team has slowed down the filing of his appeal against the life sentence handed to him by the Federal High Court in Abuja. “MNK has not filed his appeal yet because he has refused to hire lawyers. You know he disengaged us as his lawyers, so we now act…

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation in the country, warning that recent developments pose serious threats to national unity, stability and social cohesion. In a statement shared on his official X handle on Monday, the former Minister of Defence said addressing the escalating insecurity remains the primary responsibility of the Federal Government, working collaboratively with state and local governments as well as other critical stakeholders in the security architecture. Kwankwaso, however, lamented that the Federal Government appears overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of the…

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has projected a resounding victory for the ruling party in the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as the growing national acceptance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Yilwatda made the assertion in Abuja on Sunday while receiving the leadership of Women Leaders Support Advancement, a political advocacy group championing enhanced inclusion of women in governance. The APC chairman’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for the party as it intensifies internal consultations ahead of its National Caucus and National Executive Committee meetings, scheduled for December 18 and 19…

The factional Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed its commitment to work with and support the party’s National Working Committee in efforts to stabilise the party and strengthen its internal structures. Chairman of the factional BoT, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, made the declaration on Sunday during the opening of an ongoing BoT meeting held at Wike’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja. Ohuabunwa said the group would fully cooperate with the NWC to guarantee that the affairs of the party are managed strictly in accordance with…