BudgIT uncovers ₦6.93tr worth of inserted projects in 2025 Budget

BudgIT uncovers

BudgIT has revealed that the 10th National Assembly inserted 11,122 projects worth ₦6.93 trillion into the 2025 federal budget, raising concerns over fiscal abuse and political manipulation.  According to the civic tech group many of the projects lack justification and divert funds from national priorities. Key flagged insertions include: 238 projects above ₦5 billion, 1,477 streetlight projects costing ₦393.29 billion, and ₦6.74 billion for traditional ruler “empowerment”. BudgIT urged President Tinubu to reform the budget process and align spending with the national development plan.

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Tinubu meets Catholic Bishops in Vatican, urges unity across diversity

Tinubu meets Catholic Bishops

In a powerful moment that transcended religion and politics, President Bola Tinubu met with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria during his visit to Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the papal inauguration, brought together some of Nigeria’s most revered spiritual leaders and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to interfaith harmony and national cohesion. President Tinubu, a devout Muslim, used the occasion to deliver a message rooted in peace, purpose, and progress.  Speaking to the bishops, he said: “If we use…

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Nigeria to roll out $2bn fibre network to boost internet access – Minister 

Nigeria to roll out

The Presidency has said Nigeria’s Communications and Digital Economy sector attracted $191m in foreign direct investment in Q1 2024 – a ninefold increase from $22m in Q1 2023. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in an issued statement yesterday, titled: ‘Investment in Digital Economy Grows Ninefold; Rollout Of $2 Bn Fibre-Optic Infrastructure Begins Q4: Bosun Tijani’. Tijani highlighted the…

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Kebbi: Bandits storm church, abduct worshippers during Sunday service

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Gunmen believed to be members of the notorious Lakurawa gang stormed Zagami village, in Dano/Wasagu local government area of Kebbi State on Sunday, abducting several Christian worshippers during a church service. It was gathered that the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, invaded the church during morning worship, shooting sporadically and causing panic before whisking away an undisclosed number of congregants into the nearby forest. One of the worshippers, Ezekiel Ɗanjuma, who narrowly escaped the attack, told our reporter that the gunmen came in large numbers and surrounded the church before…

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“We lost in parts of Southern Kaduna, but our mandate is for all” – Gov. Uba Sani

Uba Sani on S'Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani, of Kaduna State, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, emphasising that development efforts will be evenly distributed across all regions, regardless of political or electoral outcomes. Speaking during an interview on a television programme, the governor reflected on the 2023 elections, acknowledging that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) outperformed his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in several local government areas of Southern Kaduna. “Yes, I lost the election in Southern Kaduna; because many local governments voted for PDP. A few voted for APC; but still,…

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Mandatory voting Bill violates constitutional rights, says Falana

Falana

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has criticised a proposed Bill seeking to make voting compulsory in Nigeria, describing it as a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights. The Bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, proposes a 6-month jail term or a fine of ₦100,000 for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections. Abbas said the objective is to address low voter turnout, promote civic responsibility, and transform voting from a personal choice into a legal obligation. However, Falana, in a statement issued…

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Zamfara bandit attacks: 3 killed, 26 abducted in Ƙauran-Namoda LG communities

Zamfara bandit attacks

Suspected bandits killed at least three people and abducted 26 others in a series of coordinated attacks on Ƙauran-Namoda communities in Zamfara State between Thursday and Saturday. Sabon-Gari village was hardest hit, with one woman killed and about 20 residents kidnapped. Some sources claim the actual toll may be higher, including a man, his two wives, and their children among the abducted. The assaults reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, despite a security presence in the area. The attackers are believed to be loyal to notorious bandit leader…

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“I’m not fighting Tinubu, my fight is against bad governance” – Obi

Tinubu meets Catholic Bishops2

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has clarified that he is not in conflict with President Bola Tinubu, emphasising that his focus is on advocating for good governance and addressing pressing social issues in Nigeria. Speaking during a public engagement following his return from Rome yesterday, Obi responded to public reactions about a photograph showing him with the president during a recent event. He said, “I and the president are not fighting. I’m not fighting anybody. My fight is against bad governance, against hunger, against poverty,…

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Kano Govt. bans 22 Hausa film series on Arewa24 TV, other channels over censorship breach

Kano govt. bans Arewa24TV film series

The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended 22 popular Hausa film series for breaching censorship regulations, ordering an immediate stop to their airing and online streaming. This was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday, following a management meeting and consultations with stakeholders. The Board said the affected productions were released without undergoing the mandatory pre-release censorship process. Executive Secretary of the Board, Abba el-Mustapha, approved the suspension after findings showed that the films were produced and distributed in total disregard of regulatory procedures. According to the Board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi…

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Gowon defends civil war role, says it was for Nigeria’s unity

Gowon on civil war role

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, (rtd) has reiterated that his decision to lead Nigeria into the civil war was not a crime, but an act driven by the desire to preserve the country’s unity. In a recent interview in Abuja, Gowon reflected on the Nigerian Civil War and its enduring impact more than 50 years after its end. He described the conflict as a painful but necessary step to prevent national disintegration. “I will not say I committed a crime by going into war; it was out…

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