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2026

Business, Economy

2026 BUDGET: AGENCIES SET ASIDE N400BN FOR MOSQUES, PALACES, HALLS

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At least 78 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have allocated nearly ₦400 billion in the 2026 budget for the construction and rehabilitation of community halls, mosques, traditional rulers’ palaces, village market squares and civic centres. An analysis of the budget shows that more than half of the allocation is earmarked for projects considered non-developmental, including the distribution of grains, motorcycles and tricycles, sponsorship of community thrift societies, and the construction of museums and mini-stadia. The affected MDAs include the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Defence Academy, Technical Aid Corps, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, National Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), National Productivity Centre and several research institutions. Economic analysts have criticised the spending pattern, arguing that the projects do not reflect Nigeria’s most pressing development priorities given the country’s current fiscal challenges. They contend that allocating hundreds of billions of naira to numerous small-scale projects reduces funding available for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, security, roads, power and other infrastructure capable of delivering broader economic benefits. The experts also warned that many of the projects have little connection to the statutory responsibilities of the agencies executing them, raising concerns about transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline. For example, the National Building and Road Research Institute’s 2026 budget includes the construction of village halls in Anambra State, an international market in Jigawa State, traditional rulers’ palaces in Rivers and Kogi states, market stalls in Borno State, a multipurpose hall in Kaduna State and the renovation of mosques in Kebbi, Ekiti and Jigawa states. The combined value of these projects exceeds ₦4 billion, despite having no direct link to the institute’s mandate. Similarly, the National Productivity Centre’s budget provides for projects such as support for Ijaw musicians, the construction of an Emir’s palace in Yobe State, an econometrics laboratory in Ekiti State, the refurbishment of traditional rulers’ palaces in Ogun State and the construction of an abattoir in Gombe State. The National Mathematical Centre is also expected to finance the construction of a Sociology Department building at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a project many observers say falls outside its core responsibilities. Consultant economist and former central banker Chukwunonso Ihuma blamed the situation on weak legislative oversight, alleging that lawmakers often insert projects into agency budgets that have little developmental value. He called for a return to zero-based budgeting, where every expenditure must be justified from scratch, and urged the Budget Office of the Federation to reject projects that do not align with national priorities or the mandates of the affected agencies. According to Ihuma, projects such as markets, traditional rulers’ palaces and civic centres are typically the responsibility of state and local governments rather than federal agencies. President Bola Tinubu signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Act into law in April and also extended the implementation period for the 2025 budget to June 30, 2026. The Senate later approved a further extension of the capital component to September 30, 2026, to allow ongoing projects to be completed. The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) said effective implementation of the budget would require stronger fiscal coordination, improved revenue generation and structural reforms to address inflation, exchange rate volatility and economic inequality. Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said the government’s decision to discontinue reliance on the Central Bank’s Ways and Means financing had created additional fiscal pressure, making revenue generation more challenging. He also questioned the realism of the 2026 budget assumptions, which project ₦36.87 trillion in revenue, oil production of 1.84 million barrels per day, an oil benchmark of $75 per barrel, GDP growth of between 4.28 and 4.68 per cent, and ₦15.81 trillion for debt servicing. Media strategist Umar Sani noted that while lawmakers sometimes include constituency projects in the budget, the executive does not always implement them, leading to disagreements over budget execution. He added that previous administrations had rejected appropriation bills containing projects they considered unnecessary, stressing the need for more disciplined budgeting that prioritises national development.

Foreign Affairs

34 Workers Die in Pakistan Coal Mine Blast

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At least 34 workers have been confirmed dead following a methane gas explosion at a coal mine in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, authorities said. The blast occurred on Thursday at a mine near the provincial capital, triggering a rescue operation that continued into the night. In a statement issued early Friday, the Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority said rescue teams had recovered 34 bodies from the site. “According to information received from the deployed teams, 34 dead bodies have been recovered,” the agency said. It added that rescue efforts were still ongoing to locate and recover other miners believed to be trapped underground, although officials did not disclose the total number of workers in the mine at the time of the explosion. Authorities said the explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas, a common hazard in underground coal mining. Mining accidents are frequent in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where poor safety standards and hazardous working conditions have contributed to recurring fatalities. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land area, remains the country’s least developed region, with persistent challenges in education, employment and economic development despite its abundant natural resources.

Sports

Amusan Wins Women’s 100m Hurdles Bronze at Commonwealth Games

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Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan secured the bronze medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, ending her reign as the event’s champion. Amusan, who won back-to-back gold medals at the Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 Games, was aiming to become the first woman to win three consecutive Commonwealth titles in the event. The 29-year-old finished third in the final with a time of 12.60 seconds. The Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton claimed the gold medal after clocking 12.33 seconds, while Megan Simmonds of Jamaica won silver in 12.41 seconds. Earlier in the competition, Amusan had raised hopes of defending her title after producing an impressive performance in the heats, winning her race in a wind-assisted 12.19 seconds. Although the time was not eligible for record purposes because of excessive wind assistance, it was the fastest performance ever recorded at the Commonwealth Games under any conditions. Amusan, however, was unable to reproduce that form in the final as Charlton and Simmonds finished ahead of her. Despite missing out on a historic third consecutive Commonwealth Games title, the Nigerian sprint hurdler extended her remarkable record at the Games by securing a third straight podium finish in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Metro

Terrorists Threaten to Kill Most of 176 Woro Captives, Keep ‘Beautiful’ Women

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Families of at least 176 people abducted by suspected terrorists in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed calls on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to secure the release of their loved ones, who have remained in captivity for nearly six months. The appeal comes amid claims that the abductors threatened to force some of the female captives into marriage while killing the remaining hostages. Speaking during an interview monitored on BBC Hausa, Abdul Ibrahim, a resident of Kaiama, said the kidnappers rejected more than ₦155 million raised through community contributions to secure the victims’ release. According to him, the abductors warned that they would marry the “beautiful” female captives and kill the others if their demands were not met. “We have done everything within our means. The money was raised, yet our people have not been released. Their suffering continues, and families are living in agony,” Ibrahim said. He appealed to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, noting that the affected communities had exhausted virtually every available option, including peaceful protests, without success. Also speaking, the Dan Sardaukin Kaiama and Suleiman Bukata urged security agencies to replicate the operation that recently secured the rescue of kidnapped victims in Oyo State. Bukata said the successful rescue in Oyo had given families in Kaiama hope that similar efforts could be extended to those still being held by terrorists in Kwara State. He stressed that every additional day in captivity exposes the victims to greater danger and hardship, calling for urgent government intervention. Commenting on the broader security situation in northern Nigeria, Senator Adamu Aliero expressed concern over the persistent threat of terrorism but said the challenge was not due to inadequate funding. He noted that the National Assembly has consistently approved budgetary requests from security agencies to support counter-terrorism operations, arguing that the continued attacks reflect the complexity of the country’s security challenges. Aliero also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying governors should be constitutionally empowered to establish local policing structures capable of responding more effectively to security threats in their respective states.

Metro

MAKINDE LAUNCHES JUDICIAL INQUIRY INTO ORIIRE ABDUCTION

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The development was announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement issued in Ibadan. According to Oyelade, the commission is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, identify the factors that led to the security breach and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. He said the panel, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on Friday, will also assess the response of relevant authorities to the incident and propose ways to strengthen security in schools and communities across the state. “The commission will examine the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state,” Oyelade said. He added that the establishment of the commission reflects Governor Makinde’s commitment to ensuring a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the incident. The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when pupils and teachers were kidnapped from the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The victims were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry is expected to submit findings and recommendations aimed at improving security and preventing a recurrence of similar attacks in Oyo State.

Politics

Adeleke Claims Police Relocated More Than 60 Accord Leaders to Abuja Custody

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that more than 60 leaders of the Accord Party were arrested by the police and transferred to correctional facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State despite the availability of courts in Osun State. Adeleke made the allegation on Thursday while speaking at a peace summit in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 governorship election. In a statement shared on his X account, the governor claimed that his administration and supporters had been subjected to sustained attacks over the past three months, accusing former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of orchestrating the violence. “I should have boycotted this peace meeting because of the violence unleashed on Osun State in the last few months, on the directive of Gboyega Oyetola,” Adeleke said. “Our gathering is to endorse peace, but my government and people are facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation.” The governor also accused the Osun State Police Command of aiding attacks against his supporters. According to Adeleke, more than 60 Accord Party leaders, including the party’s House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Alaba, were arrested and moved to correctional facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State. “Why Abuja? We have both the Federal High Court and State High Courts in Osun State, where anyone can be arraigned,” he said. Adeleke further alleged that the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, was arrested on what he described as fabricated charges after police officers allegedly raided his residence without a court-authorised warrant. The governor claimed that eight members of his party had been killed and more than 20 others injured in recent attacks, alleging that none of the perpetrators had been prosecuted. “There is no single prosecution or active arrest till date. The perpetrators are known Osun APC thugs with crimes committed in the presence of the police,” he alleged. He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to return those in custody to Osun State and prosecute them in courts within the state if there was evidence they had committed any offence. “Those remanded in prisons should be returned to Osun State and charged before courts in Osun State if the police can show they have committed any crime,” Adeleke said. The governor also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Oyetola and the Osun State Commissioner of Police against what he described as further acts of intimidation and violence. The allegations come after the police arrested Igbalaye and five other individuals over alleged vote-buying. Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said officers recovered ₦4.8 million and other electoral materials from a residence linked to the Secretary to the State Government. Political tension has continued to rise in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) trading accusations over recent incidents of violence and intimidation.

Politics

Council Chairmen Say APC Governors Are Implementing LG Autonomy

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The Forum of Local Government Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said governors elected on the party’s platform are committed to implementing the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area in Niger State and Chairman of the Progressives Local Government Chairmen Forum, Dr Mustafa Jibril Alheri, made the remarks while briefing journalists in Abuja after leading members of the forum to a meeting with the APC national leadership. Alheri dismissed claims that APC governors were resisting the implementation of local government autonomy, describing the process as gradual and noting that relations between council chairmen and their governors remain cordial. “I want to also use this opportunity to assure you that we have the support of our governors. My own governor, the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umar Bago, is a strong supporter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and one of the greatest leaders we have had regarding the issue of local government autonomy,” he said. According to him, several APC-controlled states are already implementing the Supreme Court ruling as part of a transition process. “The President has been pursuing this for a very long time, and a lot of our states, especially the progressive states, are enjoying full autonomy. It is a gradual transition process that has been going on for a long time. The APC, through the leadership of the President, is committed to ensuring complete local government autonomy,” Alheri added. The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment delivered in July 2024, affirmed the financial autonomy of local governments and ruled that allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to local councils. In the unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim on behalf of a seven-member panel, the apex court held that it is unconstitutional for state governors to receive and withhold funds meant for local government areas. Despite the ruling, several states have yet to fully implement the decision, prompting President Bola Tinubu to warn at the APC National Executive Committee meeting in December that he could issue an Executive Order to enforce compliance. Responding to concerns over delays, Alheri maintained that the implementation process is progressing steadily. “In Niger State, we are receiving all the support we need from our governor, and most states under the Progressive Local Government leadership are also enjoying similar cooperation. We are working together with our governors, slowly but surely, toward complete autonomy,” he said. He added that local government chairmen are actively involved in decisions taken by their state governments and expressed confidence that full local government autonomy would eventually be achieved nationwide. Alheri also expressed optimism that more governors would embrace the policy, saying the APC remains committed to strengthening local government administration across the country.

Metro

MACBAN Says Insecurity Has Overtaken Farmer-Herder Crisis in Benue South

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The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed concern over the rising wave of killings, attacks and cattle rustling across Benue South Senatorial District, describing the violence as organised criminality rather than the traditional farmer-herder conflict. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association’s Secretary, Ibrahim Galma, condemned the attacks and called on the Benue State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to take urgent steps to restore peace and security in the area. According to Galma, the security situation has deteriorated beyond clashes between farmers and herders. “We wish to state categorically that the situation in Zone C has transcended a farmer-herder conflict. What we are witnessing is pure criminality orchestrated by criminal elements who are exploiting the fragile security situation to perpetrate murder, theft, arson and forceful displacement of innocent citizens,” he said. The association recalled the killing of its Benue State Chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were attacked by gunmen in Okudu village, Otukpo Local Government Area, on June 26, 2026. It said the incident heightened fear and tension across the district. MACBAN also referenced subsequent attacks in Otukpo-Nobi, Ogobia and Efeyi communities, where several people were reportedly killed, expressing sympathy to all families affected by the violence, regardless of their ethnic or social background. The association further alleged that Fulani herders and their livestock were attacked in several communities, including Olahimu, Ipom, Ochimosho, Omoloye, Ofiloko, Ibagidi and Ugene, between July 21 and July 28, resulting in deaths, cattle rustling and the displacement of herders. It also claimed that Fulani settlements in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area were destroyed by suspected arsonists. MACBAN called on security agencies to investigate the incidents thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law. As part of its recommendations, the association urged the Benue State Government to establish a joint peace and security committee comprising representatives of the Idoma, Igede, Agatu and Fulani communities. It also called for increased security deployment in affected areas, the convening of an emergency stakeholders’ peace summit and the prosecution of all those responsible for the attacks. Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, the association appealed to Fulani residents across Benue State to remain calm and seek redress through lawful means. “The government must act now to restore normalcy before the situation degenerates beyond control,” Galma said.

World Cup

Concacaf’s 41 Member Nations Oppose FIFA World Cup Stake Sale Plan

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The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) has rejected FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors, becoming the latest football governing body to oppose the plan. The decision followed a meeting on Thursday involving representatives of all 41 Concacaf member associations, where delegates deliberated on the proposal and its potential implications for the global game. According to reports, the discussions reflected growing concerns among member associations over FIFA’s leadership under President Gianni Infantino. A source familiar with the meeting said many delegates expressed declining confidence in Infantino’s leadership, while another source acknowledged widespread concerns over FIFA’s governance, transparency and decision-making processes. Following the meeting, Concacaf confirmed in a statement that its members unanimously rejected the proposal. The development comes after UEFA announced that its 55 member associations would boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the governing body’s commercial plans move forward. Explaining its decision, Concacaf said members were concerned about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the short timeline given for consideration and the absence of review or approval by FIFA’s relevant governance bodies. The confederation also questioned the need for private equity investment to support FIFA Forward programmes after what it described as the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history. “The discussion reinforced the need for greater transparency and proper governance. For these reasons, Concacaf and its 41 Member Associations have rejected the proposal,” the statement said. FIFA has maintained that the proposal is aimed at creating a FIFA-owned commercial subsidiary capable of attracting long-term investment and commercial expertise while ensuring that the governing body retains ownership and control of the FIFA World Cup and its governance.

Politics

Tinubu to Ex-PIC Secretary, Members: Stop Posing as Federal Government Officials

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The Presidency has directed the former Secretary of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties and its members to immediately stop presenting themselves as representatives of the Federal Government. It said the committee ceased to exist with effect from November 5, 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of its dissolution. In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said all matters relating to the committee’s activities have been transferred to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). President Tinubu also directed the committee’s former Secretary, B. S. Dutsin-Ma, to stop acting on behalf of the dissolved committee and the Federal Government on issues related to its former responsibilities. According to the statement, the dissolution takes retrospective effect from November 5, 2025, the date the President ordered the Attorney General to assume responsibility for all matters concerning the committee. The Presidency explained that the Presidential Implementation Committee was established in 2000 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to oversee the privatisation, sale and lease of Federal Government landed assets under the government’s monetisation policy. The committee was chaired by the then Minister of Housing and included representatives from the ministries of Transportation, Justice, Health and Agriculture, as well as the Nigeria Police Force. Its pioneer secretary was Prof. P. T. Ahire, then a Deputy Director in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while its membership comprised representatives from both the public and private sectors. The statement recalled that on March 22, 2001, the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of a Panel of Inquiry to prepare a White Paper for implementing recommendations arising from the committee’s work. The panel spent 21 months before submitting its report. According to the Presidency, a review of the committee’s operations revealed that its activities had extended beyond its original mandate, resulting in multiple legal disputes across the country. It said the Federal Government concluded that the committee’s continued existence was no longer necessary, prompting President Tinubu to dissolve it and transfer all related responsibilities to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. The Presidency added that all matters relating to the alienation of Federal Government properties will henceforth be handled exclusively by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.