Politics

Former Senate President Ken Nnamani and members of the Enugu State Caucus in the National Assembly have congratulated Governor Peter Mbah following Enugu State’s emergence as Nigeria’s fastest-improving state in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index. In a statement issued from his residence in Enugu State, Nnamani described the recognition as a reflection of the remarkable transformation recorded under Mbah’s administration since he assumed office in May 2023. According to the former Senate President, Enugu has witnessed significant progress across key sectors, including security, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, tourism and infrastructure, making the state a leading example of effective sub-national governance. He said the latest ranking did not come as a surprise to many residents of the state, arguing that Enugu’s development trajectory over the past three years has been evident through the implementation of major reforms and development projects. Nnamani also stated that the governor’s achievements have strengthened public confidence in his administration and justified growing calls for his re-election. The Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly also commended Governor Mbah for what it described as his visionary leadership and commitment to socioeconomic development. In a statement issued on behalf of the caucus by former Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu, the lawmakers said the Phillips Consulting ranking reflects the level of progress achieved across multiple sectors of the state’s economy. The caucus noted that the administration’s investments in infrastructure and economic reforms have enhanced Enugu’s attractiveness for business, investment, tourism and residential development. The lawmakers added that the report supports the state’s long-term economic target of expanding its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion and pledged continued legislative support for the administration’s development agenda. Enugu recently emerged as the highest-ranked state in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index after recording a score of +1.55 on the report’s three-point scale. The Momentum Index measures the rate at which states improve relative to the national average using indicators such as citizen satisfaction, internally generated revenue relative to federal allocations, debt sustainability, revenue growth and fiscal transparency. Jigawa, Abia, Osun and Kano followed Enugu as the next fastest-improving states in the latest rankings. According to Phillips Consulting, Enugu’s performance reflects deliberate governance reforms, prudent fiscal management and effective policy implementation, demonstrating how consistent leadership and institutional reforms can produce measurable development outcomes within a relatively short period.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged governments across sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate investments in electricity, digital infrastructure, internet connectivity and workforce skills, warning that the region could miss out on the economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) without urgent action. In a report titled Africa Can Grow Faster With AI If It Moves Now, the IMF said AI could increase the region’s economic output by about four per cent over the next decade by boosting productivity, creating better jobs and improving public service delivery. However, it stressed that these gains depend on countries addressing long-standing infrastructure and digital readiness challenges. According to the IMF, the biggest threat to Africa is not that AI will eliminate jobs, but that the continent could fall further behind if it fails to adopt and scale the technology quickly. The report estimates that under an ambitious reform agenda, AI could contribute around four per cent to sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP over the next 10 years. Without major improvements in infrastructure and policy, however, the technology’s impact could be limited to just 0.2 per cent. The Washington-based lender noted that the region currently ranks lowest on its AI Preparedness Index due to weak digital infrastructure, limited technical expertise, inadequate regulations and low investment in research and innovation. One of the major barriers identified is unreliable electricity. The IMF said nearly half of the population in sub-Saharan Africa still lacks dependable access to power, making it difficult for businesses, technology firms and research institutions to operate AI systems that require stable electricity. To address this challenge, the Fund called for increased investment in national power grids and the expansion of mini-grid solutions around schools, hospitals and innovation hubs to support digital and AI-driven industries. The report also highlighted limited internet access as another obstacle. While mobile phone usage has grown significantly, only about 38 per cent of Africans were using the internet in 2024, compared to the global average of roughly 68 per cent. The IMF said expanding broadband infrastructure, fibre-optic networks and affordable internet access would help accelerate AI adoption across the continent. Beyond infrastructure, the organisation emphasised the need for stronger investment in education and digital skills. It recommended expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education while equipping workers with practical AI and digital competencies to prepare them for future employment opportunities. The IMF believes AI could play a transformative role in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration. Potential applications include AI-powered weather forecasting for farmers, intelligent diagnostic tools for hospitals, and improved tax administration and public financial management for governments. The report also noted growing private sector investment in Africa’s AI ecosystem. It cited Microsoft’s partnership with G42 to develop a $1 billion geothermal-powered data centre in Kenya and Cassava Technologies’ collaboration with NVIDIA to deploy advanced graphics processing units across several African countries, initiatives expected to strengthen the continent’s AI computing capacity. Despite these developments, the IMF warned that AI infrastructure remains concentrated in a few countries. It noted that Africa has around 160 data centres, most of them located in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, raising concerns that the benefits of AI could be unevenly distributed unless more countries improve their digital infrastructure. The Fund further called for robust regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting privacy, strengthening cybersecurity and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence. According to the IMF, Africa’s ability to benefit from AI will depend less on developing sophisticated AI models and more on addressing fundamental challenges such as reliable electricity, wider internet access, digital skills development and supportive policies. It concluded that with decisive action, artificial intelligence could become a major driver of economic growth, higher productivity and more inclusive development across the continent rather than another missed technological opportunity.

Civic accountability organization Tracka has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 budget, revealing that allocations for luxury vehicles and empowerment programmes total almost N1 trillion more than the combined budgets of seven key federal ministries. Following a review of the 2026 budget proposal, the group said the government plans to spend N15.13 billion on the purchase of 39 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), while N947.7 billion has been earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects nationwide. According to Tracka, the combined allocation of N962.83 billion exceeds the N960.27 billion budgeted for seven ministries, including Trade and Investment, Housing, Women Affairs, Justice, Livestock Development, Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Petroleum. The organisation said the spending pattern raises concerns about government priorities at a time when the country faces significant economic and social challenges. Tracka also questioned the transparency of the proposed empowerment programmes, noting that only 70 of the 2,579 projects have clearly identified implementation locations. It argued that the absence of location details makes it difficult for citizens, oversight bodies and taxpayers to monitor the projects or verify how the funds will be used. The group further observed that the projects are distributed across 184 government agencies, many of which do not have statutory responsibilities for implementing empowerment programmes. Among the agencies identified are one linked to a river basin authority, which is expected to oversee 393 projects valued at N127.1 billion, the National Agricultural Development Fund with six projects worth N89.5 billion, another state development-related agency handling 216 projects valued at N88.1 billion, and a separate agency responsible for 94 projects worth N36.9 billion. While acknowledging that properly designed empowerment programmes can improve the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians, Tracka warned that poorly managed schemes risk becoming channels for political patronage instead of delivering measurable public benefits. The organisation stressed that transparent project locations, clearly defined beneficiary selection criteria and implementation by agencies with the appropriate legal mandate are essential to maintaining public confidence in such programmes. Tracka also pointed to the country’s fiscal outlook, noting that the proposed 2026 budget carries an estimated deficit of about 46 percent, meaning a significant portion of government spending will be financed through borrowing. Given the country’s fiscal constraints, the organisation argued that every public expenditure should be tied to projects with clear, measurable outcomes and strong accountability mechanisms.

State governors are intensifying efforts to secure the speedy passage of the proposed state police bill, urging the National Assembly, the 36 State Houses of Assembly and the Presidency to complete the legislative process before campaigns for the 2027 general elections begin. The renewed push follows the House of Representatives’ approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill, which seeks to establish state police services across Nigeria. The bill was passed after weeks of lobbying by governors, who are now calling for its swift harmonisation with the Senate’s version. Sources familiar with the process said the governors want Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately constitute a harmonisation committee to reconcile differences between both chambers before the National Assembly’s annual recess. According to the sources, governors are concerned that the legislative break and the approach of the election season could delay the bill if the process is not concluded quickly. Once harmonised, the legislation will return to both chambers for final approval before being transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for concurrence. Governors are also said to have engaged state assembly speakers, urging them to ensure the bill is approved promptly once received. They have equally opened discussions with officials in the Presidency, seeking a speedy presidential assent after the bill completes the legislative process. However, the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives has attracted criticism over the voting procedure. The legislation was approved through a voice vote, a move some stakeholders argue did not comply with constitutional requirements for amendments. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki, has threatened legal action, alleging that lawmakers failed to consider and vote on the bill clause by clause. The group argued that such a process is required for constitutional amendments and warned that the procedure could be challenged in court. Former lawmaker Sergius Ogun also criticised the method adopted by the House, noting that previous constitutional amendment exercises relied on electronic voting rather than voice votes. While acknowledging that the outcome of any legal challenge cannot be predicted, he said judicial scrutiny could help clarify the constitutional process. The governors’ urgency is also linked to security planning ahead of the next general elections. Several states already operate local security outfits, including vigilante groups and community watch organisations, which they hope to transform into formal state police agencies once the constitutional amendment is enacted. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun recently disclosed that governors had agreed to ensure their respective state assemblies pass the bill simultaneously after it is transmitted. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also expressed confidence that the states would demonstrate their support through a swift concurrence process. Many state assembly speakers have already pledged to support the legislation, describing it as a significant step in Nigeria’s constitutional reform efforts. Meanwhile, civil society organisations have called for broader public consultation before the bill progresses further. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre has urged the National Assembly to organise public hearings across the country’s six geopolitical zones, noting that important issues, including the proposed funding structure for state police, have yet to be fully explained to Nigerians. Although the bill secured 311 votes in the House of Representatives well above the constitutional threshold required for amendments minority lawmakers staged a walkout, insisting that the legislative process failed to meet constitutional standards. With governors pushing for accelerated action and opponents preparing possible court challenges, the fate of the state police bill will likely be decided in the coming weeks as lawmakers race against time ahead of the 2027 election season.

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua produced a remarkable comeback on Saturday night, recovering from two early knockdowns to stop previously unbeaten Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round of their bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Joshua endured a nightmare start as Prenga, who entered the contest with a perfect record of 20 knockouts in 20 fights, dropped the former world champion with a powerful uppercut less than 20 seconds into the opening round. Prenga sent Joshua to the canvas again before the end of the round, raising fears of a major upset. However, Joshua responded impressively in the second round, regaining his composure before landing a series of heavy right hands that trapped Prenga against the ropes. The referee halted the contest, handing the Albanian his first professional defeat and improving Joshua’s record to 30 wins from 34 fights, including 27 knockouts. Speaking after the victory, Joshua welcomed the prospect of a long-awaited clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury, while expressing respect for his rival’s accomplishments. “I respect everything he has done and achieved, but I’ve wanted this fight for a long time, and now we’re here,” Joshua said. “I hope the fans are in for a great show.” He added: “I’ve learned that I cannot be stopped. I’m not going to be denied.” The fight marked Joshua’s first appearance since the December car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Clearly emotional after the bout, Joshua dedicated the victory to their memory. Wearing camouflage gear bearing their names, he described the performance as being driven by their spirit. “It was more than power. That was spirit. That was Latz and Sina,” he said. “It’s been a difficult time, but champions get back up when they’re knocked down. That’s what this was about.” Joshua’s victory came just a day after Tyson Fury recorded a seventh-round technical knockout win over Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand, with both heavyweights successfully completing their tune-up fights ahead of a proposed showdown. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts for the highly anticipated all-British contest have already been signed, although the venue is yet to be decided. Wembley Stadium remains a leading option, while staging the fight in the United States is also under consideration. Hearn praised Joshua’s resilience, saying the former champion showed tremendous character by recovering from two first-round knockdowns to secure the stoppage victory. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk also commended Joshua’s performance, saying the British-Nigerian looked better than when they previously met. According to Usyk, Joshua’s improvement is not only physical but also mental.

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has dismissed speculation that he plans to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, describing the reports as false and threatening legal action against those responsible for spreading them. Musa spoke to State House correspondents on Tuesday after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, focused on the country’s current security situation. He said he briefed the President on ongoing security operations and expressed optimism about the progress being made in tackling insecurity. “I just came back from briefing Mr President on the current security situation, and he is very happy with us. We are going to continue doing well,” Musa said. The minister thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the armed forces, stressing that addressing insecurity requires the collective efforts of citizens alongside security agencies. “I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for all the support. The support has been massive. To defeat the terrorists and the bandits is a whole-of-society approach. Nigerians have keyed into it, and things are getting better, and they will continue to improve,” he added. Reacting to reports that he intended to leave office, Musa denied ever discussing resignation and described the claims as baseless. “I am not going anywhere. I have never discussed this. I don’t even know who the person is that brought that information,” he said. He warned that legal action would be taken against those behind the rumour. “But whoever it is, we will take legal action against them. We are surprised. I was shocked when I saw that. I don’t know where that came from. But you always expect that there will be people who will not be happy when things are going well.” According to the minister, recent improvements in the country’s security situation may have prompted attempts to spread misinformation. “Security is improving, things are getting better, and for them, that is a sad point. They always want to make it look as if it is not so,” he said.