The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Southwest in joint moves to prevent terrorists’ incursion into region
- Governors back immediate creation of State Police
- Artisanal mining, interstate migration must be regulated
- Abiodun meets security chiefs, wants foreigners, others documented
- Ogun govt plans crackdown on unauthorised settlements, others
- 70 foreigners from Niger, Chad, Sudan arrested in four days
Southwest governors yesterday made a bold, pre-emptive and strategic move to forestall terrorism incursion into the region.

The governors resolved to set up a joint regional security fund and security intelligence sharing communication platform while also reinvigorating forest surveillance across the six states.

Other measures agreed upon include the monitoring and regulation of inter-state migration and effective action against illegal mining activities.

The governors also reiterated their support for state police as replacement for the current centralised policing structure.

This is in line with the joint position adopted by all 36 governors on the platform of the National Economic Council (NEC), to which they all belong and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

But Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has always expressed his opposition to the idea of state police.

The six governors -Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos ), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), who was represented by his deputy- Kola Adewusi – converged on the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, for a crucial discussion on security, economic development and regional integration.

Adeleke did not personally attend because he is abroad.

Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, who presided over the meeting, emphasised that the security of lives and property cannot be compromised in the region.

The meeting held on the heels of mounting security challenges in contiguous states, such as Kwara, where worshippers were abducted in Eruku and Kogi.

In Kebbi and Niger states, where the bandits attacked schools and kidnapped pupils and teachers.

On Sunday, the Niger school proprietor announced the escape of 51 pupils from their abductors. Security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue those still being held by the bandits.

Before yesterday’s meeting, the six governors have been beefing up securities in their states individually.

They are now to work close together to secure the region.

With local security outfit, Amotekun, complementing security, the region is believed to be the safest in the country.

Oyebanji, Aiyedatiwa and Makinde have held strategic meetings with security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders in their domains.

Abiodun, who has also met security chiefs, said apart from the documentation of foreigners, government would crackdown on unauthorised settlements, illegal miners and scavengers.

Already, no fewer than 70 foreigners from Chad, Sudan and other states have been arrested in four days in Ogun.

Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique of the meeting, told reporters that the governors deliberated on national security and how it affects the Southwest.

The communique reads: “The Forum commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.

“The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.

“The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security of our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.

“South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.

“Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six Southwest states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.

“Forest Surveillance: the Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps members and all the other security agencies. The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the Southwest States and called for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements.

“To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the Southwest states, with each state government responsible for providing the required personnel.

“The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe-corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

“Inter-state Migration: the forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose signicant challenges across the Southwest.

“The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identication and urges each Southwest States to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identication. The forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.

“Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the Southwest states, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security. The forum calls for comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.

“State Police: The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that ‘The time is now’ and it can no longer be delayed.

“Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Resilience: The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.

“Southwest Development Commission (SWDC): The Forum thanks President Tinubu for the establishment of the commission

and charges the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate.

“DAWN Commission: The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.

“Finally, the forum enjoins all the south west people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region. We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”
November 25, 2025
Constitution Review panel targets before-year-end transmission of amendment bills to state assemblies
- Barau rallies lawmakers, speakers for speedy conclusion of review
- Nigerians yearning for conmprehensive reforms to feel governance, says Reps Deputy Speaker
Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review, Barau Jibrin, has urged federal and state lawmakers to remain steadfast as the constitution amendment process enters its decisive stage.

Barau spoke yesterday at a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Abuja.

The Deputy Senate President said the engagement was aimed at firming up positions earlier agreed upon and ensuring full collaboration with state assemblies before transmitting approved Bills to the Executive.

The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together members of the National Assembly, state assembly speakers and consultants working on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Barau recalled the committee’s previous meeting in Lagos, where members debated the amendment Bills and agreed to reconvene for further consultations.

The Deputy Senate President hailed fellow lawmakers for their “commitment and dedication” to what he called one of the most important legislative assignments before the 10th National Assembly.

He noted that the Abuja meeting was not designed for fresh debates except where there was a substantive motion to revisit an already concluded matter.

According to him, members are expected to adopt agreed positions and receive reports from the sub-committees working on specific areas, including state and local government creation.

Barau said the presence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly was crucial, describing them as “critical and strategic partners” whose concurrence is required under Section 9 of the Constitution before any amendment can become law.

Read Also: South-West security summit: stakeholders back state police

“This meeting offers the state assemblies the opportunity to be fully brought on board on the issues we have sieved after public hearings and consultations across the country,” he said.

“Their observations and inputs are important as we prepare our final report to the plenary.”

The Deputy Senate President urged all stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring that the amendment Bills are transmitted to the state assemblies before the end of the year.

He added: “We are in the last lap of this assignment. Nigerians are looking up to us, and we must fulfil our purpose by ensuring that the constitution amendment bills get to the state houses of assembly this year.”

Also, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said Nigerians are looking up to the legislature to have holistic reforms that will, among others, bring governance closer to them and localise internal security.

Kalu spoke at the second joint retreat of the House and Senate Committees on Constitution Review yesterday in Abuja.

The Deputy Speaker described the meeting as a defining chapter in the collective journey to deliver a Constitution that truly serves the people, deepens democracy, and strengthens the foundations of the nation.

He said reforms through the ongoing constitution review should birth the creation of state police, empower their voices through credible elections, ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution, protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion, and guarantee local government autonomy so that development could reach the last community.

Kalu recalled that since the commencement of the constitutional review, the committee had recorded significant and measurable progress.

He added: “Three prior committee retreats were dedicated to capacity building, technical refinement, and thematic deliberations on critical constitutional issues.

“Six zonal public hearings were conducted across all geopolitical zones, during which we received submissions from thousands of Nigerian citizens, traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society organisations, women’s groups, youth leaders, professional bodies, and the security community.

“There were argeted consultations with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, because true federalism thrives on intergovernmental cooperation, not rivalry; leaders of all registered political parties because constitutional amendments must reflect collective consensus above partisanship.”

“Traditional institutions (were involved) because cultural legitimacy reinforces constitutional stability. The national security and intelligence community (is also involved) to strengthen Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty to ensure reforms; civil society, women’s groups, and professional organisations: to capture the voices of those who live the realities of governance daily.

“The consensus from these extensive engagements is unmistakable: Nigerians yearn for a Constitution that empowers local governments, ensures credible elections, strengthens fiscal federalism, guarantees gender inclusion, and enhances accountability across all tiers of government.

“Most recently, our deliberations at the Lagos retreat in October 2025 produced a critical consensus on priority reform areas. That retreat was a defining moment; it brought together the finest minds from both chambers, and we left Lagos with a shared understanding of the constitutional amendments that enjoy the broadest public support and political feasibility.

“I cannot overemphasise the importance of state-level ownership in this constitutional review process. As we all know, Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires that any alteration to the constitution must be approved by at least two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the Federation.

“This means that no matter how brilliant, how necessary, or how popular our amendments may be, they will not become law without the support of at least 24 out of 36 State Assemblies. State domestication is, therefore, the constitutional gateway through which every amendment must pass.

“The success or failure of this constitutional review will ultimately be determined not here in Abuja, but in the 36 State Assemblies across the federation. You are the gatekeepers of constitutional reform, and history will judge us all by the actions we take in the coming weeks.

“Let me be clear: this is the final retreat before the historic voting on the Constitution Alteration Bills. After today, we move from deliberation to decision. We move from consultation to legislative action. We move from debate to delivery. History is watching us.

“The entire nation, over 200 million Nigerians, anticipate direction from this Assembly. Our people yearn for reforms that devolve power and bring governance closer to the grassroots, localise internal security through innovative approaches, like state police, empower their voices through credible elections, ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution, protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion, guarantee local government autonomy so that development reaches the last community.

“The amendments we agree upon today will shape Nigeria’s democracy for generations to come. Permit me also to inform this distinguished gathering that, in keeping with our commitment to intergovernmental partnership, all Governors of the federation will be formally briefed on Wednesday, November 25, 2025.

“The Constitution we seek to refine is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny, the framework upon which the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian rest. Let the work we do here in Abuja reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all.

“Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable roadmap; one that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against future instability. As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process, let us leave this hall with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones.

“To the Speakers of State Assemblies, we count on your partnership. Go back to your states as ambassadors of reform, as champions of the people’s will, as guarantors that these amendments will receive the support they deserve.

“To the governors, we will brief on Wednesday. Rest assured that this is not an attempt to undermine executive authority; it is an effort to strengthen federalism, improve governance, and deliver the democracy Nigerians deserve.

“To my colleagues in the Senate and House: this is our moment. Let us rise to it. Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and progress for every Nigerian; today and for generations to come.”
November 25, 2025
UK declines Nigeria’s request for Ekweremadu’s transfer

Nigeria’s request seeking to allow former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to complete his prison sentence in Nigeria has been rejected by the United Kingdom (UK).

Ekweremadu, 63, was convicted in 2023 for conspiring to exploit a man for his kidney, a plot intended to supply a transplant for his daughter in a private NHS facility.

His wife, Beatrice, and a co-conspirator, Dr. Obinna Obeta, arranged for a young man to be trafficked to London under false pretences.

Prosecutors stated that the plan involved a kidney transplant at the Royal Free Hospital, with claims that the victim was the patient’s cousin and had consented to the procedure for £80,000.

Ekweremadu is serving a nine-year and eight-month jail term in a UK facility after following his conviction in 2023 of plotting to harvest the kidney of a young man.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

Last week, a delegation, raised by the Federal Government and led by the Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar held talks with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice to request that Ekweremadu serve the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria.

However, according to The Guardia of UK, a source at the MoJ has confirmed the request was rejected.

The news platforms reported that the UK government was concerned that Nigeria could offer no guarantees that Ekweremadu would continue his prison sentence after being deported.

The source reportedly said that: “The UK will not tolerate modern slavery and any offender will face the full force of UK law.”

With this development, Ekweremadu will remain in the UK to serve out the remainder of his sentence.

November 25, 2025
First Lady seeks safe digital spaces for women, girls

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged government institutions, technology companies, civil society, and all citizens to take bold and coordinated action to make Nigeria’s digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for women and girls.

The First Lady said this in her message on the commemoration of the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated globally on November 25.

This year’s theme: UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, focuses attention on the growing threats of online harassment, exploitation, and gender-based hate.

Mrs. Tinubu said digital platforms, intended to encourage learning, connection, and productivity, have increasingly become spaces where women and girls face bullying, blackmail, stalking, and targeted misogyny.

The First Lady warned that the rise of online abuse constitutes a serious and often invisible extension of gender-based violence.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

“Digital spaces should foster genuine human connection, facilitate learning, and promote productivity, not fear. I call on government institutions, especially the legislature and the judiciary, technology companies, the civil society, and every Nigerian to take a bold action to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for all”, she said.

Expressing solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence across the country, Mrs. Tinubu described any form of violence, offline or online, as an assault on the dignity, safety, and potential of women and girls.

The First Lady called for continued advocacy, strengthened legal protections, and institutional accountability to curb both physical and digital abuse.

She reaffirmed her commitment to championing the rights and well-being of Nigerian women and girls, calling for nationwide reflection and renewed resolve to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

November 25, 2025
Veteran journalist Bayo Osiyemi dies at 75

Prince Bayo Osiyemi, a former Chief Press Secretary to the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, has died.

Nicknamed “Charming Prince,” the former Mushin Local Government chairman, who reportedly died yesterday, was aged 75.

In a statement by Seyi Osiyemi, the family said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, grandfather, and esteemed community leader, Prince Bayo Osiyemi.

“He departed this life early this morning, November 24.

“While we mourn his loss deeply, we also celebrate his well-lived life and the countless individuals he touched.

“Further details regarding the memorial service and arrangements will be announced shortly. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

Osiyemi was a former Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He also served as Editor of Lagos News, Chief Executive of Penby Communications. He was also a weekly columnist for The Nation Newspaper.

Prince Osiyemi was born on February 4, 1950, to the families of Sisu and Arowosugbo of Ijebu-Igbo, the largest town in Ogun State. He took his blue blood from his mother’s lineage, the Arowosugbo Dynasty.

Having been born into a Muslim family, he was named Abdul–Lateef. His traditional name, Omopeninu (child stayed long in the womb), speaks of delayed pregnancy which reportedly lasted three years, four months.

November 25, 2025
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff dies at 81

The iconic reggae star who helped transform Jamaica’s rhythmic music into a global cultural phenomenon, Jimmy Cliff, has died, his wife said Monday. He was 81.

“It is with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” his wife Latifa Chambers wrote on his official Instagram account.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his career.”

Over four decades, Cliff wrote and sang songs that fused reggae with his sensibilities for folk, soul, ska and rock music, and addressed issues like politics, poverty, injustice, and war protest.

Cliff, a multi-instrumentalist and singer of hits like “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “The Harder They Come,” is widely seen as reggae’s most influential figure after the late Bob Marley, with whom he collaborated early in Marley’s career.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

Cliff built a major following early, with the wildly successful 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” which starred Cliff and drew in part from his experiences growing up in poverty, introducing him and reggae music to a global audience.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the island nation was pausing to honor Cliff, “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.”

“His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today,” Holness added.

“Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people.”

November 25, 2025
Alleged cyberbullying of senator: Court grants lawyer N5m bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to a lawyer, Ahmed Abdulrahman, accused of cyberbullying a serving senator, Shehu Buba, to N5 million bail and two sureties in like sum.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the bail in a ruling yesterday in which she said Abdulraman must produce two sureties.

Justice Ajumogobia said the two sureties must have landed property with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She added that the sureties must submit the certificates of occupancy of the property and their international passport with the court and that the defendant should remain in custody till the bail conditions are perfected

Abdulrahman, a lawyer, and four others are being prosecuted by the Inspector-General (IGP) for allegedly cyberbullying Buba, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

The IGP, in the charge filed by Anthony Egwu on October 6, named Abdulrahman, 41 years; Daure David, 35; Ishaq Muhammed, 25; Abdulrashid Musa, 30; and Nasir Abubakar, 21, as the first to the fifth defendants.

The defendants were, on October 30, arraigned on an 11-count charge which also bordered on cybercrime, defamation, advance fee fraud, among others.

They pleaded not guilty to the counts and Justice Ajumogobia ordered their remand at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

In count one, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cyberstalking against Senator Shehu Buba Umar”.

The offence is said to violate Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

In count three, Abdulrahman was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his Tiktok handle with user name “Kibanna Channel” and his Youtube channel to defame the lawmaker by linking him to sponsorship of banditry with a view to tarnishing his image as a serving senator.

The court averred that the suspect allegedly stated that “Senator Umar, a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sponsor of banditry and called for his investigation, a statement you made by means of computer systems and network knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and causing the Senator fear of death”.

The offence Is also said to be contrary to Section 24(1)(5) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024, among other counts.

In one of the counts, Daure David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from Senator Umar Umar under false pretense that the money would be used to settle those planning to protest against him.

November 25, 2025
Fed Govt ratifies February 16 exit for NEITI’s ES Orji, hails reform legacy
- His tenure strengthened Nigeria’s global transparency profile
The Federal Government has approved the request of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, to proceed on statutory terminal leave ahead of the completion of his single five-year tenure, which ends on February 19, 2026.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG), Senator George Akume, said the decision followed Dr. Orji’s formal notification in compliance with the Public Service Rules.

The statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federal (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, said Akume praised the outgoing NEITI chief for what he called a “distinguished and reform-focused service” to Nigeria and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) community.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

The SGF noted that Orji’s tenure consolidated Nigeria’s leadership within the international transparency movement, deepening accountability across the oil, gas and solid minerals sectors.

Among the outgoing notable achievements of the executive secretary was the establishment of the NEITI Data Centre, a key reform milestone that has strengthened data integrity and public access to extractive-sector information, further cementing the country’s reputation as a “credible EITI-implementing nation”.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency in the extractive industries, Akume pledged continued protection of NEITI’s independence and statutory mandate.

He added that the institution’s reforms remained central to national development and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance priorities.

On behalf of the President and the NSWG, the SGF extended the government’s best wishes to Dr. Orji, describing his service as “meritorious and accomplished”.
November 25, 2025
‘Ibadan PDP convention mere jamboree’
- State party leaders back Wike, Mohammed, Anyanwu
The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the November 16 convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was a “lawless Committee of Friends” gathering.

The state chapter described the outing as futile and illegal.

In a communique issued yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, after a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, the party hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for boycotting the “invalid” event.

The Imo State chapter said its action underscored the party’s commitment to upholding the Rule of Law and democratic principles.

“We dissociate ourselves from the ill-fated and unlawful Ibadan convention, hailing INEC for its astute decision to boycott the invalid gathering. This commendable stance vindicates our commitment to upholding the Rule of Law and democratic principles,” the communique said.

The stakeholders expressed support for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as the party’s National Leader; Abdulrahman Mohammed as the acting National Chairman; Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary, and Austine Nwachukwu as the Imo State Chairman of the PDP.

“We unequivocally state that the entire Imo State PDP stakeholders are solidly behind our State Chairman, Austine Nwachukwu,” the statement said, adding that Wike’s contributions to the party since 2015 “cannot be wished away”.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

Acknowledging Wike’s leadership, the communique said: “From all available records, the FCT Minister has paid his dues and supported the party to the point he deserves the position of the National Leader of our great party.”

The Imo State chapter also expressed support for Senator Mao Ohuabunwa as the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman and Senator Anyanwu.

It said: “Imo PDP and its stakeholders are in total support of their son and National Secretary.”

The communique restated the need for “discipline and constitutional order” in the party, promising to pursue “only actions that promote due process, internal democracy and respect for the rule of law”.

The stakeholders expressed appreciation for Wike’s performance as FCT Minister and contributions to the party’s stability.
November 25, 2025
Fed Govt wraps up new three-year expenditure plan

The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for a new expenditure framework, which will form the basis for budgeting over the next three years.

The new plan, the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) 2026–2028, could be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) this week, signalling the start of the budget preparation process for 2026.

Director General, Budget Office of the Federation (BOF), Dr Tanimu Yakubu, who confirmed the development, said that the current budget cycle requires strict adherence to statutory timelines.

According to him, since both the 2024 and 2025 budgets statutorily terminate on December 31, 2025, it becomes imperative for the government to move quickly.

He said that the MTEF-FSP “is ready and can be presented to the Federal Executive Council at any moment,” adding that the document will thereafter be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration.

Read Also: Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

He explained that once lawmakers approve the Revenue and Expenditure Framework for 2026, 2027 and 2028, “the 2026 Appropriation Bill will move to the FEC for consideration and then be transmitted to the National Assembly.”

He noted that a credible assessment of the fiscal deficit is essential before meaningful work can begin.

He said: “It is essential to first establish the fiscal deficit position before work could meaningfully begin on both the MTEF/FSP and the annual budget. This sequencing ensures that all fiscal projections, policy assumptions, and expenditure plans are anchored on a credible assessment of the government’s financing gap and revenue realities”.

An official of the Budget Office told The Nation that immediately after FEC considers the MTEF, a budget call circular will be issued to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), marking the formal commencement of preparations for the 2026 national budget. The official disclosed that limited fiscal space means many of the projects in next year’s estimates will be carried over from 2025.

He said: “After the MTEF goes to council, the call circular will be issued to MDAs to prepare their budget, and since most of the projects will come from their 2025 budget, it wouldn’t take time to assemble that together, because there is not much money actually to give them for many projects. So definitely, the budget will be presented in December, just like last year”.

He explained that the MTEF remains the anchor of every budget cycle because it sets macroeconomic parameters.

“MTEF has not yet gone to council. So the first thing is, there will always be discussions on MTEF because MTEF forms the foundation of the budget. If the revenue estimation in the MTEF is not looking like what supports the level of spending the government desires, then there will be changes in the parameters — the exchange rate, production benchmark, here and there,” the official stated.

Once the National Assembly approves the MTEF-FSP, MDAs may be directed to roll over a large share of their 2025 projects into the 2026 fiscal year.

He said: “MDAs now may be advised to roll over around 70 percent of their 2025 to 2026. Implementation of the 2025 budget can still continue maybe into the first quarter of 2026. So, the accountant general will close the books of those accounts”.

He noted that all releases for the 2025 budget will be issued before the end of December 2025, while implementation will extend into early 2026. “They can close the books and the remaining 70 percent can now be rolled over. They will use the projects in their 2025 budget to prepare their 2026,” he added. However, the actual rollover percentage will depend on the funding envelope allocated to each MDA.

The official expressed concern over the rising cost of debt service, describing it as a major constraint on the government’s fiscal flexibility. “Debt service is now very significant. As you depreciate the naira, the foreign currency-denominated debt service becomes more expensive when you convert to Naira,” he said. “It is in billions of dollars and trillions of naira. The fiscal space is very narrow now. The amount available for MDAs to implement their projects is becoming narrower and narrower.”

November 25, 2025