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BREAKING: FEC approves ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget proposal

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Friday approved the 2026 Appropriation Bill, clearing the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present the budget proposal to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

President Tinubu convened an emergency meeting of the Council at the State House, Abuja, to consider a single-item memorandum on the 2026 budget estimates ahead of their formal presentation to the National Assembly.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Tanimu Yakubu, said the approved 2026 budget has an aggregate expenditure of ₦58.47 trillion, representing a six percent increase over the 2025 budget estimate.

According to Yakubu, the total expenditure framework includes projected spending by government-owned enterprises (GOEs) amounting to ₦4.98 trillion, as well as ₦1.37 trillion earmarked for grants and donor-funded projects.

Read Also: Heightened security at NASS as Tinubu presents 2026 budget today

Statutory transfers are estimated at ₦4.1 trillion, while debt service obligations are projected at ₦15.52 trillion, including ₦3.39 trillion set aside for the sinking fund to retire maturing local debts owed to contractors and other creditors.

Personnel costs, including pensions, are projected at ₦10.75 trillion, representing a seven per cent increase over the 2025 provision.

This figure includes ₦1.02 trillion allocated to government-owned enterprises. Overhead costs are estimated at ₦2.22 trillion.

The budget proposes a capital expenditure of ₦25.68 trillion, which is 1.8 per cent lower than the 2025 capital provision.

Yakubu explained that the marginal reduction reflects a more conservative approach to capital planning, with emphasis on completing ongoing projects and ensuring value for money.

He said capital allocation priorities include ₦11.3 trillion for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), ₦2.05 trillion for multilateral and bilateral loan-funded projects, and ₦1.8 trillion representing the capital component of the development levy.

Yakubu noted that the 2026 budget was designed to strike a balance between macroeconomic stabilisation and development imperatives within the medium-term fiscal framework.

He said the underlying assumptions were conservative and realistic, particularly with respect to oil price, exchange rate, and dividends from government-owned enterprises.

On the revenue outlook, the Budget Office boss said projected revenues are expected to decline year-on-year, but stressed that non-oil revenues now account for about two-thirds of total government receipts, confirming a structural shift away from oil dependence.

He identified corporate income tax, value-added tax, customs duties, and independent revenues as the main fiscal anchors.

He added that growth in expenditure is being driven largely by debt servicing, wages, and pensions rather than discretionary expansion, while the projected fiscal deficit reflects structural pressures rather than policy loosening.

According to Yakubu, financing of the deficit will rely primarily on domestic borrowing, complemented by concessional loans from multilateral development institutions.

Details shortly…

December 19, 2025
JUST IN: Tinubu convenes emergency FEC meeting ahead of 2026 Budget presentation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over an emergency meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) ahead of the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The meeting, holding at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, is coming just hours after the President formally notified the National Assembly of his intention to present the 2026 budget estimates at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of the Council meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the emergency session was convened to give final approval to the 2026 budget proposals before their presentation to the lawmakers.

He explained that the meeting was meant to “put the stamp of approval” on the budget estimates to be laid before the National Assembly by the President.

The development follows the Council’s meeting of December 3, during which the FEC reviewed and approved key parameters of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper.

Read Also: Heightened security at NASS as Tinubu presents 2026 budget today

At that meeting, the Council approved an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel and a budget exchange rate of ₦1,512 to one United States dollar for the 2026 fiscal year.

Under the three-year MTEF projections for 2026–2028, gross Federation revenue for 2026 was estimated at ₦50.74 trillion.

Of this amount, the Federal Government is projected to receive ₦22.60 trillion, while states and local governments are expected to receive ₦16.30 trillion and ₦11.85 trillion, respectively.

Briefing journalists after the Council meeting, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, disclosed that the FEC also approved a crude oil production benchmark of 2.06 million barrels per day for 2026.

He, however, said a more conservative production estimate of 1.8 million barrels per day would be adopted for budgetary planning.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Ministers and other members of the Federal Executive Council are also present.

December 19, 2025
BREAKING: INEC wades in, summons warring PDP factions to emergency meeting

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has summoned the two rival factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to an emergency reconciliation meeting at its headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, which is currently ongoing, involves the faction led by former Minister Tanimu Turaki and the group backed by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

Read Also: Court stops APC, INEC from enforcing resolution against Cross River chairman

Those in attendance with Turaki include members of his National Working Committee (NWC), officials of the party secretariat and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.

On his part, Mohammed arrived with members of his national caretaker committee, including the committee’s secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

Details shortly…

December 19, 2025
Tinubu to governors: obey verdict on Council autonomy
- State police will strengthen our security, says President
- Yilwatda to roll out e-registration
It is time to fully comply with the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local governments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu admonished governors last night.

He urged them to brace for the implementation of state police as a panacea to insecurity.

The President spoke during a National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governors of the APC, along with party leaders, attended the meeting at the Presidential Villa.

The caucus is usually a prelude to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which will be held today.

The Supreme Court in July last year held that funds for the councils should be paid directly into their coffers rather than into the joint state/local government account, as is currently done.

That verdict has not been obeyed, prompting the President’s call.

He said there can be no genuine autonomy for the councils without direct access to funds.

Emphasising the importance of the apex court judgment, he said: “Let us look at the recent Supreme Court judgment, what we can do with it and how well we can position our country and our party.”

President Tinubu said the judgment on autonomy must be implemented in both letter and spirit, adding that councils cannot function effectively without financial independence.

He stressed: “To me, the local government autonomy, as it is, must be effective. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate.

“We’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’ll comply with the Supreme Court order.”

President Tinubu urged the governors to take leadership seriously by ensuring that governance and party coordination extend down to the grassroots.

He said: “You are in a leadership position and must yield and continue to promote, tolerate, and be flexible. Get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level.”

The President also enjoined the governors to support the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a critical pillar of his administration’s security reform agenda.

He explained that he had assured international partners of Nigeria’s resolve to make state policing work.

He expressed confidence in the ruling party’s capacity to deliver the reform.

President Tinubu said: “I had a very long discussion with the U.S. and Europeans. I was bragging to them that, definitely, we will use the state police to improve security.”

He said when his interlocutors questioned his confidence, he pointed to the APC’s dominance across the country.

The President added: “They asked me if I’m confident, and I said yes. I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen, and God forbid, we will not fail.”

The President emphasised that reconciliation, accommodation, and cooperation within the party were essential to translating numerical strength into effective governance.

Read Also: Tinubu leads APC leaders to party’s national caucus meeting at Villa

Akpabio commended President Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership on national security, particularly the recent rescue of over 100 abducted children, pledging the Senate’s full backing for tougher measures against kidnapping and banditry.

He praised the security agencies for their efforts and expressed sympathy with the families of victims and fallen security personnel.

Akpabio, who offered prayers for the release of the remaining captives, assured affected families of continued support, stressing that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

The Senate President applauded President Tinubu’s diplomatic intervention in the Benin Republic to safeguard democracy.

He said the Senate had already commended the President’s regional engagement during plenary, noting that Nigeria’s security cannot be guaranteed if its neighbours remain unstable.

Akpabio explained that the Senate had passed a bill classifying kidnapping as terrorism, a move that would attract the death penalty upon presidential assent.

He urged governors to enforce capital punishment where applicable, warning that failure to do so could embolden criminals to endanger society further.

Akpabio welcomed governors who defected to the APC and urged party unity and accommodation across states.

He said the ruling party would deliver bloc votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that cohesion within the APC would translate into electoral victory nationwide.

APC Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda said the party had recorded a surge in political strength following the high-profile defections and dominance in the National Assembly, declaring that APC now enjoys a “commanding majority” nationwide.

He said the influx of new members from opposition parties reflects the APC’s expanding national appeal.

He cited the defection of Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) as evidence of the party’s widening influence across geo-political lines.

The chairman also noted that the party has consolidated its grip on the National Assembly, attributing the dominance to aggressive internal mobilisation led by the leadership of both chambers.

Yilwatda said the APC now holds clear majorities in the Senate and the House of Representatives, adding that they have strengthened the party’s legislative leverage and national profile.

On party organisation, he unfolded major reforms, including the rollout of an electronic membership registration system to improve transparency and internal democracy.

He said training had been conducted at zonal, state and local government levels, while new members have been assured full rights and privileges ahead of congresses and the national convention.

Yilwatda also highlighted other milestones such as the acquisition of land for a new APC national secretariat in Abuja, strong performances in recent by-elections, progress on constitutional amendments, and preparations for the 2026 FCT local government elections.

He reaffirmed the party’s full backing for President Tinubu’s reforms, expressing confidence that APC remains united and well-positioned for sustained electoral success nationwide.

President Tinubu, who arrived at the State House Conference Centre, venue of the meeting at about 7:38 pm, was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, and Prof. Yilwatda.

The meeting was attended by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, and principal officers of the National Assembly.

Governors at the meeting included Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Dikko Radda (Katsina).

Party elders at the parley were former interim national chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, former Osun State Governor and Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade; former Taraba State Governor Jolly Nyame; and former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Also in attendance were former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani, Ahmed Lawan, and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa; former governors Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abubakar Bello (Niger), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) and Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara).

National Assembly leaders included Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senators Gbenga Daniel, Aliyu Wammako, Adamu Aliero, and Simon Lalong, as well as House of Representatives leaders, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and Idris Wase.
December 19, 2025
States on high security alert for Yuletide
- Osun moves to secure boundary with Kwara
Governors have pledged readiness to partner the Federal Government in strengthening security measures across the country during the festive season.

They made the commitment during a meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday night in Abuja.

At the meeting they received a briefing from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Their resolution was contained in a communique signed by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who doubles as the NGF chairman. The communiqué was read by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The decision came into the open on a day that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke put security operatives on standby following gunmen’s attack on boundary community in the State of the Living Spring.

The communiqué reads in part: “The forum received a communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), calling for heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.

“Governors are committed to strengthening inter-agency coordination, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period nationwide.

Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

“The forum received notification from the World Bank confirming the effectiveness of the Additional Financing for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

“This enables continued disbursements to states to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building interventions.

“Governors renewed their commitment to sustaining implementation momentum, ensuring timely reporting, and maximising fund utilisation to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable households.

“The forum noted the outcome of the third edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, held on December 12, which recognised

13 states for outstanding progress in strengthening PHC systems.

“Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers and Osun states topped their respective geopolitical zones; Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun States were the first runners-up.

“Governors acknowledged that the results reflect the value of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability, and committed to building on these gains to further strengthen primary health care delivery nationwide.”

Police, military on red alert in Osun

An attack on Ora-Igbomina, an Osun community at its boundary with Kwara State, prompted Governor Adeleke to put the police and military on the red alert.

It was learnt that gunmen invaded the Igbomina community in the Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, to kidnap a retired customs officer, Prince Emmanuel Owolabi, and also attack residents and some travellers on Akisa Road, close to Ayedun town in Kwara State.

Adeleke’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, narrated how his boss vowed to forestall any further security breach and possible spillover from the neighbouring Kwara.

A statement by Rasheed said that Adeleke has issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun security outfit, directing the corps leadership to ensure proper coordination with the police in their operations.

He assured that a military backed rescue and protection security operation has been underway for the past three days.

He explained that the Governor after an emergency security council meeting held on Wednesday evening, the Governor described the Ora incident as saddening and a major security breach even after almost all the water tight pre-emptive precautions already put in place in the last three months.

Reviewing the development with service commanders from the police, the army, the secret service and other paramilitary agencies, Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing military backed security operations across the boundary towns would prevent recurrence of the attacks and also secure the release of the kidnapped retired Customs officer.

He said: “From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces have launched a rescue and protection operations. For the past three days, both the police, the army and the DSS have been combing the areas for rescue and also reviewing the security apparatus. A delicate operation is ongoing and we dont want to jeopardise the integrity of the process.

“As part of our security plan, we will soon deploy the refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for operations across the state. We are also procuring patrol vehicles to strengthen police and security operations in the state. Additionally, we are reviewing the joint security patrol programme. It will be unveiled at the right time to further protect our people”, the governor noted.
December 19, 2025
PDP failed me, says Fubara
- Governor speaks on defection to APC
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday explained why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the main opposition party abandoned him during the trying period, when he was suspended from office after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu imposed emergency rule on the state for six months.

Reflecting on his defection, he said it was one of the easiest political decisions he took.

Fubara spoke with reporters after his maiden visit to the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Clad in a white kaftan and a black cap to match, the governor who arrived at the secretariat at about 6:50 pm on Wednesday, was received by the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwapa and Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), was also on hand to receive him.

After receiving a copy of the APC Constitution from Basiru, the governor said: “ I am supposed to join the Progressives Governors meeting, but I feel I should come here before the meeting.”

After Fubara’s suspension, Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice in PDP states acting on instruction from the governors, sued the Federal Government through Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

They urged the Supreme Court to upturn the emergency declaration by the President and quash Fubara’s suspension.

The case was disposed of on by the apex court on Monday.

Also yesterday, three pro-Fubara PDP House of Representatives members and another federal lawmaker from the Labour Party (LP) left the PDP for APC.

The governor urged his supporters to transfer their support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been endorsed for re-election by the party.

Fubara said he has no regret leaving the PDP, lamenting that the main opposition party was never there for him in his period of trials and tribulations.

Read Also: Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

He said: “If I have to be honest, was I really a member of the PDP? I wasn’t. Whatever I suffered during the political crisis, 90 percent of it was imposed on me by the party.

“I was in my former party, just there. During the crisis, you can’t associate me with any group. I was just, let me say, at the balcony—I wasn’t inside the house; I was just outside at the balcony.”

Fubara added: My defection was the easiest thing to do. My joining the APC is to say thank you to Mr. President and to join hands with other progressives to develop my state and Nigeria at large. It wasn’t a difficult decision; it was easy. If you know my story, you should understand that.”

On his visit to the Mohammadu Buhari House, Fubara said: “I can’t belong to a house without first coming into the house and understanding how it is arranged. I felt it would be proper for me to visit the national secretariat to familiarise myself with the members and the operations. This way, when I come here next time, it won’t feel as if I am a new person.”

“So, I am here to assure you that I have come in, and we will work together to ensure that this party becomes greater than it is. The greatness we all desire from this party is the success of Mr. President. We can not grow or expand if Mr. President is not succeeding.

“I can assure you that we are already showing evidence of success in my state through what we are delivering and the number of people affirming their support.”

Fubara assured the NWC members of his commitment to the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying: “Because you (NWC members) are standing with Mr. President, we are now standing with Mr. President.

“On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, my supportive members of the National Assembly, and members of the State Assembly who are with us, I can assure you that your new home is Rivers State.”

The national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who was represented by Basiru, expressed happiness over Fubara’s defection, thanking him for the decision.

He said: “I will say that, as a party, we are very happy that you have decided to join us because, with your orientation, you are progressive and true, and, of course, you complete the circle for us in the Southsouth region.

“The Southsouth geo-political zone is the first that is completely APC. For people who are political watchers, if you have the South in any political party, I think the strength and the energy of that political party are more than half the power.

“So, we are very confident that you are joining our party. The strength of our party, if it was at Power 15 before, it is now much better—it has become Power 100.”

Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

Three loyalists of the governor and a member of the Labour Party (LP) announced their defection from the PDP to APC, citing the prolonged crisis in the opposition party as reason.

The PDP lawmakers are Boniface Emerengwa, Boma Goodhead and Awaji Nombet Abiante.

Manuchin Umezuruike belonged to the LP.

Their letters of defection were read at plenary by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

While Abiante said he was tired of the PDP crisis,.

Umezuruike said he left the party because of the protracted litigations.

Fubara to loyalists: transfer your supports to Tinubu

Fubara urged his loyalists to transfer their support to President Tinubu by re-electing him during the general election.

The governor, who spoke during the inauguration of the Ogbakiri Junction / Waterfront road in Emohua Local Government Area, explained that he held a strategic meeting with APC NWC.

Fubara said President Tinubu’s reelection is a big task, urging the supporters to rise to the occasion as foot soldiers in Rivers.

The governor said he has started mobilising for the President, stressing that with the crowd that came out to receive him, the task was already 70 per cent done in the local government

He hailed Chief David Omereji, an Ogbakiri community leader, for “staking all’ for him and expressed confidence that his supporters would work with those of Omereji to actualise the task ahead.

Fubara, who enjoined the people to maintain peace so that development can spread to all parts of the state, also appeal to them to protect government investments in their domains.

He said: “The task ahead is simple. It might be big, but it is simple because we have started it already. By the grace of God, yesterday I paid a visit to the National Working Committee of our great party and after the meeting they gave me a message that I am giving to all of you. It is a simple message.

“We know that you are very hardworking and you have organic support. So, transfer this support to our leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I told them in the meeting that they shouldn’t worry but what is important is that we have the right foot soldiers.

“Today, I am happy to say that what I am seeing here with the support of the LGA, from the local government chairman, the chiefs and everyone here, our job is 70% done.

“We need peace, not just in Ogbakiri or Emohua, but we need peace in Rivers State so that development can be spread to all parts. People should learn to protect what is around them. You have a university here. Protect it.”

“You have other things of interest by the state government and some federal assets. Protect them because at the end, the benefit comes to you. I am appealing to everyone of you that we need peace to protect everything that is around us. That is the only way I can come here and make promises and with your support, we will continue to deliver”.

Describing the project as significant, the governor recalled that it was initiated at the most trying period of his administration.

He said: “I can’t forget the circumstances that we were facing at that time. We were commissioning the East-West road to Terma junction and that particular stretch, the Ogbakiri road was an annex to it; Terma-Abalama-Abonnema and the other stretch that leads to Buguma. So, it won’t be nice that we commission this stretch and abandon the other part leading to Ogbakiri.

“ At that time, with the situation that we were in, we made a promise not just to the people of Kalabari, but also to the people of Emohua and Ogbakiri in particular, that we will visit those two aspects of the roads. I am happy today that we are here to commission the one that connects to the Ogbakiri people

“When we made the first payment for this project it was when we had the first court judgment barring us from accessing our federal allocation. But I made a promise when I came here that no matter the situation, God will provide a way for us to finance this project. So, when I say the project is significant and important to us, I know why I say so”.

The governor said the project was an evidence of service delivery, assuring the people that his government would continue to keep its promises.

He said he would consider the request of the council of chiefs on internal roads and a bridge to to ease transportation inconvenience and improve the commercial activities.

Fubara added: “The beauty of this whole thing is that the community gave a very strong support to the contractor and has also chosen the path of peace, the reason you are seeing this level of development. This is a community that was known over the years for crisis and loss of lives. But I am happy that your story is now different.”
December 19, 2025
Senate screens Tinubu’s mominees for NUPRC, NMDPRA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas governance gathered momentum on Thursday as the Senate began the screening of nominees for the leadership of the country’s key petroleum regulatory agencies.

The nominees, Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Saidu Mohammed for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), appeared before the joint Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) at the National Assembly.

During the screening, the nominees pledged to implement far-reaching reforms aimed at blocking revenue leakages, restoring regulatory discipline and attracting new investments into the sector.

They outlined reform agendas focused on digitisation, strict enforcement of contracts, credible data management, improved investor confidence and accelerated gas development, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Their nominations followed the resignation of the pioneer chief executives of the two agencies, Gbenga Komolafe of the NUPRC and Farouk Ahmed of the NMDPRA, who were appointed in 2021 after the PIA came into force.

Eyesan, nominated to lead the upstream regulator, told senators that Nigeria was losing significant value due to manual regulatory processes and weak system integration in an industry that is increasingly driven by technology.

She stressed the need for modern, digital systems to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability across the upstream sector.

“We are still largely manual, while the world is moving at jet speed. Without digitisation and real-time data, you cannot truly understand what you are regulating, and you will continue to lose money,” she said.

She stressed that effective regulation depends on accurate data, asset integrity monitoring and transparent systems, adding that collaboration among regulators, operators and policymakers was key to resolving bottlenecks in the sector.

“We must collaborate with stakeholders, identify our pain points and address them collectively. That is how we move the needle forward,” Eyesan said.

She assured lawmakers that she would fully deploy the PIA as a regulatory tool to reposition the upstream sector, attract investments and ensure Nigeria remains competitive amid the global energy transition, describing the law as “a valuable document” if properly implemented.

Eyesan, an Economics graduate of the University of Benin, spent nearly 33 years at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries, retiring as Executive Vice President, Upstream. She cited her role in resolving long-standing disputes with international partners, restoring investor confidence during divestment threats and facilitating multi-billion-dollar deep offshore investments.

She also recalled signing Nigeria’s first non-associated gas development contract and contributing to the increase in crude oil production from about 1.3 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day during her tenure.

“Having worked as an operator and participated in resource development, I believe I have the competence to regulate the industry and ensure we maximise the enormous opportunities before us,” she told the committee.

On his part, Mohammed, the NMDPRA nominee, emphasised the need to restore discipline across the gas and petroleum supply chain through strict enforcement of contracts and quality standards.

“Gas is not a favour; it is a commodity. It must be sold on the basis of enforceable contracts from the producer to the transporter and the end-user,” he said, blaming weak contractual frameworks for persistent gas shortages, particularly in the power sector.

He noted that steady gas supply to some power plants was only possible where contracts were clear and obligations enforced, adding that strengthening regulatory oversight and enforcing the Gas Network Code would help stabilise the system and restore investor confidence.

Mohammed also warned against neglecting domestic refining and processing capacity, cautioning that the sector could suffer the fate of Nigeria’s collapsed textile industry if local needs were ignored in favour of exports.

The nominee pledged to revive pipeline transportation of petroleum products, attract billions of dollars in investments into gas processing infrastructure and strengthen quality assurance through in-house laboratory facilities.

“You cannot enforce quality if you do not have the capacity to test and certify products yourself,” he said.

Born in Gombe in 1957, Mohammed is a chemical engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with decades of experience across the oil and gas value chain. He has served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, as well as Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, at NNPC.

He also played key roles in major projects including the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Sumaila Kawu, said the screening was taking place at a critical time for the country, noting that boosting energy production and efficiency was central to economic recovery.

He added that further engagements with the nominees would continue into January to strengthen legislative–regulatory collaboration.

The Senate is expected to consider the committee’s report after the screening, paving the way for the confirmation of the nominees and signalling a new phase in the regulation of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry under the Tinubu administration.

December 18, 2025
UPDATED: Court orders INEC to accept Labour Party’s candidates for FCT council polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been ordered to grant the Labour Party (LP) access code to enable it to upload the names and particulars of its nominated candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council election scheduled to hold in February 2026

INEC is also ordered to upload the names and particulars of the LP’s nominated candidates for the FCT area council election and publish the same at the respective six area councils for public scrutiny within 48 hours pending the hearing of an existing motion on notice filed by the LP.

Justice J. O. E. Adeyemi-Ajayi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) issued the orders on December 16 while ruling on an ex parte motion for interim injunctions filed by the LP and moved by its lawyer, Christian Elom.

In a supporting affidavit, the LP stated that it chose to approach the court after INEC allegedly failed to publish the names of its candidates for the February 2026 council elections as required, despite being duly notified.

A certified true copy (CTC) of the enrolled orders as contained in the ruling on the motion ex parte, marked M/16037/2025, was seen on Thursday.

The orders read:

*An interim injunction is hereby granted, directing the defendant (INEC) to grant access code to the claimant/applicant (LP) to upload the names and particulars of its nominated candidates for the FCT area council election scheduled to hold in February 2026 by the defendant within 48 hours pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

*An interim injunction is hereby granted directing the defendant to upload the names and particulars of the claimant/applicant’s nominated candidates for the FCT area council election and publish the same at the respective six area councils for public scrutiny within 48 hours pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

*This interim injunction is hereby made this day upon application ex-parte which shall abate seven days from today unless extended before the abatement of the order.

Justice Adeyemi-Ajayi proceeded to grant an accelerated hearing in the case and adjourned till January 27 next year for the hearing of the motion on notice.

The LP stated, in its support affidavit, that it gave the notice of its primary elections to the defendant (INEC) within the time frame provided by the law

The party added that after its primary elections, and within the 180 days provided by the law, it submitted the list of the candidates who emerged from the primaries it conducted and whom it proposes to support at the election, to INEC, in the prescribed forms.

The LP argued that INEC is duty-bound to, within seven days of receipt of the particulars of the candidates, publish the same in the constituency in which the candidates intend to contest the election.

The party added that the law mandates the defendant (INEC) to, at least 150 days before the day of the election, publish, by displaying at the relevant office or offices of the defendant, and on the defendant’s website, a statement of the full names and addresses of the candidates standing nominated by the claimant.

The LP accused INEC of allegedly failing to perform these statutory responsibilities.

December 18, 2025
Transfer your support to Tinubu, Fubara tells loyalists

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed his loyalists to channel their support towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor made the call on Thursday while inaugurating the Ogbakiri Junction–Waterfront Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

Fubara disclosed that he recently held a strategic meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during which he was urged to mobilise his supporters in Rivers State in support of President Tinubu.

Describing Tinubu’s re-election as a major task ahead, the governor said he assured the APC leadership not to be concerned, noting that his camp had the “right foot soldiers” to deliver the needed support in the state.

He added that the mobilisation process had already commenced, stressing that the turnout of residents who came out to receive him showed that the assignment was already about 70 per cent achieved in the local government area.

The governor commended Chief David Omereji, a prominent son and leader of Ogbakiri, for his steadfast support, expressing confidence that his followers would work closely with Omereji’s political structure to accomplish the task ahead.

Fubara also appealed to residents to sustain peace in their communities to allow development to spread across the state, urging them to safeguard government investments in their areas.

Addressing the crowd, he said, “The task ahead is simple. It might be big, but it is simple because we have started it already. By the grace of God, yesterday I paid a visit to the National Working Committee of our great party, and after the meeting, they gave me a message that I am giving to all of you. It is a simple message.

“We know that you are very hardworking and you have organic support, so transfer this support to the success of our leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I told them in the meeting that they shouldn’t worry, but what is important is that we have the right foot soldiers.

“Today I am happy to say that what I am seeing here with the support of the LGA, from the local government chairman, the chiefs, and everyone here, our job is 70% done.

“We need peace not just in Ogbakiri or Emohua, but we need peace in Rivers State so that development can be spread to all parts. People should learn to protect what is around them. You have a University here, protect it.

“You have other things of interest by the state government, and some federal assets protect them because in the end the benefit comes to you. I am appealing to everyone of you that we need peace and need to protect everything that is around us. That is the only way I can come here and make promises, and with your support, we will continue to deliver.”

Describing the inaugurated project as significant, the governor recalled that it was initiated at the most trying period of his administration.

He said, “I can’t forget the circumstances that we were facing at that time. We were commissioning the East-West road to Terma junction, and that particular stretch, the Ogbakiri road, was an annex to it; Terma-Abalama-Abonnema, and the other stretch that leads to Buguma. So, it won’t be nice that we commission this stretch and abandon the other part leading to Ogbakiri.

“At that time, with the situation that we were in, we made a promise not just to the people of Kalabari, but also to the people of Emohua and Ogbakiri in particular that we would visit those two aspects of the roads. I am happy today that we are here to commission the one that connects to the Ogbakiri people

“When we made the first payment for this project, it was when we had the first Court judgment barring us from accessing our federal allocation. But I made a promise when I came here that no matter the situation, God will provide a way for us to finance this project. So when I say the project is significant to us, I know why I say so.”

The governor said the completed project was evidence of service delivery and assured the people that his government would continue to keep its promises.

He said he would consider the request of the council of chiefs on the issue of internal roads and constructing a bridge to connect the other side to ease transportation inconvenience and improve the commercial activities of the people.

He said, “The beauty of this whole thing is that the community gave a very strong support to the contractor and has also chosen the path of peace, the reason you are seeing this level of development. This is a community that was known over the years for crisis and loss of lives, but I am happy that your story is now different.”

December 18, 2025
JUST IN: Senate confirms Fani-Kayode, Omokri, ex-INEC boss, 61 others as ambassadors

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of 64 nominees for appointment as Career and Non-Career Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, presented by its chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger North).

In his presentation, Senator Bello said the committee screened the nominees and found them suitable for appointment, noting that their nominations complied with relevant provisions of the law and extant guidelines governing diplomatic postings.

According to the report, 34 of the nominees were confirmed as Career Ambassadors, while 30 others were cleared as Non-Career Ambassadors.

Among those confirmed as Career Ambassadors are Amb. Nwaobiala Ezenwa Chukwuemeka (Abia), Betso Maimunah Ibrahim (Adamawa), Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi (Anambra), Amb. Mohammed Mahmud Lele (Bauchi), Amb. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Amb. Adams Jane Bassey (Cross River), Amb. Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara) and Amb. Ramat Mohammed Omobolanle (Lagos).

Others include Amb. Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel (Ekiti), Amb. Okechukwu Kingsley Onaga (Enugu), Amb. Abdussalam Habu Zayyad (Kano), Amb. Shehu Ilu Barde (Katsina), Amb. Haidara Mohammed Idris (Kebbi), Amb. Bako Adamu Umar (Kogi), Amb. Shaga John Shamah (Nasarawa), Amb. Ibrahim Danlami (Niger), Reuben Abimbola Samuel (Ondo), Amb. Akande Wahab Adekola (Osun), Amb. Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata (Rivers), Danladi Yakubu Nyaku (Taraba) and Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru (Sokoto).

The Senate also confirmed prominent political figures and technocrats as Non-Career Ambassadors. They include former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Ita S.J. Enang (Akwa Ibom); former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu; former INEC Chairman, Prof. Alhaji Mahmud Yakubu; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd); former Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd); and former Ondo lawmaker, Senator Jimoh F. Ibrahim.

Also confirmed were Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode, Prof. Isaac F. Adewole, Mr. Reno Omokri, Chief Olufemi Pedro, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Mrs. Ajimobi Fatima Florence, Senator Grace Bent, Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut, Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, and several others drawn from across the six geopolitical zones.

Of the last batch of 65 Ambassadors-designate transmitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, only the nominee representing Yobe state, Adamu Garba Talba Nangree, has not been confirmed.

Nangree was not at the screening organised by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs last week.

Senator Bello had remarked that he was in communication with the nominee and that he would be screened in his office at a later date.

After the adoption of the report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the nominees confirmed, urging them to serve Nigeria diligently and project the country’s image positively in their respective postings.

December 18, 2025