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Tag: FG

  • FG projects ₦5.06tn annual savings from defence import cuts

    FG projects ₦5.06tn annual savings from defence import cuts

    …plan to end imports in five years

    The federal government will save about ₦5.06 trillion annually from cutting down on the importation of defence equipment.

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohamed Matawalle, disclosed this while unveiling the “X-Shield Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle” produced by X-Shield, a defence and security solutions provider, in Abuja, on Thursday.

    Mattawale also hinted at the Federal Government’s plans to end the importation of defence equipment in the next five years.

    Represented by the Director General, Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, the Minister said the unveiling represents more than a product launch, but signifies the successful convergence of security needs, indigenous capabilities, industrial expertise, and commercial opportunity.

    Mattawale noted that DICON’s joint venture led to the unveiling of an indigenously conceptualised, built light tactical vehicle and other indigenous solutions to executive vehicles by armouring them.

    He said, “This is just the beginning. We do more so that we can ensure that all required defence and security equipment is produced locally, and in two or five years, there will be no more importation.

    “It conserves foreign exchange by localising production, and importantly, it opens pathways for export and regional leadership in defence manufacturing.”

    The Minister said the partnership between DICON and the private sector delivers multiple dividends by strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base, creating skilled jobs, and transferring technical knowledge.

    He said the vehicles are designed for the realities of modern operations, which include mobility, protection, adaptability, and survivability, while remaining cost-effective and suitable for local production and sustainment.

    The Minister commended X-Shield for proving itself to be such a worthy partner.

    Read Also: Tinubu directs FG to ease tax burden on small businesses — Oyedele

    “Let me conclude by reaffirming that the future of Nigeria’s defence and security capability will be built at home by Nigerian hands through trusted partnerships such as the one we celebrate today,” he said.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of X Shield, Charles Ibanga, said the firm believes that Nigeria can design, build, and sustain world-class armoured mobility and defence solutions locally, professionally, and competitively.

    Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in the last quarter of 2023, he said Nigeria’s spending on armoured vehicles exceeded its spending on fuel.

    “The country imported over ₦5.06 trillion worth of armoured vehicles, compared to ₦1.81 trillion spent on petrol—a difference of ₦3.25 trillion, with armoured vehicles accounting for 35.87% of total imports,” Ibanga.

    He said the figures clearly underscore the urgent need for local manufacturing, sustainment, and MRO capabilities.

    Ibanga said the Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle and civilian armoured platforms were tangible proof of that belief in action, adding that the demand for armoured mobility continues to rise across defence and security agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and the private sector.

  • FG, Osun govt train 100 youths, corps members on digital skills 

    FG, Osun govt train 100 youths, corps members on digital skills 

    The Federal Government, in partnership with the Osun State Government, has trained 100 youths and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in key digital skills aimed at boosting employability, innovation and youth participation in the digital economy.

    At the flag-off of the training at the SDGs centre Dagbolu, Osogbo on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Sustainable Development Goals, Bamikole Omisore, explained that the 6-month training was aimed at empowering the youths of the state freely by the Federal government. 

    Omisore, who was represented by the Director of Administration SDGs office, Mr Adeyeye Adebanke said, the initiative was targeted at empowering youths with the in-demand technology training to make themselves self-sufficient economically.

    According to him, “The training is targeting the undergraduates, unemployed and others who are interested in system networking installation. We have a total of 100 youths participating in the training, they were selected randomly based on the educational background and interest in technology growth.

    “This is within the mandate of the SDGs goal 4; quality education, goal 8; decent work and economy growth. It is expected that at least at the end of the programme the participants would have enough knowledge of networking and they will be able to stand on their own and be part of the State’s development process”.

    Similarly,  the resources tech representaive from Fluid click solutions, Professor Segun Aina said the firm was hired by the Federal Ministry of Education, TVET project to develop special manpower for the growing digital sector in the country.

    He added that the 100 beneficiaries from Osun were drawn in conjunction with the Sustainable Development Goals office for training in system networking installation.

    “We are to train our students on digital skills and the sector we are basically focusing on is the network system installation majorly networking. The training is going to go for six months, four months training and two months internship.”

  • FG, Legion plan affordable housing scheme for military veterans

    FG, Legion plan affordable housing scheme for military veterans

    The Nigerian Legion is collaborating with the Federal Government to establish affordable housing estates for military veterans as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and dignified transition from active service to retirement.

    The initiative was aimed at ensuring that no retired personnel were left without a home after years of dedicated service to the nation.

    The National Chairman of the Legion, Ms Grace Henry, disclosed this while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, held in Abuja on Thursday.

    She said, “We do not want our people to retire and have nowhere to go.

    “We are creating a new Legion framework where veterans, widows, and their families can have a place to live and a sense of belonging.”

    Henry said that the welfare conditions for veterans and widows had improved in recent months, noting that pension payments were now more regular, leading to a significant reduction in street protests by retired personnel.

    Read Also: Nigerian Legion honours cleric

    “For the past six months, we have not had our members on the streets again. Pensions are now being paid as and when due, and this has brought relief to widows and veterans,” she added.

    Henry described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a comprehensive initiative that honoured fallen heroes while also celebrating serving and retired personnel.

    She said the expansion of the former Armed Forces Remembrance Day into a week-long celebration had helped to deepen public awareness of the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the need for sustained support for their families.

    The chairman of the five-man Ministerial Committee on Military Veterans’ Welfare, Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (retd), said the committee was engaging the federal government on critical welfare concerns affecting veterans.

    According to him, the priority areas included the review of veterans’ salary structure, improved medical care for disabled ex-servicemen, and equitable payment of post-service entitlements.

    He said even as progress had been gradual, the committee remained optimistic that ongoing engagements would yield tangible improvements in the living conditions of veterans across the country.

  • FG targets ₦33.39trn revenue, sets aside ₦15.91trn for debt service in 2026

    FG targets ₦33.39trn revenue, sets aside ₦15.91trn for debt service in 2026

    The Federal Government has projected revenue of N33.39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year while proposing to spend N15.91 trillion on debt servicing, according to details contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly.

    The revenue framework in the bill shows that the largest portion of federally generated income will come from the country’s share of net federation revenues estimated at N20.20 trillion. 

    This comprises N18.84 trillion from the fyederal Government’s share of the main Federation account pool, N1.29 trillion from the Value Added Tax pool and N63.85 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy.

    Independent revenues are projected at N4.31 trillion, reflecting expectations from government-owned institutions and agencies. Of this amount, tax-related independent revenues are put at N124.25 billion, while non-tax revenues are estimated at N845.98 billion. 

    Operating surplus from government agencies is expected to contribute N3.34 trillion, reinforcing the government’s reliance on remittances from ministries, departments and agencies to fund public expenditure.

    Additional inflows are expected from dividends paid by government-linked enterprises, with total dividend income projected at N247.70 billion. The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited is expected to contribute N135.14 billion while the Development Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture are projected to remit N57.97 billion and N51.05 billion respectively. Galaxy Backbone is expected to add N3.55 billion, while no dividend is projected from the Bank of Industry for the year under review.

    The budget also anticipates N1.37 trillion from foreign aid and grants, reflecting continued engagement with development partners to support priority programmes. Special levies and transfers to designated government accounts are estimated at N300 billion.

    Revenue from government-owned enterprises is projected at N9.40 trillion, although this figure is adjusted for operating surplus, resulting in net revenue of N4.98 trillion after deducting N4.42 trillion classified as operating surplus already captured under independent revenues.

    Other revenue sources are expected to generate N1.99 trillion. This includes N1.90 trillion from development levies, N22.68 billion from domestic recoveries, assets and fines, and N65.05 billion from oil price royalty receipts. No revenue is projected from signature bonuses or renewals within the period.

    On the expenditure side, the Federal Government plans to allocate N15.91 trillion to service public debt in 2026, underscoring the significant fiscal burden of debt obligations on public finances. 

    Domestic debt service, including Ways and Means advances, is estimated at N10.16 trillion, while foreign debt service is projected at N5.36 trillion.

    In practical terms, this means that in 2026 the Federal Government plans to spend far more servicing debts owed within Nigeria than those owed to external creditors, and that domestic borrowing remains the dominant pressure on public finances.

    The N10.16 trillion domestic debt service covers interest and principal repayments on loans raised inside the country. These include Federal Government bonds, Treasury bills, Sukuk, savings bonds, and, crucially, Ways and Means advances from the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

    Ways and Means are short-term overdraft facilities the government uses to cover cash shortfalls, but over time they have grown into a large stock of debt that now attracts significant interest costs. 

    The size of this figure shows that financing government deficits through domestic borrowing and Central Bank support has created a heavy repayment obligation that must be met before other spending priorities.

    The N5.36 trillion foreign debt service relates to obligations to external lenders such as multilateral institutions, bilateral partners, and holders of Nigeria’s Eurobonds. These payments are usually denominated in foreign currency, mainly dollars, which means they place pressure on the country’s external reserves and foreign exchange market. 

    Although the foreign debt service figure is lower than domestic debt service, it carries additional risks because it depends on exchange rate movements and the availability of foreign currency.

    Putting both figures together, shows that debt servicing alone will absorb a very large share of government resources in 2026. When combined, domestic and foreign debt service of about N15.5 trillion accounts for a substantial portion of total projected revenue, leaving less fiscal space for capital projects, social services, and economic development programmes. 

    The heavier weight of domestic debt service also suggests that while external borrowing often attracts public attention, the more immediate strain on the budget is coming from debts accumulated within the local financial system and from central bank financing of government spending.

    In addition, N388.54 billion is set aside for a sinking fund aimed at retiring maturing promissory notes, bringing total debt service provisions for the year to N15.91 trillion.

    The figures indicate that nearly half of the federal government’s projected revenue for 2026 will be devoted to meeting debt obligations, a trend that continues to shape fiscal planning and constrain spending space for development and social programmes.

  • FG earmarks N2.19trn service-wide vote forwages, security, welfare

    FG earmarks N2.19trn service-wide vote forwages, security, welfare

    The Federal Government has proposed a total of N2.19 trillion for Service-Wide Votes in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

    This positions the fund as a central mechanism for meeting critical national obligations that cut across ministries, departments and agencies, including salary arrears, security operations, social protection programmes, health interventions and international commitments.

     Details of the proposed budget show that the Service-Wide Vote, administered under the Ministry of Finance, is designed to address obligations that cannot be efficiently domiciled within individual MDAs, particularly legacy liabilities, statutory payments and national programmes with economy-wide impact.

    A substantial portion of the allocation is directed at resolving outstanding wage-related liabilities. The Federal Government set aside N845.28 billion for arrears arising from minimum wage-related adjustments, reflecting the cost of aligning public sector salaries with the revised wage structure.

    In addition, N150 billion has been provided for promotion-related salary arrears, aimed at clearing backlogs owed to federal civil servants across MDAs.

    A senior finance ministry official conversant with the budget preparation told The Nation that the provisions were intended to stabilise the workforce and prevent the accumulation of unpaid entitlements.

    “Clearing salary and minimum wage arrears is essential to restoring confidence in public service compensation and maintaining morale across the system,” the official said.

    The budget also makes provision for insurance-related obligations, including N17.31 billion for group life assurance for personnel across all MDAs, including the Department of State Services and members of the National Youth Service Corps, covering administration and monitoring costs.

    An additional N12.42 billion has been allocated for the insurance of sensitive Federal Government assets nationwide.

    In addressing welfare obligations to families of deceased public servants, the government earmarked N4.27 billion for outstanding death benefits owed to civil servants and N5 billion for similar obligations to personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

    Read Also: Insecurity: NMA threatens strike in Edo

     Security-related spending features prominently in the Service-Wide Vote. The government proposed N100 billion for military operations, including Operation Lafiya Dole and other engagements of the Armed Forces, as part of efforts to sustain counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

    The Police Operations Fund received a N50 billion allocation, while the Department of State Services is set to receive N30 billion for special operations. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a N15 billion special operations fund under the proposal.

     According to the finance ministry source, “These allocations reflect the reality that security operations require flexible and centrally managed funding, especially for rapid response and intelligence-driven activities.”

     The Service-Wide Vote also captures N115 billion for the Presidential Amnesty Programme to support the reintegration of transformed ex-militants, reinforcing the government’s commitment to stability in the Niger Delta.

    In the same vein, N100 billion was proposed for the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, including the upscaling of the National Social Investment Programme.

    Social protection and human capital development account for a large share of the proposed spending. The National Social Investment Programme Agency is allocated N200 billion for recurrent expenditure, while the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme is proposed to receive N100 billion to sustain school meals for children across participating states.

     Health-related interventions also feature strongly in the Service-Wide Vote. The government set aside N250.96 billion for GAVI-supported immunisation programmes, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to vaccine financing and routine immunisation.

    An additional N12.55 billion is allocated for malaria vaccination of infants, while N1.54 billion is provided for the Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health.

    The official said the allocations were aimed at protecting gains in immunisation coverage and reducing preventable childhood diseases. “These investments are critical to safeguarding maternal and child health outcomes, especially in vulnerable communities,” the official said.

     The proposed budget includes N15 billion for the settlement of electricity bill debts owed by MDAs, an effort to address longstanding liabilities to power distribution companies. There is also a N1 billion provision for IPPIS capturing and monitoring to strengthen payroll integrity, alongside N12 billion set aside as a margin for increases in costs and recurrent adjustment pressures during the fiscal year.

    Capacity building and systems strengthening are addressed through a N2 billion allocation for service-wide training of budget and planning officers on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System budget preparation system, as well as nationwide monitoring and evaluation of projects.

     Other notable provisions include N36 billion for recurrent contingencies, N5 billion for international sporting competitions, N2 billion for Treasury Single Account operations, and N52.95 billion for Nigeria’s contributions to international organisations. The budget also provides N5 billion for the National Health Insurance Scheme coverage for corps members and N2.73 billion for the Office of the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination.

     To support institutional expansion, the government proposed N41.12 billion as take-off grants for 15 new MDAs, most of them in the health and education sectors, while N5.78 billion was allocated to the Presidential Revenue Monitoring and Reconciliation Committee to strengthen oversight of government revenues.

    Overall, the Service-Wide Vote of N2.19 trillion forms part of total Consolidated Revenue Fund charges estimated at N3.57 trillion in the 2026 budget proposal. Officials said the structure of the Service-Wide Vote allows government to meet unavoidable national obligations while maintaining fiscal coordination and oversight.

    “As government responsibilities grow more complex, centrally managed votes like this ensure that critical commitments are met without disrupting the operations of individual MDAs,” the Ministry of Finance official said.

    The proposed allocations are expected to draw scrutiny during legislative consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, particularly given the size of wage-related arrears, security spending and social sector commitments embedded within the Service-Wide Vote.

  • FG fast-tracks acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters

    FG fast-tracks acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters

    …as Air Chief leads team to United States

    The federal government is strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational capabilities in ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations through the acquisition of new air platforms to address evolving security threats.

    The latest effort is the move to procure 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters from the United States (U.S).

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has led a Programme Management Review meeting with senior U.S government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron, an American aerospace manufacturer, in San Diego, California.

    The AH-1Z is a modern attack helicopter operated by the U.S. military and equipped with advanced sensors, precision-guided weapons, and night-fighting capabilities.

    The acquisition of the AH-1Z is expected to significantly enhance the NAF’s ability to provide close air support, conduct armed reconnaissance, and sustain air operations in challenging environments.

    According to a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Thursday, Air Marshal Aneke, during the engagement, thanked the U.S Government and Messrs Bell Textron for their continued cooperation, professionalism, and transparency in the execution of the helicopter acquisition programme.

    The Air Chief noted that the structured review reflects the NAF’s deliberate emphasis on programme discipline, accountability, and results.

    He acknowledged the professionalism and openness that were started by both teams during the process.

    “We deeply value the professionalism and openness demonstrated throughout this process, and we remain fully committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the timely and successful delivery of these platforms,” the CAS stated.

    The Air Chief emphasised that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters represents more than a platform upgrade, describing it as “a reflection of the enduring defence cooperation” between Nigeria and the United States.

    According to him, the programme underscores a shared responsibility for regional and global security, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for peace and stability.

    He said, “This partnership speaks to our collective resolve to confront evolving security challenges through collaboration and sustained capability development.”

    The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s sense of urgency and commitment in the acquisition of the platform, assuring the U.S. team that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the helicopters are delivered as quickly as possible.

    Read Also: FG confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses

    The Air Chief charged the programme management team to work smartly and proactively to complete production on schedule and within budget.

    “Timelines and standards must be met concurrently. We must remain focused, innovative, and solutions-driven,” he stressed.

    The CAS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the acquisition of the AH-1Z helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat capability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness, thereby strengthening the NAF’s ability to deliver decisive airpower in support of national security and stability.

    The Air Chief added that the advanced capabilities of the helicopters would enable the NAF to conduct highly precise operations, minimise collateral damage, and provide timely and effective support to ground forces, ultimately saving lives and protecting property across affected communities.

    He reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal threats with professionalism, restraint, and accountability, while sustaining public trust and confidence in its operations.

  • CAN backs FG’s tax reform policy 

    CAN backs FG’s tax reform policy 

    … calls for fairness, restraint 

    … urges govt to tackle insecurity 

    Following the commencement of the tax reform policy, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday advised the federal government to ensure wisdom, fairness, and restraint.

    Economic decisions, CAN said must not, “deepen hardship for those already struggling”.

    CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in his new year message, advised that, “Small businesses, low-income earners, and rural communities require protection and deliberate support if recovery is to be meaningful and inclusive.”

    Okoh pleaded with government to continue to tackle insecurity and reduce it to the bearest minimum. 

    He said, “We acknowledge God’s mercy in preserving lives and sustaining our nation through another year marked by serious trials and testing moments.

    “The year behind us was a difficult one for many Nigerians. Economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, and uncertainty placed enormous strain on families and communities. These realities cannot be ignored or explained away. The quiet endurance of our people is not a sign that all is well; rather, it is a reminder of how much healing, relief, and justice our nation still needs.

    “As fiscal, tax, and other policy reforms continue, CAN calls for wisdom, fairness, and restraint. As the nation continues to speak about reforms, recovery, and growth, CAN affirms that progress must translate into lived realities. Economic advancement must be evident in the daily lives of citizens—when food is affordable, healthcare is accessible, education is attainable, and meaningful work is available. Development that does not touch ordinary lives remains incomplete.

    “Nigeria must become a place where families live with dignity, young people can plan for the future with confidence, and communities are no longer overwhelmed by fear. Public policies and leadership decisions must consistently reflect compassion, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the common good, especially towards the poor and the vulnerable.

    “The persistence of insecurity across the country remains a grave national concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime have uprooted communities and shattered lives. This reality demands decisive and sustained action. We hope that the government will deliver on its promises to reduce insecurity to the lowest levels in this new year.

    “Furthermore, government at all levels must urgently present a clear, comprehensive, and time-bound plan for the resettlement of communities displaced for prolonged periods by violence and insecurity. It is unjust and unacceptable that citizens should remain indefinitely uprooted from their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods. Beyond temporary relief, the nation must pursue restoration. Security must be guaranteed, homes and infrastructure rebuilt, and displaced persons enabled to return safely and with dignity. A nation cannot claim healing while entire communities remain unsettled.

    Okoh went further that Nigeria’s challenges are not only economic or structural, but also moral, adding that corruption, injustice, and division continue to weaken trust and erode national conscience.

    He said urged that leadership at all levels must be guided by integrity, accountability, and a sincere commitment to serve rather than dominate. 

    “National renewal requires moral courage as much as technical competence. As the Church, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the people, to speak truth with love, and to uphold hope in difficult times. We declare that Nigeria is not without a future. We affirm that justice, peace, and restoration are possible when leadership is responsible and citizens remain committed to righteousness and unity. As we journey through 2026, we look forward with sober hope, trusting that our nation can yet rise into better days marked by healing, stability, and shared progress”, Okoh added. 

  • FG moves to regulate online pharmacy services

    FG moves to regulate online pharmacy services

    The Federal Government, alongside other stakeholders in the health sector on Monday in Abuja inaugurated the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy (NEPP) and Strategic Implementation Plan to further  transform the health sector.

    Speaking during the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the policy would regulate production, sales of pharmaceuticals, and allow Nigerians access to quality-assured medicines.

    Represented by Olubumi Aribeana, the Director, Food and Drug Services, at the ministry, Pate said it was geared towards modernising the healthcare delivery, and allow Nigerians access to affordable medicine, no matter where they live.

    According to the minister, though the rise of digital platforms has transformed nearly every sector of the nation’s economy, the pharmaceutical space has remained largely fragmented with limited oversight of online medicine sales.

    He said that the free hand access in the pharmaceutical sector had created dangerous gaps, where substandard and falsified medicines, unlicensed vendors, and misinformation thrived.

    “Today marks a bold step forward in our collective mission to modernise healthcare delivery and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and quality-assured medicines—no matter where they live.

    “The NEPP is our strategic response. It provides a clear, enforceable framework for the regulation of electronic pharmacy services in Nigeria. It ensures that innovation does not come at the expense of safety.

    “With this policy, we are setting the foundation for a nationally coordinated e-pharmacy ecosystem that is transparent, secure, and patient-centred.

    “It establishes licensing and accreditation standards for digital pharmacy platforms, enables real-time monitoring and traceability of pharmaceutical products, improves access to essential medicines—especially in underserved and remote communities,” he said.

    Pate said that the platform would promote greater accountability for all actors in the pharmaceutical value chain, adding that the policy is a product of extensive collaboration.

    “I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAFDAC, digital enablers—the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

    “I also want to thank the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for their critical role in shaping the digital governance, data protection, and infrastructure frameworks that underpin this policy,” he said

    The Registrar/CEO, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Ibrahim-Babashehu Ahmed said the policy would provide strategic direction for regulation especially for PCN being the implementing agency.

    “We have developed the regulation to guide this particular endeavor. The regulation was approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and endorsed by Minister of Justice,” he said.

    According to him, PCN is confidence that there will not be any challenge in the implementation of the policy.

    Munir Elelu, the Director and team lead for the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation, lauded the project, describing it as good innovation for Nigeria.

    He said that the project would be cut across for primary healthcare centres services, family planning services, at communities and underserved entities in the country.

    Mr David Adeyemi, CEO/Founder, Pharmachain Technologies, who was part of the team that drafted the policy, commended the effort of the team in producing the policy.

    He identified lack of implementation as a major setback to most policies in Nigeria, but assuring that the NEPP would not different.

    (NAN)

  • FG fulfills housing, land pledges to Super Eagles for 2023 AFCON feat

    FG fulfills housing, land pledges to Super Eagles for 2023 AFCON feat

    The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had confirmed that players received certificates for the allocated plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu.

    Similarly, Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.

    Nigeria finished second at the tournament, played in 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

    On their return, Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa and conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each squad member.

    The president also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.

    NAN also reports that certificates were also presented to the players as instruments of conferment of OON by Sen. Abdul Ningi, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

    Speaking at the presentation, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, said the gesture underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian sports.

    Gusau said, “The president graciously promised houses and lands, as well as national honours, and today those promises are being fulfilled.

    “There was no reason to begin another AFCON campaign without honouring that pledge. This shows seriousness and respect for the players.”

    He expressed confidence in the team’s prospects at the tournament in Morocco.

    “We have prepared with the clear objective of winning the trophy. Success here will lift the spirits of Nigerians everywhere,” he said.

    Gusau added that the federation maintained high standards in travel, accommodation and logistics despite global economic challenges.

    “It has not been easy, but the players deserve comfort and respect. We must always find ways to support them,” Gusau added.

    He expressed confidence in the technical crew and players to make the nation proud.

    Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), said government resolved to deliver all promises before the tournament began.

    “It was a firm decision of government that every promise must be fulfilled before our first AFCON match,” Dikko said.

    He recalled delays in fulfilling similar promises in the past.

    “Previously, such pledges took nearly 20 years. This time, we acted promptly to show a new trajectory for Nigerian sports,” he said.

    Dikko described the development as a reflection of the Renewed Hope agenda.

    “Whatever President Bola Tinubu promises, he delivers on time. This is about trust, motivation and shared prosperity,” he added.

    Nigeria will face Tanzania in their opening Group C match on Tuesday at Complexe Sportif de Fès stadium, Fez city, Morocco from 5:30 p.m.

    The Super Eagles arrived in Fez on Dec. 18 aboard a chartered flight from their final training camp in Cairo.

    Nigeria will also face Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on Dec. 30, as they seek a fourth continental title. (NAN)

  • JUST IN: FG declares armed groups as terrorists

    JUST IN: FG declares armed groups as terrorists

    …outlines economic gains of Tinubu’s administration

    ….ambassadors to be deployed in 2026

    From: and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja 

    The Federal Government on Monday declared all armed groups operating in the country as terrorist groups.

    The government said that, henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps children, attacks farmers, or terrorises communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organisation. 

    It insisted that the era of ambiguous nomenclature was over.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who made the declaration in Abuja at a press conference, also outlined economic gains of 2025.

    He said, “In the area of security, 2025 saw the presidential declaration of a nationwide security emergency, which will, in the months ahead, translate into massive recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police Force, and the deployment of trained and equipped Forest Guards to secure our forests and other vulnerable locations.

    ‎”We have also established, in 2025, a new national counterterrorism doctrine—anchored on four critical pillars: unified command, intelligence, community stability, and counterinsurgency.

    ‎”Let me be clear about what this means: That henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorizes our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organization. The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over.

    The Minister also expressed President Bola Tinubu’s government’s determination to contain insecurity in the country as reflected in the 2026 budget and declaration of a State of emergency on security.

    The Minister, who was beaming with smiles, also confirmed the return of the remaining 130 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State.

    He said they were released due to the efforts of our security agencies.

    He said, “It is appropriate we start this end-of-year press conference by reemphasizing the good news that came yesterday from the Office of the National Security Adviser, that the abducted 130 pupils of the St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, were released yesterday (Sunday).

    “With this development, it can be confirmed that all the abducted pupils, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity due to the efforts of our security agencies.”

    He also noted that the Federal Government empathizes with the parents of the pupils for the anguish the abduction has caused them, and wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, Compliments of the Season, and a Merry Christmas.”

    He also noted that the government has taken strong actions to ensure that no abduction of pupils ever happens in the country again.

    Idris said the mission of 2026 is to raise the edifice of a secure, competitive, and prosperous Nigeria upon it.

    The minister also said the presidential declaration of a nationwide security emergency, “will in the months ahead translate into massive recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police Force, and the deployment of trained and equipped Forest Guards to secure our forests and other vulnerable locations.”

    The minister also highlighted that the 2026 budget’s blueprint for security is huge, with the single biggest allocation of N5.41 trillion to Defence and Security.

    He said it is a direct investment in protecting lives, property, and prosperity, through modern equipment for our armed forces, a new national intelligence architecture, and a secure digital border surveillance system.”

    He added, “The temporary pains of reform are yielding to permanent gains. President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is big, his strategy unambiguous, and his resolve unshakeable. We are consolidating stability, protecting our homeland, empowering our youth, and building a nation where every citizen has the agency to thrive,” he stressed. This is the Nigeria we are building together. Nigeria, truly on the move.”

    On the administration’s performance in 2025, the minister said all indices indicated an upward swing.

    He noted, “Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.98% in the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating resilient and sustained expansion in the non-oil sector.

    “Significantly, headline inflation has now declined for eight consecutive months, to stand at 14.45% in November 2025. Food inflation is also on a steady downward trend.

    “Our external reserves have strengthened to approximately $44.56 billion, providing a robust buffer that stabilises our currency and assures international investors.

    “Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, a 27.29 percent growth year-on-year.

    “The most recent Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data – an important measure of business sentiment – indicates that Nigeria has now seen 12 consecutive months of expansion in economic activities.”

    In the area of power, the Minister said the country recorded the highest ever daily energy of 128 370.75 mega hours nationwide.

    He said, “On March 4, 2025, Nigeria recorded a maximum daily energy of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh) nationwide—the highest ever in our history.

    “Also in the power sector, 2025 saw the kick-off of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), as well as the issuance of the first Bond under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme, the single largest coordinated financial intervention in the history of our power sector.”

    The nation also recorded an increase in investors‘ confidence with massively oversubscribed government-issued bonds.

    “A massively oversubscribed Eurobond issuance, attracting orders amounting to 400% of the target of $2.3 billion USD, demonstrating strong investor confidence in our macroeconomic reforms.”

    Also, in the year under review, he said, “Nigeria exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, reflecting sustained and coordinated reforms in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes, and marking the start of a new reputational and operational chapter for our financial sector.”

    President Tinubu in 2025 also approved the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion – the biggest single boost to agriculture financing in our recent history.

    The government also invested over N1.5 trillion on infrastructure.

    “We committed to deploying over 1.5 trillion Naira in investments in road infrastructure in 2025 alone, the largest such commitment in our nation’s history, based on our firm belief that an economy cannot grow faster than the infrastructure that supports it. At the heart of this effort are our Four Legacy Highway Projects, engineered to connect every region and unlock new economic corridors:

    *The 750-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, linking our entire southern coastline.

    *The 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, bridging the North-West to the South-West.

    *The 477-kilometer Trans-Saharan Highway, traversing from Calabar to the FCT.

    *The 422-kilometer Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway, integrating the North-Central and North-East.”

    He explained that the projects are not conventional roads, “They are being built with reinforced concrete pavement designed to last 50 to 100 years, drastically cutting future maintenance costs and promoting local content. Empowering the next generation.”

    The minister also outlined government programmes aimed at empowering the youth, which include: “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has now supported over 788,000 Nigerian students with interest-free loans and stipends amounting to over 150 billion Naira.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme officially kicked off during the year, with an anchor investment in a new multi-million-dollar venture fund that will support the creative and digital entrepreneurship aspirations of young Nigerians.

    “In 2025, the Federal Government launched the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), offering equity-free financing of up to ₦50 million for undergraduate innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) disciplines, across accredited tertiary institutions. With this new intervention, we are nurturing the seeds of entrepreneurship in our campuses and turning our brightest minds into job creators, not just job seekers.

    “The Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme made significant progress during the year, as it built Africa’s largest digital army. A new security architecture.”

    The minister also disclosed that the recently cleared Ambassadorial nominees will resume at their posts in the coming year.

    The Senate last week cleared 67 ambassadorial nominees appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The president had in 2023 recalled all the country’s ambassadors.

    Following the clearance by the Senate, the ambassadorial nominees will undergo orientation before their posting.

    Idris disclosed at his end of year press conference in Abuja that their resumption will boost the country’s engagements at the global level.

    “In 2026, our newly appointed Ambassadors will take up their posts in their countries of assignment, strengthening our bilateral relations and advancing our visibility and strategic engagements in the global community,” he said.

    On the global stage, the Minister said Nigeria has become a respected global player.

    Besides, he said Nigeria has been able to resolve its issues with the United States amicably through diplomatic means.

    He therefore said Nigeria-US relations are not damaged.

    “On the international stage, in 2025, we navigated complex international diplomacy with maturity and principle. The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been resolved through firm, respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership,” he said.

    To underscore his claim, the Minister revealed that Nigeria and the U.S recently signed a five-year bilateral health agreement running into over N5 billion. 

    “Just last week, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a five-year, $5.1B bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of the United States, in which the US will provide $2.1B in grant funding, while Nigeria commits $3 billion. This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy. It will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract investment.

    “Indeed, Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines; we are a confident and strategic partner on the global stage, defending our national interests and attracting beneficial partnerships. Just last month, we regained our Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, a celebrated comeback following 14 years of absence.

    “Also in 2025, various Nigerians assumed significant international positions across various sectors, including Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation, Executive Director of the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme, Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, and Vice President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours in Tokyo. Additionally, this year we secured hosting rights for the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) 2026, and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, one of the largest trade gatherings on the African continent.”

    In the media, information, and communications space, the minister said in 2025, Nigeria secured the hosting rights for both the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) and the 2026 African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference. We made history by becoming only the second African country ever to host the WPRF, and the first ever to host both the APRA Conference and the WPRF in the same year.

    “We also received official affirmation from UNESCO of the hosting right granted to Nigeria for the world’s first Media & Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, and I am delighted to note that the Institute will officially take off in the first quarter of 2026.

    On the allegation of alteration of the tax act, the minister said the general public should wait for the outcome of the investigation panel set up by the National Assembly.

    Idris neither denied nor confirmed the allegation as he noted that he had yet to see it.

    “To be honest with you, I have not seen the two versions. All I know is that the executive has presented something to the National Assembly. It was processed, it was passed, and it was returned to the executive. What I heard is that the National Assembly members have seen some discrepancy and they have set up their own committee to look at those discrepancies.

     “I think it is important for us to wait for the National Assembly to look at this again to tell us that yes, indeed, there were discrepancies or not. 

    “This is at this point an affair of the National Assembly to which I have no jurisdiction, and I have no, you know, the authority to speak about. 

    “Let’s wait for this from the National Assembly, and then, if required to make further clarifications, we can. But at this point, we know that the tax document has been put forward to the National Assembly. 

    “They have worked on it, and they have returned it, and it has been passed, and it has been signed into law.

    “As far as the government of Nigeria is concerned, there’s only one version of that tax document.”