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Senate Schedules March 17 For ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget Approval.
The Senate has set March 17 as the deadline for the consideration and passage of the 2026 national budget, estimated at ₦58.472 trillion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision was reached on Friday during a special meeting of the Senate Committee on Appropriations in Abuja.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Solomon Adeola, explained that the schedule was deliberately designed to allow thorough engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as input from the public.
He disclosed that committee-level consideration of budget estimates will take place from February 2 to 13, while a public hearing on the 2026 Appropriation Bill has been fixed for February 9.
“Budget hearings and engagements with MDAs will run from Monday, February 2, to Friday, February 13, during which subcommittee chairmen will invite relevant MDAs for presentations and discussions,” Adeola said.
According to him, a keynote presentation will be delivered at the public hearing by Professor Wasiu Adeoye, an economist from the University of Lagos.
The presentation, titled “Strengthening Microeconomic Stability, Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery, and Improving Security through Fiscal Discipline and Effective Implementation of the 2026 Budget,” will focus on key fiscal priorities.
To promote coordination between the executive and legislative arms, the committee also scheduled an interactive session with top government economic officials for March 5.
Those expected include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
Senator Adeola further stated that chairmen of standing committees are required to submit their budget defence reports between February 16 and 23.
These submissions will form the basis of the final appropriation report to be laid before the Senate on March 17.
Although Senate leadership had initially proposed March 12 for the budget’s passage, Adeola said he requested a brief extension to allow for a more detailed process.
“We need to work within the available time and still ensure the budget is passed, even though leadership suggested March 12,” he said.
“Given how demanding the process can be once it begins, I persuaded them to consider March 17 or 19 for passage.”
He added that printed copies of the 2026 budget have already been circulated to relevant committee chairmen and members to support careful scrutiny.
The timetable was formally adopted following a motion moved by Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi) and seconded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia).
Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has revealed that he inherited heavy debts and contingent liabilities from his predecessor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Imoke addressed the financial and economic realities surrounding the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort in Calabar.
Key Highlights of Imoke’s Disclosure:
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The Cost of Tinapa: Imoke stated that the Tinapa project cost every man, woman, and child in Cross River State the equivalent of $170.
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Burden of Debt Servicing: He disclosed that his administration committed one billion naira monthly strictly to servicing inherited debts, emphasizing that Duke did not pay off any of the project’s debts before leaving office.
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Lack of Infrastructure and Planning: According to Imoke, the resort lacked basic infrastructure at launch—noting that there was no power supply on the day of commissioning, forcing his administration to provide electricity. He added that the necessary commercial and economic environment was never established, and empty buildings were commissioned without securing anchor tenants beforehand.
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DIPLOMATIC ALLIANCE: British Deputy High Commissioner Drops Bombshell On Unbreakable UK-Nigeria Partnership!
During a two-day official visit to Abia State, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, emphasized that the United Kingdom places immense value on its deep-rooted partnership with Nigeria, which is grounded in shared histories, values, and mutual interests.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Mr. Baxter made these remarks on Wednesday in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, while paying a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
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Broad Areas of Cooperation: Mr. Baxter noted that bilateral relations go far beyond traditional diplomacy, stretching into economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology, and key development projects.
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Focus on Economic Growth: Highlighting infrastructure bottlenecks, he identified poor power generation and supply as primary barriers holding back Nigeria’s economic expansion. He added that the UK is keen on backing initiatives that unlock economic potential in Abia State and across the wider country.
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Talent and Migration: The British envoy backed Abia State’s push to retain local professionals rather than losing skilled talent abroad, stressing the importance of educating prospective migrants on the realities they might face overseas.
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State Openness: Welcoming the British diplomat, Governor Alex Otti affirmed that his administration remains completely open to strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom.
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THE WRATH OF THE GOVERNOR: Adeleke Unleashes Security Forces To Smoke Out Perpetrators Of Osun Killings!
The Osun State Government has instructed security agencies to ramp up investigations into recent fatalities resulting from cult violence and a leadership tussle within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Samuel Ojo, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on security matters, made this known in Osogbo on Wednesday, assuring the public that the administration will not shield anyone found guilty of the violent acts.
Key Highlights of the Government’s Response:
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Emergency Security Meeting: Following reports of about five deaths linked to the clashes, an emergency security meeting was convened on Wednesday. The gathering was chaired by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi on behalf of Governor Adeleke and brought together top state officials and service commanders.
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Broad Security Collaboration: Attendees at the strategic meeting included the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), military representatives, and commanders from the NDLA, Immigration, Correctional Service, Civil Defence, and Amotekun.
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Zero Tolerance for Impunity: Addressing rumors that the administration was protecting suspects linked to the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi amid the NURTW succession dispute, Ojo firmly denied the claims. He stressed that Governor Adeleke has ordered a thorough, unsparing investigation to ensure the law takes its full course against all perpetrators.
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