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2026 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading in Senate

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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2026 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading in Senate

The 2026 Appropriation Bill of N58.47 trillion presented by President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19 has sailed through second reading in the Nigerian Senate.

This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during Tuesday’s plenary.

He said the bill was the legal instrument through which the policy direction outlined by the President in his 2026 Budget Address was translated into enforceable public expenditure

He noted that the bill was deemed to have been read the first time by virtue of its being laid before the joint session of the National Assembly on Friday, 19.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

Senator Bamidele also said that the President’s Budget address was frank about the fiscal environment confronting the nation.

“The economy is in a phase of adjustment following far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring stability, correcting distortions, and strengthening public finance. The 2026 Budget is therefore not an experimental document.

“It is a budget of consolidation, consolidating reforms already undertaken, stabilising key economic indicators, and accelerating growth through targeted public investment,” the Senate leader said.

READ ALSO: President Tinubu Presents ₦58.18 Trillion Appropriation Bill to NASS

Speaker Abbas Backs President Tinubu’s 2026 Budget

According to the proposal, total expenditure of N58.472 trillion comprises N4.097 trillion for statutory transfers and N15.909 trillion for debt service.

“N15.252 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N23.214 trillion for capital expenditure through contributions to the development fund,” he added.

Senator Bamidele said the structure of the budget reflected deliberate prioritisation, with capital spending emerging as the largest component of discretionary expenditure.

He said the N23.214 trillion capital allocation targets critical growth-driving sectors, including transport infrastructure, power and energy, agriculture, industrial development, housing and the digital economy.

“As the President emphasised, sustainable growth cannot be achieved without addressing infrastructure deficits and expanding the productive capacity of the economy,” Senator Bamidele said.

He added that the spending plan was designed to stimulate private investment, create jobs, and strengthen food and energy security.

He subsequently called on lawmakers to give the bill favourable consideration.

Thorough Scrutiny 

Contributing to the debate, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi) said, “I support the bill. However, the committee on Appropriations should do thorough scrutiny. The N23 trillion for capital projects is impressive and has never happened since we came in 2023″.

“Well over N5 trillion on security is also commendable. Education allocation is also good and my prayer is that the funds be released for proper implementation”.

Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger) said the debt service provision, though large, was critical for restoring investor confidence, especially as the country approaches an election cycle.

“Now that we are going into a political period, the allocation of N15.9 trillion is for servicing our debts, which will further restore confidence between Nigeria and its development partners. I believe that 2026 is going to be better with a single budget”.

Following the debate, the Senate passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill for second reading and referred it to the Committee on Appropriations for detailed consideration.

 

 

 

Carabao Cup: Arsenal Advances After 15-Goal Penalty Shootout

Simon Stephanie
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Carabao Cup: Arsenal Advances After 15-Goal Penalty Shootout

Arsenal reached the League Cup semi-finals after edging Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties on Tuesday, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saving the decisive spot kick from Maxence Lacroix.

It was a difficult night for Palace defender Lacroix, who had earlier put through his own net in the 80th minute to give Arsenal the lead.

Palace captain Marc Guehi rescued his side in stoppage time, nodding home from a free-kick knockdown to force a 1-1 draw and send the tie to a shootout.

All penalties were converted until Lacroix’s miss, which sealed Arsenal’s place in the last four, where the Premier League leaders will face Chelsea.

Arsenal next hosts Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, while eighth-placed Palace welcomes Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised his side’s resilience, while Palace boss Oliver Glasner took encouragement from his team’s second-half display.

Minister Commends Release of Niger School kidnapped Victims

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Minister Commends Release of Niger School kidnapped Victims

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, has commended President Bola Tinubu, for his exceptional leadership in ensuring the release of all pupils, teachers, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Niger State.

They were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, in their boarding facility at Agwara Local Government Area in Borgu Emirate of Niger State, North Central Nigeria.

The Minister said “while about 50 of the pupils abducted earlier escaped from captivity, and a batch of 100 were released by the abductors on December 7, 2025, freedom for the remaining 130 only a few days ago, means that the harrowing weeks of anxiety, uncertainty, and grief have come to a happy end; as those released are now being reunited with their families.”

“This mass abduction incident has been a most touching experience with personal linkages that occasioned sleepless nights in joining with others in the quest for a positive outcome of the efforts to secure freedom for the kidnapped victims. Besides the fact that Papiri community is one of the Districts of Borgu Kingdom, our heritage, and several of the families and relatives impacted by the kidnapping saga looked to prominent citizens of Niger State for resolution.”

READ ALSO: Nigerian President Orders Stronger Security Measures Against School Abductions

He expressed enthusiasm over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s quiet but firm insistence on the deployment of assets to ensure freedom for the abductees and was equally thankful to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his ‘superb coordinating role’, and to the Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, for his “courage and tireless efforts in rallying the needed support that brought the kidnap saga to a most welcome close.”

He said many lessons abound in this latest incident of mass abduction, noting that the resolution is gratifying, because it signals yet again the determination of the President to ensure the security and safety of Nigerians wherever they may be.

The Minister added that as the freed abductees, their families, and relatives, recover steadily from the month-long ordeal, he would like to “wish them a truly Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.”

Lagos State Supports Elderly Citizens with Disabilities 

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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Lagos State Supports Elderly Citizens with Disabilities 

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has empowered 100 elderly persons with disabilities and elderly caregivers of children with disabilities under its annual Cash Support and Medical Outreach programme.

The annual Support Programme tagged: “Cash Support and Medical Outreach to Elderly Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Caregivers”, according to the agency, is to fulfill its mandate and the vision of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which is committed to ensuring that no citizen is left behind.

The programme features the disbursement of cash support and the provision of medical services to the beneficiaries drawn from across Lagos State.

Speaking at the event, held at the LASODA premises Alausa Secretariat Ikeja, the General Manager LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal explained that the financial gesture is a provision that aligns with the commitment of the Lagos State Government to promote inclusion, dignity, and social protection for vulnerable groups.

Oyetunde-Lawal said that in the past years, the agency has implemented several impactful programs that have promoted the independence of persons with disabilities, their dignity, as well as enhanced engagement within their communities.

Read Also: Nigeria’s First Lady Seeks Support for People with Disabilities

“At LASODA, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and our goal is to create a Lagos where every resident, including our senior citizens with disabilities, can participate fully and meaningfully in society.

Through this initiative, we are providing financial support to 100 elderly persons with disabilities across Lagos State.

This support is designed to help our elders meet personal needs, access healthcare services, improve mobility, and, in some cases, support small livelihood activities. The objective is simple yet powerful: to empower, not merely to give.” she said

She acknowledged the fear that most parents have, which is the concern of who will look after their children after they might have gone, stressing that God will preserve their lives and the children while assuring them of continued support by the government.

She, however, encouraged them to continue to persevere and establish communication with the government and relevant stakeholders to better their lots.

According to her, “LASODA remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full integration into society. We will continue to advocate for and implement initiatives that enable everyone to live fulfilling, productive, and dignified lives.”

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

 

Uganda Restricts Imports of Internet Equipment Ahead Election

Shakirat Sadiq
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Uganda Restricts Imports of Internet Equipment Ahead Election

Uganda’s government has restricted imports of Starlink satellite internet equipment weeks before a national election at which the opposition fears the government will again impose an internet blackout.

President Yoweri Museveni, 81, will seek to extend his rule in the East African nation to nearly half a century in the January 15 vote, which pits him against pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, 43, for the second time.

During the 2021 election, the government cut off internet access for days. Wine, who came a distant second to Museveni at the last vote, rejected the results and said he lost because of rigging, which Museveni denies.

The restrictions on bringing Starlink devices into Uganda first came to light in a leaked tax agency memo dated December 19 that circulated on social media.

A spokesperson for the Uganda Revenue Authority later confirmed that the memo was genuine.

The memo said any imports of “Starlink technology gadgets, communication equipment and associated components” now needed to be cleared by the head of the military, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son.

The revenue authority tried to downplay the new restrictions, saying many countries seek to control imports of communication technology.

Elon Musk’s Starlink does not have a licence to operate in Uganda yet, though many Ugandans have been bringing in Starlink devices and using them anyway.

Opposition leader Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is called the restrictions on Starlink imports ridiculous in a post on X.

“If they’re not planning … electoral fraud, why are they so scared of people accessing (the internet) during the electoral process,” Wine wrote.

Museveni, has been credited with stabilising Uganda, promoting economic growth, and combating HIV/AIDS, while critics have accused his government of suppressing opponents, committing human rights abuses and engaging in corruption.

Museveni and his government have amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, allowing him to remain in office.

 

Reuters

Tunisia’s Labour Union Chief Resigns

Shakirat Sadiq
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Tunisia’s Labour Union Chief Resigns

Nourredine Taboubi, head of Tunisia’s most powerful labour union, resigned on Tuesday, union sources said, a month before a planned nationwide strike over President Kais Saied’s escalating crackdown on dissent.

Taboubi’s departure could weaken the UGTT labour federation, which is widely seen as the last strong bastion of democratic civil society in the North African country. The UGTT had no immediate comment on Taboubi’s reported exit.

The one-million-member UGTT, which played a key role in Tunisia’s post-2011 democratic transition from decades of dictatorship, has sharply criticised Saied’s accelerating drift back to authoritarian rule.

The UGTT has called a nationwide strike for January 21, the first since Saied seized sweeping powers, to protest at his mounting crackdown on critics and demand wage negotiations.

Saied’s critics say arrests of opposition leaders, civil society groups, and journalists underscore an authoritarian turn by the president since he took on extraordinary powers in 2021 to rule by decree.

Saied said he took on wider powers to root out rampant corruption and mismanagement. The opposition called his action a coup.

High inflation, shortages of some basic goods, and poor public services have also fuelled discontent and led to a wave of street protests.

 

Reuters/Shakirat Sadiq

Nasarawa Assembly Passes 2026 Budget Into Law

Kamila Bello
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Nasarawa Assembly Passes 2026 Budget Into Law

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has passed the 2026 Appropriation bill of N545.2bn into law.

The House jerked up the 2026 budget by N27.6 billion from N517.5 billion earlier presented by Gov. Sule to N545.2billion.

The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau announced the passage of the bill into law during the House proceedings in Lafia the state capital.

He said, “The bill, if assented to by the Governor would enable the State Government initiate people’s oriented projects for the overall development of the State.”

He appreciated all the House Standing Committees for their efforts and for doing good job on the budget.

Dr. Jatau, urged the executive arm to ensure full implementation of the budget as passed, if finally assented to.

“A Bill for a Law to Authorise the Issue Out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State (Appropriation) on the Sum of N545,182,100, 910.14 only for the Services of Nasarawa State Government for the Period of 12 Months Commencing From 1st January, 2026 and Ending 31st December, 2026. Scales third reading and passed. 

“Where Capital Expenditure is N316.265,270,661.07 billion and Recurrent Expenditure is N228.717,880,249.07 billion respectively,” the speaker said.

He disclosed that the budget has an increment of N27.6 billion from the initial projection laid before the House by Gov. Abdullahi Sule.

Dr. Jatau said that an increment of N27.6 billion from the initial budget was due to current surge of inflation in the market. In the upward review, security votes and services in the office of the Secretary to the State Government and Ministry of Special Duties, Security and Sundry Matters received additional N14billion while Ministry of Local Government got additional N7billion.

“Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism received a boost of N3.7billion and the construction of 55km Lafia-Kwandere-Garaku road among others.”

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for Gov. Sule’s assent.

It would be recalled that on 26th of November 2025, Gov. Abdullahi Sule presented 2026 budget of N517.5bn christened Budget of Strategic Consolidation.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara moved a motion for the passage of the 2026 appropriation bill into law.

Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House seconded the motion

The House unanimously passed the bill into law.

It would be reported that Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, on Nov. 26, 2025 presented a budget proposal of N517.5billion for 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for approval.

Sule, while presenting the appropriation bill tagged: “Budget of Strategic Consolidation” before the Assembly in Lafia, commended the legislature for their consistent support in passing appropriation bills on time.

It would also be recalled that the state’s 2025 budget was at N476.5bn.

Nigeria Begins AFCON Campaign With Win Against Tanzania

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Nigeria Begins AFCON Campaign With Win Against Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria began its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-1 victory against Tanzania on Tuesday evening, at the Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco.

For Nigeria, talisman Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams started in a front-two, with 2024 CAF African player of the year, Ademola Lookman, behind the pair.

Nigeria won a corner after Tanzanian defender Bakari Mwamnyeto had cleared Victor Osimhen’s effort off the line. Could a goal come from a set-piece?

Defender Semi Ajayi then headed home Alex Iwobi’s cross from the corner in the 36th minute to open the scoring for Nigeria in style.

Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi scores header.

With a 1-0 lead at halftime and having dominated scoring chances, Nigeria were well in the driver’s seat. The first half ended with Nigeria holding the advantage despite Tanzania showing glimpses of attacking intent in the wet conditions.

In the second half, Nigeria thought they were off to a flier when Victor Osimhen back-heeled a cross into the net just 47 seconds in, but the flag was up for offside and VAR ruling the same. Two minutes later, Tanzania equalised.

A brilliant ball from Novatus Dismas lofted behind the defence picked up Charles M’Mbowa’s run and the midfielder slid in to finish past Stanley Nwabali in the 52nd minute.

However, the joy of the equaliser lasted less than a minute as Lookman scored what would be the winner. The winger displayed a piece of individual brilliance, striking an unstoppable curler from the edge of the box to to the roar of the Nigerian fans.

Ademola Lookman celebrates goal.

Tanzania rallied to try scrape for a point and came close with two minutes left but Ibrahim Hamad’s volley from a poorly defended corner at close range was wild and wide.

The win gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next fixture.

Tuesday’s AFCON results

DR Congo 1-0 Benin

Senegal 3-0 Botswana

Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania

Tunisia 1-0 Uganda*

Oyo Governor Inaugurates State Independent Electoral Commission Members

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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Oyo Governor Inaugurates State Independent Electoral Commission Members

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated new members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), charging them to do justice to the people by handling the task committed to their care with utmost transparency and fear of God.

He noted that doing so is in tandem with the oath of office the members of the state electoral umpire swore to uphold, urging them to ensure that they discharge their mandate independently in a bid to further strengthen democracy in the state.

The governor gave the charge at the swearing-in ceremony of the new OYSIEC members, held at the Executive Council Chamber, Office of the Governor, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde said: “To you members of OYSIEC, what I will say is that you have a delicate assignment. Though I nominated you, you were cleared by the House of Assembly.

“There are things in the name of the commission that you have to live up to and that is Oyo State and independent. The keyword is independent. So, you have to be independent.”

After the administration of Oath of Office on the members and signing of the oath of office book, the governor disclosed that his administration would conduct another local government election before the expiration of his tenure in 2027.

Makinde revealed that the tenure of the current local government administration will end in May 2027, and expressed confidence that residents of the state would still choose to support him.

He said: “So, the election will probably happen about the same time that we are having the general election, but we’re not afraid. Even the general election, we know that what people have been saying to us is, ‘We don’t want Oyo State to go back to the old order. We don’t want this music to stop.’ If that, indeed, is what they are saying, I know they will come out to vote for us and defend their votes.”

The governor encouraged the newly inaugurated OYSIEC members to allow the will of the people to prevail by conducting open and transparent elections at the local government level, saying by doing they would have helped Oyo State to have a solid democratic foundation at the local level.

Makinde affirmed that the chairman and members of the Commission were nominated because they are people of proven integrity, who will use their wealth of experience for the development of the state.

He equally thanked the Oyo State House of Assembly for their support and diligence in approving the nominees, stressing that the act demonstrated the synergy between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government, a development, which he noted, has resulted in unprecedented harmony, growth and development for Oyo State.

The members inaugurated include: Dr Babatunde Adeniyi (Chairman), while Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Mr Sunday Falana, Hon. Remi Ayoade, Mr Olatunde Theophilus, Mrs Adebayo Muriana and Mr Babatunde Ige are members of the Commission.

The event had in attendance commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and labour union leaders, among others.

House Lauds Security Agencies For Citizens’ Safety Efforts

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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House Lauds Security Agencies For Citizens’ Safety Efforts

The Nigerian House of Representatives has commended security agencies in Nigeria for their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of citizens.

The House also urged security agencies to expedite efforts toward the rescue of twenty-seven abducted victims in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Members called for the rescue and safe return of the victims to their families.

The House further urged the Chief of Defence Staff, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Inspector General of Police to provide armoured security vehicles to enhance operations and to establish a permanent security checkpoint along the Zak–Sabon-Layin Gaji corridor to prevent future occurrences and strengthen community safety.

Also Read: Benue killings: Speaker Abbas Commends President Tinubu’s Show of Leadership

The resolutions followed the adoption of a “Motion On The Urgent Need For The Safe Rescue Of 27 Abducted Persons In Wase Local Government Area Of Plateau State,” moved by Mr Ahmed Idris Wase.

Leading the debate on the motion, Mr Wase said that the House “notes with grave concern the abduction of 27 persons, including 25 children, one teacher, and a tricycle rider, along the Zak–Sabon-Layin Gaji axis, within Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.”

He added: “Further notes that on Sunday, 21st December 2025, the victims were en route to attend a Maulud celebration in Sabon-Layin Gaji Village when armed bandits ambushed and abducted them, leaving behind the tricycle and the children’s footwear at the scene.”

“Aware that due to the thick nature of the forest within the said communities, which is inaccessible for security patrol vehicles, there is a need to support security operations with armoured security vehicles,” the motion stated.

The motion was referred to the Committee on National Security for further consideration.

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