Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current President, and Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, helm the leadership of a nation grappling with deep systemic issues. Tinubu, a former Lagos State Governor, ascended to the presidency with promises of renewal and development. Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State known for his tenure during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, now serves as his deputy, tasked with navigating Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.

Their administration inherited a country riddled with corruption, poor governance, ethnic and religious tensions, and economic instability. Despite their pledges to bring about change, controversies have continued to mar their leadership, from issues of transparency and accountability to allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

In this climate of uncertainty, Kemi Badenoch, a British politician who has served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party since November 2024, and of Nigerian Yoruba descent, has delivered scathing critiques of Nigeria’s governance. Her remarks, though harsh, shine a spotlight on the systemic failures and contradictions that have hindered Nigeria’s progress. Badenoch’s critiques, which this write-up frames as “Kemi’s Therapy,” seem to offer a painful but necessary diagnosis of the country’s ailments under Tinubu, Shettima, and beyond.

What I Term Kemi Therapy

Shettima, in his state of unhappiness over what he perceives as Kemi Badenoch’s denigration of Nigeria, suggested she drop the name “Kemi.” However, the only meaningful way to drop it is for Nigeria to embrace the thoughts and feelings of change that Kemi Therapy seems to embody—challenging the entrenched corruption mentality of the average Nigerian. This relentless call for reform, accountability, and transformation is what I term Kemi Therapy.

Exposing Institutional Abuse and the Culture of Negativity

Kemi Therapy critiques Nigeria’s institutional abuse and its troubling culture of shielding the powerful while vilifying the vulnerable. The case of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu is a stark example. Accused of organ trafficking in the United Kingdom, the case revealed Nigeria’s systemic failures, including manipulated narratives, flawed immigration processes, and the judiciary’s inability to prioritize justice.

Instead of addressing the real legal and ethical issues, Nigerian institutions attempted to discredit the victim by questioning biodata, age, and identity, creating distractions to shield the powerful. Kemi Therapy highlights a painful truth: had this case unfolded in Nigeria, the victim would likely have become the defendant, while the powerful escaped accountability.

The London court’s decision, which resulted in prison sentences for Ekweremadu, his wife, and the collaborating doctor, serves as a stark reminder of what accountability looks like in functional systems. Kemi Therapy insists that Nigeria confront its institutional failures, prioritize truth and justice, and abandon its culture of impunity.

Ethnic and Religious Favoritism in Leadership

Kemi Therapy critiques Nigeria’s persistent tribalism and religious favoritism, which foster exclusionary governance. Under Muhammadu Buhari, appointments were overwhelmingly skewed toward individuals of specific tribes and religions, alienating significant portions of the population.

Despite promises of change, the Tinubu administration has struggled to break these patterns. Kemi Therapy warns that Shettima’s unique history as a Sharia governor could perpetuate such practices should he ascend to higher office. For Nigeria to progress, governance must be grounded in competence, inclusivity, and meritocracy.

Sharia Contradictions and Human Dignity

Kemi Therapy appears to challenge the compatibility of constitutional democracy with harsh Sharia punishments such as amputations and stoning, which negatively impact Nigeria’s moral reputation on the world stage. These inconsistencies reveal deep-rooted issues in governance that need to be addressed in order to uphold the values of justice, equality, and humanity.

Endless Pretrial Detentions and Medical Negligence

Kemi Therapy exposes Nigeria’s broken justice and healthcare systems, where thousands languish in pretrial detention, and hospitals delay emergency care due to bureaucratic demands for police reports. These failures prioritize inefficiency over humanity, leading to preventable deaths and injustices.

Kemi Therapy for Better Policing

Kemi therapy focuses on the police’s efforts to promote positive news globally, rather than highlighting instances of officers accepting bribes from drivers, stealing from the public, assisting in ballot box theft, and turning complainants into defendants. It also addresses the issue of officers soliciting complainants for writing materials, fuel for police vehicles, and money for food.

Hoarding COVID-19 Palliatives: A Betrayal of Trust

The mishandling of COVID-19 palliatives symbolizes Nigeria’s governance crisis. Reports of hoarded relief materials intended for vulnerable citizens sparked outrage, revealing systemic neglect and mismanagement. Kemi Therapy demands that leadership rebuild trust through transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

Addressing Domestic/Sexual Violence, Marginalization, and Exploitation

Kemi Therapy sheds light on the systemic mistreatment faced by girls and women, including unequal treatment in various environments, such as educators demanding sexual favors in exchange for grades and politicians exploiting women seeking opportunities. This urgent call for change underscores the necessity for policies that safeguard women, hold perpetrators accountable, and foster safe spaces for women to flourish. Kemi Therapy stands against the marginalization of women, as highlighted by troubling comments made in the Senate, where leadership suggests that it is only “women’s day” when women address issues relevant to them, similar to how male senators do, while men rarely encounter the same derogatory treatment. Women are commonly highlighted in a Senate that is predominantly male.

Rejecting Military Overreach in Civilian Matters

Kemi Therapy condemns the misuse of military power in civilian matters. Soldiers detaining and brutalizing civilians undermines democracy and accountability. Nigeria must enforce a strict separation between military and civilian roles to uphold the rule of law.

Kemi Therapy for a Better Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch’s therapy advocates for a Nigeria rooted in justice, accountability, and unity. It calls for:

Electoral reforms to secure free and fair elections.

Judicial integrity that prioritizes justice for all, not just the privileged.

Leadership accountability to combat corruption and protect the vulnerable.

Healthcare and justice reform to value human dignity and fairness.

Kemi Therapy insists that Nigeria can only progress by confronting its systemic contradictions, abandoning impunity, and embracing ethical governance that serves its people.

Conclusion: Kemi’s Therapy for a Better Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch’s unapologetic critiques are not an attack on Nigeria but a demand for a better, more just, and accountable nation. Her words serve as a mirror reflecting Nigeria’s failures, compelling its leaders and citizens to confront the painful truths that have crippled progress for decades.

This is not about humiliation or denigration—it is a wake-up call for a country grappling with corruption, tribalism, impunity, and systemic dysfunction. Kemi Therapy challenges Nigeria to rise above its defensive posture, discard the false pride that shields dysfunction, and embrace the reforms necessary for a brighter future. The therapy is bitter, but so is the disease it seeks to cure.

Kemi’s message is for every Nigerian—politicians, civil servants, military personnel, law enforcement officials, corporate elites, students, religious figures, and everyday citizens alike. Kemi Therapy does not target the innocent or the powerless; rather, it demands accountability from those in leadership and those complicit in enabling a broken system. A Nigeria that silences truth-tellers will never heal, and a system that protects the powerful while crushing the vulnerable will never know peace.

However, there is no need to continue for now. The Kemi Therapy sessions come to an end—not because the work is done, but because the truth has been spoken. There are far too many deep, chronic, and recurring crises in Nigeria—ones that Kemi Therapy alone cannot address. Corruption, misgovernance, impunity, and systemic injustice run so deep that no singular voice or session can resolve them all.

It must also be said that some of Kemi’s words, while grounded in truth, might appear culturally denigrating—something she must learn to avoid. Critique must remain focused on reform, not on alienating an entire culture. Nigeria’s dysfunction is not unique to its people, but history has shown that outsiders, especially former colonial powers, are quick to exploit moments like these. Old colonial masters might point fingers and smugly declare, “See how a Black person denigrates an entire culture.” This is a dangerous distraction, one that undermines the core message of the therapy itself. Kemi must remain focused on her mission and avoid inadvertently playing into such divisive narratives.

The truth, as bitter as it is, has been delivered. Nigerians—particularly those in positions of power—are often far too defensive. When confronted with their own failings, they resort to endless arguments, petitions, manipulation, and outright attacks on the messenger. Instead of reflecting and embracing change, they waste time muddying the waters, weaponizing sentimentality, and orchestrating campaigns to silence those who speak truth to power.

Should Kemi continue, they will escalate their tactics. They will target her Nigerian roots, seek out her family and relatives, and fabricate sentimental complaints to divert attention. This is who they are. It is a deeply ingrained cultural flaw—defensiveness that refuses to accept accountability.

Badenoch must end the sessions here. Further engagement will serve no purpose other than to drag her name into the mud—a distraction that only benefits those resistant to change. The truth has already touched its mark, and those who are willing to embrace it will find a path to reform. For the rest, history will remember their defiance as the chains that held Nigeria back.

Kemi Therapy has shone a harsh light on Nigeria’s wounds, forcing an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning. The work is not done, but the truth remains. Kemi’s voice has challenged a nation to rise above defensiveness, reject dysfunction, and embrace the reforms it so desperately needs.

Through Kemi therapy, you have effectively conveyed your thoughts to support Nigerians, influenced by your Nigerian heritage and Yoruba background. Now, it’s your moment to take the lead as the head of the Conservative Party in the UK. It’s their responsibility to accept the difficult but crucial insights offered through Kemi’s therapy. Utilize your time wisely, as you have significant goals to accomplish in the UK.

For now, the therapy ends, leaving Nigerians to decide whether to confront the truth or continue living in denial. Kemi Therapy has spoken—what happens next is up to Nigeria.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) has fined streaming giant Netflix €4.75 million for failing to provide customers with adequate and clear information about its handling of personal data between 2018 and 2020.

The fine comes after an investigation revealed violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

While Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved its data transparency, the Dutch DPA determined that significant lapses occurred during the investigation period.

Key Findings of the Investigation 

Netflix collects a wide range of personal data from its users, including email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, and viewing habits.

However, Dutch DPA said the investigation initiated in 2019 found that:

• Netflix’s privacy statement failed to adequately inform customers about the purposes and legal basis for collecting and processing their data.
• The company did not clearly explain which personal data were shared with third parties and the reasons for such sharing.
• Netflix provided inadequate information about how long it retains users’ personal data.
• The platform did not clearly articulate how it safeguards personal data when transmitting it to countries outside the European Union.

In addition, when customers requested details about the data collected on them, Netflix’s responses were found lacking in clarity and detail.

“For this reason, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) is imposing a fine of 4.75 million euros on the streaming service,” the data protection watchdog said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Dutch DPA Chairman Aleid Wolfsen emphasized the importance of transparency, especially for a global company like Netflix with billions in revenue and millions of users.

“A company like Netflix must explain properly to its customers how it handles their personal data. That must be crystal clear—especially if a customer asks about it. And that was not in order,” Wolfsen stated.

Origin of Complaints 

The investigation was triggered by complaints filed by None of Your Business (noyb), an Austrian privacy advocacy group.

• These complaints were initially lodged with the Austrian Data Protection Authority but were forwarded to the Dutch DPA, as Netflix’s main European establishment is based in the Netherlands.
• Under GDPR rules, companies operating across multiple EU member states are overseen by the data protection authority in the country of their primary European base.
• The Dutch DPA coordinated the investigation and fine with other European regulators.

What you should know 

The sanction highlights the increasing scrutiny under GDPR regulations and the importance of transparency for companies handling personal data.

• On Tuesday, social media giant, Meta, was also slammed a €251 million in Europe over a 2018 personal data breach that impacted 29 million Facebook users globally.
• In Meta’s case, the fine came from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which pointed out that the breach arose from the exploitation by unauthorized third parties of user tokens on the Facebook platform.

The increasing data protection enforcement happening in Europe is also signaling to the Nigerian data protection agency the need to pay closer attention to the way these multinationals are handling Nigerians’ data and take appropriate measures under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

[Nairametrics]

Edo State government has clarified that the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen in the state was in line with the Constitution.

The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Legal Matters, Barr, Andrew Emwanta, said the 18 local government chairmen suspended disobeyed the state Governor.

He stated this on Wednesday in an interview with New Central. He disclosed that the council chairmen were given a time limit to submit statements of their council account but they refused.

Emwanta explained that Governor Okpebholo’s decision did not go contrary to the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments.

“People keep making reference to his Supreme Court decision that sort of guarantees financial autonomy for local government. What that means is that local government should get their funds directly. That is to say the control provided for under the Constitution by the states over the affairs of local government remains.

“Section 7 of the Constitution is very clear that the State House of Assembly has a duty of making a law for the existence, management and control of local governments. That provision of the law has not been amended.

“So it was pursuant to that particular law, the Edo local government law was made. There was a recent request by the Governor that the chairmen of the 18 local governments should submit their statements of accounts. A time limit was given and unfortunately, they refused to but rather they now said they would resort to court to challenge the authority of the state government to ask for those statements.

“And you can imagine a situation where you have local government chairman, they are busy using local government funds to do certain things that are not in conformity with specific guidelines and financial regulations. So that the suspension of course is backed by law. Section 20 of the local government law is clear that the Governor in consultation of the House of Assembly can suspend any area local government chairman or vice chairman as the case may be,” he said.

Emwanta stressed that former governors Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki had during their administrations suspended local council chairmen.

He disclosed that an investigative panel of inquiry was already set by the Governor to look into the accounts of the council areas from September 2023.

The former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation promised that the committee would give the council chairmen fair hearing.

“Remember that this is not the first time, under the regime of Comrade Adams Oshomhole, over five local government chairmen were suspended. Even the recent administration of Obaseki, in 2019 alone four local government chairmen were suspended for two months.

“So you have a clear history of the provision of section 20 being followed and this particular instance is not an exception. The law requires the Governor to set up a panel of inquiry, an administrative panel of inquiry and by virtue of being the Special Advisor to the Governor of Legal matters, I’m a member of that panel of inquiry.

“We were inaugurated yesterday (Tuesday) and we assure those chairmen and all those in the local government administration that will be given fair hearing.

“We want to know how internally generated revenue they generate in their respective councils are spent because these are public funds. I want to know how allocations that come to these local governments have been spent since they came in September last year,” Emwanta stated.

[NaijaNews]

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has emerged victorious in the grand finale of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate (NVCCD) 2024.

The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency, took place on December 17, 2024, at the esteemed Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.

Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Oluwashina, two students from LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, demonstrated remarkable intellectual prowess and patriotic fervor, earning them the top spot with an impressive 43% of 3,921 votes.

Their outstanding performance was rewarded with a trophy and a substantial cash prize of N20 million.

The duo’s insightful arguments and unwavering dedication to upholding Nigeria’s shared values resonated deeply with the audience, garnering widespread acclaim.

Their achievement serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering intellectual excellence and nurturing patriotic values among its students.

In addition to LAUTECH’s triumph, zonal winners from six geopolitical zones also received recognition for their outstanding performances. These winners, representing esteemed institutions such as Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu; Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga; University of Ilorin; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, each received a cash prize of N5 million and additional prizes from NELFUND.

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency, emphasized the importance of upholding Nigeria’s shared values, particularly among the youth.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with young people under the National Identity Project (NIP) to promote national development.

Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, echoed this sentiment, highlighting his organization’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision.

The event served as a celebration of unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to national development, fostering a sense of patriotism and intellectual curiosity among the participants.

[DailyTrust]

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State to commence his Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Presidential jet carrying Tinubu touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 3:23 pm on Wednesday.

This was after Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.

Tinubu’s 2025 budget was tagged: “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.”

In the highlights, Tinubu said N4.91 trillion has been allocated to Defence and Security, while Infrastructure has N4.06 trillion, Education – N3.52 trillion, and Health – N2.48 trillion.

DAILY POST reported that after the presentation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas informed the president that the House would visit him in Lagos.

[DailyPost]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to always ensure that applicants who meet all the requirements are issued international passports within six weeks and in compliance with Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a judgment on a fundamental rights enforcement suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/75/2023 filed by an aggrieved Nigerian, Benita Ngozi Ezumezu, with the NIS and the Interior Minister listed as respondents.

Benita claimed to have applied for Nigeria’s international passport and met all the requirements as of October 6, 2022, but the NIS failed to issue her the passport 14 weeks later.

In the judgment delivered on December 4, Justice Nwite rejected the respondents’ arguments, upheld the applicant’s claims, and granted all the reliefs sought by the applicant.

Justice Nwite, who awarded N3 million damages against the respondents and in favour of the applicant, declared that as of October 6, 2022, Benita had fulfilled all the requirements and was qualified to be issued a passport within six weeks.

The judge also declared that the respondents’ failure to issue the applicant passport 14 weeks after meeting all requirements violated Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015 and the applicant’s right to freedom of movement.

He proceeded to issue an order “directing the first respondent (NIS) to issue the applicant (Benita) passport forthwith as stipulated in Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

Benita’s employer, Citizens’ Common (CC), a civil society group, expressed delight over the outcome of the case and commended the Judiciary for coming to the aid of a Nigerian whose right was violated.

CC’s Chief Executive, Olalekan Oshunkoya, who read a statement by his organization, said: “Our interest in Benita’s case is not just because she is a staff in our organization, but primarily because the service quality of the NIS has diminished to an all-time low in the last few years.

“The frustrating experiences of Nigerians, seeking to procure international passports in the hands of the NIS officials must be stopped.

“We understand that the service may have slightly improved in recent months under the current administration, however, we know that this case (Ezumezu’s case) highlights the plights of most Nigerians in the hands of many government ministries, departments and agencies when it comes to service delivery.

“After almost two years of litigation, we are glad that justice has been served in this matter. All the prayers sought in the case were granted by the judge.

“We commend the Judiciary for serving justice in this matter. This is a landmark judgement, asserting the right of every Nigerian to demand to be served right, especially when such service is tied to a fundamental right, such as freedom of movement.

“It should not be acceptable that services that can only be provided by the government remain poorly delivered without consequences.

“Majority of Nigerians continue to suffer irreparable loss for bad service quality from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and it is time to make things work.

“The award of the three million naira in general damages to the applicant is a reminder to every Nigerian that the law remains a shield against bad experiences and services from government ministries, departments, and agencies.

“We must sound the alarm that losses incurred in the process of poor service delivery can be remedied through the courts, and this is an example.

“It is also a reminder to public service providers that consequences exist for poor service delivery.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Executive Management of 12 River Basin Development Authorities under the Ministry of Water Resources.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement signed and released on Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu approves Executive Management for River Basin Development Authorities.’

They are:

OGUN-OSUN RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ABEOKUTA (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun)

1. Odebunmi Olusegun – Chairman (Oyo)

2. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru – Managing Director (Osun)

3. Ayo Oyalowo – Executive Director, Finance (Oyo)

4. Dokunmu Oyekunle – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Ogun)

5. Suleiman Oris – Executive Director, Agric Services (Lagos)

6 . Julius Oloro – Executive Director, Engineering (Lagos)

UPPER BENUE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, YOLA. Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi)

1. Sanusi Babantanko – Chairman (Bauchi)

2. Samuel Mahmud Mohammed – Managing Director (Taraba)

3. Usman Bakare – Executive Director, Engineering (Taraba)

4. Ibrahim Jalo – Executive Director Finance (Gombe)

5. Isa Matori – Executive Director, Planning and Design Part of Bauchi

6. Hamman Dikko – Executive Director, Agric Services (Adamawa)

CHAD BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MAIDUGURI (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa)

1. Prof. Abdu Dauda – Chairman (Borno)

2. Tijjani Tumsa – Managing Director (Yobe)

3. Bashir Baale – Executive Director, Finance (Yobe)

4. lliyasu Muazu – Executive Director, Agric Services (Adamawa)

5. Mohammed Shetima – Executive Director, Engineering (Borno)

6. Vrati Nzonzo – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Borno)

BENIN-OWENA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Edo, Delta North, Ondo and Ekiti)

1. Mike Ezomo – Chairman (Edo)

2. Femi Adekanbi – Managing Director (Ondo)

3. Dr. Austin Izagbo – Executive Director Planning and Design (Delta)

4. Johnson Oghuma – Executive Director, Agric Services (Edo)

5. Adegboyega Bamisile – Executive Director Finance (Ekiti)

6. Bayode Akinduro – Executive Director Engineering (Ondo)

NIGER DELTA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Rivers, Bayelsa and parts of Delta)

1. Ebikemi Bosin – Chairman (Delta)

2. Amgbare Ebitimi – Managing Director (Bayelsa)

3. Mary Alagoa – Executive Director Finance (Rivers)

4. Dr. Austin Izagbo – Executive Director, Engineering (Delta)

5. Felix Kurogha – Executive Director Agric Services (Bayelsa)

6. Dr. Nnamdi Akani – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Rivers)

UPPER NIGER RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MINNA (Niger, Kaduna and FCT)

1. Haruna Usman – Chairman (Niger)

2. Dangajere Jaja – Managing Director (Kaduna)

3. M o h a m m e d Usma – Executive Director, Finance (Niger)

4. Dr. Abdullahi Kutso – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Niger)

5. Ayuba Tedde – Executive Director, Agric services (FCT)

6. John Hassan – Executive Director, Engineering (Kaduna)

LOWER NIGER RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ILORIN (Kwara and Kogi)

1. Abdullateef Alakawa – Chairman (Kwara)

2 . George Olumoroti – Managing Director (Kogi)

3. Babajamu Adeniran – Executive Director, Engineering (Kwara)

4. Hon. Abdullahi Sadiq – Executive Director, Agric Services (Kogi)

5. Alanamu Abolere – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Kwara)

6. Abidemi Adeyemi – Executive Director Finance (Kogi)

LOWER BENUE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, MAKURDI (Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kogi)

1. Dr Amos Yadukso – Chairman ( Plateau )

2. Ninga Terese – Managing Director (Benue)

3. Chris Takar – Executive Director, Engineering (Benue)

4. Yusuf Omaaki – Executive Director, Finance (Nasarawa)

5. Hassan Omale – Executive Director, Agric Services (Kogi)

6. Okibe Ogomola – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Benue)

ANAMBRA – IMO RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, OWERRI (Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi)

1. Emmanuel Anosike – Chairman (Anambra)

2. Emeka Nduka – Managing Director (Imo)

3. Nwebonyi Nkechi – Executive Director Finance (Ebonyi)

4. Evaristus Asadu – Executive Director, Engineering (Enugu)

5. Onukwubiri Ojigwe – Executive Director, Agric Services (Abia)

6. Abigail Igwe – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Anambra)

HADEJIA JAMAERE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, KANO (Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi)

1 . Mamman Aliyu – Chairman (Jigawa)

2. Rabiu Bichi – Managing Director Director (Kano)

3. Tijjani Isa – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Jigawa)

4. Zainab Gamawa – Executive Director Agric Services (Bauchi)

5. Baffa Abdulkadir – Executive Director, Engineering (Kano)

6. Musa Kwankwaso – Executive Director Finance (Kano)

CROSS RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Cross River and Akwa Ibom)

1. Mr. Wabilly Nyiam – Chairman (Cross River)

2. Glory Oho – Managing Director (Akwa Ibom)

3. Effiwatt Eyo – Executive Director Finance (Cross River)

4. Ebiere Udoh – Executive Director, Agric Services (Akwa Ibom)

5. Charles Akpan – Executive Director, Engineering (Akwa Ibom)

6. Dr. Ndom Abia – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Akwa Ibom)

SOKOTO RIMA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina)

1. Bello Wurno – Chairman (Sokoto)

2 Abubakar Mallam – Managing Director (Kebbi)

3. Kabiru Maigoro – Executive Director, Planning and Design (Zamfara)

4. Abubakar Ibrahim – Executive Director, Finance (Katsina)

5. Muttaka Jikamshi – Executive Director, Agric Services (Katsina)

6. Mansur Aminu – Executive Director, Engineering (Zamfara)

President Tinubu expects the appointees to use their wealth of experience to bolster the efficiency of the organisations, in line with the administration’s commitment to bettering the lives of citizens.

[Punch]

Femi Adesina, spokesperson to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said his principal did not remove petrol subsidy because he cared about its implications on “ordinary” Nigerians.

In a tribute to commemorate Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday, Adesina said the decisions of the former president were based on his love for “poor and underprivileged” Nigerians.

Adesina said the Buhari-led administration knew that that the country is spending huge resources on petrol subsidy.

The former presidential spokesperson described Buhari as “ore mekunu”, a Yoruba phrase that means friend of the poor.

Adesina said during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Buhari told Zainab Ahmed, a former minister of finance, to ensure timely payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.

He added that Buhari understood the challenges workers faced during the pandemic and was determined to avoid the additional burden of unpaid salaries.

“The Big Elephant in the room. Removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew,” Adesina wrote.

“But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as it did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple:

“When oil sold for at least 100 dollars per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as 140 dollars per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”

“By the time the administration ended, all, including the three main presidential candidates, were resolved that oil subsidies had to be removed.

“It was not unlikely that President Buhari shared the same conviction. But something that would throw society into a tailspin? He didn’t want to do it—for the sake of the ordinary people.

“Ordinary people gravitate towards Buhari, like bees to the honeycomb. That was why he always had a basket of millions of waiting votes, even before the first ballot was cast.

“He clobbered the ruling People’s Democratic Party in 2015, and won with even larger votes in 2019, despite all attempts to denigrate and demarket him. When you love the ordinary people, they love you in return, and stand with you through thick and thin.

“Now almost two years into retirement, get to Buhari’s house today. And you see the people milling around, just wanting to get a glimpse of the man.

“As he turns 82 December 17, 2024, I salute the Ore Mekunu, a friend of the poor, who still draws the people like magnet, even in retirement.”

THE PETROL SUBSIDY ISSUE

Buhari was sworn in as Nigeria’s president on May 29, 2015 and handed over to President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

In August 2022, the Buhari-led administration said the federal government will halt the costly petrol subsidy in June 2023.

Ahmed, former minister of finance, budget and national planning, said the 2023 budget only made provision for petrol subsidy payments from January to June 2023.

During his inauguration, Tinubu announced that the payment of petrol subsidy had stopped — a move that led to sudden hike in the price of the product as well as goods and services in the country.

[TheCable]

Being text of the 2025 budget presentation by President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of the national assembly on December 18, 2024.

My Fellow Nigerians,
 
1. In fulfilment of one of my constitutional duties and with unyielding commitment to rebuilding Nigeria towards ensuring that we remain steadfast on the journey to a prosperous future, I hereby present the 2025 Budget to the Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly.
 
2. On this day, before this hallowed chamber, I present to you the 2025 Budget at a time when our country is at a crucial point in its development trajectory.
 
3. The 2025 Budget Proposal again reinforces our administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for our beloved nation. This budget christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of our Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates our commitment to stabilizing the economy, improving lives, and repositioning our country for greater performance.
 
4. The journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which we began 18 months ago as a nation, is very much underway. It is not a journey of our choosing but one we had to embark on for Nigeria to have a real chance at greatness. I thank every Nigerian for embarking on this journey of REFORMS and TRANSFORMATION with us.
 
5. The road of reforms is now clearly upon us, and as the President of this blessed nation, I know this less-travelled road has not been easy. That there have been difficulties and sacrifices. They will not be in vain. And we must keep faith with the process to arrive at our collectively desired destination.
 
6. We must build on the progress we have made in the past eighteen months in restructuring our economy and ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn.
 
7. The 2025 budget that I present today is one of restoration. It seeks to consolidate the key policies we have instituted to restructure our economy, boost human capital development, increase the volume of trade and investments, bolster oil and gas production, get our manufacturing sector humming again and ultimately increase the competitiveness of our economy.
 
8. We do not intend to depart from this critical path to strengthen the Nigerian economy. Just as I believe in the resilience of our economy to withstand the current challenges, I also strongly believe in the resilience of the Nigerian people. Again, I summon the unstoppable Nigerian spirit to lead us on as we work to rebuild the fabric of our economy and existence.
 
9. The improvements we witnessed in the 2024 budget have led us into the 2025 budget. The goals of advancing national security, creating economic opportunities, investing in our youthful population, infrastructure development, and national re-orientation form the core of the 2025 budget. But more than that, this will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future growth trajectory.
 
CURRENT ECONOMIC REALITIES AND PROGRESS
 
10. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly, I report today that our economy is responding positively to stimulus. Our objective is to further stimulate the economy through the implementation of targeted fiscal stimulus packages through public expenditures and specific non-inflationary spending.
 
11. The reforms we have instituted are beginning to yield results. Nigerians will soon experience a better and more functional economy.
 
12. Global economic growth for the outgoing year 2024 was projected at 3.2 percent, and against predictions, our country made significant progress.
 
* Our economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023.
 
* Our Foreign Reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing a robust buffer against external shocks.
 
* Our rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
 
13. These clear results of gradual recovery, among others, reflect the resilience of our economy and the impact of deliberate policy choices we made from the outset.
 
2024 BUDGET PERFORMANCE
 
14. I am happy to inform this National Assembly that our administration attained remarkable milestones in implementing the 2024 Budget. In 2024, we achieved:
 
* 14.55 trillion naira in revenue, meeting 75 percent of our target as of the third quarter.
 
* 21.60 trillion naira in expenditure, representing 85 percent of our target, also in the third quarter.
 
15. While challenges persist, we improved revenue collection and fulfilled key obligations. The transformational effects of this on our economy are gradually being felt.
 
PHILOSOPHY OF THE 2025 BUDGET
 
16. The 2025 Budget seeks to:
* Restore macroeconomic stability.
 
* Enhance the business environment.
 
* Foster inclusive growth, employment, and poverty reduction.
 
* Promote equitable income distribution and human capital development.
 
17. Our budgetary allocations reflect the administration’s strategic priorities, especially in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its developmental objectives.
 
2025 BUDGET OVERVIEW
 
18. The numbers for our 2025 budget proposal tell a bold and exciting story of the direction we are taking to retool and revamp the socio-economic fabric of our society.
 
* In 2025, we are targeting 34.82 trillion naira in revenue to fund the budget.
 
* Government expenditure in the same year is projected to be 49.7 trillion naira, including 15.81 trillion naira for debt servicing.
 
* A total of 13.08 trillion naira, or 3.89 percent of GDP, will make up the budget deficit.
 
19. This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.
 
20. The Budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately 1,700 naira per US dollar to 1,500 naira, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd).
 
21. These projections are based on the following observations:
 
* Reduced importation of petroleum products alongside increased export of finished petroleum products.
 
* Bumper harvests, driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports.
 
* Increased foreign exchange inflows through Foreign Portfolio Investments.
 
* Higher crude oil output and exports, coupled with a substantial reduction in upstream oil and gas production costs.
 
KEY PRIORITIES: REBUILDING NIGERIA
 
22. Our budgetary allocations underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives.
 
23. Highlights of the 2025 Budget Allocations:
* Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion
* Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion
* Health: N2.48 trillion
* Education: N3.52 trillion

 
24. As we embark on implementing the 2025 Budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision.
 
Securing Our Nation:
25. Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory. The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women in the armed forces will remain our government’s top priority.
 
26. The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation. Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty. Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities. By restoring peace, we restore productivity, revive businesses, and rebuild our communities.
 
Infrastructure Development:
27. When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy. Under this programme, we are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works. By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs. We have already embarked on key legacy projects: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will have a huge impact on the lives of our people and accelerate economic output.
 
Human Capital Development:
28. Our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are making record investments in education, healthcare, and social services:
 
* Our administration has so far disbursed 34 billion naira to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). In the 2025 Budget, we have made provision for 826.90 billion naira for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the nine new higher educational institutions.
 
* We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated 402 billion naira for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 Budget and another 282.65 billion naira for the Basic Health Care Fund. Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians. This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.
 
Revitalizing Agriculture:
29. Increasing agricultural production is central to our food security agenda, but insecurity has crippled this vital sector. We are supporting our farmers with funding and inputs to reignite productivity. Food security is non-negotiable. In this regard, we are taking bold steps to ensure that every Nigerian can feed conveniently, and none of our citizens will have to go to bed hungry.
 
30. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly and fellow Nigerians, our 2025 budget proposal is not just another statement on projected government revenue and expenditures. It is one that calls for action.

31. Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them. We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part.
 
32. The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act. A time to support and promote greater investment in the private sector. A time for our civil servants to faithfully execute our policies and programmes. It is a time for every Nigerian to look hopefully towards a brighter future because a new day has dawned for us as a nation.
 
33. As your President, I remain committed and resolute to continue to lead the charge.
 
34. This 2025 budget proposal lays the foundation for peace, prosperity, and much needed hope. It is the plan through which a Nigeria where every citizen can dream, work, and thrive in safety can be achieved.
 
35. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly the 2025 Budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria titled “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.
 
36. May God bless our Armed Forces and keep them safe. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.