Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday, submitted the 2025 Appropriation Bill, titled “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” along with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework/Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) for the period 2025–2027, to the Plateau State House of Assembly.

Naija News reports that the Governor highlighted that the MTEF/FSP delineates his administration’s fiscal strategy aimed at achieving significant economic development objectives, which include fostering economic diversification, reforming public institutions, enhancing human capital, addressing infrastructure shortfalls, and advancing urban renewal and sustainable housing initiatives.

During the presentation, Governor Mutfwang said, “The MTEF/FSP establishes a three-year fiscal plan and serves as the basis for the formulation of the 2025 budget. It details the macroeconomic and fiscal framework for the years 2025–2027. This document adheres to Section 16(1) and (2) of the Plateau State Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2014.

“It guarantees that resources are allocated effectively to priority sectors, representing a conscious effort to enhance transparency and accountability in accordance with global best practices.”

The Governor revealed that the proposed budget for 2025 amounts to ₦471,134,093,541.00, reflecting an increase of ₦156,278,944,988.00 compared to the approved budget for 2024.

“The 2025 Appropriation Bill reflects our commitment to solidify past achievements and ensure the continued growth and development of Plateau State,” he said.

“The implementation of the budget will be guided by the Plateau Strategic Development Framework (PSDF) 2023–2027, which is encapsulated in three pillar policies: Peace, Security, and Good Governance; Sustainable Economic Rebirth; and Physical Infrastructure Development. The budget will be people-oriented, positively impacting the lives of the citizens of our state.”

Governor Mutfwang urged the Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill, emphasizing, “A swift approval will enable us to initiate the implementation of these vital projects without delay.”

In response, Speaker of the House, Gabriel Dewan, assured the Governor of the Assembly’s commitment to acting in the best interest of Plateau State.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Tiwa Savage, has asserted that hardship in the country is responsible for the huge amount of entertainers being churning out.

The singer made this known during an interview on the ‘Shopping The Sneakers’ podcast.

According to Tiwa Savage, serving in Nigeria is difficult, and artists are just like hustlers.

She said, “When you come to Nigeria, you will understand why we breed so many superstars. To survive in Nigeria is something else so that’s why the artists that come out of Nigeria are just like hustlers. They are just hustling.”

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has said the country’s effort in combating money laundering, terrorism and arms proliferation financing has been recognized by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

NFIU said FATF approved three additional grades in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing quest, making it the fifth progress report.

FATF, a global body established in 1995 to lead global action against money laundering, terrorism, and arms proliferation financing, grey-listed Nigeria in February 2023.

The organization grey-listed Nigeria due to a rise in capital inflows and deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorism, and arms financing.

In a statement, on Sunday, by the NIFU’s Strategic Communications Office in Abuja, the organization explained that “FATF gave the approval at a meeting of Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) technical commission which took place between November 17 and 23, 2024 in Freetown, the Republic of Sierra Leone.

“Statutorily, as it stands today, the country is compliant (C) or largely compliant (LC) in 37 out of the 40 recommendations, leaving it with three to scale.

“Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, who doubles as Nigeria’s National Correspondent (NC) for the ECOWAS’ GIABA, led the country’s delegation.”

Included in the team were representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA)

Former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has condemned the President Bola Tinubu administration’s removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, describing the policies as detrimental to Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Ologbondiyan argued that a phased subsidy removal combined with effective palliatives, such as subsidised public transportation, would have been a more viable approach.

He criticised the administration for prioritising subsidised rice instead of addressing broader issues affecting Nigerians.

The former PDP spokesperson expressed dissatisfaction with the PDP’s lack of robust engagement with the government, saying more alternatives should be presented to address the country’s challenges.

His remarks followed a PDP governors‘ meeting over the weekend, during which they urged President Tinubu to reform the economy.

“Basically, I as Kola Ologbodiyan, subscribe to the ideas as laid down by the original founders of the party.

“For instance, let’s take the issue of the removal of subsidy, because what has brought Nigeria to its knees has been these two major decisions made by President Bola Tinubu, particularly on the subsidy and removal of the naira.

“But under the PDP leadership in the time past- I am aware that what we had was a phased subsidy removal, which also came with palliatives. The APC has said Nigerians should go and buy rice at ₦40,000 per bag. But the needs of Nigerians go beyond rice. So, I believe the policies could also be better if we have a public transport system where you and I won’t have to drive our vehicles at a subsidised rate.

“But the unfortunate thing as we are witnessing today is that we are paying lip service, even as PDP to engaging the sitting government on its reforms, to put forward alternatives,” Ologbondiyan said.

Since the removal of the petrol subsidy, the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has surged from an average of ₦189 per litre in May 2023, when President Tinubu assumed office, to over ₦1,000 per litre in recent months.

Former Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, has said the Supreme Court made an error in its judgment on financial autonomy for local governments.

Ngige accused local council chairmen of being too corrupt than governors. He stated that most council chairmen crave to acquire choice estates in Abuja, Lagos and other Western nations.

The Labour and Employment Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari argued that the Supreme Court judgment was in neglect of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Ngige stated this at the weekend in Enugu on the topic ‘Local Government Administration and Primary Healthcare’, during the 29th annual general meeting (AGM) and scientific conference of the Association of Urological Surgeons, Nigeria (NAUS).

He noted that more than “15,000 primary healthcare centers were built across the country as constituency projects”, stressing the need for the State Economic Planning Boards to ensure that the abandoned healthcare centers were revamped as quickly as possible.

He noted that the “local government system remained pivotal to basic healthcare system, which former Minister of Health, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, transformed into primary healthcare system”.

Senator Ngige further explained council chairmen’s desire for luxury affects building public health centers and schools in their areas and owing teachers several months of salary arrears and allowances.

“The same Supreme Court, in 2006, made a pronouncement in which it warned the Federal Government against dictating to the states how to spend local government funds accruable to them.

“The previous Supreme Court ruling when Justice Mohammed Uwais was the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) was pronounced in a case filed by three state governments – Lagos, Abia, and Delta – through their attorneys general, challenging then President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Local Government Account Monitoring Committee Act 2005,” the Nation quoted him.

He emphasized the need to implement statutory first-line deductions for the payment of salaries and wages of council workers, pensions and gratuities, traditional rulers’ entitlements and customary courts’ allowances before paying federal allocation directly to local government chairmen.

He added that the local government system would start working when governors obeyed the law, and the Houses of Assembly became aware of their responsibilities, including calling erring governors to order.

The former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described Atiku Abubakar as a man dedicated to fostering national unity.

The Senator of Sokoto South District said this while celebrating Atiku as he marked his 78 years birthday on Monday (today).

Tambuwal stated that the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through his vision and commitment to democratic values has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

His congratulatory message read: “On behalf of myself and my family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency, GCON (Wazirin Adamawa), former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of his 78th birthday.

“Your Excellency, as you celebrate this significant milestone, it is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contributions you have made to the growth and development of our great nation. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, resilience, and selfless service to the people of Nigeria. Through your vision, statesmanship, and unwavering commitment to democratic values, you have left an indelible mark on our political landscape.

“Your dedication to fostering national unity, advancing economic reform, and improving governance continues to inspire many, and your legacy of service is one that will endure generations to come.

“As you mark this special day, I join your well-wishers across the country in celebrating not only your longevity but also the remarkable impact you have had on the advancement of our nation. May this new year bring you continued good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavours.

“Once again, Your Excellency, happy 78th birthday. Nigeria is deeply grateful for your outstanding contributions to our collective progress.”

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from speculations and endorsements related to the 2027 governorship election, stating that such discussions are premature and not on its agenda.

There had been speculations that Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, have governorship ambitions.

In an interview with Daily Trust, the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, attributed the unfolding drama to opposition parties attempting to create unnecessary controversy.

Oladejo said, “The party has not spoken about the 2027 election. This is the time for impactful governance, not needless politicking to heat the polity.”

He added that there is no clash between Seyi Tinubu, Obasa, or any other potential aspirants within the party.

“I cannot recall any part of the speaker’s speech that drew a battle line with Seyi Tinubu or anyone else. This is simply the opposition trying to play up the situation to create unnecessary sentiment,” he said.

Oladejo also emphasised that the party focuses on its forthcoming congress and local government elections in 2025, urging members to prioritise unity and progress.

But reacting, the Chairman of the PDP in Lagos, Philip Aivoji, denied the party’s involvement in the alleged endorsements.

“Somebody has answered from APC that Lagos governorship is not a child’s play. What do you want me to say about it again? It’s not my party. People can insinuate anything,” Aivoji said.

When asked about Oladejo’s allegation against opposition parties, he said, “Well, I am not the one behind it. Anyone that is behind such evil against Lagos State, that person is on his own.”