BudgIT, a prominent civic-tech organisation promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance, has raised significant concerns over the Federal Government’s 2025 Budget, describing its formulation as legally questionable and lacking adequate disclosure, particularly regarding its revenue framework.

Recall that the Presidency initially submitted a proposed expenditure of N47.9 trillion, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later revised to N54.2 trillion through a presidential letter citing increased revenue expectations.

The National Assembly further increased this figure to N54.9 trillion, without publishing any accompanying macroeconomic or fiscal analysis to justify the additions.

These changes fall short of the requirements of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2007, which mandates that aggregate expenditure must not exceed estimated aggregate revenue plus a deficit of no more than 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Specifically, section 12 stipulates that: “Aggregate expenditure and the aggregate amount appropriated by the National Assembly for each financial year shall not be more than the estimated aggregate revenue plus a deficit not exceeding 3% of the estimated Gross Domestic Product or any sustainable percentage as may be determined by the National Assembly for each financial year.”

Based on the Budget Office’s GDP projection of N338 trillion, total spending should not have surpassed N51.95 trillion. The current appropriation exceeds that limit by more than N3 trillion, raising concerns about fiscal discipline and legal compliance.

Equally troubling is the government’s continued refusal to publish a detailed revenue breakdown for the 2025 fiscal year.

While references have been made to certain revenue sources, no comprehensive data has been released to allow for independent scrutiny.

Compounding the opacity is the fact that the latest available federal Budget Implementation Report covers only the second quarter of 2024, despite formal requests made to the Budget Office of the Federation for more recent updates.

Commenting, BudgIT’s Group Head of Research and Policy Advisory, Vahyala Kwaga, stresses that these patterns signal a regression from the standards of fiscal transparency and accountability that Nigeria has worked to establish over the past decade.

“Transparency is not a favour to citizens; it is a constitutional and moral obligation of the government. The 2025 budget, as it stands, fails the basic tests of legality, transparency, and economic prudence. At a time when Nigeria faces rising debt, inflationary pressures, and critical development challenges, the importance of fiscal clarity cannot be overstated. Citizens have the right to know how public funds are sourced and allocated, and the government has the duty to provide such information,” he said.

These concerns are far from trivial; they point to a worrying shift towards arbitrariness and opacity in the presidency’s fiscal conduct. If left unchecked, such actions risk undermining Nigeria’s significant gains in institutionalising transparency and compliance within its public finance framework.

BudgIT, therefore, calls on the Presidency to uphold the principles of transparency, due process, and legal compliance in the management of public funds.

We also urge citizens, civil society organisations, the private sector, and the international community to collectively demand the immediate publication of the full revenue framework underpinning the Federal Government’s 2025 Budget

Every year, young Nigerians make the bold move to japa — to seek better opportunities, education, and a new life abroad.

But beyond the photos on social media and travel excitement lies a different reality, including culture shock, paperwork, and the unexpected challenges of settling down in a foreign country.

In an interview with Vanguard, Rolake, a young Nigerian lady who has lived in Luxembourg for over three years, shares some eye-opening truths every aspiring “japa” candidate should know before boarding that flight.

Whether you’re heading to Europe to study, work, or start over, consider this your insider guide to surviving and thriving in Europe.

Prioritize self-development and skills:

Rolake emphasizes that potential migrants should not be overly eager to leave Nigeria. Instead, they need to develop their skills and in every aspect they can. She stresses the importance of being prepared, organised, skilled, and educated because many who travel are not well-prepared.

Obtain necessary certificates:

Certificates are required in places like Luxembourg, even for seemingly simple jobs like kitchen assistants or cleaners. Like other European nations, Rolake said Luxembourg is a country that works with papers. While your Nigerian certificates are important, having another certificate that is locally recognised will help and quicken your job search.

Research and Plan Financially, Especially for Housing:

Knowing the housing rents and the cost of living in your intended destination. Rolake strongly advises against relying solely on friends or family for accommodation. She warns that it’s a “big lie” that you can just come and stay with someone indefinitely. She said even close relatives may disappoint you or start asking you to contribute to bills like electricity, water, and part of the rent very quickly, sometimes within weeks of your arrival, whether you have a job or not.'

Have significant savings and be Wary of exploitation:

You should have a lot of savings. She shares a difficult experience where even her brother, who brought her over, used her to make money by charging her full house rent, making her feel like she was working for free. She advises being aware that people might exploit you financially.

Gather Accurate Information:

Have a lot of information about the realities of life abroad. Do not rely on misleading advertisements claiming a country is the cheapest or richest without understanding the associated high costs. Get accurate information about the cost of living and the potential challenges.

Prepare for social adjustment and mental health:

Rolake notes that socialisation in Europe can be very difficult, and this can lead to depression. She describes people in Europe as often acting like “robots,” walking without much interaction, even with neighbors. “They may not even point out obvious issues like your clothes being stained or your bag being open. You need to be aware of this potential isolation”, she said.

Do not become complacent upon arrival:

Don’t relax when you get here. The challenges don’t end just because you’ve relocated. Many people educated in Nigeria and moved abroad regret not adapting or learning further skills suitable for the new environment.

The embattled Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, is set to be deported from South Africa.

This comes after he voluntarily chose to leave the country following his re-arrest a week ago.

According to South Africa Broadcasting Cooperation, SABC, and Newsroom Afrika television, the cleric will be leaving the country today, Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Images broadcast by the stations captured Omotoso chatting with an immigration official at the airport.

It’s yet to be ascertained what time his fight would depart, as he was to leave from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport.

DAILY POST reports that in April, the 66-year-old pastor was acquitted of 32 charges of rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking filed against him, after he had spend eight years in prison.

A few weeks after he was acquitted, the cleric was rearrested by immigration authorities in East London on May 10, 2025.

Tanko Yakasai, the elder statesman and founding member of Arewa Consultative Forum, says President Bola Tinubu remains the most favoured candidate to win the 2027 election. 

Speaking with NAN, Yakasai said there is currently no politician with a stronger backing than Tinubu.

“In Nigeria today, Bola Tinubu is the president; he has his ministers and governors who are backing him,” Yakasai said.

“Who else has all what it takes to move into the contest with the kind of stamina and strength to be more successful comparatively with Tinubu?”

Yakasai said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) controls most states and still enjoys support from governors in opposition parties.

“We should all wait and see if the picture will change drastically, otherwise for now, the odds are in his favour because I have not seen anything that will prevent him from winning the next election,” Yakasai said.

“He hasn’t done anything against the north, in my understanding, and the north alone cannot decide who becomes the president of the country.”

The elder statesman said there is no official consensus yet among the northern political class on 2027.

“I haven’t heard anybody making any proposition about the 2027 presidential election from Arewa Consultative Forum,” he said.

“What is tagged the Arewa Consultative Forum or Northern Elders Forum’s position is mere individual opinions, because all sections of the north have not taken a stand on this.”

He said Nigerians should wait until the region formally takes a position, adding that internal crises in opposition parties have made Tinubu’s path to re-election even easier.

Yakasai declined to assess Tinubu’s performance, but urged politicians to prioritise the interests of the public.

“Our politicians should see politics as a dynamic game, and what I will advise is for them to play the game on the basis of ideology and programmes,” he said.

“Let them envision the way they want the country to be and not targeting to be ministers, governors and president.

“After becoming all these and nothing is done in the interest of the country, we will not get better.

“They should eschew politics of ethnicity and religion because not making our country the focal point of our politics has held us down for so long.”

On Friday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said all political parties in Akwa Ibom have collapsed into a single entity.

He added that the movement will back the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu; Umo Eno, governor of the state; and himself.

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has appealed to residents of the state to observe a day of voluntary fasting and prayer on Monday, May 19.

Zulum made the call during a statewide broadcast on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He said the aim of the fasting is to seek “divine intervention” over renewed attacks in the state and across the country.

“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity,” Zulum said.

“This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country.

“Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state.”

The governor described the fast as both a spiritual act and communal expression of hope.

“Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose,” he said.

“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.

“I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.

“Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us.”

Speaking during a high-level security meeting in April, Zulum said the state has suffered significant setback in its fight against terrorism.

He added that the renewed attacks show that Borno is “losing grounds” to insurgents

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has called on the House of Representatives to incorporate key recommendations from the Uwais Report to encourage widespread electoral participation in Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu commended the lower chamber of the National Assembly for acknowledging public concern over low voter turnout—a trend he says weakens electoral legitimacy, judicial credibility, and democratic institutions at large.

However, the former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria voiced strong opposition to enacting laws that unfairly target citizens already disadvantaged by electoral irregularities.

He emphasised that the majority of Nigerians have suffered from manipulated elections, compromised judicial rulings, and the poor governance that follows.

According to him, penalising these same individuals for disengaging from the electoral process would amount to a double injustice.

“It will be double jeopardy to punish them for the electoral malpractices which discouraged them and recession of democracy which we the leaders simulated,” Okechukwu warned.

This reaction follows the recent introduction of a bill in the House titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for all Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters.” The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

One of the co-sponsors, Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, argued: “Voting is not only the right, but a civic responsibility. For global precedents, several democracies, including Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, for instance, have adopted mandatory voting for the positive outcomes in terms of political participation and public accountability. For electoral apathy and voter inducement, mandatory voting can significantly reduce the influence of vote buying as more citizens vote.”

Responding to the proposal, Okechukwu stressed that the more effective solution lies in implementing reforms outlined in the Uwais Report, particularly the recommendation for public nomination of National and State Electoral Commissioners.

“The only politically correct antidote to halt electoral malpractices, opaque judiciary and restore electoral legitimacy and strong democratic institutions is to adopt good laws therein Uwais Report – Public Nomination of both National and State Electoral Commissioners, to attract seamless mass voting,” he stated.

He also invoked a famous warning from physicist Albert Einstein: “If you continue to do one thing all over and expect better results it is nothing but insanity.”

He further argued: “Therefore, it is arrant fallacy to assume that BIVAS and other digital technologies will guarantee free, fair and transparent elections when Mr Osita Okechukwu or whosoever is allowed to nominate his cronies, family and party members to manage our electoral system.”

Praising the leadership of the House for confronting democratic setbacks, Okechukwu said: “May I commend Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Honourable Members for sharing our concern over poor turnout of voters, opaque judiciary and recession of democracy in our clime and appeal to him to adopt the fine tenet of Uwais Report that mandates Nigerians to nominate National and State Electoral Commissioners.”

Highlighting the current political landscape, he added: “Permit me as well to state that there is no time more auspicious for our great party, the APC to consolidate the legitimacy of our democracy and put Nigeria top in the map of the world than now; when we have a true democrat as president, control more than 20 States, the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly of our dear country.”

He concluded by invoking the legacy of a late former president: “No excuse, if for nothing else there is no better time to recover the legitimacy of our democracy, fulfill the noble intendment and immortalise our famous democrat, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, of blessed memory, who patriotically admitted that the electoral process which made him president was flawed than now we are in charge.

“And there is no doubt that if he had outlived his tenure he could have implemented the fine grains of Uwais Report.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he agreed to make peace with the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, when President Bola Tinubu asked him to bury the hatchet.

The Minister disclosed that he met Fubara in the company of two governors in a bid to resolve the Rivers crisis.

Wike, while speaking during an interview on BBC, said he welcomed Fubara during the visit and reiterated his commitment to peace in Rivers.

Wike said, “The president called me and asked us to make peace.

“I asked him (President Tinubu), ‘How can you say I should make peace and I won’t make peace?

“He (Fubara) came with some governors to meet me.”

The Minister said his meeting with Fubara indicated that he is open to peace

“If I don’t want peace, I won’t allow him to come to my place. We even spoke on the phone just the other day,” he said.

According to Wike, he told Governor Fubara that the decision to embrace genuine reconciliation lies solely with him.

“I told him that the yam and the knife are in his hands, so he knows where best to cut. If you want genuine peace, you can have it. If you want us to pretend, we can,” Wike stated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars of the candidates for the Anambra governorship election slated for November 8.

A statement issued on Saturday by Sam Olumekun, INEC commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, said 16 political parties successfully submitted nominations for their governorship and deputy governorship candidates before the May 12 deadline.

The particulars were displayed at INEC’s state headquarters and all 21 LG offices across Anambra state.

They include academic credentials and other relevant documents submitted by the candidates.

“We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022,” the statement reads.

“The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025, which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8th November 2025

Opeyemi Bright, a UK citizen of Nigerian descent, has been appointed the mayor of Barking and Dagenham Borough.

Bright, aged 29, made history as the youngest person to hold the position.

She was confirmed as the borough’s next mayor in April and inaugurated during a ceremony on Friday.

She had previously served as councillor of the borough in 2018 — also the youngest to have served in that capacity then aged 22.

She also served as a school governor, a board member of Agile Africa, an non-governmental organisation that equips young people with tech skills.

Bright joins the likes of Kemi Badenoch, Kate Osamor, Chi Onwurah, Bayo Alaba, Taiwo Owatemi, and Florence Ehalomi as UK political leaders with Nigerian descent.

She was born to Nigerian parents, Afolasade and Gbolahan Bright.

Her mother, Afoloshade, served as civic mayor of Hackney in 2006. She is currently a cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration in Barking and Dagenham, while her father is senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

“I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home. As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough, honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses,” Bright said in her inaugural address.

“It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community.”

The office of civic mayor is one of the borough’s oldest and most cherished roles, with a rich history of representing the borough’s heritage, values, and community spirit.

As mayor, Bright will act as an ambassador for Barking and Dagenham, celebrating its diversity, promoting local initiatives, and strengthening community bonds, information on the website of Barking and Dagenham council reads.

Bright enjoys cooking, teaching, creating content, and hosting career webinars for youth in Nigeria. She said she is guided by grace and ready to serve

The north-west zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, where Tinubu was also adopted as the sole candidate for the poll.

In a communique read by Uba Sani, Kaduna governor and APC north-west coordinating governor, the zone reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged ”full support for President Tinubu’s vision to deliver prosperity, equity, and lasting change for all Nigerians”.

”We thank and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress, especially in the North West zone,” the communique reads.

”Under President Tinubu, security in the North West has significantly improved, enabling farmers to return to their fields and communities to regain peace and stability.

“Our zone enjoys unprecedented federal representation with 12 ministers, key national assembly positions, and top security appointments — a clear sign of inclusiveness and recognition.

“Major infrastructure projects are being completed or are underway across the North West, marking a new era of development in our region.”

The stakeholders comprised all governors in the region, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives; Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president; and former governors from the zone.

Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of APC, chairmen of state chapters, state and federal legislators, ministers, heads of federal agencies, and senior political appointees, were also present