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A cold war between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has come to the fore as the Emir openly declared he would no longer assist the Presidency in explaining its economic policies.
The strained relationship was highlighted when Sanusi, at a Lagos event, stated that he would not help the government clarify reforms, citing personal grievances.
Sanusi remarked, “I have chosen not to speak about the economy or explain these reforms because if I do, it would help this government, and I don’t want to help the government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like one either.”
In a swift reaction, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, downplayed the Emir’s significance in the economic discourse, asserting that Tinubu’s administration does not require Sanusi’s endorsement.
“We do not need His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s stamp of approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies,” Idris stated.
Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, further criticized Sanusi, accusing him of undermining national progress due to personal discontent.
He added, “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress.”
History Of Sanusi-Tinubu Relationship
Many Nigerians were surprised by the fallout between the two former allies, given their shared history of collaboration.
Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor, became a key critic of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013 after exposing alleged unaccounted oil proceeds. Tinubu, then an opposition leader, welcomed Sanusi’s criticism, strengthening their bond.
Tinubu and other political heavyweights backed Sanusi’s enthronement as Emir of Kano in 2014, but his outspoken nature led to conflicts with Kano’s then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, culminating in his dethronement in 2020.
The Role Of Kano Politics
Sources close to the strained relationship have disclosed that the legal tussle over the Kano emirate throne has further strained relations.
Ganduje, now APC National Chairman, supports the current Emir, Ado Bayero, and reportedly mobilized resources to ensure Sanusi’s permanent removal. This alignment appears to have alienated Sanusi from Tinubu’s government.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria disclosed that the presidency did not back Sanusi in his ongoing legal battle to retain the throne, but instead favoured Bayero.
The SAN added that the presidency’s long-term strategy involved splitting Kano State ahead of the 2027 general election, which required ensuring Sanusi’s permanent removal from the throne.
The source who spoke with Punch said, “The presidency is not supporting Sanusi in the ongoing legal battle. They are supporting Ado Bayero, who was installed by Ganduje, and have been using the Federal High Court against the emir. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that a Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over a matter involving a state’s traditional ruler.
“Sanusi is also aware that the presidency intends to split Kano into two ahead of the 2027 general elections. For instance, some people refer to Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, while others refer to Bayero as the Emir of Abuja. The strained relationship between Tinubu and Sanusi stems from the presidency’s move to remove him from the throne.”
Another source, a former vice president aide, corroborated the SAN’s claims, noting that the presidency was uncomfortable with Sanusi remaining on the throne.
He said, “The primary reason for the rift between Sanusi and Tinubu is that the presidency is not supporting the former CBN governor in his ongoing legal battle to retain the throne. Credible reports indicate that the presidency, in its bid to secure Kano in the forthcoming election, is backing the coup to remove Sanusi and reinstate Bayero.
“Given the circumstances surrounding his dethronement and his eventual return, Sanusi is viewed as a loyalist of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, making him a threat to the APC government that removed him.
“Also, there are credible reports that Ado Bayero met with one of the three prominent traditional rulers in the South-West, who facilitated his meeting with Tinubu. Following this, the Kano Federal High Court issued a ruling against Sanusi in a matter outside its jurisdiction. In such a situation, the emir cannot pretend to be friends with those plotting his downfall.”
A prominent Kano indigene, who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, stated that Ganduje and the presidency disapproved of Sanusi’s overwhelming support and allegiance to Kwankwaso.
“Apart from the court case, they believe the widespread support for the emir among Kano residents could translate into a loss of votes for the APC in the coming elections. Their move to remove him and install their preferred candidate is purely political, and the emir is fully aware,” the source said.
Veteran Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Mashal, aka K1 de Ultimate, was in a solemn mood as he laid his mother, Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe, to rest.
The singer, who announced his mother’s death on Saturday, January 18, 2025, buried his mother on the same day according to Muslim rites, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Some of his family members, friends, and associates surrounded around him as the funeral rites of his 105-year-old mother was conducted.
A massive crowd gathered in the streets as some men carried the deceased on their shoulders, leading the way to the burial site.
Another viral video from K1’s mother’s burial showed two of his wives competing for his attention as they consoled him.
While one of his wives, Emmanuella wipes his tears with an handkerchief, another one Titi ensured that she was not left out.
As they both took turns to console him, Emmanuella promptly sat on K1’s laps at the venue of the funeral, with the singer seemingly urging Titi to take a seat on his other lap.
The gesture did not go unnoticed and caused a buzz on social media. Some netizens wondered why they brought their rivalry to such solemn event. Others simply made fun of the situation and pitched their tent with their preferred wife of the Fuji singer.
Watch the videos below:
“Leave your ego at home to succeed in Nollywood” – Yinka Quadri Shares Valuable Insights for Nollywood Aspirants
AFOLABI
Renowned Nollywood actor, Yinka Quadri has offered some wise words to aspiring actors seeking to make their mark in Nollywood.
In a recent interview with Saturday beats, Yinka Quadri emphasized the importance of patience, calmness, and humility in achieving success in the industry.
He encouraged young actors to check their ego at the door, allowing themselves to truly learn, grow, and thrive.
Yinka Quadri said:
“My advice to aspiring actors is to be patient and stay calm. Anyone with an ego should leave it at home to truly learn, grow and succeed in this industry.”
The veteran actor also expressed his admiration for the younger generation’s efforts in promoting and elevating African culture through Nollywood.
He praised their dedication to seeking knowledge and improvement, ensuring the sustainability of traditional practices.
“A Yoruba proverb says a tradition that does not include the younger ones is not sustainable. Thank God that even in our lifetime, our younger ones are elevating our culture. In fact, they are taking it beyond the level we took it. You know the prayer we always say is that our children will be greater than us. We are very happy with what is happening.
“will advise young actors not to relent. The world is seeing that Nollywood, especially the Yoruba sector, is elevating our culture. I trust that they won’t relent because they are seeking more knowledge to elevate it even further.”
In another news, Yinka Quadri opens up on why he reconciled with his best friend, Ogogo .
Yinka elaborated that although disagreements were inevitable, he and Ogogo had maturely resolved their differences over time
He further attributed the enduring strength of their friendship to a divine bond, suggesting that their connection was beyond human comprehension.
Tragedy struck in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, as a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were reportedly beheaded over a land dispute.
The gruesome incident occurred after the suspect allegedly lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue.
Their headless bodies were later discovered in the bush.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the woman, a secondary school teacher, had earlier purchased a piece of land in the community, which some individuals subsequently claimed.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that the assailant invited the victims to the bush, where the heinous crime was committed.
Edafe said, “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them.
“On the same day, vigilantes apprehended one Emeke with two human heads. He was mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the human heads belonged to the father and daughter.
“Their headless bodies were found in the bush.”
Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has said that his government is committed to liberating the state from the grip of criminal elements engaging in “lucrative criminality” in the name of agitations and liberation.
He stated this while passing the Anambra Homeland Security Law. The Governor also unveiled special security operations, named “Udo Ga-Achị” and “Agunechemba”.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Saturday, Soludo said that the sum of ₦5 million would be paid to anyone who offered useful information that would lead to apprehending kidnappers.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Saturday, Soludo described security, law and order as pivotal to the attainment of the state’s vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.
He said his administration’s move is a massive revolution to cement a robust security system with “zero tolerance for criminality.”
The governor noted that criminals now hide under the guise of a liberation struggle to engage in all manners of lucrative criminalities such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and even idolatry for ransom, thereby fuelling insecurity in the state.
He said, “January 17, 2025, marked our two years and 10 months in office. True to our promise last month to take decisive actions on security, it is auspicious that we mark this anniversary and begin the new year with the events of today.
“Today, we are here to unveil the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which the state Assembly worked vigorously to pass. The second event is the formal launching of our special intervention on security called, ‘Operation Udo-ga-chi’. It is the new security architecture we have now.
“The third one will be to formally inaugurate the state Anambra Traditional Rulers Council because the traditional rulers have a very important role to play in this process. Ndi Anambra, security, law and order remain pivotal to the attainment of our vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.
“I want to assure you that despite the unique challenges of lucrative criminality adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda, we are determined to fight criminality and ensure that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria.
“The character and dynamics of criminality in the South-East and Nigeria have evolved and become hydra-headed, and so our response must be thoughtful, deliberate and comprehensive, involving both the kinetic and non-kinetic agenda.”
He added, “For example, kidnapping for ransom is not new. I recall that my 78-year-old father was kidnapped in 2009, and he spent 15 days with his abductors in the bush. Earlier that year, the oil mogul, Chief Anthony Enukeme (Tonimas), Chief Paul Okonkwo (Pokobros), Chief G.U.O Okeke, etc were kidnapped in the state. It was as if Armageddon had come.
“In 2021, governorship candidates could not campaign, especially in the Anambra South, to the extent the candidate of the Labour Party was kidnapped on the way to a political rally, and to date, he has not been found.
“My predecessor tackled the menace head-on. However, about 20 months before we assumed office in March 2022, a variant of the criminal gang under the guise of separatist agitation emerged with command-and-control centres.
“They killed policemen and soldiers at checkpoints and collected their guns. They attacked and burnt down many police stations. Sadly, most stakeholders kept mute. They set up camps in the bushes and forests and labelled themselves as ‘liberators’.
“Most people did not pay attention and very few cared to ask how these people with arms will be feeding from month to month or year to year or how they will be funding their operations.”
The governor added that the state is investing heavily in logistical support, adding that the special forces for ‘Operation Udo-ga-Chi’ and ‘Agunechemba’ will have over 2,000 personnel dedicated to special tasks, with the personnel drawn from the army, police, DSS, NSCDC and other security agencies.
Details have emerged why the senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sunday Sun learnt that the defection is all about 2027 politics and threats to his return ticket to the Senate.
The senator who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has, however, not made an official announcement of his defection at the time of filing this report.
Nwoko, a vocal critic of the current governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been making moves to leave the party for a while now following his frosty relationship with PDP leaders in the state.
Sunday Sun also gathered that another reason for leaving the party was because the immediate past governor of his state, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, is plotting to return to the Red Chamber in 2027 under the same PDP platform.
When contacted for a response, the lawmaker neither conformed not denied it, but said his leaving the PDP is “not now.”
Edo guber election: Ighodalo, PDP tender more documentary evidence as hearing continues tomorrow
AFOLABI
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for the September 21st Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, tendered more documentary evidence to support their petition in continuation of their case at the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
All the documents were provisionally admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits by the Tribunal in spite of objections from Counsel to the respondents (INEC, Governor Monday Okpebholo and All Progressives Congress).
Additional documents tendered yesterday from the Bar by Counsel to the petitioners, Ken. Mozia, SAN, were 55 Certified True Copies (CTC) of polling Units Voters register used in the election, CTC of 56 accreditation figures of extracts from INEC’s Bimodal Voters Accreditation Systems Machines (BVAS), 72 Certified True Copies of extracts of accreditation figures from the BVAS device.
Others were Certified True Copies of INEC’s Results Viewing (IREV) Containing Form EC8A and 70 CTCs’ of INEC’s Polling Units Booklets, containing Form EC25B, 66 copies of polling Units Voters Register and 125 copies of Form EC8A from IREV (all Certified True Copies), 125 copies of Form EC8A from IREV, directly certified by INEC, 101 copies of Form EC8A, CTC of Edo State BIVAS of Polling Unit by Polling Unit’s (PUs) Report as well as certificate of compliance by INEC.
Besides, the petitioners’ Counsel also tendered in court CTC of Certificate of compliance with BIVAS machines’ Report in respect of the 133 Polling Units earlier tendered as exhibit in the petition.
Counsel to the respondents, Abdullahi Aliyu SAN, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, after raising objections to the admissibility of the documents, reserved their reasons for their objections to the petitioners’ documents to address stage.
At the hearing yesterday, Counsel to INEC, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN did not object to admission of certificate of compliance with BIVAS machines used in 133 polling unites, but Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, Offiong and Orbih, objected and reserved their reasons.
The PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo are challenging INEC’s declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has revealed how his absolute faith in God earned him the sobriquet ‘Miracle Governor.’
Speaking at the weekend, during the, KOLGA (Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area) Annual Thanksgiving Day held in Sampou, his community, the Bayelsa State governor disclosed how in 2020, he turned down a ritual offer from a senior citizen in the bid to become governor.
He had challenged the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 2019 governorship poll as winner and the matter was then pending at the Supreme Court.
Diri told the crowd at the gathering that the senior citizen flew in some marabouts from Senegal to perform the rituals.
According to him when he bluntly rejected the offer, the man demanded a refund of the money spent to transport them into the country and he had to pay him the sum of $10,000.
He explained that his unshaken faith in God made him decline the advice to look elsewhere for help, saying God, against all the odds, proved that He is always faithful.
The Bayelsa helmsman averred that the KOLGA people have reasons to be thankful to God given the level of development they have witnessed, and thanked the council for giving Thanksgiving Day legal backing through legislation.
Governor Diri also expressed gratitude to Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, the convener, and those who have sustained the programme.
His words: “Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him. Sometime ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices but I declined. I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor.
“He told me that he had spent $10,000 to bring the people for the sacrifice and asked for a refund, which I obliged.
“When the Supreme Court’s pronouncement came, the man was shocked and could not call me. Sadly, he passed on after some time.
“The story I have narrated was witnessed by my deputy and a friend in Abuja as both of them accompanied me to visit the senior citizen.
“Kolokuma/Opokuma people have every reason to thank God. As a state, we do not want anybody to be harmed in the name of politics because we do not know the person God has destined for greatness. So, I call on all of us in the political game to be very civil and recognise that there is God who rules in the affairs of men.”
In his welcome address, the chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Tariye Lelei, said people of the area have reason to thank God for the gift of the governor.
In his sermon, Apostle David Zilly Aggrey said the younger generation might not understand the reason for the thanksgiving as they did not experience the difficulty older ones in the local government faced and said if they do not thank God for what He had done for them, they could be regarded as ingrates.
The chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday, visited the scene of the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, describing the incident as devastating and sad.
In a statement on the incident, the NGF chairman expressed shock at the quantum of the casualties and the magnitude of the burns suffered by the survivors.
AbdulRazaq’s statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, added: “The Forum is saddened by the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, in which dozens of people have been killed or injured,” according to a statement of the Forum.
“The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Umar Bago, the families who have lost loved ones, and our other compatriots who got injured in the explosion.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in the incident, and we wish those injured quick healing.
“Again, we call on our compatriots to act with extreme caution and absolute respect for life at all times, and especially in time of grave danger such as during petrol spill.
“The Forum prays for the repose of the souls of the dead victims.”
The Ogun State government is to recruit 1,000 personnel into the state security network otherwise called Amotekun to the existing 1,000 corps.
“Governor @DapoAbiodunCON has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional Amotekun Corps personnel, increasing the total to over 2,000, to enhance security across Ogun State,” the state government said in a statement.
Mr Abiodun disclosed this at the passing-out parade of 690 Batch D trainees, which took place at the Ogun State Stadium in Sagamu, on Saturday.
Mr Abiodun, at the ceremony, also “pledged to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other resources to support their operations.”
Stressing the corps’ role in grass-roots security and reduction of unemployment, the governor commended the trainees for their discipline and urged them to focus on intelligence gathering and community policing.
Commandant of the corps, Alade Adedigba, who highlighted the trainees’ preparedness, appreciated the government for its support.
The ceremony also featured awards and cultural activities.
More...
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, says she does not want the consequences of “terrible governments” like Nigeria to play out in Britain.
Badenoch spoke on Thursday while delivering her first speech of the year at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank producing research on economic and social issues.
Speaking on the importance of building trust and touting the Conservative Party as the right group to fix Britain, the politician likened a possibility of the UK becoming like Nigeria if the system is not reformed.
“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.
“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.
“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.
“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”
Badenoch’s comments are a resumed criticism of Nigeria, her country of origin — an approach that has provoked disapproval from Nigerian leaders, including a rebuke from Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Shettima accused Badenoch of “constantly denigrating” her homeland.
Before she was elected leader of the Tories, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.
In a separate interview, she accused the Nigerian police of robbing her and stealing her brother’s shoes.
She has also hinted at walking miles to get water while she lived in Nigeria despite having wealthy parents.
Amid the backlash from Nigerians, a spokesperson for the politician said Badenoch is not interested in laundering Nigeria’s image.
Tanker Explosion: Take Immediate Action, Address Reckless Driving, Fire Service Boss Warns Operators
AFOLABI
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu O. Jaji, has urged fuel station owners and tanker operators to take immediate action in addressing reckless driving by their drivers, especially on major roads and dangerous bends, following the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 60 lives and left many others severely injured on Saturday.
In an interview with our correspondent, Jaji emphasised the need for an urgent review of safety protocols governing fuel transportation across the nation.
He expressed concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions and fuel station fire incidents, warning that even a small static spark or gas leak can result in rapid, deadly explosions.
Highlighting the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, Jaji described it as a highly fatal risk. “Fuel vapours and leaks can ignite at any moment,” he cautioned.
“Your life is worth more than a few liters of fuel,” he added, stressing that approaching a fuel spill is not only dangerous but could be fatal, urging the public to avoid accident sites and instead contact the Federal Fire Service for prompt intervention.
The Fire Service boss also called on Nigerians, particularly operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants, and users of gas cylinders, to strictly follow safety measures to prevent further catastrophic events.
Engr. Jaji extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent tragedy and commended the first responders for their dedication, which he described as a testament to the nation’s resilience.
He expressed his heartfelt prayers for those grieving, asking for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.
As the nation mourns, Jaji stressed the importance of prioritising safety and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens,” he urged.
Furthermore, Jaji reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness and called for the swift amendment of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which is currently under review in the National Assembly. He argued that the outdated law was inadequate to address current fire safety challenges and needed to be modernised to better regulate fire safety measures and reduce incidents in the future.
Over 50 persons lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion along Dikko-Maje road, opposite Badeggi fuelling station, in Suleja LGA of Niger State, on Saturday.
Mr Kumar Tsukwam, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Commander in Niger State, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Minna.
He said a loaded petrol tanker fell at the scene of the incident and people gathered, scooping the spilling fuel, unaware of the impending danger.
Tsukwam said those who went to scoop fuel were engulfed by the flames just as those who went to rescue them were also affected.
He said more than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic incident.
He, however, assured that personnel of the FRSC and other sister agencies were at the scene, working tirelessly to rescue those trapped.
Similarly, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, said the explosion occurred at about 9:00 am on Saturday.
According to him, the incident happened when a tanker loaded with premium motor spirit, PMS, crashed, and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker.
In the process, the PMS came into contact with a generator used to effect the transfer, triggering an explosion that claimed over 50 lives.
He said NSEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Suleja LGA Emergency Committee, and volunteers, are currently carrying out search, rescue and recovery operations.
According to Baba-Arah, the injured have been moved to the hospital for treatment, while efforts are being made to recover the corpses of the deceased.
[DailyPost]
Many of Nigeria’s 36 states are reeling out huge budgetary provisions in hundreds of billions, and some have even dared the trillions naira mark, squaring up with the central government with their budget projections. The question on everyone’s lips is how these budgetary provisions will translate to better life and improved standards of living for Nigerians, writes Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU with additional reports from the states.
Budgetary provisions of most states this year, have assumed a certain ascendancy, expectedly so, given that Federal Allocations have equally been on the increase since the advent of the present administration.
Some of the states, notably, Lagos, Rivers, Ogun and Niger have even crossed over to the trillions trajectory. In the past, the trillions budget trade mark was originally the preserve of the Federal Government. Rivers State for instance, has posted a N1.189 trillion budgetary provision for 2025, while Lagos (not a new entrant though), has edged its own higher to N3.005 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year. Ogun State has stepped into this coveted group with its N1.055 trillion budget outing, as well as Niger State saying bye-bye to the billions class with its entry into the trillion naira category with N1.5 trillion, beating Rivers and Ogun states to it.
The budget figures for the 36 states, as presented by the governors, have shown remarkable appreciation compared to what most of them posted in 2024 and the years before.
If the observed increases are sustained, clearly as the trend suggests, it won’t be long before other states start declaring their annual budgetary provisions in trillions, and hopefully there won’t be confusion in presenting the figures to the public.
Put together, the amount of resources now available at the states, to be modest, is quite revealing. The states, most of them that is, are parading budgets in excess of half a trillion naira yearly. Given that development (whether physical, or human capital), is driven by resources, equitably applied, or deployed, the expectation and the call from many quarters that the states should take their place in moving the country forward, cannot be misplaced. In fact, it bears emphasis. The synergy and milestone that a conscious and meticulous deployment of a percentage of these resources can bring to bear on the development of the nation, be it roads construction, primary health care services provision, education at whatever level, name it. The cumulative impact of these financial resources, if equitably and steadfastly deployed, bearing in mind the geographical contiguity of the country, cannot be underestimated.
From year-to-year, in ascending order, humongous financial, material and human resources are pushed and deployed to the states in forms of federally allocated revenues, grants from foreign nations including notable Foundations, in addition to Internally Generated Revenues (IGR). What has become of these resources over the years, is the resounding question on every one’s lips. But if you ask me, na who I go ask!!!
How they stand.
Lagos State
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has presented and equally signed a ₦3.005 trillion budget for the year, 2025.
Tagged the “Budget of Sustainability,” it seeks to focus on capital projects aimed at driving economic growth and development.
A breakdown of the budget showed that ₦1.7 trillion is assigned for Capital Expenditure, while N1.2 trillion is for the Recurrent provisions.
“Total revenue comprises our Internally Generated Revenue of ₦1,970,897,000,000, and total Federal Transfers of ₦626,137,000,000,” the governor said.
” This 2025 budget, aptly themed the “Budget of Sustainability,” is not just a fiscal document, but a blueprint for continuity, resilience, and shared prosperity for every Lagosian. As the heartbeat of Nigeria and the economic hub of Africa, Lagos stands at a crossroads, confronted by a nexus of challenges that test our resolve and of opportunities that call for bold action, he stated.
In crafting this budget, Sanyo-Olu said, “we have listened to your voices, studied global and local economic realities, and reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that Lagos continues to thrive sustainably for generations to come.”
The ‘Budget of Sustainability ‘ embodies the values that have always defined us as Lagosians: resilience, innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. It speaks to our vision of balancing the pressing needs of today with the undeniable responsibility of securing the future.
This budget is structured around five key pillars designed to ensure economic stability, environmental stewardship, and social equity.
The budget , he said will focus on : Infrastructure Sustainability, Economic Diversification, Social Inclusion and Human Capital Development, Environmental Sustainability as well as Governance and Institutional Reforms.
The Governor said : ” It will focus on continuous investments in infrastructure are the backbone of our development agenda. The Greater Lagos we envision will emerge on the back of high-quality infrastructure that keeps pace with population growth. Our focus is therefore on ensuring the durability, functionality, and adaptability of our physical assets to meet the ever-growing demands of our people.”
In the coming fiscal year, we will be prioritizing the maintenance, upgrade and expansion of existing road networks, bridges, rail systems and drainage infrastructure, to enhance mobility and to mitigate the impact of climate change. Digital infrastructure is not left out, in line with our vision for a truly 21st century megacity.
Rivers State
Rivers State for instance, in its budget, themed: ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development’, posted an estimated total budgetary provision of N1.189 trillion. The breakdown as enunciated by the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, included Capital Expenditure of N678.088 billion, and Recurrent Expenditure of N462.254billion. The breakdown implied a higher commitment to capital expenditure, as against the 44.56 per cent to recurrent-capital expenditures.
The N1.189 trillion budget was premised on some national assumptions and state’s expectations. These include oil price benchmark of $80 per barrel, oil production rate of 1.8 million barrels per day, exchange rate of N1,500 per dollar, inflation rate of 22 per cent, State GDP growth rate of 3.18 per cent and increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) to not less than 35 per cent of the total budget. The state plans to increase internal tax base by bringing more people into the tax net.
In financing the 2025 budget, the government expects to source N264.369 billion from IGR, statutory allocation, N18.203 billion; mineral funds, N132.173 billion; Value Added Tax, N204.262 billion; Refunds Escrow, Paris/ECA, N31.200 billion; refunds from bank charges, N27.500 billion; excess crude account, N20.600 billion; exchange rate gain, N25.244 billion; forex equalization, N50 billion; other FAAC, N50 billion; asset sales, N25 billion; capital receipts, N9.880 billion; proposed internal grants, N60.080 billion; proposed external grants, N7.522 billion; proposed loans and bonds, N250 billion and prior year balance of N12.931 billion.
Out of the N678.088 billion allocated for capital expenditures, nearly one-third or N213.586 billion was allocated to “governance” while infrastructure received the highest specific allocation of N195.075 billion. Agriculture was allocated N30.954 billion. Other major allocations included education, N63.275 billion and health, which was allocated N97.751 billion.
Fubara outlined the core priorities for the 2025 fiscal year to include agriculture, economic growth, quality education and healthcare delivery, basic infrastructure, and social investments. However, allocation to agriculture represented 4.6 per cent of capital budget and 2.6 per cent of total budget, allocation to health was 9.0 per cent of capital expenditures while health received 14.45 per cent of capital estimates.
He said the N213 billion under “governance” would be used “for the provision of effective governance, public administration, social investments, and the security of lives and property for the 2025 fiscal year”.The N213 billion would enable the government to execute its mandates on public governance and deliver the dividends of democracy through purposeful and highly impactful social policies, programmes and projects in the most efficient, effective and sustainable manner, he stated.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State’s N955 billion 2025 Budget christened “Budget of Consolidation and Expansion” is anchored on Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. Part of the objective of the 2025 Budget is food security through substantial investment I n the agricultural revolution, rural development through robust inputs in modern living facilities, consolidation, maintenance and advancement of world-class infrastructure in the state.
The 2025 Budget is predicated on an oil benchmark of $75 per barrel at a daily production rate of 2.12 million barrels with an estimated exchange rate of N1,400 per dollar, in line with the national budget benchmark projections.
The total budget size of N955 billion represent a modest increase of three per cent on the 2024 revised budget of N923.46 billion. The main budget components include recurrent expenditure of N300 billion and capital expenditure of N655 billion. The total projected recurrent expenditure for 2025 is put at N830 billion as against the proposed revised provision of N803.703 billion for 2024.
The breakdown of expected inflows include Internally Generated Revenue (IGR )of N80 billion, statutory revenue, N20 billion; derivation revenue, N135 billion, 13 per cent derivative revenue arrears, N60 billion; exchange gain, augmentation and others, N455 billion; excess crude account, N5 billion; Value Added Tax (VAT), N70 billion and ecological fund of N5 billion.
For recurrent expenditure, incorporating personnel cost is estimated at N115.7 billion, while overhead cost would gulp N184.31 billion. On the other hand, total projected capital receipts showed that N530 billion would be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, while the balance of N125 billion consisted mainly of N100 billion opening balance from 2024 account.
The sectoral allocation in the budget suggests that 59 per cent or N564.4 billion would be spent on the economic sector, N215.86 billion or 22.6 per cent on the administrative sector, 2.2 per cent or N21.39 billion on law and justice sector and N152.33 billion or 16 per cent on social sector.
Cross River State
Cross River State’s N538.52 billion 2025 Budget, which came into force on January 01, 2025, consisted of recurrent expenditures of N202.61 billion, capital expenditures of N333.34 billion and statutory votes of N2.567 billion. The highest allocations under the recurrent expenditures were to debt management department, N 50 billion; Office of Accountant General, N36.2 billion and special services department, with N10.72 billion. In capital expenditures, highest allocations were to Ministries of Work and Infrastructure, Aviation, Education and Health at N99.63 billion, N16 billion, N9.56 billion and N16.8 billion respectively.
Ekiti State
Ekiti State’s N375.790 billion 2025 Budget focused on the state’s shared prosperity agenda, which was built on six pillars of governance, youth development and job creation, human capital development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and industrialization and arts, culture and tourism.
Expected revenue sources included Federal Allocation of N168.15 billion or 44.7 per cent of total budget size, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N54.92 billion or 14.6 per cent of budget size, IGR of 29.1 billion or 7.7 per cent of budget size, external grants of N79.51 billion or 21.2 per cent of budget and loan of N25 billion or 6.7 per cent of total budget size.
The breakdown of the budget included recurrent expenditures of N192.33 billion or 51 per cent of total budget and capital expenditures of N183.46 billion, about 49 per cent of total budget. Personnel cost of N60.88 billion or 16 per cent of recurrent budget was the highest under recurrent expenditures, followed by grants and subsidies, which were expected to close at N36.44 billion or 10 per cent of the budget. A total of N138.18 billion of the capital budget is allocated to the economic sector, followed by social sector with 14 per cent or N26.49 billion. Administrative sector and law and justice sector received N14.13 billion or 8.0 per cent and N4.6 billion or 3.0 per cent respectively.
The 2025 budget, christened “Budget of Sustainable Impact”, focused on the economic sector, which included agriculture and food security, rural development, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), social investments programmes, arts, culture and tourism and infrastructure. Governor Biodun Oyebanji explained that the allocation of the highest allocation to the economic sector was because it plays a vital role owing to its capacity to engender sustainable growth and development. Some of the major projects to be executed under the economic sector included massive agricultural projects, completion of the 1km flyover bridge from Union Bank in Ajilosun to First Bank at Okeyinmi, Ado Ekiti, construction of rural and farm access roads and provision of potable water and sanitation facilities across the state and rural.
Adamawa’s 2025 budget
For the 2025 budget, the Adamawa State government puts its proposed spending at ₦486,218,047,600 towards the financing of both the recurrent and capital development programmes within the 2025 fiscal year. This represents over 100 per cent increase when compared to the 2024 budget of ₦225,893,690,626.00.
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, while presenting the budget on December 16, 2024, noted that this year’s budget is in line with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). Out of the total Proposed Budget Estimate of ₦486,218,047,600, the sum of ₦137,256,217,610, which represents 28.23 per cent is earmarked for Recurrent services, while the balance of N348,961,829,990 which is 71.77 per cent of the total Projected Annual Budget is earmarked for Capital Development Programmes and services in the state.
A breakdown of the state’s budget in terms of expected revenue indicates that the state hopes to raise the following revenue thus: Statutory Allocation of N53,000,000,000 or 10.9 per cent; Share of VAT, N91,000,000,000 or 18.7 per cent; excess non-oil N12,000,000,000 or 2.4 per cent; exchange rate gain, N50,000,000,000 or 10.3 per cent; Ecological /Flood funds, N10,632,000,000 or 2.2 per cent; Electronic money transfer N3,500,000,000 or 0.7 per cent; State infrastructure & security , N42,000,000,000 or 8.6 per cent; Signature bonus, N60,000,000,000 or 12.3 per cent; Other FAAC distribution, N48,000,000,000 or 9.9 per cent; Independent revenue, N24,568,582,500 or 5.1 per cent and Capital receipts, N91,517,465,100 or 18.8 per cent.
In terms of budgetary allocations, the Ministry of Works and Energy Development tops the list with N88,887,728,830.00. This is closely followed by Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development with N40,407,396,580.00 and the Office of the Accountant General, N25,877,656,320.00
The Ministry of Agriculture, with N12,695,312,040.00; Ministry of Health and Human Services, with N12,646,274,760.00 and Ministry of Rural Infrastructure & Community Development, with an allocation of N11,060,140,560.00 places as the last three ministries with the least allocations.
Ogun State
Ogun State is set to drive growth, infrastructure with N1.055 trillion budget for 2025
Its total budget estimated at N1.055 trillion for the year 2025 will be channeled to building key infrastructure and supporting growth in key segments of the economy.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this during the budget presentation to the state House of Assembly, in Ogun State.
He disclosed that the revenue composition includes an estimated N120.97 billion from the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) and N193.85 billion from other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), totaling N314.82 billion. Statutory allocations from the Federal Government, including FAAC and VAT, are projected at N228.06 billion.
He said: “We will continue to leverage existing statutes to enhance revenue transparency, broaden the base, and strengthen the State’s finances without imposing additional burdens on residents,” he stated.
The Governor, explained that that expenditure policy for 2025 aligns with the Ogun State Economic Development Plan and Strategy (2021–2025), targeting fiscal sustainability, human development, food security, a favorable business environment, energy sufficiency, enhanced transport infrastructure, and industrialization with a focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“The 2025 budget represents a carefully designed strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating our development agenda. It is a manifestation of our shared vision for a prosperous Ogun State—a state where infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, security, and economic opportunities are accessible to all,” he said.
Bauchi State
With the passage of the N467 billion 2025 budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainable Development,” by the Bauchi State House of Assembly, the implementation of Governor Bala Mohammed’s ‘My Bauchi Project’, the strategic vision developed to guide his administration, is on course.
This followed the governor’s November 21, 2024 proposed N465 billion appropriation bill to the assembly, which, according to Speaker Suleiman Abubakar, was jacked up by N2 billion, making it N467 billion which was then passed. Mohammed said the upward review of N2 billion was necessitated by the desire to ensure that services were delivered to the people.
His words: “We look forward to implementing the 2025 budget for the next one year and are ever more committed to investing in the development of critical infrastructure needed to grow our economy. We will also pay special attention to develop the human capital resources of the state through prioritisation of education, healthcare delivery and provision of key social services.
“This is in addition to a plan to promote agriculture production, improve commerce and attract investors.”
In the 2025 fiscal year, N465b has been earmarked for capital and recurrent services. This comprises of recurrent expenditure of N183b, representing 39.3 per cent while capital expenditure gets N282b, which represents 60.7 per cent.
The sum of N273b is estimated as recurrent revenue, made up of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N50, 028b; Statutory Allocation N42, 030b; VAT N78, 500b; and FAAC Revenue N102, 500b.
Bauchi State also projects to realize capital receipts in the sum of N172.441 billion in the following areas: Aids and Grants N27,629,353,172.00 and Bond N30,000,000,000.00.
Niger State
Niger State has unveiled a budget of N1.5 trillion for the current year, aimed at stimulating economic growth, which marks a substantial increase from the previous year’s budget of N805 billion. The budget for 2025 surpasses the 2024 appropriation by 48.3 percent. According to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the budget allocates over N196 billion for recurrent expenditure and more than N1.3 trillion for capital expenditure. The focus of this budget will be on critical economic sectors such as the security of lives and property, agriculture and food security, health, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure development, social security, and environmental sustainability. The State Government anticipates a revenue of N1,558,887,565,358.00 to facilitate these objectives
The allocations include N53,400,000,000.00 as Statutory Allocation; N85,300,555,454.00 from Value Added Tax; N236,900,000,000.00 from other Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Receipts; N63,360,000,000.00 from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); N186,368,241,948.00 from supplementary IGR; and N933,558,767,956.00 from capital receipts. The capital receipts consist of N493,496,681,728.00 in loans and N440,062,086,228.00 in grants.
The proposed recurrent expenditure amounts to N196 billion, which includes N72,276,458,552.00 allocated for Personnel Costs, N51,106,010,146.00 designated for Overhead Costs, and N72,952,892,745.00 for charges under the Consolidated Revenue Fund. In addition, the capital expenditure comprises N27,611,200,002.00 for Administrative purposes, N1,362,552,203,915.00 for Economic initiatives, N3,508,500,000.00 for Law and Justice, and N224,926,959,523.00 for the Social Sector.
Imo State
Imo State is targeting expanded economic opportunities with N755.6 billion budget
The Imo State Government has expressed its readiness to pursue expanded economic development of its domain with its budget estimates of N755,588,041, 220.
According to the budget speech presented by its Governor, Mr Hope Uzodinma to the State House of Assembly, the State intends to raise N42,577,065, 257 billion as internally generated revenue while it expects N293,154,121,949 billion from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
It expects capital receipts around the neigbourhood of over N419, 856,584,014 billion.
A breakdown of the budget indicated that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development will gulp 46 per cent amounting to over N296,461,152,778 billion followed by the Ministry of Transport allocated N101,010,000,000 billion representing 16 per cent.
The budget sectoral allocation has the Ministry of Power and Electrification gulping N74,755,497,042, representing 12 per cent.
The Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality is allocated N30,210,000,000, representing five per cent, whereas the Ministry of Health is allocated N22,933,234,000 billion, which is four per cent of the budget estimate.
Three point three per cent of the budget , amounting to over N21,130,000, 000 billion will cater to the needs of the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation.
The Ministry of Livestock Development as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are allocated N20,000,000,000 billion and N12,011,958780 billion respectively, representing three and two per cent.
The Ministries of Housing and Education are allocated the least with N7,865,000,000 billion and N7,420,000,000 billion representing one point two per cent and one per cent.
Uzodinma said the implementation of the budget will translate to making Imo State a viable economic and industrial entity with proper utilization of resources.