Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legislators’ Forum has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for Senate approval of a $516 million external loan for the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project, describing it as reckless borrowing that endangers Nigeria’s future.

In a statement signed by Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole, Chairman of the ADC National Legislators’ Forum, and co-signed by six other lawmakers representing different geopolitical zones, the Forum accused the administration of making borrowing its default economic policy without presenting a transparent or sustainable repayment strategy.

While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, the lawmakers questioned the timing and motives behind the loan request, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle. They warned that the move could be a ploy to create avenues for political patronage rather than genuine development.

“Nigeria is already weighed down by a crushing debt burden, with debt servicing swallowing a staggering proportion of national revenue. Yet, rather than confronting this reality with discipline and reform, the Tinubu administration continues to plunge the country deeper into what can only be described as a looming debt catastrophe,” the statement read.

The Forum urged the National Assembly not to act as a “rubber stamp” for the executive, insisting that the Senate must demand full disclosure of the project’s financial details, procurement processes, cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment plan before granting approval.

They further called on the government to redirect its focus toward policies that strengthen productivity, industrial growth, job creation, and plugging revenue leakages, stressing that borrowing should not substitute for leadership and accountability.

“Governance is not a free ride without consequences. Those who make decisions today that endanger the economic future of millions of Nigerians must understand that a day of reckoning will inevitably come,” the Forum warned.

The ADC lawmakers concluded that Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, urging the Tinubu administration to choose responsibility and sustainable growth over debt dependency and economic vulnerability.

Nigeria’s total public debt has surpassed $100 billion (₦146.69 trillion as of end-2025) and is projected to rise to ₦155.1 trillion in 2026 following new loan approvals, with debt servicing costs expected to reach ₦15.52 trillion this year — a level experts warn is unsustainable.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala A. Mohammed, on Thursday received Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside a chieftain of the ADC, at the Government House in Bauchi.

Governor Mohammed said their discussions focused on critical national issues, including economic recovery and the welfare of citizens. He commended Obi for the visit, noting that such engagements foster mutual understanding and help drive practical, people-centered solutions.

He added that they reviewed the evolving political landscape and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions. With political tensions rising ahead of the 2027 elections, Mohammed said both leaders jointly urged stakeholders to rise above partisanship and prioritize national interest in decision-making.

Obi, in a statement, described the meeting as part of his ongoing consultations and collaboration efforts with notable leaders. He called the engagement with Governor Mohammed “very insightful,” stressing that his mission remains focused on building “a united, secure, productive, and progressive Nigeria that cares for all, especially the less privileged.”

The meeting also reflects a growing trend of cross-party dialogue among political leaders, aimed at fostering cooperation beyond partisan lines. Observers note that such engagements could play a vital role in shaping consensus-driven approaches to governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N68 billion in operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

The project, initiated in 2021 as a presidential intervention, was designed to address the prolonged blackout in the state following the destruction of power infrastructure by insurgents, which left Borno without electricity for nearly two years.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the Federal Government’s intervention as timely, noting that it would help mitigate security challenges while boosting economic activities and livelihoods across the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to profoundly appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for approving N2 billion monthly operational expenditure from March 2026 to December 2028, amounting to N68 billion, to bridge the funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant,” the governor said.

He noted that the intervention, implemented through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has been instrumental in restoring electricity supply to the state.

According to the governor, the 50-megawatt power plant, commissioned in December 2023, has stimulated socio-economic growth, created jobs, and supported small and medium-scale enterprises across Borno.

Zulum added that improved access to electricity has also strengthened security by enhancing economic opportunities and reducing vulnerabilities linked to insurgency and criminal activities.

He expressed confidence that the latest presidential approval would ensure sustainable power supply to Maiduguri and surrounding communities, further reinforcing the state’s resilience.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Federal Government to promote sustainable energy development and lasting peace in the state.

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from neighbouring Abia State that the ruling party offers the Southeast region a stronger platform for development and national inclusion.

Receiving the delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu CFR, Uzodimma said the visit underscores growing unity and shared vision within the APC across the region.

He declared that the “South East has risen and will undoubtedly shine in the scheme of national governance, attracting critical developmental projects and strategic initiatives from the Federal Government.”

The Governor emphasised that the APC remains the surest vehicle for the Southeast to achieve the progress it desires. He urged party members to embrace the party’s ideology, avoid past mistakes, and work collectively to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Uzodimma’s remarks come at a time when former presidential candidate Peter Obi, a youth‑backed political figure from the Southeast, is preparing to challenge President Tinubu at the polls under the African Democratic Congress. In the 2023 election, Tinubu defeated Obi, who contested under the Labour Party and recorded significant gains against the ruling party’s candidate. As the 2027 elections draw closer, political meetings, alliances, and realignments are expected to intensify, shaping the contest’s outcome.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ebonyi State Government has outlined the developmental strides and achievements of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, highlighting what it described as the practical implementation of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs as a people-centred vision in action.

In a statement issued on April 21, 2026, by the Governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, the administration said Nwifuru’s leadership reflects governance driven by inclusiveness, continuity, and measurable impact.

The statement presented a sector-by-sector account of achievements, noting that the administration’s approach has ensured balanced development, strategic empowerment, and improved quality of life for residents.

According to the government, Ebonyi State is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation, anchored not on rhetoric but on sustained policies, infrastructure delivery, and human capital development.

From the outset, the administration adopted a “continuity and consolidation” strategy, focusing on completing inherited projects while initiating new ones to maximise value and accelerate development across key sectors.

In the health sector, the government said it has upgraded general hospitals with modern equipment and improved working conditions for medical personnel. Doctors have received official vehicles and enhanced welfare packages to boost service delivery. It added that the recruitment of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health workers has strengthened the system, while the state’s health insurance scheme continues to expand access to affordable care.

The administration also facilitated the demerging of the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital to enable medical students of Ebonyi State University complete their clinical training within the state.

Education remains central to the administration’s long-term vision. The government said subventions to Ebonyi State University have been increased, staff salaries improved, and tuition fees reduced to ease financial burdens on students. It noted that first-class graduates are now offered teaching opportunities, aimed at building a pool of homegrown academic talent.

Beyond tertiary education, the state is constructing 50 model secondary schools and pilot primary schools, alongside distributing free learning materials to students.

The statement added that over 300 indigenes have been sponsored abroad for postgraduate studies in science and technology-related fields, while more than 500 are studying in Nigerian universities under government sponsorship.

It further highlighted ongoing development of the University of ICT in Offerekpe and the University of Aerospace Engineering in Ezza, designed to position Ebonyi as a hub for innovation and specialised education.

The government described agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, noting that the revitalisation of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company has boosted farm productivity. Farmers have received fertilizers, improved seedlings, and mechanised equipment, with over 3,800 machines distributed to support large-scale cultivation.

Projects such as rice and cassava processing centres, feed mills, and solar-powered boreholes have enhanced value chains and rural economies.

The administration also partnered with development organisations, including USAID and Michigan State University, to train farmers, youths, and women in modern agricultural practices and agribusiness.

In the water sector, the government said it has revived key facilities, including the Ezillo Water Treatment Plant, Oferekpe Water Scheme, and Abakaliki Water Scheme, restoring supply to households and businesses. Pipeline expansion across the capital is ongoing to improve distribution and support industrial growth.

On infrastructure, over 800 kilometres of roads are under construction across the state, while major urban roads in Abakaliki have been upgraded to ease transportation.

The completion of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway in Onueke was described as a major milestone expected to boost economic activities and investment when the airport becomes fully operational.

The administration also introduced the EBOCAB digital transport system and strengthened the state transport corporation with new buses to improve mobility.

Among major projects is a bridge linking Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State with Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, expected to enhance trade routes and connectivity to northern Nigeria.

The government said the project would improve access to healthcare, education, and markets, particularly benefiting surrounding communities.

The administration said it has prioritised civil service reforms, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as clearing longstanding arrears.

Retirees now receive gratuities upon retirement, while over 1,700 new workers have been recruited across various sectors, including education and public service.

Free transportation support for workers and students has also been introduced to reduce living costs and improve productivity.

The government noted that Ebonyi remains one of the safer states in Nigeria, attributing this to proactive security measures, including the appointment of security aides across local government areas.

In youth development, initiatives such as the Abakaliki Football Club are aimed at nurturing talent and promoting social engagement.

Housing projects, including the construction of units for displaced persons, were also highlighted as part of efforts to address social needs.

The statement emphasised that the administration’s success lies in its integrated approach, where investments across sectors reinforce one another to drive sustainable growth. It noted that improved healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure are collectively strengthening the state’s economic base and enhancing citizens’ well-being.

The government also highlighted empowerment programmes targeting youths and women, providing skills and financial support to promote entrepreneurship and reduce poverty.

As the administration approaches its third year in office, the Ebonyi State Government said its policies have laid a solid foundation for long-term growth and prosperity, describing Governor Nwifuru’s leadership as transformative, driven by a commitment to delivering tangible results and improving the lives of citizens.

According to the statement, the administration’s achievements reflect a governance model rooted in service, accountability, and inclusive development, positioning Ebonyi State as a growing example of sustainable progress in Nigeria.

UMUAHIA, Nigeria (NPA) — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 1,200 housing units under the Federal Housing Authority’s Renewed Hope Housing Project in Umuahia, the state capital.

Governor Otti noted that the landmark project was made possible through collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government. He emphasised that the initiative cements Abia’s position as the first state in Nigeria’s South East, and among the first five nationwide, to partner with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on such a large‑scale housing development.

In a statement issued today, Otti expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, and his team for their commitment.

“Together, we are expanding access to affordable housing and improving the welfare of our people,” he said.

The governor clarified that before authorising the groundbreaking, the state ensured verified landowners among host communities were duly compensated. Out of about 900 claimants, more than 800 have already been settled in full, while the remaining are encouraged to resolve bank or ownership issues to access payments already deposited in the bank.

Otti stressed that his administration’s focus remains on people‑oriented projects that uplift lives beyond the distractions of politics, ethnicity, or religion. “The welfare of Abians will continue to be our priority,” he concluded.

The Renewed Hope Housing Project is expected to significantly expand access to affordable housing in Abia, improve living standards, and contribute to the broader national agenda of inclusive development.