The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s 2025–2026 External Borrowing Plan, which includes loans of $21.8 billion, €2.1 billion, and ¥15 billion, along with a €65 million grant, to fund key projects and programmes across multiple sectors of the economy. In addition, the Senate granted approval for the issuance of a ₦757.98 billion Federal Government bond in the domestic market to offset outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Also approved was the President’s request to raise up to $2 billion in the domestic market through a Foreign Currency-Denominated Instrument Local Issuance Programme—a novel initiative backed by…
Author: National Update
A tense scene unfolded at the National Assembly gates on Tuesday as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to resume legislative duties but was blocked by security operatives enforcing a Senate resolution that continues to bar her from plenary. Arriving just after midday, the embattled Kogi Central lawmaker entered the complex flanked by her supporters and prominent activist Aisha Yesufu. Her goal: to challenge what she called an “illegal suspension” and reclaim her Senate seat. But her advance was halted by a wall of resistance. Personnel from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps…
***Say confusing court rulings undermine rule of law, call for urgent reform By Fatima Ndagi The House of Representatives has raised alarm over the growing trend of ambiguous court judgments, warning that unclear legal pronouncements are creating confusion, eroding trust in the judiciary, and fueling political tension—citing the ongoing suspension saga of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a key example. Raising the concern at plenary on Tuesday, Hon. Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) invoked Order 8 Rule 6 of the House Standing Orders to decry what he described as “increasingly contradictory and vague judgments that leave too much room for interpretation.”…
***Mudi calls for unity after Court of Appeal victory, as AFAN sets new direction for sector President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Mudi, has called on farmers, commodity groups, and agricultural stakeholders to close ranks and craft pragmatic policies to reposition Nigeria’s agriculture sector. Speaking during the AFAN National Expanded Executive Council Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Mudi said the time had come for a united front and coordinated policy reforms to boost productivity, enhance food security, and unlock economic opportunities across the country. He described the recent Court of Appeal judgment, which affirmed his…
In a surprising turn of events, organizers of the Indigenous Oil and Gas Summit have announced the postponement of the flagship industry gathering just days before its scheduled opening in Lagos. Originally slated for July 23–24, the high-impact summit was expected to attract key players across Nigeria’s energy sector, including regulators, investors, and indigenous operators. However, the event has now been put on hold indefinitely, with organizers citing unresolved logistical and planning concerns. “This decision was not taken lightly,” said Wenefred Odunze, Event Coordinator, in an official statement released Friday. “After assessing the current circumstances, we believe postponing the summit…
***Quashes Suit, cites Lack of Merit In a legal showdown that captured national attention, the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Monday delivered a sweeping judgment dismissing a suit by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which sought to halt federal funding to all 44 local government councils in Kano State currently controlled by the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Presiding Judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, ruled that the case lacked merit and failed to meet procedural requirements, effectively shutting the door on any potential revival. The APC, through its State Chairman Prince Abdullahi Abbas, had dragged a long list of…
***Says Coalition Poses No Threat By Umar Muhammed, Lafia The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has declared that former party members who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition no longer command political relevance and pose no threat ahead of future elections. In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the party’s Public Relations Officer and Secretary to the State Chairman, Hamza Ibrahim, the PDP described the defectors as “expired political actors” whose influence was buried with their poor electoral performances in 2023. “Let it be clear — these individuals are no longer political heavyweights.…
From Umar Muhammed, Lafia Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has appointed John Michael-Abdul, a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State under the late Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, as the interim chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state. Abdul, formerly a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid a wave of defections shaking the opposition landscape in Nasarawa State. His appointment as interim chairman was formally announced during a coalition meeting in Akwanga, the headquarters of Akwanga Local Government Area, by the party’s national leadership led by former…
***Targets party members and farmers’ associations to boost rainy season cultivation By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse In a major boost to agricultural productivity, Senator Babangida Hussain, representing Jigawa Northwest Senatorial District, has donated 12,000 bags of 50kg fertilizer to farmers across the 12 local government areas under his constituency. The fertilizer distribution was officially flagged off in Sule-Tankarkar town, the headquarters of Sule-Tankarkar Local Government Area, where the senator reiterated his commitment to improving food security and empowering rural farmers. “The fertilizer is being distributed free of charge to support our farmers during the rainy season and enhance food production across…
***Says He Has Accepted the Role, Describes Viral Rejection Letter as Fake Mohammed Babangida, son of former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has dismissed rumours that he rejected his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). The clarification comes in response to a letter circulating widely on social media, allegedly showing Babangida declining the presidential appointment. In a swift reaction on Monday, his media aide, Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, described the letter as fake and the handiwork of “disgruntled elements.” “The letter in circulation is entirely fabricated,” Abdullahi said. “Mohammed Babangida has accepted…