News
JUST IN: Presidency replies Amaechi on use of post-subsidy revenue
JUST IN: Presidency replies Amaechi on use of post-subsidy revenue
The Presidency has issued a response to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi over his recent remarks questioning the utilization of fuel subsidy savings under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Amaechi, speaking in May at his 60th birthday event in Abuja, expressed concerns about what he perceived as a misdirection of national resources, alleging that subsidy removal gains were being siphoned into “private pockets.”
“If I were president, yes, I would pursue some of the policies they are pursuing, but ask what the failure is: the failure is that the gains of those policies are in their private pockets,” he said. “At one point, we were paying between four to five trillion naira as subsidy; where is the money now? If it had been injected into the economy, you would not be hearing complaints.”
In a detailed rebuttal posted online, Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, knocked the former Rivers State governor, calling his claims misleading and politically motivated.
“More than two years after his primary election loss, it appears Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has not gotten over the legitimate pain of defeat,” Olusegun wrote. He accused Amaechi of aligning with opposition forces and “resurfacing on the political scene” with “outlandish comments, claims and falsehoods against the current administration.”
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Addressing Amaechi’s claims regarding fuel subsidy savings, the presidential aide said the ex-minister was fully aware of the fiscal damage caused by the subsidy regime, noting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had stopped remitting revenues and resorted to advance crude sales to cover costs.
“In 2022 alone, the FG’s subsidy bill was ₦4.39 trillion — nearly half of what Nigeria spent on petrol subsidies over a nine-year span from 2006 to 2015,” he said.
He explained that the real gain of subsidy removal was not in direct cash savings but in halting “unsustainable borrowing” and stopping the mortgaging of future oil revenues. Olusegun further revealed that since January 2025, NNPCL began remitting 50% of crude oil revenues to the federation account, significantly increasing monthly disbursements to states.
“These tiers [of government] are not private pockets. Thanks to increased allocations, 33 states have repaid ₦1.85 trillion out of their ₦5.82 trillion in domestic debt — more than 30% repayment,” he said, describing it as a direct benefit of subsidy reforms.
On the issue of foreign exchange reforms, Olusegun defended the decision to float the naira, noting that the previous multiple exchange rate system cost Nigeria over ₦13.2 trillion between 2021 and 2023 in what he termed “FX subsidy losses” — money he said “went exclusively to private pockets.”
He added that under Tinubu’s administration, foreign reserves rose from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion in 2024, while over $10 billion was used to clear external obligations, including debts to international airlines.
“Nigeria is no longer on the IATA list of countries with blocked funds. This was possible due to increased FX liquidity,” he said.
Olusegun also accused Amaechi of turning a blind eye to his own legacy in office and warned that attempts to undermine the current administration with misinformation would not go unchallenged.
“This administration is cleaning up the mess it inherited, including from individuals like Mr. Amaechi, who now seek to play the saint,” the statement added.
JUST IN: Presidency replies Amaechi on use of post-subsidy revenue
Education
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Basic education officials deliver modern classrooms to help children learn safely, kicking off an ambitious statewide renovation drive.
State education leaders in Niger State are calling on neighborhood residents and parent groups to take good care of newly renovated primary schools.
On Wednesday, the head of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, reminded communities that public classrooms belong to everyone, warning that state funding can only make a lasting difference when local people watch over these shared spaces.
To prepare for handing over the keys, board officials visited Zango Primary School in Kontagora and Richard Lander Primary School in New Bussa. These two locations are the first to finish out of seven model schools currently under construction.
During their visits, team members inspected classrooms to make sure builders followed high safety standards, while encouraging neighbors to keep the grounds secure, tidy, and ready for pupils.
Furthermore, state officials explained that these building projects are part of a larger plan to improve early education across every community. Alongside these new classrooms, the board is starting repair work on about 400 primary schools throughout the state.
In addition to fixing desks and roofs, authorities are upgrading classroom teaching tools and supporting teachers. As a result, children across all backgrounds will have safe, welcoming spaces to learn and grow together.
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Health
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.
Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.
The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.
Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
News
Blue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
Blue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
Following Governor Sanwo-Olu’s request, the state legislature approves expanded capital financing for the final months of the fiscal year.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved changes to the state’s 2026 spending plan to speed up work on key community infrastructure, including public transit lines, general hospitals, and flood prevention systems.
The decision came after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu requested a review of the budget to make sure government funds are directed where they are needed most during the rest of the year.
To support these priority projects, lawmakers agreed to raise the state’s infrastructure bond from ₦150 billion to ₦200 billion. Budget committee chairman Lukmon Olumoh explained that this financial adjustment will help contractors finish essential public facilities faster.
The revised funds will help extend the Blue Line train service between Mile 2 and Trade Fair Station, complete the new Massey Street Children’s Hospital, and finish the 280-bed General Hospital in Ojo.
The amended plan also sets aside funds for fixing potholes on neighborhood roads, clearing drainage channels to prevent flooding, and buying new service vehicles for sanitation and traffic teams.
Lawmakers emphasized that legislative committees will closely monitor how these funds are spent to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within clear standards. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa confirmed that the approved bill has been sent to the governor to be officially signed into law.
Blue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
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