News

21 state govts solicit N1.65tn loans to fund 2024 budgets – Report

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2024

21 state govts solicit N1.65tn loans to fund 2024 budgets – Report

Twenty one states of the federation are seeking loans amounting to N1.65 trillion to fund their 2024 budget deficits despite the increase in the allocations they have received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in the last one year.

From June 2023 to June this year, all the 36 states and the 774 local governments received a total of N7.6 trillion from FAAC. This increase in revenue is largely due to the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government on May 29, 2023.

Findings by Daily Trust show that the 36 states are projected to receive N5.54 trillion from FACC for this year as against the N3.3 trillion disbursed to them last year.

Under the current revenue-sharing formula, the federal government receives 52.68 percent; while states and local governments get 26.72 percent and 20.60 percent respectively. Such federation revenues, in addition to internally generated revenues of each tier, are expected to facilitate development across the three tiers of government, and also ensuring that the governments fulfill their financial obligations.

The FAAC allocations to local governments for June were paid directly to the state governments.

The Supreme Court had, on July 11, affirmed financial autonomy for the local governments. The apex court directed that the financial allocations meant for all the 774 local government areas in the country be paid to them directly. It said it is unconstitutional for state governments to keep and manage allocations on behalf of the local governments.

States’ borrowing patterns

Investigations by Daily Trust show that 21 states have expressed intentions to borrow a total sum of N1.650 trillion from both internal and external sources to fund their 2024 budget deficits.

Other states are yet to upload their borrowing plans.

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According to details of the borrowing plans made public, the Adamawa State Government is to borrow N68.46 billion; Anambra N245 billion; Bauchi, N59.08 billion; Bayelsa, N64 billion; Benue, N34.69 billion; Borno, N41.71 billion; Ebonyi, N20.5 billion; Edo, N42.71 billion and Ekiti State, N27.15 billion.

Others are Jigawa, N1.78 billion; Kaduna, N150.1 billion, Kebbi, N36.7 billion; Katsina, N163.87 billion; Kogi, N37.08 billion; Kwara, N30.76 billion; Osun, N12.36 billion; Oyo, N133.4 billion; Nasarawa, N32.93 billion; Gombe, N73.75 billion; Enugu, N103 billion and Imo, N271.34 billion.

Breakdown of states’, LGAs allocations in 1yr

The monthly FAAC allocations to the 36 states and the 774 local governments from June last year to June this year stood at N7.6 trillion. This represents an increase of over 40 per cent.

In June 2023, states got N299.92 billion; local government councils (LGCs), N221.79. July: states, N310.670 billion, LGCs, N229. 409 billion. August: states, N319.52 billion; LGCs, N236.23 billion. September: states, N361.19 billion; LGCs, N266.54 billion. October: states, N287.07 billion; LGCs, N210.90 billion. November: states, N379.41 billion; LGCs, N278.04 billion. December: states, N396.693 billion and LGCs, N288.928 billion.

In January this year, state governments got N379.407 billion; LGCs, N278.041 billion. February: states, N366.95 billion; LGCs, N267.15 billion. March: states, N398.689 billion; LGCs, N288.688 billion. April: states, N403 billion; LGCs, N293 billion. May: states, N388.419 billion; LGCs, N282.476 billion. June: states, N461.979; LGCs, N337.019 billion.

Allocations from Value Added Tax also rose year-on-year by 228.8 percent to N2.42 trillion in the first five months of 2024, up from N736.06 billion in the first five months of 2023.

The 13 percent derivation fund received by oil producing states also rose by 234 percent to N519.83 billion in the first five months of 2024, up from N155.5 billion in the first five months of 2023.

20% of June allocation enough to build 320 PHCs

In June this year alone, the FAAC allocations to both states and local governments crossed the N1 trillion mark with N1.3 trillion.

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If the standard of N500 million outlined by the World Health Oganisation (WHO) for establishment of an averagely equipped primary healthcare centre facility is anything to go by, 20 percent (N160 billion) of the June allocation is enough to put in place 320 of such health facilities nationwide.

There’s need for accountability – Experts

The Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Umar Yakubu, said there is a need for accountability regarding how the allocations to the states are being spent. In an interview with Daily Trust, Yakubu noted that the removal of the petrol subsidy has led to a significant increase in revenues, especially at the states and local governments.

He said: “The major issues is that governments think the more they make revenue, the more they solve problems because the accountability mechanism is so weak and the audit processes are not good enough to check excesses.

“So, what you have is more Naira into the system and the few who have access to them will convert them to dollars, which is the major reason our foreign exchange market has not stabilised because of too much Naira chasing few dollars.

“Therefore, we call for accountability which has to be in place to check corruption because as you can see, more money has come, but no state is recruiting, no state is increasing pensions or allowances of workers or event increasing capital expenditures because they are just siphoning money without accountability”, he said.

Also speaking to Daily Trust, a development expert, Victor Agi, said if the issue of accountability at the sub-national level is not tackled head-on, the challenges at the grassroots would continue.

Agi said state governments must be accountable with the increased revenues to drive growth at the grassroots.

“One of the issues is that people always blame bad governance on the federal government, forgetting that governors also get huge allocations to develop their various states.

“In the last one year, revenues have grown by almost 50 per cent, yet the governors can’t improve welfare of their workers and the people in general. For instance, the president signed the national minimum wage of N70,000 and some of the governors are kicking that they can’t pay despite increase in revenues. This indicates that something is wrong.

“What is more disturbing is that the same issue will now be encountered in the local governments now that their allocations will be paid directly. There is need for more awareness from civil society to ensure that development at the grassroots is implemented now that revenues have increased,” he said.

21 state govts solicit N1.65tn loans to fund 2024 budgets – Report

DAILY TRUST

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NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

Published

12 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday.

The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, also warned that strong winds could occur ahead of thunderstorms in some areas.

For Monday, NiMet expects thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi during the morning. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected across several areas in the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi.

In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State could experience thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, while most parts of the region may record thunderstorms with moderate rainfall by afternoon or evening.

The southern states are also expected to experience wet conditions. NiMet forecasts cloudy skies in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. More thunderstorms and light rain are expected later in the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday Forecast

On Tuesday, the northern region is expected to have patches of cloud in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain possible in parts of Taraba.

By afternoon or evening, most parts of the region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain.

In the North-Central, parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states are expected to receive thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.

Southern areas, including parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and the South-South, may also experience thunderstorms and light rain.

NiMet expects more widespread rainfall on Wednesday, particularly across northern and North-Central states. Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba are among the areas listed for morning thunderstorms and moderate rain.

The agency also forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across much of the South later on Wednesday.

NiMet advised residents to secure loose objects and take precautions against strong winds. Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, while residents were advised to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees.

Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather information when planning flights.

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

News

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Published

12 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Civic organisation Working People United has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, praising her contributions to humanitarian services, education, healthcare and the empowerment of vulnerable Nigerians.

Oluremi Tinubu celebrates her 66th birthday on Monday, September 21, 2026, with messages of goodwill coming from individuals and organisations across the country.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, National Coordinator-General of Working People United, Prince Williams Akporeha, described the First Lady’s years of public service as an important part of her contribution to Nigerian society.

Akporeha said the organisation recognised Oluremi Tinubu’s continued involvement in programmes designed to improve the welfare of children, women, young people and underserved communities.

He particularly highlighted her advocacy and interventions in education, healthcare access, youth development and economic empowerment, saying such initiatives were directed at addressing challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

According to the group, the First Lady’s humanitarian activities have focused on providing practical support to communities and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to social and economic resources.

Working People United also commended Oluremi Tinubu’s interest in family welfare and children’s development, describing those areas as important to the long-term development of the country.

The organisation said efforts to strengthen access to basic education and healthcare, particularly at the grassroots, remained critical to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

It also praised initiatives aimed at providing young people with skills and economic opportunities, noting that youth empowerment could help reduce vulnerability and expand participation in the economy.

Akporeha urged the First Lady to sustain her advocacy for vulnerable Nigerians as she begins another year of her life.

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He said the organisation was joining Nigerians across the country to celebrate Oluremi Tinubu and acknowledge what it described as her commitment to humanitarian service.

Working People United wished the First Lady good health, wisdom, strength and fulfilment as she continues her public responsibilities and supports initiatives focused on the welfare of Nigerians.

The group also expressed hope that her birthday would provide an opportunity to renew attention to issues affecting children, women, young people and low-income families, particularly in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, has been involved in public service and humanitarian activities for several years.

As First Lady, she has continued her intervention programmes through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which has focused on areas including education, health, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.

Her recent programmes have included support for women, vulnerable households, students, farmers, young people and families affected by economic hardship.

The birthday messages therefore come as the First Lady continues her public engagements and humanitarian programmes across different parts of Nigeria.

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

International

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Published

13 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Eighteen suspects accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred from Haiti to the United States to face trial.

US officials said the suspects were transported to Florida on Sunday, as American authorities continue their prosecution of people allegedly connected to the plot.

Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said the suspects were flown from Haiti on a military aircraft to face proceedings in the Southern District of Florida.

He said US authorities had so far indicted 30 people in connection with the assassination and warned that the prosecutions were not over.

Among those transferred was Joseph Felix Badio, a former anti-corruption official with Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified as a major suspect in the investigation.

Haitian government and police sources said the other suspects included Colombian nationals who were allegedly part of the group involved in the operation.

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Colombian Nationals Among Suspects

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 17 of its citizens had been transferred from Haiti to the United States.

The ministry said the Colombian government was monitoring the development but had not participated in the decision or process that led to the transfer.

Moise was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. Investigators said a group of about 20 Colombian military-trained mercenaries had been hired in connection with the operation.

The president’s security detail came under scrutiny after failing to prevent the attack.

In May, four men were convicted in a Miami federal court over charges connected to the plot, including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise and providing material support for the operation. They could face life imprisonment.

US prosecutors said the men were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company, and had allegedly been attracted by the prospect of lucrative contracts after Moise was removed from power.

The assassination plunged Haiti further into political and security turmoil. The country has since struggled with gang violence and remains without a president, while preparations continue for elections scheduled for December, subject to security conditions.