BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained that the impressive performance of the 2024 national budget encouraged members of the National Assembly to extend the lifespan of the 2024 budget beyond December 31 this year.
Akpabio gave the explanation Wednesday in his welcome address during the presentation of the 2025 national budget to the joint session of the federal parliament.
He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50% for capital expenditure and 48% for recurrent expenditure respectively.
“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.
“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.
“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”
As the red chamber planned to start deliberations on the budget proposals, Akpabio warned heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to make themselves available for the budget defence.
He said: “Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of the honourable ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments being prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocation in the exercise of our legislative oversight.
“We have observed concerning the behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant committees of the legislature.
“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the constitution going forward.”
Akpabio noted that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nigerians has “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation’s stability and growth”.
According to him, “The courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu’s) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.
“Your collaboration with the Central Bank has cultivated an environment ripe for investment, and your focus on infrastructure development reflects a visionary commitment to improving the connectivity that fuels our economy.
“Furthermore, your initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.“
The chairman of the National Assembly commended Tinubu’s efforts in the era of security.
“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror.
“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together.
“The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralization of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President said Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the nation forward.
He said: “We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians travelling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.
“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”
He said the introduction of social welfare programmes embodies the president’s unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of our citizens.
“You remind us that our nation is not merely constructed of bricks and mortar, but of the resilience and determination of its people.
“Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements. You have doubled aggregate government revenues to over NGN 18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing expenditures from 97% to 68%, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.
“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law, and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, all while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states,” Akpabio said.
He commended the groundbreaking tax reform initiative including the four tax reform bills, namely the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.
He said the tax reform bills represented a monumental shift in the country’s fiscal landscape and that its critics haven’t read the proposed legislations.
The Senate President said: “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.
“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.
“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”
Akpabio said the infrastructure renaissance has paved the way for many roads, including the coastal road and crucial arteries in the Abuja capital city and other parts of the country.
“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to bear with the president whose economic reforms had imposed hardship on Nigerians but noted that: “We are light-years away from where we began, though some rivers remain to be crossed.
“The pains we feel are not merely the pains of hardship; they are the pains of childbirth. When that season arrives in Nigeria, when this administration births that season, we will rejoice for the struggles endured.
“For now, I ask for your patience and urge all Nigerians to cooperate with the president and maintain faith in his vision.
“Mr. President, while you cannot be everywhere, you have eyes everywhere. We, the distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives, are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of Nigeria.
“When our constituents struggle to afford rice, they come to us. When their shoes pinch, they seek our assistance. When the economic alarm sounds, they turn to us.
“Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you touch the hearts and pulse of Nigerians through these appropriation bills resonating with the sounds of hope and signalling the dawn of Nigeria’s economic rebirth,” he added.
Akpabio ended his speech by leading the members of the National Assembly to sing for the president as they all chorused, “On your mandate we shall stand” to the admiration of the legislatures and the guests.
BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget
OMODA & JAECOO Exceed 1.4m Global Sales, Expand Push into AI, Electrification
OMODA & JAECOO have surpassed 1.4 million cumulative global vehicle sales in just three and a half years, marking a major milestone in their international expansion as the automotive brands step up investments in electrification, artificial intelligence and autonomous mobility.
The achievement, announced following the 2026 International User Summit held in October in Wuhu, China, underscores the brands’ rapid growth and ambitions to strengthen their position in an increasingly technology-driven global automotive market.
With operations spanning 79 markets worldwide, OMODA & JAECOO are now looking beyond vehicle sales to develop an integrated mobility ecosystem built around intelligent technologies, alternative powertrains and improved customer experiences.
The summit, themed “DRIVE TO THE NEXT VIBE,” brought together customers, media representatives and business partners to showcase the brands’ latest innovations, future product plans and expanding research and development capabilities.
One of the major attractions was the global debut of the OMODA X, a futuristic cross-off-road vehicle designed to combine urban practicality with a bold, adventure-inspired exterior. Its unveiling was accompanied by a global user co-creation initiative, allowing participants from different markets to contribute ideas and interpretations of the new model.
The initiative reflects the company’s growing emphasis on customer participation in product development and brand building.
Intelligent mobility technology also took centre stage, with demonstrations of the Super Intelligent Valet Parking system (SIVP), which features automated vehicle summoning, parking-route planning and obstacle avoidance.
Another innovation, the Super Intelligent AI Space (SIAS), showcased voice-controlled cabin technology capable of processing multiple requests through a single instruction. The system also demonstrated personalised digital experiences, including music recommendations based on users’ moods.
On electrification, the Super Hybrid Marathon provided an opportunity to assess vehicle performance across urban roads, highways and mountainous terrain.
According to the manufacturer, the OMODA 5 NEXT SHS-H recorded fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and achieved a maximum driving range of 1,015 kilometres during the exercise.
The company said the evaluation went beyond fuel efficiency to examine power delivery, cabin insulation and passenger comfort under varying driving conditions.
Beyond conventional vehicle development, OMODA & JAECOO also outlined their ambitions in autonomous transportation through a purpose-built Level 4 Robotaxi programme.
The initiative involves proposed cooperation with UAE-based K2 and is designed around an integrated service model covering digital bookings, vehicle dispatch, cabin preparation, autonomous journeys and fleet maintenance.
The summit also highlighted the wider technology ecosystem associated with the brands through AiMOGA, which unveiled Mobo, a home companion robot, and opened global pre-orders.
Designed to recognise family members, remember individual preferences and support everyday interactions, Mobo illustrates the company’s ambition to extend artificial intelligence and robotics beyond the automotive environment into domestic life.
Supporting these initiatives is increased investment in research and innovation. OMODA & JAECOO disclosed that research and development expenditure by its parent company, Chery, reached RMB 6.672 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 28.3 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.
The latest sales milestone follows the brands’ achievement of their first one million cumulative global sales earlier in 2026, highlighting the pace of their expansion across international markets.
For OMODA & JAECOO, the next phase of growth will depend not only on expanding their geographical footprint but also on translating technological innovation into practical benefits for customers.
Although some of the technologies unveiled at the summit remain at different stages of development and commercial introduction, the event offered a glimpse into the brands’ long-term strategy as competition increasingly shifts towards intelligent vehicles, electrification, connectivity and autonomous mobility.
National Assembly Fires State Police Bill to Tinubu as 29 States Defy Status Quo
ABUJA — Nigeria’s long-running debate over the establishment of state police has reached a significant legislative milestone following the endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendment by at least 29 State Houses of Assembly.
The National Assembly on Wednesday announced plans to transmit the State Police Bill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the endorsement of the proposal by more than the constitutionally required two-thirds of the 36 state legislatures.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed the development during plenary, describing the support secured from the state assemblies as a major step towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing system.
Kalu said the Clerk to the National Assembly would transmit the bill to the President on Wednesday for the next stage of the process.
“The State Police Bill has received the backing of 29 State Assemblies. Later today, the Clerk to the National Assembly will transmit it to the President for assent,” he said.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional amendment requires approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states.
The 29 approvals announced by the Deputy Speaker therefore exceed the required threshold, moving the proposed reform closer to the establishment of state police services across the federation.
The development follows weeks of legislative consultations after the proposed constitutional amendment was forwarded to all 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, had earlier confirmed that 28 state assemblies had approved the proposal as of Tuesday, November 3, following the verification of reports and accompanying votes and proceedings submitted by the state legislatures.
The proposed amendment seeks to create a constitutional framework for State Police Services, allowing individual states to establish their own police structures alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.
The proposal has gained renewed attention amid persistent security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and communal violence in different parts of the country.
Supporters of state policing have consistently argued that decentralising the police structure would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security and enable faster responses to criminal activities.
They also maintain that state-controlled police formations would be better positioned to understand local languages, customs, geographical terrain and security threats.
However, the proposal has continued to attract concerns over the possible misuse of state police by politically powerful governors, inadequate funding, human rights violations and the potential use of security agencies against political opponents.
The debate has therefore centred not only on the establishment of state police but also on the need for effective oversight, accountability and safeguards against political interference.
Although the National Assembly has indicated that the amendment will be forwarded to President Tinubu, the precise constitutional procedure surrounding presidential assent and the final authentication of a constitutional alteration remains an important issue to watch.
The development does not mean that state police operations have commenced. Further formal steps, including the completion and publication of the constitutional alteration and the development of the necessary implementation framework, will be required before the proposed system becomes operational.
Nigeria currently operates a centrally controlled police structure under the Federal Government, with the Nigeria Police Force responsible for policing across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposed reform is expected to introduce a dual policing arrangement, with federal and state police services operating under their respective legal frameworks.
For now, attention has shifted to the next steps by the National Assembly and the Presidency as the country moves closer to a potentially significant restructuring of its security architecture.
National Assembly Fires State Police Bill to Tinubu as 29 States Defy Status Quo
Tinubu Reveals How He Worked As Taxi Driver In US Before Becoming Nigeria’s President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has opened up about an aspect of his life in the United States, revealing that he once worked as a taxi driver while struggling to make ends meet before rising to political prominence in Nigeria.
The revelation offers a glimpse into the Nigerian leader’s experiences abroad and how his personal journey has influenced his views on education, financial independence and opportunities for young people.
Tinubu reportedly made the disclosure while explaining the thinking behind his administration’s student loan programme, drawing from his experiences during his years in the United States.
Long before becoming Lagos State governor and eventually President of Nigeria, Tinubu spent part of his life in the United States, where he reportedly engaged in different activities to sustain himself.
Among the experiences he recalled was working as a taxi driver, including operating what was described as a gypsy cab.
The experience, according to the account, exposed him to the realities of struggling to earn a living and the determination required to overcome financial difficulties in a foreign country.
His disclosure has brought renewed attention to his personal history, particularly the challenges he encountered before establishing himself in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Tinubu’s reference to his experience abroad also provided an insight into his administration’s justification for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides financial assistance to eligible students in tertiary institutions.
The programme is designed to help students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds access higher education without being prevented by their families’ economic circumstances.
By linking his personal experiences to the initiative, the President appeared to emphasise the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians to pursue their educational ambitions despite financial limitations.
The student loan scheme has remained one of the major education initiatives of his administration, although its implementation and repayment arrangements have generated public discussions.
The disclosure has generated interest because it offers another perspective on the personal journey of a president whose political career has largely been associated with elite political circles and high-level governance.
For some observers, his account highlights the struggles that can precede success, while also drawing attention to the importance of education, hard work and access to opportunities.
Tinubu’s journey from his reported experience as a taxi driver in the United States to Nigeria’s highest political office represents a remarkable chapter in his personal and political history.
However, his remarks have also renewed conversations about how personal experiences of hardship should translate into policies that address the economic challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, particularly students and young people.
Tinubu Reveals How He Worked As Taxi Driver In US Before Becoming Nigeria’s President
