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
Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing
OYO, August 1, 2026 – Muslim leaders in Oyo Kingdom on Saturday received a high-powered delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a visit that underscored growing collaboration in education, healthcare and Islamic development, with renewed commitment towards the establishment of a Muslim College of Nursing in Oyo.
The delegation was accorded a warm reception at a gathering attended by prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders from Oyo Land.
Among the dignitaries present were the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu; Ash-Shaykh Sulayman Akhyar, who served as the special guest; Ash-Shaykh Mainasaro, the Ameerul Muslimeen; the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Adebayo Kamarise; the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo Land; Khalifa Hasbunallah Al-Oyowiyy; and several other religious leaders and stakeholders.
The gathering focused on mobilising support for the proposed Muslim College of Nursing, an initiative aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare education while promoting excellence in professional training within the Muslim community.
In his welcome address, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Shaykh Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, expressed appreciation to the Saudi delegation and other distinguished guests for identifying with the vision of establishing the institution. He described the proposed college as a strategic investment in human capital development that would benefit not only Muslims but the wider society.
Also present at the event were the Muslim Ummah of Oyo Land and Fadhilatu Shaykh Dr. Rofeeu Adisa Ballo, who joined other leaders in reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the successful establishment and growth of the proposed college.
Speakers at the event stressed the importance of strengthening educational and healthcare institutions capable of producing highly skilled professionals while nurturing moral and ethical values rooted in Islamic teachings.
Special prayers were offered for the success of the proposed institution, with participants praying that Almighty Allah bless the sponsors, donors, scholars and all individuals contributing to the realisation of the project.
The visit also featured discussions on strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Muslim community in Oyo Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants emphasised the need for sustained cooperation in religious, educational and humanitarian programmes aimed at advancing the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.
In a symbolic gesture that drew commendation from attendees, the Grand Chief Imam granted approval for the head of the Saudi delegation to lead the Jumu’ah prayer at the Oyo Central Mosque, Akesan.
The honour, according to participants, reflected the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, mutual respect and unity among Muslims across national boundaries.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Imam reiterated that Islam encourages peace, dialogue and cooperation among believers, urging Muslim communities around the world to work together in promoting justice, harmony and understanding.
He said such partnerships remain essential to addressing contemporary challenges through education, religious enlightenment and community development.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, its leader expressed gratitude to the Chief Imam, traditional Muslim leadership and the people of Oyo for the warm reception accorded the visitors.
He described the opportunity to lead the Jumu’ah prayer as a great honour and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening religious cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, education and mutual understanding among Muslims.
The delegation noted that collaborations centred on education and healthcare development would contribute significantly to the growth of Muslim communities and the overall advancement of society.
The event concluded with prayers for enduring peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim Ummah.
Participants described the visit as a landmark engagement that not only reinforced the bonds of brotherhood between Oyo Muslims and their Saudi counterparts but also provided renewed momentum for the actualisation of the Muslim College of Nursing, which they said would serve generations of students and healthcare professionals.
Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun
CJN orders lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ before their names
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official dealings connected with the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, and addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.
According to the circular, the use of “Barrister” before a person’s name is considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the professional standards expected within Nigeria’s apex court.
The directive takes immediate effect and applies to official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and other formal engagements involving the Supreme Court.
The memorandum stated:
“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
The circular directed all affected persons to immediately stop using the title in official materials and communications.
It added:
“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
To ensure compliance, heads of departments and unit heads were instructed to monitor officers under their supervision and ensure that the directive is fully implemented.
The memorandum stated:
“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive is specifically focused on official dealings within the Supreme Court. Based on the wording of the memorandum, it does not amount to a nationwide ban on the use of “Barrister” by lawyers in private, social or non-Supreme Court settings.
The move is expected to generate discussion within Nigeria’s legal community, where the title “Barrister” is commonly used before the names of legal practitioners.
Supporters of the directive may view it as an effort to promote professional uniformity and align official communication with established legal and institutional standards.
The development also follows recent efforts by legal authorities to protect the integrity and professional standards of the legal profession.
The Council of Legal Education (CLE)recently warned aspiring lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council maintained that legal regalia and professional representation are regulated and should be reserved for persons who have completed the required process and have been formally admitted to practise law.
The warning was aimed at preventing the misuse of legal titles and professional symbols and preserving the dignity of the legal profession.
The latest Supreme Court directive is expected to affect how lawyers and court personnel present their names in official documents and communications involving the apex court.
Affected individuals may now be required to use their names without the “Barrister” prefix in Supreme Court correspondence, records, identity materials and other official engagements.
CJN orders lawyers to stop using ‘Barrister’ before their names
FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise
The Federal Government has announced plans to gradually phase out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of efforts to address rising debts in the power sector, improve financial sustainability and strengthen electricity supply across the country.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe disclosed the plan during a media interactive session on Friday, saying the government would introduce the changes gradually while ensuring that Nigerians continue to have access to electricity.
Tegbe said the Federal Government had received a mandate from President Bola Tinubu to clear outstanding debts in the electricity industry and establish a sustainable system that would prevent the accumulation of new obligations.
“We have the mandate of Mr President to clear the legacy debt and come up with sustainable structures to make sure this doesn’t pile up any more,” the minister said.
He expressed confidence that the government would bring an end to the current electricity subsidy arrangement in 2027 while working to improve the quality and reliability of power supply.
“I promise you, next year, by God’s grace, we will put a stop to this so-called subsidy in the power sector,” Tegbe said.
The minister assured consumers that the planned reforms would not result in a loss of access to electricity services.
According to him, the government’s objective is to reduce the financial burden created by the subsidy system while improving the performance of the electricity sector.
“Mr President, we will not deprive Nigeria of anything. We’ll make sure Nigerian consumers continue to have power and improve power services,” he added.
Tegbe also stated that there was no immediate plan to increase electricity tariffs, despite concerns that the proposed phase-out of subsidies could lead to higher electricity bills.
However, the minister did not provide details on the timetable for the subsidy withdrawal, the categories of consumers that may be affected or the measures that would be introduced to protect low-income and vulnerable households.
The planned reform comes amid growing concerns over the financial challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity industry.
The Federal Government previously estimated the cost of electricity subsidies at about ₦3 trillion as of February 2024, while power generation companies, known as GenCos, have continued to report significant unpaid obligations.
The Association of Power Generation Companies has said electricity generation companies are owed about ₦6.5 trillion, raising concerns about the financial health of the sector and its ability to sustain electricity generation.
The outstanding debts include unpaid invoices and other obligations linked to electricity supplied to the national grid.
To address the problem, President Tinubu recently approved a ₦4 trillion power sector debt reduction programme aimed at settling verified legacy debts and improving liquidity across the electricity value chain.
The programme is expected to support the payment of outstanding obligations owed to power generation companies and other participants in the sector.
In January 2026, the Federal Government issued an inaugural ₦501 billion bond under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme.
The bond was designed to help settle verified debts owed to electricity generation companies and support efforts to stabilise the sector.
On July 20, the government announced a second tranche of about ₦729 billion to settle additional verified debts owed to power generation companies.
The debt-settlement programme is expected to reduce financial pressure on electricity producers and improve their capacity to maintain operations, pay gas suppliers and invest in power infrastructure.
The proposed subsidy phase-out also aligns with recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has encouraged Nigeria to gradually reduce broad electricity subsidies and adopt more targeted support for households that need assistance.
Supporters of the reform argue that reducing subsidies could improve the financial viability of the electricity market, attract private investment and help power companies maintain and expand infrastructure.
However, consumer groups and businesses have raised concerns that higher electricity costs could increase financial pressure on households and raise operating expenses for companies.
The impact of the proposed reform may depend on the government’s ability to improve electricity supply, expand access to prepaid meters, reduce estimated billing and ensure that consumers receive better services.
Earlier this year, President Tinubu also directed ministries, departments and agencies to apply existing electricity laws in determining how subsidy costs should be shared among the federal, state and local governments in the 2026 budget.
The move is expected to support a more coordinated approach to electricity financing following reforms that expanded the role of state governments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
As the 2027 target approaches, the Federal Government is expected to provide more details on the implementation framework, consumer protection measures and the steps that will be taken to prevent the reforms from causing undue hardship.
The government will also face growing pressure to ensure that improvements in electricity generation, transmission and distribution accompany the gradual withdrawal of subsidies.
For many consumers, the success of the policy may ultimately be measured by whether it delivers more reliable electricity, fair billing, improved customer service and better value for money.
FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise
