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Archbishop Martins urges Nigerians to strengthen civic responsibility ahead of 2027

Alfred Adewale Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, has urged Nigerians to collaboratively work towards strengthening the country’s civic space in deepening democratic process as active citizens and not to surrender their voting power to politicians ahead of the 2027 general election.

Martins made this call during the recent priestly and diaconate ordination of the Archdiocese held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Ikeja, Lagos, where the Archbishop ordained six deacons to the priesthood and 14 seminarians to the diaconate.

‘We have people saying that they will not waste their time going to vote. Dear friends, in spite of the disappointments of the past, we must not become despondent. We must not become so cynical that, as citizens, we surrender our power and ability to choose the leader that we desire,’ Martins said.

He warned Nigerians against political apathy and vote-buying. According to him, politicians have started making ridiculous promises and that INEC was struggling to convince Nigerians of its impartiality.

According to him, citizens lose the moral right to hold leaders accountable if they fail to vote. ‘If people choose not to vote, they lose their right to call whoever gets into power to account.’

The Archbishop called on the Justice, Development and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese to help grow democracy by ensuring free, fair and credible elections. ‘We must ask them difficult questions.

‘And choose according to our well-informed consciences, not according to the rice, the bread, the food, that politicians are willing to offer in order to buy votes,’ he said, urging Nigerians to be ready to defend their votes from corrupt and criminal politicians, by voting when the time comes.

The Archbishop painted a grim picture of poverty and insecurity – recounting seeing people sleeping under a bridge on his way to the cathedral, and noted that many were likely victims of eviction and demolition.

Martins reminded the ordinands that priesthood and diaconate were not rewards for academic brilliance but gifts of divine mercy. Quoting Isaiah 6 and John 15:15, he urged the newly ordained to remain friends of Jesus through prayer and fidelity.

‘Your priesthood and your diaconate are not rites that you have earned; you are simply beneficiaries of the message of God – freely given to you. Authentic joy in the ministry is born not from popularity or public applause, but from fidelity to Christ and a robust prayer life,’ Martins said.

To the 14 new deacons, he said their role was to serve like Christ, ‘who came not to be served but to serve,’ and to be close to the gospel in hospitals, markets, prisons and parishes. The Archbishop described the 20 men as ‘labourers sent into the harvest’ at a time when the world and Nigeria are in dire need of hope.

‘Our local church is located in Lagos State, a state that has a population of over 20 million people, out of which only about three million are Catholics. Indeed, dear friends, the harvest is rich, but as rich as the harvest is, the labourers are few.’

He also appreciated the families of the ordinands for their sacrifice. ‘You have allowed your sons to go where many fear to walk. Do not stop praying for them. Do not ask them to choose between their priesthood and your approval,’ Martins pleaded, and entrusted the new clergy to the Blessed Virgin Mary, ‘Queen of the clergy,’ praying that Christ would remain ‘the joy of your priesthood and the strength of your diaconate.’

Martins in his homily said that the ordination was taking place at a time of global instability; citing ongoing wars between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and tensions between the US and Iran, and the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

‘With instabilities in many parts of the world, natural disasters such as unusually heavy rainfalls that bring about floods, mudslides and even refuse dump collapses, the world needs peace and a message of hope,’ he stated.

Warriors overpower Huskers

GENRAL Santos City overpowered Quezon, 84-67, on Saturday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Polomolok Gymnasium in South Cotabato.

Anton Eusebio had 18 points, Larry Rodriguez scores 14 and Marwin Dionisio added 12 as the Warriors improved their win-loss record to 16-5.

Quezon dropped to 16-4.

The Huskers got 14 points from Christian Pagaran, and 11 from Rodel Gravera.

MPBL founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao saw the action from the spectator stands, to the delight of the over 8,000 fans.

Binan won by forfeiture over Caloocan to climb to 20-4 and second spot in the South division.

Caloocan dropped to 18-4 and third place in the North division.

The MPBL said they Caloocan Batang Kankaloo management will be asked to explain the non-appearance.

Ancient rock paintings discovered in Nong Bua Lamphu cave

Fine Arts officials have inspected newly found rock paintings believed to be around 4,000 years old in a cave behind a forest monastery in Na Wang district of this northeastern province, in what archaeologists say could be an important addition to Thailand’s prehistoric heritage.

The paintings were documented during a survey on Friday led by Tippawan Wongassapaiboon, an archaeologist with the Fine Arts Department’s 8th Regional Office in Khon Kaen. It followed reports of previously undocumented rock art being found in Pha Wiang Cave, located behind Wat Tham Pha Wiang in tambon Na Kae.

The paintings are on a rock face near the entrance to Thammart Cave, a smaller cave opposite the monastery’s main Pha Wiang Cave. Using image-enhancement software and on-site analysis, archaeologists identified several prehistoric red paintings, including four monkeys climbing vines and a gaur depicted below them.

Researchers also found evidence of at least two later phases of painting superimposed over the original images, along with two handprints believed to have been left by an adult and a child.

Ms Tippawan said the artwork may reflect what prehistoric communities encountered in their daily lives, including wild animals, hunting practices and ritual activities. She said the cave wall may have served as a place where hunting knowledge and survival skills were passed down between generations.

“The handprints may have been part of ancient rituals or a way for people to mark their presence at the site. In today’s terms, it would be similar to checking in at a location,” she said. (Story continues below)

– Clues to a wider prehistoric network –

The survey also uncovered fragments of pottery decorated with incised patterns similar to artefacts found at the Unesco World Heritage site of Ban Chiang in neighbouring Udon Thani province. Archaeologists believe the discovery could help trace links among prehistoric communities across what is now upper northeastern Thailand, from Loei province through Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani, with Pha Wiang potentially serving as an important point along an ancient cultural route.

Ms Tippawan said visitors must not touch the paintings or remove any artefacts from the area. “A single object can tell us a great deal about the past. If evidence is lost, important archaeological information may disappear with it,” she said.

The site is being considered for further study and possible registration as an archaeological site.

– Artefacts collection –

Phra Khru Wichai Phatthanakit, abbot of Wat Tham Pha Wiang, has collected and preserved numerous artefacts found in nearby caves, including decorated pottery, ancient jars, polished stone axes, beads and large bone fragments, to prevent them from being lost or illegally removed.

Officials are expected to return for a more detailed examination of the finds, which could yield further insights into prehistoric life in the region.

Oyetola orders quick disbursement of $700m ship fund after BusinessDay report

Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s minister of Marine and Blue Economy has directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to work with participating banks to speed up disbursement of the $700 million Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), weeks after BusinessDay reported that shipowners were still waiting for their first payout after 7 months of application.

The ministry said Sunday that NIMASA had received 92 applications for the fund, with 20 submitted to the fund’s 12 approved Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs). Only one has been reviewed and submitted back to NIMASA for approval so far.

The CVFF was established under Nigeria’s 2003 Cabotage Act to help indigenous operators acquire and build vessels and expand Nigerian participation in coastal shipping. Eligible fully Nigerian-owned operators can apply for up to $25 million. The fund accumulated for more than two decades without a functioning disbursement process before the government revived the scheme in January this year with an application portal.

BusinessDay reported in August that as many as 60 shipowners had applied, but no funding had yet been disbursed after over 200 days. Shipowners were promised that the entire process would not exceed 90 days.

The paper was informed that although operators were informed in January that they could start applying for the fund through a portal, the process did not become operational for several months due to some ‘fine-tuning’ being completed between the banks and NIMASA.

NIMASA did not comment when contacted.

Under the financing structure, shipowners contribute 15 percent of project costs as equity, NIMASA provides 50 percent, while the PLIs finance the remaining 35 percent and assume the credit risk.

The 12 banks must assess applicants for creditworthiness before successful applications are returned to NIMASA for further review and approval.

Zenith Bank, one of the PLIs told BusinessDay in earlier reporting that it had processed five applications for vessels serving the oil and gas cabotage trade, with three considered successful and expected to be submitted to NIMASA. It is not certain if this is connected to what has now been reported by the ministry.

Due to the risk factor, Zenith Bank said it only prioritises applications in which the vessel has a clear commercial purpose, preferably backed by a contract or identifiable business opportunity.

Oyetola said the government’s intervention was intended to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, create jobs and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign vessel operators.

Each year, Nigeria transports over 180 million tons of seaborne trade, generating more than $6 billion in freight revenue, 80 percent of which goes to foreign firms.

The ministry estimates that the vessel-financing initiative could generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across shipyards, marine engineering and maritime logistics.

If approved by NIMASA, the application passes to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for final approval. If the ministry does not make a decision in 30 days, NIMASA has veto power to do so.

3 Siblings Found Dead In Ondo

A family in Akure, Ondo State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of three siblings whose bodies were discovered near a stream on a farm around the Owena Army Barracks area.

The deceased were identified as 11-year-old twins, Joshua Jonah and Jacob Jonah, and their five-year-old sister, Blessing Jonah.

The children reportedly accompanied their father, Samuel Jonah, to the farm on Friday.

They were said to have left the farm for home ahead of their father, but concerns were raised when they failed to arrive home. Their disappearance subsequently prompted an intensive search by family members, neighbours and other concerned residents.

The search ended in tragedy on Saturday when the lifeless bodies of the three children were discovered near the bank of a small river within the farm.

The incident plunged the family into grief, with sympathisers trooping to the parents’ residence in the Oke Ogba area of Akure to offer their condolences.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the children.

According to him, ‘The Ondo State Police Command confirms the tragic loss of three siblings at a farm located around the Owena Army Barracks, Akure, on 4th September 2026.

‘The victims, identified as Joshua Jonah, 11 years; Jacob Jonah, 11 years, (twins) and Blessing Jonah, five years, reportedly accompanied their father, Samuel Jonah, to the farm.

‘They later left the farm for home, but were discovered missing when their father returned home.’

Abayomi explained that a search operation was immediately launched after the children were reported missing, leading to the discovery of their bodies the following day.

‘A search was subsequently conducted and on 5th September 2026, the bodies of the three children were discovered around the bank of a small river within the farm,’ he said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the remains had been released to the family for burial, while efforts were ongoing to establish the exact cause of death.

‘The command is continuing to document the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident, while investigation is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances leading to their death,’ Abayomi added.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children, particularly when they are around rivers, ponds and other potentially hazardous water bodies.

Co-payment scheme in final stretch

The government has urged beneficiaries of the “Thais Help Thais Plus” co-payment scheme to use their remaining entitlements before the programme ends, as cumulative spending has surged to more than 138 billion baht and generated income for nearly 1.2 million participating businesses.

Government deputy spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana, said on Saturday that as of 11pm on Friday, cumulative spending under the programme had reached 138.38 billion baht. A total of 26.04 million people had received entitlements, while 1,192,565 merchants had passed verification and joined the scheme.

The programme operates on a 60:40 co-payment basis, with the government covering 60% of eligible purchases and beneficiaries paying the remaining 40%.

The scheme was intended to ease the cost of living while stimulating consumer spending and distributing income to small retailers, restaurants and community businesses nationwide.

Of the 138.38 billion baht spent so far, the government has contributed 79.51 billion baht, comprising 76.60 billion baht spent through general merchants and 2.90 billion baht through food-delivery services.

Beneficiaries have contributed 58.87 billion baht, including 56.62 billion baht spent at participating shops and 2.26 billion baht through food-delivery platforms.

Combined government and consumer spending through food-delivery services has generated 5.16 billion baht in transactions, providing an additional sales channel for participating businesses.

Ms Lalida said the programme had helped expand both physical and online sales opportunities for small businesses, while injecting money into local economies across the country.

“With the programme now entering its final month, the government urges eligible people who still have remaining balances to check their entitlements and plan their spending within the specified period,” Ms Lalida said.

She said spending under the scheme would not only help reduce household expenses but also channel income to small businesses, allowing money to continue circulating through the wider economy.

The government also urged beneficiaries to check their remaining balances and the conditions governing use of the entitlement, and to spend at participating businesses according to their needs before the programme expires.

The government said making full use of the remaining entitlements during the final month would help maximise benefits for consumers while providing additional income and sales opportunities for small businesses.

Uganda sets up research task forces to guide policy and spending

Uganda has set up two research task forces to generate evidence that will guide government policymaking, budgeting and public service delivery, the Ministry of Public Service said.

The Institutional Research Agenda (IRA) and Social Economic Research Agenda (SERA) task forces were inaugurated in Kampala on Thursday by Public Service Minister Gen. (Rtd) Katumba Wamala.

The task forces will seek to bridge gaps between research findings and government action, with the SERA team focusing on socioeconomic research and the IRA team coordinating institutional research across government.

The IRA task force will review existing research priorities, identify knowledge gaps, coordinate stakeholders and develop a comprehensive research agenda aligned with national development priorities and government strategies.

It will also propose funding mechanisms and oversee the validation and finalisation of the agenda for government approval.

The SERA task force will generate data to inform policy formulation and spending decisions while identifying local priorities to help ensure government programmes respond to citizens’ needs.

Wamala said the Institutional Research Agenda would be reviewed every five years to keep it aligned with emerging policy challenges and national priorities.

‘The Institutional Research Agenda will be reviewed every five years to ensure it remains relevant to emerging policy issues and national priorities,’ he said.

The minister said the research framework would support Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and its long-term strategy for expanding the economy tenfold.

‘The fourth National Development Plan, and the ten-fold growth strategy, these are very key for us to always, whatever we are doing, we should not lose focus of those,’ Wamala said.

The SERA task force consists of technical officials from the Ministry of Public Service, while the IRA task force draws members from different government ministries and agencies to coordinate cross-cutting research priorities.

The government expects socioeconomic research to strengthen planning, budgeting, programme implementation and performance management in the medium term, while supporting industrialisation, job creation, human capital development and public sector productivity over the longer term.

Robert Ngobi, manager of policy research at the National Planning Authority, said Uganda’s government had committed to increasing funding for research to 1% of gross domestic product (GDP), from an estimated 0.4% to 0.5% currently.

He said inadequate documentation and coordination had made it difficult to determine and finance research needs across government institutions.

‘There are institutions whose primary mandate is research, and they have their financing mechanism, like National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCCRI) among others, who get 30 billion shillings every year, but the problem has been documentation,’ Ngobi said.

Ngobi said the development of a National Research Framework and National Research Agenda would make it easier for the government to determine research funding needs and integrate research into institutional development plans.

State Minister for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto urged members of the two task forces to develop specific research agendas that are inclusive, consultative and evidence-driven.

The initiative is part of government efforts to strengthen the use of research and evidence in policy and development planning.

2027: If Elected, I’ll Crash Petrol Price To N200 Per Litre – Adebayo

Presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, says prices of petrol, cooking gas and aviation fuel, otherwise known as Jet A1, will be reduced to N200 per litre if elected president in 2027.

Adebayo made the promise while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series on Sunday in Abuja.

He said ????????that the proposed reduction would be achieved in 12 months by reviving local refineries and creating enabling environment for modular refineries to thrive in the country.

According to him, Nigeria’s refineries, which are barely 50 years old, are still very serviceable and can function to serve the country, noting that refineries in the United States that are more than 100 years old are still operational. Adebayo said that he would also restore the original subsidy regime which reserved 450,000 barrels of crude oil for local consumption.

‘All other derivatives from the 450,000 barrels like naphtha, heavy fuel oil, diesel, kerosene, etc. will be sold and the money used to maintain the regime price,’ he said.

The presidential candidate insisted that the current debate over petrol subsidy was distracting attention from the fundamental problems confronting Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The country’s priority, he said, should be how to develop sufficient domestic refining capacity rather than continued importation of refined petroleum products at international prices.

Adebayo argued that Nigeria had an advantage because it possessed crude oil resources and existing refining infrastructure, saying that the country should be refining crude locally rather than relying heavily on imported products.

‘SDP will pick cooking gas, petrol and Jet A1; those three, we will put them under a regime where the price does not go past N200.

‘We will go to the National Assembly and demand to see that all the other derivatives that come from it like naphtha and all others, when we sell them, we use the money to equalise the price,’ he said.

The presidential candidate said that under his administration, if elected president, Nigerians would not be discussing fuel subsidy as it was not a government economic programme.

He dismissed the argument that subsidy removal would, by itself, solve Nigeria’s fiscal problems, describing the subsidy debate as a ‘red herring’.

Adebayo said that government must instead focus on ensuring that the country’s refineries work and that additional modular refineries are established to serve local markets.

He linked the proposed reduction in petroleum prices to the broader transportation policy, saying that his administration would expand public transportation and rail services to reduce Nigerians’ dependence on private vehicles.

Adebayo proposed a system under which workers and students could use employment and student identification cards linked to public transportation services without paying, while employers would contribute six per cent of workers’ salaries toward transportation.

He said that such measures, alongside cheaper petrol and aviation fuel, would reduce the cost of movement and stimulate economic activities.

Adebayo further pledged that under an SDP government, cost of housing would be limited to seven per cent of workers’ salaries, alongside free education and healthcare.

Washington War: What Tinubu, Atiku’s $10m lobbying largesse means for Nigerians

Far from the campaign rallies, political meetings and roadside posters taking shape across Nigeria, another contest is unfolding in the corridors of power in the United States, where lobbyists are being paid to shape narratives, open doors and influence policymakers.

Publicly disclosed and reported filings under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) show that more than $10 million has been committed to US lobbying efforts linked to the two camps surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar since December 2025.

Atiku earlier this year hired Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. for $1.2 million to protect and strengthen his ‘reputational standing’ in the United States. One of the stated objectives of the engagement is to ‘counterbalance’ the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives.

By July, the firm said it had begun providing members of the Donald Trump administration, Congress and senior congressional staff with historical US Department of Justice records relating to a 1993 drug-trafficking asset forfeiture case linked to Tinubu.

More than 60 pages of DOJ records were reportedly submitted as the firm sought to bring the documents to the attention of Trump and members of Congress.

Far from the campaign rallies, political meetings and roadside posters taking shape across Nigeria, another contest is unfolding in the corridors of power in the United States, where lobbyists are being paid to shape narratives, open doors and influence policymakers.

Publicly disclosed and reported filings under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) show that more than $10 million has been committed to US lobbying efforts linked to the two camps surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar since December 2025.

Atiku earlier this year hired Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. for $1.2 million to protect and strengthen his ‘reputational standing’ in the United States. One of the stated objectives of the engagement is to ‘counterbalance’ the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives.

By July, the firm said it had begun providing members of the Donald Trump administration, Congress and senior congressional staff with historical US Department of Justice records relating to a 1993 drug-trafficking asset forfeiture case linked to Tinubu.

More than 60 pages of DOJ records were reportedly submitted as the firm sought to bring the documents to the attention of Trump and members of Congress.

What does N14bn mean to a poor Nigerian?

For a lobbyist in Washington, millions of dollars can mean access: meetings with policymakers, strategic communication, media engagement and efforts to influence the perception of a country or politician.

For a Nigerian household struggling with poverty, the same money carries a different meaning.

The World Bank estimates that 143 million Nigerians could be living below the national poverty line in 2026.

Against that backdrop, N14 billion may appear small when measured against Nigeria’s enormous population and the size of the federal budget. But when broken down into targeted interventions, the figure becomes more tangible.

At N1million each, for instance, N14billion could theoretically provide N1million in capital to 14,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, farmers or unemployed young Nigerians.

It would not guarantee that all 14,000 businesses survive or create sustainable jobs. But for a young Nigerian who has an idea but lacks the capital to buy equipment, a farmer unable to purchase inputs or a small business owner struggling to expand, N1million can represent the difference between remaining informal and taking the next step.

The same money could be channelled into primary healthcare. Nigeria’s primary healthcare centres remain the frontline of the health system, particularly for poor and rural communities. Many operate with shortages of medicines, equipment, electricity, water and health workers.

A portion of N14 billion directed at upgrading and equipping selected centres could mean functioning laboratories, maternity units, solar power, essential drugs and basic diagnostic equipment.

How Rivers’ N1.854trn 2026 budget gathered supersonic speed in Assembly, signed into law

Less than 72 hours after BusinessDaySunday’s special report on possibility of Rivers State joining the status of an ‘ungoverned territory’, the state’s 2026 budget which had caused uproar for not being looked into by the state’s House of Assembly, was debated, approved, and signed into law.

The speed was described by some observers as ‘supersonic’ for the fact that the budget had remained ‘abandoned’ since July 10, 2026, only to gain speed after media uproar.

By Monday, August 31, 2026, the House led by Martin Amaewhule picked it up and began action. By Wednesday, talks were more serious, and by Thursday, September 3, 2026, the budget was transmitted to the Government House for signing.

This, again, has demonstrated the power of public opinion, or what the voice of the masses can do.

Friends again: Gov Sim Fubara in warm handshake with Martin Amaewhule, Speaker, backed by others.

Friends again: Gov Sim Fubara in warm handshake with Martin Amaewhule, Speaker, backed by others.

A Government House statement signed by Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, aroused the people of the state announcing that the governor just signed the budget into law.

He said that Governor Fubara described it as ‘a breath of fresh air’ and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the state.

Fubara was quoted thus: ‘First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward.’

The governor was said to have commended the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly particularly, for their diligence and speed in handling the budget at a critical time in the state’s history.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, to the ‘Rivers First’ mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.

‘I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,’ he said.

Fubara, who was said to have had a meeting with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when the budget was stranded, publicly commended his once-estranged godfather for facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law. Probably to show that the impasse was purely a political battle, the governor appreciated his family for their support, noting that governance was a collective responsibility.

Major Jack, majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had earlier presented the bill to the Governor for assent, said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it would be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.

In a remark shortly after the bill had been signed, Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, commended Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the Fubara administration was prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

It is not clear what the Speaker saw that convinced him that Governor Fubara was truly committed to moving the state forward.

Rumours were rife that the lawmakers placed a demand of N500million for each member. Other sources mentioned demands of an SUV vehicle to each member.

Though no source was ready to confirm these openly spoken demands, it was gathered that the total liability of the budget to the lawmakers was to be N204bn. Many said it was to be for ‘constituency projects’ the banner name under which elephants can be covered.

It is not clear whether the ‘demands’ were agreed or not, but the speed of the passage showed that ‘peace’ had truly been achieved.

What seemed to give signs of political interference in the budget process is the alleged rejection of N6bn subvention to Peter Odili’s PAMO Medical University. Many hailed the rejection but some other pointed out that the tradition was started by the same camp (Wike’s) that was now against it. They also pointed out that the lawmakers would need to track its origin and probably punish the administration that initiated it.

Fubara had however, once backed the subventions to PAMO, saying it was necessary because the state stopped foreign scholarships and resorted to awarding scholarships to 100 indigenes to study medical courses at home (at PAMO).

Financials

FAAC N936bn or N78bn per month

IGR: N437bn or 40bn per month

Loans: N382BN

Budget details: While presenting the budget on Friday, July 10, 2026, Fubara placed the total estimated revenue for the year at N1.8 trillion but gave total expenditure at N1.85trn.

He said the 2026 budget, titled ‘Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,’ is the result of considerable public participation in a shared vision for building an economically resilient, thriving and prosperous Rivers State.

Fubara said that despite the challenges confronting the state, ‘The machinery of governance has continued to function, and we have made significant progress in our priority areas of road infrastructure, human capital development, as well as in the security of lives and property.’

The governor said the total projected revenue for the 2026 fiscal year N1.85trn only. ‘This means our proposed total operating revenue for 2026 is projected to increase by 24.49 percent over the 2025 adjusted budget projections, due to possible increases in returns from FAAC, derivation funds and internally generated revenue, as the national economic outlook continues to show positive growth,’ he said.

Fubara noted that the details of the 2026 Budget assumptions and fiscal objectives were outlined in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework 2026-2028, which he said the House had already considered.

He listed projected revenue and sources as follows: Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) N487.6bn; total FAAC allocation, including derivation funds, value-added tax and exchange gain N936.0bn; opening and closing balances N48.1bn; and total capital receipts, including domestic loans, grants and asset sales N382.5bn; with total projected revenue placed at N1.85trn.

Fubara further said a total of N413.1bn was allocated to recurrent expenditure.

A breakdown of recurrent expenditure included: total personnel costs, including salaries for ministries, departments and parastatals N154.7bn; new recruitments N15.2bn; consolidated revenue fund charges N772.9m; overheads for MDAs N36.7m; grants, contributions and subsidies N9.7bn; gratuities N20bn; death benefits N7.bn; and monthly pensions N55bn.

Others include Employee Compensation Act N4bn; legacy pension gratuities N20bn; group life insurance N5bn; interest on domestic loans N28bn; interest on foreign loans N6.5bn; short-term domestic loan principal repayment N3.9bn; long-term domestic loan principal repayment N30.4bn; and foreign loans principal repayment N15.7bn, totalling N413.1bn.

Fubara added: ‘Mr. Speaker may wish to note that we have proposed at least a 50% increase in overhead expenditure, to be enacted immediately once the budget becomes law.’

He said the sum of N1.4trn is allocated to capital expenditure. The sectoral breakdown is as follows: Administration N278.7bn, Economic N625.9bn, Law and Justice N65.3bn, and Social N435.4bn, totalling N1.4trn.

Fubara noted that ‘the capital budget has increased from N713.7bn in 2025 to N1.4trn in 2026, saying it is a 22.49% rise in infrastructure services expenditure.

‘Major capital expenditure is planned in the following areas: Works and Infrastructure N533.3bn, Educational Development N315bn, Healthcare Delivery N105.4bn, Rivers State House of Assembly N41.5bn, Rivers State Judiciary N30bn, Agriculture N19.3bn, Power N15bn, Chieftaincy and Community Development N8.5bn, Sports N8bn, Youths N7bn, Women Affairs N6.5bn, and Environment and Sustainable Development N6.6bn.’

Fubara made it clear that his administration did not tolerate mismanagement at any level. ‘We have wisely utilised public funds to provide services, attract investment, create jobs, and offer socio-economic opportunities for our people.

He said the budget has proposed at least a 50 percent increase in overhead expenditure, to be enacted immediately once the budget becomes law. He said the N15bn has been provided for payment of new employees.

Now that the budget has been signed, many expect faster speed in implementation and project execution, especially as the rains would begin to recede. The state’s construction window is usually from November to May.