Category: PM News

By Abbas Bamalli

The Katsina State Government says it plans to shore up its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), to about N140 billion by 2026.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Malik Anas, disclosed this at the launch of the ‘State of States 2025 Report’ by BudgIT in Abuja.

Mr Shuaibu Sada, the spokesperson of the state’s International Revenue Service (KT-IRS), announced this in a statement on Thursday in Katsina.

ccording to the commissioner, the state’s IGR rose from 10 billion in 2021, to 24 billion in 2024. But he acknowledged that this remained below the state’s extant revenue potential.

He said the government was adopting a community-driven tax system and data-based planning to link revenue collection directly to visible development outcomes at the grassroots.

“We now use tax proceeds to fund community projects so people can see the value of what they contribute.

“We’ve also introduced an e-invoice system for real-time tax assessment and payment, reducing leakages and improving compliance,”Anas.was quoted as adding.

He emphasised that Katsina state was building a comprehensive enterprises’ data warehouse to capture all small and medium-sized businesses, strengthen projections, and broaden the tax base.

“By 2026, we expect to generate up to 140 billion annually, if our data and digital systems are fully implemented,” he said.

(NAN)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has said that the newly approved 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel is not a burden on Nigerians but a deliberate strategy to rebuild the country’s energy independence.

In a detailed post on X, Dare described the tariff as a “bold and strategic move” aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape and reducing the nation’s long-standing dependence on imported fuel.

ccording to him, Nigeria has for years relied heavily on imported petroleum products despite being a major crude oil producer, a practice that drains foreign exchange and exports jobs that should have been created locally.

He said the new import duty policy was designed to reverse that pattern by encouraging local refining, boosting domestic capacity, and ensuring that the nation’s oil wealth directly benefits Nigerians.

Dare noted that by making imported fuel less competitive, the government is shifting the market in favour of local refineries such as the Dangote Refinery and modular plants, creating a foundation for a more self-sustaining and resilient energy sector.

He added that as local refining expands and supply improves, Nigerians should expect gradual price moderation alongside a rise in industrial activity, investments, and employment opportunities across the value chain.

The former Minister of Youth and Sports Development stressed that the new policy reflects President Tinubu’s long-term economic vision to strengthen the naira, secure Nigeria’s energy future, and ensure that the oil sector contributes directly to national growth.

Dare wrote that the move is “a bridge not a burden, leading the country from dependence to independence, from vulnerability to strength.”

He concluded by expressing confidence that the measure would accelerate Nigeria’s transition into an energy-secure nation capable of meeting both domestic and regional fuel demands.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued 23 foreign nationals held captive in Nasarawa State and arrested 14 suspected kidnappers.

ccording to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation took place around 8 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba. The Scorpion Squad led the raid.

“The operation followed reports that foreigners were lured into Nigeria with promises of lucrative jobs and then held hostage. Their abductors demanded ransom payments via WhatsApp and other online platforms,” SP Adeh said.

Preliminary investigations show that the syndicate was coordinated by Abubakar Jigiba, a transnational criminal with bases in Ca’te d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria. His brother, Sougule Zoubere, managed recruitment, kidnapping, and smuggling of victims from Mali into Nigeria.

The group allegedly demanded four million CFA (around 10 million) per victim and confined them in two fortified apartments under harsh conditions.

Of the 23 victims rescued–14 men, eight women, and one child–only one sustained a minor ear injury and was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja.

Those arrested include Bubakari Cisse, Karamogo Dembele, Musa Kamsoko, Amadou Traore, Sareba Traore, Zoumana Diara, Umar Koulibaly, Alasgara Sagara, Berthe Saidu, Abdullahi Napo, Isah Goita, Lorita Traore, Mohammed Siaaibe, and Haruna Dembele.

Efforts are ongoing to capture Jigiba and Zoubere, who remain at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, praised the Scorpion Squad and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) signed three landmark agreements on Thursday to boost investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, broaden vaccine access, and strengthen reproductive health systems across West Africa.

Speaking at the NigeriaEU Health Investment Forum and Signing Ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, stated that the partnership represents “a platform that embodies our shared aspiration for a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous world through the EU-Nigeria partnership.”

He explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding: “Our shared vision is to build a stronger and more competitive pharmaceutical sector that drives innovation, job creation, and mutual prosperity.”

Referring to findings from the World BankIFC Country Private Sector Diagnostic Report (2025), the Minister emphasised Nigeria’s considerable potential for pharmaceutical growth and investment.

“Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing subsector holds enormous potential for technology transfer, value addition, and employment generation,” he said, noting that the government remains focused on policies that “encourage private-sector investment and long-term economic transformation.”

He further stated that Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 aims to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030, driven by private-sector participation and reforms that enhance stability and competitiveness.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional courage by undertaking the difficult but necessary reforms to put our economy on the right track,” the minister said.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Health (Office of the Vice President), Dr Uju Rochas, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the agreements as “a turning point in Nigeria’s health investment journey.”

She said: “Our message is clear — Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has declared that Nigeria’s health transformation will not be driven by aid and dependency, but by ownership, accountability, and innovation — made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians.”

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, praised the partnership as evidence of a new cooperation model, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting health resilience and local production through the Global Gateway Initiative.

The three agreements that have been signed are:

ELM-N Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria

QUALIMEDS Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards

SRHR-WA Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights in West Africa

These agreements build upon the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), launched in 2023, which aims to achieve 70% domestic production of essential medicines by 2030, supported by fiscal incentives such as the 2024 Executive Order waiving tariffs and VAT on pharmaceutical machinery and raw materials.

“Nigeria should be the first destination for any investor seeking growth in Africa. This partnership is a reflection of President Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous, self-reliant, and globally competitive Nigeria,” Bagudu stated at the ceremony that was attended by senior Nigerian and EU officials, development partners, and business leaders.

Femi Fabunmi

As the 2025 Opeifa Cup, Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Competition reaches it climax today, Aje Senior High School will battle with Whitesand College in a penultimate final at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park,Yaba, Lagos.

With defending champions, Aje coming into the battle with a lot of experience,full of confidence, precision and clinical finishes in front of goal. They need to maintain their rhythm and win convincingly if they want to secure a back-to-back victory against Whitesand College.

In the first semi-final, Aje Senior School overpowered Government College Eric More with a convincing result of 13-4, while the second semi-final saw Whitesand Senior Secondary School triumph over Lagos City College with a scoreline of 12-8.

In the Senior girls category final, United Christian College will be in tango with Jagunmolu Senior girls.

Meanwhile, in the junior category final boys, Whitesand Junior College will be in encounter with Aje Comprehensive Junior College. The girls category is Herbert Macaulay against Igbobi College.

Speaking after cruising to the final, Captain of Aje Senior High School, David Ayobami said he is very excited to be part of the 2025 Lagos Handball Competition particularly representing his school at this level.

“When the game started l was very scared because all eyes are on Aje School. They want to see how we’re going to do it as a formidable team but we were able to trounce our opponents,” said Ayobami.

yobami noted that with the support of his teammates and instructions from their caoch they are going to win the title in the senior category and take the trophy to the principal.

To Adeyemo Ibrahim, Captain of Ikeja Junior High School was also full of praise as a football lover to have found himself playing Handball.

“This is my first time of playing Handball as a football player. I was introduced to the game by our PHE teacher just before the competition to channel my round leather game skills to it. I had the dream that l can play handball at the national level and even beyond”.

Ibrahim thanked the Lagos State government and organisers of the championship for the opportunity to participate at the Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Competition.

In the third place matches, senior boys category, Lagos City College vs Government College Eric More and in the junior category Ikeja Junior High School square off against Ijaiye Housing Junior School. Senior girls category, Lagos City College playing Government College Agege while in the junior girls category United Christian Junior School set a date with Government College.

s the 2025 Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Championship, which took place from October 27th-31st, winding down (today), it serves as yet another platform to promote the game through the school system while providing students with an opportunity to combine education and sports.

By Alaba Olusola Oke

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Thursday in Akure presented brand new Toyota SUVs to traditional rulers across the state, describing it as an effort to protect and advance welfare of traditional institution.

iyedatiwa stated that the gesture was to make a historic milestone in collective journey towards the progress and elevation of every traditional kinship stool to an enviable height.

He appreciated the traditional rulers in the state for the tremendous support accorded his administration in maintaining peace and security in their various domains.

“As the custodians of our rich cultural heritage, the preservers of our values and the closest link between government and the grassroots, our administration recognises your importance and cannot afford to neglect your welfare.

“Within the first year of our tenure, our government completed the long-abandoned project for the construction of a befitting secretariat for the meetings and other activities of our royal fathers.

“This achievement, coupled with the prompt payment of the statutory five per cent of total fund allocation to the 18 local government areas of the state from the federation accounts to our traditional institutions underscores our firm dedication to your course.

Today, all grade ‘A’ Obas will go home with a Toyota Fortuner Jeep, 2025 Model while all Grade “B and C” Obas will later receive a Toyota Cross Jeep 2025 Model: both are among the latest-model of the globally respected Toyota brand, ” he said.

ccording to him, the vehicles are symbols of dignity, honour and respect to traditional rulers.

He, therefore, solicited for the continued support of the traditional leaders, assuring them of government’s commitment to continue prioritise their welfare.

lso speaking, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said that the gesture was to appreciate and recognise the invaluable roles of the traditional institution to the government.

Takuro noted that the traditional rulers had continued to ensure promotion of peace, unity and community development across the state.

He thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of better welfare to the traditional rulers.

The commissioner urged the traditional rulers to make good use of the vehicles.

In his appreciation, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said that the gesture was quite befitting.

Oba Ogunoye, who is the state Chairman Council of Obas, stated that the governor had always been a surprise to the traditional rulers in good deeds.

He promised that the traditional rulers would continue to be partners in progress with the government.

(NAN)

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) designed to strengthen staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

This is contained in a statement made in Abuja on Friday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo, while quoting the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on the milestone, said the welfare was an initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

lausa said the programme had transitioned from planning to full implementation, with more than 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions receiving payments in the first year.

This, he said represented 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 Federal and State tertiary institutions across the federation.

lausa said the first phase of disbursement covered both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to supporting all categories of staff in the nation’s higher education institutions.

“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions- for welfare, for productivity, and for the future.

“Within just four months, payments have started going out. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support and commitment to staff welfare,” Alausa said.

lausa emphasised that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as an investment in the nation’s knowledge economy.

“This Fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to transparency, pledging quarterly financial reporting, institutional engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all funds were effectively utilised and repaid to expand access for more beneficiaries in the future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, launched in August 2025, following a high-level stakeholder engagement in July is a key component of the federal government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI)

It is designed to enhance morale, performance, and institutional excellence within the tertiary education sector.

Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to N10 million in concessionary zero-interest loans to tackle essential livelihood and productivity needs, including housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.

(NAN)

By Aderemi Bamgbose

The Police Command in Ondo State has commended investigation into an alleged arson attack at a warehouse in Okitipupa that destroyed prepaid electricity meters worth over 10 million.

Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesperson for the command, made this known in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

yanlade said that an arson attack on the prepaid meter warehouse was a grievous offence and the arsonists would not go unpunished.

“We have launched investigation into the arson incident on the prepaid meter warehouse.

“The public should be rest assured that the culprits will face the law after the conclusion of our investigation,” Ayanlade said.

NAN recalls that a warehouse belonging to one of the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) accredited by the Ondo State Government to supply prepaid meters under the O’DATIWA Metering Scheme was set ablaze on Monday by unknown persons.

The warehouse, owned by Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, is located on Barracks Road, Okitipupa, and was said to have contained over 100 Active Energy Prepaid Meters worth N10 million, which was destroyed in the inferno.

Meanwhile, Mr Henry Akinbola-Oyinbo, the Managing Director, Active Achievers Nigeria Limited told journalists that residents in the neighbourhood could not salvage anything from the facility due to the raging fire.

“We were informed early in the morning that a raging fire was consuming our warehouse.

“Our Active Energy Prepaid Meters, though the best and most affordable in the market at the moment, are not inflammable, and as such could not have caught fire without someone deliberately setting it ablaze.

“This is so devastating that agents of darkness could strike in this manner.

“Most disheartening is the commendable initiative of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to end estimated billing for energy consumers in Ondo State through the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme, which some bad elements appear determined to frustrate,” he lamented.

kinbola-Oyinbo, however, called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the perpetrators.

(NAN)

By Amen Gajira

House of Representatives member, Daniel Amos on Friday announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over expectations that his people in Southern Kaduna will benefit more if they support the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He said the President has already demonstrated love for the Southern Kaduna people with the citing of a federal university and medical centre in the area.

“President Bola Tinubu has shown from day one that he is a true leader who recognises us as a people.

“He has given us the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, which made our decision an easy one.

“These are clear signs that if Southern Kaduna supports Tinubu in 2027, the region will benefit even more,” Amos who represents Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency said.

Rep Daniel Amos spoke to journalists in Kafanchan, shortly after tendering his resignation letter to the PDP.

The lawmaker, who chairs the Committee on House Services, explained that his decision to join the APC was informed by the need to align with the centre to attract more developments to his constituency.

He cited the internal party conflict within the PDP as another reason for his defection, adding that his decision followed wide consultation with his constituents.

“We looked at the crisis in the PDP and decided to look for an alternative platform in the interest of our people.

“I can confirm that we have gotten that the agreement of our people to move to the APC so we can better their lives.

“I believe that what we are doing is not only divine but something that all of us as a people will gather some day and thank God for the wisdom to take this decision at this time,” he added.

On whether he received assurances before joining his new party, the lawmaker answered in the affirmative.

“It is true that we were promised that when we join the government at the centre, both at the state and federal level, our zone will get it’s fair share of resources,” he stated

Danie Amos reiterated his commitment to prioritising the welfare and interests of his constituents over and above all political considerations.

mos, along with other high profile PDP defectors from Southern Kaduna, would be formally received into the APC by Vice-President Kashim

Shettima, Gov. Uba Sani, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajjudeen Abbas, at a grand ceremony in Kafanchan on Saturday.

(NAN)

By Obinna Unaeze

The Anambra State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for the suspected abductors of a medical doctor kidnapped on Thursday in Uruagu, Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Awka.

ccording to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a full-scale investigation and directed tactical teams to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred on October 30, when unidentified assailants abducted the medical doctor under yet-to-be-determined circumstances,” the statement read.

Ikenga noted that the police were actively pursuing all leads, while assuring the public that every effort was being made to secure the victim’s release.

The commissioner, Orutugu called on residents, particularly those in Nnewi and its environs, to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement by providing credible information that could aid the investigation.

He urged anyone with useful details to contact the nearest police station, the Command Control Room via 07039194332, or the PPRO through 08039334002 for prompt assistance.

“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents and will not relent until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Orutugu assured.