Category: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State generated over N803 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2026, as the state government recorded strong internally generated revenue performance and improved fiscal stability amid ongoing economic reforms.

According to the Lagos State 2026 Q1 Budget Implementation Report released by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the state posted a cumulative recurrent revenue performance of N803.2 billion between January and March 2026, representing 22 per cent of its annual revenue target and 86.82 per cent of its quarterly projection.

The report attributed the strong revenue performance largely to improved enforcement by revenue-generating agencies, tighter controls against leakages and enhanced revenue collection systems.

Internally Generated Revenue remained the backbone of the state’s earnings, contributing over N536.3 billion during the quarter, while government share of FAAC accounted for N266.8 billion.

Lagos State Internal Revenue Service emerged as one of the biggest contributors, generating N425.2 billion in the first quarter alone.

The report also showed notable performances from key agencies including the Lagos State Building Control Agency, which achieved over 72 per cent of its annual revenue target within the quarter, while the Material Testing Laboratory Services recorded an impressive 96.3 per cent performance.

In the infrastructure sector, the state recorded N340.7 billion in capital expenditure during the quarter, with the government projecting stronger implementation and accelerated infrastructure spending from the second quarter of the year.

The report explained that first-quarter capital spending was traditionally slower due to procurement cycles and project mobilisation timelines, but expressed optimism that implementation would intensify in subsequent quarters.

Lagos also maintained a capital-to-recurrent expenditure ratio of 53:47 in its N4.44 trillion “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” reflecting what officials described as a strategic focus on infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, economic diversification and social inclusion.

The state government said the budget framework was designed not only to sustain physical development but also strengthen human capital and improve long-term economic resilience for Lagos residents.

Officials further noted that tighter public financial management reforms and improved procurement controls had helped optimise spending, reduce waste and strengthen accountability across ministries, departments and agencies.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Hon. Mohammed Bello, the son of detained former Kaduna of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that his father was denied access to his medical doctor and food at the custody of the Independent Practices and Other Offences Commission, ICPC, where he is currently being remanded on court order.

Bello, a member of House of Representatives representing Kaduna North said this in a post on his social media handle while alleging that his father was being denied basic rights in the custody of ICPC contrary to instruction from the court.

“Today, 15 May 2026, we witnessed two distinct yet equally serious attacks on his basic rights,” the lawmaker said.

In one of the instances, the Rep member claimed that the personal doctor of El-Rufai was denied access to him by ICPC officials who claimed they needed the permission of the chairman of the agency.

He said the former governor’s wife was also not allowed to take food to him at around 7pm, though she has been doing it since her husband was detained.

Bello alleged that the actions of the ICPC officials are assault on the rule of law and a clear violation of his father’s constitutional and human rights.

“No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC. Shame on them as an institution.”

The post by the junior El-Rufai reads: “First, his personal Doctor visited the ICPC at about 3pm to discuss the results of medical tests recently conducted on our father. Officials at the agency blocked the doctor from seeing him, claiming that written permission from the ICPC Chairman was required. This directly flouts a clear court order granting Mallam Nasir ElRufai unrestricted access to his doctors.

“Second, his wife, Aunty Aichatou, brought his evening meal at around 7pm as she normally does. ICPC personnel turned her away, saying they had orders not to permit food deliveries after 6:30pm. This arbitrary rule is no less offensive than blocking his right to medical care.

“These acts are an outright assault on the rule of law and a clear violation of our father’s constitutional and human rights. No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC. Shame on them as an institution.

“We demand that all his constitutional rights be fully respected. We will no longer accept this pattern of intimidation dressed up as protocol. The ICPC must abide by the very laws it claims to enforce.”

As political parties across Nigeria prepare for another round of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, there is an urgent need for party leaders and aspirants to embrace fairness, transparency and internal democracy. The quality of a nation’s democratic process is often determined long before the general election. It begins with how political parties choose their candidates.

Over the years, party primaries in Nigeria have too often been characterised by imposition, vote buying, intimidation, violence and endless litigation. In many cases, the wishes of ordinary party members are ignored while powerful interests determine outcomes behind closed doors. Such practices weaken democracy and breed resentment within parties. They also contribute to voter apathy because citizens eventually lose confidence in a process that appears manipulated from the outset.

It is therefore encouraging that President Bola Tinubu recently advised members of the ruling All Progressives Congress to avoid adopting a do-or-die attitude in the pursuit of political ambition. That warning is timely and necessary. Politics should never become a battlefield where desperation overrides decency, law and democratic values.

The President’s admonition should not be seen as mere rhetoric. It must translate into concrete action by party leaders at all levels. Delegates must be allowed to vote freely without coercion. Security agencies must remain neutral and professional. Electoral committees within the parties must operate transparently and resist manipulation. Aspirants who lose fairly should also demonstrate sportsmanship instead of sponsoring violence or destabilising their parties.

The opposition parties have an equally important responsibility. Parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress must avoid the temptation of imposing candidates or conducting shadowy consensus arrangements that alienate members. Internal democracy cannot be selectively demanded only when it is politically convenient.

Nigeria’s democracy has matured over the years, but the country still struggles with the culture of political desperation. Too many politicians see public office as a personal entitlement rather than an opportunity for service. This mentality fuels bitterness during primaries and often leads to defections, court disputes and fractured party structures. In some instances, violence during party contests has resulted in injuries and loss of lives. Such outcomes are unacceptable in a democratic society.

Political parties must remember that credible primaries strengthen their chances during the general election. Candidates who emerge through transparent processes are more likely to enjoy legitimacy and grassroots support. Conversely, candidates produced through manipulation often face rebellion within their own ranks.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, also has a critical role to play. Although parties are largely responsible for their internal processes, INEC must continue to monitor primaries closely and insist on compliance with electoral laws and party constitutions. Civil society organisations and the media should equally remain vigilant and expose abuses wherever they occur.

Ultimately, democracy cannot flourish where internal party processes are flawed. Nigerians deserve a political culture where merit, competence and popular support determine electoral outcomes rather than money, intimidation or godfatherism.

As the political season gathers momentum, all parties must recognise that peaceful and credible primaries are not merely internal affairs. They are a national responsibility. The tone set during the primaries will significantly shape the conduct of the general elections and the stability of the country thereafter.

Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of bitter and divisive politics. The time has come for political actors to place national interest above personal ambition and prove that democracy within the parties is not an illusion, but a genuine commitment.

By Aderogba George

Two Abuja security Guards, James Sule, 30 and Adamu Yau, 25 have been jailed for life over serial rape of a girl for six years.

The convicts who began to rape the girl when she was six were handed life imprisonment, without the option of fine, by Justice S.M. Mayana of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court 46, Apo, Abuja.

The victim was constantly raped when she was six years old in 2016 till 2022, when she was 12 years when the matter was reported.

They were subsequently arraigned by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in line with the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act, 2025 following the report.

A statement by NAPTIP Press and Public Relations officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye, in Abuja on Friday, disclosed that the convicts were based in Abuja.

He said that the prosecution of the two men was in furtherance of the renewed commitment and determination by the present management of NAPTIP to step up the implementation of the VAPP Law and ensure commensurate justice for victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the country.

Adekoye, in the statement, said the victim recounted that in 2016, her grandmother engaged the service of James Sule, who was then their family security guard, to repair a broken toilet in their residence at Penthouse Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.

The victim recounted that while her grandmother returned to the kitchen, Sule remained in the toilet, adding that she was crying on the bed in the room over a cello tape she had spoiled when Sule called her into the toilet.

The victim said that Sule assured her he would help prevent her grandmother from punishing her, then locked the door, forcibly removed her pants, and raped her while covering her mouth, and later brought out a knife and, threatened her not to tell anyone.

She said that this marked the beginning of repeated sexual abuse, fear, pain, and trauma that continued for six years.

Meanwhile the NAPTIP Press Officer stated that in a move by this victim to share the sexual pleasure with his friends, Sule, later recruited two other guards in the Estate, Adamu Yau, who is the second convict, and one Muhammed, now at large.

The NAPTIP Press Officer said that they all together had sex with the victim whenever opportunities arose, threatening to kill and wipeout her entire family if she spoke to anyone about their act with her.

He said that the victim endured this traumatic abuse in silence for about six years before her parents noticed troubling changes in her behaviour, and became visibly agitated whenever Sule entered the house and refused to let him escort her to school or pick her up from the school bus.

“In a bid to get an explanation for the sudden, strange behaviour of the little girl, her parents took her to a prayer house where she confided in the Pastor that Sule, Yau, and Mohammed had been sexually abusing her, particularly whenever she returned from school before her parents arrived home.

“The parents immediately reported the matter to the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), which subsequently transferred the case to NAPTIP and the convicts were immediately arrested.

“Following further investigation, charges were filed in court on Feb. 9, 2023. Sule and Yau were arraigned on Oct. 23 of the same year on two counts charge under Section 1(1), punishable under Section 1(2), and Section 5 of the VAPP Act 2015,” Adekoye said.

He stated the convicts pleaded not guilty, when the trial commenced on Dec. 5, 2023.

The prosecution presented five witnesses, including the victim’s mother, who testified tearfully.

The NAPTIP Press officer said that seven Exhibits were also tendered to support the case, including a medical report showing that the victim’s hymen was breached.

He said that all witnesses were cross-examined.

Speaking on the conviction, the Director General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, commended the judiciary for the landmark judgment, which she described as a clear warning to all offenders across the country.

She said, “I am excited that indeed, adequate justice, which is commensurate with the magnitude of the crime committed by the convicts, was duly served on them.

“This will go a long way to assuage the pain and traumatic experience of the victim and her family.

“It is important to point out that this is one of the fallouts of our improved strategies aimed at tightening the noose on violators across the country through stringent implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the VAPP Act to ensure the protection of all Nigerians.

“It will no longer be business as usual for them.

“I want to use this medium to appeal again to all Nigerians, especially parents, school owners, and other stakeholders, to ensure that they carry out due diligence and strict profiling on any service providers before employing them.

“The service providers include drivers, Security Guards, Home Lesson Teachers, babysitters, Cooks, and others. This is to avoid any unpleasant situation of this nature”.

“NAPTIP appreciates the support and collaboration of the judiciary in the fight against SGBV, as well as the partnership from ARFH and other stakeholders,” Adamu-Bello stated.

On her part, the mother of the victim (name withheld), in her response, thanked the Management of NAPTIP, especially the Counsel, for ensuring that justice was served on the violators of her daughter.

Adekoye however, said that the convicts have since been taken to the Kuje Correctional Centre as directed by the Court, where they will spend the rest of their lives.

(NAN)

By Emmanuel Antswen

No fewer than 81 aspirants are battling for the 11 All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for House of Representatives seats in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A list of cleared aspirants obtained on Saturday in Makurdi showed that the Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency recorded the highest number of contestants, with 14 aspirants vying for the party’s sole ticket, while Makurdi/Guma followed closely with 12 contenders.

Meanwhile, the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee in the state said it had successfully distributed election materials to all the 23 local government areas ahead of the primaries.

Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Sabiu Mahuta, assured party members and aspirants of the committee’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible primaries across the state.

“We promised to be here as early as 6:30 a.m., but due to logistics and security arrangements, we could not arrive as scheduled.

“However, we are now more prepared, organised and fully committed to ensuring a successful exercise,” he said.

He reiterated that the committee would ensure peaceful, transparent and acceptable primaries in all the local government areas.

According to him, election materials, including certified party membership registers and result sheets for wards and local governments, would be distributed to returning officers for the conduct of the exercise.

Mahuta stated that only duly registered APC members whose names appeared in the certified party register would be accredited to vote during the primaries.

“The election is strictly for registered APC members, and accreditation will be based on the certified membership register for each ward,” he explained.

He also directed that agents of all contestants must endorse result sheets before submission and collation to enhance transparency and credibility in the process.

The committee chairman further disclosed that aspirants involved in consensus arrangements must formally submit written letters indicating their withdrawal before affirmation of any consensus candidate.

“Before affirmations can be conducted for any seat, all contestants involved must sign and submit a written consensus agreement. That remains one of the conditions,” he stated.

Mahuta warned returning officers against acts capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise, stressing that all aspirants deserved equal treatment as members of the APC.

“We will not tolerate anything capable of compromising the integrity of this election. Every contestant must be treated fairly,” he added.

He explained that mechanisms had also been put in place to address disputes or challenges that might arise in areas where elections could not hold successfully.

Mahuta said returning officers would return to the designated collation centre after the exercise for the submission and official announcement of results.

Earlier, the APC Chairman in Benue State, Mr Benjamin Omale, expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the primaries.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that Nigerian and United States’ forces conducted a joint operation which led to the killing of wanted IS senior Islamic State leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok and many of his loyalists in the Lake Chad Basin

U.S President Donald Trump had in a post his social media platforms early Saturday morning confirmed the elimination of the wanted IS leader by in airstrikes by Nigerian and U.S forces.

President Tinubu confirmed the killing of the IS leader and his lieutenants in a statement he personally signed early Saturday morning.

The Nigerian President said elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants was confirmed in early assessments of the impact of the operation.

He also confirmed that strike was on the compound of the wanted IS leader in the Lake Chad Basin.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation of the Nigerian government for the partnership in the war against terror.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” the Nigerian President said while expressing his optimism for more of such joint operations against terrorists troubling the country.

“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”

The statement by President Tinubu reads: Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.

“Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.

“Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin

“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.

“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”

By Abbas Bamalli

An aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Saleh, has alleged unfair exclusion from the party’s primary in Katsina State.

Saleh, popularly known as Ahmed Saleh Junior, raised the allegation while reacting to the primary election outcome in Mani on Saturday.

He said he was earlier endorsed by party stakeholders after the state chapter adopted a consensus arrangement.

According to him, stakeholders across the constituency unanimously backed his emergence as the consensus candidate.

He claimed his name was later published in the party’s official gazette following the endorsement.

“I was endorsed by stakeholders across the constituency and congratulated by party leaders, including the governor,” Saleh said.

He alleged that some aggrieved aspirants accused him of influencing the stakeholders’ decision.

Saleh said the complaints led to the cancellation of the earlier consensus arrangement by party officials.

He explained that a fresh consensus committee was later constituted by the party leadership.

According to him, another round of voting was conducted in the presence of all aspirants.

“Twenty-five out of twenty-seven stakeholders voted in my favour during the exercise,” he alleged.

He added that two stakeholders were absent for reasons not disclosed during the process.

Saleh claimed the committee declared him winner before the ticket was later given to another aspirant.

“The committee announced me winner, but the ticket was eventually handed to someone else,” he alleged.

He further alleged that security operatives placed him under house arrest during the primary election.

According to him, the restriction prevented his participation in the direct primary process.

“The primary was conducted in my absence and results announced without my participation,” he said.

Saleh said the party had since constituted an elders’ committee to address grievances from the exercise.

He reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and pledged continued loyalty to the APC.

“I believe the elders’ committee will ensure justice, fairness and reconciliation,” he said.

Responding, Maiwada Danmalam, the Director-General, Katsina Government House Media Directorate, said the state government was unaware of any detention claim.

(NAN)

APC aspirant alleges unfair exclusion from Katsina primary

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government on Friday unveiled the “FutureNow” podcast, an inclusive space for Nigerian boys and girls to articulate their realities, share their stories, and shape national discourse in their own authentic voices.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this at a high-level intergenerational dialogue with adolescent girls, on Friday in Abuja.

The dialogue, themed,” Her Voice, Her Power,” is part of activities to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day activities.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed the need to end child exclusion and expand opportunities for every Nigerian child through inclusion, digital literacy, social protection and family strengthening initiatives.

This, she said would thrive and contribute to national discourse and development.

“This initiative will serve as an inclusive space where Nigerian boys and girls can articulate their realities, share their stories, and shape national discourse in their own authentic voices,” she said.

The minister emphasised the need for investments to go beyond physical protection to include psychosocial wellbeing, emotional resilience, and character development, ensuring that children grow whole, confident, and capable.

“We recognise that when we deliberately listen to children, when we give them space, trust, and dignity of expression, we nurture confidence, identity, and agency.

“Our vision is not abstract: it is to raise boys who grow into empathetic allies, and girls who mature into strong, principled, and compassionate leaders.”This conception of strength is not aesthetic or superficial; it is rooted in agency, integrity, and purposeful leadership,” she said.

Also, Joshua Anar, Director of Programme Operations, Save the Children Nigeria, urged stakeholders to take deliberate actions to ensure that no child is left behind-regardless of gender, disability, background, or location.

“Save the Children remains committed to supporting efforts that promote accountability, inclusion, and meaningful child participation across Nigeria,” she said.

Ms Ritarilla Barick of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, while emphasising their commitment to assisting vulnerable children, called for intentional systems and policies that ensured real opportunities for the most vulnerable girls.

“What this moment calls for is deliberate, rights-based investment in the protective systems, community structures, and enabling environments.

“This will give every child, regardless of the circumstances of her birth, an equal claim to her own future,” she said.

Ms Muriel Mafico, Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stressed the need to create safe spaces and opportunities for every child to thrive.

The reports that other highlight of the events include children and adolescents’ girls interactive sessions and panel discussions with Nigeria Children’s Parliament, amongst others. (NAN)

Nigerian business magnate and Founder of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has called for a new era of equal and strategic partnerships for Africa, insisting that the continent’s young population does not need charity but opportunities driven by investment, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

Elumelu made the remarks at the 2026 Africa Forward Summit jointly convened by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, where global leaders, investors and policymakers gathered to discuss Africa’s economic future.

Addressing participants at the summit, Elumelu stressed that Africa’s development must be anchored on partnerships built on mutual respect, equity and long-term commitment rather than dependency and aid.

“We welcome true partnership-partnerships of substance and based on equity, where Africans and African solutions catalyse Africa’s future,” he said.

The chairman of Heirs Holdings argued that access to electricity and modern infrastructure remained the most critical foundations for economic transformation across the continent.

According to him, sustainable growth in Africa would largely depend on the ability of governments to create business-friendly environments capable of attracting private investments into key sectors.

“The private sector is what will help us mobilise capital to drive investment in infrastructure and electricity. These are critical requirements for economic prosperity and development in Africa,” Elumelu stated.

He maintained that improved infrastructure and stable power supply would stimulate industrialisation, create employment opportunities and lift millions out of poverty.

He noted that empowering young Africans through entrepreneurship and innovation remained central to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Elumelu highlighted the achievements of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which he said had provided training opportunities to over 2.5 million young Africans and funded more than 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.

The billionaire investor also urged African leaders to remain open to partnerships with credible global investors and institutions willing to contribute to the continent’s growth and industrial expansion.

“It is a good place to be as Africans now. We should embrace those who want to help catalyse growth in Africa,” he said, adding that Africa’s appeal extended beyond its rapidly growing population.

He further called for a shift in mindset among policymakers and stakeholders towards policies capable of promoting economic prosperity, reducing poverty and creating sustainable opportunities for young people.

Elumelu’s participation at the summit reflects Heirs Holdings’ continued investments across strategic sectors including power, healthcare, hospitality, financial services and technology, all targeted at accelerating Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

The Defence Headquarters has moved to clear up uncertainty surrounding the identity of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the terrorist commander recently killed during a joint military operation carried out with the United States Africa Command.

In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the clarification followed reports linking the latest operation to a similar mission conducted in 2024 involving another insurgent commander with the same name.

Uba explained that members of ISWAP and Boko Haram frequently adopt identical aliases and battle names, making it difficult to distinguish between fighters.

According to him, intelligence gathered from human sources and technical surveillance confirmed the identity of the Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki killed on May 16, 2026.

He said the slain figure was a high-ranking operative within the Islamic State structure and maintained connections to international terrorist activities, including coordination, financing and operations across the Sahel region.

The defence spokesman described the mission as a major achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign being conducted alongside foreign partners.

He also appealed to journalists and members of the public to depend on verified official information in order to prevent misinformation caused by similarities in names.