Category: PM News

Nigeria has fully paid its assessed contribution to the United Nations’ 2026 regular budget as its Permanent Representative, Amb. Ibrahim Jimoh, presided over negotiations on the organisation’s proposed 3.3 billion dollars budget for 2027.

Jimoh announced the payment on Tuesday while chairing the General Assembly’s influential Fifth Committee during the presentation of the proposed 3.302 billion dollars budget by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Nigeria has also made substantial payments towards its UN peacekeeping assessments with payments to both UN obligations amounting to approximately 6.3 million dollars.

The Nigerian envoy commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that Nigeria fulfilled its financial obligations to the world body amid mounting concerns over the organisation’s liquidity crisis.

‘I must also use this opportunity to thank the president of my country, Bola Tinubu, who had also by yesterday fully paid his commitment to the United Nations,’ Jimoh declared.

Jimoh urged other Member States to fulfil their financial commitments promptly, stressing the importance of predictable funding for the UN’s operations and programmes.

‘Member countries must pay their dues on time, on schedule, without conditions,’ he said.

The ambassador thanked countries that had fulfilled their assessed contributions and expressed optimism that others would follow.

He also introduced measures to improve efficiency in the Committee’s proceedings, urging delegations to avoid lengthy diplomatic courtesies and observe strict speaking limits.

‘This is done for the sake of time and efficiency,’ Jimoh explained, limiting national statements to three minutes and group statements to five minutes.

Welcoming Guterres to the meeting, Jimoh described the Secretary-General’s presentation as an important stage in the Committee’s consideration of the organisation’s financial requirements.

The UN chief described the presentation as particularly significant because it would be his final annual programme budget proposal before completing his tenure.

Guterres warned that geopolitical divisions, persistent conflicts, climate disruption and rapid technological changes were placing enormous pressures on the United Nations.

‘The challenges before us are profound,’ he declared, warning that humanitarian needs were soaring while international law was increasingly disregarded.

He added that the Sustainable Development Goals were slipping further out of reach, making the UN’s continued effectiveness essential.

The Secretary-General disclosed that the proposed 2027 programme budget amounted to 3.302 billion dollars, covering 11,150 posts.

The figure would increase to 3.408 billion dollars when major construction projects in Nairobi and the Strategic Heritage Plan in Geneva were included.

According to Guterres, the proposal represents a reduction of approximately 40.8 million dollars, or 1.2 per cent, compared with the approved 2026 budget.

He explained that the proposal reflected continuing reforms under the UN80 initiative, designed to improve institutional efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

Guterres disclosed that the Secretariat had already undertaken measures to mitigate the impact of eliminating 3,116 regular budget posts.

These included voluntary early separation programmes, staff reassignment and measures to preserve workforce diversity.

He also proposed relocating 44 additional functions across 12 UN entities, with Nairobi receiving the largest share.

The proposed restructuring includes the abolition or downgrading of 14 senior-level posts as part of efforts to reduce administrative costs.

However, Guterres emphasised that institutional reforms could not succeed without predictable financing warning, ‘efficiency alone cannot compensate for an unstable financial foundation.

‘Our ability to deliver depends on predictable financing and the timely availability of cash,’ the Secretary-General added.

He urged Member States to fulfil their financial obligations fully and promptly, stressing that payment delays continued to undermine UN operations.

The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority has given telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile, 30 days to verify the licences and tax compliance status of betting and gaming companies using their platforms.

The directive also applies to licensed value-added service (VAS) providers that help gaming businesses offer their services in Lagos State.

The authority ordered the affected companies to submit transaction records, carrier billing data and revenue-sharing information relating to gaming operators from November 22, 2024, to the date of its public notice.

It also directed telecom operators and service providers to stop accepting new gaming businesses that do not have valid state licences. Existing gaming services that lack proper authorisation must also be suspended.

Telecom operators face new requirements

The authority said telecom operators and other service providers must confirm that every gaming business using their platforms has the required licence and complies with gaming tax regulations in Lagos State.

It explained that the records would help determine the gaming taxes, statutory levies and other payments owed by the businesses, including applicable penalties and interest.

The authority stressed that a licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for telecommunications or value-added services does not permit a company to operate betting or gaming activities in Lagos State.

It added that using a telecom operator, payment channel or carrier billing platform does not exempt a betting company from obtaining a valid licence from the state regulator.

Lagos warns against supporting illegal betting businesses

The authority said the directive is backed by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Law 2021, which prohibits gaming activities without the required approval.

Section 33(3) of the law prohibits unlicensed individuals or businesses from operating gaming activities, accepting bets, managing gaming operations or advertising gaming services in the state.

The authority also referred to Section 101(5), which states that company directors, managers and other principal officers may be held personally liable alongside their companies if an offence is committed with their consent, involvement or negligence.

It therefore urged telecom operators and other service providers to carry out proper checks to ensure their platforms are not used to support illegal betting activities.

The authority warned that it would issue statutory notices and take regulatory or enforcement action against companies that fail to comply after the 30-day deadline.

What you should know

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Tax Act 2025 exempted betting stakes from Value Added Tax (VAT).

Section 185, Subsection M of the Act lists money, stakes and securities, including interests in money or securities, among items exempt from VAT.

The exemption clarifies that the money a player wagers on a game should not attract VAT, prompting gaming operators to adjust their systems accordingly.

The National Chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ojonugwa Ameh, has warned that electoral fraud is weakening Nigeria’s democracy and reducing public confidence in elections.

Ameh, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Kogi East Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, said credible elections were necessary to ensure that leaders remained accountable to the people.

In a statement, he said allegations of election manipulation since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 had weakened trust in democratic institutions and raised questions about the legitimacy of some election results.

According to him, when election results do not reflect the wishes of voters, elected officials may feel less responsible for meeting the needs of the people.

He said Nigeria could not achieve effective leadership without addressing electoral malpractice and ensuring that votes were properly counted.

Ameh alleged that Nigeria’s electoral history included cases where candidates who believed they had won were denied their mandates, while some declared winners faced questions about the credibility of their victories.

He said such controversies had contributed to public distrust and weakened confidence in the electoral process.

The CUPP chairman also expressed concern about the high cost of contesting elections in Nigeria.

He said the financial demands of campaigns and party politics were making it difficult for people without substantial resources to seek elective office.

According to him, capable Nigerians from low income backgrounds could be discouraged from participating in politics because they could not afford the cost of running campaigns.

He warned that democracy could lose its representative nature if only wealthy individuals and candidates supported by powerful interests could compete effectively for political positions.

Ameh called on Nigerians to take a more active role in protecting the integrity of elections. He urged citizens to safeguard their votes and ensure that the results announced reflected the ballots cast.

He stressed that participation in democracy should go beyond voting on election day to include continued public engagement and monitoring of the electoral process.

He also called on political actors and electoral institutions to promote transparency and ensure that candidates competed fairly.

Ameh said rebuilding public confidence in elections required more than promises from authorities. He maintained that transparent procedures, credible elections and active public participation were necessary to strengthen democracy.

He urged Nigerians to reject political apathy and take greater responsibility for deciding who represents them at all levels of government.

The CUPP chairman warned that continued distrust in elections could further weaken confidence in governance.

He said Nigeria needed an electoral system in which political power reflected the choices of voters rather than money, manipulation or other irregularities.

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, with its Outstanding Operational Commander’s Award.

The award was presented at DECAN’s 2026 Conference and Awards held on October 12 at the Nigerian Army Command Officers’ Mess 1, WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.

The conference, themed ‘Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,’ focused on the growing importance of intelligence, technology and inter-agency cooperation in tackling security threats.

Onoja attributed the recognition to the operational and leadership philosophy of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, mni, OFR.

Discussions at the conference highlighted the need for security agencies to complement conventional enforcement with intelligence-led operations, advanced surveillance and effective information-sharing.

In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Air Commodore Stephen Ogunmodele, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), said military firepower alone could not guarantee national security, stressing the importance of intelligence in identifying threats and enabling precise operations.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi O. Oluyede, also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence, space-based surveillance and intelligence fusion in strengthening operational effectiveness.

For the Mining Marshals, these priorities are relevant to efforts to combat illegal mining, protect mineral resources and disrupt illicit activities. Effective enforcement, however, requires more than raids and arrests; it depends on credible intelligence, inter-agency coordination and sustained action against illegal operations.

The conference also addressed the risks of AI-generated misinformation and the need for responsible defence reporting to protect operational security while maintaining public accountability.

The keynote address was delivered by former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.).

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen security and maximise the economic benefits of its mineral resources, the challenge remains to translate intelligence-driven strategies into measurable results, including reduced illegal extraction and improved protection of mining communities and national assets.

An Abuja High Court on Tuesday adjourned the trial of a Nigerian rapper, Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as ‘Odumodublvck’ in a suit of assault and battery until Oct. 14.

The lawsuit was instituted in November 2025 by Levi Ogbogiri, also known as Kraziecent, who alleged that the rapper assaulted him without provocation during a public event on Dec. 16, 2024.

At the resumed hearing, Ogbogiri’s counsel, Uchenna Ojembe announced his appearance and said the matter was for hearing.

Ojembe informed the court that the defendant and his counsel Taiwo Akinsulie were absent in court but his client was in court and ready to proceed.

He went further to remind the court that the matter has suffered too many adjournment and he is ready to proceed for hearing

However, Justice J.O.E Ajayi ordered for a stand down to enable Odumodublvck and his counsel to be in court before proceeding.

The court on June 23 the court, adjourned the matter until Oct. 13 and 14 for hearing.

After the stand down, the defendant and his counsel failed to appear.

The claimant, entered the witness box, adopted his witness statements on oath and affidavits deposed to on Feb. 25, 2026, and prayed the court to grant his prayers.

He told the court that he was relying on an array of digital and documentary exhibits already before the court to prove his case against the defendant.

He listed the exhibits to include multi-party contracts, medical records, photo evidence, and digital footprints pertinent to the dispute.

According to him, part of the testimony highlighted an unperformed booking contract involving Walex Biz Nigeria Ltd, Shelter groove Ltd, Capworld Nigeria Ltd and Chinotem nig Ltd.

He also referenced medical documentation detailing a wrist injury and subsequent treatments, supported by medical report and photo evidence.

He said other exhibits included WhatsApp communication logs and payment receipts, among other documentary evidence.

However, after listening to the claimant and the tendered evidence, the judge adjourned the matter for cross-examination of the claimant by the defendant.

The claimant is seeking an order directing the defendant to pay his medical expenses and to issue a public apology via his social media platforms and two national dailies, or pay N2 billion in damages.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that opposition parties no longer pose a serious political threat in Kaduna State, boasting that it now controls all elective positions across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure two million votes in Kaduna, attributing its growing political strength to Governor Uba Sani’s leadership.

The APC State Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Haruna, made the declaration at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, October 12, while announcing preparations for Tinubu’s presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for October 24.

Haruna claimed that the ruling party now controlled all 23 local government areas, 255 wards, 16 federal constituencies and three senatorial districts in Kaduna.

‘Today, in Kaduna State, there is no elective position that is not manned by an APC person,’ he declared.

He insisted that the party’s dominance was unprecedented in the state’s political history.

‘I want to tell you, there has never been a time in the history of Kaduna State where all parts of Kaduna State, all the 255 wards, all the 23 local government areas, all the 16 federal constituencies and three senatorial districts are controlled by one party until this time,’ Haruna said.

‘If we say there is no opposition, it is not rhetoric; it is not a mere saying. It is a fact that is on the ground,’ he added.

The APC spokesman also blamed the party’s electoral setbacks in 2023 on former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing his administration of alienating residents through controversial policies.

He cited the demolition of houses and markets, dismissal of workers and alleged mishandling of religious and ethnic differences.

‘The election in Kaduna State in 2023 was a referendum on the governing style of the former governor of Kaduna State,’ Haruna stated.

He argued that Governor Sani’s inclusive approach had since improved the party’s fortunes, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where opposition parties previously enjoyed significant support.

Haruna also urged northern voters to support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the president had consistently supported northern politicians seeking the country’s highest office.

He recalled Tinubu’s political support for the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in 1992, Atiku Abubakar in 2007, Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and Muhammadu Buhari ahead of his 2015 presidential victory.

‘This is the only individual in the history of Nigeria that has supported the aspiration of northerners at different times to be the president of Nigeria,’ he claimed.

‘Going by the antecedents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am bold to say that it is we, the northerners, that owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu our support,’ Haruna added.

He maintained that Kaduna would deliver on Governor Sani’s promise of two million votes for Tinubu.

‘The show that our able governor has promised Mr. President that Kaduna State is going to produce two million votes for the President is not just a mere saying; it is a fact,’ he said.

Haruna described Kaduna as the heartbeat of northern Nigeria, saying its selection to host the October 24 presidential campaign flag-off demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to the region.

He announced that a dedicated media centre had been established to provide information about the event, assuring party supporters and visitors that the state was prepared to receive them.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, has pledged ?50 million in financial empowerment for traders and market women across Oyo central, alongside plans to improve access to business support and create job opportunities for youths ahead 2027 election.

Ajadi gave the assurance at a gathering of traders and artisans in Oyo State, where leaders of various market associations pledged their support for APM candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

The senatorial candidate said his decision to venture into politics was driven by his desire to extend his philanthropic activities to a wider segment of society through effective representation, people-oriented legislation and policies capable of improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

The Federal Government has paid N1.23 trillion of its outstanding debts to electricity generation companies through bonds and plans to settle the remaining balance in 2027.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this at the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria Energy Conference in Lagos.

He said the government was committed to paying the remaining debts and preventing new unpaid bills from building up in the power sector.

According to Tegbe, clearing the debts will help attract more investment into the electricity sector and improve power supply to homes and businesses across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing reliable electricity while protecting vulnerable Nigerians.

Tegbe said the government was working to settle its debts to power generation companies and make better use of the electricity the country can produce.

He explained that these efforts would help build a stronger power sector and encourage more investors to support its growth.

The minister added that the plans were in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure that homes, businesses and industries have a more reliable electricity supply to support economic growth.

Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has revealed that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), ordained him as a pastor when he was younger.

Anuku made the disclosure during a recent interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast.

The actor said he attended Bible school and studied theology at Redemption Camp while living in Lagos.

He explained that his decision to enter ministry came from his love for God and his desire to follow God’s direction. According to him, many people do not know about his religious background.

Anuku also revealed that his ordination took place while his late wife was still alive.

He challenged anyone who doubts his claim to confirm it directly with Pastor Adeboye.

‘Pastor Adeboye conferred me as a pastor when I was young then. I am a pastor, but people don’t know I am a pastor. I love God,’ Anuku said.

He added that his love for God influenced his decision to enter ministry.

‘I just loved God, and when you love God, His power is more than yours. He directed me to go there,’ he said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed how he worked against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to help Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge as governor of Edo State in the 2024 governorship election.

Wike said his determination to stop former Governor Godwin Obaseki from producing a successor informed his decision to support Okpebholo against the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

The former Rivers State governor made the revelation on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Rainbow Coalition in Abuja, where he claimed that the political alliance played a significant role in the APC’s victory.

According to Wike, Ighodalo approached him more than three times seeking his support, but he rejected the requests because of his political differences with Obaseki.

He maintained that although Ighodalo was a competent candidate, supporting his governorship ambition would have amounted to helping Obaseki retain political control of the state.

‘I said I would not allow Obaseki to produce a successor, even though the candidate was a very good candidate, a very good candidate who was the chairman of a bank,’ Wike said.

‘He came to see me more than three times, but I told him, ‘Listen, I know you are a good candidate, but for this election, I am sorry because this election is between us and the man who is bringing you, called Obaseki.

”Returning you would be like bringing him back, so I am sorry, you have to fail.’ And he failed,’ the minister declared.

Wike said the Rainbow Coalition’s involvement in the Edo election demonstrated how politicians from different parties could work together to achieve a common political objective.

He cited the election while explaining his strategy to mobilise APC and PDP stakeholders for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The minister urged politicians attending the Abuja meeting to put aside their party differences and work together for the president.

‘I want to let all of you know that we are going to work together. Nobody should say, ‘I am PDP’ or ‘I am APC.’ For the purpose of this election, we are together,’ he said.

Wike also announced that he would coordinate Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State, declaring himself the field commander of the president’s campaign operations in Abuja.