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President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide address on Wednesday at 7 a.m. to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said on Tuesday via X that all television, radio, and electronic media platforms should hook up to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. This will be Tinubu’s third Independence Day address since assuming office on May 29, 2023. His predecessors have used the October 1 broadcast to reflect on the country’s journey since independence from Britain in 1960 and to outline key policy directions.

The president is expected to speak on national unity, economic reforms, and the administration’s priorities for the coming year.

On Monday, the federal government announced the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade. Instead, October 1 has been declared a public holiday.

Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings has launched the Manifold Endowment Plan, an innovative blend of insurance and investment designed for Nigerians who want to protect what matters, grow their wealth, and enjoy peace of mind.

With life cover up to N1 billion, partial maturity pay-outs, and end-of-term bonuses, Manifold is for the modern Nigerian working hard today, planning boldly for tomorrow.

The Manifold Endowment Plan is uniquely designed for Nigerians aged 18 to 64, providing them with flexible policy durations ranging from six to fifteen years. At its core, it integrates death benefits, partial maturity bonuses, and accidental medical coverage, all while offering a structured avenue for individuals and families to plan, protect, and prosper.

The Nigerian insurance sector, though still underexplored, has seen remarkable growth, with industry revenues surging by 147 percent in the first nine months of 2024. Yet, with insurance penetration hovering around just 0.5 percent of GDP, the gap in uptake remains stark.

Stanbic IBTC is tackling this head-on by introducing an offering that speaks to the everyday concerns of middle- and high-income Nigerians who seek value, reliability, and transparency in financial services. Speaking on the launch, Akinjide Orimolade, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Insurance, noted: ‘The Manifold Endowment Plan is a response to Nigeria’s pressing need for accessible and rewarding insurance solutions. We are not just offering protection; we are empowering Nigerians to build financial resilience while preparing for the future. With Manifold, every premium is an investment in both peace of mind and real financial return.’ Manifold bridges the perception gap often associated with insurance. It assures Nigerians that even if the ‘worst’ doesn’t happen, their money is never wasted. With premiums starting at just ?10,000 monthly, policyholders can earn two 25% bonuses on their premiums while still receiving 100% of their chosen sum assured at maturity.

At its core, the Manifold Endowment Plan aligns with Stanbic IBTC Insurance’s broader mission: to help Nigerians secure today and prosper tomorrow. Whether it’s a young professional saving towards future goals, a parent building generational wealth, or a retiree seeking peace of mind, Manifold offers a tailored and transparent financial solution.

With the Manifold Endowment Plan, Stanbic IBTC Insurance is not only offering Nigerians a way to secure their futures, but it is also redefining what insurance can and should mean in today’s world.

In virtually every nation, the discourse on economic growth often revolves around factors such as industrial output, foreign investment, technology, and human capital development. Yet, one element that is sometimes underexplored but remains fundamental is housing infrastructure.

Housing is more than just shelter; it is an economic commodity, a social stabiliser, and a driver of development. From job creation to stimulating demand in allied industries, and from providing collateral for wealth creation to enabling urban renewal, housing infrastructure plays a central role in catalysing sustainable growth.

At the heart of modern economies, housing represents both a consumption good and an investment asset. For households, a house is the most valuable asset they may ever own; for governments, housing development signifies a visible expression of social contract fulfillment; and for the economy, housing is a critical sector that triggers multiplier effects across industries.

According to World Bank estimates, the real estate and construction sector contributes between 7 percent and 14 percent of global GDP, depending on the region. In advanced economies such as the United States, housing-related activities, construction, real estate, mortgage finance, home improvement, and property services, are significant drivers of employment and wealth accumulation.

Similarly, in emerging economies like Nigeria, housing is estimated to contribute about 3.1 percent of GDP, though with vast untapped potential. The importance of housing infrastructure stems from its ability to integrate multiple aspects of the economy, ranging from financial markets to labour absorption, raw material demand, and even energy consumption patterns.

One of the clearest pathways through which housing drives economic growth is job creation. Housing infrastructure development requires a wide array of skilled and unskilled labour-land surveyors, architects, town planners, engineers, builders, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and labourers. The construction phase alone is highly labour-intensive and generates immediate employment.

Beyond construction, housing stimulates jobs in allied industries such as:

Cement, steel, timber, and glass manufacturers benefit directly from rising demand.

Furniture, interior décor, and home appliance industries experience growth from household spending.

Financial institutions expand their mortgage, insurance, and investment portfolios.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that every housing unit constructed directly and indirectly generates between 5 and 7 jobs, depending on the complexity of the project. In countries struggling with high unemployment rates, especially among youths, housing development represents a low-hanging fruit for labour absorption and poverty alleviation.

Furthermore, housing plays a unique role in wealth accumulation and capital formation. Unlike many consumer goods that depreciate, housing typically appreciates over time, thereby serving as a store of wealth. For many households, owning a home is the first step toward economic security and social mobility.

Moreover, housing assets are often used as collateral to access credit, which fuels entrepreneurial ventures, small businesses, and industrial expansion. In advanced economies, mortgage markets are among the most developed financial sectors, reflecting the centrality of housing to economic dynamism. In contrast, underdeveloped housing finance systems in many developing countries limit credit creation, thereby constraining economic opportunities.

Thus, by expanding housing infrastructure, countries stimulate financial deepening, broaden access to capital, and enhance wealth distribution among citizens.

Urbanisation is one of the defining features of the 21st century. The United Nations projects that by 2050, nearly 70 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas. For countries like Nigeria, where urbanisation is rapid but poorly managed, housing infrastructure becomes a crucial determinant of whether urban growth leads to prosperity or squalor.

Well-planned housing infrastructure is not just about buildings; it encompasses roads, drainage, power supply, water systems, waste management, schools, and hospitals. When integrated with urban planning, housing infrastructure prevents the growth of slums, enhances liveability, and improves productivity.

A city with adequate housing infrastructure attracts investors, boosts tourism, and fosters innovation. On the contrary, inadequate housing leads to overcrowding, insecurity, health hazards, and economic inefficiency.

Therefore, housing infrastructure development must be seen as a strategic tool for urban renewal and sustainable cities, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11): ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.’

Housing infrastructure has strong backward and forward linkages with the industrial sector. The construction of a single housing estate requires raw materials such as cement, iron rods, paints, ceramics, cables, and roofing sheets-all products of local industries.

This demand stimulates local production, encourages import substitution, and generates foreign exchange savings. In countries with strong housing policies, such as China, the real estate and housing sector has been deliberately leveraged to grow domestic industries.

The Chinese government, for example, integrated housing development with industrial production, thereby transforming its housing sector into a pillar of its economic miracle. For developing countries, expanding housing infrastructure could serve as a stimulus for industrial diversification away from resource dependency, creating a robust value chain of construction-related industries. Economic growth is not just about figures and GDP ratios; it is equally about social cohesion and stability. Adequate housing contributes to societal peace by reducing homelessness, overcrowding, and the tensions that arise from informal settlements.

A family that lives in decent housing experiences improved health, educational performance for children, and higher productivity for adults. Conversely, inadequate housing contributes to poor health outcomes, crime, and urban discontent-all of which erode economic progress. Housing is, therefore, not merely an economic commodity; it is a social stabiliser and a foundation for inclusive development. Countries that invest in housing infrastructure ultimately invest in the well-being and productivity of their citizens.

Despite its enormous potential, several challenges limit the ability of housing infrastructure to fully drive economic growth in many developing economies. These include:

High Construction Costs – Rising prices of cement, steel, and other inputs make housing unaffordable for low- and middle-income earners.

Weak Mortgage Systems – Limited access to long-term financing hampers home ownership and housing investment.

Land Tenure and Titling Issues – Bureaucratic bottlenecks in land administration discourage investment and inflate costs.

Infrastructure Deficits – Poor roads, electricity, and water supply in many areas limit large-scale housing projects.

Policy Inconsistency – Frequent changes in government policies undermine long-term housing sector planning.

These barriers explain why many countries face acute housing deficits. For instance, Nigeria is estimated to have a housing deficit of over 20 million units, requiring trillions of naira in investment to bridge. Without deliberate intervention, housing infrastructure cannot achieve its transformative economic role.

To fully harness housing infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, deliberate strategies must be pursued to:

Expand Affordable Housing Finance – Strengthen mortgage institutions, encourage low-interest housing loans, and promote innovative financing models such as cooperative housing schemes.

Promote Local Building Materials – Support research and development into affordable, locally sourced materials to reduce costs and dependence on imports.

Reform Land Administration – Simplify land titling processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and digitise land registries to attract investment.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Governments should partner with private developers to deliver large-scale housing projects while providing enabling infrastructure.

Integrate Housing with Urban Planning – Housing development should be accompanied by roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities to create liveable communities.

Incentivise Green Housing – Encourage eco-friendly housing designs that reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

By implementing these strategies, housing infrastructure can become a central pillar of economic transformation.

In conclusion, housing infrastructure is more than bricks and mortar-it is the foundation of economic progress and social stability. By stimulating employment, wealth creation, industrial development, and urban renewal, housing plays a catalytic role in shaping the trajectory of national growth.

Countries that have prioritised housing development, such as Singapore, China, and South Korea, have not only witnessed improved living standards but also experienced accelerated economic growth. For nations like Nigeria, where the housing deficit remains alarming, deliberate investment in housing infrastructure represents both a social necessity and an economic opportunity.

In the final analysis, the road to inclusive and sustainable growth is paved not only with factories, highways, and financial markets but also with the homes people live in. If governments and stakeholders recognise housing as a strategic growth driver, they will not only build houses but also build economies, build wealth, and build nations.

The Reddington Multi-Specialists Hospital, Lagos, brought vital healthcare services directly to the heart of the Oniru Community through a free medical outreach held at the Oniru Palace.

The initiative, a collaboration with His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland, provided free consultations, health screenings, nutrition counseling, pharmacy services, and referrals to over 500 residents.

A 53-member medical team from Reddington Hospital, comprising doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, dentists, physiotherapists, and ophthalmologists, anchored the event. The team’s comprehensive approach ensured that men, women, and children received quality care, addressing a wide range of health concerns, from high blood pressure to dental and eye care. Dr, Abiodun Osibamowo, the medical director of The Reddington Multi-Specialists Hospital, at the event,

harped on the importance of regular medical screening and counselling as key to sustainable health and general wellness.

‘You don’t wait until you start seeing symptoms of diseases before you come to the hospital. By that time, it may be too late and the doctors would be constrained in saving the patient’, Osibamowo told the crowd that had gathered at the Palace for the health screening.

He said the management of Reddington Hospital was partnering with the Oniru-in-council for the free medical services because of the excellent leadership Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal has provided for the residence of Iru Kingdom since he ascended the throne five years ago.

‘When the Kaabiyesi visited The Reddington Hospital earlier this year as part of the activities marking his fifth anniversary on the throne, he sought for our collaboration in providing quality and affordable health care for the people of his community. This medical outreach marks the beginning of such partnership,’ Osibamowo said. His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, commended the management of The Reddington Hospital for sending a very strong team of multi-specialists to the free medical outreach, nothing that it afforded most of his subjects who would otherwise have been unable to afford such services to get quality health counselling and care at zero cost.

‘I am very passionate about the health and wellbeing of my people that is why the Oniru-in-council is partnering with a very reputable hospital like The Reddington Hospital to provide free medical services to them and ensure we have a healthy community able to work and earn a living’, Lawal said.

The questions and answers session anchored by the Osimabowo was very enlightening and educative as he answered questions on broad range of health issues, causes and prevention, such as high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, cancer, ulcer, etc. He talked about the importance of eating right, regular exercise and regular health screening and counselling.

No fewer than 500 residents comprising men, women and children benefitted from the free medical outreach. Some of the beneficiaries expressed their feelings.

‘I am happy about this programme and I pray to God to keep our Oba because visiting the hospital these days is very expensive. I also learnt a lot from the Medical Director during the questions and answers session especially the causes of high blood pressure and stroke and how to prevent it’, said Mrs Ige Salako. For Abdullatif Ogunbambi Abisogun, the free medical outreach should be more regular ‘because we need to be checking our health status from time to time. Prevention is better than medication’.

The Reddington Multi-specialists Hospital, Lagos has been at the fore of cutting-edge medical technology backed by very experienced consultants providing world class affordable services thereby reducing medical tourism and capital flight out of Nigeria.

A form of uproar seems to have taken over the Rivers State University (RSU) over alleged exorbitant fees charged for the 2025 graduation ceremony.

The first information report on the matter accused the university of charging N220,000 for graduation. The university immediately clarified that the N220,000 was not for all graduating students but only for the doctorate graduates.

The clarification did not however seem to douse the agitation as a groundswell has continued to build up against the fees.

The clarification showed that certificate degree graduands would pay N68,000; first degree would pay N97,000, postgraduate degrees were to pay N145,000; and doctorate degree category would pay N220,000. Sources in the university say the 2025 fees were clearly far above the rates for previous years, but the office of the Public Relations Officer headed by Victor Banigo remained silent to inquiries all of Monday, September 29, 2025.

The concern for alleged high fees seems to escape into the town where groups have begun raising alarms. An activist, Darlington Nwauju, has gone on radio to condemn the fees, saying commercialisation of education in the State has gone to a new level.

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in the state has also stepped into the matter, demanding a reversal.

A framework for understanding how Nigeria’s economy works and why it doesn’t work

A stagnant economy, specifically the lack of innovation, is Nigeria’s disease, and its richest men are the most prosperous symptom. They profit not by solving problems, but by profiting from them. To continue our discussion on this lack of innovation, I would like to propose a framework to unpack this very paradox.

As a lowly accountant, not an academic, I offer this with the appropriate disclaimer: may I present, for your consideration, the Framework of Opportunity, Oligopoly, and Distortion? You can call it the F.O.O.D. framework – because if you follow the framework, you are guaranteed to eat well.

The framework unfolds something like this:

Someone somewhere outside of Nigeria comes up with an idea, innovation or invention.

That idea, innovation or invention turns out to be something that Nigerians find useful because it solves an existing problem for them.

Nigerians then begin to import a product that is the embodiment of that idea, innovation or invention, proving that there is a market for it in the country.

At this point, the well-connected Nigerian ‘entrepreneur’ spots an ‘opportunity’ and gets to work on ‘import substitution’.

The case is made that this thing that was invented elsewhere and has proven to be a solution to a problem Nigerians had is costing the nation ‘scarce foreign exchange’ and ‘exporting jobs’ while at the same time ‘importing poverty’ (to be fair to the entrepreneur, Nigerians also fall for this argument and even amplify it themselves).

The ‘opportunity’ is straightforward – since the thing being imported is already proven to have a market, the goal is to ban or tariff the imports while replacing it with your own ‘locally manufactured’ version.

If all goes well (especially if the product is not easy to smuggle), you will make a lot of money because the price of the imported product plus the high tariffs you’ve lobbied government to place on them will determine the price of the local version of the product, i.e., price of local version = price of foreign version + import tariffs and duties. In other words, Nigerians will see no benefit from the product being manufactured close to them at home, other than some nebulous ‘foreign exchange savings’ or local pride.

The problem lies not just in the disease but in the flawed cure. While import substitution is not itself a major crime, it becomes one when it is held up as the primary path to wealth. This creates a dangerous psychological signal: when the richest men profit from protectionism rather than innovation, they become the aspirational models for a generation. The result is a vicious cycle where this self-replicating behaviour stagnates the entire economy.

Case study for F.O.O.D.: BUA Foods Plc

A few weeks ago, Nigerian newspapers were awash with the news that BUA Foods Plc, owned by one of the nation’s richest men, Abdulsamad Rabiu, had become the most valuable listed company in the country by market capitalisation:

Market capitalisation of BUA Foods Plc, owned by Nigeria’s second richest man, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has soared to N10.3 trillion as of Friday, August 8, following an 8.7 percent rise in its share price to N574.9, making it the most valuable stock on the country’s bourse.

This historic feat came barely one week after the fast-moving consumer goods giant recorded the highest profit in six years, supported by a 36 percent rise in revenue to N913 billion and a stable naira that returned the manufacturer to FX gain after swimming in losses in the past year.

‘That is wonderful news,’ I hear you say, not least for the owner who pocketed an incredible N216 billion in dividends ($135 million) out of this performance (even though the company is ‘listed’ on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Abdulsamad Rabiu owns 95% of its shares, a story for another day).

So what does this company actually do? Here, taken from the company’s own website, is a list of the products it sells:

This list is as much about what is on it as what is not on it. But let’s start with what is on there. Sugar – sits behind up to 70% duties, made up of 10% import duties (ID) and 60% Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) plus VAT. These tariffs apply to raw cane and refined sugar. Chapter 17 (PDF, page 71)

Flour – sits behind 70% duties (20% import duties plus 50% IAT) plus VAT. This applies to wheat and meslin flour and is an ‘improvement’ from the previous 100% tariff. Chapter 11 (PDF, page 55)

Pasta – Spaghetti and noodles are actually on the Nigerian Customs import prohibition list (number 7), i.e., they are banned. However, on the tariff list, pasta sits behind 20% import duties plus VAT. Chapter 19 (PDF, page 76)

Edible Oils – These are palm and vegetable oils, and they sit behind 10% import duties and 25% IAT for crude palm oil and other types of palm oils, i.e., a total of 35% tariffs. Refer to Chapter 15 (PDF, page 65). Refined vegetable oils are on the banned list above (number 4).

Rice – Semi-milled or wholly milled rice and broken rice sit behind 60% tariffs (10% import duties and 50% IAT), while brown rice sits behind 30% tariffs (10% import duties and 20% IAT). Chapter 9 (PDF, page 53).

This case study of BUA Foods perfectly illustrates the F.O.O.D. framework. The company has built a vast empire by only concerning itself with products shielded by heavy government tariffs. This strategy reveals everything: the real blueprint for their success is best understood by noting what is not on their product list – and why those unprotected goods will likely never be.

Consider the humble Nigerian yam. This is a product and sector desperately in need of innovation, plagued by endemic problems from planting to harvest. The scale of these challenges is vividly captured in an NPR report from a few years ago:

But in the past few years, Nigeria’s yam yield has dropped to its lowest level in two decades, according to the United Nations, even though the area of land under cultivation is rapidly rising.

‘For a large number of farmers, seed yam is a big problem,’ said Robert Aseidu, West Africa research director for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), a nonprofit research organisation based in Nigeria. ‘It’s only now that we’re seeing how big a problem this could become.’

The trouble stems from the way yam is grown by Nigeria’s small farmers. New tubers grow directly from planted pieces of old ones, rather than from seed. Traditionally, farmers will set aside the smaller yams from each harvest to use as seed yams for the next season and take the bigger ones away to eat or sell. Having a big enough harvest to be able to keep your own seed yams is a mark of a farmer’s competence; buying them at the market is considered bad luck.

At the same time, yams are clonal, meaning that each tuber is genetically identical to its ‘parent’. So farmers are essentially planting the same yams over and over again, with none of the routine genetic mutation that typically occurs between generations to help ward off pests and diseases. And because farmers tend to set aside the worst yams as parents, they’re unintentionally practising a kind of anti-Darwinian ‘survival of the scrawniest’.

‘When you have this recycling over so many years, then they keep accumulating pests and diseases, and then productivity keeps reducing until you get to a stage where it’s no [longer] economical to plant anything,’ says Beatrice Aighewi, a yam specialist at IITA.

That cycle is reaching a crisis point, forcing a reconsideration of the longstanding stigma against buying seed yams. Adaikwu opened her business a few years ago to take advantage of the emerging market. She sources good seed yams from around the country and reproduces them in her field. One of her first big hits was a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety that earned the nickname ‘Mecca Approaches’ because of a reputation that it could help farmers earn enough money to make the pilgrimage to Islam’s most holy site.

Nigeria leads the world in both the production and consumption of yams. Yet it still struggles to meet its own demand, hampered by systemic issues throughout the supply chain, such as the ones listed above. It is therefore profoundly telling that one can build the country’s largest and most valuable food company without ever touching a product so central to the Nigerian experience.

Nowhere in BUA Foods Plc’s 2004 annual report is there a single mention of yams. The document similarly omits any dedicated research and development function or a clear RandD line item in its financial statements – a vague reference to ‘research funding’ on page 79, tied to education, is the most you’ll find. Under ‘Product Innovation’, the company describes adding premium pasta and semolina as its method of ‘staying ahead of industry trends’. Let me be clear: this is not merely Nigeria’s largest food company. It is the most valuable company in the country, full stop.

Should a foreign innovator ever solve yams’ production problems, the local ‘entrepreneur’ would swiftly leverage government connections to seize the opportunity. This is the very model of innovation outsourced and rent-seeking domesticated. The business model is to use tariffs to inflate the price of imports, then price their own local product at the same level (or even above) to secure outsized profits. We’ve seen this before. When China developed waste-heat innovation for cement, the benefits weren’t passed to Nigerians; they were captured by middlemen who charged rent for the privilege of access. The F.O.O.D. framework can be observed in the country’s palm oil industry, as the players make vast profits, while you can still see palm oil production in Nigeria that looks like something from the nineteenth century.

It is for this reason that someone can get very rich in Nigeria while the country remains very poor – a malnourished economy on a diet of outsize profits. The incentive structure within Nigeria’s nominal market economy is fundamentally broken. The psychological toll is immense, as a generation learns the demonstrated truth that improving lives is optional for acquiring wealth – the F.O.O.D. framework is all that is required. Even investors and fund managers, resigned to a lack of better options, validate this model in their pursuit of returns.

When this is an economy’s only sustenance, the nation is guaranteed to starve.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation says the online ticketing platform for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service is now open for payment.

Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, said this in a statement on the corporation’s X handle on Tuesday

Umyimadu said that passengers were therefore encouraged to book their tickets online ahead of resumption on Wednesday, Oct. 1, via https://nrc.tps.ng or visit any of the designated stations to purchase their tickets.

According to him, in preparation for the resumption of services, the journey time has been reduced following a review of the Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) to enhance operations. He added that the management of NRC appreciated the patience and understanding of its esteemed passengers during the suspension period.

He assured the public that safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction remained top priorities.

‘The new schedule is as follows: Abuja – Kaduna – Idu: 8:45 a.m., Kubwa, 9:10 a.m., Rigasa (Arrive), 11:47 a.m., Kaduna – Abuja: Rigasa, 2:30 p.m., Kubwa, 5:12 p.m., and Idu (Arrive), 5:32 p.m.

‘The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of its esteemed passengers during the suspension period and assures the public that safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction remain our top priorities,’

Delta State Government says it has exceeded its revenue projection mid-year into the 2025 budget, by 150%, and has predicted brighter future for the state and it’s citizens ahead of the 2026 budget.

Sheriff Oborevwori, the State governor, made the revelation during the state stakeholders’ engagement on 2026 budget planning process, an event held in Asaba, at the weekend.

The governor, who was represented by Sonny Ekedayen, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, recalled that the 2025 budget size was N972.2 billion out of which N630.5 billion was earmarked for Capital Expenditure while the Recurrent Expenditure was pegged at N348.8 billion.

‘As at the mid-year, the total implementation came to about N778 billion by way of revenues we received. That is, we overshoot our revenue projection by 150^ within the same period and so deserve applause’, he said. Of this amount, he said the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) alone was N104 billion as against N134 billion budgeted for the whole year, attributing the success to the vision and direction the current administration is providing. Also, this performance is a function of the prudence and judicious use of tax-payers monies which is now boosting public confidence as the level of compliance has increased, he added.

On expenditure, he disclosed that out of the N630 billion that was earmarked for capital budget, mid-year, N301 billion had been spent, which is about 96 percent pro-rated performance. ‘The government is spending heavily on infrastructures as a lot of payments are made to contractors. This year, we are expecting that the figures would be sustained as we end the year’, he explained.

‘The performance on the recurrent expenditure side is also looking green with over N200 billion spent against the budget of N348.8 billion, when pro-rated, we have about 86^ performance.

That is also keeping a level with the performance of the capital budget.

In Nigeria, the condition of roads can be challenging for drivers during the rainy season, ranging from full drainage systems to potholes and traffic jams, making it difficult for car owners to navigate their way. Therefore, knowing how to take care of your vehicle is essential for safety and avoiding costly repairs.

Rainy seasons can cause rust and corrosion, especially on metal parts, while also damaging electrical components through moisture ingress, which can lead to short circuits and malfunctions in systems such as the engine, lights, and sensors.

Water entering the engine can cause damage, while persistent exposure to rainwater can promote mould and mildew growth inside the car. Other components, like brakes and batteries, can also fail due to increased usage and exposure to moisture.

Keeping your cars in good condition in all seasons not only preserves value but also keeps them safe on the road.

Regardless of these challenges, in no particular order, here are several car care tips every driver needs to know this rainy season.

Windshield wipers

Windshield wipers should be replaced either 6 months to a year or as soon as you notice some difficulties in driving visibility in the rain. Keep your wiper fluid filled to the brim

Replace wipers if they leave streaks or squeal. Squeaking, skipping, and smearing begin when your wiper no longer makes proper contact with your windshield. Clean, check, or change if needed.

Check your tyres

This is one of the basic car care tips you should know. Check the thread depth, maintain your tyre pressure; both over- and under-inflation can be risky in wet conditions.

Bald tyres increase the risk of hydroplaning (that’s when your tyres lose grip and your car feels like it’s ice-skating)

Hydroplaning is when water builds up between your tyres and the road, making you temporarily lose control. Brakes

Get your brakes checked (pads, discs, and fluid), avoid sudden braking in rain; pump brakes gently, and listen for any screeching or softness in the pedal. You need to have a good braking system.

Don’t be in a hurry while driving in the rain; slowing down will reduce the risks of being in an unexpected event, just relax.

Car battery

Check your car battery condition always, as heavy use of electrical components in the rain can strain it.

Keep the battery and its terminals clean to prevent corrosion, and check its terminals for any signs of damage or corrosion. If the battery gets wet, allow it to dry completely before use.

Car lights

Rain reduces visibility for everyone, so you need to check if your lights are functioning properly, both the headlights and brake lights.

Clean headlights to prevent cloudiness and check for cracks that could let water in. Good lighting is one of the simplest safety tips for rainy season driving. Use hazard lights while driving in the rain.

Rusting

Do not drive through deep water, as it can cause significant engine and electrical damage.

Apply an anti-rust coating to the undercarriage, use silicone-based lubricants on door hinges and locks, and clean your car regularly to avoid mud buildup.

Anti-rust coating is a spray or sealant that protects your car’s metal parts from rusting due to moisture.

The Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has approved the N140 billion budgetary provision for the commission in 2025, with a charge to ensure prudent and transparent utilisation of the funds once the Senate gives its final approval.

The endorsement came after Tsenyil Yiltsen, the Managing Director of the Commission, appeared before Titus Zam-led Committee on Tuesday to defend the proposal.

Announcing the approval, Titus Zam, who chairs the Senate Committee, stated, ‘After a careful look at the issues contained in the budget and the eloquent presentation by the MD and his team, the committee has approved the budget of N140 billion as presented by the Commission.’

In his presentation, Yiltsen explained that the Federal Government allocated N140 billion to the commission for the fiscal year, with N100 billion set aside for capital expenditure across the six States of the North Central region and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the remaining N40 billion will cover recurrent expenditure, including overhead and personnel costs.

He clarified that the N100 billion capital vote was intended for multiple projects across the states rather than a single project.

‘We have eight thematic areas in terms of infrastructure deployment, which are security, agriculture, mining, environmental degradation, education, health, road construction, etc,’ he said. Yiltsen assured lawmakers that the Commission would implement projects equitably across all the states in the zone and the FCT.

‘We will go out for proper needs assessment in all the states and will be fair in the distribution of these projects in all the six states and FCT,’ he added.

On the recurrent component, he disclosed that a large portion of the N40 billion would go towards the salaries of 200 new staff, pending approval of their recruitment by the Office of the Head of Service.

While commending the Commission’s presentation, the committee tasked the NCDC to ensure judicious application of the funds, particularly the N100 billion earmarked for capital projects.

It also called on State Governments in the North Central region and the FCT to provide office accommodations for branches of the commission in their respective States.