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Lagos had a storied past of water commerce – Ebute-Ero, Ebute-Elefun, Ije, Oja Oyingbo, Ebute Ejinrin, Badagry, the Lagos Marina, etc – all jetties, linked to markets. Boats berthed at these jetties to discharge and convey buyers and sellers, on weekly market days. More than roads, the vast Lagos waterways powered this traffic.

If the proverbial ‘Oja Oyingbo’ was packed to the brim – as the Juju music legend Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey crooned in one of his great numbers – it was the Lagos Lagoon, more than the roads, that ensured that commercial mobility and opportunity.

Now, ‘Omi Eko’, the waterway shuttle project that the Lagos State government just launched, at the Three Cowries Jetty, near Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, is set for a glorious encore – but with much more value-added.

It’s an innovative project to further integrate water transportation into the government’s THEMES-plus policy framework. It’s also set to modernise the waterways as choice Lagos commuter hub, thus reducing pressure on the over-flogged roads.

Omi Eko, planned over two phases, is well and truly ambitious. It could alter the Lagos transportation – and economy – for good. Omi Eko, with its smart ferries, could also boost water-driven tourism, now the near-monopoly of the well-heeled. That putative expansion is a win-win for the Lagos economy.

The first phase is an infrastructural-support push: the dredging and adequate marking of a marine track, covering 140 kilometres. That track covers 15 priority ferry routes. Under that phase, 25 ferry jetties and terminals will be put in place, with old ones upgraded – all fitted with electric charging points, for the electric ferries soon to be deployed.

Also attached to jetties/terminals are boat maintenance depots. This phase will also build roads connecting the jetties/terminals to the main arteries linking the final commuter communities and destinations.

Obvious and paramount in this first phase is the all-crucial question of safety, in these days of boat mishaps, in some parts of the country. Safety is critical for commuter confidence; and it’s reassuring that the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the implementing agency, is giving safety due attention.

The second phase is the business side: the ‘make-or-mar’ of the dream. It plans to infuse 75 electric ferries, fool-proof and fraud-resistant ticketing, and sound shuttle information management to give a rich travel experience that would keep commuters trooping back for more.

If management makes the difference between failed and thriving ventures, LASWA should develop the capacity to handle the business. Also imbued in the plan is adequate technology transfer to strengthen LASWA’s technical capacity: for prompt maintenance and repairs, as well as forging spare parts.

Aside drawing passenger traffic to some 25, 000 yearly, Omi Eko is projected to cut travel times by some three hours per trip. Funding for the informal boat sector, outside the government-backed ferry services, will also be taken care off. Indeed, building an integrated lagoon economy is logical thinking, as 15 local governments in the state are linked by water. That should provide more jobs for the youth.

Omi Eko came under the EU Gateway Initiative, with the French Development Agency (AFD); and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which provided a ‘subsidised’ pound 360 million, out of a pound 410-million loan. LASWA’s ability to grow a lean-and-mean water transport business is vital. For this upgrade, LASWA should draw inspiration from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which already runs the Lagos integrated road and rail services, with the Blue and Red urban rail lines.

So, LASWA should brace itself to make Omi Eko a thriving business, sustainable and profitable to pay off its loan. If that is well done, LASWA should, in no time, sit back as industry regulator, while private sector players, big and small, drive the business.

But there is another aspect that should also be emphasised: marine security. While safety is clear from the infrastructure plan, security is muted. In this era of kidnapping for ransom, security should receive that added attention. As more commuters get drawn to water transport, there is likelihood for opportunistic crimes, targeting the busy commuter channels. Robust marine security should, therefore, form a doughty part of the mix.

With Lagos defined by water – the Lagoon and its mightier cousin, the Atlantic Ocean – not integrating this mass of water into its transport mode is a clear waste. Though Omi Eko is picking up from a storied past, using every resource of the state to boost citizen wellbeing is smart policy thinking.

Senate has commenced the screening of newly nominated Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This followed the arrival of the nominees into the Senate chamber alongside their family members and other senior members of the Armed Forces.

The delegation was led into the Chamber by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado.

This followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele suspended Order 12 on floor privileges to allow strangers into the chambers and for the Senate to resolve into a Committee of Whole to do the screening.

The motion was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate.

The new Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation include the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

Before the screening commenced the Senate Leader moved that since the Senate earlier screened General Oluyede for the position of Chief of Army Staff, he should be regarded as a class captain leading the other nominees for the screening.

After the motion was seconded by Senator Ngwu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said it would be right to allow Oluyede to relieve his experience in his previous office as COAS and his perspective on the way forward as the CDS.

Thereafter, Oluyede took the podium and began introducing himself.

He said his experience as COAS was both challenging and rewarding.

On the challenges, he said: ‘We know the resources are not enough. The enablers are not enough. It makes it difficult to prosecuting the fight against bandits and terrorists.’

He said it is incumbent on the country to develop its own equipment to prosecute wars and other forms of insecurity due to skyrocketing cost of importing arms and armament.

He said there is something special about being a soldier. As a soldier you have to sacrifice your entire life. As an ordinary person, when there is a threat you are expected to retreat but as a soldier you are expected to go forward.

He also called for strengthening the Nigeria Police Force to be able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

‘At present, the military is doing some of the work the police are supposed to do,’ he said.

At this point, Senate President Akpabio requested senators that Oluyede be allowed to take a bow since he was formerly screened and approved by the chamber as CDS.

The request was approved by the Senators.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwunmi Owoade, made a significant courtesy visit to High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, the Akosin of Yorubaland on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

This meeting took place at High Chief Okunola’s private residence in Lekki, Lagos, and underscored the intention to strengthen collaboration between the Alaafin and his chiefs, with the aim of fostering development in Yorubaland.

During the visit, High Chief Okunola reflected on the historical significance of the occasion, noting that the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had also paid him a visit while offering prayers and counsel.

He expressed gratitude for the new Alaafin’s visit, seeing it as a pivotal moment that heralds a fresh chapter in the partnership between himself and the Alaafin throne. ‘I consider myself fortunate to have received this visit,’ he stated. ‘The implications of this meeting extend beyond mere formality; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to foster development and empowerment for the people of Oyo and, indeed, all of Yorubaland.’

High Chief Okunola emphasized that he shares a vision aligned with the Alaafin’s mandate for the advancement and prosperity of Yoruba land. His long-standing efforts through the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, dedicated to community development and empowerment, will be invigorated by the discussions held during this visit. ‘This engagement strengthens my resolve to work toward the greater good of our community,’ he added.

In response, Alaafin Owoade articulated the importance of the visit, highlighting that Chief Habeeb has been a steadfast supporter since his accession to the throne. ‘My visit to Chief Habeeb’s residence is one that brings me immense joy. His insights have been invaluable to me, and our discussions have addressed critical issues facing our communities. This meeting is an opportunity to deepen our bond and enhance collaboration aimed at promoting development throughout Yoruba land,’ he added.

As a gesture of respect and tradition, the Alaafin offered prayers to his ancestors by breaking kolanuts, bitter cola, and alligator pepper, seeking divine blessings for peace, growth, and prosperity across Yoruba land.

This visit is poised to mark a new era of partnership between the throne of Alaafin and its chiefs, signaling a mutual dedication to uplifting the Yoruba people and fostering a progressive future for their rich cultural heritage.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Instruments of Clemency and Pardon, formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy while directing the exclusion of individuals convicted of grievous crimes from the list of beneficiaries.

The President’s final approval, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, came after consultations with the Council of State and extensive public input.

It followed a comprehensive review of an earlier list of 175 names, which had generated public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted for serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.

Following the review, the list was pruned to 120 beneficiaries distributed across four categories: 15 persons granted full pardon (including pre-independence nationalist Sir Herbert Macaulay and the Ogoni Nine), four whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, 15 granted clemency, and 86 inmates whose prison terms were reduced.

Onanuga said the President’s decision was guided by ‘the seriousness and security implications of some offences, the need to respect the feelings of victims, to sustain public trust, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.’

He added that the President viewed justice as a ‘three-way traffic’-balancing the rights of offenders, victims, and society.

Among those whose sentences were reduced under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Reduced Terms of Imprisonment and Sentence, 2025) are several inmates convicted of manslaughter, culpable homicide, fraud, firearms, and conspiracy offences.

Notably, Maryam Sanda (37), convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death in 2020, had her sentence commuted to 12 years imprisonment ‘on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, and for good conduct.’

Others include Yusuf Owolabi (36) and Ifeanyi Eze (33), both serving life sentences for manslaughter, now reduced to 15 years each; Markus Yusuf (41), whose 13-year term was cut to 8 years; and Alhaji Abubakar Tanko (61), whose 30-year sentence was reduced to 20 years.

Under the drug and narcotics category, Patrick Mensah (40) had his 17-year sentence cut to 13 years, while others such as Obi Edwin Chukwu, Tunde Balogun, Lima Pereira Erick Diego, and Uchegbu Emeka Michael received reduced terms of 12 years each.

Dias Santos Marela Christiana (44), a foreign national convicted of importing cocaine in 2017, had her sentence cut from 15 to 12 years ‘for remorsefulness and deportation.’

In financial and fraud-related cases, Buka Adamu (40) saw his 20-year term reduced to 9 years, while Mustapha Ahmed, Inibong Imayen Nuikidem, Ada Audu, Chief Jonathan Alatoru, and Umannah Ekatte received varying reductions for age, remorsefulness, and good conduct.

In firearms-related offences, Abubakar Mamman (38) and Muhammed Bello Musa (35) had 10-year sentences cut to 7 years, while Nnamdi Anene (67)’s life sentence was commuted to 20 years.

Under maritime and conspiracy offences, 10 convicts – including Bright Agbedeyi, Babangida Saliu, and Jude Saka Ebaragha – had their 12-year terms reduced to 8 years, with fines waived ‘based on remorsefulness and impecuniosity.’

For unlawful mining, at least 45 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Oyo State – including Yusuf Alhassan, Abdullahi Isah, Zayanu Bello, and Habeeb Suleman – had their sentences reduced from three to two years following rehabilitation assurances facilitated by Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis.

The President also approved a major structural reform: the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to establish new, stricter guidelines for future clemency exercises, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit.

Onanuga said the reviewed list and signed instruments have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

According to the statement, President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and engagement on the issue, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen the justice system and ensure that the prerogative of mercy ‘remains a symbol of fairness, not a loophole for impunity.’

founder and Chief Executive Officer of Small-Scale Enterprise, Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, is set to host the second MBA Business showers, to celebrate the cohort 2 graduates and heighten conversation on role of MSMEs in the economy.

The event: ‘Innovation. Inclusion. Impact: Redefining MSMEs in Nigerian Economy, holds tomorrow in GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Keynote address will be delivered by Mr Charles Odii, director-general and chief executive of SMEDAN, and Ms Esther Obiekwe, group head of Retail and SME Banking at NOVA Bank.

There will be a fireside chat, featuring Bunmi Kola-Dawodu, state manager of SMEDAN; Meksley Nwagboh, divisional head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity; Afolabi Solebo, general manager of LASCOPA; Ayomide Olofinjana, founder of Florence Richards Africa; and Adanna Uche, founder of Ady’s Agro Processing, to be moderated by Founder of Moore Organics, Mrs. Adebisi Odeleye.

At the programme, Jimmy-Eboma said, ‘participants will examine role of policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs on need to collaborate and unlock finances, strengthen quality and consumer protection, and accelerate international competitiveness.”

According to Adesola, ‘Nigeria has enormous potential locked within her people. If every state intentionally develops its local resources into finished goods by turning cassava into packaged flour, hibiscus into export tea, and shea butter into global beauty products, we can transform our economic narrative.

‘The MBA Business Showers has rapidly become a leading platform spotlighting innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in Nigeria’s small-scale manufacturing sector. Powered by SSE Lab, the initiative bridges the gap between vision and venture by equipping founders with practical structure, market-ready knowledge, and strategic support to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

‘The Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA) is a 90-day intensive transformation program tailored for product-based founders and micro-manufacturers. Over three months, participants progress through a disciplined pathway of conceptualisation, product validation, branding, packaging, regulatory compliance, and market launch, transforming raw ideas into proudly made-in-Nigeria brands capable of competing globally.

‘Through the MBA Business Shower, we have built entrepreneurs who can make vision real because we have seen ordinary individuals like; traders, artisans, and dreamers become structured, compliant, export-ready businesses within 90 days. This is a statement of possibility.’

The Kebbi Government, has dismissed as false and malicious a video circulating on social media platforms alleging the existence of a hidden Airport in Argungu forest purportedly used for cocaine smuggling.

The dismissal is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi by Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gov. Nasir Idris.

Sarki described the viral video as fabricated and baseless, aimed at discrediting the State Government and tarnishing its image.

‘The entire content of the video is false and misleading.

‘There has never been any incident of drug trafficking or illegal airport operations in Argungu Local Government Area or any part of Kebbi,’ he maintained.

He clarified that the only functional airport in the state remains the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, adding that Argungu has never had an airport, airstrip, or any related facility.

Sarki further explained that all the names and characters mentioned in the viral clip were fictitious,

He also stressed that no investigation had been carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), or any other security agency to support such claims.

Sarki urged members of the public to disregard the falsehood, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead citizens and create unnecessary tension.

‘The Kebbi government under the leadership of Gov. Idris remains committed to transparency, good governance, and collaboration with all federal security and anti-drug agencies,’ the special adviser assured.

Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Matthew Adamu, has called for collective action to address low women participation in decision-making.

He spoke in Abuja at the induction of over 50 postgraduate students of Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement.

Prof. Adamu, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Academic Matters, Prof. Rhoda Mundi, noted that women constitute about 49.5 per cent of Nigeria’s population while men make up 50.5 per cent, yet men continue to dominate leadership and governance.

He described the situation as a challenge that requires collective action, adding gender imbalance continues to limit Nigeria’s development potential.

‘When you look at decision-makers and those in decision-making, it is largely men. Yet, our population is almost evenly split between men and women, he said.

‘No society can attain its full potential if half its population is held back by unequal access to opportunities’.

He urged the inductees to see their admission as a call to action. ‘This represents a commitment to learning, enquiry, and advancing ideals of gender equality and social justice’.

Prof. Adamu noted that gender studies is a vital field that broadens understanding of how gender intersects with class, ethnicity, religion, and other social identities.

‘As students who will graduate from this institution, we expect that when you go out, you will make an impact. Upon graduation, there will be a difference between you who have graduated here, not just from University of Abuja, but specifically from Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement’.

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello, urged the students to uphold discipline, integrity, and service as they prepare to contribute to development.

Bello, represented by Hadiza Chiroma, said: ‘You represent the next generation of leaders and change agents that our nation looks up to. Let this induction mark the beginning of a journey to not only advance your academic pursuit but also position you to contribute to national development and global human security.’

She lauded the centre for promoting gender equality, security, and youth empowerment, noting these ideals align with NAPTIP’s mandate to protect dignity and rights of women and others vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

The Director of the Centre, Dr. Theresa Akpan, while congratulating the inductees, reminded the students that they are ambassadors of the Centre and urged them to put their knowledge into practice.

She said: ‘Gender is not a women’s issue but a shared social concern. Gender is not a woman thing; it’s for men and women. We want society to be balanced. So, if we all put our hands together, the society will be balanced, and all the injustices we are talking about will be done away with’.

A wave of defection appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders of the party have indicated plans to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

On October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents the district in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to APC.

He also paid a similar courtesy visit to the APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba in Calabar, where he pledged readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.

Jarigbe, on Tuesday, in continuation of his consultations, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course.

Special Assistant on Media to the Senator, John Agom Agom, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed the development.

Agom stated that the meeting which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja – focused on aligning with what participants described as ‘the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

The statement quoted Jarigbe while addressing the gathering to have said that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the President’s vision of national renewal.

‘My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,’ he said ‘Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.’

Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.

The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally join the APC with Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a ‘strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.’

Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.

The Global Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde, has called on state governments to deepen fiscal reforms and build stronger local economies that can sustain their ambitions without overdependence on federal allocations.

Speaking in Abuja at the 10th anniversary of the State of States report, Onigbinde said the initiative was conceived from a simple belief that every public kobo meant for citizens should be traceable, justified, and used to improve lives.

He said the State of States report, which began a decade ago as a modest effort to promote fiscal transparency, had become a national benchmark for assessing governance at the subnational level.

‘Every year, we gather not just to present numbers, charts, or fiscal rankings,’ he said. ‘We gather to hold up a mirror – a mirror that reflects the choices our state governments are making, the paths they are taking, and the opportunities they are either seizing or leaving on the table.’

Onigbinde noted that when the project began, only five states in the federation published their budgets, but today, transparency has become a competitive advantage among governors who now await the report’s rankings with keen interest.

He acknowledged the progress made over the years, crediting it to citizens’ growing demand for accountability and the emergence of reform-minded leaders who understand the power of data in governance.

‘Governors now wait eagerly – sometimes nervously – to see where they stand. Citizens have stronger voices. Data has become a lever for accountability. We celebrate that progress sincerely,’ he said.

However, the BudgIT chief warned that despite the gains, Nigeria remains at a fiscal crossroads. He pointed to the widening gap between potential and performance in many states, adding that inflation and debt obligations were rising faster than household earnings and revenue reforms.

‘We must be honest with ourselves,’ Onigbinde said. ‘Many states still rely excessively on federal allocations rather than building resilient local economies. The gap between potential and performance remains wide.’

He said the essence of this year’s report was not to name winners or losers, but to encourage collective responsibility toward building sustainable governance structures that prioritize human development and economic opportunity.

‘Today’s conversations are therefore not about winners and losers. They are about ensuring that children can learn in safe classrooms, that small businesses can thrive without being strangled by taxes or power costs, and that basic healthcare is not a privilege but a guarantee,’ he added.

Onigbinde emphasized that the State of States report is not merely BudgIT’s publication, but a public resource and a call to action for leaders and citizens alike.

‘Nigeria’s future is not shaped only in Abuja,’ he said. ‘The engine of national prosperity must fire in Kano, Enugu, Bauchi, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, and across every corner of this federation.’

He thanked BudgIT’s partners and reform advocates in government who, despite challenges, continue to push for improved governance and accountability.

As the report marks its 10th anniversary, Onigbinde urged state governments to move beyond transparency checklists and adopt innovation-driven policies that prioritize education, healthcare, and infrastructure as the pillars of sustainable development.

‘Let us build states that can fund their ambitions through innovation – states that see transparency not as a box to tick but as a foundation for trust,’ he said.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, urged subnational governments to use the current surge in federal allocations to build sustainable, people-centered economies rather than expand recurrent expenditures that do little to improve citizens’ lives.

Speaking on the theme ‘A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Evolution,’ Oyedele commended BudgIT for sustaining ten years of evidence-based fiscal analysis, describing the report as ‘a consistent, unblinking light on the financial health of Nigeria’s states.’

‘Today, we are not merely launching another report,’ Oyedele said. ‘We are marking ten years of fiscal X-rays-ten years of holding a mirror to our subnational governments and asking a profound question: what have we done with the resources entrusted to us?’

Oyedele observed that the 2025 edition of the report comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. Since May 2023, he noted, the country has witnessed sweeping economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, and tax restructuring – measures that, despite their pains, helped to avert a potential economic collapse.

He revealed that the total Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) transfers nearly doubled within a year, from ?5.4 trillion in 2023 to ?11.4 trillion in 2024, as a result of these reforms.

‘States are receiving more money than ever before,’ he said. ‘But there is a paradox – while governments have more naira, ordinary Nigerians have less disposable income in their pockets. Fiscal abundance does not automatically translate into social prosperity.’

According to Oyedele, the report shows that 21 states now rely on federal allocations for at least 70% of their total revenue, an indication that FAAC dependency has worsened over the past year.

Nonetheless, he highlighted several bright spots in revenue generation, noting that Enugu grew its internally generated revenue (IGR) by 381%, Bayelsa by 174%, and Abia by 129%. Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Anambra, and Edo, he said, continued to display resilience through steady IGR performance.

Oyedele urged states to convert their current windfalls into sustainable fiscal capacity, taking advantage of new tax laws that expand VAT shares, assign the electronic money transfer levy entirely to states, and offer tax exemptions for government bonds to reduce borrowing costs.

The 2025 report ranked Anambra as the best-performing state, followed by Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo. Akwa Ibom and Zamfara were also commended for significant improvements.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. AbdulLateef Shittu, commended BudgIT for sustaining the State of States report for a decade, describing it as a credible tool for promoting fiscal transparency and accountability across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Shittu said the theme, ‘A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis: Growth, Decline and Middling Performance,’ presents an opportunity for honest reflection on the progress made and areas requiring deeper reforms.

He said BudgIT has remained a vital civic partner in improving citizen access to public finance information, while the NGF continues to use such independent assessments to drive evidence-based dialogue on state performance.

According to him, the World Bank-supported States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme helped institutionalise budget credibility, debt transparency, and audit integrity, creating the data foundations that make such reports possible.

He added that the ongoing State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme is extending the reform frontier beyond fiscal transparency to improving the business climate at the subnational level.

Shittu said both programmes demonstrate what can be achieved when incentives, data, and collaboration align between government, civil society, and development partners.

He emphasized that transparency is not an end in itself but a continuous journey. ‘Each state faces unique fiscal realities. What matters is refining data, improving dialogue, and strengthening mutual accountability,’ he said.

The NGF, he added, will continue to provide a platform for peer learning and engagement among states, while partnering with civil society to sustain fiscal reforms.

He congratulated BudgIT on the 10th anniversary of the State of States report and commended development partners for their consistent support to subnational governance reforms.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting fiscal transparency and governance reforms in Nigeria, describing sound fiscal management as a cornerstone of effective service delivery and inclusive growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation’s Country Director, Mr. Uche Amaonwu, at the launch of BudgIT’s 2025 State of States report in Abuja, Deputy Director for Program Advocacy and Communications, Ekenem Isichei, commended BudgIT for a decade of promoting accountability in public finance.

Amaonwu praised the State of States report as one of Nigeria’s most credible measures of subnational fiscal health, noting that it has evolved beyond rankings to highlight how governance decisions directly impact citizens.

He said the 2025 edition, themed ‘Growth, Decline, and Middling Performance,’ reflects the uneven progress across Nigeria’s 36 states and underscores that fiscal performance is ultimately a question of governance – about how decisions are made, resources are managed, and people are served.

He linked the Foundation’s partnership with BudgIT to its broader goal of improving health outcomes through stronger fiscal discipline. Good governance and sound fiscal systems, he said, ensure that budgeted health funds reach the frontline, that facilities are staffed, medicines are available, and mothers and children receive quality care.

According to him, subnational fiscal management directly influences the success of public health campaigns against diseases such as polio, malaria, and measles, and determines the effectiveness of healthcare delivery at the primary level.

Amaonwu urged states to strengthen public financial management practices such as budget profiling, cash forecasting, and post-mortem budget reviews to ensure better fiscal outcomes.

He cited Kaduna State’s coordination between its budget and health ministries as evidence that governance-centered transparency delivers results.

Closing his remarks, he emphasized that fiscal transparency is not an end in itself but a means to ensure every naira allocated to health, education, and human capital delivers real impact. ‘Fiscal health is human health,’ he said. ‘When governance is transparent and accountable, it becomes the bridge that connects both.’

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For many working Nigerians who manage tight monthly budgets, this offer makes owning a modern smartphone easier and more realistic.

A Smarter Way to Buy Tech

Beyond affordability, the partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct shows how technology and finance can work together to improve lives. By lowering the downpayment requirement to 20%, Credit Direct is helping people access the latest devices while encouraging disciplined, structured payment habits.

This approach, often called Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), is becoming more common in Nigeria. It is especially useful for young professionals and entrepreneurs who rely on smartphones for work, education, and communication.

Final Word

The VIVO × Credit Direct Checkout offer is not just about buying a phone. It’s about giving people the freedom to own the technology they need without financial stress.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your device, this is a great opportunity. Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to check your eligibility and locate a participating store.

With only 20% downpayment, you can walk away with a new, powerful VIVO Y21d and pay the rest over time – simply and affordably.