Emir Sanusi questions Nigerian government's continued borrowing despite subsidy removal
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has questioned the Federal Government's ongoing reliance on borrowing, even after the removal of the petrol subsidy. In an interview with News Central TV, Sanusi stated that while the subsidy removal and exchange rate liberalization were necessary, their timing and a lack of fiscal discipline threaten to undermine potential benefits. He highlighted the systemic failure of supporting foreign refineries while Nigeria's domestic capacity remained dormant, though he expressed optimism about the shift towards domestic production and petroleum product exports. Sanusi raised concerns that liberalizing the exchange rate in a "loose monetary environment" contributed to the naira's rapid depreciation. He challenged the government's continued borrowing, asking, "If you're not paying the subsidy and you've got the money, why are we still borrowing and borrowing? What are we borrowing for?" This comes as the Federal Government increased its 2026 borrowing plan to ₦29.20 trillion and President Bola Tinubu sought approval for a new $516 million loan for the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
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General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces' dedication to using psychological and influence operations for conflict prevention, national stabilization, and peace. Speaking at the Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop in Abuja, Oluyede, represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, highlighted the necessity of a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach" to build national resilience. He emphasized that influence operations are crucial for addressing conflict causes, countering misinformation, strengthening public trust, and promoting peaceful coexistence. The workshop, themed "Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization," included participants from various sectors. Dr. Salihu Dembos, Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, represented by Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed the importance of strategic communication for national unity. Mallam Jibrin Ndace, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, underscored the criticality of credible communication and public engagement for sustainable peace. The workshop concluded with recommendations for enhanced inter-agency collaboration, increased institutional capacity, improved public engagement, and the integration of influence operations into national conflict prevention and stabilization efforts.
Nigeria's para powerlifting team has secured $18,000 in performance rewards following a strong start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The National Sports Commission had previously announced cash incentives for medallists. Esther Nworgu won Nigeria’s first gold medal, setting a Games record of 119.0 points in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting, ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema who took silver with 115.5 points. Nworgu received $8,000 in total rewards, while Oyema received $5,000. In the men’s lightweight category, Roland Ezuruike secured a silver medal with 153.9 points and also received $5,000. These three medallists collectively earned $18,000. The NSC has pledged cumulative cash rewards of $8,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze medallists at Glasgow 2026. Nigeria's team, comprising experienced and emerging talents, will continue to compete in various events, with expectations for further medal-winning performances.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will be counted in the 2027 general elections. This assurance was given during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar retd., in Minna, Niger State. Amupitan praised Abubakar as "the father of democracy in Nigeria" and a "pillar of support for INEC," commending the National Peace Committee's Peace Accord initiative for promoting non-violence among political actors. The INEC chairman stated the commission's commitment to ensuring that the will of Nigerians, as expressed at the polls, will prevail. He also confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections: Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. Abubakar, in turn, urged Nigerians to support INEC.