More from Nigeria
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·15 mins ago
Rabiu Kwankwaso proposes dialogue with terrorists and criminals to end insecurity in Nigeria
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the running mate to the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, stated that if elected in 2027, their administration would engage in dialogue with terrorists and other criminal elements. This approach is part of a broader strategy to deter further attacks and address Nigeria's escalating insecurity. Speaking on Channels Television, Kwankwaso noted that residents in affected communities often know the identities and locations of perpetrators but are reluctant to share information with security agencies due to past negative experiences. He emphasized that his administration would focus on rebuilding trust between communities and security agencies. Kwankwaso confirmed that direct engagement with terrorists and criminals would aim to discourage their actions and persuade them to disarm. He also clarified that while dialogue would be prioritized, military intervention would still be an option when necessary.
2 min read
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·1 hour ago
President Tinubu appoints 26 individuals to federal agencies, including Ayo Fayose as REA chairman
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 26 individuals to the boards and leadership of 10 federal government agencies and commissions. These appointments, which are effective immediately, were announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Among the key appointments, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has been named Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency REA. Major General Junaid Bindawa will serve as Chairman of the National Salary and Wages Commission, with eight additional appointments made to this commission, including Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas as Secretary. Other notable appointments include Dr Abuh Mohammed as Director-General of the National Population Commission, Dr Akinola Odeyemi as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, and Dr Anthony Inalegwu Godwin as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. Engineer Julius Oloro is the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation. The board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission has also been constituted with Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as chairman. Additionally, Shuni Muhammad Dahiru has been appointed Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, and Gisaor Vincent Iorja is the new Executive Director Finance of the Federal Housing Authority.
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·2 hours ago
Nigerian Finance Minister clarifies federal government's borrowing strategy
Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, addressed the Senate Committee on Finance regarding the federal government's borrowing under President Bola Tinubu. Oyedele explained that the perceived increase in Nigeria's debt stock, from approximately ₦75 trillion to a higher figure, is largely due to the revaluation of foreign loans following naira depreciation, which added over ₦40 trillion. Additionally, the securitisation of ₦33 trillion in Ways and Means advances from the previous administration contributed to the debt stock without representing new borrowing. The Minister stated that the administration's borrowing strategy is responsible, focusing on infrastructure development and debt sustainability, and that much of the domestic borrowing is for refinancing existing debt rather than new obligations. Some lawmakers, including Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Adamu Aliero, expressed concerns about the slow implementation of the capital component of the 2026 budget. The committee chairman, Senator Sani Musa, assured that capital project implementation would improve, and discussions are underway to introduce a performance- and priority-based budgeting system.