馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
National Assembly and executive commit to closing gaps in Nigeria's budgeting and development planning
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The National Assembly and Nigeria's executive arm of government have pledged to collaborate more closely to address long-standing issues in the country's budgeting process and national development planning framework. This commitment was made during a two-day National Policy Dialogue in Abuja, which focused on reforms to align fiscal policy with national development priorities. The event was organized by the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on National Planning and Economic Affairs/Development in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Finance, and the Budget Office of the Federation. Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, commended lawmakers for supporting reforms introduced by the administration of Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that national planning is constitutionally mandated. Gboyega Isiaka, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the need for collective action across all government arms to bridge the gap between planning and budgeting. Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, stressed the importance of aligning development plans with budgetary commitments, noting that a persistent disconnect has hindered growth. He stated that the administration aims to foster a performance-driven culture to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, supported by initiatives like the Renewed Hope
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE decision to suspend traffic stops following two fatal shootings within a week. The Department of Homeland Security DHS halted the practice after a Colombian man was shot dead in Maine on Monday and a Mexican man was killed in Texas last week. Trump stated on Truth Social that traffic stops are a crucial crime-fighting tool and should not be abandoned, urging ICE to be judicious and resume their work. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, confirmed a "pause" in traffic stops but maintained their effectiveness and anticipated their return. Rights groups identified the Maine victim as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, a delivery driver authorized to work in the United States. Colombian leader Gustavo Petro called Guerrero's killing a "murder of a Latin American Colombian at the hands of the US government." In the Texas incident, immigration authorities claimed Lorenzo Salgado, 52, attempted to run over an ICE agent, an account disputed by witnesses. ICE agents have faced backlash for aggressive tactics and previous shooting deaths of US citizens in Minneapolis.
Must ReadThe Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC had established reasonable suspicion that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The court found that Malami, his family members, and associated companies failed to disprove the EFCC's allegations regarding the legitimacy of the funds used for acquisition. The properties are located in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna states. This judgment follows an interim forfeiture order granted in January over 57 properties, with the EFCC alleging they were proceeds of unlawful activities valued at N212.8 billion. While 48 properties were ordered for final forfeiture, the interim forfeiture order for some others was discharged.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA has issued a flood advisory, indicating that 14 states face a medium flood risk between July 14 and July 20. Mr. Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, stated that this advisory is based on the agency's latest hydrological forecast, which predicts localized flooding along major river channels and identifies 16 high-risk monitoring stations. The states identified are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau. NIHSA warned that various local government areas and communities, including schools, health facilities, and markets, could be impacted without precautionary measures. Mohammed explained that the Annual Flood Outlook AFO provides flood predictions to aid disaster preparedness, response planning, and risk reduction. He urged state governments, emergency management agencies, and communities to enhance early warning systems, evacuation plans, and public awareness. Critical locations on the projected flood path include Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate, clear drainage channels, avoid flooded roads, and stay informed by NIHSA's forecasts. Emergency management agencies are also encouraged to pre-position relief materials and activate community-based early warning systems to mitigate flood impacts.