Shettima and Akabueze advocate for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria's budgeting system
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Director-General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, have called for significant reforms to Nigeria鈥檚 budgeting framework, emphasizing the need for a more realistic, disciplined, and development-driven system. Speaking at a National Policy Dialogue in Abuja, Shettima, represented by Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters Tope Fasua, stated that the dialogue was timely for Nigeria's economic trajectory, aligning with President Tinubu's reform agenda. He argued for larger, people-focused budgets, citing the recent N10 trillion adjustment to the 2026 fiscal budget, bringing it to N68 trillion, and dismissed calls for leaner fiscal planning. Shettima also highlighted recent policy steps, such as tariff adjustments on essential raw materials, pharmaceuticals, fabric, and machinery, aimed at stimulating productivity and easing pressure on citizens. Akabueze, in his presentation, underscored the consequences of weak fiscal coordination, pointing to an estimated 56,000 abandoned projects nationwide as a symptom of the failure to link budgets to development plans. He stressed the need to shift from budgeting for expenditure to budgeting for development outcomes and identified structural weaknesses in Nigeria鈥檚 fiscal process. Both officials highlighted the persistent disconnect between multi-year development strategies and annual budgets, further complicated by tensions between the executive and the National Assembly, underscorin
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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.