The Borno State Police Command has deployed over 1,000 officers across major streets, flashpoints and churches as Christians celebrate Christmas, following a bomb blast that killed five people and injured 35 others at a mosque on Wednesday evening. Our correspondent had reported that the blast occurred around 6pm when worshippers had gathered at the Al-Adum Mosque for prayers in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri. Speaking exclusively to our correspondent on Thursday morning, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said that although security measures were already in place, Wednesday’s incident necessitated heightened security arrangements. Daso said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would dominate all worship centres and recreational facilities, while urging residents to go about their lawful activities. He said, “There will be full domination of security personnel at churches, recreational centres, and strategic locations where people are massively going to. We are on standby. “It is a joint operation between the police and all emergency and security response teams. The command has deployed over 1,000 personnel within Maiduguri.” He emphasised that, “Though there were earlier security arrangements, however, with what happened yesterday, we are making it more intense.” The Police Public Relations Officer called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement. “We call on members of the public to go about their lawful business. But they should be very mindful and careful of their surroundings and use the designated emergency response number. “Any suspicious person they see around them should be immediately reported,” he said. Daso also stated that individuals would be screened before gaining access to worship centres, including churches and mosques. “In terms of clearance, any individual going to churches must be properly scanned. And the same thing too for the mosque,” he said. THENEWSCREDIT had earlier reported that the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, condemned the bomb attack on the mosque, describing it as inhumane and barbaric. Zulum, in a statement issued on Wednesday night by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly at places of worship during the festive period. The governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.” He added, “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship. “I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated. The governor assured residents that adequate measures had been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.

As the Christian faithful mark the birth of Jesus Christ today, President Bola Tinubu and state governors have admonished Nigerians to embrace peace. The President reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, declaring that no Nigerian would be made to suffer or die because of their religious beliefs, just as the Nigeria Labour Congress demanded tax justice. In his Christmas message to Nigerians released on Wednesday, the President stressed that religious tolerance remains a core national value that binds the country together despite its diversity. “No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” Tinubu said. “The love for God and the love for humanity are at the heart of all great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country,” he added in the message personally signed by him. The message, Tinubu’s third Christmas address since assuming office in May 2023, comes amid renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious freedom record. Two months earlier, the United States government redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged severe violations of religious freedom. On October 31, 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced the redesignation under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, claiming that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria” and alleging that “radical Islamists are responsible for mass killings.” However, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all Nigerians to worship freely. “That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity,” he stated. Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian wife, noted that since taking office in 2023, he has consistently reassured Nigerians of the government’s “unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.” “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect people of all faiths from violence,” he said. The President revealed that he has engaged extensively with leaders of Nigeria’s two major faiths throughout the year, especially amid concerns over religious intolerance and insecurity. “We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence,” he said, describing religious freedom as “a core tenet of our collective identity.” Tinubu also paid tribute to Nigerian Christians for their contributions to national development. “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on the immense contributions Christians have made and continue to make towards the progress of our country,” he said, noting that Christ’s message has inspired many to care for the vulnerable and less privileged. The President described Christmas as a season of hope, reminding Nigerians that “despite daunting challenges, God is with us.” He wished Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas and prayed for peace, particularly among people of different faiths. Tinubu also urged Nigerians travelling during the holidays to exercise patience and discipline on the roads, wishing them safe journeys. “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue building a greater Nigeria that future generations will be proud of,” he added. Govs preach love Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, congratulated the state’s residents on the 2025 Christmas celebration, urging them to embrace love, unity and Christ-like living as foundations for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori called on residents to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, compassion and selfless service exemplified by Jesus Christ. He commended Deltans for their resilience and unity, noting that their cooperation has been instrumental to the progress recorded under his administration’s MORE Agenda. The governor highlighted achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and security, citing ongoing road and flyover projects, improved healthcare facilities and investments in human capital. Oborevwori also noted improvements in workers’ welfare, peacebuilding initiatives and social intervention programmes for widows, women and youths. He disclosed that the 2026 Delta State budget prioritises infrastructure expansion, job creation, education, healthcare and agriculture. “The 2026 budget consolidates our gains and addresses the pressing needs of our people,” he said, assuring that no community would be left behind. Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, extended Christmas greetings to Christians in the state and across Nigeria, urging them to reflect on Christ’s teachings of love, sacrifice and peace. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Radda emphasised unity and tolerance as essential for national progress, assuring Christians of his administration’s commitment to protecting their rights and ensuring freedom of worship. Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in a Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, urged residents to draw strength from the Word of God, especially amid grief following the death of his deputy. Quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9, Diri said God’s grace shines brightest in moments of weakness, urging Christians to celebrate Christmas with reverence, hope and modesty. Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, described Christmas as a symbol of hope and redemption, urging citizens to practice love, unity and generosity despite economic and security challenges. Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urged residents to uphold love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, expressing optimism about the state’s future. Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, challenged Christians to pray for peace and an end to insecurity, highlighting steps taken by his administration to strengthen security infrastructure. ‘Strength in unity’ The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, extended warm greetings to Nigerian workers and citizens, wishing them peace, joy, and rejuvenation during the 2025 Christmas celebrations. The labour union acknowledged the economic hardships facing millions of Nigerians, noting that “the weight of economic hardship, policies that inflict suffering, and forces that press our nation into the morass of servitude and hardship can make the present seem bleak.” However, the NLC emphasised that hope remains alive, rooted not in mere wishes, but in collective action. “Our hope of a revival is not passive, and it is not a mere wish. It is built on a concrete foundation: our collective power and the action that it can potentiate,” the statement read. Highlighting the strength of unity, the NLC urged citizens to resist division along tribal, religious, or regional lines. “We must not allow the forces that oppress us to divide us by tribe, religion, or region. Our strength lies in our unity. Let us forge a coalition of the righteous, a mighty, indivisible movement of the people, committed to building a truly egalitarian nation, a nation that caters for the majority, not a privileged few,” the NLC added. The union also stressed the importance of self-love as a strategic foundation for national development. “In the spirit of this season of love, we must first demonstrate love to ourselves. This self-love is not selfish; it is strategic. It is shown in our determination to build ourselves into a strong, disciplined collective to protect our interests, our wages, our pensions, and our dignity,” the statement said. The labour leader called for decisive action against corruption, exploitation, injustice, insecurity, and poor governance, describing such efforts as “the most credible, sustainable celebration we can undertake.” Against the background of the new tax laws, which will take effect from January 1, the NLC warned against unjust laws. “Together, in this season and beyond, we must insist on tax justice, where the rich pay their fair share and all forms of regressive taxation are removed. ‘’It is therefore our responsibility to once again remind the Government that any tax system that does not include workers in its formulation and passage into law remains an unjust tax. Any tax system that is mired in apparent distortion and outright falsification is unacceptable and should therefore be rejected by all,” the statement noted. The NLC further called for broader social justice, urging access to quality healthcare, education, and security for all citizens. “We must insist on social justice where all citizens have access to dignity, good healthcare, and quality education; greater equity for workers where labour is justly rewarded and rights are respected; and, in fact, a safe and secure nation where lives and properties are guaranteed, and the people move about their businesses without fear or intimidation,” the statement said. The Congress reminded workers of the power inherent in their numbers and solidarity, stressing that mobilisation is essential to resist policies that cause suffering. “It neither pays us nor protects us when we allow them to use us to call ourselves names in order to continue dividing us so that we cannot speak with one voice and stop the exploitation. Let this festive period be a time of re-dedication to this cause. It is a time to organise more, beginning from wherever we are in our communities and in our various locations,” Ajaero said. The union urged Nigerians to enter 2026 with renewed commitment to unity, organisation, and collective action. “May the hope of Christmas inspire us. May the promise of a New Year energise our resolve. Let us move into 2026 with a renewed commitment to unity, organisation, and collective action. Together, we will build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said. Atiku, others Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar counselled Nigerians to use the Christmas season as an opportunity for healing, forgiveness, and the promotion of national unity, urging citizens to rise above divisions and embrace one another in love. In a Christmas message released by his Media Office in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku said Christmas reminds Nigerians of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and compassion, values the nation urgently needs. “Christmas calls us to rise above division and embrace one another in love. It is a season that invites us to heal old wounds, to forgive, and to recommit ourselves to the unity and common destiny of our nation,” Atiku said. The former Vice President encouraged Nigerians to use the season for reflection and prayer, asking for divine guidance for peace, justice, and renewed hope for the nation. He also urged citizens to renew their faith in God and to embody the love and generosity of Christmas in their daily interactions, especially with neighbours and communities. “As we celebrate this sacred season, let us extend hands of fellowship to one another and live as one people, regardless of our differences. Let us trust God for a better tomorrow and work, in unity and conscience, for a greater Nigeria,” he added. The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the festive period, with deployments across worship centres, highways and public spaces. He urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding. Former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, asked Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, urging citizens to reflect on the values of sacrifice and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ. Former House of Representatives member and ex–Rivers governorship aspirant, Dr Farah Dagogo, urged Christians to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as a pathway to national renewal and unity. Dagogo encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith despite socio-economic challenges, calling for prayers for the nation and compassion towards the needy. He also urged prayers for leaders at all levels to govern with wisdom and integrity. The Anglican Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, advised Nigerians to embrace hope and courage despite economic and security challenges, describing Christmas as a reminder of God’s abiding presence. He called on leaders to govern with integrity and citizens to remain committed to acts of kindness and service. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, urged Christians to embody love, sincerity and patriotism, describing these virtues as essential for good governance and national healing. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and prayed for guidance and integrity in governance. Nigerians lament Despite widespread reports of falling food prices across Nigeria this festive season, many residents say they still lack the money to take full advantage of the relief, leaving Christmas celebrations modest for millions of households. From Sokoto to Edo, families are feeling the pinch, even as staples like rice, beans, garri, and vegetables sell for far less than last year in some states. In Sokoto, improved harvests driven by heavy rainfall have boosted supply, but high production costs and insecurity contine to keep food largely out of reach. Monsur Abdulraheem, farm manager at Attahiru Farms, noted that unprecedented rainfall over the last two years translated into bumper harvests for both subsistence and large-scale farmers. Yet he added, “Rising costs of fertiliser, chemicals, labour and transportation have pushed up the final prices of farm produce.” Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, a rice farmer from Goronyo Local Government Area, recounted abandoning his farms after repeated bandit attacks. Market surveys across major markets in the state show a 50kg bag of foreign parboiled riuce currently sells for between N55,000 and N57,000, depending on brand, while a 100kg bag of locally processed Grade A rice costs about N92,000. Other staples also remain pricey. A bag of millet sells for about N35,000, the same price as maize, while a single tuber of yam goes for as high as N2,000. For many families, these prices mean Christmas is different this year. While some residents admit food is slightly more available than last year due to improved harvests, they say affordability remains a challenge, forcing households to cut portions, switch to cheaper meals or scale down celebrations altogether. Compared to last Christmas, fewer families can afford the same festive spreads, residents say, suggesting that despite improved production, the much-touted crash in food prices has yet to meaningfully reach dinner tables in Sokoto this season. Adamawa State, by contrast, has seen a sharp crash in food prices, with reductions of over 85 percent in some markets. A 100kg bag of beans, which sold for N75,000–N85,000 last year, now costs N25,000 – N30,000 depending on variety. Rice has fallen to N50,000 – N55,000 per 50kg, while a basket of tomatoes dropped from N35,000 to N10,000. While buyers celebrate, sellers lament huge losses. “President Bola Tinubu has killed us local farmers,” said Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, a tomatoes and onions seller. “I collected a bank loan to farm, but now I may have to sell my only house to repay it.” In Taraba, residents are cautiously optimistic. At Mile Six Market in Jalingo, Mrs. Grace Danjuma said staples were more affordable. “A bag of maize that sold higher last year is now around N20,000, while a 50kg bag of rice goes for N40,000–N50,000. Vegetables are also cheaper because supply is better,” she said. Livestock prices have also eased, making protein more accessible for families. Civil servant Markus Ternenge noted, “Last year was very tough. This time, with rice and chicken more affordable, we can manage a decent Christmas meal.” Bauchi residents on the outskirts of the metropolis reported relief as well. Juliette Daniel of Rafin Zurfi community said, “This year, food prices are lower compared to last season. We can even buy our food and share with our neighbours. By the grace of God, we’ll wear new clothes and celebrate modestly.” Others, however, stressed that limited incomes continue to constrain celebrations despite price drops. In Gombe, a 50kg bag of foreign rice fell from over N100,000 last year to about N59,000 this Christmas. Beans and maize also reduced significantly. “Yes, food is cheaper, but money is still scarce,” said trader Maryam Sadiq. Residents report celebrating with smaller meals and forgoing extras like drinks and large gatherings. Benue State saw reductions of 30 – 40 per cent for staples. Madam Benson, a primary school teacher in Makurdi, said, “A 25kg bag of local rice is now N21,000 against N41,000 last year. A basin of garri fell from N35,000 to N13,000, and the price of fowl dropped from N25,000–N30,000 to N13,000.” Families are grateful for the relief, yet expenses like school fees continue to limit celebrations. Edo residents also reported noticeable reductions. Niyi Kupoluyi, a resident of Benin City, the state capital, said, “A rubber container of garri that costs N4,000 is now N1,500, and a bag of rice dropped from over N100,000 last year to around N45,000. People can afford better meals this Christmas.” Shoppers like Gloria added that staples such as rice, beans, and pepper were now more accessible even with limited cash. Abia presents a more mixed picture. Investigations in Umuahia and Aba show that only rice, beans, and garri have seen price reductions, while onions, potatoes, fresh pepper, tomatoes, chicken, fish, and other items remain expensive due to seasonality, production, and transport costs. A civil servant, Bright Uche, said, “If not for the prompt payment of salaries and 13th month by Governor Alex Otti, we would have eaten sand. Still, the Xmas looks bleak as some food items are not affordable.” Across Nigeria, the picture is clear: while food prices have dropped in many regions, the relief is tempered by limited incomes, rising production costs, and insecurity in some areas. Nigerians are celebrating Christmas with cautious optimism, grateful for cheaper staples but mindful of the financial pressures that continue to shape daily life.

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has appealed that the Nigeria’s security agencies be strengthened in fresh resolve as they move against all agents of terrorism, insecurity, criminality, social, economic and political destabilisation and all other evils against Nigeria and its people from domestic and/or foreign sources. The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, in a Christmas message said, “The year 2026 will usher for Nigeria a resilient, determined and a more hospitable nation for the benefit of all citizens irrespective of ethnicity, faith, political persuasion and social status.” ACF prays that Nigerian leaders, temporal and spiritual, at all levels and indeed the citizens be endowed with the needed wisdom of empathy and love, truth and honesty, faith and righteousness in service to the people and our dear nation. According to him, “This year’s Christmas is coming at time when many families are struggling for survival as it remains disturbing that millions of individuals and communities, especially in the North, have had to be contending with the burden of the challenges, with many in dire conditions.” He explained that along with prayers for hitch-free celebrations, ACF wishes for God’s Grace and Mercies to be bestowed on Nigeria and its citizens, to replace debilitating economic, social and political challenges of the times. Muhammad-Baba said, “It is our hope that in the the spirit of the Season, Nigerians, irrespective of faith and political persuasion should continue to pray for a return to peace, prosperity and progress.” He added that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) wishes happy celebrations to the multitudes of Nigerian and other Christians across the globe on the 2025 Christmas celebrations, just as it wishes all a very happy and prosperous 2026 New Year.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Working Committee, NWC, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of a Caretaker Committee in Oyo State. A statement by Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, named Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso as Chairman and Biola Olanipekun as Secretary. The statement titled: “Appointment of Oyo State Caretaker Committee,” said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved the appointment of the following as OYO STate Caretaker Committee. “Accordingly, the assignment takes effect from December 24th 2025 and the Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Oyo State as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party Constitution for a period not exceeding 30 days.” Those appointed include, Prof Abdulrahman Akinoso – Chairman, Mr Adio daudaTolani – member, Hon Ali Hammed Okesola – Member, Prince Adewale Lukuman Adewale – Member, Mr Tunde Sikiru Adeniran – Member, Alhaja Risikat Kola Popoola – Member, and Hon Kabiru Adesokan- Member. Others include, Hon Yekini Adebisi Toyosi – Member, Hon Rotimi Adewuyi – Member, Hon Musbau Olayowola – Member, Hon Oyewole Olaosebikan – Member, Hon Abideen Olarewaju – Member, Comrade Akinloye Oyeniyi- Member, Chief Bili Muraina – Member, Hon Dauda Ramon Bamibeke-Member, Barr Babatunde Akinola -Member, and Dr Biola Olanipekun- Secretary.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the composition and direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying it has fallen short of expectations of a government driven by national unity and competence. Makinde stated this on Tuesday during a media parley with select journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The governor said he had, on several occasions, expressed the hope that the Tinubu administration would focus on competence rather than political considerations as part of efforts to reset the country. “I’ve mentioned it more than maybe three, four times, that our expectation would be a government of national unity, a government of national competence, where you can start the process of resetting this country,” he said. However, he questioned whether that expectation had been realised. “But is it what we are seeing right now? Is it a government of national competence? Is it a government of national unity?The answer is no. Makinde recounted his interaction with the President during the ministerial nomination process, saying Tinubu had asked him to recommend a developmental economist for the position of Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. According to him, he submitted the name of a qualified indigene of Oyo State, but the nominee was not selected. Instead, the individual eventually appointed was named Minister of Power. “When the president said, ‘look, nominate somebody who may be appointed as a minister,” I said, ‘sir, what position do you want to give to us?’ Then he said, ‘I’m looking for a developmental economist who can be the minister of budget and economic planning.’ ” I said, ‘OK. I will look for somebody that fits that bill’ and I sent somebody’s name, who is a state indigene, and I sent it to him, the individual wasn’t selected, Rather, they selected the current minister of power. He wasn’t taken to ministry of budget and economic planning. He was taken to ministry of power. “A subsequent meeting with the president, he said, actually, I think I must have gone to him to seek for approval for the upgrade of the Ibadan airport. He said, ‘I will sign it for you, I’ll give my nod. But, oh, sit down. What’s happening politically? I heard you’re upset because your nominee was not given the ministerial slot.`” Makinde stated that if the appointment of the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, was influenced by the desire to strengthen the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, then the decision was misplaced. “I said, ‘sir, in Yoruba land, if you don’t want the pregnancy to be aborted, you won’t want the baby to die. Because it’s easier to abort a pregnancy than to kill a baby.’ I said, you will decide at the end of the day who you want to work with. We can only suggest people. But if you know people that fit your bill, about the kind of individual you want in your cabinet, we are just to support you. “However, let me say this, if you’ve selected the minister of power because you want him to help you organise the APC in our state, he doesn’t have the capacity. I told the president,” he added. He further disclosed that Tinubu later clarified that he wanted him personally to help organise the APC in Oyo State, a request he said he declined. “He said, no, no, no, no, Sheikh, it’s you that I want to help me organise the APC in your state. I said, no, sir. I can never help you organise the APC in our state because I am of the PDP,” he added.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Union of Local Government Employees have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s plan to enforce direct deductions of council funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, even as state governments continue to retain control over allocations to local governments. During the 15th National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu urged state governors to comply with the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments. The President warned that failure by governors to honour the verdict may compel him to issue an Executive Order to ensure direct allocations from the Federation Account to local councils. Tinubu’s remarks followed the July 11, 2024, judgment by the Supreme Court, which upheld the Federal Government’s suit seeking to enforce financial independence for local governments. In a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of the apex court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils. The judgment held that the use of a caretaker committee amounts to the state government taking control of the local government and is in violation of the 1999 Constitution. However, 18 months after the judgment, findings by our correspondent show that the process remains largely unimplemented. Local government allocations have continued to pass through state governments amid delays and disputes between the Central Bank, state governments, local government authorities, and other relevant agencies. THENEWSCREDIT learnt that state governments received control over at least N7.43tn meant for local government councils between July 2024 and December 2025, despite the landmark Supreme Court ruling mandating direct financial autonomy for councils across the federation. An analysis of Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursements, based on official press statements issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation after each FAAC meeting, shows that local governments were allocated N7.43tn over the 18-month period, even as the structure for direct access to the funds remained largely unchanged. The amount was derived from allocations to the 774 local councils from July to December 2024 and the full 12 months of 2025. In the second half of 2024 alone, councils received N2.08tn, rising sharply to N5.35tn in 2025. FAAC data show that in July 2024, local governments received N337.02bn as revenue earned in June. This rose to N343.70bn in August and moderated to N306.53bn in September. Allocations rebounded in the final quarter, climbing from N329.86bn in October to N355.62bn in November, before peaking at N402.55bn in December 2024. Despite the rising inflows, funds continued to be paid through the long-criticised State Joint Local Government Account framework, allowing governors to retain significant influence over council finances. The trend accelerated in 2025. Local governments received N361.75bn in January, rising steadily to N434.57bn in February and N410.56bn in March. By mid-year, monthly allocations crossed N440bn, reaching N444.85bn in July and N485.04bn in August. The highest monthly allocation to councils during the period was recorded in October 2025, when N529.95bn was shared as revenue earned in September. This was followed by N505.80bn in November before moderating to N445.27bn in December 2025. In total, local governments received N5.35tn in 2025, compared with N3.77tn in 2024, representing an increase of N1.58tn or about 42 per cent year on year. The surge mirrored broader growth in FAAC distributions. Total allocations to the three tiers of government rose from N13.91tn in 2024 to N20.28tn in 2025, while total distributable revenue, including 13 per cent derivation, climbed from N15.26tn to N21.89tn. Federal Government allocations increased from N4.95tn in 2024 to N7.61tn in 2025, while states’ allocations rose from N5.19tn to N7.31tn over the same period. However, the continued routing of council funds through state structures has raised concerns that the gains from higher revenues are not translating into improved grassroots governance. ALGON, NULGE back Tinubu In an interview with our correspondent in Abuja, the Secretary General of ALGON, Muhammed Abubakar, affirmed support for President Bola Tinubu’s move to mandate the deduction of funds meant for LGs directly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee. Muhammed said the President had made his warning directly to the governors and anchored it on the Supreme Court judgment, which he described as the highest authority in the land. “So basically, as you are aware, he said it in their presence, not in their absence. So, my belief is that they will actually carry that out before the president will also do the needful, like he rightly told them in the meeting,” he said. He expressed confidence that the governors would comply with the ruling without further prompting, noting that Tinubu’s remarks were clear and left no ambiguity about the consequences of continued non-compliance. “So I guess they will obey the Supreme Court’s order and do the needful. But basically, if that is not carried out, I think we will all be in support of the president to go ahead with whatever threat he has made,” he added. Also commenting, NULGE Bauchi State chapter has applauded Tinubu’s proposed executive order aimed at stopping state governments from diverting local government funds. Speaking with THENEWSCREDIT correspondent on Monday, the President of NULGE in the state, Muhammad Yunusa, described the move as a welcome development that would bring relief to local government workers across the country. Yunusa said, “If the President invokes an executive order to stop governors from diverting local government funds, it is we, the local government workers, that will be honoured.” He noted that the issue of local government financial autonomy had lingered for years despite legal interventions, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered last year. “This matter has been on for a long time. Even after the Supreme Court passed its judgment last year, up till today it has not seen the light of the day,” he said. According to him, full implementation of the executive order would strengthen grassroots governance and improve the welfare of local government workers. Yunusa further insisted that the directive would enhance accountability and ensure that funds intended for councils are used strictly for grassroots development. Punch efforts to get the reaction of the Chairman of ALGON Bauchi State chapter, Mahmood Baba-Ma’aji, proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him were not responded to as of the time of filing this report. Also speaking, the Chairman of NULGE in Kano, Comrade Ibrahim Muhammad, has expressed cautious optimism about the state administration’s management of local government funds. He told THENEWSCREDIT that while there is currently no formal discussion with the state government regarding direct allocation of funds to local government areas, the union is satisfied with how the funds are being handled. “The governor is not relenting in releasing funds for meaningful projects across the state,” he said. “We also commend the current NNPP-led administration for clearing billions of naira in debts owed to civil servants. That is commendable.” Muhammad added that he is optimistic that Kano State would comply fully with the president’s directive on local government autonomy. “The recent orders by the president will be complied with in Kano. The governor was not in town when the president restated the order. I’m sure when he returns, he will address the issue effectively,” he said, noting that any failure by governments to treat LGAs appropriately could justify the president’s intervention. Efforts to obtain a reaction from the ALGON Chairperson in the state, Hon. Saadatu Salisu, proved unsuccessful as repeated calls to her phone went unanswered. In a related development, the Kebbi State government has expressed willingness to ensure that local governments in the state enjoy their autonomy in accordance with the Supreme Court rulings. A top government official in the state who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said the state government is working on modalities to ensure the ruling is adhered to the fullest. According to the source, “as you are aware, our governor is a comrade who was also part of the struggle for the restoration of power to the local governments. “He is also someone who has a close relationship with Mr President, therefore we should be assured that he will implement the judgment for the benefit of the people at the grassroots. “There is no cause for alarm over the President directives and I can assure you that it is a done deal here in Kebbi States” he added. Meanwhile, efforts to get reactions from Sokoto State were not successful as both ALGON and government officials declined to comment on the development. Also speaking, the Nasarawa State chapter of the NULGE has said it is currently expecting the state government to comply with Tinubu’s directive on the full implementation of the LG Autonomy which was approved by the Supreme Court. The President of NULGE in the state, Comrade Adamu Sharhabilu, stated this while speaking with our correspondent during an interview in Lafia, the state capital, on Monday. According to him, despite the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter, Nasarawa State had continued in its old pattern of distributing funds to the 13 Local Government Areas of the state through the state’s Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. While lamenting the situation, the NULGE President said that with directives from President Tinubu, the association expects to witness new developments on the matter in the coming days. He added, “The Nasarawa State government has not started giving us our money yet. We do not know their direction at the moment, because President Bola Tinubu said if they do not give us the money, he will remove our share from the FAAC and send it to the LGAs, so we are waiting for his action.” Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State government has clarified that it is not interfering with funds accruing to the 13 LGAs of the state. The state government noted that the LGAs had been enjoying full autonomy since 2019, when Governor Abdullahi Sule took over the leadership of the state. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, disclosed this while speaking with our correspondent in Lafia on Monday. “The narrative that Local Government funds are being tampered with in Nasarawa State is not correct. I can tell you very firmly that Governor Sule has never tampered with local government funds. “In fact, he had been the one supporting the LG Chairmen with funds to meet up with some of their responsibilities, even though they are enjoying the full autonomy. “The Nasarawa State government is committed to continue to give our LGAs every necessary support to enable them to pay salaries to workers and embark on meaningful projects without any hitches,” he said. However, Tinubu’s warning to state governors to release Local Government funds or face executive action has sparked mixed reactions in Jigawa State. The State Chairman of the ALGON, Hon. Sibu Abdullah, who is also the chairman of Dutse LGA, expressed optimism that the state government will comply with the Supreme Court ruling. “We are guaranteed that the state government have respect for the court’s decision and it’s already releasing the funds to enable local governments to function effectively,” Abdullah said. However, efforts to reach the leadership of the NULGE in Jigawa State by our Correspondent on Monday were unsuccessful, with a senior staff member declining to comment on the issue. Another senior official at the Jigawa State ALGON secretariat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hinted that the association is weighing the Supreme Court ruling and Tinubu’s warning before making a decision. In a similar vein, Attorney-General Abdulkadir Fanini did not respond to inquiries on whether the state government plans to comply with Tinubu’s request. However, an official who asked not to be mentioned, citing that he is not authorised to speak to the press on the issue, told our Correspondent that the state government is committed to respecting the rule of law and the constitution. “Jigawa state government has no intention whatsoever to retain or manage funds meant for local councils,” he declared. The Chairman of Toungo local government and the state chairman of ALGON, Mr Suleiman Toungo, has said that the federal government is playing politics with the local government autonomy Supreme Court judgement. Toungo, who spoke with our correspondent by phone on Monday, said Governor Ahmadu Fintiri directed all 21 council chairmen in the state to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, as requested by the federal government. “I went to CBN three times to open account, the last time I went the management ask me to go back and that they will communicate to me, as I am talking to you now there is no communication from CBN to and any of my members in Adamawa state, “ he said. “Fintiri has long ago implemented the local government autonomy, nobody touches our money, if you can tour the 21 local governments, you can see projects unlike before, this means we are in charge of our federal allocation, “ he stated. Toungo said that the federal government should come clear on the issue of autonomy and stop dancing in the gallery. “President Bola Tinubu should ask CBN why it refuses to open accounts for some of us, how can autonomy be fully operated without CBN accounts? “he asked. He said that the issue of local government autonomy has turned into politics, pointing out that the Adamawa state governor had handed over local government funds to council chairmen before the Supreme Court’s judgment. Also speaking, NULGE Gombe chapter chairman, Saleh Abdullahi, says there is no case diversion in the state. In a telephone chat with our correspondent in Gombe, he said, “We are not sure of any diversion in the state, so our state may not be affected.” ALGON chairman and the chairman of Gombe LGA, Sani Haruna, were not returned as of the time of filing this report. Also, attempts by our correspondent to reach the Director General of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdullateef Shittu, for a comment on the story were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable at the time. However, the NGF spokesperson, Yunusa Abdullahi, stated that the President has spoken with the Governors, who will provide an update to the public shortly.

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bisi Akande, has disclosed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari informed him that he never instigated ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to contest against now President Bola Tinubu in 2022. During the APC primary election in 2022, Tinubu emerged as the party’s flagbearer while Osinbajo came a distant third. Osinbajo is widely believed to be a political protege of Tinubu after he served under him as Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General while the now President was governor of Lagos State. There are speculations that Tinubu was instrumental in Osinbajo’s emergence as Vice President to Buhari. However, Akande while featuring on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, said Osinbajo never stepped down for Tinubu because it was his right to contest in the primary election. Akande said: “I wanted everybody to be free to contest the election but I don’t want bitterness, I wanted them to talk on issues and not one to destroy another because I wanted one of them to emerge in the end, I wanted a Yoruba President.” On convincing Osinbajo to step down for Tinubu, he said, “After several meetings, I told them we want only one and I want any of you to voluntarily step down. “On the evening of the primary, some came to me that they were going to step down and they stepped down, it wasn’t too late. “Osinbajo did not step down and I didn’t discuss it with Tinubu thereafter. Osinbajo has every right to contest and he did and I don’t blame anybody for contesting elections.” On if Buhari was against Tinubu, Akande said: “He (Buhari) didn’t tell me so because I put many questions to him, he wanted me to see that he was not the one who instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu and he made it clear that in his own culture when your mentor is interested in one position, you don’t contest with him but when Osinbajo came he was surprised and only wished him well.” Akande’s claim is contrary to claims in Buhari’s biography, ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammad Buhari’, authored by Dr Charles Omole, that the late former president didn’t support Osinbajo’s presidential ambition. The book quoted Buhari as saying he never supported Osinbajo’s ambition in 2022 because he never knew him. Buhari was said to have stated that he knew the ex-Vice President through Tinubu

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande, has disclosed that he was instrumental in the emergence of Yemi Osinbajo as Vice President. Akande said he nominated Osinbajo for the position after consulting with President Bola Tinubu in 2011. His disclosure runs contrary to widespread claims that Tinubu personally nominated Osinbajo as the running mate to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, Akande recalled that he advised Tinubu to replace Buhari’s former running mate, Tunde Bakare, with another candidate. Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, Akande said: “I nominated Osinbajo for Vice President after consulting with Tinubu. I said it the way it is in my book, I said ‘Tinubu, come, in 2011 you were discussing with Buhari trying to replace Bakare with somebody, who was the person?’ He said Osinbajo, and I said I was going to recommend Osinbajo, which I did.”

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed that old friends and extended family members of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari exploited his weaknesses. Mrs Buhari said her late husband was vulnerable to various forms of scheming and manipulation by extended family members and old friends. She made the disclosure in the biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Charles Omole. According to Mrs Buhari, her late husband was deeply fond of his extended family members and old friends, a disposition they allegedly took advantage of. The book quoted her as saying: “With most of her children living and studying abroad early in Buhari’s first term, extended family members filled the void and occupied houses across the Villa. “And because of his fondness and attachment to his extended family and old friends, Buhari was vulnerable to all kinds of scheming and manipulations. “Those who knew his weaknesses exploited them to the detriment of the lofty goals of his administration.”

The Federal Government has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all applicants seeking positions in the public service. A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the move is part of broader efforts to combat rising drug abuse and its impacts on national security and productivity. The statement directed permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments, agencies, MDAs, as well as extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, to incorporate drug screening into their recruitment processes. According to the statement, MDAs are required to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to conduct the tests, ensuring compliance with established standards. The policy stems from concerns over the alarming rate of substance abuse, particularly among Nigeria’s youth, which the government says threatens public health, socio-economic development, workplace efficiency, and national security. The statement added that the directive underscored the administration’s commitment to protecting the workforce from drug-related issues. “This move aligns with ongoing anti-drug initiatives, including recent policies for mandatory testing in universities and other sectors,” the statement said.