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President Tinubu Seeks ₦9trn Budget Boost to Tackle Backlog and Fund Key Projects

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By Gloria Ikibah

President Bola Tinubu has approached the House of Representatives for approval to revise the 2026 budget, proposing a substantial adjustment aimed at settling outstanding obligations and financing priority national projects.

In a formal request addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the President outlined plans to restructure the fiscal framework in response to lingering commitments and emerging development needs.

A significant portion of the proposal centres on clearing approximately N5.71 trillion in unpaid capital obligations carried over from the 2025 budget. The move is intended to prevent a backlog of unfinished projects from spilling into and weighing down the current fiscal cycle.

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Alongside this, the administration is seeking approval for about N2 trillion in fresh capital expenditure to fund strategic initiatives across key sectors that were not originally captured in the approved budget.

The revised plan also makes provision for targeted investments, including nearly N478.6 billion in federal equity contributions to ongoing light rail projects in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Ogun states, as well as feasibility studies for proposed rail systems in Enugu and Maiduguri.

Further allocations cover roughly N482.76 billion for health sector interventions linked to international commitments, in addition to funding earmarked for infrastructure studies under a national highway development scheme.

The judiciary is not left out, with proposed allocations of N98.5 billion for the Court of Appeal and N36.7 billion for the Supreme Court, aimed at strengthening the justice system in the lead-up to and aftermath of the next presidential election cycle.

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In total, the adjustment is projected at about N9.08 trillion, combining legacy obligations with new spending priorities.

To fund the expansion, the government is looking towards external financing options in a bid to ease pressure on domestic borrowing, safeguard private sector access to credit and help stabilise interest rates.

Lawmakers have been urged to fast-track consideration of the proposal to ensure the smooth execution of the 2026 budget and avoid delays in critical national projects.

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“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

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​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

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​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

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Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments

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Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.

Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.

In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.

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Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.

“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.

From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.

“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.

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Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.

Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

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Just in: Court sentences ex-Power Minister, Mamman to 75 years jail term

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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison for stealing public funds totalling about N33.8 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, brought the case before the court.

Mamman was accused of money laundering and conspiracy involving funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The ruling marks a major escalation from the earlier stage, where the court only dismissed his no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence.

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