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The Senate has passed the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper, indicating President Bola Tinubu is expected to present the 2026 Appropriation bill of N54.4 trillion this week.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage on Tuesday following the consideration and debate on the report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa.

Akpabio described the MTEF as a prerequisite for the presentation of the national budget, underpinning that the document does not represent a final position of the legislature.

“The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework is only a prerequisite before the presentation of the budget. What we are discussing here is not a finality. If circumstances change, it will be brought back to us to rejig, react or act,” the former governor of Akwa Ibom said.

Senator Akpabio explained that the passage of the MTEF would enable the National Assembly to receive the 2026 budget proposal between now and Thursday.

According to him, the framework is not cast in stone, as reviews can still be made when the budget is formally laid before the Senate.

He expressed hope that the projections contained in the framework would be realistic enough to support the effective implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

During a brief debate, Senator Mohammed Monguno noted that the MTEF clearly outlined key fiscal parameters, describing them as realistic.

Monguno cited the projected daily crude oil production benchmark of 1.84 million barrels per day as achievable, and the reduction of the oil price benchmark projection to 60 dollars from 64 dollars per barrel as circumspect, given current realities.

Following the deliberations, the Senate adopted the recommendations contained in the MTEF/FSP report through a voice vote.

On Thursday, the upper chamber received the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper from President Tinubu, signalling the launch of the 2026 budget cycle.

In a letter addressed to the lawmakers, Tinubu said the submission complies with statutory requirements and sets out the fiscal parameters that will guide the preparation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

President Tinubu explained that the MTEF/FSP outlines the macroeconomic assumptions, revenue projections, and spending priorities that will shape Nigeria’s fiscal direction over the next three years.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who read Tinubu’s letter during plenary, urged the lawmakers to expedite consideration of the document.

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FIFA has unveiled the 2025 The Best Men’s and Women’s 11, celebrating the standout performers in world football over the past season.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the awards ceremony held in Doha, Qatar, with Paris Saint-Germain dominating the men’s selection.

Six players from PSG’s Champions League-winning squad were named in the Men’s 11 after helping the French side lift their maiden UEFA Champions League title and reach the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, now with Manchester City, was picked alongside Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé.

Club World Cup adidas Golden Ball winner Cole Palmer also earned a place in the team, while 18-year-old Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal was included following a breakthrough season.

The Best FIFA Men’s 11 (2025)

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal

FIFA said the men’s team was picked based on performances between 11 August 2024 and 2 August 2025.

Votes were cast by a panel of football experts and registered fans on FIFA.com, with both groups carrying equal weight.

In the women’s category, players from Spain and England dominated the 2025 The Best Women’s 11, with seven Spanish stars and four English players making the final selection.

The recognition followed an intense year at both club and international level. Spain and England faced each other in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final, while Arsenal defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

The Best FIFA Women’s 11 (2025)

Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro, Claudia Pina
Forwards: Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey

The women’s team was determined using the same voting process and assessment period as the men’s selection, with nominees evaluated on their impact at club and international level.

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it will probe Aliko Dangote’s allegation against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.

Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, on Tuesday submitted a petition to the commission, accusing Ahmed of corruption and financial impropriety.

Hours after the industrialist’s move, the ICPC acknowledged the receipt of the petition and promised to investigate the matter.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer,” the agency’s spokesman, John Odey, wrote in a statement on the commission’s social media platforms.

“The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

In the petition submitted to ICPC, the Kano-born businessman, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), alleged that the NMDPRA boss spent, without evidence of lawful means, of income amounting to over $7 million for the education of his four children in schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.

He alleged that Ahmed used the NMDPRA to embezzle and divert public funds for selfish gains and pursuit of private interest to the detriment of the Nigerians.

“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of Code of Conduct for public officers, Corrupt enrichment, embezzlement are gross Act of corrupt practices for which your Commission (ICPC) is statutorily empowered under section 19, of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” part of Dangote’s petition read.

“Upon a successful prosecution of such a person, under section 19, of the ICPC Act, the person is liable to imprisonment for five years without an option of fine.

“We make bold to state that the ICPC is strategically positioned along the sister agencies to prosecute financial crimes and other corruption related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the Courts do not hesitate to punish offenders.

“In view of the above, we call on the Commission under your leadership to investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly, prosecute him if found wanting.

“We have no reservation that being a matter that is in the public domain, the Commission will not close its eyes to it but act decisively to ensure that justice is done and the good image of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is protected.”

The House of Representatives, has, however, summoned both parties, asking them to stop public comments over the matter.

According to the lawmakers, the feud may negate the strides recorded in the downstream sector.

Since Dangote’s allegations, neither the NMDPRA nor its CEO has commented on the matter.