Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to approve external borrowing of approximately $2.3 billion to fund Nigeria’s 2025 budget deficit and refinance maturing Eurobonds, in line with the administration’s fiscal strategy to bridge infrastructure funding gaps and diversify financing sources. The request, contained in a letter addressed to the House and read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during Tuesday’s plenary, detailed a borrowing plan amounting to $2,347,465,000. This includes $1.2 billion in new external loans to finance the 2025 Appropriation Act and $1.1 billion to refinance upcoming Eurobond maturities. “There is a need to…

By Atoyebi Nike The newly constructed Gateway International Airport (GWI) in Ogun State recorded a historic milestone on Tuesday morning as it welcomed its first commercial flight, despite heavy rainfall. The inaugural flight, operated by ValueJet to Abuja, marked the start of scheduled passenger services from the state-owned airport. Passengers were seen queuing for check-in at the terminal, braving the weather to be part of the first service, which was captured live by TVC News. Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed that ValueJet flights to Abuja will operate every Tuesday and Thursday. Return flights will depart Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at…

By Atoyebi Nike The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has announced that 98 percent of Nigerians will no longer pay the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax under new tax laws that will take effect from January 2026. Oyedele disclosed this on Tuesday during a session at the ongoing 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja. He explained that the tax reforms are designed to shield low-income earners and people living at the poverty line from additional financial burdens. “We cannot tax poverty. About 97 to 98 percent of Nigerians will no longer…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has lifted the suspension placed on the shares of International Energy Insurance Plc (IEI), paving the way for trading to resume after more than a month of inactivity. In a statement to investors and the public, IEI said the suspension, which began on September 1, 2025, was due to delays in finalizing its 2024 audited financial statements. With the accounts now submitted, the company described the lifting of the suspension as “a new chapter” in its recovery and growth efforts. “The lifting of the suspension marks a new chapter in our journey…

By Atoyebi Nike The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, DFS, has reiterated that transformation, innovation, and decisive action are critical to strengthening the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). Speaking at the Third Quarter 2025 Defence Headquarters and Services Transformation Seminar held at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Air Chief described the event as a significant step toward formulating strategies to enhance national defence. He noted that Nigerian military personnel deployed across all six geopolitical zones remain resolute in restoring peace and order through joint and inter-agency…

By Atoyebi Nike The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reaffirmed its decision to embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike starting midnight of October 13 if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made this known on Monday during the Orientation/Leadership Training held at the Niger Delta University Branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State. He stated that the union’s decision is final and will not be reconsidered. “The warning strike has been issued and we are not meeting to discuss that again as a union because our position has been taken. By midnight of…

By Atoyebi Nike The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to contest and win the 2027 presidential election, declaring that “failure is not an option” as it positions itself as the main opposition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at the party’s inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Tuesday, National Chairman Senator David Mark said the party’s mission goes beyond electoral victory, stressing the need to build a legacy that future generations will be proud of. “Our mission is not only to attain power in 2027; it is to leave a legacy. We must compete and win,” Mark…

By Atoyebi Nike The 2025 Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) Agenda-setting Session commenced in Abuja with dignitaries and stakeholders expressing strong optimism about its capacity to reshape Africa’s agricultural future. At a cocktail reception held ahead of the main event, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Miaha, described the Dialogue as a landmark engagement that would unlock the continent’s financial and policy potential. He said hosting the event in Nigeria offers an opportunity to address funding gaps and harmonise policies that drive investment across Africa. “The Dialogue aims to mobilise development banks and investors to make Africa a global agricultural…

By Atoyebi Nike Parents of children living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have decried the widespread stigmatisation they face and called on the Kwara State Government to establish special schools to meet their children’s educational and developmental needs. They made the appeal in Ilorin during the 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day organised by the Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative in collaboration with the Kwara State Government. Mrs. Shukurat Afolabi, a parent, urged the government to establish a special school for CP “champions” since they cannot cope without assistance in the existing Kwara School for Special Needs. She suggested the provision of trained…

By Atoyebi Nike The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has praised President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for directing a downward review of the 2026 Hajj fares, describing the move as thoughtful and timely. In a statement by its Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON said the directive offers significant relief to intending pilgrims across the country and demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to citizens’ concerns. The commission also welcomed the government’s advice to pilgrims and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to make early remittances, taking advantage of the naira’s current appreciation. This, it…