General News
Tinubu Urges States, LGs to Deliver Development as Funds Increase
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state and local government authorities to ensure that the increased funds available to them translate into meaningful development at the grassroots level.
Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with leaders of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) at the State House in Abuja, the President emphasised the need for accountability across all tiers of government.
Tinubu said the reforms implemented by the federal government have expanded the fiscal space for states and local governments, making more funds available for development. According to him, the responsibility now lies with sub-national governments to ensure that the resources are properly utilised to improve the lives of citizens.
The President urged the media to broaden its focus beyond the federal government and also scrutinise the activities of state and local government administrations.
“We have opened up the principle of federalism to the extent that local governments are now getting their money. But how they use it is in your hands. Don’t bombard me alone; look out to the local government too,” Tinubu said.
He added that states are also benefiting from improved financial conditions, noting that many no longer need to borrow to pay workers’ salaries.
Tinubu stressed that national progress requires a collective effort among government, institutions and citizens, while describing the media as a vital partner in nation-building.
The President also acknowledged the difficult operating environment facing media organisations and commended journalists and publishers for their continued efforts in informing and educating the public.
“I don’t leave my house in the morning without going through the newspapers,” he said, describing his daily reading habit as an “addiction” that keeps him informed about national developments.
Tinubu used the opportunity to address concerns about the impact of global technology companies on Nigeria’s media industry. He pledged that his administration would support initiatives aimed at protecting the country’s media ecosystem from undue foreign influence.
He cited Lekeelekee, a new social media platform recently launched by the Chairman of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, as an example of local innovation that deserves support.
The President said Nigeria must encourage indigenous technological platforms capable of competing with global digital giants.
He also assured media stakeholders that the federal government would look into concerns regarding tariffs on newsprint and broadcasting equipment, which publishers say have increased operational costs.
Reflecting on his administration’s economic reforms, Tinubu noted that difficult decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy were necessary to prevent the country from sliding into economic collapse.
“At the time, Nigeria was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Leadership requires making decisions when they should be made,” he said.
According to the President, despite the initial hardship caused by the reforms, the country has begun to stabilise economically.
“Today, I can proudly say we are back from the brink,” Tinubu added, recalling earlier challenges such as high inflation, exchange rate instability and debts owed to international airlines.
Grand Patron of NPAN and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, commended Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, including the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the National Single Window policy aimed at boosting government revenue.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Press Organisation and Publisher of BusinessDay newspaper, Frank Aigbogun, appealed to the President to intervene on import tariffs affecting the media industry.
Aigbogun also urged the federal government to protect Nigerian journalism jobs from the growing influence of big technology companies that use editorial content from local media organisations without compensation.
Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government had begun engagements with major technology companies, including Meta and Google, over their impact on Nigeria’s media landscape.
He assured media leaders that the Tinubu administration remains committed to press freedom and will not allow foreign companies to exploit Nigeria’s media space without accountability.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has launched a health insurance scheme aimed at improving access to healthcare for media professionals in Abuja.
The initiative, unveiled during an NUJ FCT Congress in Abuja, is designed to provide journalists with affordable healthcare coverage under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS). The programme is part of efforts by the union’s leadership to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of journalists who often face health risks while carrying out their duties.
Speaking at the launch, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, described the scheme as a historic milestone for the council, noting that it represents a significant step toward safeguarding the health of journalists who play a critical role in informing the public and promoting accountability in society.
Ike said the initiative was made possible through partnerships with stakeholders, including the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, which provided free health insurance slots for journalists. According to her, the programme will reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on media practitioners while encouraging them to prioritise their health.
Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who supported the initiative, called on political leaders, philanthropists, and organisations to sponsor health insurance coverage for journalists.
Fasawe emphasised that access to healthcare is a fundamental necessity and urged stakeholders to support media professionals who play an important role in informing the public.
She also reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding healthcare access in the territory, stressing that universal health coverage can only be achieved through collective responsibility and collaboration among government, private sector actors, and individuals.
Under the initiative, about 150 journalists were initially enrolled into the scheme through free insurance slots provided by the FCT health authorities, while additional sponsorship by stakeholders has increased the number of beneficiaries to about 200 journalists.
The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention that will improve healthcare access for journalists, many of whom currently lack health insurance.
He noted that strengthening journalists’ welfare is essential for promoting professionalism and ensuring the media continues to play its role in democratic governance.
Beneficiaries of the programme also expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership and health authorities, describing the scheme as a timely intervention that will ease the cost of medical care for media practitioners.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Friday paid a surprise visit to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media.
During the visit, the police chief stressed that the relationship between security agencies and journalists is crucial for national stability, transparency, and public trust.
Disu noted that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception of the police and in providing timely information that can help security agencies address emerging threats and maintain law and order.
He urged journalists to continue practicing responsible and balanced reporting while also helping to counter misinformation and fake news that could undermine security efforts.
According to the IGP, effective policing depends not only on operational strategies but also on the support of the public and the media, which serve as key channels for communication between law enforcement and citizens.
Disu further assured journalists of the police leadership’s commitment to transparency and improved engagement with the press, adding that constructive criticism from the media can help strengthen policing and accountability.
The NUJ leadership welcomed the visit and expressed readiness to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force to promote accurate reporting and foster mutual understanding between journalists and security agencies.
The visit comes barely weeks after Disu assumed office as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2026, succeeding former police chief Kayode Egbetokun.
Disu, a career police officer with over three decades of service in the Nigeria Police Force, previously served in several strategic positions including Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State before his elevation to the top police job.
Observers say the engagement with journalists signals a renewed effort by the police leadership to strengthen collaboration with the media in tackling crime and improving public confidence in law enforcement.
Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s economy and address the country’s security challenges.
Gowon made the remarks while speaking with journalists after visiting the president at the Presidential Villa on Saturday.
The former military leader said President Tinubu was doing his best to move the country forward across political, economic and social sectors.
He also expressed confidence in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to manage and improve the nation’s security situation.
Gowon noted that while Nigeria faces complex challenges, the current administration appears committed to addressing them and steering the country toward stability and development.