Government
States Have More Funds for Development Under Tinubu – Senator Babangida
The Senator representing Jigawa North West, Senator Hussaini Babangida, has said that states across the country now have greater financial resources to address development needs, following economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during an interview, Babangida said the reforms implemented by the Federal Government are gradually stabilising the nation’s economy and strengthening the financial capacity of states and local governments.
According to the lawmaker, concerns about Nigeria sliding into a one-party state are misplaced, noting that the country’s diverse and pluralistic nature makes such fears unrealistic.
He explained that the Tinubu administration is focused on repositioning the economy through wide-ranging macroeconomic and microeconomic reforms, adding that Nigerians are beginning to see the impact of those policies.
Babangida noted that in the past, the funds released to states for socio-economic development were relatively small despite the huge responsibilities placed on state and local governments.
However, he said the current administration has significantly increased the financial allocations to states, thereby expanding their ability to undertake development projects and meet governance obligations.
“States now have more resources to work with. The administration has not only increased what states receive but has also improved their revenue base,” he said.
The senator also pointed to improvements in key economic indicators, citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics which, he said, show that inflation has declined compared to the levels recorded when the administration assumed office in 2023.
He explained that headline inflation, which stood at about 34 per cent at the time, has dropped to around 18 to 19 per cent, while food inflation has also moderated.
Responding to concerns that improvements in the macroeconomy have not yet translated into relief for ordinary Nigerians, Babangida said economic reforms often take time before their full benefits are felt at the grassroots level.
He acknowledged that there are challenges but described them as temporary, adding that the reforms would eventually deliver long-term benefits to citizens.
“The economy is gradually stabilising and the gains will cascade down to the microeconomic level,” he said, urging Nigerians to remain patient.
On political developments ahead of future elections, Babangida said political parties are capable of managing internal differences and balancing competing interests among members.
He dismissed worries about possible defections during party primaries, noting that political contests often attract different aspirants for various reasons, including testing popularity and offering service.
When asked about his own political plans for the 2027 elections, the senator declined to make any definitive declaration, saying his immediate focus is on providing effective representation for his constituents in the Senate.
“I am focused on the work I am doing now and ensuring I leave a lasting legacy for my people,” he said.
Babangida also commented on rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, warning that the situation could have serious implications for the global economy, particularly in the energy sector.
He noted that the countries involved control a significant portion of global energy supply, adding that disruptions in the region could lead to increased fuel prices and higher transportation costs.
According to him, the ripple effect of such developments could also impact food prices and the cost of living.
The senator, however, expressed hope that diplomatic engagement would prevail, urging the parties involved to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than conflict.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the victims of the recent terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended heartfelt condolences to families affected by the attack carried out by Boko Haram.
Tinubu lamented the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, as well as individuals who were caught in friendly fire during an aerial interdiction operation by the Nigerian Air Force targeting fleeing terrorists.
The President described the incident as a “heartless assault” on innocent citizens and urged residents of Borno and other parts of the country not to succumb to fear.
He commended the military for their swift response, which he said resulted in the killing of several terrorists and forced others to retreat.
Tinubu also directed the military and other security agencies to urgently intensify efforts to rescue individuals kidnapped during the attack.
Furthermore, he tasked the armed forces to strengthen operations aimed at protecting civilians across the country and preventing attacks on military formations, particularly in the North-East region.
The President prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and the friendly fire incident, while extending sympathies to their families and the government of Borno State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of four new Permanent Secretaries into the Federal Civil Service to fill existing vacancies and strengthen public service administration in Nigeria.
The appointments were disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Eno Olotu.
According to the statement, the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Warrens Bekearedebo Augusta (Bayelsa State), Mrs. Jones-Nebo Nkiruka Bella (Enugu State), Mr. Aminu Sani Yargaya (Kano State), and Mr. Shoretire Ayinda Kamil (Ogun State).
The government explained that the appointments followed a rigorous and transparent selection process, reflecting the administration’s commitment to meritocracy, professionalism, and excellence within the federal civil service.
Officials said the new Permanent Secretaries are expected to bring their wealth of experience and administrative expertise to their respective roles, helping to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across government ministries and agencies.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack congratulated the appointees and commended the president for prioritizing professionalism and competence in the public service.
She noted that the appointments demonstrate the administration’s commitment to building a competent, results-oriented civil service capable of meeting the needs of Nigerians and supporting national development goals.
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Textile Steering Committee to lay the groundwork for a Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board, aimed at reviving Nigeria’s struggling textile industry.
The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification.
Speaking at the Abuja ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, highlighted that the textile sector, once a major contributor to the economy and rural livelihoods, has faced declining production, poor infrastructure, inconsistent policies, and competition from smuggled products.
He urged the committee to prioritise local content and public-private partnerships, assuring government support for implementing their recommendations.
The committee, chaired by Mr. Abia Ifiok Bassey includes representatives from key industry associations such as the Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, Apparel and Accessories Manufacturers Association, and the National Cotton Association of Nigeria.
Coordinator of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Forum, Anibe Achimugu, described the move as a historic step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment sector and coordinating policy, investment, and standards across the industry.