1. State governments are receiving billions of naira through a relatively new Federation Account Allocation Committee intervention for infrastructure and security, with available half-year budget implementation reports showing that at least N435bn in revenue was recorded under the funding window by 29 states between January and June 2026.
The intervention, classified in state financial records as “State Infrastructure and Security” under the National Chart of Accounts code 11010313, is distinct from the FAAC conventional statutory allocations but distributed as regular FAAC revenue. No amount was disbursed for this purpose in the corresponding period of 2025.
2. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his pledge to reverse the removal of petrol subsidy if he is elected in the January 16 presidential election. Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he would restore subsidy on fuel, adding that the funds freed for use as a result of subsidy withdrawal could not be traced. The Presidency also knocked Atiku, describing his position as an about-turn on the issue out of desperation for power.
3. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have commenced investigations into the utilisation of the N12bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation for players’ wages and bonuses. The fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
4. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the State House, Abuja, barely five days after the governor secured a second term in office in a keenly contested governorship election. Adeleke arrived at the State House at about 5:20 pm and was driven through the forecourt directly to the President’s office, where he immediately went into a closed-door meeting with Tinubu.
5. The Department of State Services has arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye for allegedly impersonating an officer of the Service and using a fake firearm to extort commuters and motorists in Abuja. PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that Maiye was arrested late on Wednesday by DSS operatives at his hideout around NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja, following credible intelligence received by the Service
6. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, over his position on fuel subsidy, describing his economic proposals as inconsistent. He faulted Atiku’s recent criticism of the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly his position on fuel subsidy, arguing that the former Vice President had taken different positions on the issue at different times.
7. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his pledge to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. Dare described the proposal as deceptive and capable of undermining the country’s economic recovery. He stated this in a statement on Thursday following Atiku’s declaration that he would reverse the subsidy removal if elected.
8. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has opposed the bail application filed by 10 defendants arrested during a raid on an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a forest in Ogun State. The agency said the defendants are part of an alleged organised network involved in the production and trafficking of methamphetamine, as well as the acquisition and transportation of precursor chemicals.
9. The member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin says President Bola Tinubu has performed excellently and rewarded Kano with more than 40 key political appointments in the Federal Government. Jibrin argued that the appointments demonstrate the President’s commitment to the state and provide a strong reason for the people of Kano to support him.
10. No fewer than 10 abducted persons were rescued by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states. According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the victims were rescued in separate operations across the three states.
