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Reps To ‘Significantly Raise’ Revenue Target For Agencies In 2024, Say “The Can Generate More”

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Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the lower legislative chamber will raise revenue targets for government agencies.

Abbas spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the inauguration of the special committee on crude oil theft at the national assembly.

The speaker said the country is suffering from revenue leakages from all fronts, causing the government to borrow funds to finance the budget.

“Nigeria is facing significant financial challenges due to a combination of rising expenditures and falling revenues,” he said.

“You may recall that the proposed revenue and expenditure for 2023 stands at N9.73 trillion and N20.51 trillion, respectively.

“This means a fiscal deficit of N10.78 trillion, which is about 4.78 percent of the GDP. This deficit is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and with a budget more than double the proposed revenue, we are faced with the challenge of borrowing to cover the gap.”

Abbas said the parliament would “significantly raise” the targets for all government revenue-generating agencies to reduce government borrowings.

“I am convinced these agencies can generate much more than they currently do,” he said.

The speaker said in the engagement with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on the 2024-2026 MTEF, the lawmakers have made it clear that “a lot more will be required of our key revenue-generating agencies in 2024”.

“We expect them to double their total annual revenue profile. However, to achieve this, these agencies must reduce wastage and improve efficiency, especially in collection.

“In addition to this, revenue-generating agencies must ensure transparency in the management of generated revenues.

“Let me state clearly that the house will not tolerate low performance by agencies or failure to show evidence of required remittances to the federation account.

“We shall also closely monitor and undertake strict oversight of the activities of all revenue-generating agencies to ensure compliance.”

 

Oil Theft: Nigeria’s Largest Economic Threat – Speaker

The speaker said crude oil theft is the “largest threat to Nigeria’s economy” with an estimated 300,000 barrels lost per day.

He crude oil theft has “severe consequences”, including environmental disaster, threats to regional peace and security, proliferation of arms, and poor climate investment.

“The nation is reported to incur losses of oil revenues estimated at N1.29 trillion annually due to industrial-scale theft,” he said.

Abbas said the committee’s objective is to determine the proximate and remote causes of oil theft and recommend remedial measures to the house.

He said the inauguration of the committee shows the unwavering commitment of the parliament to protect the nation’s resources and punish the perpetrators of the “dreadful crimes”.

Also speaking, Alhassan Doguwa, chairman of the committee, said the house is taking a “bold step” to check and tame the tide of crude oil theft.

He said oil theft and pipeline vandalisation remain persistent threats to the nation’s economy, environment and national security.

“The urgency of addressing these challenges and bolstering our regulations, technology and security measures cannot be overstated,” he said.

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JUST IN: Super Eagles Receive National Honours, Housing, Land Documents Promised By Tinubu

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Members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have officially received their national honours certificates as well as title documents for houses and land allocations promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The presentation took place on December 22, 2025, at the team’s hotel in Fez, Morocco, ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening match of the new AFCON qualifying campaign.

President Tinubu had pledged the rewards following Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire in January and February 2024.

The brief ceremony was led by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mrs. Nathan-Mash; Nigerian High Commission officials; and Mallam Saleh Amadu, among others.

Speaking at the event, Dikko clarified that most players were awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

However, Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), having previously been conferred with the MON.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his emergence as Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023.

Dikko confirmed that all national honours, housing allocations in Abuja or Lagos, and land grants in Abuja approved by President Tinubu had been fully processed, with allocation letters issued in line with the President’s commitment to rewarding excellence and national service.

He also disclosed that similar rewards approved for the Super Falcons and Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have been processed. Title documents for houses and national honours certificates are ready for collection, while the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation are finalising the direct payment of the cash awards — equivalent to $100,000 per player — into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

The development highlights a renewed focus on structured athlete welfare and accountability, as the Super Eagles shift attention back to their on-field responsibilities in the ongoing AFCON qualification campaign.

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US Launches $3,000 + Free Flight ‘Leave Voluntarily’ Immigration Plan

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The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced a limited-time programme aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the country during the holiday season.

Migrants who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend, in addition to a free flight to their home country, DHS said in a statement Monday.

Participants will also qualify for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties related to failure to depart the United States.

According to DHS, approximately 1.9 million undocumented migrants have voluntarily left the country since January 2025, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home programme.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the holiday incentive as a temporary increase.

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported, and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home programme.

“During the Christmas season, the US taxpayer is so generously tripling the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally—offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,” the statement read.

Noem added a warning for those who do not take part. “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return,” she said.

The programme, called “Project Homecoming,” was established in May 2025 under a presidential proclamation issued by former President Donald Trump.

DHS initially offered $1,000 and a free flight to those willing to self-deport. Funding for the programme comes from $250 million originally allocated to resettle refugees, repurposed by the State Department.

DHS described the CBP Home app process as fast and free. Migrants simply download the app, submit their information, and DHS arranges and covers the cost of travel.

The department also warned that individuals who do not participate could face arrest, deportation, and permanent restrictions on returning to the United States.

 

 

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KWAM1 Loses Bid To Block Awujale Selection Process

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The Ogun State High Court, sitting in Ijebu-Ode, on Monday refused to grant an interim injunction aimed at restraining Governor Dapo Abiodun and five others from proceeding with the selection and installation of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Ayinde, represented in court by Wahab Shittu (SAN), had sought the injunction pending the hearing of his substantive suit challenging the selection process.

But Justice A. A. Omoniyi dismissed the application, holding that the interim injunction lacked merit and that there were no strong grounds to justify its grant.

He subsequently ordered the expedited hearing of the substantive matter, fixing 14 January 2026 for proceedings.

KWAM1 had declared his interest in the vacant Awujale stool, claiming lineage from the Jadiara Royal House of the wider Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

However, the Fusengbuwa ruling house rejected his claim, stating that he is not from the royal house.

To challenge what he perceived as injustice, Ayinde filed a suit against the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Governor Abiodun, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and three others.

The other respondents include the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo; and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, Dr Olorogun Sunny Kuku.

The suit, HC3/238/2025, was filed ex parte, citing Order 38 Rules 4 and Order 39 Rule 1 of the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction

A copy of the court document dated 16 December 2025 was obtained by our correspondent.

Ayinde urged the court to restrain all respondents from further action on the Awujale selection process to protect his interest and preserve the res from being dissipated or interfered with.

He prayed the court to restrain the respondents, “their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf, from taking any steps in the installation process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

The musician said he is an aspirant to the Awujale stool, “and the injunction is necessary to secure his interest and preserve the res from being dissipated or interfered with by the respondents.”

With the interim injunction denied, attention now turns to the substantive hearing scheduled for 14 January 2026, which will determine the fate of KWAM1’s claim to the Awujale stool.

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