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2023 Election : Tinubu, Atiku, Obi roll out plans on economy, security
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President-elect Yakubu Maikyau; All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate Kashim Shettima; NBA President Olumide Akpata; Chairman, Technical Committee on Conference Planning Tobenna Erojikwe; Guest Speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar; Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki; Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi at the opening of the 2022 NBA Annual Conference in Lagos…
Shettima: APC standard bearer and I will replicate our Lagos, Borno feats
Nigeria’s unity, power devolution not negotiable, says PDP candidate
LP flagbearer promises to transform Nigeria to a productive economy
Presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi yesterday rolled out their plans on the economy and insecurity, two of the most critical problems confronting the country.
They were guests at a plenary of the ongoing 62nd Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) in Lagos.
The conference theme is Bold Transitions, while the session theme was: Democratic transitions in 21st Century Nigeria: 2023 and beyond.
Nigerians have been reeling under tough economic conditions, with inflation at over 19 per cent, an all-time high in 17 years, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
There have been frequent terror attacks, including kidnapping for ransom, insurgency, killings and farmer-herder clashes, among others.
But the presidential candidates sounded confident they would solve the problems if given the chance in 2023.
They also sold their plans on how to revamp the economy.
The flag bearers of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peter Umeadi (former Chief Judge of Anambra State) also answered questions on their plans.
The keynote speaker, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, said Nigeria must get its leadership choice right at the poll next year.
The session, moderated by former NBA president Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), had an estimated 13,000 lawyers in attendance physically or virtually.
‘Tinubu’ll deploy mastery of financial management’
APC vice presidential candidate and former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, who represented Tinubu, said the former Lagos State governor will deploy his “mastery of financial management capabilities” in revamping the economy.
He said he (Shettima) would use his eight-year experience tackling Boko Haram in Borno to deal with banditry and insurgency.
According to him, the strength of the country’s armed forces is abysmal relative to its challenges and compared to its peer countries.
He believes Nigeria’s troops need to be boosted to at least 960,000.
Shettima said: “I want us to juxtapose two scenarios. At the end of the unfortunate Nigerian civil war, the Nigerian Armed Forces ballooned to 250,000 combat troops.
”In 1970, Nigeria’s population was 55.9million, our GDP was $22billion, and our military spending was $660million representing 5.28 per cent of our GDP.
“I would like us to juxtapose the figures in 1970 with the figures for 2022. At the end of July, Nigeria’s population was 216.9 million.
“Our GDP was $455million and our total number of troops was 213,000. The percentage of our GDP that is spent on the military for security was only 0.5 per cent.”
He noted that Nigeria’s “peers across the world” such as Iraq, Israel and Turkey spend far higher percentages.
He argued that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket was the best combination to tackle Nigeria’s economic, security and other challenges because of their vast experience.
“I will handle the security and lead the troops while my principal (Bola Ahmed Tinubu), who is an economic wizard will handle the economy,” he said.
The former Borno State governor said his combination with Tinubu, if elected next year, will replicate the “wonders” they performed in Borno and Lagos states.
Shettima said: “Nigerians have the capability to see through the worn-out rhetoric and sophistry of pretentious politicians.
“Nigerians should follow the man wey know the road. From day one, we will hit the ground running. We’ll promptly address the issue of the economy, ecology, and security.
“We have the antecedents. I built some of the best schools in Nigeria. Go to Borno and see wonders; you will never believe that it is a state in a state of war.
“So, we are going to replicate our achievements in Lagos, Borno and some of the frontline states so that our nation will be a better place. The fundamental issue is pure leadership.”
Shettima urged Nigerians to consider the strengths of a Tinubu presidency as exemplified by the latter’s performance as Lagos governor and his skillset.
“He is a city boy, I am the golden boy,” Shettima said.
Reflecting on the poor state of the Lagos economy before 1999, he emphasised Tinubu’s successes in transforming the its finances.
“Now, Lagos is earning N51billion every month as its internally generated revenue. Lagos is the third largest economy in Africa,” he said.
Shettima said beside establishing an “excellent track record for performance”, Tinubu has also “mentored men and women who are excelling in different fields of human endeavours.”
He credited himself with excelling as a staff of Zenith Bank in Lagos and elsewhere, adding that he had also “mentored men who are excelling in different fields of human endeavour.”
On their economic plans, Shettima said an “important tool of growing the economy”, is “diversification of sources of our income”.
Read Also: We must stand, mobilise, pray for Tinubu to win 2023 presidency —
“Ours is a great nation in chains; chained by ineptitude, chained by corruption and chained by incapacity.
“This is why it is absolutely important to grow the economy,” he said while responding to a question by the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief ‘Folake Solanke.
Urging Nigerians to disregard ethnicity and religion, Shettima added: “I urge you all to align yourselves with the aspirations of the APC candidate fundamentally because of his competence. He has an established track record of performance.
“Lagos is now a tourist destination of choice in the West African subregion. Lagos produces 75 per cent of the tax collections in this country and we are going to recreate the Lagos experience all over the country.
“I urge you, I beseech you, I call on you to use your rational sense of judgment, make an informed judgment on who you are going to vote for in the next dispensation.
“It is absolutely essential that you vote for competence, capacity, and for a leader who can lead us to the promised land. Yes, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the man to beat.”
Atiku, referencing the country’s challenges and “negative developments in our history,” said what was important is how to tackle the problems.
He identified five key areas that require action.
Atiku said: “There are five key areas that any leadership – forget about the party – any leadership from whichever political party must confront .
“The unity of our country is very fundamental. How do we achieve the unity of our country? It’s by making sure that we give every part of this country a sense of belonging.”
He explained that despite its overwhelming victory in 1999, the PDP formed a national government inclusive of other political party members, adding that this boosted national unity.
“Then, the issue of the economy and security came in. Because we had a consensus, we had no problem dealing with the sad security challenges.
“Therefore, I believe we have had experience and it is that experience that has helped that must be brought back.
“It is only when you have this sense of belonging that we will be able to deal with the issue of security. When you deal with the issue of security, then you will now come to the economy.
“My five points that are illuminated are all interrelated from unity to security, economy to the devolution of power.”
He emphasised his belief in restructuring via power devolution.
“More resources, more power to the states,” he added.
On how to stabilise the economy, Atiku said the “multiple exchange rate,” must be “abolished.”
The PDP flag bearer said since the return of democracy in 1998/99, Nigeria has never found itself in such a critical point in its history.
“Today, we have had all the negative indices. Today, we are all disunited in the nation. We have never experienced this level of poverty.
“We have never experienced this state of insecurity. We have never experienced this level of unemployment. We have recognised all these negative development in our history.
“This is where history and experience beckon on us to make sure that we don’t get it wrong at this point otherwise if we get it wrong. I don’t know when we will ever get it right.
“I have been involved in the struggle to return this country to democracy in the time of military days.
“In fact, I can even say I was even lucky to be alive because so many of my contemporaries were killed in the struggle, but by the grace of God I have survived till this point in time,” he said.
Obi restates consumption-to-production promise
Obi lamented the numerous problems facing the country.
He restated that the “only way” to stabilise the naira is for the Nigerian economy to “move from consumption to production.”
He added: “Nigeria needs an urgent transition from being a highly insecure country to a secure country, from a disunited country to a united country, from corruption to a successful country, from a country of lawlessness to a country of law and order.
“But in all these, it is important to look at where we are today for people to understand the gravity of the journey we are going to take if we are going to transit. Where are we today?”
In his view, Nigeria had qualified to be a failed state.
According to him, 80 per cent of the country’s crude was stolen.
“Even our most important source of foreign exchange revenue, oil, is today 80 per cent stolen. That shows how bad it is.
“We are the only country apart from Venezuela (we know their own is because of sanctions) that is not meeting up with its OPEC quota.
“And you wouldn’t believe the quantity that is missing. In July, our total average quota was 1.83 million barrels a day. That means that in July, we lost 77,000 barrels per day.
“If you multiple that by 20, in 31 days it will give you 22.223million barrels of oil that we lost. This is a country that needs dollars.
“If you sell the quantity of the oil that we lost in July alone at the average of $110, it will give you $2.45bilion, meaning by our exchange rate of N550, we lost N1. 344trillion .
“That is your country; that is what we lost in one month because of stealing. It is important that we know this. “Number two item to show that we are a failed state is that you are no longer in control of our economy.
“We have an economy where over 100 million people live in poverty, our unemployment rate is one of the worst in the world because we have a combined unemployment of 50 per cent.
“Out of 200 million Nigerians, 60 per cent is supposed to be working, so we are supposed to have more than 120 million persons working but today Nigerians that are working are under 50 million, so 70 million plus of Nigerians are not working, are not productive.
“When you compare this to your productivity, you will see how low it is. But what is even worse is that we are in a total physical mess because of all these.
“Between January this year and April, the total revenue of Federal Government of Nigeria is N1.6trillion
“The expenditure is N4.7trillion. If you subtract this, we have a deficit of N3.1trillion. That shows almost 200 percent is the deficit and this is the crisis we face.”
He blamed the situation on bad leadership.
“How did we come here? It is because of leadership failure over the years.
“To come out of this, we need to have a visionary, articulated and competent leadership to start turning things around,” he said.
Umeadi urged the electorate to exercise due voter diligence in the 2023 general electioneering process as a way to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic transitions.
Adebayo said one of the ways to make the naira stable is to abolish a dual system where “one person who has a friend in the Central Bank can make $30 million dollars by buying at the official rate and selling to the hard-working people” at an increased rate.
He said: “Importers and supermarket owners should not be making more money than manufacturers and farmers.”
He added that the “convergence of official and unofficial rates” must be allowed.
Among the guests at the opening were Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki; his Plateau State counterpart Simon Lalong; a spokesman for Atiku’s campaign organisation, Senator Dino Melaye; AIT founder, Raymond Dokpesi, Obi campaign director-general Doyin Okupe, among others.
Adichie advocates corruption-free justice system
Award-winning novelist Adichie advocated a fair, corruption-free judicial system, urging the NBA to leverage technology in judicial process and the administration of justice.
She lamented that Nigerians do not seem to have enough leaders to look up to in the current system.
In her view, young citizens were finding it difficult to have heroes for mentorship.
“We are starved of heroes. Our young people do not find people to look up to anymore,” Adichie said.
The keynote speaker argued that it was important for everyone to speak out against injustice and tyranny even if they were called troublemakers.
She said: “A bold transition must embrace audacity and innovation. They have called me troublesome. Although, it is never enjoyable to be called troublesome.
“I never set out to provoke for its sake. But I refuse to silence myself for the fear of what I might inadvertently provoke. It has always been important to me to say what I believe, to call out injustice.
“Federal and state security dragging journalists to prison is tyranny. A journalist ill-treating his domestic staff is tyranny. The rape of young boys and girls is also tyranny.
“It is tyranny when state governments do not pay pensioners until they slump and die as broken people.
“The physical harassment of lawyers and some judges is tyranny. The use of the law by some people to oppress the poor people is tyranny.”
Adiche said Nigerians must be fair in their criticisms before peace can thrive, adding that they should become responsible before holding the leaders responsible.
She said: “As long as we refuse to untangle the knot of injustice, peace cannot thrive. If we don’t talk about it, we fail to hold leaders accountable and we turn what should be transparent systems into ugly opaque cults.
“My experience made me think there’s something dead in us, in our society; a death of self-awareness and ability for self-criticism.
“There’s a need for resurrection. We cannot avoid self-criticism but criticise the government. We cannot hide our own institutional failure while demanding transparency from the government.”
While commending the NBA for traditionally defending citizens’ rights, she lamented a decline in professionalism.
She said: “Nigerians are disillusioned because they know of the decline of professionalism in some sections of the legal profession.
“As the NBA continues to fight the abuse of power, it must also look inward not to be corrupted.
“One way is to simplify the legal procedure. We deny justice when we delay justice. Technology should also be used. It is time for the full use of technology in the administration of justice.
“Today, the word ‘disruptive’ has taken on a more positive and perhaps even a more trendy connotation. It now tends to mean innovative and original especially concerning technology and access to information. Troublesome and innovative.
“They might seem opposed to each other but I will argue that these two understandings of disruptive hang their pride on the NBA.
“Many people who have abused their positions of power in Nigeria would describe the NBA as troublesome.”
President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pledging to drive down inflation further, strengthen foreign reserves and sustain the country’s GDP growth trajectory.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President expressed confidence in the nation’s collective resolve, saying the new year would be a more prosperous one for the country, its citizens, and all who call Nigeria home.
Tinubu argued that during 2025, his administration sustained momentum on major reforms, achieved a fiscal reset and recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, he said, Nigeria recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy.
“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.
The President disclosed that Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note, with annualised GDP growth expected to exceed four per cent for the year.
Trade surpluses were maintained and greater exchange rate stability was achieved, while inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with his administration’s target.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he said.
Tinubu pointed to the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which, he said, posted a robust 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On foreign reserves, he disclosed that sound monetary policy management had seen reserves stand at $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. He expressed optimism that this position would strengthen further in the new year.
Foreign direct investment, the President noted, was also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720m, up from $90m in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, had consistently affirmed and applauded.
Tinubu recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that his administration had implemented critical reforms laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
“With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” he said.
As inflation and interest rates moderate, the President said, his administration expected increased fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
He commended states that had aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on citizens and basic consumption.
The new year, Tinubu added, marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.
On security, the President acknowledged that the nation continues to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements.
He disclosed that in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.
The Armed Forces, he said, had since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country,” the President stated.
He reiterated his belief that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards and anchored on accountability, was critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
Tinubu also announced plans to accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country.
Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, he said, the administration would stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities. Investment would also continue in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.
The President called on all Nigerians to play their part, describing nation-building as a shared responsibility that required unity of purpose, patriotism, and service with honour and integrity.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.
“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles. Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability,” he stated.
Meanwhile, governors and other political leaders across the country reflected on the trials of the outgoing year, calling for unity, resilience, and renewed commitment to governance, security, and economic recovery.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, urged Nigerians to remain positive and hopeful about the future.
In his New Year message released on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas called on citizens to look forward to 2026 with optimism and to continue working collectively for the unity and progress of the country.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, the Speaker noted that 2025, despite its challenges, recorded commendable strides in good governance and improvements in national security, particularly with the successes achieved in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
He therefore appealed to Nigerians across all divides to strengthen national cohesion and commitment to peace-building.
“In every new dawn lies a promise,” the Speaker said, as he commended Nigerians for their patience, perseverance, and contributions towards building a stronger nation.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, said social pressures and security challenges tested the resilience of his government in 2025.
He, however, said the state stood firm through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in his government.
Niger State experienced major security challenges in 2025, including incidents of tanker explosions which claimed many lives, boat accidents, and terrorist abductions, particularly of schoolchildren in November.
Therefore, Bago asked residents to continue to support his administration in its efforts to deliver the New Niger Agenda, anchored on good governance, security, and economic revitalisation.
“The outgoing year tested our resilience as a people, particularly in moments of security challenges and social pressures. Yet, through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in government, Niger State stood firm.
“I sincerely thank the people of Niger State for their trust, cooperation, and steadfast support at critical moments, which greatly strengthened our collective response and progress,” he said.
Bago promised that his government remained committed to transparent communication, responsive leadership, and policies that placed the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance.
A former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Makarfi, urged Nigerians to remain united and resilient in the New Year. In his message issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, he acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens over the past year but expressed optimism for a better future.
According to him, Nigerians must confront the nation’s challenges together as a united people bound by shared hopes and a promising destiny.
“As we exit the year 2025, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all Nigerians,” Makarfi said, praying that the New Year offered “a renewed opportunity to strengthen our resolve and collectively overcome our challenges.”
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, renewal, and collective resolve as the country enters 2026. He urged sustained support for policies aimed at economic stability, inclusive growth, and grassroots development.
In his New Year message to his constituents, Lagos State, and Nigerians at large, the lawmaker described the beginning of 2026 as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to progress and prosperity.
He reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that promote economic stability and inclusive growth, stressing that development must reach every ward, community, and household across Lagos East.
Abiru therefore urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu as it implemented policies targeted at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure, expanding opportunities, and securing a more prosperous future for citizens.
The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese of Ondo State, Stephen Fagbemi, called on Christians and all Nigerians to embrace peace and love in the New Year.
Tinubu projects lower inflation, stronger growth in 2026 New Year address
In a New Year message delivered through the Public Relations Officer of the diocese, Banjo Abitogun, on Wednesday, the cleric expressed optimism that the New Year would be a season of high hope and fresh opportunity for Christians with “unwavering faith in God, renewed commitment to righteous living, and genuine love for one another.”
He further prayed for Nigeria, asking God to grant the nation wise leadership, economic recovery, security of lives and property, and unity among all citizens.
For its part, the Young Progressives Party has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite widespread frustration arising from past electoral experiences.
The party made the call in its New Year message issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins.
Public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process sharply declined following the 2023 general elections, which were marred by widespread complaints of technical glitches, particularly the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal to upload polling unit results in real time.
The disruptions triggered protests, legal challenges and persistent allegations of manipulation, reinforcing calls for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore trust ahead of the 2027 polls.
Martins appealed to the masses to intensify civic engagement and political participation in what he described as a decisive period for Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, years of electoral setbacks should not translate into apathy or silence in the face of poor governance.
“Though the journey has been difficult and often discouraging, surrendering our sovereignty must never translate into docility or silence in the face of bad governance.
“The YPP calls on Nigerians not to be discouraged by the experiences of previous elections.
“Rather, citizens must mobilise like never before in this penultimate election year to reclaim their power at the ballot in 2027 and vote out incompetent, corrupt and insensitive leadership. The future of our democracy depends on active participation, not apathy,” he said.
The party further urged Nigerians to begin demanding accountability from public office holders, especially in light of fiscal reforms expected to increase government revenue.
“Nigerians must begin to ask critical questions, demand answers and closely scrutinise public spending, especially with the advent of the new tax law, which is expected to widen the tax net and significantly increase government revenue.
“Democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable. Increased revenue without transparency, accountability and prudence will only deepen public mistrust and hardship,” he stated.
The YPP also warned against what it described as the politicisation of anti-graft agencies, insisting that selective justice undermines democracy and weakens public institutions.
“We strongly warn against the weaponisation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-corruption agencies against political opponents.
“The fight against corruption must be sincere, impartial and devoid of political bias. Selective justice weakens institutions and erodes public confidence in governance,” he said.
On the newly introduced tax law, the party maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal crisis was rooted more in poor expenditure management than revenue shortfalls.
Martins criticised what he described as extravagant spending by public officials and called for accountability before full implementation of the law.
He argued, “Nigeria’s major challenge has never been revenue generation but the reckless, wasteful and opaque expenditure of public funds.
“Nigerians are not opposed to paying taxes; rather, they are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency, probity and discipline in the management of our commonwealth.
“It is unacceptable for taxpayers’ money to be used to fund religious pilgrimages, purchase private jets and yachts, procure luxury SUVs for members of the National Assembly and sustain the looting and frivolous lifestyle of a reckless political elite.”
“We therefore call on the government to urgently resolve all discrepancies associated with the new tax law before implementation.
“More importantly, those responsible for the discrepancies must be thoroughly investigated, apprehended and punished in accordance with the law,” Martins urged.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assured residents that his administration will consolidate on the achievements recorded in 2025 as the state steps into the new year, with renewed focus on security, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
In his New Year message released to journalists in Sokoto on Wednesday, the governor said 2026 would be a year of consolidation and accelerated development, guided by his administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda.
Aliyu said his government would continue to prioritise critical sectors capable of fast-tracking socio-economic growth across the state, stressing that peace and security remain central to development.
He disclosed that the state government had developed a fresh blueprint to further support security agencies in tackling banditry, especially in the 13 local government areas affected by insecurity.
“We have already drawn up a blueprint on how to further assist security agencies in the areas of logistics, intelligence gathering and intelligence sharing,” the governor said.
He urged security agencies to intensify their operations in the new year, while calling on residents, particularly those in frontline communities, to cooperate by providing timely and credible information.
Aliyu also appealed to communities to expose individuals exhibiting suspicious behaviour or living above their means, noting that community vigilance would help dismantle informant networks aiding criminal activities in rural areas.
On education and religious development, the governor announced plans to construct new Islamiyya schools and rehabilitate those in poor condition.
He added that ongoing renovations of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions would be completed, with more furniture supplied and sustained attention given to teachers’ welfare.
In infrastructure development, Aliyu said all ongoing housing projects in Wajake, Gidan Salanke and Sokoto New City, alongside rural and township road projects, would be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment programmes, including NG-CARES, Ahmadu-CARES and other initiatives targeting youths and women.
He also promised improved water supply, stating that all ongoing water projects would be completed, with additional machinery provided for major water intake facilities across the state.
In agriculture, Governor Aliyu said the government would continue to support farmers with inputs and implements, adding that contracts had already been awarded for the procurement of tractors to boost mechanised farming.
The health sector, he said, would remain a priority through the renovation of health facilities and the provision of modern medical equipment across the state.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, we will ensure the successful actualisation of all these projects in 2026,” he assured.
Governor Aliyu thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, while wishing residents and Nigerians a prosperous New Year.
A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to hold those in authority accountable, describing responsible and people-oriented leadership as key to addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
In his New Year message, Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and Transport Minister, said 2025 tested the nation’s resilience, with many families grappling with economic hardship, rising cost of living and widespread insecurity.
He called on Nigerians to use the new year as a turning point in the quest for peace, unity, improved security, economic stability and the overall well-being of the people.
According to him, citizens must collectively demand responsible, responsive, transparent and accountable leadership.
Amaechi also called for economic reforms that would lead to job creation, poverty reduction, affordable healthcare, housing and food, as well as quality education for all Nigerians.
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Update : Road Crash: Anthony Joshua Hospitalised, Two Confirmed Dead — Ogun Police Spokesperson
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised after a road accident in the Makun area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed this in a statement.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 am on Monday.
Our reporter, who was at the scene, said the crash happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, ahead of the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
Adeniyi Orojo stated that the Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua, with number plate KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.
The eyewitness revealed that Joshua sustained minor injuries, while two others died at the scene.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. A passenger sat beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.
His security detail followed in the vehicle behind.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles for help. Minutes after the crash, Federal Road Safety Corps officials arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” he said.
In a statement sent to Newsthumb on Monday, Oluseyi confirmed that Joshua and other injured persons were involved in a car accident and rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
He said, “The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital.
“Further updates will be communicated.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday, December 28, for Europe, continuing his end-of-year break and ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has invited President Tinubu to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit, which will take place in the emirate early in January.
The weeklong summit is an annual event that mobilises leaders from government, business, and society to chart the next era of sustainable development.
With the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”, ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence.’
The President will return to the country after the Summit.
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