News
Lagos begins consultations on 2026 budget
The Lagos State Government has commenced consultations on the 2026 budget with a call for residents’ active participation in shaping the fiscal priorities of the state.
Speaking at the opening session of the Budget Consultative Forum for the Ikeja Division held at the Multipurpose Hall of Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, the Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said the exercise was designed to give citizens a voice in the budget process while also providing updates on the performance of the 2025 budget.
“This is the first of our visits into the divisions of the state. We are here to hear from our people what they want to see in the 2026 budget. It also gives us an opportunity to report back on what they requested in 2025 and to give a scorecard of what has been achieved,” he said.
George disclosed that the state had attained over 80 per cent budget performance so far in 2025, both in revenue generation and expenditure.
According to him, Lagos is optimistic about meeting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the year.
“We are building on the gains of 2025. Our IGR is growing and as of August–September, we have hit about 80 per cent of our target. Last year, we met our IGR target and we are confident that 2025 will follow the same path,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the state was investing heavily in infrastructure, but also prioritising social protection, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
He said the state’s agribusiness initiative, Lagos Produce, would be expanded to ensure food security.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, raised concerns over the rising rate of drug abuse among young people in Lagos.
Describing the menace as a “pandemic,” Ogunlende said the ministry had established a special department under the Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse (LASCADA) programme to tackle the crisis.
“At the moment, our rehabilitation centres are full. Drug abuse is something we see on our streets and in our homes. At least 35 per cent of our youths are dependent on substances,” he stated.
He noted that the state was working with the NDLEA, private institutions, and civil society groups to provide advocacy, rehabilitation, and rescue services, while urging communities to take ownership of the fight against drug abuse.
The Budget Consultative Forum, which runs from September 9–16, 2025, will be held across the state’s divisions, with participation from traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil society organisations, trade groups, persons with disabilities and youths.
The United States government has announced a sweeping review of all Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries, following Wednesday’s attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
The Trump administration disclosed the move on Thursday after authorities identified the detained suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously worked with American forces in Afghanistan.
According to AfghanEvac, an organisation involved in the resettlement of Afghans after the 2021 Taliban takeover, the suspect was granted asylum in April 2025, not permanent residency.
In a statement on X, the Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, said, “I have directed a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”
The order had earlier banned nearly all nationals from 12 of those countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States.
Here is a full list of countries under the travel ban:
Countries with Full Travel Ban (12)
1. Afghanistan
2. Myanmar
3. Chad
4. Congo-Brazzaville
5. Equatorial Guinea
6. Eritrea
7. Haiti
8. Iran
9. Libya
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen
Countries with Partial Ban (7)
1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for questioning.
Malami served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami announced the development on his Facebook page on Friday, confirming that he had received a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.
“I would like to inform my family and friends that I have been summoned by the EFCC to provide clarification on certain matters, and as a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I am determined to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.
The former minister reiterated his commitment to the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability, which he said guided his years in public service.
“I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in governance; these are principles that I have long supported and upheld over the years of my public service,” he added.
Malami also stated that he would keep Nigerians informed of any developments that may arise from the invitation.
• South South most equal
By Grace Edet
New data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has revealed major regional disparities in spousal earnings, showing that most Nigerian wives aged 15–49 earn less than their husbands, despite growing pockets of income equality across the country.
According to figures shared by Statisense on Tuesday, the trend is most pronounced in the North-West, where 941 in 1,000 wives earn less than their husbands, while only 29 in 1,000 earn more. The region also recorded the lowest rate of non-earning husbands, with just 7 in 1,000 women reporting partners with no income.
In contrast, the South South posted the strongest levels of income parity. The region recorded 113 in 1,000 wives earning the same as their husbands, the highest nationwide. It also had the largest share of women earning more than their spouses at 61 in 1,000.
The North East also showed notable shifts. While 30 in 1,000 wives out-earn their husbands, one of the highest shares in the country, the region still reported that 888 in 1,000 women earn less, reflecting wide inequality despite emerging improvements.
The North Central displayed more balanced figures, with 46 in 1,000 women earning more, and 65 in 1,000 earning equally, though 848 in 1,000 wives still fall below their husbands’ income levels.
In the South East, income gaps remain significant but show signs of narrowing. The data shows 57 in 1,000 wives earn more, 82 in 1,000 earn equally, while 775 in 1,000 still earn less than their husbands.
For the South West, 45 in 1,000 wives earn more, and 75 in 1,000 earn the same, but 824 in 1,000 wives still earn below their husbands’ earnings. Only 11 in 1,000 husbands reported having no income.
The NDHS 2024 findings highlight a consistent national pattern: while traditional income structures remain strong, especially in northern regions, the southern zones, particularly the South South, are showing faster shifts toward income equality within households.
Experts say the trend reflects broader economic realities, including rising female participation in formal work, regional differences in literacy levels, and contrasting socio-cultural expectations about household roles.
The full survey continues to shape policy discussions on women’s economic empowerment, labour participation, and regional development priorities.
-
Art & Life9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Entertainment9 years ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
Business9 years ago
The 9 worst mistakes you can ever make at work
-
Art & Life9 years ago
According to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Entertainment9 years ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
Sports9 years ago
Phillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
-
Entertainment9 years ago
Mod turns ‘Counter-Strike’ into a ‘Tekken’ clone with fighting chickens
-
Entertainment9 years ago
Disney’s live-action Aladdin finally finds its stars