BPP AND SON SIGN MOU TO PROMOTE “NIGERIA FIRST” IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the application of Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) in Federal Government procurement processes, in support of the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy.

A statement jointly signed by Zira Zakka Nagga, Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP) and
Talatu Ethan, Director Corporate Affairs (SON) indicates that the MoU was signed by both the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, FCILT, ACFE and the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, ACTI, FCA, FMSN at the BPP headoffice in Abuja.

The MoU establishes a cooperation framework to ensure that goods, works and services procured by Government comply with relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards and encourages the adoption of local content and the use of Made-in-Nigeria products that meet approved quality benchmarks.

With the signing of the MoU, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to improving quality outcomes in Government projects and advancing transparency, competitiveness, and value-for-money in line with the Nigeria First policy.

FG Launches N590bn Bond Issuance to Begin Clearing N4tn Power Sector Debt

The Federal Government has started the repayment process for the N4 trillion owed to Power Generation Companies through a N590 billion inaugural bond offering.

Backed by Federal Government guarantee, this first tranche is part of a comprehensive N4 trillion NBET Finance Company Plc Bond Programme. The package includes N300 billion in cash bonds for public subscription and N290 billion in non-cash bonds to be distributed directly to GenCos on matching terms.

Fulani Militias Kill NYSC Member’s Father, Four Others in Taraba Community Attack

An NYSC member, Orkeghen Philip Aondofa, has raised alarm after armed herders attacked his community, New-Gboko in Takum LGA of Taraba State, killing his father and four relatives. The attackers reportedly took over the village, forcing all residents to flee and preventing him from retrieving his father’s body for burial. Philip, who is serving in Enugu, said one of the assailants called him with his late father’s phone and confessed to the killing. He accused the Taraba State government of staying silent despite ongoing attacks across Chanchanji ward. The grieving corps member appealed to the Federal Government for assistance, saying he is stranded, homeless, and without hope as violence continues to ravage communities in the area.

Nigeria is stepping into a new era and this time, it’s our entire revenue system getting a major upgrade.

In what is easily the biggest shake-up since the TSA era, the federal government has rolled out a unified digital platform that finally puts every revenue stream under one transparent umbrella. No more scattered systems, no more blind spots, everything now speaks to one powerful engine.

Backed by fresh directives from the Accountant General’s office, all federal payments will move fully electronic from January 1, 2026, and the Federal Treasury e-Receipt becomes the only official proof of payment. Physical cash receipts are out.

Those unapproved payment apps some agencies use? Gone. Every Naira collected must go straight into the TSA, clean, clear and accountable.

This is big good news for Nigeria.
For the first time, the government will have real-time visibility of what MDAs collect, remit and account for. Leakages that cost the nation billions every year now face their toughest fight yet.

With the new Revenue Optimisation Platform overseeing billing, reconciliation and performance tracking, corruption loopholes will shrink dramatically.

And for citizens and businesses, it gets even better: no more guesswork, no more shady receipts, no more paying into the wrong hands. Payments become straightforward, secure and easy to verify.

This reform isn’t just another policy, it’s a signal that Nigeria is serious about modernising public finance and tightening the system where it matters most.

A cleaner, smarter, more transparent revenue process is finally here and a big win for everyone.

The Federal Government has introduced major new rules to change how ministries and agencies collect money.
Sets January 1, 2026 As Deadline For Federal Treasury E-Receipt

JUST IN: The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its 29-day nationwide strike after the Federal Government met part of its demands.

However, the union warned that it would resume industrial action if the remaining conditions are not fulfilled within the agreed timeline.

Federal Government reduces oil block entry costs to $3m

FG Moves 70% of 2025 Capital Budget to 2026

The Federal Government has directed ministries, departments, and agencies to carry over 70 per cent of their 2025 capital budget into the 2026 fiscal year as the administration moves to prioritise the completion of existing projects and manage spending pressures amid weak revenues.

Today, we officially launched the TY Logistics Park FZE in Alaro City, a project that will shape the future of logistics in Lagos and strengthen our position as Nigeria’s leading industrial hub.

I commend General T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd.) and Senator Daisy Danjuma for their vision. Through TY Holdings, they continue to show what responsible investment and confidence in Lagos truly look like.

This park sits in the middle of a rapidly expanding economic corridor, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, new manufacturing zones, and the coming Lekki–Epe International Airport. A grade-A logistics facility here will cut costs for businesses, support exporters, and create real opportunities for our people.

We also appreciate the Federal Government’s commitment to the 7th Axial Road, which will strengthen the entire supply chain from the port to land.

This project aligns with our THEMES+ agenda to build modern infrastructure, improve mobility, and make Lagos an easier place to invest and operate. Alaro City is fast becoming a preferred industrial destination, and we will keep creating the environment where investors know that today is always the next best day to invest in Lagos.

Rescued Niger Pupils Reveal Bandits Forced Them to Sleep on Trampoline in Bush

A rescued pupil from Niger State, Florence Michael, has recounted the harsh conditions she and other abducted schoolchildren endured while held by bandits. She revealed they were forced to sleep on a trampoline in a bush near a river and were threatened with beatings if they made noise. The 100 pupils, abducted from St. Mary’s School in Papiri on November 21, were handed over to the Niger State Government by the National Security Adviser’s office after a joint rescue operation involving the DSS, Armed Forces, and other agencies. The federal government announced new protection measures for schools in high-risk areas, while Governor Umaru Bago described the rescue as a major relief. The children were released by the kidnappers near Lumma and Wawa and transported to Minna for safety.

BREAKING: The Federal Government has ordered ministries, departments, and agencies to carry over 70 per cent of their 2025 capital budget into the 2026 fiscal year as the administration moves to prioritise the completion of existing projects and contain spending pressures in the face of weak revenues.

This directive is contained in the 2026 Abridged Budget Call Circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and circulated to all ministers, service chiefs, heads of agencies and top government officials in Abuja.

JUST IN: The Federal Government has directed that the Keffi Bridge be opened for vehicular movement. Works Minister Dave Umahi issued the directive during an inspection of the Mararaba–Keffi–Abuja road

BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Government has banned the use of physical cash for the payment of revenue and directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to install Point of Sale terminals within 45 days.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

"My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

"From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," President Tinubu said.

FG Approves Kogi-Hunan Free Trade Zone

… As Stakeholders Set for Abuja Briefing

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone, paving the way for the takeoff of the Ajaokuta Economic City as the Kogi State Government begins preparations for a major stakeholders’ briefing in Abuja.

The initiative follows the strategic partnership between the Kogi state government led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Zhuzhou Municipal Government of Hunan Province, China, under the Kogi–Hunan Sister Province Relationship.

According to the invitation to the official media briefing by Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Kogi State Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership Agency (KSIPPA), Aliyu Inda Salami, government agencies, investors and development partners will be briefed on the project framework, investment opportunities and next steps at the event in Abuja this Tuesday.
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PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga indicates that
while expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

"My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

"From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," President Tinubu said.

Kaduna State Pushes for 200 Million dollars Poultry Investment in China

The Kaduna State Government is intensifying efforts to attract major investment into its planned 200 million dollars poultry project, as Governor Uba Sani continues a strategic working visit to Beijing, China.

During the visit the Governor toured key agricultural and livestock facilities, including CP Foods Layers and Eggs Ltd., a leading producer with an output of nearly three million eggs daily.

The visit is aimed at studying large-scale production models that can help Kaduna boost food security, expand agro-industrial capacity, and create sustainable jobs.

The Governor also visited Beijing Doudian Yisheng Halal Meat Industry Co., Ltd., where he explored opportunities for strengthening Kaduna’s livestock value chain and attracting credible international partners.

He acknowledged the support of the federal government delegation led by Joseph Tegba, and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to deepening agricultural development in Nigeria.

Kwankwaso Says Federal Government Overwhelmed as Militias Spread, Urges Urgent Action

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has warned that the Nigerian government is struggling to contain the rising spread of militias, violence, and ethnic profiling across the country. While congratulating newly appointed Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa, he expressed concern that the Federal Government appears overwhelmed, allowing poorly trained vigilantes and political militias to proliferate. Kwankwaso cautioned that unchecked arms circulation, harassment of citizens, and rising hate speech threaten national unity, urging immediate and decisive intervention to prevent further instability.

Northern Leaders, FG Working Hard To End Insecurity, Says Gov Abdullahi Sule

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule says both the Federal Government and northern leaders are making strong efforts to curb the rising insecurity across the region. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, he praised the coordinated rescue of 100 abducted pupils in Niger State and dismissed claims that leaders are not committed to solving security challenges, calling such accusations mischievous.

NIGERIA CONDEMNS ATTEMPTED UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN

The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.

This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions. Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.

We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.

Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.

As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.

The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.

Signed:

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Sunday, 7th December, 2025