Nigerian news: Morning headlines – 20 December 2025

Nigerian news: Morning headlines – 20 December 2025

Tinubu Presents ₦58.18trn 2026 Budget to National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu on Friday presented a ₦58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly. He said the budget prioritises security, fiscal discipline and economic reforms, aimed at consolidating macroeconomic gains, restoring investor confidence and translating recovery into jobs and improved living standards for Nigerians.

INEC Meets PDP Factions, Pledges Strict Adherence to Law

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Friday met with contending factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. He stressed that the commission would be guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and its regulations in all dealings with political parties ahead of forthcoming elections.

Former Delta North Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Dies

Former lawmaker and ex-senator representing Delta North, Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, has died. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed deep sorrow, describing the death as a great loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria.

Akpabio Urges Tinubu to Reconsider Withdrawal of Police Orderlies

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from National Assembly members. Speaking during the 2026 budget presentation, Akpabio cited security concerns, noting that some lawmakers fear for their safety following the decision.

Tinubu to Visit Borno, Bauchi, Lagos on Three-State Tour

President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday depart Abuja for a three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos states. In Borno, the President is expected to commission projects executed by the Babagana Zulum administration in collaboration with the Federal Government.

UK Grants Emergency Visa Extensions to Nigerian Prison Staff

The United Kingdom government has granted emergency visa extensions to hundreds of foreign prison staff, mostly Nigerians, facing deportation after changes to visa rules in July. The BBC reported that the move followed warnings of an acute staffing crisis in several UK prisons.

Tinubu Vows No Mercy for Terrorists, Bandits

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration will show no mercy to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors. Speaking at the presentation of the 2026 budget, he announced a renewed offensive against violent crime as part of a reset of Nigeria’s security architecture.

Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Sale of Two-Month-Old Baby in Delta

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman, Rita Ughale, in connection with the alleged sale of her two-month-old baby. The police said the infant was reportedly sold to a couple for ₦1.5 million in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Saraki Says PDP Will Survive Internal Crisis

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party will overcome its internal crisis. Speaking at a PDP Youth Summit in Ilorin to mark his 63rd birthday, Saraki said the party remains far from extinction despite current challenges.

Navy School Graduates 323 Personnel in Kaduna

The Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology, Kachia, Kaduna State, on Friday graduated 323 personnel from various armourer and fire control courses. Governor Uba Sani, the guest of honour, described the ceremony as a milestone celebrating discipline, commitment and professional excellence.

Tinubu Presents ₦54.46trn 2026 Budget, Sets Oil Benchmark at $64.85

President Bola Tinubu has presented a ₦54.46 trillion 2026 budget to the National Assembly, with capital expenditure pegged at ₦26.08 trillion. The proposal is based on an oil benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, production of 1.84 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.

We Will Show No Mercy,’ Tinubu Reaffirms Security Stance

President Tinubu on Friday reiterated his resolve to deal decisively with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping while presenting the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 budget. He said Nigeria would adopt a single budget framework from April 2026, ending the rollover of capital projects.

PDP Rejects Tinubu’s 2026 Budget, Calls It ‘Renewed Sufferings’

The Peoples Democratic Party has rejected President Tinubu’s 2026 budget, describing it as a “Budget of Consolidated Renewed Sufferings.” The opposition party said claims of economic stabilisation do not reflect citizens’ realities, citing rising poverty, hunger and cost of living.

Reps Raise Campaign Spending Limits Ahead of 2027 Elections

The House of Representatives has approved increased campaign spending limits for elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections. Under the amendments to the Electoral Act, presidential candidates can now spend up to ₦10 billion, while limits for other positions were also significantly raised.

INEC Explains Meeting With PDP Factions

INEC has confirmed hosting factions of the PDP at an interactive meeting in Abuja. The commission said the engagement was aimed at ensuring compliance with the Constitution, Electoral Act and its regulations, following conflicting correspondence from within the party.

Saraki: PDP Crisis Will Be Resolved Soon

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has assured party members that the PDP’s internal disagreements will soon be resolved. He said such disputes are not unusual and noted that engagement with INEC is part of efforts to stabilise the party.

PDP Factions Share Details of INEC Meeting

Leaders of warring PDP factions have shared details of their meeting with INEC, describing it as constructive. They said discussions focused on resolving internal disagreements in line with the rule of law and electoral guidelines, expressing optimism about the party’s future.

Labour Party Urges Segun Sowunmi to Contest Ogun Governorship

The Labour Party in Ogun State has urged PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi to contest the 2027 governorship election on its platform. Party leaders said Sowunmi aligns with their ideology, while he praised the party’s growing influence and pledged commitment to Ogun’s development.

Peller Apologises After Lekki-Epe Expressway Car Crash

TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has apologised following a car crash on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. In a statement, he expressed remorse, attributing the incident to emotional distress, and urged the public to refrain from online harassment related to the matter.

Super Eagles Name Wilfred Ndidi Captain Ahead of AFCON 2025

The Super Eagles have confirmed Wilfred Ndidi as their new captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 28-year-old midfielder succeeds William Troost-Ekong and is expected to lead the team into a new phase as preparations for major tournaments continue.

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