Senate Approves N68.3 Trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill
The Senate on Tuesday approved the N68.3 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year during plenary in Abuja. The approval followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Appropriations in the Committee of Supply.
The budget, which covers government spending for the 2026 financial year, was passed after lawmakers reviewed key allocations across sectors aimed at funding statutory transfers, debt servicing, recurrent expenditure, and capital projects.
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Signals Move To ADC
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has indicated plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that the party has the potential to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The governor disclosed this after a closed-door meeting with a delegation from the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, saying discussions were ongoing about his possible move to the party.
El-Rufai Returned To ICPC Custody After Temporary Release
Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been returned to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai had earlier left custody on March 27, 2026, following the death of his mother. He was, however, re-arraigned on Tuesday as legal proceedings in the case against him continue.
Nigeria’s Debt May Rise To N155.1 Trillion After Tinubu’s $6bn Loan Approval
Nigeria’s total debt stock is projected to increase to N155.1 trillion following the Senate’s approval of a fresh $6 billion loan request by President Bola Tinubu.
At an exchange rate of N1,400 per dollar, the loan adds about N8.4 trillion to the country’s debt stock, which stood at N146.69 trillion as of the end of 2025.
Naira Falls To N1,420/$ In Parallel Market
The naira depreciated to N1,420 per dollar in the parallel market on Tuesday, down from N1,415 per dollar recorded on Monday.
Similarly, the currency weakened in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it traded at N1,387 per dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the local currency.
ADC Accuses APC Of Pressuring INEC Over Internal Affairs
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to interfere in its internal affairs.
The party alleged that there was a coordinated effort to destabilise it following the defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning that the development raises concerns about the independence of the electoral body.
Former Kano APC Governorship Candidate Gawuna Joins ADC
Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
His defection aligns him with former New Nigeria People’s Party presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who also recently registered as a member of the ADC.
Tinubu Orders Security Agencies To Prevent Further Attacks
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to adopt proactive measures to prevent attacks across the country, particularly in the northern region.
The directive followed recent attacks by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos, Plateau State, and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Military Places Troops On Nationwide Alert Ahead Of Easter
The Defence Headquarters has placed troops across the country on alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of heightened security measures.
The military also said ongoing support from the United States is strengthening counter-terrorism operations, noting that the impact of the collaboration will become more visible in the coming weeks.
NDLEA Seizes N1.8bn Worth Of Drugs In Edo
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it seized illicit drugs valued at N1.8 billion in the first three months of the year.
The state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this while presenting the command’s first-quarter operational scorecard in Benin City, noting that 18,380 kilogrammes of drugs were recovered from 104 suspected traffickers.
Tinubu Condemns Plateau, Kaduna Killings
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attacks by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos, Plateau State, and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the incidents as barbaric and assured Nigerians that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Senate Passes N68 Trillion 2026 Budget
The Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday approved a N68 trillion national budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
The figure represents an increase of about N9 trillion from the initial proposal of N59 trillion and is expected to fund government operations until December 31, 2026.
Bala Mohammed Criticises Wike, Considers ADC Defection
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid ongoing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Speaking after meeting an ADC delegation led by Babachir Lawal, Mohammed described the party as a more acceptable political platform and said consultations were ongoing ahead of a final decision.
Senate Approves Tinubu’s $6 Billion Loan Request
The Senate on Tuesday approved a $6 billion loan request submitted by President Bola Tinubu to finance government projects and address budgetary gaps.
Lawmakers approved the request after considering the report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Gas Price Hike May Increase Electricity Tariffs
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has increased the domestic base price of natural gas to $2.18 per MMBtu from $2.13 per MMBtu.
Analysts warn that the increase could raise electricity generation costs and potentially lead to higher tariffs and increased living costs for Nigerians.
DHQ Denies Recruiting Repentant Terrorists Into Military
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports claiming repentant terrorists are being recruited into the Nigerian military.
In a statement by the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier General Yusuf Alli, the military described the reports as false, insisting that strict recruitment rules prevent individuals with criminal records from joining the armed forces.
Tonto Dikeh Speaks On Past Lifestyle
Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken about her past involvement in what she described as demonic activities during her time in the movie industry.
Speaking during a ministration in Tanzania, the actress said she had previously joined a cult and engaged in actions she now regrets, adding that she has since embraced a new life.
Blessing CEO Alleges Domestic Abuse In Marriage
Relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has alleged that her marriage ended due to repeated domestic abuse.
In an interview with Chude, she claimed her former husband assaulted her several times, including the day before their wedding, adding that the incidents occurred in the presence of friends and bridesmaids.
Super Eagles Draw 2-2 With Jordan In Friendly
Nigeria’s Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with Jordan in an international friendly match held in Turkey on Tuesday.
Jordan opened scoring in the 17th minute before Moses Simon equalised in the 26th minute. Emmanuel Fernandez later gave Nigeria the lead before Jordan struck again in the 77th minute to level the match.
Tottenham Appoint Roberto De Zerbi As Head Coach
Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year deal.
The Italian manager replaces Igor Tudor and takes charge immediately as the club battles to avoid relegation, currently sitting just one point above the Premier League drop zone with seven matches remaining.