Business News September 14, 2026 Abuja Set to Host Elevate & Excel 2026 Masterclass, as TV Star Sydney-Jack Leads Speakers

Professionals, entrepreneurs and young leaders in Abuja are set to converge on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the Elevate & Excel 2026 Masterclass, a one-day capacity-building programme organised by Veez Creative Hub Ltd.

The masterclass, themed “Building People, Strengthening Businesses, Transforming Communities,” will hold at the CoreM Assembly, by Lokogoma Junction, Nzube Estate, Abuja, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The organisers said the programme is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and strategies to advance their careers, grow their businesses and improve their personal effectiveness.

Leading the faculty is Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, an international broadcast journalist and media executive with Africa Independent Television (AIT), who is also known for her advocacy on gender and inclusion.

She will be joined by Mr. Dan Olufemi Olayinka, an international public speaker, coach and pastor; Engr. Ijeoma Precious Iyeimo, a petroleum engineer, speaker and coach; and Mr. Okeme Ugbede Abraham, a business analytics and business operations management professional.

The faculty was deliberately selected to bring perspectives from different professional fields, including broadcasting, engineering, business strategy and ministry.

The event will be hosted by Amb. Sunmisola Robert, an award-winning bilingual presenter and media and communication professional.

The convener and event coordinator, Lisa Vee Carson, is the Chief Executive Officer of Veez Creative Hub Ltd and founder of Fasbeau by Lisa and Veez Media Studio. She is also a media practitioner and currently serves as National Woman Leader (Ag) of the Action Alliance.

The masterclass will focus on five major areas: leadership development and visionary coaching; business growth strategies for sustainable success; personal development and purpose alignment; media, influence and impact building; and networking with industry professionals.

Organisers said the sessions would emphasise practical learning and expert guidance, giving participants an opportunity to gain useful insights that can be applied to their careers, businesses and personal lives.

The masterclass is seen as an opportunity for participants to learn, build meaningful relationships and gain fresh perspectives in a changing professional and business environment.

News Politics September 14, 2026 2027: INEC final list sets off Senate race

The release of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission has heightened the battle for the 109 senatorial seats across the country.

With the publication of the list, political parties and their candidates now have a clearer picture of the contenders for the Senate, setting the stage for a fierce contest for the legislative seats in the February 2027 elections.

The senatorial race is expected to attract prominent politicians, including governors who will serve out their terms in 2027, serving and former lawmakers, political newcomers and other aspirants seeking to influence the composition of the 10th National Assembly.

The final list also formally puts the candidates in the spotlight, with parties expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of the poll.

For Abia North, Kalu Orji Uzor, the current occupant, will contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress against Okoronkwo Godswill of the African Democratic Congress, Nkole Ndukwe of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Udeachara Jude of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Abia Central will have Atuma Emeka of the APC, Austine Akobundu of the ADC, Nkechi Nwaogu of the NDC and Ogu Bob of the PDP.

Abia South will parade Ikonne Paul of the APC, Isiguzor Victor of the ADC, Enyinna Michael of the NDC, Onuoha Chinyere of the PDP and Enyinnaya Abaribe of the Labour Party.

For Adamawa North, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will vie on the platform of the APC, Iya Umar for ADC, Abubakar Rabiu for NDC and Lawan Ribado for the PDP, while Adamawa South will parade Tangwami Bilishan of the APC, Binos Yaroe of the AC, Peter Barata of the NDC and Ahmed Hassan of the PDP.

Adamawa Central has Salihu Mustapha (APC), Ibrahim Mustapha (ADC), Ahmed Abdullahi Musa (NDC) and Attah Mohammed Ibrahim of NDC.

Akwa Ibom North East has Aniekan Etim (APC), Sunday Etim Umoren (ADC), Afia Ekere S (NDC) and Udobang Cletus Kufre (PDP).

Akwa Ibom North West will parade Akpabio Godswill (APC), Akpabio Ibanga Obot (ADC), Inemeh Patty Etete (NDC), while PDP has no candidate.

Akwa Ibom South will feature Akpan Ekong Sampson (APC), Louis Paul Udoh (ADC), Frank Okon Daniel (NDC) and Isong Etim (PDP).

Anambra North has Nnalue Kingsley (APC), Udedibia Sunday Ikenna (ADC), Nwoye Tony Okechukwu (NDC) and Oliatachinenye Edith (PDP); Anambra Central – Ekwunife Uche Lilian (APC) Nwobu Geoffery Ndubuisi (ADC), Umeh Victor (NDC) and Ughamadu Lawrence Chijioke (PDP), while Anambra South has Benson-Oraelosi Maryanne (APC), Anagwu Fredrick Emeka (ADC), Onunkwo Ebuka Josephat (NDC) and Nwosu Ikechukwu Samben (PDP).

In Bauchi South, Governor Bala Mohammed of the Allied People’s Movement, will vie the seat against Shehu Abdullahi of the APC, Garba Dahiru of the ADC, and Dabo Danjuma Adamu of the PDP.

Bauchi Central will parade Misau Isah Hamma (APC), Abdul Ahmed Ningi (ADC), and Aliyu Bello of the PDP, while Bauchi North will have Baba Ibrahim Mohammed (APC) against Suleiman Mohammed Nazif (ADC), and Adamu Abdulkadir of PDP.

In Bayelsa East, Sunny-Golu Israel (APC), Sylva Ngo Nathaniel (ADC), Tekenah Dau Kenny (NDC) and Joseph Ateki Boabofa (PDP) will slug it out, while Benson Friday Konbowei (APC), Aistine Inei Asamaowei (ADC), Okoyareuben Boutuaowei (NDC) and Akinaka Erepamo Richard will slug it out for Bayelsa Central.

In Bayelsa West, the national leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson will contest against Agbiki Fidelis (APC), Ogola Christopher (ADC), and Ebebi Onduakpo Polycarp (PDP)

Benue North East will have Udende Emmanuel Memga (APC), Tyough Robert Aondona (ADC), and Unongo Thomas Tyolumun (PDP); Benue North West, Zam Titus Tartenger (APC), Tsegba Terngu (ADC), Utaan Conrad Terhide (NDC) and Ortom Eunice Erdoo (PDP), while Benue South will feature Agbo Frances Ottah (APC), Olofu David Adejo (ADC), Onjeh Daniel Donal (NDC) and Moro Abba Patrick (PDP).

For Borno North, Monguno Mohammed Tahir (APC), will slug it with Abdullahi Modu Kura (ADC), Abubakar Tijjani (NDC) and Kareto Mohammed Abdullah (PDP); Lawan Kaka Shehu (APC), Baba Gana Zannah (ADC), Abdulkadir Fema (NDC) and Kyari Alhaji Grema will slug it out at Borno Central, while Ndume Mohammed Ali (APC), Idris Mamman Gatumbwa (ADC), Kwajafailliya Habu (NDC) and Apaguaminu Mallum (PDP), will slug it out in Borno Central.

Cross River North will have Jarigbe Jarigbe Agom (APC), Ugbong Casmir (ADC) and Ake Abuashe Grace (NDC); Cross River Central – Ewa Oden Ibiang (APC), Akin Rickett (ADC), Ewa Bassey Eko (NDC) and John Ifere (PDP), while Cross River South will have Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC), Edet Joseph (ADC), Egwu Egwu Arong (NDC) and Inyang Florence (PDP).

In Delta Central, the current occupant, Dafinone Ede (APC), will contest against Ewhrudjakpor Benjamin (ADC), Omo-Agege Ovie (NDC) and Arhagba Ighogbedjere (PDP);  Delta North – former Governor Okowa Ifeanyi (APC), Ogoliegbune Valentine Chibuzor (ADC), Ochei Victor Onyekachi (NDC) and Ogannah Onyeama Austyn (PDP), while for Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas Ewomazino (APC), will contest against Adhekpukoli Elo (NDC) and Otuaro Kingley Burutu (PDP).

Ebonyi North parades Nwebonyi Onyeka Peter (APC), Ikeria Chibuike Solomon (ADC), Nwite James (NDC) and Opoke Sunday Andrew (PDP); Ebonyi Central – Eze Kenneth Emeka (APC), Ugo Maginus Kel (ADC), Odoh Benard Ifeanyi (NDC) and Ngwuta Elechi Christopher (PDP) while Ebonyi South will have Ani Anthony Okorie (APC), Silas Joseph Onu (ADC), Ndubuisi Emmanuel (NDC) and Nwachi Maria Ude (PDP).

Edo North will have former governor and current occupant, Adams Oshiomhole (APC) against Aruna Abubakari (ADC), Oisamoje Maria Evuarherhe (NDC) and Momoh-Dejih Bashir Eugine; Edo Central – Ikpea Joseph (APC), Okonofua Herberta (ADC), Inemezele Ikpea Igiagbe Joseph (NDC) and Edo South –

Ogbeide-Ihama Omoregie (APC), Iduoriyekemwen Matthew Aigbuhuenze (ADC), Epelle-Asemota Bridgitte (NDC) and Ojediamen Benjamin Ehichioya (PDP).

For Ekiti North, Oguntoye Ayobami Samuel (APC), will contest with Ayeni Funso (ADC), Oguntoye Ayobami (NDC); Ekiti Central has the current Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC) against Akinyemi Victor (ADC), Omolayotaiwo Oluwagbenga (NDC) and Fatuyi-Olajuyigbe Monica Adesola (PDP), while Ekiti South has the Senate Spokesman, Adaramodu Adeyemi (APC) against Kolawole Job Nathaniel (ADC) and Ayeni Oye Olabisi (PDP).

Enugu East has Chukwu Kelvin (APC), Idoko Mechika (ADC), Asadu Patrick (NDC) and Ukwueke Kingsley; Enugu West – Ngwu Osita (APC), Ani Juliet Nkechi (ADC), Eneh Kingsley (NDC) and Amadi Dennis (PDP); Enugu North – Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asadu Patrick Oziokoja (NDC) and Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP).

Federal Capital Territory has Philip Aduda (APC) against Ireti Kingibe (ADC), Austen Peters-Pam Amanda (NDC) and Angulu Bako (PDP).

Gombe North has Governor Yahaya Muhammed Inuwa (APC), Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu (ADC), Mohammed Dukku (NDC) and Dankwambo Ibrahim Hassan (PDP); Gombe Central – Mohammed Ahmed (APC), Idris Audu Umar (ADC), Kabiru Mohammed (NDC) and Hammadu Aliyu, while Gombe South has Hamma Tabitha (APC), Mela Audu Nunghe (ADC), Amos Bulus Kilawangs (NDC) and Siyako Anthony Yaro (PDP).

Imo East has Uzodinma Ezebuihe Anayochukwu (APC), Ofoegbu Uchenna Daniel (ADC), Onyeagocha Uchechukwu (NDC) and Madume Prince Eze (PDP); Imo West – Governor Uzodimma Goodhope (APC), Iwuchukwu Vincent (ADC), Nwogu Nze Ndieze (NDC) and Onyereri Chukwudi Victor (PDP), while Imo North has Ndubueze Patrick (APC), Ibekwe Nkiru (ADC), Omegara Mathew (NDC) and Ejiogu Micheal Duru (PDP).

Jigawa South-West has Ibraheem Sani Garba (APC), Ahmed Isah Dutse (ADC), Aminu Mustapha (NDC) and Suleiman Abba (PDP); Jigawa North-East, Madori Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Ali (APC), Muhammad Ubali Shitu (ADC) and Salisu Mamuda (PDP), while Jigawa North-West has Hussaini Babangida Uba (APC), Ahmed Mahmud Gumel (ADC), Sabo Salisu (NDC) and Abdullahi Aminu Taura (PDP).

Kaduna North has Yero Mukhtar Ramalan (APC), Khalid Ibrahim Mustapha (ADC), Sha’aban Mohammad Turad (NDC) and Ahmed Abdullahi Zubairu (PDP), Kaduna Central – Sani Shehu (APC), Lawal Adamu Usman (ADC), Adamu Haruna (NDC) and Ibrahim Usman (PDP) and Kaduna South, Marshall Sunday Katung (APC),  Godfrey Ali Gaiya (ADC) and Gumbari Joseph Mataimaki (PDP).

For Kano Central, Shekarau Ibrahim (APC) will contest against Samaila Abdullahi Mukhtar (ADC), Yusuf Nasiru Gawuna (NDC) and Sankara Nafiu Danladi; Kano North – Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (APC), Saleh Shehu Kudawa (ADC), Usman Sunusi Danbatta (NDC) and Sagir Abdulkadir Ahmad (PDP); Kano South has Kawu Suleiman Abdurrahaman (APC), Baba Aminu Zubair (ADC), Ibrahim Kassim Bataiya (NDC) and Isa Umar Sambo (PDP).

Katsina North has Yahaya Nasir (APC), Lawal Sani (ADC), Yahaya Aminu (NDC) and Daura Umar Dauda (PDP); Katsina Central – Abubakar Sadiq Yar’Adua (APC), Lawal Sani (ADC), and Abdulaziz Amina Lawal Rafindadi (PDP); Katsina South has Dandutse Muntari Mohammed (APC), Lawal Umar (ADC), Hussain Ishaq Suleim (NDC) and Bawa Rabiu (PDP).

Kebbi North – Adamu Muhammad Aliero (APC), Mera Ibrahim Mohammed (ADC), Abdurrahaman Aliyu (NDC) and Mukhtar Mohammed Tafarki (PDP); Kebbi Central, Adamu Mohammed Aliero (APC), Aminu Bande (ADC), Umar Yarotela (NDC) and Andarai Haruna Saidu (PDP) and Kebbi South, Muhammed Ja’afaru Ngaski (APC), Maidoki Garba Musa (ADC), Hassan Mustapha (NDC) and Abubakar Hamza (PDP).

For Kogi Central, former Governor Bello Yahaya (APC), while contest against Ogembe Salau Ahmed (ADC), Salau Muritala Audu (NDC) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP); Kogi East – Ameh Erico Joseph (APC), Abubakar Aminu Suleiman (ADC), Ameh Peter Ojonugwa (NDC) and Muhammed Abdullahi (PDP) and Kogi West – Karimi Sunday (APC), Musa Ibrahim Ahmadu (ADC), Fatosa Olumuyiwa Adedokun (NDC) and Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen (PDP).

Kwara Central has Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC) against Abdulahi Risikat Motunrayo (ADC), Suleiman Abdulrasheed Olufemi Omoda (NDC) and Saliu Mustapha (PDP); Kwara North – Umar Sadiq (APC), Bala Taoheed Usman (ADC), Gana Thomas Audu (NDC) and Kolo Baba Jiya (PDP) and Kwara South, Adewoye Olalekan (APC), Oyedepo Iyiola (ADC), Oni Samuel Omoniyi (NDC) and Popoola Adekeye Lekan Saheed (PDP).

Lagos Central has Sanni Eshilokun Wasiu (APC) against Abayomi Idowu Omotayo (ADC), Johnson Lawrence Adeniyi Oladipupo (NDC) and Dakova-Vaughan Kolawole David (PDP); Lagos East – Abiru Adetokunbo Mukhail (APC), Moshood Babatunde Olanrewaju (ADC), Adebanjo Adeola Damilola (NDC) and Adeniji Victoria (PDP) an Lagos West – Adebule Idiat Oluranti (APC), Bello Owolabi Hafis (ADC), Salvador Adegoke Moshood (NDC) and Phillips Adebiyi Abiodun (PDP).

Nasarawa North has Governor Sule Abdullahi (APC), Victor Affiku Tsaku (ADC), Danladi James (NDC) and Madaki Benbella Anthony (PDP); Nasarawa West – Haruna Dauda (APC), Umar Musa Galadima (ADC), Adamu Auta Umar Farouq (NDC) and Kaura Danlami Kefas (PDP) and Nasarawa South – Abdul Ibrahim Baba (APC), Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba (ADC), Baba Ayinwulu (NDC) and Agbo-Omeri Mike (PDP).

Niger East has Musa Mohammed Sani (APC), Ahmed Mohammed Mukhtar (ADC), Bawa John Agmada (NDC); Niger North – Bello Abubakar Sani (APC), Abdullahi Shehu Mohammed (ADC), Bawa Joshua Nuhu (NDC) and Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP) and Niger South – Idris Mohammed Sani (APC), Umar Danjuma Emimaru (ADC), Sadiq Mohammed Rabiu (NDC) and Jiya Peter Ndalikali (PDP).

Ogun Central has Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi (APC), Samuel Oluwafemi Abiodun-Oni (ADC), George-Taylor Oluwadurotimi (NDC) and Obasanjo Iyabo (PDP); Ogun East – Governor Abiodun Adedapo Olusegun (APC), Adebanjo Babatunde Olalekan (ADC), Shokoya Adewale Oluwasegun (NDC) and Omotayo Oluwafemi Abdulhameed (PDP) and Ogun West – Ojugbele Jimo Olusola (APC), Olanrewaju Abdul-Lateef Ajani (ADC), Abioro Itunu (NDC) and Ogunola Babatunde (PDP).

Ondo North has Ipinsagba Olajide Emmanuel (APC), Foluso Mayowa Felix Adefemi (ADC), Daodu Babatunde (NDC) and Adenekan Olateru Olagbegi (PDP); Ondo Central – Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele (APC), Akinyelure Patrick Ayo (ADC), Falaiye Olugbenga (NDC) and Ondo South- Kekemeke Duerimini Isaacs (APC), Tofowomo Gbadamosi Tola (ADC), Nejo Myson Adeyemi (NDC) and Oyerinmade Mathew Oye (PDP)

Osun Central – Adegoke Rasheed Adekunle (APC), Olaoye Akeem (ADC), Oduyemi Morenikeji Nathaniel (NDC), Fadeyi Olubiyi Oluwole (PDP) and Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa (Accord); Osun East – Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (APC), Babatunde Olaniyi Loye (ADC), Derin-Ologbenla Charles Adewale (NDC) and Fadipe Ibukun Isola (Accord); Osun West – Ogunbiyi Akinade Akanmu (APC), Oriolowo Adelere (ADC), Ayoola Alaba (NDC and Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere (Accord).

Oyo Central has Akintunde Yunus Abiodun (APC), Kamil Akinlabi (ADC), Salawu Akeem (NDC), Olunloyo Ayobami (PDP) and Olufemi Ajadi (APM); Oyo North – Ogunesan Hannah Olawumi (APC), Agoro Lanre Adehirah (ADC), Ojekunle Abigail Olanike (NDC), Adeoye Beulah Olufemi (PDP) and Sina Peller (APM); Oyo South – Oseni Abasi Aderemi (APC), Lukman Adeola Adetunji (ADC), Abdulateef Gbolagade (NDC), Adeleke Kehinde Saheed (PDP) and Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (APM).

Plateau North has Mwadkwon Simon Davou (APC), Rose Bitrus Mwanti (ADC), Bature Musa Jonathan (NDC) and Gwottson Dalyop; Plateau Central, Kasuwa Bitrus David (APC), Yusuf Bello (ADC), Yusuf Ishaku (NDC) and Goliath Timothy (PDP); Plateau South – Lalong Simon Bako (APC), Solomon Selcap Dalung (ADC), Kefas Peter Dandam (NDC) and Shekarau Johnbull (PDP).

Rivers East has Onyesoh Allwell Iheacho (APC), Agwor Samuel Ndubuisi (ADC), Okwuwolu Wolu Benjamin (NDC) and Anele Akor Wisdom (PDP), Rivers South-East – Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari (APC), Ikuru Tele Betram (ADC), Abiante Awaji-Inombek (NDC) and Nwogu Olaka (PDP); Rivers West – Obuah Amechi Felix (APC), Otto Josiah (ADC), Ogbobula Isaac (NDC) and Job Vincent (PDP).

Sokoto North has Wamakko Aliyu Magatakarda (APC), Maishinko Mani Katami (ADC), Abubakar Mainasara Sani (NDC) and Maccido Ahmed (PDP); Sokoto East – Tukur Muhammad (APC), Hassan Muhammad (ADC), Ummar Maisalati (NDC) and Umar Abubakar (PDP) and Sokoto South – Abdullahi Ibrahim Danbaba (APC),  Yabo Faruk Malami (ADC), Tanimu Bodinga (NDC) and Yusuf Dahiru (PDP).

Taraba North – Lau Shuaibu Isa (APC), Maigari Kasimu Bello (ADC), Bandawa Anfani (NDC) and Bubajoda Hilkiah (PDP); Taraba Central – Manu Haruna (APC), Ahmadu Benni Umaru Salim (ADC), Nyan-Ganji Gilbert Gills (NDC) and Iliyasu Goje (PDP); Taraba South – Aliyu Yusuf (APC), Afiniki Yarima (ADC), Ezekiel Yakubu Ambo (NDC) and Istifanus Musa (PDP).

Yobe North – Lawan Ahmad Ibrahim (APC), Imamuddeen Ahmad Abubakar Talba (ADC), Abubakar Chigari (PDP); Yobe East – Governor Buni Mai Mala (APC), Kale Kawu (ADC), and Mustapha Maigoro (PDP); Yobe South – Bomai Ibrahim Mohammed (APC), Gambo Jajere Baba (ADC), Hassan Mohammed (NDC) and Hamma Ibrahim Barde (PDP).

Zamfara North has Sahabi Ya’u (APC), Shehu Rafi (ADC), Nasiru Garba (NDC) and Musa Hanafi Moriki (PDP); Zamfara Central – Bilbis Ikra Aliyu (APC), Abubakar Atiku Sale (ADC), Ibrahim Sanusi (NDC), Bala Sanusi (PDP) and Zamfara West – Abdulaziz Yari (APC), Ibrahim Mikailu Barau (ADC), Abdullahi Hassan Anka (NDC) and Lawal Faru (PDP).

News Politics September 14, 2026 2027: My achievements will secure re-election, says Benue gov

 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, says the projects and reforms implemented by his administration will be the strongest basis for his re-election bid in 2027.

Alia, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, in a statement issued on Sunday, said he remained focused on delivering good governance despite what he described as distractions from opposition politicians.

The governor pointed to his administration’s efforts to attract major investments into the state, citing the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Hudson Global Ltd for a proposed $5 billion investment.

According to him, the investment is part of broader efforts to reposition Benue’s economy, create opportunities and strengthen the state’s capacity for sustainable development.

Alia also listed the construction and rehabilitation of rural and urban roads, regular payment of salaries and gratuities, improved workers’ welfare, support for senior citizens and the establishment of the Food Basket Bakery among the achievements of his administration.

He said the growing interest in Benue’s economic potential was evidence that his government’s policies were beginning to yield results.

“The growing confidence in Benue’s economic prospects is not accidental.

“Just a few days ago, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hudson Global Ltd to attract a $5bn investment aimed at transforming Benue’s economic landscape.

“The difference is also visible in the everyday lives of the people. The construction of rural and urban roads, consistent payment of salaries and gratuities, and the establishment of the Food Basket Bakery are among the achievements that cannot be hidden,” the statement quoted Alia as saying.

The governor urged opposition figures to desist from what he described as political distractions and allow his administration to concentrate on governance and development.

He further claimed that his administration had strengthened accountability and transparency in the management of public resources, noting that the state had received certifications and recognition from international audit firms.

Alia also said his government had restored Benue to creditworthy status and created what he described as a safer and more credible environment for investors.

With 2027 approaching, the governor maintained that the impact of his administration’s projects and policies would ultimately determine how the people judge his performance at the polls.

News September 14, 2026 2027 budget: FG gives MDAs September 18 deadline

The Federal Government plans to submit the 2027 budget proposal to the National Assembly in September, in an attempt to advance the budget cycle amid persistent implementation challenges and overlapping fiscal years.

The plan is contained in the Federal Government of Nigeria 2027 Personnel Costs Budget Call Circular dated September 4, 2026 and signed by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu.

The document, obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday from the website of the Budget Office of the Federation, provides guidelines for ministries, departments and agencies preparing and submitting their personnel cost proposals for the 2027 fiscal year.

The Budget Office disclosed that the draft 2027-2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper had been concluded since July to facilitate the early presentation of the spending plan.

“As you are aware, the 2027-2029 draft Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper was concluded by July 2026 in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 to facilitate the submission of 2027 Budget to the National Assembly by September 2026,” the Budget Office said.

Although the circular did not provide a specific presentation date, the timetable indicates that the government intends to send the spending plan to lawmakers about three months before the beginning of the 2027 fiscal year.

Nigeria’s budgets have faced persistent implementation challenges, with overlapping fiscal cycles becoming a recurring feature since 2024.

The Federal Government earlier partly blamed budget underperformance on conflicting macroeconomic projections by agencies responsible for fiscal and monetary policy, prompting the Economic Management Team to establish a committee to harmonise key assumptions used for budgeting and economic planning.

Following findings from a joint budget retreat and technical validation workshop, the government said differences in projections for crude oil prices and production, exchange rates, inflation and non-oil revenues had created inconsistencies in budget planning and contributed to actual fiscal outcomes falling short of expectations.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said harmonising the assumptions should reduce discrepancies between budget expectations and actual economic outcomes.

Ahead of the September target, the Budget Office has fixed 4pm on Friday, September 18, 2026, as the deadline for MDAs to submit hard and soft copies of their 2027 personnel budget proposals and accompanying information.

The circular also introduced a new requirement compelling MDAs to submit the laws establishing them alongside their budget proposals, following the controversy over the inclusion of a fake agency in the 2026 budget.

The Budget Office said, “To further strengthen the budget preparation process and mitigate against any entry of unestablished agencies in the FGN Budget, it has become compulsory for MDAs to submit budget proposals along with their respective Establishment Acts as failure to do so, may lead to rejection.”

The directive follows the fake agency scandal involving the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which was allocated about N1.3bn in the 2026 budget despite questions about its legal existence.

The House of Representatives launched an investigation into the matter and moved to verify agencies contained in recent federal budgets against the laws establishing them.

The controversy also prompted President Bola Tinubu to order a forensic investigation into government processes and internal controls surrounding the inclusion of questionable agencies in the budget.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission subsequently uncovered two additional fake government agencies linked to Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the PFIPC, as investigations into the alleged fraud deepened.

While briefing State House correspondents after presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, said investigators established that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government.

The commission also found that the PFIPC had no legal backing, having neither been established by an Act of the National Assembly nor an executive order.

According to the interim findings, the appointment letter used by Adeyemi was forged, while the fake PFIPC unlawfully took over the offices and official instruments previously used by the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

The ICPC recommended the prosecution of Adeyemi, disciplinary action against public officials alleged to have aided the operation of the fake agency, and reforms to strengthen internal controls across government institutions.

According to the report, officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Budget Office of the Federation and National Information Technology Development Agency were identified as collaborators in the scheme.

Aliyu also said the commission uncovered the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office operating within the OSGF.

He said the office had been illegally allocated space within the OSGF premises, contrary to extant laws and without presidential authorisation.

The ICPC identified George Buchi Nwabueze as its promoter and said he operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Honourable George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.

The commission also said there were suspected collaborators within the OSGF.

Following the briefing, Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and the suspension of three permanent secretaries, M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

Amnesty International earlier described the development as a reflection of weaknesses in Nigeria’s governance institutions and called for an independent panel of inquiry to establish what transpired.

Speaking with The PUNCH, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the controversy showed how deeply institutional weaknesses had affected governance in the country.

“The incident of the fake government agency is an indictment of the Nigerian government. It is a practical indication of the rampant corruption within and around government agencies. The fact that such a scam can happen is an indication of how weak government institutions are,” Sanusi said.

Beyond requiring MDAs to prove their legal existence, the Budget Office introduced tighter controls over personnel expenditure, recruitment and payroll management for the 2027 fiscal year.

It warned MDAs against making salary and allowance provisions for people who are not legitimate Federal Government employees.

“MDAs should note that payment of salaries and allowances are for legitimate employees of the FGN only. Any unauthorised payments from the personnel costs budget will attract appropriate sanctions,” the circular stated.

MDAs were consequently directed to validate their payrolls against information obtained from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.

The circular said no personnel cost provision would be made in the 2027 budget for any serving Federal Government employee who is not captured on IPPIS or enrolled on GIFMIS, unless specifically exempted by the appropriate authority.

MDAs must also use only salary structures and allowances approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and verify the grade levels and steps of their employees, including provisions for annual increments.

The government also barred MDAs from budgeting for anticipated promotions. Only promotions already approved and in effect are to be reflected in the 2027 personnel budget.

According to the circular, provisions for promotions taking effect during 2027 will instead be made centrally under the Payment for Promotion and Salary Arrears in the Service-Wide Vote.

It further directed MDAs to retain newly promoted officers on their budgeted grade levels and steps throughout the year once the personnel budget has been finalised, with promotions during 2027 to be reflected when preparing the 2028 personnel budget.

Similarly, the salary pay point of an officer transferred or posted after the conclusion of the 2027 personnel budget will remain with the MDA where the employee’s personnel cost was originally provided until the 2028 budget is prepared.

For new recruitment, MDAs must provide supporting documents, including financial clearance, letters of first appointment and relevant recruitment waivers or clearances.

The Budget Office warned that it would not entertain claims for salary shortfalls or payroll lock-outs resulting from unauthorised recruitment.

Consultants, contract staff, youth corps members, industrial attaches, outsourced service providers and legionnaires are also prohibited from being included in MDA nominal rolls because they are not permanent or pensionable Federal Government employees.

Non-executive board members are similarly excluded, with their allowances and fees to be provided under the overhead costs of the respective MDAs.

Allowances for youth corps members will be provided centrally under the budget of the National Youth Service Corps, while MDAs may only pay additional allowances to corps members from their overhead provisions.

Additional controls were introduced for the health and education sectors, particularly over outsourced workers, interns and consultants.

“The staff of outsourced service providers must not be included in the nominal roll. Inclusion of staff of outsourced service providers in MDAs payroll will henceforth be regarded as willful fraudulent action, and shall be reported to relevant authorities accordingly,” the circular warned.

The Budget Office also prohibited the multiple capture of the same consultant or lecturer on the nominal rolls of different federal health and educational institutions.

Where duplication is discovered, the individual will be removed from the payrolls of institutions other than the person’s primary place of employment.

Federal health institutions were instructed to comply with approved ceilings and quotas for interns and honorary consultants, while registration or licence numbers of interns must be provided for authentication before they can be admitted into the budget.

The recruitment, deployment, administration and budgetary provisions for house officers and nursing interns will also be handled centrally by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, respectively.

Hospitals that directly recruit or post house officers and nursing interns without recourse to the councils will be liable for unauthorised recruitment, with sanctions to be applied to the chief medical director or medical director.

The circular also introduced measures to improve personnel expenditure monitoring.

The Budget Office said it would deploy a centralised Personnel Cost Monitoring Dashboard linked to IPPIS and GIFMIS, enabling MDAs to compare actual expenditure with budget provisions in real time.

Requests for salary and promotion arrears will be processed quarterly by a standing committee domiciled in the Budget Office, while a Payroll Discrepancy Resolution Committee will meet monthly to address differences between information submitted by MDAs and records on IPPIS and GIFMIS.

MDAs were also directed to constitute joint human resources and budget personnel cost teams to improve coordination between staffing decisions and budget submissions.

The circular requires all MDAs to submit their third-quarter personnel budget performance review reports by September 30, 2026, to guide future personnel planning.

It also instructed them to make provisions for nutrition-related projects and programmes as well as Early Childhood Development programmes, while monitoring actual personnel costs throughout the implementation of the 2027 budget and reporting discrepancies to the Budget Office.

Ministers or chief executives and accounting officers are also required to initial every page of the hard copies of their 2027 personnel budget proposals and additional information templates and certify the accuracy of the information submitted.

PUNCH

News Politics September 14, 2026 2027 Election: Obi’s academic records face legal scrutiny as LP chieftain sues WAEC, UNN, NYSC

 

The academic and service credentials of the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, have come under fresh legal scrutiny following three separate suits filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suits, instituted by a Labour Party chieftain, Abayomi Arabambi, seek to compel the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to release official records relating to certificates allegedly issued to Obi.

Arabambi, through his legal team led by Anderson Asemota, is seeking orders of mandamus compelling the institutions to provide records requested under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

The plaintiff stressed that he was not asking the court to determine whether the certificates submitted by Obi to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 presidential election were genuine or forged.

Rather, he wants access to the institutions’ original records to establish what their official databases and registers disclose about the certificates.

The suit against WAEC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2064/2026, and the NYSC case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2063/2026, were filed on September 1, 2026, while the suit against UNN, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026, was filed on September 9.

In the WAEC case, Arabambi is asking the court to compel the examination body to release a Certified True Copy of WAEC Certificate No. SC042560, reportedly issued to Obi Gregory Onwubuase in June 1978.

He also wants UNN to provide its certificate register, academic and graduation records, Senate or degree-award records, and other relevant official documents relating to Certificate No. D000198, where such records exist.

According to the plaintiff, the purpose of the request is to establish what UNN’s own records reveal about the certificate, rather than to ask the court to pronounce on its authenticity.

The NYSC suit similarly seeks access to records concerning NYSC Certificate No. 203495, which is stated to have been issued to Obi, identified in the relevant records as Gregory Peter-Onwubuase, on May 1, 1986.

Arabambi is also asking for any official documents or records upon which the NYSC certificate was based or issued, as well as information concerning the appearance of the name “Peter-Onwubuase” in the organisation’s records.

Court documents showed that Arabambi had separately written to WAEC, UNN and NYSC requesting information on the certificates.

While WAEC reportedly declined his request in a letter dated August 11, 2026, citing Sections 14(1)(a) and 14(2)(a) and (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, UNN and NYSC allegedly neither provided the requested information nor gave reasons for their refusal.

Arabambi subsequently approached the court, arguing that the information sought was in the public interest, particularly in relation to transparency and accountability concerning individuals seeking elective public office.

Among other reliefs, he is asking the court to declare that the refusal to provide the requested information was erroneous and that his requests under the FOI Act were valid.

He is also seeking an order compelling the institutions to disclose the outcome of any verification of the certificates against their official records.

Another relief seeks an order requiring the respondents, where they claim any portion of the requested information is exempt from disclosure, to identify the specific information withheld, state the statutory provision relied upon, and release any severable portion that is not exempt.

The plaintiff is further asking the court to invoke Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act where it finds that the institutions are not authorised to deny access, lack reasonable grounds for doing so, or where the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest served by withholding the information.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suits.

The cases are now expected to test the extent to which public institutions can be compelled under Nigeria’s FOI framework to disclose records relating to the credentials of political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

VANGAURD

News September 14, 2026 My mind is pure, I didn’t do it — Poco Lee speaks after UK bail release

Nigerian dancer and entertainer, Poco Lee, has spoken for the first time since his release on bail in the United Kingdom, saying he remained mentally strong throughout the ordeal because he knew he was innocent of the allegation against him.

Poco Lee made the disclosure during a video call with social commentator VeryDarkMan, which was shared on Sunday.

The dancer said his major concern while he was away was the welfare of his associates and the impact of his absence on their business activities.

“I was just being myself. God sees my heart. My only worries were about my people. Jago could not do anything business, and I didn’t want to stress anyone.

“If I was inside there and I did what I was accused of, I would have felt I was paying for my sins, but since I knew I didn’t do what I was accused of, my mind is pure.

“Nobody would have wanted to associate themselves with something like that, but Burna Boy stood by me, Jago and some of my other guys.”

VeryDarkMan, who shared the video call on social media, also questioned reports surrounding Poco Lee’s situation while praising Burna Boy and Rahman Jago for their support.

In the caption accompanying the video, VeryDarkMan wrote: “I just got off a video call with @rahman_jago_ and @poco_lee. I guess the next narrative will be this is AI 🤡. THERE IS A REASON WHY I BRAG WITH INTEGRITY, I AM NOBODY’S mate, WHEN I talk take it to the bank.”

Recall that Snaresbrook Crown Court had earlier fixed September 15 for plea and trial preparation in the case.

The case stems from Poco Lee’s visit to the UK in August for the Davido and Friends concert, which was held at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on August 14.

Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence, while the allegation against him remains before the court for determination.

News September 14, 2026 NAFDAC unveils 600 pharmacists for drug regulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled 600 pharmacists to strengthen drug regulation nationwide.

The initiative is part of efforts to combat substandard and falsified medicines, unwholesome food, and other public health risks across Nigeria and its communities

The agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, quoting Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on the initiative’s objectives and implementation of nationwide efforts.

Adeyeye said the 600 qualified and service-ready pharmacists were drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, following a transparent selection process based on merit, availability, and geographical representation.

She urged the pharmacists, while administering their oath of allegiance, to serve Nigeria with integrity beyond negotiation, warning that they would face pressures and inducements designed to compromise their regulatory responsibilities.

“Once a regulator is bought, the public loses its protection,” she said.

Adeyeye said the pharmacists had pursued careers in different fields before joining the programme, while their selection reflected a deliberate effort to strengthen regulatory capacity across Nigeria’s diverse communities and regions.

She described the Pharmacists Regulatory Volunteers Programme (PRVP) as more than an internship or attachment, calling it an investment in people, professional development, stronger national regulatory capacity, and public protection.

“The volunteers will receive training in medicines regulation, including pharmacovigilance, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, data collection, public sensitisation against drug abuse, and practical measures protecting Nigerians from dangerous products and counterfeits.”

Adeyeye said the volunteers would also learn what it meant to stand between Nigerians and substandard, falsified, or dangerous products, while developing practical skills needed for effective regulatory interventions.

She explained that the programme would build a national reserve of trained pharmacists who could be mobilised during product recalls, suspected circulation of falsified medicines, public health emergencies, and other urgent regulatory situations.

Adeyeye said her ambition was for every state to have a standing pool of trained, vetted, and mobilisable pharmacists working alongside NAFDAC state offices to strengthen surveillance and regulatory activities.

She said the initiative would extend NAFDAC’s regulatory presence beyond laboratories and ports of entry to markets, community pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and primary healthcare centres nationwide.

“Regulation that lives only in the capital cannot protect a nation of more than 200 million people.

“This programme is aimed at taking regulation to the doorstep of the Nigerian people,” she said.

Adeyeye urged the volunteers to remain available and disciplined, stressing that they must respond promptly whenever called for assignments and ensure every responsibility assigned to them was properly completed.

She also emphasised confidentiality, saying information obtained during inspections and investigations belonged to NAFDAC and the Nigerian people, rather than social media platforms or unauthorised individuals seeking sensitive regulatory information.

“Fourth, a learning posture: ask questions, read the guidelines, take your training seriously and document your work properly.

“You must have respect for the communities you are serving. You will enter markets, pharmacies and health facilities as ambassadors of NAFDAC and the pharmacy profession.

“Conduct yourselves accordingly,” she said.

The D-G said the programme would provide hands-on regulatory experience covering pharmacovigilance reporting, laboratory awareness, risk communication, enforcement procedures, surveillance, and other essential activities supporting effective medicine regulation nationwide.

She said the volunteers would be trained and mentored by professionals with decades of experience in regulatory practice, helping them acquire practical knowledge while developing competence for future professional responsibilities.

Adeyeye added that their services would be formally documented through certification and letters of service, strengthening their credentials before employers, licensing bodies, and postgraduate institutions while supporting professional development.

She said the volunteers would also build a national professional network across the 36 states and FCT, adding that the experience could support career advancement within regulatory and pharmaceutical sectors.

The D-G urged directors and state coordinators to take ownership of the volunteers, mentor them effectively, and deploy them meaningfully to strengthen regulatory activities and public health protection nationwide.

“To our 600 volunteers: you carry today not just a certificate of enrolment, but a pledge to serve with integrity, to represent NAFDAC and your profession with honour.

“You must place the safety of the Nigerian public above every other consideration,” she said.

The statement also quoted the Programme Coordinator and Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances (NCS), Dr Momodu Rametu, as saying the initiative began with an expression of interest and evolved into a national pool of 600 pharmacists.

Rametu said the volunteers were drawn from all states of the federation and the FCT, describing the PRVP as an organised backup system for emergency response and supplemental regulatory support.

He said the initiative would increase citizen participation in regulation, particularly through post-marketing surveillance, drug-demand reduction campaigns, and community-level efforts against unsafe pharmaceutical practices nationwide.

Similarly, the Coordinator, NAFDAC Training School, Dr Tunde Sigbeku, said his role was to impart knowledge as the foundation of capacity, efficiency, professionalism, and effective regulatory performance across the agency’s operations nationwide.

He described the volunteer role as a call to service and responsibility, requiring devotion, determination, discipline, integrity, and commitment to protecting Nigerians from unsafe medicines and other harmful products.

“In the online training school, we will give you details of how NAFDAC operates.

“We will share with you activities on post-market surveillance, pharmacovigilance, prevention of antimicrobial resistance, inspection and enforcement, and narcotics and controlled substances,” Sigbeku said.

He said the training would also cover drug abuse and its societal impact, adding that volunteers would support surveillance, intelligence gathering, research, and other regulatory activities designed to protect public health.

Sigbeku congratulated Adeyeye on the initiative, describing it as the first time NAFDAC would have a national reserve of personnel supporting efforts against fake, substandard, falsified, and dangerous pharmaceutical products across Nigeria. (NAN)