News
Group Calls for Pro-Poor 2025 Budget, Action on Economic Crisis
Group Calls for Pro-Poor 2025 Budget, Action on Economic Crisis
By: Michael Mike
The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON), a coalition of over 50 social movement groups representing more than 30 million Nigerians, has raised
serious concerns over the worsening economic conditions and pervasive insecurity in the country.
A statement by the group on Monday said with inflation climbing from 33.88% in October 2024 to 34.8% in January 2025, and acute food insecurity projected by FEWS to worsen between February and May 2025, there is a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability.
Speaking after its steering committee meeting, the Convener, Comrade Hauwa Mustapha stated that: “The 2025 budget, in its current form, fails to address the critical needs of millions of Nigerians grappling
with poverty, hunger, and insecurity. The National Assembly must ensure the budget reflects and prioritizes the welfare of the masses, particularly those most affected by IMF/World Bank austerity measures, not a privileged few.”
Mustapha while lamenting that with PWC projecting an additional 13 million Nigerians could fall below the poverty line in 2025, emphasized that the proposed budget prioritizes recurrent spending
(₦14.8 trillion, a 19.66% increase), while capital expenditure remains insufficient at ₦14.1 trillion (a mere 12.5% increase). The alarming 96.75% rise in debt servicing further strains the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors.
She lamented that despite the urgent need for investment in human capital, allocations to health, education, and agriculture remain below African Union recommendations (15% for health, 20% for education, and 10% for agriculture), exacerbating Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
MOTiON however warned that failing to address these issues risks further marginalizing millions of Nigerians.
In response to recent allegations of an extortion scheme involving National Assembly members demanding ₦8 million bribes from vice chancellors for budget approvals, Comrade Hauwa declared,
“MOTiON condemns this shocking abuse of power and betrayal of public trust.
Such corruption diverts critical resources from addressing the country’s pressing challenges.”
MOTiON also expressed deep concern over the ongoing persecution of the eleven
EndBadGovernance protesters facing trumped-up charges of treason and terrorism financing.
Mustapha described this as a blatant attack on democratic rights, adding that: “These unjust charges are a desperate attempt to silence dissent and stifle calls for accountability.”
MOTiON specifically demands that:
“All anti-corruption agencies urgently investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the extortion scheme. Failure to act will deepen public disillusionment with
governance.
“The National Assembly must review the 2025 budget proposal, eliminating
unnecessary expenditures, blocking financial mismanagement, and redirecting
resources to sustainable solutions.
“Budgetary allocations must prioritize essential social services, including healthcare, education, and social protection programmes, to support vulnerable populations and reduce inequality.
“Federal and state governments must implement pro-poor policies that generate
employment, invest in local industries, and stabilize the economy with targeted
subsidies.
“All charges against the #EndBadGovernance activists must be dropped immediately, and the government must end its systemic repression of workers, activists, and social movements.”
Mustapha said: “Given the worsening insecurity, the Federal Government must
strengthen measures to combat terrorism and banditry while addressing the root causes of violence through dialogue and reconciliation. The National Assembly must ensure the budget reflects the needs of the people. This is not the time for business as usual. The collective frustration of Nigerians is nearing a tipping point, and the consequences of continued neglect could be dire for those in power.”
Group Calls for Pro-Poor 2025 Budget, Action on Economic Crisis
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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