Senate passes FCTA’s N2.2trn 2026 Appropriation Bill to second reading

By George Mgbeleke

Senate, on Wednesday at plenary passed for second reading the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA 2026 Appropriation Bill, authorizing the issuance of N2.2 trillion from the FCT statutory revenue fund.

The passage of the Bill followed consideration of the lead debate presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central) during plenary.

Bamidele explained that out of the total budget, N165.8 billion is allocated for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overheads, and N1.657 trillion for capital projects.

According to him, the capital projects allocation is expected to drive development in the Federal Capital Territory, and improve the quality of life for residents.

He highlighted Abuja’s unique role as the nation’s capital and emphasized that the budget seeks to support infrastructure, social services, public utilities, health facilities, educational institutions, and transportation networks to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The bill also mandates monthly and quarterly reports to the National Assembly to ensure transparency and value for money in project execution.

Bamidele added that the FCTA 2026 budget is expected to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security, among others.

Contributing, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North) praised the N1.6 trillion allocation for capital projects, saying it shows the seriousness of the FCTA in the physical development of the Territory.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for their commitment to the Territory’s development, especially in terms of roads infrastructure, public buildings, and other social amenities.

The Senate President referred the bill to the Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Area Councils for further review before returning to plenary in one week.

By George Mgbeleke

Ahead of 2027 election,the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria’s electoral process through airlift logistics, security operations, and aerial surveillance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chief of Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke dropped this hint during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, where both institutions discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration for credible elections.

Speaking during the visit, Aneke assured that the Air Force remains “willing, able and ready” to provide rapid airlift of electoral materials and personnel across the country, particularly to remote and difficult terrains where transportation challenges could delay deployment.

He explained that the Air Force has already begun preparations to ensure operational readiness ahead of the elections.

“We are working ahead to ensure that all our heavy haulage aircraft and medium-level aircraft undergo periodic maintenance so that when they are required, they will be ready,” he said.

The Air Chief noted that the Air Force has historically supported INEC with the transportation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials and is prepared to expand that role in future electoral operations.

Beyond logistics support, Aneke noted that the Air Force is also deploying its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance election security across the country.

He explained that advanced aerial technologies, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will be used to monitor areas of interest, track potential threats, and support rapid response by security agencies.

According to him, some of the surveillance assets can remain airborne for extended periods, enabling real-time monitoring of sensitive locations before and during elections.

The Air Chief also stressed the importance of joint planning and simulation exercises between security agencies and INEC, noting that rehearsals and coordinated preparation significantly improve operational efficiency during elections.

He further assured the Commission that the Air Force will continue to work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect electoral infrastructure such as INEC offices, collation centres, and logistics hubs nationwide.

Earlier,INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan welcomed the partnership, describing the visit as a reassuring step as the Commission intensifies preparations for upcoming elections.

He disclosed that under the revised timetable issued pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.

Amupitan emphasised that logistics remains one of the most critical determinants of successful elections.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics,” he said, noting that the strategic logistics capacity of the Air Force will significantly strengthen electoral operations across the country.

He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support during previous elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election, which he said contributed to the smooth conduct of the polls.

The INEC chairman further disclosed that the Commission will soon conduct governorship elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State on August 15, describing them as important tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By George Mgbeleke

A group on the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone has resolved to categorically dissociate itself from the purported press conference and apology allegedly issued by a group claiming to be a “Reform Caucus” within our organisation.

In a statement signed and made available to Journalists by the President General of the organization and the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and Comrade Okey Nwaoru respectively,COSEYL also stated clearly to the Nigerian public that there is no structure known as a “Reform Caucus” in the Constitution of COSEYL.

The group cautioned that individuals who addressed the said press conference — Prince Ogbu Emmanuel, Somto Nwokoye and Nellobi Bright — are not members of COSEYL and have no mandate whatsoever to speak on behalf of our organisation.

According to the statement,”The so-called apology to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, , is therefore nothing more than a poorly orchestrated charade involving individuals who are strangers to our organisation.

“It is unfortunate that the Deputy Speaker and his associates would resort to recruiting non-members to impersonate COSEYL in a desperate attempt to discredit the organisation and mislead the Nigerian public. This action only exposes the kind of conduct Nigerians have come to question and reinforces the urgent need for transparency and accountability in this matter.

“COSEYL maintains that the issues raised in the petition submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee of the must not be swept under the carpet through propaganda or manufactured statements.”

Continuing the statement further state,”We therefore call on the relevant institutions — particularly the LPDC and the NYSC — to conduct a thorough, transparent, and open investigation into the issues raised so that the truth can be brought to light.

“As the popular saying goes, a leopard does not change its spots. The recent actions surrounding this matter have further exposed the true character of those attempting to manipulate public perception. Nigerians deserve the truth, and our institutions must ensure that justice prevails without fear or favour.

“COSEYL remains committed to its founding principles of truth, justice, accountability, and the defence of the collective interest of the South East youth and Nigerians at large. No amount of intimidation, propaganda, or sponsored attacks will derail the organisation from its core objectives.

“We therefore urge members of the public and the media to disregard any statements issued by the impostors claiming to represent COSEYL, as they are not authorised and do not speak for our organisation.

“The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders will continue to stand firmly for the truth at all times.

Justice must prevail.”