Politics
President Tinubu to borrow 40% of the money needed to run Nigeria in 2026
By The Neighbourhood Economic Team
On Friday, December 19, 2025, President Bola Tinubu presented a N58.18 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year. To put it simply: the government is planning a “hard reset.”
Think of this budget as a homeowner who is deeply in debt but decides to take out one last big loan to finally fix the roof, the gate, and the generator, hoping that these repairs will finally help the family earn more money.
Here is a simplified, analytical look at the “Budget of Consolidation and Resilience.”
1. The big numbers (The family wallet)
The government expects to earn N34.33 trillion but plans to spend N58.18 trillion.
The gap (deficit): There is a N23.85 trillion hole.
The Solution: The government plans to fill this hole by borrowing. In fact, over 40% of the money needed to run Nigeria in 2026 will be borrowed money.
2. Where is the money going? (sector isolation)
If you had N100 to spend based on this budget, here is how you would be splitting it:
Sector allocation (Naira) % of Budget – What it means for you
Debt Servicing N15.52 Trillion 26.67% Nearly N27 of every N100 goes to paying back interest on old loans.
Security N5.41 trillion(9.30%) The “big stick” approach. More money for tech and troops to fight banditry.
Infrastructure N3.56 trillion(6.12%) – Road and rail projects. The goal is to make moving goods cheaper.
Education N3.52 trillion(6.05%) – Heavily focused on the Student Loan Fund (NELFUND) and repairs.
Health N2.48 trillion(4.26%) – Focusing on primary healthcare and keeping doctors from leaving.
3. The “relatable” analysis: 3 things to watch
A. The “terrorist” tag and your safety
The President made a bold move by officially classifying all “non-state armed groups” as terrorists. This isn’t just a name change; it allows the military to use N5.41 trillion to go “all out” without the legal red tape usually involved in policing. If successful, this could finally lower the cost of food by making farms safe again.
B. The end of “forever projects”
For years, Nigeria had projects that appeared in the budget for 10 years and never got completed. Tinubu has ordered a March 2026 “cutoff.” If a project isn’t compleed or properly accounted for by then, the tap gets turned off. This is a push for discipline over sentiment.
C. The exchange rate gamble
The budget is built on an exchange rate of N1,400 to $1.
The risk: If the Naira falls significantly further than this (e.g., to N1,700), the budget “breaks.” The N58 trillion won’t buy as much as planned, and the debt service costs will skyrocket because much of our debt is in Dollars.
4. Final verdict
The 2026 budget is ambitious but fragile. It relies on the hope that security will improve enough for us to pump 1.84 million barrels of oil per day. If the oil flows and the borrowing is managed, the “consolidation” might work. If not, the debt burden could become a “resilience” test that the average Nigerian’s pocket might struggle to pass.
News
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES VETERAN BROADCASTER, BISI OLATILO, ON HIS BIRTHDAY
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sends his warm congratulations to Chief Bisi Olatilo, veteran broadcaster, polyglot, and founder of Biscon Communications, on his 72nd birthday on December 20.
President Tinubu describes the celebrant, who still anchors the Bisi Olatilo show, as a media icon whose work continues to enrich national development.
President Tinubu acknowledges Olatilo’s pioneering role in broadcast journalism and his commitment to professionalism through Biscon Communications.
“Otunba Bisi, at 72, you have become an institution and a widely respected voice in Nigeria’s celebrity media circle, primarily through the Bisi Olatilo Show, which has transformed into a must-see item in social circles and a veritable source of enlightenment and mentorship.
“You are more than a broadcaster. Your role in the conservation and promotion of Nigerian arts and culture stands you tall as a true believer in the unity and socio- economic development of our dear nation. You are a true master of your trade”, President Tinubu says.
The President wishes the respected communicator good health, renewed strength, and many more years of fulfilment, as he continues to contribute his wealth of experience to the advancement of the Nigerian media industry.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 20, 2025.
Politics
IMO LAWMAKER, HON CHIEF SIR CLINTON AMADI AND WIFE MARK 20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY –APPRECIATES GOD FOR A SUCCESSFUL HEART SURGERY AS HE CELEBRATES 54TH BIRTHDAY
It was another day of joy, celebration and, indeed, appreciation to Almighty God, for Hon Chief Sir Clinton Christopher Amadi, the Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency and Deputy Minority Leader of the Imo State House Of Assembly, his very beautiful wife, Lolo Chief Mrs Nkeiruka Amadi and their five children (four boys and a girl), when they rolled out the drums to mark their successful 20th wedding anniversary, living together as one united family and tearing down challenges of life.
The thunderous and joyous occasion which was held on Sunday, 14th of December 2025 commenced with a Church Thanksgiving Service at St Thomas Moore Catholic Church Area E, New Owerri, very close to the popular Imo Concorde Hotel, and had in attendance, who is who in Imo State.
The Church Thanksgiving Service was followed by an elaborate reception meant for Kings and Queens, at their palatial residence in the state capital, Owerri.
The ceremony heralding the super occasion can only be described in exquisite terms and candour, as Hon Chief Sir Clinton Amadi, who is also the House Committee Chairman On Digital Economy And E-Government, as well as the Alaomajijiji of Owerri, put his feet down and ensured thousands of guests who came from far and near were thrilled with assorted choice food and drinks, and further entertained to no end, with several dance groups and music bands.
Among the multitude of guests were many of the Honorable Members of the Imo State House Of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt Honorable Chike Olemgbe. Others included :
1. Rt Honorable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker.
2. Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri-West State Constituency.
3. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency.
4. Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji, Deputy Majority Leader and Member Representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency.
5. Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, Deputy Chief Whip and Member Representing Owerri-North State Constituency.
6. Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, Minority Leader and Member Representing Aboh-Mbaise State Constituency.
7. Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency.
8. Hon Engr Uche Francis Agabige, Member Representing Orsu State Constituency.
9. Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu, Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency.
10. Many Staff and Political Appointees at the Imo State House of Assembly.
Their presence underscored the commitment and loyalty of the relationship, which Hon Chief Sir Clinton Amadi has built with the Legislative Arm Of Government, despite being the Deputy Minority Leader of10th House. It also demonstrates how united the Assembly is as a family.
Also, in attendance were :
1. Hon Chief Barrister Enyinnaya Onuegbu, the Imo State Commissioner For Lands, Surveys and Physical Planning, who represented the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma
2. Distinguished Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, who was the Chairman of the occasion.
3. Hon Chief Barrister Willie Amadi, Ndaaa Willie, Omeudo of Owerri, the Celebrant’s Elder Brother.
4. Hon Engr Chime Nzeribe, a Political Stalwart.
5. HRH Highness Eze Prof Amaobi Uwalaka.
6. Hon Chief Chris Oguoma, former State Chairman of APC.
7. Chief Sir Cyril, Ishioha Owere Nchi-ise.
8. Hon Kenneth Njoku, President General Umuororonjo Autonomous Community Owere Nchi-ise.
9. Political leaders from the 33 Wards of Owerri Federal Constituency.
10. Many Club Groups, led by the Ime-Obi, Owerri Oldfaces, and Iqwebuike club Association.
The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the cake by Hon Chief Sir Clinton Christopher Amadi and his wife, Lolo Chief Mrs Nkeiruka Amadi. It was an event to behold as both of them reignited the fire of their love for each other. As festivities continued, dancing took the center stage, as everyone present danced and thanked God for the 20 eventful years in marriage of the couple of the moment, as well as the 54 years celebration of the man of the moment, Hon Chief Sir Clinton Amadi, Alaomajijiji of Owerri Nchi-ise.
Reflecting on his 20 years in marriage, the lawmaker gave God all the glory. In his words, Hon Clinton Amadi said, *”I give God all the Glory, for seeing us through this journey so far. God blessed us with five dutiful and cool headed children, and we are grateful and thrust in his Grace to continue to support us. I also appreciate God for making it possible for me to be alive to celebrate my 54th birthday. I bow to God’s Almightiness and limitless grace in my life. He gave me a second chance to live after a successful heart surgery. I am very grateful. I also appreciate everyone who found time to come and celebrate with us. I love you all. “*
The wonderful occasion was anchored by several Masters Of Ceremony, MC.
Congratulations and Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary, My Man.
I Rest My Pen.
*Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha* 19/12/2025

Politics
APGA National Chairman, Archbishop Okeke, others felicitate 60 years of medicare with St. Charles Borromeo hospital Mgt and staff, Onitsha
It was a roll call of creme de la creme in both religious and political circles as the popular St. Charles Borromeo Specialist hospital, Onitsha, Anambra state, marked its 60 years(Diamond jubilee) of existence.
The event attracted the National chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Hon Sly Ezeokenwa, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Managing Director, Apams limited, (popular Funeral undertakers), Dr. Kelvin Chukwumaobi, clergy, among others.
Speaking at the event, the APGA National chairman, Ezeokenwa, paid glowing tribute to Archbishop Okeke who is the proprietor of the hospital, adding that the Archbishop has been able to perform humanitarian services through the hospital.
In his own contribution, the Managing Director of Apams Limited, Chukwumaobi, expressed satisfaction that the hospital attained the Diamond Jubilee and thanked God for the numerous works the hospital has been doing to save lives.
In an address presented earlier by the staff of the hospital and read by the Secretary of the planning Committee, Dr. Pharm Nnenna Ajagu, they disclosed that Archbishop Okeke as the proprietor of the Hospital, had through his steadfast leadership, and as a luminous beacon, been guiding them in the spirit of the founder of the Hospital, Archbishop Charles Heerey’s noble vision.
She however, highlighted that the Hospital, through Maternal and Child Health, has acquired two more incubators to strengthen neonatal, expanded antenatal and clinic days to improve access for mothers and babies.
Other departments they improved included: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, Orphthaimic and optical Services, Imaging and X-Ray services, laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Pharmaceutical Services, Dialysis Services, Funeral Home and others.
She mentioned some of the projects they would undertake in 2026 including furnishing and equipping the jubilee complex, expand continuous outreach to underserved communities and enhance partnership with donors and sponsors to sustain service.
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