General News
Reps urge PTAD on inclusion of CSR in 2026 Budget
….Commend PTAD’s Pension Reforms
By Saint Mugaga
The House of Representatives Committee on Pensions has called on the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to address gratuity provisions, capital project implementation, and compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility requirements, ahead of the 2026 budget defense.
The Commitee also applauded the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) for its steady progress in implementing pension reforms and improving the welfare of retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
Speaking during the Directorate’s 2025 budget performance presentation in Abuja, PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya outlined key milestones achieved despite funding challenges. These include the seamless implementation of the 28% pension increase approved in 2024, payment of arrears to over 155,000 pensioners, and recent presidential approvals to clear outstanding arrears, introduce health insurance coverage for pensioners, and strengthen the Defined Benefit Scheme.
She disclosed that ₦128.9 billion was appropriated for pensions in 2025, with ₦62.7 billion released by June and ₦56.6 billion already utilized, representing 91.2% of releases. She added that while no allocation was made for gratuities in the current year due to an oversight, PTAD continues to meet its pension obligations and is working with the Federal Government to address unfunded liabilities and other challenges.
The Executive Secretary also admitted that no funds were appropriated for gratuities in the 2025 budget due to what she described as an “inexplicable oversight,” despite ₦777.8 million being allocated and fully released in 2024. She also disclosed that ₦25 billion was appropriated for unfunded pension liabilities in 2025, with ₦13 billion released and ₦8.7 billion utilized so far.
“On personnel expenditure, ₦2.4 billion was appropriated for 2025, of which ₦1.09 billion had been released and fully utilized. Overhead costs recorded ₦1.49 billion in appropriations, with ₦434 million released and ₦334 million expended by mid-year. Capital expenditure of ₦820 million has yet to be implemented due to delays arising from the bottom-up cash flow management policy and the extension of the 2024 capital budget to December 2025.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted PTAD’s achievements, including the seamless implementation of the 28% pension increment approved by the Federal Government in 2024, ongoing arrears payments for pension increments, and recent presidential approvals covering health insurance for Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners and settlement of 35 months of pension arrears for NITEL/MTEL retirees. She noted, however, that the agency was facing eviction from its Maitama office and struggling with vendor payments.
Lawmakers, led by Committee Chairman Hon. Jallo Hussaini Mohammed, commended PTAD for what he described as “tangible efforts to safeguard the welfare of pensioners,” noting that the Directorate has consistently demonstrated commitment to accountability and service delivery.
However, the chairman reminded the agency of the need to embrace Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as part of its future plans, saying the committee will ensure CSR provisions are reflected in the 2026 budget of all pension-related agencies.
“Corporate social responsibility is not just about compliance, it’s about giving back. As we move into the 2026 budget year, we want to see CSR captured by all pension agencies, including PTAD,” Hon. Mohamed said.
He assured pensioners that the National Assembly remains committed to protecting their rights and ensuring prompt payment of entitlements, adding that the committee would continue to work closely with PTAD to resolve outstanding issues. He also pledged continued oversight support and PTAD expressing gratitude for the House Committee’s guidance and collaboration.
Citing Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 81 of the House Standing Orders, Hon. Mohammed reiterated that the committee has a constitutional duty to conduct strict oversight on all pension-related matters. He said the committee will intensify investigations and prepare a detailed report on PTAD’s operations before the next budget cycle.
“The House has directed us to carry out thorough oversight of pension agencies. Activities in 2026 will not be business as usual. We will enforce accountability and ensure pensioners get what is due to them,” he declared.
General News
Tinubu Announces 26 New Appointments, Gisaor Replaces Byuan at Federal Housing Authority
By Felix Umande, Makurdi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 26 new appointments into 10 Federal Government agencies and commissions, in a major shake-up aimed at strengthening governance and service delivery.
The appointments were announced on Sunday, 20 July, 2026 and take immediate effect.
Among the key appointments, Gisaor Vincent Iorja, an economist, legal scholar and academic, has been named Executive Director, Finance of the Federal Housing Authority. He replaces Mathias Terwase Byuan, who resigned to contest the governorship election in Benue State. Gisaor currently serves as Secretary of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA.
He will head the board alongside Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta as members and non-executive directors. The incumbent Director-General of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and three previously appointed executive directors complete the board.
Major General Junaid Bindawa has been named Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. President Tinubu also made eight other appointments to the Commission.
Former House of Representatives member from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, was appointed Secretary of the Commission. Commissioners appointed to represent states include Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian, Benue; Oladele Olatubosun, Oyo; and Yakubu Umar Barde, Kaduna.
Other members of the Commission are Dr. Mai Adamu Yau, Borno; Ginika Florence Tor, Enugu; Engineer Lawrence Okoh, Edo; and Bello Morenike Iyabode, Kogi.
President Tinubu also appointed Dr. Abuh Mohammed as Director-General of the National Population Commission.
Dr. Akinola Odeyemi as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading, NBET.
Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin as Chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission.
Engineer Julius Oloro, a former council chairman, as CEO of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, NCAM, Kwara, replacing
Dr. A.R. Kamal who died in January.
Tosin Johnson Adeyanju, previously Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, NLTF, has been redeployed as Secretary of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission.
The President also constituted the board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission with Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as Chairman. Members include Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Aliyu Makama, Dr. Suleiman Gidado, Louis O. Ndukwe, Amaechi Ugwele and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola.
Shuni Muhammad Dahiru was named Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education. He replaces Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, who was reassigned to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund, PTDF, in April.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition institutions to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
DSS is prepared to appeal to achieve death penalty for the two Ansaru terrorist group commanders given life sentences in Abuja were given by Emeka Nwite. The were sentenced on Monday after they pleaded guilty to a 32-count terrorism charge.
The convicts: Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar, described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (a.k.a Malam Mamuda), his deputy and chief of staff.
The judge handed down the sentence after the convicts changed their plea from not guilty to guilty and, through their lawyer, appealed for leniency.
A senior DSS official, speaking after the judgement, said the agency considers the punishment inadequate given the gravity of the offences.
According to the official, the two men had initially indicated they would plead guilty but later changed their position around the period pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo state by suspected members of the same group.
“For the nearly 60 days the kidnappers held on to the pupils and teachers of Oriire, the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed,” the official said.
“One of the top conditions the abductors gave was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims.”
The DSS official said the defendants, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, later told the court they were undecided on the plea they intended to enter.
“Justice Nwite even had to hand them an ultimatum to make up their minds on or before Monday’s sitting.
“After the Oriire rescue, they came to court to plead guilty to all the charges.
“Allowing the two terror commanders walk away with life sentences will not serve the cause of justice for the two Oriire teachers beheaded by their abductors.
“The reason the terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teacher’s was to put pressure on government to release these two Ansaru commanders.
“It, therefore, wouldn’t be fair to see two men beheaded and their families are made to live with the losses without adequately bringing the culprits to book.”
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (Retd) has denied as malicious and an entirely fabricated rumour circulating across various online and social media platforms alleging that he has expressed an intention to step down from his position.
Debunking this as fake news, a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde
SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence stated unequivocally, and in the strongest possible terms that:
“These rumours are absolute falsehood borne out of complete mischief.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy with results already being seen.
The release further called the public to disregard the fake news. It also strongly called on the media to desist from spreading unverified information falsehood from the internet and social media platforms but to verify from it before going public.
“The general public is hereby urged to completely disregard this fake news. We strongly advise media outlets and internet users to desist from spreading unverified information and seek clarifications from the office.”
Tinubu Announces 26 New Appointments, Gisaor Replaces Byuan at Federal Housing Authority
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 26 new appointments into 10 Federal Government agencies...
FIFA’s Unprecedented World Cup Prize Money – how much the winners got
Spread the loveBy Isa Abdul, Abuja Sunday’s fifa world cup final clash between Argentina and Spain has come and gone...
DSS Dissatisfied with Life Sentence handed Ansaru Commanders: To appeal sentence
Spread the loveBy Nick Ibe, Abuja DSS is prepared to appeal to achieve death penalty for the two Ansaru terrorist...
Fake News: Minister Of Defence not Intending to Resign
Spread the loveBy Nick Ibe, Abuja The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (Retd) has denied as malicious...
We Fought a Wrong War With You Mutfwang Pleads with Igbos
Spread the loveBy Michael Lim, Jos Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, apologised to the Igbo community for the role the...
Obi Kwankwaso Sign One-term Presidency Agreement
Spread the loveBy Isa Abdul Peter Obi has signed a one term agreement as president, if he wins the 2027...
Julianna Ofoku, Emerge First Female NUJ Chairman In Nasarawa
Spread the love… NAWOJ Congratulates Ofoku, Describes Her Victory As Historic From Terkura Vande in Makurdi Juliana Ofoku, has emerged...
For Extorting ICPC Chairman of N53,000 in Abuja: Police Arrest 4 “Thieves” in Uniform
Spread the loveBy Nick Ibe, Abuja For extorting N53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related...
FG Moves to Fast-Track Local Production of Malaria, TB Test Kits
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande The Federal Government has taken fresh steps to accelerate the local production of Rapid Diagnostic...
Benue Police Debunk Makurdi-Lafia Roadblock Report, Arrest Suspects Over Professor’s Murder
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi The Benue State Police Command has dismissed reports of bandits mounting roadblocks and attacking...