News

2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles

Published

9 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Federal Government has allocated N12.78bn to the National Population Commission (NPC) in its proposed 2026 budget for census activities, construction of permanent office buildings, and vehicle procurement.

This is contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill released by the Budget Office of the Federation.

President Bola Tinubu had on December 19, 2025, presented the budget estimate totalling N58.18tn to a joint session of the National Assembly.

According to the budget estimates, N770m is allocated for the ongoing National Population and Housing Census project, while N8.4bn is earmarked for the construction of permanent office buildings for the commission.

The purchase of official vehicles for federal commissioners is allocated N2.8bn.

The development of the National Population Data Bank, the Nigerian Population Database Management System, and the hosting of the population geo-portal and web portal are to receive N54.6m.

Preparation of the Enumeration Area Demarcation concept manual will cost N1.89m, while N17.5m is planned for the conduct of a second pretest.

Stakeholder conferences to present the 2018 census instruments are budgeted at N7m, while upskilling staff in data collection and interviewing techniques will cost N14m.

Census in schools is allocated N7m, while the development of a small-area lor enumeration-area-level database for spatial analysis and dissemination is set to receive N1.82m.

Field demarcation in 774 local government areas is budgeted at N1.4m.

Inter-censal population activities—including population projections, sentinel surveys, and the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey—as well as the development of small-area-level databases for analysis, have been allocated N12.39m.

Census publicity and advocacy, including information campaigns through print and electronic media, are budgeted at N173.11m.

Monitoring and evaluation of commission projects will cost N28m, while research, documentation, and archiving—including studies on special populations such as herdsmen, fishermen, homeless persons, and migrant farmers—are also budgeted at N28m.

Cartographic consumables for the enumeration area demarcation exercise are allocated N1.61m.

Amendment of the NPC Act and prosecution of objections to the 2006 census results will cost N49m.

Expansion of registration centres and the registration of births and deaths are allocated N245m, while the generation of statistics on internal and international migration is budgeted at N24.5m. Population activity coordination in line with presidential directives will also cost N24.5m.

Additionally, specialised studies in demography, establishment of an e-library, and an annual population lecture series are budgeted at N35m, while the commemoration of World Population Day and the Annual Population Census Day is allocated N63m.

Budget preparation, verification of fixed assets, and the updating of financial documentation in line with IPSAS accrual accounting standards will cost N35m.

Nigeria last conducted a national census in November 2006, recording a population of 140,431,790.

Nearly 20 years later, the country is still struggling to complete preparations for a new count.

The planned census faced several setbacks under former President Muhammadu Buhari, including funding shortages, insecurity, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite moves by the NPC to deploy digital mapping and biometric systems to improve accuracy, the exercise was repeatedly postponed.

The 2023 census was eventually shelved due to financial constraints and the transition to a new administration, leaving much of the groundwork incomplete as Buhari exited office.

Under President Bola Tinubu, renewed attempts to revive the project have faced further challenges.

There is still no clear roadmap on the timing, methodology, or how to enumerate Nigeria’s large mobile populations, including internally displaced persons.

During a meeting with NPC officials on February 24, 2025, Tinubu expressed displeasure over the prolonged delays.

“This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So we’d better have a definite path,” he said.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

8 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor