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$4.9bn fresh loans: Buhari, Osinbajo zones get highest projects
North-West and South-West, the geopolitical zones of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, respectively have the highest number of projects in the fresh loans the President is asking the National Assembly to approve.
Buhari had asked the National Assembly to approve fresh external loans of $4.05bn and €710m for his regime.
He also sought the legislature’s approval for grant components of $125m in the 2018-2020 external rolling borrowing plan.
These were contained in a letter addressed to both chambers of the National Assembly and read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, respectively on Tuesday on the floor at the resumption of plenary.
Buhari in the letter, dated August 24, 2021, explained that the projects listed in the 2018-2021 Federal Government Borrowing Plan would be financed through sovereign loans from the World Bank, French Development Agency, EXIM Bank International Fund for Agricultural Development, Credit Suisse Group and Standard Chattered/China Export and Credit in the total sum of $4,054,476,863 and €710m and grant components of $125m.
According to the President, a summary of some key projects in each of the six geopolitical zones that will be funded by the loans and a summary on the expected impacts on the socioeconomic development of each of the six geopolitical zones were attached to the letter.
North-West, South-West ahead other regions with four mega projects
According to the breakdown obtained exclusively by our correspondent, 13 key projects each to be funded with the loans were listed for the North-West and South-West, making them the geopolitical zones with the highest number of projects.
The President is from Katsina State in the North-West while Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is from Ogun State in the South-West.
Our correspondent, however, noticed that most of the projects that were listed for the two zones are projects that are common to all the geopolitical zones or more than two zones, leaving only one project that is peculiar to the South-West and two that are peculiar to the North-West.
The only project peculiar to the South-West is the Lagos-Ibadan railway modernisation project (Apapa-Tin Can Island Ports Project); while the two that are peculiar to the North-West are the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transport Project and the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi Rail Line.
Apart from the North-West and South-West that have 13 projects each, 11 projects each were allocated to the North-Central, North-East and South-East while 10 projects were allocated to the South-South.
Six zones listed as beneficiaries of $62m NASS solar power infrastructure
Curiously, however, the provision of 17 megawatts hybrid solar power infrastructure for the National Assembly complex which is to be funded with the $62,120,000 to be provided by Standard Chartered Bank/China Export and Credit (SINOSURE) was listed as item 9 for all the six geopolitical zones as beneficiaries.
This is despite the fact that the impact of the project was stated in one of the documents as “to address the National Assembly complex’s power supply deficit and to reduce higher overhead burdensome cost of running and maintaining fossil fuel generators (25 megawatts installed capacity) to power the National Assembly complex.”
Besides the projects peculiar to the geopolitical zones, however, are many others that have all the geopolitical zones as beneficiaries.
They include the $750,000,000 World Bank’s facility for State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme for Results: the $400,000,000 Nigeria COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project – Additional Funding; the $700,000,000 Agro-Climatic Resilience in Arid Zone Landscape Project; and the $700,000,000 Nigeria Sustainable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Project.
Others are the €100,000,000 National Identity Management Project; the $500,000,000 Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project; the $276,981,586 three power renewable energy projects and the $200,000,000 Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project, among others.
Five bodies would jointly provide the $4,054,476,863 component of the loan.
They include the World Bank – $3,250,000,000; China Exim Bank – $225,120,000; IFAD- $50,000,00; European ECA/KfW/IPEX/APC -$190,255,276; Bank of China -$276,981,587; and Standard Chartered Bank/China Export and Credit (SINOSURE) – $62,120,000.
The Euro component of €710m will be provided by AFD – €210,000,00 and Credit Sussie Group €500,000,000 while the World Bank will provide the grant components of $125m.
Part of Buhari’s letter to the National Assembly had read, “I write on the above subject and submit the attached addendum to the proposed 2018-2020 external rolling borrowing plan for the consideration and concurrent approval of the Senate for the same to become effective.
“The distinguished Senate President may recall that I submitted a request on the 2018-2020 borrowing plan for the approval of the Senate in May 2021.
“However, in view of other emerging needs and to ensure that all critical projects approved by the Federal Executive Council as of June 2021 are incorporated, I hereby forward an addendum to the proposed borrowing plan.
“The projects listed in the external borrowing plan are to be financed through sovereign loans from the World Bank, French Development Agency, EXIM Bank and IFAD in the total sum of $4,054,476,863 and €710m and grant components of $125m.
“A summary of some key projects in each of the six geopolitical zones and a summary on the expected impacts on the socioeconomic development of each of the six geopolitical zones are attached herewith as Annex II and III.”
PUNCH
Specifically, the House seeks details of funds released to the Ministry of Defence over the past six months and an explanation for the perceived lack of corresponding improvements in security nationwide.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the Green Chamber by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, during plenary on Tuesday.
Speaking on the substance of the motion, the lawmaker lamented the sorry state of security in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West zone, noting that as a result of the campaign of violence by insurgents, the entire region is now battling the scourge of humanitarian crises made worse by the harsh economic realities of the times.
He said, “The House is aware that between June 1 and 6, 2026, rampaging bandits riding on about 250 motorcycles with three riders each invaded Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, and some parts of Sokoto villages bordering Zamfara State, killing 93 people.
“The House is also aware that on the night of June 2, 2026, into the early hours of June 3, 2026, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, were abducted by bandits at their off-campus students’ hostel.
“Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same polytechnic were kidnapped and held in captivity for more than two months, despite ransom payments for their release.
“We are aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted.
“In Talata Marafa Local Government Area, a councillor and a director were abducted while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters over Hajj activities for intending pilgrims from Jangebe. The bandits killed both of them after refusing to collect any ransom.”
The lawmaker also drew his colleagues’ attention to the escalation of bandit attacks in other Northwest states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
Gumi recalled that “On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits in their hundreds and riding on motorcycles invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” stressing that “more than 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State have been deserted due to constant bandit attacks.
“In Katsina State, a former Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife were abducted when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area on May 30, 2026.”
He continued, “Just yesterday (Monday), 50 elderly men were kidnapped and are still held captive in Zamfara State.
“In Kaduna State, bandit attacks remain a significant security challenge, with recent incidents heavily concentrated in areas like Kachia, Sanga and Birnin-Gwari Local Government Areas, while in Kano State, bandit attacks have primarily impacted rural communities sharing borders with neighbouring Katsina State, with the most severe incidents resulting in fatalities, livestock rustling, and abductions.”
He expressed concern that the continuous, unchallenged movement of bandits between the towns, states and their hideouts severely undermined the credibility of the nation’s security, adding that if the trend was not checked, more lives would be lost, and the socio-economic fortunes of the region would be ruined.
Contributing, Jigawa lawmaker, Abubakar Yalleman, called for a speedy consideration of all legislative proposals for the establishment of state police.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite action on state police to help checkmate the deteriorating level of security in the country,” he said, a call backed by his Ogun counterpart, Mr Olumide Osoba.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, called on the Federal Government to revisit the cashless policy as a way of restricting incidences of cash payment to kidnappers.
“It is important to revisit the cashless policy because it is difficult to pay ransom through bank transfers,” he said.
Similarly, the member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Ademorin Kuye, called for strict regulation on the activities of Bureau De Change operators, among other measures.
“It is important for us to gazette the prohibition of ransom payment to kidnappers. The Central Bank of Nigeria should consider monitoring the activities of Bureau De Change operators to address illicit financial flows,” he advised.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to summon the government officials at a date yet to be announced, while urging the defence minister to deploy adequate security personnel and necessary operational equipment to Zamfara State and the entire Northwest to strengthen the security of the region.
It also urged ministers of agriculture, environment, education, humanitarian affairs and disaster management to explore other non-kinetic options of addressing the security challenges in the country.
The House thereafter mandated the Committee on Defence and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
Kaura Namoda is the second-largest city in Zamfara State, but it is currently under seige as bandits led by the kingpin Kachalla Bello Dansadiya seem committed to destroying the community completely.
This medium reports that the latest student abduction is just part of a terrifying, ongoing pattern.
It is also reported that two senior lecturers have been held for over two months, despite ransom being paid.
A local resident remains in captivity after an attack on the Low-Cost area, adding that, an elderly District Head in his 80s was also abducted from his home right next to a military base.
Two wives and five family members of a senior paramilitary officer were taken three weeks ago, despite urgent calls made to security forces during the attack.
According to him, despite numerous complaints and suggestions forwarded to the authorities, nothing has changed, pointing out that as a result, fearful staff and students are fleeing the town for their own safety.
He lamented that, allowing these criminals to attack, kidnap, and return to their base unchallenged is an affront to our national security.
Kaura stressed that, with a military base located near the Low-Cost area of the town, proactive measures must be taken immediately before the bandits attempt something even more embarrassing to our forces.
We are urgently calling on the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the DSS, and all relevant authorities to come to our rescue, he said.
Do not wait for them to strike—take the fight directly to their dens, deploy more operatives and equipment, and protect our community and the Polytechnic before frustration drives residents to take matters into their own hands.
The National Vice Chairman (Southeast) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ray Nnaji, has raised alarm over an alleged threat to his life by suspended Enugu governorship aspirant, Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani.
Nnaji alleged that the threats followed Nnamani’s recent suspension from the party over alleged anti-party activities and actions considered capable of undermining the unity of the PDP.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Enugu on Wednesday, the PDP zonal chairman claimed that Nnamani threatened him during a telephone conversation on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
According to Nnaji, the suspended chieftain accused him of lying, vowed to “deal” with him, and wished serious illness upon him.
“On the 23rd of this month, he called me sometime after 11am and told me that I’m a liar, that he’s going to deal with me, and that the sickness affecting him should visit me,” Nnaji said.
He explained that he initially dismissed the remarks as a joke, reminding Nnamani that “he is not God,” but later became alarmed following subsequent developments.
Nnaji said the crisis escalated after he appeared on a live programme on Urban Radio where he spoke about Nnamani’s suspension, allegations of parallel primaries, and forgery accusations involving another party figure, Chief Uche Nnaji.
He further alleged that shortly after the radio programme, he visited the gym at Rich-Crest Hotel in Independence Layout, Enugu, where he has reportedly exercised for more than 10 years, but was asked to leave by two security guards acting on Nnamani’s instructions.
“I was still exercising when two security men approached me and said Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani had directed that I should no longer be allowed into the gym because I am now considered a security risk,” he stated.
Nnaji described the action as shocking and a breach of his valid subscription agreement with the facility, noting that he had already paid for two months.
The PDP chieftain argued that the development confirmed that his safety was under threat.
“I came to address the press so the world will know that my life is in danger as far as Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani is concerned because he has openly said he is going to deal with me,” he declared.
Explaining the background to the dispute, Nnaji alleged that tensions began after the PDP governorship primary election in Enugu State.
According to him, Nnamani, dissatisfied with the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji, allegedly organised a parallel primary and declared himself a candidate.
He said the party leadership rejected the exercise, insisting that the PDP would not tolerate acts of indiscipline.
Nnaji also accused Nnamani of circulating a Sahara Reporters publication alleging that the PDP cleared Chief Uche Nnaji despite forgery allegations.
The PDP zonal chairman stated that party leaders attempted to resolve the matter amicably during a meeting held at the residence of elder statesman, Chief Jim Nwobodo, but claimed that Nnamani ignored reconciliation efforts and continued his media attacks against the party.
According to Nnaji, a petition against Nnamani originating from Chief Uche Nnaji’s political ward was presented before the party’s expanded State Executive Committee on May 20.
He said the meeting was shifted to May 22 to allow Nnamani appear and defend himself, but alleged that despite receiving invitations through SMS, WhatsApp, and courier delivery alongside copies of the petition, he failed to attend.
Nnaji stated that the expanded working committee, made up of more than 50 stakeholders and local government party chairmen, unanimously voted to suspend him.
“When the question was put to the house, nobody opposed the suspension. The decision was unanimous,” he said.
He further alleged that Nnamani later accused him of masterminding the suspension process and drafting the suspension documents.
Nnaji, who is also a legal practitioner, defended his role, saying any legal advice he offered the party was done strictly in his professional capacity.
He disclosed plans to petition the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged threats.
“I will formally notify the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS so they are aware of these threats,” he stated.
He also revealed plans to institute legal action over what he described as the unlawful termination of his gym access despite an existing contractual agreement.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain the reaction of Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his phone before press time.
…Lament Absence Of Ngige, Moghalu Others
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Foundation members of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra state have protested what they call the hijack of the party by members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP at just concluded State Congress.
They further lamented the absence of former governor and Minister Sen Chris Ngige, former National Auditor of the party Chief George Moghalu, former National Youth leader of the party Chief Uzoma Igbonwa and others during the Congress.
According to the spokesman of the foundation members Mr Uchenna Adika from Onitsha North local government area ; members such as Chief Ike Ekwensi and Chief Kene Nzekwe were both disqualified and denied access to purchase forms for the post of Deputy Chairman and Chairman, most original members of the party.
“What you saw that took place there at the party Secretarate is a hijack of the party by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and not the real APC stalwarts”
“Some of us went to buy forms for the post of state Chairman they refused to sell to us and there are some of us who actually purchased forms for the post of Deputy Chairman but they were disqualified by them and you call it internal democracy in the party ”
The group questioned that ; “,At what point did all these people join the APC ? ”
“There should be a demarcation between the Renewed Hope Ambassadors campaign organization of Mr President and the leadership of the APC in Anambra state” he said.
But Sen Uche Ekwunife during the Congress contended that what the party did was I line with the provisions of the APC constitution adding that the party at this point do not need Photoshop executive members who do not have capacity or anything to offer for the growth and progress of the party .
“Our outgoing Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike is not going because he did not do well or that he is incompetent but he has been there for seven years and there is the need to regig the party ”
“It is not about becoming an executive member of the party for Photoshop or just to be there ”
“We did basketing and consensus in line with the provisions of our party Constitution and we are looking at people that had capacity to work and deliver and not rubber stamp executive ” she said.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2.0) has concluded with a record-breaking 53,000 physical participants, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing ambition to emerge as a continental hub for digital innovation.
Held from 24 to 27 February 2026 at the Enugu International Conference Centre, the four-day festival exceeded its projected target of 50,000 attendees, drawing innovators, founders, investors, policymakers and students from across Nigeria and beyond.
Convener of the festival and Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, described the turnout as “a resounding validation of Enugu’s vision to become a technology trailblazer in Africa.” He noted that the festival also attracted hundreds of online participants globally.
The event was broadcast live on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and reportedly ranked among the top five trending global events on social media during its run—an unprecedented level of digital engagement for an African technology convergence.
“We set out to inspire 50,000 innovators, thinkers, founders, investors and digital talents. To see nearly 60,000 people here—not registrations but real engagement—shows that the African tech narrative is shifting from perception to measurable impact,” Dr Ezeh said.
Attendance Breakdown and Daily Focus
Organisers disclosed that Day One recorded 20,000 participants, Day Two 15,000, Day Three 13,000, and Day Four 5,000 attendees. Each day was structured around a central theme, featuring contributions from government, global tech firms, startups and academia.
The theme for ETF 2.0 was “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form.”
Policy, Investment and Innovation
Day One focused on policy and governance and was officially declared open by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who emphasised technology and innovation as central pillars of his administration’s development agenda.
“We are witnessing an economic renaissance powered by technology… The global economy is now driven by ideas, code, data and innovation,” Mbah said, adding that Enugu has chosen to be “a producer, not a spectator” in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Dignitaries including Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, toured exhibition halls showcasing startups, coding boot camps, robotics demonstrations and AI-powered agricultural tools.
Observers from Britain and other European markets noted a shift in Nigeria’s tech discourse—from aspirational rhetoric to implementation-driven frameworks with measurable outcomes.
Day Two spotlighted entrepreneurship and investment. A curated “Deal Room” facilitated engagements between startups and venture capitalists, while masterclasses addressed scaling, product-market fit and cross-border expansion. Investors from Lagos, Nairobi, London and Dubai attended, reflecting rising global interest in African digital enterprises.
Dr Ezeh described the festival as “a bridge between talent and capital,” positioning Enugu as an emerging investment gateway to South-East Nigeria’s technology corridor.
Day Three explored artificial intelligence, blockchain and Web3 technologies, featuring a live hackathon with teams developing solutions in fintech, healthcare diagnostics and climate-smart agriculture. Panels also examined responsible AI governance and decentralised finance regulation.
Youth Empowerment and Lasting Impact
The closing day blended innovation showcases with awards and cultural performances. Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, reaffirmed federal support for youth-led innovation and research commercialisation.
Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, described ETF 2.0 as “a landmark achievement” that has elevated Enugu’s global profile.
One of the festival’s most tangible outcomes was its youth empowerment initiative. Hundreds of young participants received laptops and tablets, while selected startup founders and innovation teams were awarded ₦10 million grants each to accelerate product development and market entry. Additional groups received smaller grants to support training, prototyping and community tech hubs.
“Inspiration without tools is incomplete,” Dr Ezeh said. “We are placing real resources in the hands of those who will shape the ecosystem.”
A Growing Continental Signal
Beyond speeches and exhibitions, ETF 2.0 functioned as a marketplace of ideas, ambition and opportunity. Cultural performances and digital art installations underscored the festival’s message that technology and cultural identity can coexist.
For international observers, the festival reflects a broader continental shift: Africa’s youthful, tech-savvy population is increasingly entrepreneurial and globally connected.
Against persistent challenges such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory uncertainty, Enugu’s successful convening of over 53,000 innovators sends a clear signal—subnational governments are stepping forward as active ecosystem builders.
As the curtains fell on ETF 2.0, Dr Ezeh reflected on what he termed “Africa’s defining decade.”
“This festival is not an endpoint,” he said. “It is the foundation. We are building from Enugu to the world.”
If ETF 2.0 is any indication, that ambition is already gaining momentum.
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