News
Nigeria receives additional $215m W’Bank loan for palliatives
The World Bank has disbursed additional funds to Nigeria under the $800m National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up, raising the total amount released to $530m, The PUNCH reports.
World Bank’s official website revealed that the cumulative disbursement had increased from the earlier reported $315m in 2023 to $530m this year, reflecting fresh inflows into Nigeria’s accounts for the palliative programme.
Although the exact day the extra disbursement was made this year could not be independently verified, findings showed that the World Bank was yet to update the detailed section of its portal that typically records transaction dates as of April 30, 2025, suggesting that the disbursement was very recent and likely made this month.
The $800m facility, approved on December 16, 2021, was designed to provide conditional cash transfers to Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens, cushioning the impact of recent economic shocks, including the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Originally, the programme was structured to deliver N5,000 monthly to targeted households. However, following policy changes introduced by the Bola Tinubu administration, the payment was revised to N25,000 monthly for three months, aimed at reaching 15 million households across the country.
In October and November 2023, the World Bank disbursed $300m and $15m, respectively, to Nigeria under the programme. A review of World Bank records at the time by The PUNCH showed that the cumulative release then stood at $315m.
New data obtained on Thursday shows that an additional $215m has been released, bringing the total disbursement to $530m and reducing the amount available for drawdown to about $226.73m.
This means that 66.25 per cent of the loan has been disbursed, with about 33.75 per cent left.
Despite receiving World Bank approval since December 2021, the implementation of the palliative programme suffered a disbursement delay of nearly 17 months.
While Nigeria awaited disbursements from the World Bank under the $800m National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up loan, data revealed that the country continued to incur and settle interest charges totalling over $6.18m, despite the protracted delay in actual fund utilisation.
World Bank records show that Nigeria paid multiple tranches of interest charges under the financing agreement tagged IDA-70190, including substantial payments made in January and July 2024.
On January 30, 2024, Nigeria paid three separate charges amounting to $822,259.40, $495,603.16, and another $495,603.16, bringing the January total to over $1.81m. These payments came months after the initial $300m and $15m disbursements made in October and November 2023, respectively.
Further charges were paid on July 15, 2024, when four separate interest payments totalling over $5.36m were recorded. The July charges included $1.98m, two entries of $1.19m each, and a separate charge of $3,737.83.
Together with the January payments, Nigeria’s total charges on the loan amounted to approximately $6,181,877.35. These interest charges were paid even as a significant portion of the loan remained undisbursed.
The delays were largely due to administrative bottlenecks, political transitions, and subsequent scandals that rocked the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the supervising agency.
In December 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered an alleged N37.1bn fraud within the ministry under former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq. Investigations revealed that funds meant for social interventions were allegedly laundered through contractors and other third parties. Umar-Farouq was invited for questioning by the EFCC and detained in January 2024.
Her successor, Dr Betta Edu, was also implicated after reports surfaced that she authorised the transfer of N585m into a private account for the purpose of paying vulnerable groups. The Accountant-General of the Federation rejected the transaction on the grounds that it violated public financial regulations.
Following these revelations, President Bola Tinubu suspended Edu in January 2024 and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the ministry’s financial dealings. The EFCC confirmed the recovery of about N32.7bn and $445,000 linked to the alleged frauds.
Halima Shehu, who served as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, was also arrested after allegedly moving N44bn from NSIPA accounts to several suspicious destinations.
In light of these developments, President Tinubu appointed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to head a special investigative panel tasked with reviewing and restructuring the architecture of Nigeria’s social investment programmes.
The panel’s mandate is to ensure that future interventions are managed transparently and efficiently, with an emphasis on accountability.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, also partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Identity Management Commission to enforce mandatory registration of beneficiaries with Bank Verification Numbers and National Identity Numbers to tighten controls over disbursement.
Despite the initial disbursement delay, the World Bank rated Nigeria’s implementation of the $800m National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up as only moderately satisfactory, reflecting both progress and significant areas of concern as the project nears its closing date.
Checks on the Bank’s latest Implementation Status and Results Report show that as of January 29, 2025, the progress towards achieving the Project Development Objective was rated moderately satisfactory.
The overall implementation progress was also graded moderately satisfactory, suggesting that while some milestones had been reached, critical gaps remained in execution and delivery.
However, the bank flagged deeper concerns around financial management, procurement processes, and monitoring and evaluation, all of which were rated moderately unsatisfactory.
According to checks on the World Bank’s website, the Washington-based lender noted lapses in how funds were managed, inconsistencies in procurement procedures, and weaknesses in tracking and evaluating programme results.
The National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up is officially scheduled to close on December 31, 2025, pending any extension request from Nigeria to the World Bank.
Prior to the scale up programme, there was an initial National Social Safety Nets Project, approved by the World Bank in June 2016, aimed to provide targeted cash transfers to Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable households.
With an International Development Association credit of $500m, the project sought to establish a national social safety net system. The initial NASSP became effective in October 2017 and officially closed on December 31, 2022.
Despite its objectives, the project faced challenges, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement. A recent document from the World Bank website noted, “The 2020 Fiduciary In-depth Review identified some weaknesses in the procurement system in NCTO and NASSCO, respectively.
“The identified issues are being addressed through an action plan, which will be monitored regularly during the implementation of the parent project and Scale-Up operation.”
The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office is tasked with managing Nigeria’s National Social Register and coordinating the identification of poor and vulnerable households for cash transfer programmes.
The National Cash Transfer Office, operating under NASSCO, is responsible for administering and disbursing the cash transfers to beneficiaries, ensuring payments are made correctly, and addressing any related grievances.
Both agencies play critical roles in executing the World Bank-supported National Social Safety Net Programme and its Scale-Up by ensuring that financial aid reaches the intended households across the country.
It was also observed that in January 2025, the World Bank announced a 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
The debarment was due to findings of fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices related to the NASSP. Investigations revealed that the companies and Didam misrepresented conflicts of interest in their bids, accessed confidential tender information from public officials, and submitted falsified documents
Also, they offered inducements to project officials, violating the World Bank’s anti-corruption guidelines.
The debarment prohibits them from participating in any World Bank-financed projects during the sanction period. Much earlier, on March 12, 2024, the World Bank’s Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer issued a notice of sanctions proceedings against Mr. Akuboh Victor Uneojo, a consultant based in Abuja.
Uneojo was debarred for a minimum period of two years and one month after admitting to making corrupt payments to an intermediary intended to influence a project official’s actions concerning a consultancy contract under the NASSP.
These actions were deemed corrupt practices under the World Bank’s sanctions framework. These sanctions indicate the fraud challenges in the implementation of social safety net programmes in Nigeria.
News
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
News
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
News
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
News
Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
News
Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners
The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
-
News2 days ago“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
-
News3 days ago
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
-
Politics3 days agoAnambra Communities Boil As Group Carpets Traditional Rulers Over Zoning
-
Crime4 days agoAnambra Police Burst Gunmen Armoury in Orumba
-
News4 days agoEnugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
-
News3 days ago2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
-
Tech2 days agoHow Chatgpt Detector Tools Are Changing Content Verification
-
Politics12 hours agoAPC House of Reps Screening: Onwuegbu Clears Exercise Ahead Of Primaries
