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Changing Gears 2.0: Soludo’s Acceleration Budget For Anambra

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By Christian ABURIME In an era where Nigerian states often retreat behind the shield of “economic headwinds,” Anambra State is charting a remarkably different course.

This is evident in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s presentation of the N607 billion 2025 budget. Aptly tagged “Changing Gears 2.0”, the budget tells a compelling story of fiscal ingenuity, one where ambitious development meets pragmatic restraint.

The numbers are striking, not for their size, but for their context. At $357 million, this budget is actually smaller in real terms than what the state spent in 2008 ($517 million) or 2013 ($1.1 billion). Yet, paradoxically, it promises to deliver even more.

This is not just political rhetoric; it is backed by a clear track record of execution. Consider the mathematics of adversity: cement prices have more than tripled to N10,000 per bag, fuel costs have skyrocketed tenfold to over N1,000 per litre, and inflation continues its relentless march.

Lesser administrations might have used these as ready-made excuses. Instead, Governor Soludo’s team has transformed these constraints into a catalyst for innovation. Instructively, the budget’s architecture reveals a government that understands the art of prioritisation.

A 77:23 ratio of capital to recurrent expenditure is beyond just a number; it is a significant shift in state-level governance.

Most Nigerian states struggle to keep their recurrent expenditure below 70%.

By driving it down to 23%, Anambra State under the leadership of Governor Soludo is effectively saying: we will run a lean government to build a rich state.

But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this budget is its candid honesty about weaknesses.

The state’s IGR currently stands at N2.5 billion monthly, against a potential of N10-15 billion.

This admission is not just all about transparency; it is also a challenge to the status quo. It suggests a government willing to confront its shortcomings rather than hide them. What’s more, the execution strategy reads like a business plan rather than a typical government document.

From transforming 22 schools into “smart schools” to distributing millions of economic seedlings and trees, from building the “largest shopping mall in Africa” to creating three new cities, the ambition is breathtaking.

Yet it is tempered with fiscal responsibility: the administration won’t borrow unless the loans are concessionary and tied to self-liquidating projects.

What is particularly noteworthy is the state’s approach to human capital development.

The extension of free education through SS3, recruitment of  8,115 teachers, and the innovative “One Youth, Two Skills” programme suggests a government thinking beyond the next election.

This is governance with a generational perspective. However, the true genius of this budget lies not in what it promises to spend, but in how it plans to achieve more with less.

The emphasis on strategic partnerships, community involvement, and private sector engagement suggests a recognition that the government alone cannot drive development. Critics might argue that the budget’s ambitions exceed its means.

But therein lies its brilliance: by setting ambitious targets while maintaining fiscal discipline, it creates a productive tension between aspiration and reality.

This tension, if properly managed, could be the catalyst for innovation in governance.

As Nigeria contends with the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal and currency unification, Anambra’s approach offers a template for other states.

“One Youth, Two Skills” programme suggests a government thinking beyond the next election.

It demonstrates that the answer to economic challenges is not always more money; sometimes, it is smarter money. Now, the success of this budget will ultimately depend on execution.

But by maintaining a capital-heavy investment profile while keeping recurrent costs low, prioritising revenue generation while resisting reckless borrowing, and balancing ambitious development with fiscal restraint, Governor Soludo is showing that it is possible to dream big while spending smart.

In the end, this “Changing Gears 2.0” budget is more than another routine financial document replete with platitudes.

It is a masterclass in governance under constraint, audaciously extending the mantra of Doing More with Less and representing another major step towards realising Governor Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra into a smart, livable and prosperous mega city.

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JUST IN: President Tinubu to Embark on Working Visit to Paris

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit.

This information was stated in a press release today, April 2, 2025 by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.

Onanuga said during the President’s visit, he will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.

“He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary”.

“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year”.

“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion”.

“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight, the statement reads.

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Business

Algiers-Abuja direct flights begin April 6

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6, 2025.

This is said to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the new route, which is the result of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries, will be operated by the national carrier, Air Algérie, using a Boeing 737 aircraft.

This new service is expected to boost connectivity, encourage tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.

“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.

“It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture,” the statement read in part.

The inaugural flight is expected to carry the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, Nigerian community leaders, and representatives from the Algerian government.

The Federal Government has extended congratulations to Air Algérie and offered its full support to ensure the success of the new service.

With affordable fares and Algeria’s proximity to Europe, the flight also offers Nigerians a convenient gateway to Europe, enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.

The statement added, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service.

“We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth.

“The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”

The ministry encouraged citizens and businesses to take advantage of this new connectivity to explore opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

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Crime

Lynched travellers: Tension in Edo as DSS arrests principal suspects

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Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, Fred Itua, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence.

He noted that operatives of various security agencies were hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.

He said, “Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.

“The suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence. Operatives of various security agencies are hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.

”In the latest development, the two principal suspects arrested by officials of the DSS have been transferred to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities.

According to reports, the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings have been transferred to Force headquarters while investigation continues on the matter.

The transfer of the suspects to Abuja was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

“I can confirm to you that the suspects have been taken to Abuja as directed by the IGP and investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

”Itua also said he could not confirm if the compensation promised the family of the victim would be financial.

He, however, said the Edo and Kano governments were working together to fashion out a suitable compensation for the family of the victims.

“As you are aware, Governor Okpehbolo met with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the I6 people that were killed, where he promised compensation.

“I cannot say what form the compensation will take but both state governments are talking to ensure that the victims’ families are compensated.

”A resident of Uromi, who gave his name simply as Michael, said residents of the area, where the killings took place, were deserting their villages over fear of being arrested.

He stated that women thronged the Ojuromi of Uromi palace to protest the indiscriminate arrest of people in Uromi following the killings of the 16 travellers.

He said, “What is happening now is that people are leaving their houses where the killing took place for fear of being arrested by the police, who have been mandated to fish out all the culprits.

“I believe the protest by the women on Monday is in connection with the indiscriminate arrest of residents by security agencies.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has claimed that some major opposition political parties were planning to instigate a crisis in the state and make it ungovernable.

The state APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, stated this during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

“It has come to our attention that the leadership of some major opposition parties in our state, along with two others, has devised a reckless and dangerous plot to instigate crisis and make Edo ungovernable,” he said.

Tenebe alleged that the aim of those behind the plot was to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.

“Their sinister objective is clear: they want to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the tribunal will, on Wednesday, deliver judgment in the petition filed by the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.

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