News
FG directs MDAs in states to stop operating accounts with commercial banks
The federal government has directed Federal Pay Officers (FPOs) across the country to ensure that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the states strictly comply with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy by not operating accounts with commercial banks or circumventing its provisions.
The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, issued this directive during a working visit to the Federal Pay Office in Benin, Edo State, as part of her ongoing nationwide tour to assess the operations and challenges of FPOs.
A statement from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, said that MDAs must adhere strictly to the TSA framework.
Dr. Madein reiterated that any MDA seeking to operate an account with a commercial bank must obtain direct approval from the President, which must be communicated through the AGF based on established guidelines.
To enforce compliance, she mandated FPOs to uphold transparency, dedication, and professionalism in their duties. As representatives of the OAGF, she urged them to maintain high ethical standards and avoid any actions that could undermine the credibility of the Federal Treasury.
Dr. Madein also stressed the importance of accurate financial records, warning that inefficiency could be perceived if records do not meet the required standards. She assured that officials from the Treasury headquarters would conduct regular inspections of FPOs to ensure compliance.
Additionally, she stressed the need for FPOs to be well-versed in financial regulations, including the Constitution, Financial Regulations, and the Public Procurement Act, to enhance their effectiveness.
Recognizing the operational challenges faced by FPOs, Dr. Madein disclosed that the federal government is constructing new office buildings in some states to provide permanent solutions to accommodation issues. She reaffirmed the OAGF’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of FPO staff.
News
Rivers Lawmakers Insist on Investigating Fubara, Deputy
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, a seven man panel each have been constituted to investigate governor Fubara and his deputy.
Twenty -five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) said that there is no going back on investigating Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, for alleged gross misconducts.
The members re-stated this at Friday’s plenary in the temporary hallowed chamber of the State House of Assembly in their Legislative quarters.
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, a seven man panel each have been constituted to investigate governor Fubara and his deputy.
He also said that the Chief judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi is to be immediately notified about the resolution of the House.
The order paper of the house in Friday’s sitting has only two items which include investigating governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
Meanwhile,the house has adjourned plenary till January 27.
News
FG approves 6-month maternity leave for female lecturers without pay
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the presentation of the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
Photo: Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa (right), and Minister of State for Education
The Federal Government has announced that qualified female academic staff shall be entitled to a maternity Leave of six months as provided in the subsisting Public Service Rules,” Section 3.4(vii) reads.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the presentation of the renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
He clarified that the Section 3.4 of the agreement, which focuses on ‘Non-salary conditions of service’, makes provision for six-month maternity leave as a fringe benefit.
Alausa described the agreement as a historic turning point that symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence and a firm commitment to uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigerian universities.
Alausa emphasised that the agreement reflects the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise education as the foundation of national development, noting that it marked the first time a sitting president took full ownership of the long-standing challenges confronting the university system.
News
Insurgency: Trump allocates N587bn to US Africa Command for military operations in Nigeria, others
The allocation is contained in the US National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds were approved under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance.
The United States plans to spend N587 billion ($413.046 million) on counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026 amid worsening security conditions across West Africa.
The allocation is contained in the US National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The funds were approved under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance.
The security budget for the US Africa Command comes against the backdrop of the Christmas Day attacks on terrorists’ hideouts in Sokoto State by the Donald Trump administration.
On Tuesday, AFRICOM delivered a consignment of military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security operations across the country.
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