News
IGP Egbetokun At Budget Defence, Proposes Five Things To Enhance Force Efficiency
In his presentation, the IGP emphasized the need to remove the NPF from the envelope budgetary regime to allow for accurate funding projections.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, today, January 16, 2025, defended the 2025 budget for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) before the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The IGP was accompanied by the Force Management Team and other senior officers. Present at the budget presentation were Senator Abdulhamid Mallam Maidori (Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs), Honourable Makki Yalleman (Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs), Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam (Minister of Police Affairs) DIG Hashimu Argungu Rtd. (Chairman Police Service Commission) and other distinguished and honourable members of the committees.
In his presentation, the IGP emphasized the need to remove the NPF from the envelope budgetary regime to allow for accurate funding projections.
This adjustment, he explained, would enable greater flexibility and ensure the availability of funds to manage the Force more effectively.
He also highlighted the need for the approval and creation of a Special Operations Account dedicated solely to national security emergencies, as well as an increase in allocations for Overhead and Capital Expenditure.
The IGP further proposed allocating funds for the construction of five new zonal headquarters, along with supporting tactical units critical to internal security.
He also called for the approval of dedicated budget lines for police training institutions to enhance capacity building.
The IGP stressed that the prompt and full release of appropriated funds in 2025 would be essential for the smooth functioning of the entire Force.
In a statement with the Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/335 Date: 16th January 2025, signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, Force Headquarters Abuja, said that the Inspector-General of Police expressed his gratitude to the Joint Committees for their engagement during the critical budgetary session.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to working collaboratively with the committees to reposition the NPF, aligning it with the shared vision of a secure and stable nation.
News
BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.
The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.
Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.
Details later…
International
UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.
It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.
Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.
“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.
From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.
“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:
“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.
We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.
“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
News
BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.
ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.
Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.
The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.
In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.
On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.
The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.
Watch video below:
Video source: ChannelsTV
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