By SUNDAY DARE

In a landmark address to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.”

The ₦58.18 trillion proposal marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s fiscal strategy, emphasizing strict fiscal discipline, decisive action against insecurity, and a clear prioritization of national defense amid ongoing economic reforms.

Analysts describe the speech as a doctrinal reset for governance, where discipline emerges as the core doctrine, boldness serves as a political and policy signal, and security stands as the unchallenged foundation of the administration’s agenda.

Discipline As Doctrine: A Commitment to Fiscal RigorPresident Tinubu underscored that “the greatest budget is not the one we announce—it is the one we deliver.”

He pledged 2026 as a year of “stronger discipline in budget execution,” directing ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to eliminate leakages through full digitization of revenue processes and strict adherence to timelines.

This doctrine extends to Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs), with warnings against underperformance and inefficiencies. Revenue mobilization will prioritize transparency and compliance, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The budget’s realistic parameters—crude oil benchmark at $64.85 per barrel, production at 1.84 million barrels per day, and exchange rate at ₦1,400 to the dollar—reflect prudence amid global uncertainties.

With a projected deficit of ₦23.85 trillion (4.28% of GDP), recurrent non-debt expenditure at ₦15.25 trillion, and capital expenditure at ₦26.08 trillion, the administration signals an end to wasteful spending.

As Tinubu stated, “We will spend with purpose, manage debt with discipline.”

Boldness As Signal: Tough Stance on Security and AccountabilityThe speech’s boldest element was a new security doctrine: any armed group operating outside state authority—bandits, kidnappers, militias, or violent cults—will be designated as terrorists, along with their sponsors, including politicians, traditional rulers, or community leaders who facilitate violence.

This declaration removes ambiguity and ethnic cover from non-state actors, signaling zero tolerance for insecurity that has hampered investment and agriculture. It sends a clear message of accountability, narrowing discretion for security forces while widening consequences for enablers.

Boldness also shines in fiscal demands on GOEs and MDAs, with threats of consequences for revenue shortfalls.

Tinubu’s assurance that reforms are yielding results—GDP growth at 3.98% in Q3 2025, inflation down to 14.45% in November, and external reserves at a 7-year high of $47 billion—bolsters confidence in these tough measures.

Security As Core: Highest Allocation Reflects PrioritySecurity received the largest sectoral allocation at ₦5.41 trillion, underscoring its role as the bedrock of development. Tinubu described it as “the foundation of development,” linking it to infrastructure (₦3.56 trillion), education (₦3.52 trillion), and health (₦2.48 trillion).

The budget strengthens military and paramilitary capabilities, peacebuilding, and a “holistic reset” of the security architecture. Without security, the President argued, investment, productivity, and human capital development cannot thrive.Other priorities include human capital (expanding student loans and healthcare access) and agriculture (mechanization, irrigation, and value chains to reduce post-harvest losses).

As the National Assembly begins scrutiny of the bill, President Tinubu’s speech positions the 2026 budget not merely as a fiscal document, but as a governance blueprint for a more accountable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

The emphasis on delivery over announcement sets a high bar for implementation in the year ahead.

Seasoned Nigerian entertainment journalist Gbenga Bada has called on students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to approach entertainment reporting with unwavering passion and strict adherence to professional standards.

Speaking at a recent engagement with students at the prestigious journalism institution in Ogba, Lagos, Bada, who serves as Assistant Entertainment Editor at *The Nation* newspaper, emphasized that the dynamic field of entertainment journalism demands more than mere reporting—it requires genuine enthusiasm and ethical rigor to stand out in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

“Entertainment reporting is not just about chasing headlines or celebrity gossip,” Bada reportedly told the aspiring journalists. “It thrives on passion for the arts, culture, and stories that shape our society, combined with the professionalism that ensures accuracy, fairness, and credibility.

“Bada, known for his in-depth coverage of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry—including music, film, and celebrity features—drew from his extensive experience to inspire the students.

He highlighted the importance of building strong ethical foundations amid the rise of digital media and social platforms, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

The session, part of NIJ’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry practice, resonated with attendees, who praised Bada’s practical insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities in entertainment journalism.

As Nigeria’s creative sector continues to grow globally, voices like Bada’s underscore the need for a new generation of reporters equipped not only with skills but with the drive to elevate the profession.

The Lagos State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Trade Union Side, has issued a strong commendation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for approving a 100% end-of-year bonus for public servants in the 2025 service year and presenting car gifts to outstanding officers.In a press statement signed by Comrade Biodun Bakare, Secretary of the Lagos State JNC (Trade Union Side), and dated December 19, 2025, the council, led by Chairman Comrade Domingo Michael Adeleke, described the initiatives as “landmark milestones” that demonstrate the governor’s deep commitment to the welfare, productivity, and motivation of the public sector workforce.The 100% bonus will be disbursed in two installments: 50% alongside December 2025 salaries and the remaining 50% with January 2026 salaries. The JNC highlighted this phased approach as a considerate measure attuned to prevailing economic challenges, aimed at easing financial pressures during the holiday season and beyond.The council also praised the presentation of car gifts to exemplary officers, calling it a powerful incentive to promote merit, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and superior service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).These actions, the statement noted, transcend mere administrative gestures and serve as significant morale boosters likely to enhance industrial harmony, employee loyalty, and overall performance. They further underscore the benefits of ongoing constructive dialogue between the state government and organized labour.The JNC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Sanwo-Olu administration on policies that prioritize workers’ welfare and improve public service delivery. It called on all public servants to respond to the governor’s generosity with heightened professionalism, dedication, and service to Lagos residents.