Nigeria News (Standard)
Health Minister Pate Confirms ₦339bn Basic Healthcare Fund Disbursed Nationwide, ₦235bn Under Tinubu
Latest figures show sharp increase in BHCPF spending since 2023, with federal government prioritising primary healthcare delivery
Latest figures show sharp increase in BHCPF spending since 2023, with federal government prioritising primary healthcare delivery
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has disclosed that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has disbursed a total of ₦339 billion across Nigeria in the past twelve years. Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Pate revealed that out of this amount, ₦235 billion was released during President Bola Tinubu’s administration alone.
According to Pate, the substantial rise in disbursement under Tinubu reflects the current government’s renewed focus on expanding access to primary healthcare services for Nigerians at the grassroots level. He noted that the BHCPF, established as part of the National Health Act to strengthen the country’s primary health system, has enabled more funds to reach state and local government health facilities since its inception.
The minister explained that before 2023, only ₦104 billion had been distributed under the fund since it began operations. However, from May 2023 to June 2026, allocations soared by over two hundred percent. “This increase is a direct result of President Tinubu’s directive to scale up health sector financing and ensure that every Nigerian can access quality basic care regardless of location,” Pate said.
Health experts have described the development as a positive step towards achieving universal health coverage targets. Some stakeholders in the sector urged government to improve transparency and monitoring at state level to ensure effective utilisation. “While these figures are impressive on paper, we need robust oversight so that rural clinics actually see improvements,” one public health analyst commented.
Pate assured that his ministry would continue collaborating with state governments and partners to ensure prudent management of resources. He added that upcoming reforms would further decentralise funding and empower community health centres. The federal government is expected to publish detailed breakdowns of BHCPF expenditures for all states later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDC Lawmakers in Abuja Reject Court Ruling Cancelling Party Registration, Allege Suppression of Opposition
Opposition members claim recent judgement threatens multiparty democracy, call for urgent intervention by electoral authorities
Opposition members claim recent judgement threatens multiparty democracy, call for urgent intervention by electoral authorities
Lawmakers representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja on Friday condemned a recent court decision voiding the party’s registration, alleging it is part of a wider scheme to weaken opposition voices ahead of the next general elections. The development has sparked heated debate at the National Assembly as stakeholders question the implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.
The court ruling, delivered earlier this week in Abuja Federal High Court, declared the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) null and void. NDC lawmakers argued that the judgement is a direct attack on Nigeria’s multiparty system and could undermine fair competition in upcoming polls. They further alleged that powerful interests were working behind the scenes to prevent viable opposition parties from participating effectively.
The controversy comes as Nigeria prepares for key off-cycle governorship and legislative elections in several states, with political observers warning that any move perceived as targeting opposition groups could erode public trust in democratic institutions. The NDC, though not one of Nigeria’s largest parties, has fielded candidates in multiple constituencies and is seen by supporters as an important alternative voice.
In their reaction, NDC lawmakers called on INEC and relevant authorities to respect the rule of law and uphold party rights under Nigeria’s constitution. “This judgement is a dangerous precedent that threatens to silence dissenting voices,” one NDC representative said during a session at the House of Representatives. The lawmakers urged civil society organisations and international partners to closely monitor developments related to party deregistration.
It remains unclear whether the NDC will appeal the ruling or seek other legal remedies. Analysts say how authorities handle this case could set an important benchmark for future disputes over party registration and opposition rights in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law, Reshaping National Identity Management
Presidential assent marks major update to identity regulation; stakeholders expect improved data integration and service delivery
Presidential assent marks major update to identity regulation; stakeholders expect improved data integration and service delivery
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law in Abuja on Friday, 26 June, formalising a new legal framework for the management of Nigerians’ identity data nationwide. The move signals government’s intent to strengthen digital governance and enhance coordination of personal information across federal agencies.
The signing took place at the Presidential Villa, following the passage of the bill by the National Assembly. The new NIMC Act is expected to streamline processes for national identification, covering registration, issuance, and verification of citizen data. With this development, government aims to address long-standing challenges in identity management and improve access to public services tied to verified national identity.
The overhaul comes amid growing concern about gaps in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and the security implications of fragmented identity databases. In recent years, difficulties in accessing unified records have complicated service delivery for millions and hindered efforts to tackle fraud and insecurity. The updated act is anticipated to create a stronger regulatory base for integrating biometric and demographic data under a single authority.
Officials say the law will enable NIMC to collaborate more closely with other agencies on issues ranging from voter registration to financial inclusion. Stakeholders in ICT and civil society have welcomed the development but call for transparent implementation. As at press time, opposition parties had yet to issue a formal response.
Implementation guidelines are expected within coming weeks, as government prepares to roll out updated protocols for registration centres nationwide. The NIMC Act 2026 is seen as a critical step towards achieving a seamless national identification system that meets international best practices.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/891008-tinubu-signs-nimc-act-2026-into-law.html
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Former presidential candidate and Labour Party (LP) stalwart, Peter Obi, has called for the immediate suspension of state police implementation across Nigeria, warning that the current security landscape is not conducive for such a move. Obi made this known on Friday, 26 June 2026, during a public address in Lagos, where he highlighted the potential risks involved.
Obi argued that rolling out state police under existing political and institutional conditions could worsen insecurity rather than solve it. According to him, some state governments may deploy newly created police forces to suppress opposition and settle political scores instead of addressing crime. “Until there are comprehensive reforms and proper safeguards in place, introducing state police will only deepen our problems,” he said.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent months as insecurity persists in various parts of the country. Proponents argue that decentralising policing will improve response times and community engagement, especially in states facing banditry and kidnapping. However, critics like Obi maintain that without strong oversight mechanisms, state-controlled forces could be abused by powerful interests.
Obi emphasised the need for a national conversation involving all stakeholders before any major restructuring of security architecture is undertaken. He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise constitutional amendments and independent oversight agencies as prerequisites for effective policing reform. “We must avoid creating more problems in our quest to solve one,” he added.
The federal government has yet to respond formally to Obi’s position. Meanwhile, some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have continued to advocate for quick passage of bills supporting state policing. The debate is expected to intensify at the National Assembly as security remains a top concern for millions of Nigerians.
NDC Lawmakers in Abuja Reject Court Ruling Cancelling Party Registration, Allege Suppression of Opposition
Zico Warns Brazil: ‘They Play Proper Football’ Ahead of Round of 32 Clash
Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law, Reshaping National Identity Management
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
NHRC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths Nationwide
Davido Launches First 2026 Single ‘I Know Who I Be’ With South African Collaboration
Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology Office, Appoints Adigwe as Pioneer Coordinator
Lagos Leaders Urge Service and Nation Building at Odukoya’s 70th Memorial Lecture
Sokoto State Records 883 Gender-Based Violence Cases, Secures 22 Convictions in One Year
Nollywood Actor Joseph Momodu Joins US Army, Cites Father’s Legacy in Major Career Move
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
