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13 States Pump N1 Trillion into 2026 Budgets as Governance Costs Soar

Phinadon Mag

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Summary:
Despite widespread calls for austerity, legislative reviews in 13 states have seen over N1 trillion added to 2026 budget estimates, exacerbating fiscal deficits and increasing reliance on borrowing amid rising debt-servicing burdens.

In a trend that directly contradicts growing calls for fiscal prudence, a legislative review has revealed that no fewer than 13 State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria have unilaterally injected over N1 trillion into the 2026 budgets presented by their respective governors. This massive inflation of state appropriation bills comes at a time when sub-national governments are already buckling under the weight of debt servicing and economic instability.

An analysis by Saturday PUNCH shows a persistent pattern where state legislatures expand budget estimates, widening the fiscal deficit gap. This practice, often justified as necessary adjustments, has raised alarm bells among economic experts who warn of deepening insolvency.

The Additions by Numbers
The Lagos State House of Assembly leads the charge, adding a staggering N207.51 billion to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s initial N4.237 trillion proposal, bringing the final approved budget to N4.44 trillion. This marks the second consecutive year of significant budget padding by the Lagos legislature.

Following closely is Akwa Ibom, where lawmakers increased the budget by N194 billion (a 14% hike), pushing the total to N1.58 trillion. Notably, the additions were spread across both capital projects and recurrent expenditure, fueling concerns about bloated administrative costs.

Other states with significant budget expansions include:

  • Cross River: N180 billion added.
  • Kano: N109 billion added.
  • Benue: N89.5 billion added.
  • Gombe: N82 billion added.
  • Delta: N65 billion added.

The Cost of Governance Crisis
This legislative inflation is occurring against a backdrop of severe fiscal strain. In the first half of 2025 alone, 20 states borrowed approximately N458 billion, while spending N235.58 billion on servicing external debts—a 68.4% increase from the previous year.

With 10 states planning to source over N4 trillion in loans and grants to fund their 2026 deficits, the decision to increase spending limits appears economically risky. Professor Taiwo Owoeye, an economist at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, warns that this practice will inevitably lead to increased borrowing, deepening the debt trap for states already struggling with weak internally generated revenue (IGR).

A National Pattern
The trend is not isolated to the states. The National Assembly has also established a pattern of budget padding, having increased the 2025 federal budget by N790 billion above President Tinubu’s revised proposal.

While some states like Oyo, Enugu, and Kaduna maintained their original budget estimates, the widespread legislative expansion across 13 key states signals a continued prioritization of expenditure over austerity, potentially compromising long-term economic stability.

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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu (Tomato Jos)

Phinadon Mag

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With heavy hearts, total submission to the divine will of God, and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, the entire family of the Late Mr. Raphael Iwuagwu of Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State, announces the passage of their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, and sister, *Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu* (affectionately known as *”Tomato Jos”), who passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes from Her Loving Daughters

From Her Second Daughter, Hope Anoma

“What can I say about a lady who lived most of her years devoted to the church? I spoke with my sister Chiaka and she told me about your condition. I couldn’t bear it; I rushed down from Abuja to the hospital (F.M.C) where you were admitted. You didn’t see me when I came in, only to spend two days in the hospital with you, thinking that you will wake up so that we can go home together. But mama, you left a space in my heart that can never be occupied. Who will welcome me whenever I am back? Who will make me laugh? Death, why now? Why did you take Nda’m away? Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator. My love for you is forever.”

Tribute from Chiaka Nnanna Amajirionwu

 “Tribute to my lovely mom… She will call me Chiaka Nga Raphael and I will call her Chiaka Nga Nnanna—that is what we normally call each other. Who will ever call me that name again? Who will ever remind me of Orieobibi market days again? I never knew that a day like this will come that I will call her and she won’t answer me again. I know you have gone to a better place. Rest in peace Nda’m (my tomato Jos).”

Funeral Arrangements

The family warmly invites relatives, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers to join them in honoring her memory and bidding her a final farewell. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, October 30, 2026

4:00 PM — Christian Wake Keep

Venue: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, held at her husband’s residence in Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

9:00 AM — Departure from Hospital

The body leaves Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, for her hometown, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

10:00 AM — Lying in State
At her husband’s compound, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze.

11:00 AM — Funeral Service
At St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A.

12:00 PM — Interment
Committal follows immediately after the funeral service at her husband’s residence.

1:00 PM — Reception
Reception follows immediately after interment at her husband’s residence, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

 

May Her Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.

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TCN Arrests Over 30 Suspected Vandals Along Kumbotso–Zaria Corridor.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has arrested more than 30 suspected vandals of electricity infrastructure, particularly along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line corridor.

The Kano Regional General Manager of TCN, M.K. Bello, disclosed this during a sensitisation campaign against infrastructure vandalism and encroachment in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Bello attributed the arrests to the cooperation of traditional rulers, residents, the police and other security agencies. He also revealed that approximately 10 transmission towers had been vandalised within four to five months, while five related cases were currently before the courts.

He warned that vandalism could disrupt electricity supply and impose significant replacement costs on the company. Bello further expressed concern over excavation, construction and pit-digging near transmission towers, noting that such activities could weaken the structures and cause them to collapse.

According to him, the towers support transmission lines carrying electricity over distances of between 200 and 300 kilometres. He urged residents to avoid activities that could endanger the infrastructure and to promptly report suspected vandalism or encroachment to the relevant authorities.

TCN appealed for continued community cooperation to protect critical electricity facilities and ensure reliable power transmission.

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TCN restores power to Karu, Keffi, and Akwanga after the collapse of transmission towers.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored electricity supply to the Karu–Keffi–Akwanga Transmission Line following the repair of three collapsed transmission towers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, TCN said power supply was restored at approximately 5:31 p.m. The restoration also reconnected the 132/33kV Keffi and Akwanga Transmission Stations.

The three transmission towers reportedly collapsed on October 7, 2026, after heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted the line.

TCN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the nation’s transmission infrastructure to support the reliable and efficient delivery of bulk electricity across Nigeria.

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