President Bola Tinubu has detailed the core motivations behind his administration’s newly approved overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, emphasizing that the updates are designed to arm young citizens with practical competencies required for modern national development. Following a crucial Federal Executive Council meeting where the changes were formally ratified, the central government stated that restructuring the youth scheme fulfills a foundational campaign pledge to open up meaningful economic pathways for the younger generation.

In an official public brief shared via his social media handle, the President characterized the legislative changes as the most significant structural shifts to the youth programme since its inception in 1973. He reaffirmed that with women and youth positioned at the center of national policy, this updated framework transitions the scheme from a traditional deployment model into an active launchpad for career development.

While acknowledging that the initiative has effectively fostered national cohesion for over five decades, President Tinubu noted that contemporary socio-economic realities require a more dynamic approach. Highlighting that young citizens constitute nearly 70 percent of the national population, he stated that the demographic represents an essential economic engine rather than a structural burden.

Under the new guidelines, the mandatory orientation camp timeline will extend to six weeks, prioritizing specialized modules in civic duties, leadership, digital proficiency, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, corps members will receive targeted technical training aligned with their specific academic backgrounds across essential sectors, including agriculture, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and the creative economy, to ensure every participant enters the labor market fully prepared for enterprise.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved over N3.9 trillion for 27 key infrastructure projects across 15 states. The multi-trillion naira investment aims to drastically upgrade the national transport network, enhancing economic connectivity and safety. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the major decision on Monday following a Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to the minister, the extensive road interventions will span Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states.

A major highlight of the executive approvals is the re-award of a 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State. This specific contract was handed to businessman Aliko Dangote at a cost of N1.8 trillion under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme. Additionally, the administration sanctioned N276 billion for the dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road, N265 billion to reconstruct the Iseyin-Eruwa-Agbesi Road linking Oyo and Kwara states, and N217 billion for dualising the old alignment from Ijaye through the Federal Government College to Ilorin Road, complete with a spur to Akinmorin.

Other high-value allocations feature N116 billion earmarked for the 21-kilometre Abakaliki-Afikpo Road in Ebonyi State, alongside N110 billion for the Ogbomoso-Oko Illupu Road traversing Oyo and Osun states. To address critical corridors in North-Central and South-West Nigeria, N104 billion was approved for rehabilitating Sections One and Two of the Ilorin-Omorin-Ebe-Kabba-Obajana Road, while N98 billion will fund the construction of the 30-kilometre Idi-Araba-Ayede-Olodo Road in Oyo State. Plateau State will also see a N92 billion injection for phase two of the Baban-Lamba-Sharan Road rehabilitation.

The federal infrastructure rollout further includes N86 billion each for the Enugu-Abakaliki Road reconstruction featuring a new flyover, and the Adikpo-Ajayi-Tese-Akpa Otukpo Road serving Benue and Cross River states. In the North-East, the Jimeta-Mayo Belwa Road in Adamawa secured N83 billion, while Oyo State gained approvals of N82 billion for the Igbeti Road rehabilitation and N74 billion for the Igbeti-Soro-Kishi Road construction. A N71 billion allocation will fund the 52-kilometre Dabban-Makina Road in Niger State, and N62.99 billion will construct the Tungo-Karamti Road, which includes five essential bridges connecting Adamawa and Taraba states.

Smaller but critical arterial routes were also funded, such as N58 billion for phase two of the Yola-Hong Mubi Road, N46 billion for the Amasiri-Okporojo Road, and N34 billion for the 18-kilometre Ikere-Ekiti-Ijare Road bridging Ekiti and Ondo states. Infrastructure structural additions include a N26 billion flyover on the Trans-Sahara Road, a N24.7 billion rehabilitation contract for the Kabba-Ifaki-Ado Ekiti Road, and a N21 billion flyover at the Oko-Olowo Junction in Kwara State.

Rounding off the approvals, N15.7 billion was cleared for the Pacific Road linking Igbe Laara to Ikorodu in Lagos, N15.5 billion for the 13-kilometre Badeku Jaiye Road in Oyo, and N15.246 billion for phase two of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road in Adamawa. Yobe State’s 32.2-kilometre Gashua Road project received a N15 billion contract augmentation. Beyond the newly approved finances, Umahi confirmed that the government has ratified the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, ordering immediate concrete pavement reconstruction on its failed Ibadan sections. He concluded by revealing that the initial 118-kilometre stretch of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway has been completed at a value of N137 billion.

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has greenlit a series of strategic maritime infrastructure and security initiatives valued at approximately ₦286 billion. This comprehensive developmental package aims to modernize Nigeria’s port terminals, optimize navigational safety, and aggressively harness the untapped wealth within the country’s blue economy. The sweeping capital interventions received executive authorization during a council convention presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

While providing updates to State House correspondents on behalf of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, explained that the executive approvals comprise four distinct, high-impact projects designed to revitalize international trade corridors. Among these interventions is the procurement of two state-of-the-art marine pollution control vessels, costing around ₦59.05 billion. These specialized ships will target plastic waste, oil spills, and general debris across coastal waters, creeks, and domestic channels, ensuring strict environmental preservation alongside safer seafaring pathways.

Additionally, the council sanctioned ₦80.03 billion for the acquisition of six nimble pilot cutter boats. These specific craft will facilitate the secure transit of marine pilots to and from inbound global carriers, minimizing risk during harbor entries and maximizing operational synergy with the Nigerian Ports Authority. To further limit occupational hazards, an allocation of ₦34.06 billion (roughly $16.46 million) was designated for purchasing two heavy-duty firefighting vessels capable of responding to blazes at industrial jetties, oil terminals, and offshore carrier decks.

The largest individual component of the maritime package focuses on the capital and maintenance dredging of the vital Escravos Channel, valued at ₦112.85 billion. Implemented via a Public-Private Partnership framework, this dredging operation will systematically eliminate underwater silt and navigation barriers, accelerate cargo vessel turnaround times, and bolster Nigeria’s status as the premium shipping hub across the West African sub-region. Government officials emphasized that these structural investments reinforce the administration’s long-term vision of establishing an environmentally sustainable, highly lucrative maritime value chain.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved 27 road projects valued at more than N3.9 trillion across 15 states as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and enhance connectivity nationwide. The approvals were announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council in Abuja.

According to the minister, the projects are spread across Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states. The projects include new road constructions, dualisation works, rehabilitation of existing roads, and the construction of bridges and flyovers.

One of the largest approvals is the re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State under the tax credit scheme at a cost of N1.8 trillion. Other major projects include the dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road, reconstruction of the Iseyin-Eruwa-Agbesi Road, rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Omorin-Ebe-Kabba-Obajana Road, and the construction of several strategic roads linking states and economic corridors.

The council also approved projects in Lagos, including the construction of the Pacific Road linking Igbe Laara to Ikorodu, as well as additional projects in Adamawa, Oyo, Kwara, Ebonyi, Plateau, and other states. Furthermore, the Federal Government approved the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and directed the reconstruction of failed sections along the Ibadan axis using concrete pavement.

Umahi disclosed that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed, describing the road projects as part of the administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at boosting economic activities, improving transportation efficiency, and strengthening regional integration across the country.

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President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The request was contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Senate to Act on Confirmation

In the letter, Tinubu said the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions and urged the Senate to give it prompt consideration.

Akpabio responded that the request would be handled without delay, referring it to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action.

Who is Joseph Tegbe?

Joseph Tegbe is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors.

He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led projects focused on fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation.

He has also advised government institutions and private organisations on regulatory frameworks, strategic reforms, and investment structuring.

Political Context

The nomination was earlier confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the request had been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The development follows the resignation of Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue a governorship ambition in Oyo State.

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The Federal Executive Council has approved a new exit benefit scheme that will grant retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equivalent to 100 percent of their total annual emoluments.

The new policy, which took effect from January 1, 2026, is designed to strengthen the welfare structure within Nigeria’s federal civil service and provide improved financial security for retiring officers who have served the nation for at least ten years.

Details of the approval were disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to the statement, the gratuity scheme was introduced following recommendations made by an inter-ministerial technical committee established to review retirement benefits for federal workers.

The committee worked closely with key government institutions including the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to develop a sustainable structure for implementing the benefit.

Strengthening retirement benefits

Under the newly approved scheme, eligible federal civil servants will receive a lump-sum gratuity equal to their total annual salary and allowances upon retirement.

Officials said the initiative is intended to complement the existing pension framework while ensuring that civil servants who dedicate years of service to the government retire with improved financial support.

The scheme will apply to employees working in treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies across the federal government.

Authorities noted that the move represents a significant step toward strengthening retirement income security for public servants.

Government officials believe the initiative will boost morale within the civil service and reassure workers of the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Recognition of civil servants’ contributions

Reacting to the development, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, commended the council for approving the policy.

She described the new exit benefit as a landmark decision that recognises the dedication and sacrifices made by federal civil servants over the years.

According to her, the approval demonstrates that the administration of President Bola Tinubu acknowledges the role played by public servants in national development.

“This approval is a profound acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of our civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development,” she said.

Walson-Jack added that the introduction of the gratuity scheme would significantly improve retirement packages for government workers while reinforcing confidence in the federal government’s commitment to civil service welfare.

She also noted that the new policy forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at building a more efficient, motivated and performance-driven public service.

Civil service reform and motivation

Experts say improved welfare packages for government workers often contribute to increased productivity, better morale and enhanced professionalism within the public sector.

By strengthening retirement benefits, policymakers hope to encourage long-term commitment among civil servants and attract skilled professionals into government service.

The reintroduction of gratuity also marks a significant policy shift within Nigeria’s public sector retirement framework.

Nigeria moved away from the traditional gratuity system in 2004 when the government introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme to address challenges associated with pension liabilities and payment delays.

The new scheme approved by the council does not replace the existing pension system but rather complements it by providing an additional financial cushion for retirees.

Implementation guidelines underway

Government officials said detailed guidelines for implementing the scheme would be issued in due course to ensure smooth rollout across federal institutions.

Authorities are also expected to clarify operational procedures, eligibility conditions and payment structures for beneficiaries.

Observers say the policy could help restore confidence among civil servants who have long raised concerns about retirement benefits and pension security.

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Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved the demolition and complete reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos, marking a significant step in the federal government’s plan to upgrade key transport infrastructure across the country.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, while briefing journalists after the council meeting held at the State House in Abuja.

According to the minister, the council concluded that the ageing bridge structure can no longer be effectively rehabilitated and must be replaced with a new one designed to meet modern engineering standards.

Engineering assessment leads to decision

Umahi explained that the decision followed technical assessments and consultations with stakeholders on the structural condition of the bridge.

He said earlier proposals to rehabilitate the bridge were eventually dropped after experts determined that rebuilding it from scratch would be more viable and safer in the long term.

“Following the review of engineering reports and stakeholder consultations, the recommendation was clear that Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated. The appropriate solution is demolition and construction of a new bridge,” the minister said.

The Federal Executive Council also approved N5.6 billion for advanced engineering consultancy services that will handle the design work and detailed cost estimates for the new structure.

The project is expected to include modern design features aimed at improving durability, traffic flow and safety standards.

Strategic transport corridor in Lagos

Carter Bridge is one of the major transport links connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.

The bridge plays a crucial role in the daily movement of thousands of commuters and vehicles within Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Urban planners say the structure has long faced pressure due to heavy traffic volumes and increasing urban expansion in Lagos.

With the approval granted, the federal government is expected to begin the design and planning phase ahead of full reconstruction.

Government pushes major infrastructure upgrades

Umahi noted that the Carter Bridge project forms part of a broader national infrastructure plan aimed at strengthening transport networks and supporting economic development.

He revealed that the council approved six major projects during the meeting, including road and highway reconstruction works across different geopolitical zones.

The minister said the government intends to present several completed infrastructure projects for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming months.

“We are targeting the commissioning of at least four completed projects in each geopolitical zone by May 15. These are not temporary repairs but major infrastructure projects,” Umahi said.

He added that the projects are designed to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time and support trade activities across the country.

Focus on durable infrastructure

The government has increasingly focused on large-scale infrastructure upgrades as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport systems.

Experts say rebuilding major bridges like Carter Bridge is critical to sustaining mobility in Lagos, a city widely regarded as one of Africa’s busiest economic centres.

With rising traffic pressure and ageing structures, authorities have been reviewing several strategic bridges and highways to determine whether they require rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.

Transportation analysts believe the new Carter Bridge, once completed, could significantly improve traffic movement between Lagos Island and the mainland while ensuring higher structural resilience.

As planning for the reconstruction progresses, authorities are expected to release more details on timelines, traffic management strategies and potential construction phases for the project.

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Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, spoke to journalists after the council’s last meeting in 2024 about its decisions.

Bagudu said the 2025 budget represents a 36.8 percent increase from the N27.9 trillion 2024 estimate.

The minister said the 2025 framework is based on key economic projections, including an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd), and an exchange rate of N1,400/$.

“Today, the federal executive council approved the budget proposals for 2025 with amendments which Mr president directed following a presentation to the federal executive council led by the director general of the budget office, Tanimu Yakubu,” the minister said.

“The 2025 framework is based on the oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel. Oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. Exchange rate of one 1400 naira (to the dollar).

“All these are already included in the medium-term expenditure framework which we have presented here, which have also been approved by the national assembly.

“So the total projected revenue for 2025 stands at N34.82 trillion out of which the expenditure is projected at N47.96 trillion which is an increase of 36.8% from the 2024 estimate.”

Bagudu said the deficit for 2025 is projected at N13.13 trillion representing 3.89 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

On December 12, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that Tinubu would present the 2025 budget on Tuesday.

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