Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has presented a ₦971 billion budget proposal for 2025, reflecting an 86.4% increase from the previous year.

Dubbed the “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity,” the proposal includes ₦837.9 billion for capital expenditure and ₦133.1 billion for recurrent costs.

Mbah emphasised the focus on private investment, poverty eradication, and elevating the state’s economy. Notably, ₦320.6 billion is allocated to education, making up 33.2% of the total budget, underscoring its role in driving growth and reducing poverty.

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“Education is both our ‘sword’ and ‘shield’ in this battle to achieve economic growth in our state and banish poverty among our people. This allocation maintains the ambitious direction we set in 2024,” he said.

The governor also announced a dramatic increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which rose from ₦37.4 billion in 2023 to ₦144.7 billion by September 2024, marking a 286.2% growth.

Mbah attributed this growth to deliberate measures to reduce reliance on federal allocations. He expressed confidence that the IGR would surpass ₦200 billion by the end of 2024.

The capital expenditure will be funded through a ₦559 billion transfer from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and ₦278.9 billion in capital receipts from external aid, grants, and loans.

The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, praised Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership and pledged quick approval of the ₦971 billion budget.

He assured the governor that the assembly would expedite the process to maintain the state’s development momentum. In response, Governor Mbah reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inclusive prosperity and laying a foundation for long-term growth in Enugu.

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, has emphasised the importance of innovation, transparency, and inclusivity in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

Speaking at the 2nd Annual Lecture of NPO Reports in Abuja, Adedeji outlined key strategies for addressing the country’s economic challenges, focusing on revenue generation and infrastructure development.

He called for the adoption of efficient strategies to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential, including the improvement of tax administration and the establishment of clear frameworks for public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Adedeji further highlighted the role of digital solutions in enhancing transparency, reducing corruption, and increasing efficiency in both tax collection and infrastructure management.

“The government can unlock economic potential, foster innovation, and improve public services by adopting transparent, inclusive, and efficient strategies,” he said. “Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, supported by sustainable practices and innovative technologies, will pave the way for resilient and equitable growth.”

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Among his recommendations, Adedeji stressed the need to improve tax collection efficiency, reduce corruption, and ensure effective governance through capacity building for regulatory bodies. He also suggested focusing on high-impact infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar highway, which integrates transportation, energy, and water supply.

Adedeji noted that the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to generate revenue to improve infrastructure. He concluded by emphasizing that effective strategies are essential to sustain economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the living standards of Nigerians in an era of economic uncertainty.

The event, which addressed the complexities of revenue generation in a constrained economy, featured discussions on the government’s challenges in raising funds amidst the burden on citizens. The publisher of NPO Reports, Semiu Okanlawon, outlined the dilemma of taxing already-overburdened citizens while striving to improve their quality of life.

The lecture offered insights into the ways Nigeria can navigate its economic difficulties through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.

A total of 4,449 police officers have taken legal action against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over their unimplemented promotions.

The officers alleged that despite their promotions being approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC), the NPF and the IGP have failed to recognize and decorate them with their new ranks.

The officers, through their counsel, filed the suit at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, accusing the police leadership of disregarding the 19th plenary decision of the PSC, which granted the promotions in line with the provisions of the PSC Act.

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The case was heard on Tuesday before Justice R.B. Haastrup.

During the court proceedings, Muka’ila Mavo, counsel for the officers, urged the court to compel the NPF and the IGP to promptly implement the PSC’s decision.

Mavo cited Section 6(1)(a) of the Police Service Commission Act and Section 16(3)(a) of the Police Act, both of which empower the PSC to handle promotions, appointments, and disciplinary actions for police officers—excluding the IGP.

He also referenced a ruling by the Supreme Court that affirmed the PSC’s authority in these matters.

“The Supreme Court has also affirmed this position, granting judicial backing to the PSC’s authority over promotions and discipline within the police force,” Mavo argued.

In response, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Isa Garba, declined to comment further on the matter, stating that the Force’s Public Relations Officer would be the appropriate spokesperson.

Justice Haastrup adjourned the case until December 18 for further hearing, as the officers await resolution of their claims and the implementation of their promotions.