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.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to France on Wednesday for a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the presidency.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Tinubu will be officially received on Thursday at Les Invalides, the iconic French military museum, and the Élysée Palace for an elaborate welcome ceremony hosted by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte.

The visit, which spans three days, will prioritize discussions on strengthening ties in key sectors, including agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition.

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Onanuga described the visit as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria.

“The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria,” the statement read.

The two leaders will also hold high-level meetings aimed at fostering collaboration in finance, solid minerals, trade, and investment.

A France-Nigeria Business Council session will further explore private sector contributions to economic growth.

The First Ladies of both countries are set to discuss initiatives aimed at empowering women and vulnerable groups, with Brigitte Macron hosting Oluremi Tinubu for talks on the Nigerian First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

Tinubu and his wife will conclude the visit with a state dinner hosted by President Macron at the Élysée Palace.

The delegation will include senior Nigerian government officials, underscoring the significance of the bilateral engagements.

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.