In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Friday, 20 December, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
Senate passes 2025 budget for second reading, adjourns till Jan 14 – The Guardian
Barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Senate has passed the piece of legislation for second reading.
The swift passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill for second reading, less than 24 hours after its presentation by President Bola Tinubu, raises concerns about the depth of scrutiny and deliberation given to the budget. For a budget that would significantly impact the lives of millions of citizens, particularly those struggling with economic hardship, we call on the Senate thoroughly examine and debate the bill to ensure it adequately addresses the needs of the common man.
2025 budget: Tinubu, Shettima’s trips, refreshments to gulp N9.4bn – Daily Trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will spend N9.36 billion on local and foreign travels as well as refreshments in the coming year.
This is contained in the details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
We urge the Tinubu administration to prioritise reducing the cost of governance by curbing excessive spending on travels and refreshments, as highlighted in the 2025 Appropriation Bill. In a time of economic hardship for many Nigerians, the government should lead by example, channeling these resources toward critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure to address pressing national challenges and foster inclusive development.
Health risks worsen as 48m Nigerians practice open defecation – Vanguard
THE United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, yesterday, said it has entered into a partnership with journalists, government officials and other relevant stakeholders to end open defecation and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation must intensify its efforts to eradicate open defecation by increasing investment in sanitation infrastructure, and strengthening community-led initiatives to promote behavioural change.