Here is a roundup of the top stories making headlines in major Nigerian newspapers on Friday, 03 January, 2025, along with our key advocacy asks.

1.’Food crisis: Five months after, federal government yet to implement duty waiver’ – Daily Trust

Five months ago, the federal government generously gifted Nigerians a 150-day window for free importation of food items, except it seems they forgot to unlock the window. Perhaps they are waiting for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, or maybe the keys are stuck in the same place as all their other ‘promises’.

Our Take: It has been five months, and Nigerians are still waiting for relief from rising food prices. The Nigeria Customs Service should roll up its sleeves and turn this policy from paper into action.

2. ‘Federal government’s deficit spending rises 28 percent to N12.1trn’ – Vanguard

In a display of financial acrobatics, the federal government has managed to outdo itself, raising deficit spending by 28 percent year-on-year to a jaw-dropping N12.1 trillion in the first ten months of 2024.

Our Take: With the deficit spending now soaring 31 percent above the 2024 budget target, it seems the federal government is taking ‘go big or go home’ a bit too literally. Perhaps it’s time to trade grand gestures for fiscal prudence.

3. ‘Federal government rolls out initiative, targets food security’ –  The Guardian

The federal government has rolled out initiatives to enhance and sustain food security in the country.

Our Take: While the Minister of Agriculture’s grand proclamations on food security are a step in the right direction, these promises should sprout beyond the fertile grounds of social media posts and into the hands of smallholder farmers.