In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Monday, 23 December, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.

Abuja stampede: Crowd overwhelming, we were swept away – Vanguard

The promise of hope and goodwill that comes with Christmas was shattered in a devastating stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, over the weekend.

We call on the Bola Tinubu-led administration to urgently address the devastating hunger and economic hardships driving such desperate situations by implementing immediate and sustainable interventions.

2025 budget: Scrapped N/Delta, sports ministries get N2.3trn  – Daily Trust

The federal government voted N2.3 trillion for the scrapped ministries of Niger Delta and Sports Development in the 2025 budget proposals, checks by Daily Trust have revealed.

We call on the Senate to exercise thorough scrutiny of the 2025 budget to address such discrepancies and ensure transparency and accountability in the budgeting process while preventing errors that could undermine public trust and efficient resource allocation.

18,000 pensioners yet to receive benefits PenCom laments low funds – The Guardian

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) said only 18,000 pensioners are yet to receive pension accrued benefits despite the Federal Government’s N44 billion provision between March and September 2023. The commission stated this at a workshop organised by PenCom for media on the development of the sector in Lagos.

We call on PenCom to urgently address the delay in disbursing accrued benefits to the 18,000 affected pensioners, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process.

We urge President Tinubu’s government to prioritise adequate and timely funding of pension obligations to uphold the dignity and welfare of retirees who have faithfully served the nation.