Here is a roundup of the top stories making headlines in major Nigerian newspapers on Tuesday, 31 December, 2024, along with our key advocacy asks.

1. ‘2025 Budget: MDAs to spend N14.3 billion on computers’ – Daily Trust

Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) plan to splurge N14.3 billion on computers. Yes, you heard that right: billions for computers, while critical sectors cry for attention.

Our Take: This is a masterclass in misplaced priorities. National Assembly, it’s time to stop being a rubber stamp and do your job: scrutinise this spending spree and demand transparency. Nigeria does not need a fleet of overpriced laptops; it needs impactful budgetary allocations that solve real problems.

2. ‘Tinubu should probe 436 deaths in accidental bombing’ – Amnesty – Punch

Amnesty International is calling foul play on the military’s alleged cover-up of the Sokoto bombing incident, adding to a tragic tally of 436 lives lost to ‘oops moments’ in military operations over eight years.

Our Take: Enough with the ‘accidental’ excuses. Every innocent life lost is a national failure. President Tinubu, this is your wake-up call: commission an independent probe into these tragedies. Heads need to roll, protocols must tighten, and justice has to prevail. Anything less is a betrayal of the citizens you swore to protect.

3. ‘Nigerians “anticipate” end to fuel import as refining capacity surges’ – The Guardian

While the Warri refinery is back in operation and the Dangote refinery is in the mix, Nigeria still imports 30 million litres of PMS daily. Yes, we are ‘anticipating’, because hope seems to be the national energy policy.

Our Take: Enough of the ‘anticipated’ fairy tales! President Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), where is the plan? We need clear, actionable timelines to end fuel imports. Leverage local refinery capacity, ensure efficient operations, and relieve Nigerians from the stranglehold of imported fuel prices. The ball is in your court. Please do not fumble it.