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NASS commends Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo over 2024 budget performance

Published

9 months ago

January 16, 2025

…as Ministry proposes N6bn for 2025 budget

By Comfort Olayinka

The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Interior, on Wednesday, commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo over the 2024 budget performance of the Ministry.

The Joint Committees gave the commendation on Wednesday, when the Minister appeared in National Assembly to defend the 2025 budget of the Ministry.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo told the lawmakers during the session that the Ministry’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) exceeded its target In the 2024 budget.

He said, “In 2024, we had a revenue target as approved by the National Assembly of N1.2bn for business expatriates quotas and naturalisation. But what we were able to generate was N4,508,306,968.5”.

The Minister explained that the increase in the IGR was not as a result of the increased in expatriates quota revenue, noting that a lot of key sectors within the Ministry came alive in the last financial year.

He attributed the increase to some measures adopted by the Ministry to close linkages via zero remittances and a full automated of solutions.

According to him, it was the automation of these solutions that closed some of the linkages which made the revenue to shoot up.

The Minister further stated that the total target for 2024 was N2bn, adding that in the actual sense it was able to generate over N5bn in the year under review.

Impressed with the budget performance, the lawmakers, who could not hide their satisfaction, commended the Minister for a job well done, with he committee chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole taking the lead.

“Honourable Minister you have done extremely well. I think you have been detailed, I have attended some other budget defence and I can’t recall anyone as extremely detailed as you did.

“We have seen what you have done in 2024, we expect you to do more in 2025 knowing that you have a lot of energy.

“Now you have made your presentation and I believe we are very satisfied with your explanation. If there are more questions, like you said after this budget session, we can have a special session to discuss further”, Oshiomhole said.

Meanwhile, the Minister proposed a total of N6,683,463,175 for the 2025 budget, with the breakdown of Personnel, 1,692,410,481; Overhead,1,159,879,666 and Capital, 3,831,173.58.

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Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo

Published

2 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.

The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.

“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.

The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

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