Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: State Government

  • Niger State extends school shutdown in high-risk areas, sets new resumption date

    Niger State extends school shutdown in high-risk areas, sets new resumption date

    Reporting by The Nation indicates the Niger State government has kept schools in security-affected areas closed, directing only institutions in safer locations to resume based on official guidance.

    Officials warned that any private school resuming without clearance may face sanctions, as authorities try to manage learning continuity without compromising student safety.

    The decision underscores how insecurity is increasingly shaping education administration, with partial closures becoming a crisis-management tool in vulnerable zones.

    Echotitbits take: Education disruption is becoming a secondary crisis of insecurity. Watch for ward-by-ward safety classifications, how exam schedules are protected, and whether alternative learning options are funded for students in closed areas.

    Source: SaharaReporters — January 4, 2026 (https://saharareporters.com/2026/01/02/niger-government-warns-private-schools-shelve-resumption-threatens-sanctions)

    SaharaReporters January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: SaharaReporters

  • Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Rivers State Executive Council has approved a N1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget is intended to facilitate the completion of major infrastructure projects and advance social development across the state’s 23 local government areas.

    The announcement comes at a time of heightened political friction between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite the administrative progress, the political environment remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations regarding the leadership of the state.

    Premium Times reported on the ‘sounds of war’ following recent threats, highlighting that the political divide is affecting governance. Meanwhile, The Cable quoted former Governor Orji Kalu, who stated that ‘Governors, not Tinubu, are responsible for tackling insecurity,’ placing the onus of regional stability back on state leadership.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers State’s massive budget reflects its status as an economic powerhouse, but political instability could deter the very investors the state needs. Watch for whether the House of Assembly, currently split by loyalty, provides a smooth passage for this appropriation bill.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-executive-council-approves-n1-8tn-2026-budget/
    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Federal Government to give states N100m for COVID-19 response

    Federal Government to give states N100m for COVID-19 response

    The Federal Government says it will boost the financial capacity of states with N100million  to promptly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This was made known on Thursday by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.

    The Minister noted that once the Basic Health Care Provisional Fund (BHCPF) is activated, states will also get access to it to beef up their health response apparatus.

    READ ALSO: More than 10,000 health workers in Africa infected with COVID-19 – WHO

    According to Ehanire, “all states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are receiving support from the COVID-19 response through the Regional Diseases Surveillance Enhancement (REDISSE) Project.

    “With this support, they will receive N100 million to enhance high impact priority response activities. The soon to be reactivated BHCPF will join the funding pool”, he said.