society
HOW TAMINU YAKUBU IS DRIVING BUDGET INNOVATION IN NIGERIA
HOW TAMINU YAKUBU IS DRIVING BUDGET INNOVATION IN NIGERIA
By Andrew Oche
The Budget Office of the Federation, an agency within the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, traces its origins to 1921 when it was established as the Bureau of the Budget (BOB) within the Treasury Department. Since its inception, it has played a critical role of varying significance in Nigeria’s governance and economic planning.
Over the years, the Budget Office has undergone progressive transformation, evolving through innovative reforms, restructuring initiatives, and strategic collaborations at both national and subnational levels. The agency has adapted through institutional and stakeholder engagements, focusing on developing and implementing the federal budget, overseeing budget allocations across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and managing government-wide initiatives to improve the welfare of citizens.
These transformative changes reflect the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to refining the budgetary process, enhancing presidential influence, advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, and fostering efficiency, integrity, and effectiveness in government operations. Historically, a series of reforms has progressively shifted the agency away from colonial practices toward a more formalised and dynamic system.
Today, a robust model of synergy and collaboration exists, characterised by shared values and an inclusive budgetary process that involves both the legislative and administrative arms of government.This wave of innovation has gained momentum since Alhaji Taminu Yakubu Kurfi assumed the role of Director-General of the Budget Office. A former Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning in Katsina State from 1999 to 2002, and Chief Economic Adviser to President Umaru Yar’Adua, Alhaji Yakubu has proven his competence and justified the confidence placed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through his initiation of landmark reforms.
One of his key initiatives has been to strengthen the National Assembly’s role in the appropriation process while enhancing coordination for effective oversight, resulting in a dynamic, people-oriented annual budget. His commitment to accountability has transformed the Budget Office from a primarily execution-focused agency to one that emphasises monitoring and supervision. This ensures that approved and released funds are utilised for their intended projects, programs, and interventions without misappropriation, misapplication, or misallocation.
Alhaji Yakubu has also elevated the Budget Office’s role in sustaining development and ensuring the timely preparation of the annual budget, aligning it with specific fiscal objectives. Budget presentations are no longer ceremonial events but platforms for practical, sustainable, and verifiable analyses of macroeconomic indices, growth projections, and development factors. This approach facilitates effective monitoring and control of economic planning, making state infrastructure planning and implementation more feasible.
Under his leadership, the Budget Office has sustained the preparation of Development Plans and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework while actively monitoring capital projects to eliminate the issue of abandoned federal projects. Through his influence, transparency, and resolute lobbying prowess, Alhaji Yakubu has attracted reliable development partners and ensured effective monitoring of fund disbursement and application.
Alhaji Yakubu has established a robust process for state infrastructure planning and has positively impacted the implementation of developmental plans at both national and subnational levels. His steadfast integrity and sincerity have led to the development of an uncompromising monitoring framework for capital projects and the timely preparation of appraisal documents. This has accelerated progress and ensured structural compliance in all ongoing federal projects.
His integrity, accountability, and transparency have fostered confidence, dependability, and trust among development partners, enhancing their willingness to engage and invest in Nigeria. Alhaji Yakubu’s devotion has brought consistency and sanity to the budgetary process, improving fiscal policy implementation and strengthening the management of initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
An unassuming and patriotic statesman, Alhaji Yakubu personally monitors capital projects to verify their progress, contributing to the successes recorded across various sectors of the economy. His holistic reforms include workforce motivation, recognising staff as vital stakeholders in growth. To this end, he introduced a mixed-skill arrangement that enhances the capacity of existing staff by integrating inter-agency professionals, ensuring timely remuneration and fostering a proficient, engaged workforce.
Acknowledging the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Alhaji Yakubu has leveraged modern, state-of-the-art digital tools to optimise service delivery. This has created a highly productive and committed workforce capable of supporting the goals and vision of President Tinubu’s drive for a prosperous Nigeria.
Alhaji Yakubu has also fostered a conducive work environment, enhanced staff capacity, and provided necessary tools, including official and private vehicles for efficient project monitoring and evaluation. As a highly intellectual and cerebral administrator, he has identified cost-saving strategies for budget analysis and devised methods to improve forecasting and variance analysis, achieving nearly 90% accuracy in predicting revenue and expenditure trends. This robust forecasting model accounts for seasonal fluctuations, resulting in improved outcomes.
The adoption of cross-functional teams has aligned the annual national budget with the goals of government MDAs, fostering collaboration, synergy, and peer review across different arms and tiers of government. Alhaji Yakubu has enriched the budget process by incorporating strategic planning, compliance indicators, and meticulous tracking of disbursed funds and project implementation. His engagement with critical stakeholders, partners, and investors at both national and subnational levels has built confidence and facilitated seamless implementation, efficiency, and effectiveness.
As an astute administrator, Alhaji Yakubu’s commitment to structural and systemic reforms is yielding results, transforming the operations of Permanent Secretaries and introducing efficiency across MDAs.His pragmatic approach has enabled Nigeria to operate a triple budget instrument—the 2024 Main Appropriation Act, the 2024 Supplementary Budget, and the 2025 Appropriation Act—seamlessly. Notably, Alhaji Yakubu ensured that the 2025 Appropriation Act was prepared and signed before the end of 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscores his commitment to fiscal discipline and timely budget implementation.
These reforms have contributed to economic recovery, increased gross domestic product, and enhanced fiscal efficiency. Innovations in the upstream sector have reduced production costs, increased crude oil output to 2.6 million barrels per day, and boosted profitability. Recognising the agricultural sector’s importance, Alhaji Yakubu has prioritised timely fund releases for agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, agrochemicals, and tractors, significantly enhancing food production, security, and availability. Alhaji Taminu Yakubu Kurfi has led an inspiring stabilisation of Nigeria’s economy, reduced inflation, and promoted economic growth within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda through the Budget Office. His leadership continues to drive transformative change, ensuring a prosperous future for Nigeria.
Oche writes from Makurdi.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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