Morning recap: States get N435bn for security, Atiku’s subsidy push opposed, other top stories
August 21, 2026 7:12 am
File: Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar.
From a fresh N435bn boost for state security and infrastructure to growing opposition to Atiku Abubakar’s petrol subsidy proposal, the EFCC and ICPC probe of N12bn NFF funds, a fresh UK travel warning covering 11 Nigerian states, and Davido’s playful exchange with Wike, these are the major stories making headlines this morning.
States get special N435bn for security, infrastructure
State governments received at least N435bn through a special Federation Account Allocation Committee intervention for infrastructure and security between January and June 2026, according to available half-year budget implementation reports from 29 states. The funding was recorded under a relatively new intervention window for state infrastructure and security.
The intervention, classified in state financial records as “State Infrastructure and Security,” is distinct from conventional statutory FAAC allocations, although the funds were distributed as regular FAAC revenue. No amount was disbursed under the window during the corresponding period in 2025.
The development comes amid growing demands for states to deploy increased federal allocations to address infrastructure deficits and worsening security challenges.
Read here: https://punchng.com/states-get-special-n435bn-for-security-infrastructure/
Presidency, private sector reject Atiku’s petrol subsidy plan
The Presidency and the Organised Private Sector have kicked against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. The proposal has also divided organised labour, with the Nigeria Labour Congress expressing differing positions on the policy.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has made the restoration of petrol subsidy part of his economic proposition ahead of the 2027 election. President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidy during his inaugural address in May 2023.
The opposition to Atiku’s proposal comes as the Federal Government continues to defend the economic reforms implemented since the subsidy removal, while businesses and Nigerians continue to debate their effects on living costs and the wider economy.
Read here: https://punchng.com/presidency-ops-kick-against-atikus-petrol-subsidy-push/
EFCC, ICPC summon NFF officials over N12bn FG fund
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have commenced investigations into the utilisation of a N12bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation for players’ wages and bonuses.
The fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams. The investigation followed a request under the Freedom of Information Act for financial records and other documents relating to the fund.
The NFF reportedly declined to release the requested records, stating that the matter was already the subject of investigations by the EFCC and ICPC.
Read here: https://punchng.com/efcc-icpc-summon-nff-officials-over-n12bn-fg-fund/
UK warns citizens against travel to Borno, Yobe, nine others
The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe, citing security concerns. It also advised against non-essential travel to parts of 19 other states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The updated travel advisory covers entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health concerns and assistance available to British nationals in Nigeria. The affected areas include some of the country’s regions that have continued to face terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The UK government urged travellers to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance, while warning that no travel can be guaranteed to be safe.
Read here: https://punchng.com/uk-warns-citizens-against-travel-to-borno-yobe-nine-others/
VIDEO: Davido tells Wike, ‘I won, beat you guys’
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was captured in a playful exchange with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, repeatedly telling the minister, “I won. I beat you guys.”
The light-hearted exchange occurred when Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke visited Wike on Thursday, days after Adeleke was declared winner of the Osun governorship election.
Wike responded with a smile and disputed Davido’s claim, asking, “You beat us?” as the singer continued to insist that he had defeated the minister’s side. The exchange has since gone viral on social media.
Read here: https://punchng.com/video-i-won-beat-you-guys-davido-tells-wike-in-playful-exchange/
Rotimi, with over 12 years of quality media experience, reports entertainment and politics
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]