Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), on behalf of the National Working Committee, leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Nigeria and in the diaspora, has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

Yilwatda noted that the occasion is not only a moment of celebration for our great Party and our nation, but also an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the life, legacy, courage and enduring contributions of a statesman whose political journey has profoundly shaped the democratic evolution and development trajectory of our country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s life has been defined by uncommon vision, resilience, strategic leadership, and an abiding commitment to nation-building.

Over the decades, he has distinguished himself as a patriot, reformer, democrat, bridge-builder and bold thinker who has consistently placed the national interest above personal comfort. From his days in the trenches of the democratic struggle to his remarkable stewardship as Governor of Lagos State, and now as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has remained a symbol of purposeful leadership and progressive governance.

Today, as he marks 74 years of impactful living, the national chairman said Nigeria is witnessing a decisive era of courageous leadership and transformational reforms under his watch. President Tinubu came into office at a critical moment in our national life, with the resolve to confront longstanding structural distortions in our economy and governance architecture.

Rather than postpone difficult but necessary decisions, Yilwatda said the president has demonstrated statesmanship by initiating bold and far-reaching reforms aimed at laying a sustainable foundation for national prosperity, economic stability and inclusive growth.

The reform programmes of the Tinubu administration are visionary, strategic and deeply rooted in the long-term interest of the Nigerian people. His administration has shown uncommon courage in addressing inherited economic challenges through difficult but necessary policy choices designed to reposition the country for greater productivity, competitiveness and resilience, he said.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Yilwatda said Nigeria is undergoing a broad-based recalibration of its economic and governance systems. His administration has taken practical steps to stabilize the economy, restore investor confidence, strengthen fiscal discipline, improve revenue generation, deepen infrastructure development, reform critical sectors, expand social interventions and create an enabling environment for enterprise and innovation. These reforms, though demanding in the short term, are foundational and transformative in their long-term implications.

Notably, he said the President Tinubu has remained steadfast in his commitment to renewing hope for millions of Nigerians through deliberate policies aimed at improving livelihoods, supporting vulnerable citizens, boosting agriculture, reviving industry, enhancing energy security, expanding access to education and healthcare, and improving the overall ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He said the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal, digital innovation, youth empowerment, local production, social investment, and subnational collaboration reflects a comprehensive and future-facing governance philosophy.

Equally commendable is the administration’s determination to strengthen national security, preserve unity, and build a more stable and confident federation where every Nigerian can aspire, contribute and thrive.

President Tinubu’s leadership style continues to reflect firmness, clarity of purpose, political wisdom and an unwavering belief in the greatness of Nigeria. At a time when the nation requires courage more than convenience, he has shown the character and capacity of a leader prepared to make history, not merely manage it.

As a Party, the All Progressives Congress is proud of the bold reformist direction of this administration and the discipline, focus and patriotism with which President Tinubu is steering the ship of state.

“We acknowledge that meaningful reform often comes with temporary discomfort, but we are convinced that the sacrifices of today will yield a stronger, more prosperous and more equitable Nigeria for present and future generations, he said.

“Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to inspire confidence across the nation through his steadfast dedication to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and responsible governance. His leadership embodies the progressive values upon which our Party is built, courage, justice, development, inclusion and national renewal.”

As he celebrates his 74th birthday, we honour not just his age, but the depth of his service, the strength of his convictions, and the historic significance of his leadership at this defining moment in our nation’s journey.

“On this special occasion, I join millions of Nigerians, friends of Nigeria and admirers of purposeful leadership around the world in praying that Almighty God grants Mr. President renewed strength, divine wisdom, sound health and greater grace to continue leading our beloved country to peace, stability and enduring prosperity.”

“Happy 74th Birthday, Your Excellency. Nigeria is grateful for your service.

The All Progressives Congress is proud of your leadership. History will remember your courage, Yilwatda said.

Nigeria’s last credible population census was conducted in 2006. Twenty years later, the most populous country in Africa still does not know how many people live within its borders.

This is not a minor administrative inconvenience. It is a governance crisis with consequences that touch every Nigerian in the classroom, in the hospital, in the ward, and at the polling booth.

What makes this crisis more alarming is what we have found in the public expenditure records. Tracka unravelled payments totalling N129.5 billion made to various contractors and service providers in connection with activities related to the conduct of the suspended 2023 National Population Census between February 2022 and December 2023.

The census, which was announced, partially mobilised, and ultimately truncated without a single enumeration result being published, has consumed billions of naira of public funds with no corresponding public accountability.

Our independent tracking has revealed that disbursements were made, among others, for the following items:

• 38 billion for Personal Digital Assistants and Accessories
• 47 billion for Hilux vehicles
• 8 million for power banks
• 19 million for an e-recruitment portal

These figures raise questions that the National Population Commission has, to date, refused to answer.

In keeping with our commitment to evidence-based accountability, Tracka formally wrote to the National Population Commission on 19 February 2026, under Reference No. TRK/FOI/NPC/001, invoking the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Hon. (Dr.) Aminu Yusuf, specifically requested:

First, the total amount of funds released and disbursed for the 2023 Population Census exercise from inception to date.

Second, a full breakdown of all disbursements, including amounts, dates, beneficiaries, and the purpose for which each payment was made. Third, the expected deliverables or outcomes tied to the funds disbursed so far. Fourth, the current status of the census project and any revised timelines for completion.

Fifth, any monitoring, evaluation, or audit reports concerning the use of these funds.

The letter was received and officially acknowledged by the Office of the Executive Chairman of the National Population Commission on 2 March 2026. That stamp is on record.

As of today, March 26, 2026, more than three weeks after receipt, the National Population Commission has provided no response, no acknowledgement of the specific requests, and no indication that a response is forthcoming.

This silence is not an administrative delay. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, a public institution is required to respond within seven days. The National Population Commission is now in clear violation of Nigerian law.

WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND THE NUMBERS

According to Joshua Osiyemi, the Head of Tracka, “We recognise that for some, N129.5 billion is an abstraction, a large figure in a country accustomed to large figures. We want to be clear about what this money was supposed to deliver and what its absence means in practical terms.

An accurate, credible population census is not a statistical exercise. It is the foundation upon which every serious development decision in a modern state is built. Without it, children continue to attend overcrowded classrooms because governments cannot accurately project school-age populations or allocate educational resources equitably.

Hospitals and Primary Health Centres remain under-resourced because health planners are working with projections that are now two decades out of date. Federal allocations to states and local governments are distributed based on population estimates that no longer reflect demographic reality, deepening regional inequality and political grievance.

Social protection programmes from conditional cash transfers to school feeding schemes are designed on guesswork rather than evidence, meaning the most vulnerable Nigerians are routinely missed. Electoral representation, constituency delineation, and the allocation of political seats continue to rest on figures from 2006, a structural injustice embedded in Nigeria’s democratic architecture.

Behind every one of these consequences are real people, including children, patients, farmers, and mothers whose needs are systematically undercounted because Nigeria has not done what every serious country does as a matter of routine governance.”

N129.5 billion was paid, at least in part, to address this problem. The problem remains entirely unaddressed. Is the money gone? Meanwhile, the National Population Commission has not explained what happened.

OUR DEMANDS

Tracka, as a programme of BudgIT Foundation, makes the following formal demands:

To the National Population Commission: Respond to our Freedom of Information request immediately and in full, as required by law.

Publish a comprehensive public account of every naira disbursed for the 2023 census exercise, including the identity of all contractors, the value of all contracts, and the deliverables received against each payment. Provide a clear, time-bound roadmap for when Nigeria will have a credible, completed population census.

To the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission: We urge the Commission to take a serious interest in the disbursement and utilisation of the N129.5 billion tracked for this exercise. The scale of spending against the complete absence of outcomes warrants urgent investigative attention.

To the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission: We call on the Commission to examine the procurement processes through which contracts for Personal Digital Assistants, Hilux vehicles, power banks, and other accessories were awarded, and to determine whether due process was followed and whether value for money was obtained.

To the National Assembly Public Account Committee: The legislature has both the constitutional authority and the civic responsibility to summon the National Population Commission for a public hearing on the utilisation of census funds. We call on the relevant committees of both chambers to exercise that authority without delay. Nigerians deserve to hear these answers in public.

A FINAL WORD

Tracka exists because Nigerians deserve a government that can be held to account, not only at election time, but every day and in every line of the public budget. We will continue to track, verify, and publish findings on the use of public funds, regardless of the agency involved or the political sensitivity of the subject matter.

The suspended 2023 census is not simply a technocratic failure. It is a symbol of a governance culture in which billions can be spent, projects can be abandoned, laws can be violated, and institutions can remain silent without consequence.

We do not accept that silence. Nigeria cannot plan its future without knowing its people. And Nigerians cannot trust their government without knowing where their money went.

We will be watching. And we will keep asking.

Nigeria’s Technology-driven Credit Rating Agency (CRA) has announced March 26th 2026 as the date for its annual virtual training for media practitioners.

The training program was conceived by the company in 2021 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in order to increase the investing public awareness about the value propositions of the Credit Rating Industry.

Participants from the Print & Electronic Media, Editors of Publications in the Capital Market, Financial Analysts, Communication Officers as well as Financial Industry Influencers are expected to attend the virtual program.

Speaking on the theme “Reporting Financial Analysis in the Age of AI.” the Company’s Executive Director/Chief Rating Officer, Mr. Oladele Adeoye noted: “Financial reporting is no longer just about numbers; it is about trust, transparency, and resilience. In the age of AI, media practitioners must be equipped to interpret dynamic data and communicate it in ways that empower society.”

The primary objective of the training is to equip media practitioners with a practical understanding of how AI tools are reshaping financial reporting and analysis.

DataPro also organises the International Credit Rating Webinar annually every October in continuation of its socialisation efforts at promoting the Rating industry and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

World Stage Limited (WorldStage), a Nigerian-based research and technology-driven global focused firm has announced plans to present its Nigeria’s Macroeconomic Outlook 2026 on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the LCCI-BOI Innovation Hub, Nurudeen Olowpopo Street, Alausa Ikeja Lagos by 10am.

According to a statement by WorldStage, the event will hold with a business talk titled “Nigeria’s Economy: Getting it right” by Engr Jani Ibrahim, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

The Outlook titled “Turning the corner” which was produced in partnership with Zenith Bank, NLNG, CBN, NNPC Limited, Linkage Assurance and Fidelity Bank will be reviewed at the forum by Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State.

Mr. Tim Akano, MD/CEO, New Horizons Nigeria in his Foreword for the Outlook said: “WorldStage Nigeria’s Macroeconomic Outlook 2026 arrives at a time when conversations about reform, productivity, and sustainable growth have become more crucial.

“This publication provides a thoughtful and well-researched perspective on various sectors that shape Nigeria’s economic landscape. From banking, capital markets, and telecommunications to agriculture, manufacturing, education, and the creative economy, the contributors provide insights that help readers understand both the opportunities and the complexities within the Nigerian economy.”

He added that, “what stands out in this outlook is its balanced reflection of ambition and realism. While the projections point to improving macroeconomic indicators and renewed momentum driven by ongoing reforms, the analysis does not ignore the structural challenges that still demand observation and attention particularly in infrastructure, productivity, funding, and regulatory efficiency in the country. Addressing these issues will determine how effectively Nigeria can translate policy intentions into measurable national progress.”

Mr. Segun Adeleye, President/CEO of WorldStage said: “We set out to produce one of the best and most comprehensive outlooks for Nigeria with this. We want it to stand out as a trusted document that all stakeholders including local and international investors can rely on throughout the year and beyond.”

The event is to be attended by major stakeholders in the economy including regulators, operators and the media.

Daily Economy Concept, the Publisher of Daily Economy, a fast-growing multimedia platform, has announced plans to celebrate its second anniversary with the official launch of a landmark book titled “Trends in Nigeria’s Insurance Industry (2005–2025) & Selected Insurance Icons.”

The event is scheduled to hold on March 31, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel by 10:00 a.m. and is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s insurance and financial sectors.

The occasion will feature prominent personalities in the insurance and financial services industry. The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, will be the Chief Keynote Speaker and Chief Presenter of the book.

The Chairman of the Occasion is the Chairman of Prestige Insurance Brokers Limited, Prince (Dr.) Feyisayo Soyewo, MFR, while the Special Guest of Honour is the Group Managing Director/CEO of the African Reinsurance Corporation, Dr. Corneille Karekezi.

Other distinguished guests expected at the event include the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs. Yetunde Ilori; Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Kunle Ahmed; and President and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe.

The book, written by Nike Popoola, a multiple award-winning journalist and Editor of Daily Economy, provides a comprehensive account of the transformation of Nigeria’s insurance industry over the past two decades. It documents major reforms, regulatory developments, recapitalisation efforts, and the contributions of notable industry leaders.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Popoola said the publication was inspired by the need to document the industry’s evolution and preserve its institutional memory.

“This book is the product of extensive research and years of covering the insurance sector. It tells the story of how the industry has evolved from a relatively underdeveloped sector into one that is increasingly relevant to Nigeria’s economy. Importantly, it highlights the people whose contributions have shaped this transformation,” she said.

Also speaking on the significance of the event, the Publisher of Daily Economy noted that the anniversary and book launch represent a major milestone for the organisation.

“As a publication committed to deepening financial literacy and industry knowledge, we are proud to present this book as a contribution to the insurance ecosystem. It is not just a celebration of our journey over the past two years, but also a platform to spotlight the growth and potential of Nigeria’s insurance industry,” the Publisher said.

The publication offers rich insights for industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, and students, while also featuring photographic documentation of key events that have shaped the industry over the last 20 years.

The event will provide a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and reflection on the future of insurance in Nigeria.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to “direct the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee to publish the names and designations of all officials implicated in the alleged ₦200 trillion missing or unaccounted for from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), regardless of their social or political status.”

SERAP urged him to “direct the Committee to widely disclose details of the ongoing investigation, including audit reports, financial records, and official communications relied upon by the Committee, as well as the timelines for when any implicated officials should appear before it and for the conclusion of the investigation.”

SERAP also urged him to “direct the Public Accounts Committee to widely publish the complete records of the proceedings, including minutes, submissions, and evidence presented, to ensure transparency and enable Nigerians to independently scrutinise the evidence and process.”

The Public Accounts Committee is investigating allegations that about ₦200 trillion is missing from NNPCL’s accounts between 2017 and 2023. The Committee has raised concerns over unreconciled figures and lack of supporting documentation, yet several officials have failed to appear or provide satisfactory explanations.

In the letter dated 21 March 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Full disclosure of the ongoing investigation is essential to ensure transparency and accountability, prevent political interference, and allow Nigerians to independently scrutinise the facts and investigation.”

SERAP said: “The allegations that ₦200 trillion is missing or unaccounted for, whether fully accurate or partly overstated, can only be taken seriously by Nigerians if the Senate is fully transparent in its ongoing investigation regarding the credibility, plausibility, and accuracy of the claims.”

According to SERAP, “Transparency regarding the ongoing investigation would prevent any perception of a cover-up or political compromise, and ensure that the facts are clearly established.”

The letter, read in part: “Providing complete and verifiable information would allow the public and oversight institutions to assess the situation objectively and determine where the truth lies regarding the allegations.”

“The magnitude of the sum, combined with the NNPCL’s history of opaque practices, underscores the urgency of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.”

“Allowing these allegations to be ignored, delayed, or politicized risks normalising impunity and diminishes the public’s right to know how national wealth is being managed.”

“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring that all discrepancies are fully examined and that those responsible are identified and held to account, as part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and protect the nation’s economic future.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“The ongoing probe by the Public Accounts Committee into the alleged missing ₦200 trillion from the NNPCL has been dragging for an extended period, with repeated delays in the appearance of officials and slow progress in reconciling the disputed figures.”

“Such delays undermine public confidence in the investigative process and create the risk of key evidence being lost or distorted.”

“It is imperative that the Committee promptly concludes its investigation in a timely and transparent manner, with clear timelines for the appearance of implicated individuals and the publication of findings, so that accountability is achieved and Nigerians are able to fully understand the outcome.

“The NNPCL has long operated with significant opacity in its financial and operational activities, which has repeatedly limited public oversight and created fertile ground for corruption, mismanagement or misreporting.”

“Given the central role of the NNPCL in managing Nigeria’s primary source of revenue, the company ought to be held fully accountable for all funds under its stewardship.”

“Transparency in the operations of the NNPCL is a matter of public interest and public trust. Failure to ensure accountability regarding the allegations undermines confidence in the management of the country’s resources and increases the risk of financial impropriety going unchecked.”

“Given the scale of the figures involved and the public importance of the NNPCL, there have been growing calls for full disclosure of all relevant records, evidence and explanations to enable independent scrutiny by Nigerians.”

“Public institutions such as the Senate, exercising oversight over national resources, must do so in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and open to public scrutiny.”

“Proactive disclosure of the audit reports, financial records, and official communications relied upon by the Committee would enable Nigerians to independently assess the credibility of the allegations and the integrity of the investigative process.”

“Publishing the names and designations of all officials and entities under investigation, regardless of status or influence, is critical to reinforcing the principle of equality before the law and preventing any perception of selective accountability.”

“Transparency in this regard would help build public confidence that the investigation is not being shaped by political considerations or undue influence.”

“Similarly, making available the full records and transcripts of the Committee’s proceedings—including minutes, submissions, and evidence—would ensure that the process is subject to informed public oversight and reduce the risk of misrepresentation, suppression of facts, or post hoc alterations to the record.”

“Disclosure of the terms of reference, scope, and methodology of the investigation would also clarify the parameters within which the Committee is operating.”

“Without this information, it is difficult for the public to determine whether the inquiry is sufficiently comprehensive, impartial, and capable of addressing the issues raised by the audit findings.”

“Clear timelines for the appearance of individuals under investigation and for the completion of the inquiry, would also promote efficiency, prevent undue delays, and signal a genuine commitment to resolving the matter in a credible manner.”

“The publication of the information requested would serve as a safeguard against any potential cover-up or political compromise and would help to ensure that the outcome of the investigation reflects the truth of the matter.”

“By directing the Public Accounts Committee to act in accordance with these principles, the Senate leadership would be taking a decisive step toward strengthening accountability, restoring public trust, and upholding the rule of law.”

“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] requires public institutions, including the Senate, to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“Section 85(5) empowers the National Assembly, through its committees, to summon any person or authority to provide information, documents, or explanations necessary for legislative oversight, including compelling attendance at hearings to ensure accountability, transparency, and proper scrutiny of public institutions.”

“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption require the Senate to ensure transparency and proper management of public funds.”

“Article 21 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights recognises the right of peoples to freely dispose of their natural resources and provides that the misappropriation of such resources gives rise to the right of recovery and compensation.”

“According to our information, the ongoing investigation by the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee was triggered by audit findings covering the period from 2017 to 2023, which highlighted about ₦210 trillion in entries within the accounts of the NNPCL that lawmakers said were not properly reconciled or explained.”

“The committee’s review focused on two broad categories: roughly ₦103 trillion recorded as joint venture costs and operational expenses, and about ₦107 trillion classified as receivables, subsidies, and other financial obligations.”

“The Committee raised concerns that the figures, as presented in audit reports, lacked sufficient supporting documentation and clarity, prompting questions about the accuracy and completeness of NNPCL’s financial records.”

“In response, the Public Accounts Committee summoned current and former NNPCL officials to provide explanations and supporting evidence for the disputed figures. Lawmakers described several of the company’s submissions as inconsistent or unsatisfactory and indicated the need for further scrutiny.”

“The proceedings remain ongoing, with the committee seeking to reconcile the accounts, determine whether the discrepancies stem from accounting complexities or misreporting, and establish if any financial impropriety occurred.”

“Despite repeated invitations and ultimatums issued by the committee, NNPCL and several of the officials identified in the audit queries have reportedly failed to appear before the panel or provide comprehensive explanations addressing the concerns raised.”

“This non-compliance has heightened tensions between the legislature and the NNPCL, and raised concerns and unresolved issues about transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth and resources.”