Category Nigeria News

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the distribution of condoms for the disease’s prevention in Nigeria has decreased by 55% from last December to March this year.

What the organization described as widespread disruptions to prevention, testing, and community-based programs across dozens of nations is illustrated by the figure, which was made public on Tuesday in the UNAIDS’ 2025 World AIDS Day report, Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.

Due to the cuts to global programs since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, an uncountable number of additional people have died from AIDS, and 2.5 million have lost access to medication to stop the spread of HIV.

In a report released by UNAIDS, persistent funding shortfalls and the risky risks posed by the global HIV response have profound, long-lasting effects on the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide.

The impact was “immediate and severe” for countries like Nigeria, which is crucial for funding prevention infrastructure.

According to the report, UNAIDS’ community partners reported deaths of HIV-positive individuals who had been affected by local clinics and treatments, but it is unclear how many more deaths were brought on because data collection was still being done.

The United States, which contributed 75% of all global HIV funding, abruptly stopped all funding for HIV-related causes earlier in the year, according to UNAIDS, which was the catalyst for the global AIDS response.

Other donor countries have drastically reduced their foreign aid this year, including those in Europe, which have been pressed by Trump to instead increase defense spending.

Despite funding for some HIV programs that were previously funded by a U.S. program known as PEPFAR, UNAIDS, overall funding is still declining, putting in doubt 2030’s goals to end AIDS as a public health threat, according to UNAIDS.

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Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, stated to reporters in Geneva that her organization was working with at least 30 nations to reduce their dependence on international donors. She claimed that there are still significant challenges to overcome and that the funding gap cannot be closed right away.

According to the U.N. agency, there are 40.8 million HIV-positive people living, and 1.3 million new cases were identified in 2024.

In medical training and testing, the invention may lessen the need for cadavers and animals.

In October 2025, donors’ funding gaps reportedly caused 2.5 million people to lose access to the PrEP preventive HIV medication. According to Byanyima, Burundi’s distribution of preventive HIV medications decreased by 31%, 21%, and 64%.

Nearly half of women and adolescent girls reported interruptions to HIV prevention and treatment services in their communities, according to a survey conducted this year by UNAIDS and the ATHENA Network, a women’s rights organization.

In contrast to 2010, there were only 39% fewer people in the world who contracted HIV, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the greatest decline (56%).

However, an estimated 1.3 million [1 / 1.0 million / 1.7 million] people became HIV in 2023, which is more than the 370, 000 or fewer new infections that were targeted in 2025.

Condom programs have been defunded and social marketing initiatives have been reduced in many countries, but condom use continues to be the most cost-effective low-cost HIV prevention method. According to household survey data, condom use has decreased in recent years, particularly among young people between the ages of 15 and 24 and is not as frequent during sex with non-regular partners.

“A condom was used at the last sex by 36% of adults in eastern and southern Africa and 25% in western and central Africa.”

The HIV response is being hampered by a growing funding gap.

In 2023, low- and middle-income countries had funding for HIV programs worth almost US $ 9.8 billion (2019 United States dollars), which is almost US $ 9.9 billion less than the amount needed in 2025.

The total HIV resources available are at their lowest level in more than ten years, inflation-adjusted.

Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa are the countries that are preventing HIV epidemics the most.

The majority of HIV funding comes from domestic sources (roughly 59%), but stress exists for both domestic and international funding.

Domestic HIV funding decreased for the fourth year in a row in 2023, and international resources were almost 20% less than they did in 2013 when inflation was adjusted for inflation.

The amount of funding provided by bilateral donors has drastically decreased. Without continued, substantial funding from the United States Government and the Global Fund to Combat AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the overall reductions in external HIV resources would be much greater.

HIV development assistance will continue to be a significant priority. The HIV response is still underfunded, despite societal enabler programs, and community-led initiatives.

“People from important populations are especially neglected,” according to the report, “even in areas where the vast majority of new HIV infections are spread by people from these populations.”

In contrast to the US $ 9.5 billion that will be required in 2025, USAID estimated that between US $ 1.8 billion and US $ 2.4 billion were available for primary prevention programs in low- and middle-income countries in 2023.

UNAIDS urged world leaders to reiterate their political and financial commitments to ending AIDS, citing commitments made at the most recent G20 summit in South Africa.

The budget’s “Budget of Innovation & Transformation for Greater Jigawa II” represents a 19.2% increase over the budget’s 2025 budget.

The governor claims that the proposal is based on the government’s 12-Point Agenda, which was included in the recently approved third edition of the Jigawa State Comprehensive Development Framework.

The Governor stated during the presentation that the 2026 proposed budget would largely follow the philosophy and policy direction that served as the budget’s guiding principle. Our main goals will be to use agriculture, SMEs, and critical infrastructure to promote inclusive and human-centred economic growth.

Governor Yusuf also presents the Kano Assembly with the budget for 2026.

Breakdown of Revenue and Expense

The governor stated that the state intends to use a variety of sources of revenue to fund the budget, including statutory allocation (N96. 3 billion), VAT share (N102bn), other federal transfers (N223bn), internally generated revenue (N88. 9 billion), local government reimbursements, and capital receipts in excess of N349 billion.

Capital spending accounts for nearly 77% of the budget, making up one of the largest capital allocations in recent years, accounting for N693.4 billion in expenditures.

The governor stated that “this robust structure allows us to pursue our 12-Point Agenda, which includes investments in human capital development, agricultural transformation, and youth empowerment.”

The Social Sector, Agriculture, and Roads are the biggest beneficiaries.

The highest capital investment total was N186.37 billion, which includes over 60 regional roads, 20 township roads, and numerous feeder roads in each of the 27 local government areas.

Along with significant new regional routes like Kafin Hausa–Gafasa–Jabo and Guri–Margadu, the governor announced the opening of new township roads in Hadejia, Basirka, Gantsa, Buji, Garun Gabas, and others.

N74.98 billion is followed by N74.98 billion, which shows how the government is pushing for improved livestock productivity, mechanization, and food security.

He stated, “These investments demonstrate our unwavering commitment to economic diversification and prosperity for all Jigawa Staten citizens.”

N50.7 billion was primarily used for renewable energy projects, solarization of public buildings, and rural electrification.

More than one-third of the budget is made up of education and health, accounting for more than 310 billion. Despite competing with international benchmarks, education alone accounts for over 26% of the total.

Other important industries, such as housing and urban development (N7.9 billion), environment and climate resilience (N25.4 billion), and water supply (N25.4 billion), also received substantial funding.

Youth Empowerment and Social Intervention

Skills centers, microcredit programs, agro-processing equipment leasing, and women’s enterprise support are among the N12.7 billion that are allocated for youth empowerment and employment initiatives.

Our goal, according to the Governor, is to promote entrepreneurship and provide numerous opportunities for women and youth, paving the way for long-term prosperity.

Local government budgets

A consolidated budget of N288.8 billion will be managed by local government councils. N137.6 billion in capital expenditures are accounted for by personnel costs, which total N68.8 billion in overhead and N74.2 billion in overhead.

Additionally, the councils are expected to expand mass housing, implement greenhouse- and dry-season irrigation schemes, and support Tsangaya education.

Call for Timely Passage

The governor urged lawmakers to quickly review the budget while wrapping up his address, “I also kindly request that the 2026 Appropriation Bill be approved and passed.

He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to accountable and participatory governance, and he concluded with a prayer for state and nation peace and progress.

All schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School have been vowed to return home, according to the governor of Niger State, Kayode Egbetokun, who described the incident as one of the most agonizing security breaches in recent memory.

Egbetokun expressed concern about the security situation in Niger State, calling it a hotspot for attacks, displacement, and growing bravery of criminal organizations, and expressed concern for it as the security situation is getting worse.

The IGP made the warning that Nigeria is currently experiencing “a deeply troubling security moment” while visiting the state, stressing that only a coordinated, united response from the government, security organizations, traditional leaders, and community networks can turn things around.

One of the most heartbreaking tragedies in recent memory was the abduction of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

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He praised the escape and reunion of 50 pupils with their families, but he also said the nation’s conscience is weigh “very much” with the responsibility to rescue the remaining victims.

According to Egbetokun, “We have expanded our intelligence platforms, deployed additional tactical assets, and provided all necessary security to ensure the remaining pupils and their teachers are rescued without harm.”

He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, who continues to support the police, and how he sees him as a strong force in the fight against insecurity.

He vowed that the police would block criminal organizations from advanceing their agenda, particularly attacks against schoolchildren, which he described as “acts of terrorism designed to deny children their right to education.”

No Life Must Be Lost, says the statement.

Governor Bago responded by saying that the government of Niger State was still fully committed to supporting security operations.

He noted that it is still unclear how many pupils are missing, but that preparations were being made to gather precise information.

He claims that the Department of State Services (DSS) has set up a registration desk for parents of missing children. Only 14 parents had officially registered as of Sunday, but more are anticipated.

Bago acknowledged conflicting figures from security organizations, the church, the Ministry of Education, and the school, but emphasized that protecting every child is more important than distributing blame.

There are too many missing children, even one. He declared, “We will do everything in our power to recover them.”

He continued, noting that the IGP’s tactical and intelligence units are already progressing and hopeful of additional recoveries. Bago pleaded with Nigerians to put politics aside and fight for the country’s future, calling for unity, prayers, and calm.

Our country’s sovereignty is in danger. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assistance in the state’s security efforts and said, “This is a time to work together and save our country.”

Abduction

On Friday, terrorists descended on Agwara Local Government Area’s St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, killing more than 300 students.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that 315 people had been abducted, compared to the initial estimates of 227.

Additionally, CAN revealed on Sunday that 50 of the kidnapped children escaped between Friday and Saturday and have since reunited with their families.

President Bola Tinubu has in place a total security cordon over the forests in Kwara State in response to recent attacks and kidnappings.

A budget estimate for the year 2026, which is presented by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is $4. 2 billion.

The Lagos State House of Assembly approved the 2026 budget on Tuesday, and Sanwo-Olu referred to it as a “bold and forward-looking financial plan” designed to strengthen his administration’s legacy for the duration of its term.

The “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” or “Year 2026 Appropriation Bill,” is a reaffirmation of our shared belief that every resident of Africa’s preferred megacity can continue to rise, lead, and have opportunities for every person.

According to the governor, the budget projects a total revenue of ₦3, 993, 774, 552, 141, supported by Internally Generated Revenue of ₦3, 119, 774, 552, 141 and Federal Transfers of ₦874 billion.

He explained that this revenue projection leaves 243, 332, 457, and 167 without adequate funding.

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Sanwo-Olu told lawmakers that capital expenditure for 2026 is proposed at ₦2, 185, 085, 419, 495, while recurrent expenditure is estimated at ₦2, 052, 021, 589, 812.

He noted that overheads, staffing costs, and debt obligations are included in the recurring component.

He claimed that general overheads, subventions, and dedicated expenditures totaled 1, 084, 245, 843, and 91, which includes all of them.

Personnel costs are estimated at ₦440, 494, 339, 384, recurrent debt charges at ₦143, 876, 701, 943, and debt repayments at ₦383, 404, 705, 394.

The governor also cited the 2026 sectoral allocations. General Public Services is set to receive ₦847, 472, 071, 966, while Public Order and Safety is allocated ₦147, 040, 088, 897. Economic Affairs is the largest beneficiary, with ₦1, 372, 307, 808, 626 earmarked for the sector.

The Environment sector will receive ₦235, 957, 235, 138, and Housing is allocated ₦123, 760, 310, 429. Health is set to get ₦338, 449, 258, 945, while Recreation will receive ₦54, 682, 339, 586.

Education has been allocated ₦249, 132, 921, 287, and Social Protection will receive ₦70, 024, 171, 038.

As his final full year as president, Sanwo-Olu stressed that 2026 holds a special significance because it is his government’s final year, noting that “this period is crucial for consolidating our legacy and ensuring a strong, successful conclusion”

A search-and-rescue operation has been launched for ten abducted people after the Kwara State Police Command confirmed a shooting incident at Isapa on Monday via Obbo-Ile Village.

Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the commissioner of police, signed the statement, noting that the village is still under surveillance while police and neighborhood vigilantes are searching for the abducted victims and suspects.

The command received distressing reports of sporadic gunfire within the Isapa community on November 24, 2025, at about 18:30. Patrol vehicles and tactical teams were quickly dispatched by police.

A group of armed men, suspected of being herders, invaded the village and launched an indiscriminate fire at around 18:05 hrs. A woman was shot in the leg, but she has since been treated and discharged. 10 people were abducted, according to additional investigations.

“A search-and-rescue operation is currently being conducted, which involves local vigilante organizations and police tactical teams.” They are scouting the nearby bushes to find the perpetrators and rescue the victims. The village has experienced normalcy, and the situation is still being closely monitored, according to the statement.

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According to the statement, CP Adekimi Ojo, the Kwara State Command’s Commissioner of Police, traveled to Isapa for an on-the-spot evaluation.

The CP met with local and youth leaders as well as the Onisapa of Isapa Land, Oba Gbenga Adeyeye, and the Olokesa of Okesa Land, Oba Olu Fagbamila Raphael Olusegun, among others.

He assured the people that more aggressive efforts will be made to secure the victims’ safety and restore security.

In the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, bandits earlier robbed 11 residents of the Isapa community.

More than 20 gunmen stormed the neighborhood on Monday carrying a sizable herd of cattle and fired shots without distinction. A stray bullet reportedly struck the elderly woman during the attack.

Seven of the abducted people belong to the same family, according to a community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity. A pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children are among the victims.

The abducted people’s names have been identified as: Talatu Kabiru (20 female), Magaji (6 male), Kande (5 female), Hadiza (10 female), Mariam (6 female), Saima (5 female), housewives Fatima Yusufu, Sarah Sunday (22 female), Lami Fidelis (23 female, nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother).

According to witnesses, the attackers fled through some of the town and broke windows and doors.

After the gunmen fled, scattered AK-47 shells were discovered throughout the neighborhood. An official statement regarding the incident is not yet being released by the police.

The most recent attack on Isapa comes a week after gunmen abducted 38 people and reportedly killed several others at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch in Eruku, in the same LGA.

Prior to the Eruku attack, according to a report from Channels Television, gunmen opened fire on the church, killing three attendees and abducting several others, including the pastor, as a result of the incident.

Residents of Eruku were reportedly escaping through bush paths that connected them to nearby communities, leaving them in a state of fear and confusion.

The 24 schoolgirls who were abducted from Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of the state have been confirmed by Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.

The governor claimed that neither the state nor the federal government paid the girls’ release for ransom.

There was no payment for ransom. The Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government both received no pay. The governor claimed that the security agencies’ efforts alone led to the rescue.

On Wednesday, he added, the children will be handed over to their parents.

Governor Idris thanked President Bola Tinubu for his concern and for directing security forces to ensure the girls’ rescue.

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Prior to this, Special Counselor to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the release of the schoolgirls was previously announced in a statement.

According to him, Tinubu praised the security forces’ efforts to free all the victims who had been taken away by terrorists.

He directed security agencies to intensify their efforts to free the still-carrying students.