Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has refuted claims that he condemned Nigeria’s borrowing strategy, clarifying that his comments were aimed at calling for better oversight and fiscal reforms, not a blanket disapproval of public debt.

At the recent West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) conference, Abbas represented by Hon. Babatunde Salam raised concerns over the country’s growing debt profile.

He noted that as of Q1 2025, Nigeria’s public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion (approximately $97 billion), with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 52%, surpassing the statutory ceiling of 40%.

“This is not just a budgetary concern but a structural crisis that demands urgent parliamentary attention and coordinated reform,” Abbas was quoted as saying.

However, following media reports suggesting he criticised the Federal Government’s borrowing, his Special Adviser on New Media, Jowosimi Enitan, issued a clarification, stating that the Speaker’s position had been misrepresented.

“For the record, Speaker Abbas never condemned borrowing,” Enitan said.

“On the contrary, he emphasised that when managed prudently, public debt can serve as a tool for economic growth.”

Enitan explained that the Speaker supports responsible borrowing tied to measurable development outcomes, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

He also praised the Tinubu administration’s efforts to boost non-oil revenue and reduce reliance on loans.

“For the first time in decades, Nigeria has met its 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule, without borrowing. This is proof that with discipline and focus, economic sovereignty is achievable,” Enitan added.

The statement further stressed that oversight of public debt is both a constitutional mandate and a moral obligation for the legislature.

“The Speaker’s message was a call for transparency, accountability, and stronger legislative oversight, not an attack on the government’s economic strategy,” Enitan concluded.

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has recommenced his public engagements after a short medical rest.

The break had led to the postponement of several scheduled appearances over the weekend.

Obi had announced the hiatus via his official X account on Saturday, revealing that he fell ill during a tourism event in Enugu on Friday. Explaining his decision, he said:

“I am complying with my doctor’s advice and will be taking a short rest, during which I will not be able to meet up with scheduled engagements.”

Upon returning on Monday, Obi began with a visit fulfilling a previous commitment, a stop at an SME run by an entrepreneur he met during his travels.

During the visit, he reflected on the importance of supporting small businesses, stating that the enterprise “employs over 50 young Nigerians directly and indirectly”, has the potential to scale further with appropriate investments and government support

Drawing a contrast with successful economies, he cited Bangladesh’s textile sector as a success story:

“Our textile sector has regrettably collapsed and now contributes very little to the national economy. This shows how much untapped potential lies within our borders.”

“Investing in small businesses is key to lifting millions out of poverty and positioning Nigeria as a global player in creativity and trade.”

The Senate has informed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, that she cannot resume her duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension, citing an ongoing judicial process.

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, the Senate acknowledged receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice to return, but said her case is still pending at the Court of Appeal.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after she refused to accept a reassignment of her designated seat during plenary.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended her suspension on grounds of insubordination.

In addition to the suspension, she was stripped of her office privileges, salaries and legislative aides.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, stemming from her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an allegation the Senate leadership strongly denied.

She later took the matter to court, where she claimed to have obtained a favourable judgment ordering her reinstatement.

However, the Senate insists that her legal challenge is still active, and that it will only act after the Court of Appeal delivers its verdict.

In July, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to return to the National Assembly complex, but was prevented from entering by security operatives, despite being accompanied by a crowd of supporters.