State governments have left N264.12bn in Universal Basic Education Commission matching grants unspent amid persistent challenges in public schools, while the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants could cost N465.7bn over six months.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has postponed its Sokoto presidential campaign flag-off amid a hotel accommodation controversy, FAAC revenue reached N31.46tn in the first nine months of 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission is set to decide today on the exclusion of several governorship candidates, including Isa Pantami and Ladi Adebutu.

States hold N264bn UBEC funds as schools struggle

State governments have left N264.12bn in UBEC matching grants unspent despite persistent challenges in public schools, including dilapidated classrooms, overcrowding and shortages of learning materials.

The 2025 UBEC Annual Report showed that the funds had been disbursed to State Universal Basic Education Boards but remained unspent in state accounts as of July 21, 2025. Benue recorded the highest unspent balance at N19.18bn, followed by Imo with N14.12bn and Osun with N14.02bn.

Read here: https://punchng.com/states-hold-n264bn-ubec-funds-as-schools-struggle/

FG’s workers transport allowance gulps N465bn, TUC rejects deal

The Federal Government’s six-month N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants could cost N465.7bn if all 1.1 million employee records on its payroll system qualify for the payment. While the government approved the intervention from November, the Trade Union Congress rejected the allowance and demanded an immediate salary increase for workers and implementation of outstanding agreements with health workers.

Read here: https://punchng.com/states-hold-n264bn-ubec-funds-as-schools-struggle/

ADC shifts Sokoto campaign kick-off amid hotel booking row

The African Democratic Congress has postponed its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto from October 31 to November 4, citing planning and coordination considerations.

The development came amid allegations by the party that the Sokoto State Government directed hotels to deny accommodation to delegates, a claim the state government denied. The ADC also alleged that some of its supporters were attacked during a rally in the state capital.

Read here: https://punchng.com/adc-shifts-sokoto-campaign-kick-off-amid-hotel-booking-row/

FAAC nine-month revenue surpasses four years’ full collections

Gross revenue shared by the three tiers of government rose to N31.46tn in the first nine months of 2026, exceeding the full-year collections recorded in four of the previous five years. According to an Agora Policy report, the figure surpassed the N28.74tn generated in the whole of 2024 and approached the N35.81tn collected in 2025, although the report noted that revenue remained volatile, growth was slowing and mineral revenue was significantly below budget.

Read here: FAAC nine-month revenue surpasses four years’ full collections

Omission: INEC to decide Pantami, Adebutu’s fate today

The Independent National Electoral Commission will decide today on the fate of former Communications and Digital Economy Minister Isa Pantami, Ladi Adebutu and other politicians omitted from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections. INEC attributed the exclusions to the failure of the affected political parties to submit their membership registers within the stipulated period, while the parties have challenged the omissions and urged the commission to correct them.

Read here: https://punchng.com/omission-inec-decides-pantami-adebutus-fate-today/