Morning recap: 26 states struggle with IGR, Bauchi senator denies bandit link, other top stories

At least 26 state governments could not generate enough internal revenue to cover their personnel costs in 2025, as they continue to depend on allocations from the Federation Account despite a significant improvement in their finances.

Meanwhile, the senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has denied fresh allegations linking him to banditry, describing viral videos and claims circulating on social media as part of a sustained campaign of disinformation and character assassination.

These and many more stories lead today’s headlines

1. 26 states lean on FAAC as wage bills outstrip IGR

At least 26 state governments could not generate enough internal revenue to cover their personnel costs in 2025, as they continue to depend on allocations from the Federation Account despite a significant improvement in their finances.

An analysis by The PUNCH showed that only eight of the 34 states covered by a new BudgIT report generated Internally Generated Revenue higher than their personnel expenditure during the year. The eight states were Lagos, Enugu, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Anambra.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/26-states-lean-on-faac-as-wage-bills-outstrip-igr/

2. Bauchi senator denies bandit link, insists viral videos fake

The senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has denied fresh allegations linking him to banditry, describing viral videos and claims circulating on social media as part of a sustained campaign of disinformation and character assassination.

Buba, a former chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has faced allegations since 2024 of having links with suspected bandits, accusations he has consistently denied.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/bauchi-senator-denies-bandit-link-insists-viral-videos-fake/

3. Adeleke begins vacation, orders probe into chieftaincy disputes

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a probe into the disputed kingship of Koka town in Obokun Local Government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, where he also disclosed that Adeleke has commenced vacation.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/adeleke-begins-vacation-orders-probe-into-chieftaincy-disputes/

4. Osun poll: No petition filed as 21-day tribunal window closes

The Osun governorship election petition tribunal has received no petition challenging the outcome of the August 15 governorship poll during the 21-day window stipulated by the constitution.

The 21-day window for filing petitions to challenge the outcome of the poll ended on Saturday, and none of the 14 parties who got defeated in the poll challenged the result.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/osun-poll-no-petition-filed-as-21-day-tribunal-window-closes/

5. Military pay review: Generals’ pensionable salary rises to N2.5m monthly

The Federal Government has approved a new pensionable salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with Generals, Admirals and Air Chief Marshals topping the scale at an annual gross pensionable salary of N29.75m.

The approval, contained in a September 3, 2026 circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, takes effect from September 1, 2026, and sets out new annual salary figures to be used for pension purposes across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/military-pay-review-generals-pensionable-salary-rises-to-n2-5m-monthly/