News on the Go: 5 things that should matter to you today

• World Bank flags FG’s N54.9 trillion budget as overambitious
• Lagos APC members protest over LG primary disputes
• UK targets 100,000 cut in annual immigration

We have highlighted the five most important developments in the news today, Tuesday, May 13, and present them below.

5 issues in the news that should matter to you today

1. World Bank flags FG’s N54.9 trillion budget as overambitious: The World Bank has raised concerns over Nigeria’s record-high N54.99 trillion 2025 budget, warning that the Federal Government may resort to borrowing from the Central Bank’s Ways and Means facility to cover revenue shortfalls. 

Although President Tinubu signed off on the expanded budget, up from the initial N49.7 trillion proposal, the World Bank’s Lead Economist, Alex Sienaert, noted that the assumptions underpinning the budget, including a $75 oil price benchmark and N1,400/$ exchange rate, are overly optimistic despite revenue improvements in 2024. 

2. Lagos APC members protest over LG primary disputes: Aggrieved members of the Lagos State APC are staging a mass protest today, May 13, at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja and in Somolu, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of Saturday’s local government primaries. 

The protest coincides with the deadline set by the party’s Appeal Committee, led by Lagos Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN), for aspirants to submit petitions. 

3. INEC pushes for 142 reforms ahead of 2027 elections: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed 142 reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process before the 2027 general elections. 

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed on Monday, May 12, that eight of these proposals would require constitutional or Electoral Act amendments.

4. UK targets 100,000 cut in annual immigration: The UK government has rolled out a new Immigration White Paper detailing plans to cut net migration by 100,000 annually. 

Announced on Monday, May 12, the reforms will affect work visas, international student policies, asylum applications, enforcement procedures, and pathways to permanent residency. 

5. Lagos postpones 2025 public service exams to May 23: The Lagos State Government has rescheduled the 2025 Public Service Examinations from Tuesday, May 13 to Friday, May 23. 

The Director of the State Examinations Board, Adebayo Orunsolu, cited the need to maintain exam integrity and ensure fairness to all candidates.