Top news items in major Nigerian media outlets

The following are highlights of leading Nigerian media outlets on Thursday.

-- The Federal Government has set out "34 strategic priority programs and projects" that it intends to achieve beginning with the 2016 budget.

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed disclosed this to reporters after a cabinet meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. (Daily Trust)

-- Against the backdrop of allegations that Nigeria was still accessing hydrocarbon from oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula, despite the judgement of the International Court of Justice that ceded the territory to the Republic of Cameroon, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, told his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya, and his people to put their minds at rest.

The two countries also agreed to transfer arrested members of Boko Haram back to their countries of origin to face trial, in line with international best practices. (Vanguard)

-- Nigeria's Minister of Health Isaac Adewole has expressed strong optimism that Nigeria is on path to eradicating the scourge of malaria in the country. (The Guardian)

-- Six persons, including four Naval ratings attached to an oil servicing company, are feared dead in Bayelsa State following a surprise attack by suspected militants.

The incident was said to have occurred on Tuesday at the Nembe creeks in Nembe Local Government Area of the state. (The Punch) Endit