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  • 5G remains elitist, elusive technology

    5G remains elitist, elusive technology

    About four years after the launch of the fifth generation (5G) technology in Nigeria, it has remained not only elitist but also an elusive technology.

    After trials by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 5G was officially launched in Nigeria in August/September 2022, with MTN Nigeria leading the rollout on August 24, 2022, in cities such as Lagos and Abuja. Mafab Communications launched in early 2023, and Airtel followed in June 2023.

    The Federal Government generated over $820 million from the auction of 5G licences as of early 2023. Major payments came from MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications, which paid $273.6 million for 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum licenses in 2022, followed by Airtel Networks Ltd, which paid $316.7 million for a similar spectrum.

    Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has restated its commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

    According to the November stats released by the NCC and Ookla, about the market share of technologies in the country’s telecom market, 5G, with all its hypes and super-promises, remained at the bottom of the ladder of adoption.

    The stats began from second generation (2G), 3G, 4G and ultimately 5G.

    While 38.29 per cent of the market is still on 2G; 3G accounts for 6.13 per cent; while 4G‘s 51.99 per cent market share makes it the most popular next only to 2G. 5G with its super latency and other promises accounts for just 3.60 per cent of the market share.

    The latest report conducted by the NCC entitled: Network Performance & 5G Reality Report, National Coverage Gaps & Infrastructure Trends, Advanced Analytics Services December 2025, show that the average 5G coverage gap in Lagos is 55.4 per cent. This means more than half the time, a 5G phone in Lagos cannot connect to 5G.

     “The “Phantom” Signal: The average 5G coverage gap in Lagos is 55.4%. This means more than half the time, a 5G phone in Lagos cannot connect to 5G.

     “Critical Zones: 499 areas in the city are flagged as “Critical” (Gap > 70per cent), mostly in high-density commercial zones,” the report noted.

    Giving what was described as operator breakdown, it stated that MTN has ~50per cent gap; while Airtel has ~77per cent gap.

    The report which focused on Lagos and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated that Abuja records an average 5G gap of 47.4per cent which it said was slightly better than Lagos, but nearly half of potential connections still fail.

     “Effective Coverage: Only 31 per cent of 5G-capabledevices in the capital are successfully connecting to 5G networks. Deployment Imbalance: MTN: ~49 per cent gap,” the report noted.

    The report which touched on performance gap in urban states (Lagos, FCT, Rivers), noted that the states outperformed rural Northern states by approximately between 30per cent and 40per cent in download speeds and latency.

    The report noted that rural performance averages are materially depressed by the continued reliance on 2G and 3G, which drag down national statistics and lamented that investment focus has seen recent network upgrades concentrated on high-density areas, with limited spillover to underserved regions.

    On the road ahead for the industry “Optimize Urban 5G: Focus on existing sites in Lagos/Abuja to lower the 55 per cent gap. “Turning on” 5G isn’t enough; it must be usable for the 50per cent+ of users currently blocked; prioritize improvements: Targeted investment is critical in rural areas and states with vast rural communities to close the 40per cent regional performance divide.”

    For Regulators, the report recommended the retirement of legacy tech by accelerating the phase-out of 2G/3G to free up spectrum for 4G/5G, which dictates modern user experience.

     “Monitor Stability: Shift regulatory focus to latency and jitter, as stability is now a stronger predictor of user satisfaction than peak speed,” the report noted.

    Speaking during the presentation of the report, Dr Maida said: “Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones. It is in this context that we have released the Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports.

    Read Also: Fed Govt supporting youths in education, others to make Nigeria unstoppable global force

     “These reports enable us to track progress, identify gaps, and guide targeted regulatory interventions—ranging from spectrum optimisation and infrastructure upgrades to quality-of-service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity.

     “The data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas, especially when compared to Q3 performance. Notably, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, and the strength of our 4G backbone continues to improve.

     “The industry is not without challenges, as reflected in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds highlighted in the reports. However, we are actively engaging with operators to address these issues, including gaps in mobile service coverage.”

    He recalled that last year, over $1 billion in industry investment resulted in the deployment of more than 2,850 new sites to expand both coverage and capacity nationwide. Much of the progress reflected in today’s reports is a direct outcome of these investments, he said.

     “We have secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure investments continuing in earnest. We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” Dr. Maida said.

  • My team will continue where I stop in 2027, says Makinde

    My team will continue where I stop in 2027, says Makinde

    • Obi hails governor for uplifting state

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said while his tenure will end in May 2027, members of his team with whom he has delivered good governance are determined to continue his good programmes.

    Makinde, who noted that his administration would continue to govern the state in accordance with the will and guidance of God, said his administration had built strong foundations for the state as it entered its next phase.

    He said this yesterday during a Thanksgiving Service in commemoration of Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, held at Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.

    The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, lauded Governor Makinde for uplifting Ibadan, the capital, and for using public funds for public good.

    Makinde, who had read the second Bible lesson from Matthew 5:1-12, congratulated Oyo State residents on witnessing the celebration of the state’s golden jubilee, which he noted was due to God’s grace.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    He said his emergence as governor of the state in 2019 could only be attributed to God’s mercy, which enabled the state to experience a new beginning.

    He assured the people of the state of continuity of good governance after the end of his tenure, stressing that his team was still intact and would carry on the good work.

    The governor said: “I want to congratulate all of us for witnessing Oyo State at 50. I pray that we shall witness many more years on earth.

    “When I became the governor of Oyo State in 2019, I was the eighth civilian or executive governor of Oyo State and the significance of eight in the Bible depicts a new beginning. So, the journey has been a new beginning for Oyo State. I didn’t plan it.

    “I tell people that I am not ashamed to say I don’t have a godfather, I only have God the father. Some of the people are upset; they said I came to them to ask for support to be elected. Yes, you go somewhere to seek support. Does that make the person your godfather?

    “So, God has been so merciful to us, and we will continue to operate in accordance with the will and dictates of God for us.’’

    “God has brought a particular governor at a particular time to signify a new beginning for Oyo State. My charge to you as we celebrate this 50th anniversary of Oyo State is that we should not go back to where we were coming from. Let us stay focused.

    “We have a team that is still intact. It is only Seyi Makinde that will go out; members of the team are there to continue to work for the people of Oyo State. We will continue to operate in accordance with the will and dictates of God for Oyo State.”

    Obi lauded Makinde’s leadership style and transformation agenda.

    He said: “It is always an honour to be in Ibadan. I was here on Tuesday to visit the university and I was telling somebody that this is a historic town where all of us, as Nigerians, come because it is a city of knowledge and a city of hope.

    “The people who came with me said you don’t know how this place has changed and I appreciate the preacher on what he said about how the state has developed under Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “I thank Governor Makinde for faithfully serving the people. As you celebrate this 50th anniversary, I pray that the next 50 years of this great state will be exemplary. May God continue to bless our governor and all the members of his team. I was here at the onset of his government. I was one of those that were brought in to talk to his commissioners and I thank him for his exceptional work.’’

    In his sermon titled: “Gratitude,” the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, said God had been good to Oyo State. He hailed past leaders who contributed to the growth of the state in the last 50 years.

    He congratulated the governor on his people-oriented programme, which he said, had shaped the state and brought about infrastructure development, improved workers and pensioners’ welfare and peaceful coexistence, among others.

  • Ondo declares two-day public holiday to celebrate 50th anniversary

    Ondo declares two-day public holiday to celebrate 50th anniversary

    • Tax czar Oyedele to deliver lecture

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared today and tomorrow as public holidays across the 18 local governments, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation.

    The governor made this known in a statement issued at the weekend by his spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    He said the holidays would enable residents to participate in the lined-up anniversary programmes.

    According to the statement, the milestone marks five decades of growth, resilience and collective progress for the state.

    “The declaration is to enable residents of Ondo State fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience and collective progress.

    “The governor urges citizens to use the opportunity of the holidays to join in the celebrations, reflect on the state’s journey so far, and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a more prosperous and united Ondo State.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    “Essential service providers are, however, advised to make adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services during the period,” the statement read.

    The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, will deliver the anniversary public lecture.

    The lecture titled: “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” is scheduled to hold today at 10am at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku.

    Fasoranti, who also chairs the Ondo @50 Anniversary Planning Committee, said the lecture would be chaired by legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and is expected to attract dignitaries from within and outside the state.

    He described the event as an intellectual engagement aimed at examining the historical foundations of the state, assessing its current socio-economic trajectory and charting strategic directions for sustainable development.

    According to him, participants will include policymakers, academics, professionals, traditional rulers, socio-political groups and other stakeholders.

    Fasoranti said Oyedele, an indigene of Ikaramu-Akoko, is a renowned economist, tax expert and public policy authority whose leadership of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee places him at the forefront of Nigeria’s fiscal and economic reforms.

    He added that the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, is also expected to speak at the lecture.

    Verheijen, he noted, has nearly two decades of experience in the gas and renewable energy sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa and is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of BFA Foundation, which provides scholarships for women and disadvantaged groups.

  • Senate Leader rallies Ogun West professionals for Tinubu, Adeola

    Senate Leader rallies Ogun West professionals for Tinubu, Adeola

    Senate Leader, Dr. Opeyemi Bamidele, has called on professionals in Ogun West Senatorial District to throw their weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The senator also urged the group to back the governorship bid of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

    The Senate Leader made the call yesterday in Ilaro, Ogun State, during ‘Ogun West Professionals for Yayi’ media chat.

    Speaking on ‘The power of internal coherence in securing external support: a roadmap to achieving Ogun West governorship ambition 2027’, Bamidele said internal coherence within Ogun West was the critical prerequisite for securing cross-district alliances, party confidence and statewide voter legitimacy.”

    The Senate Leader, who thanked the professionals for endorsing President Tinubu, said discordant tune within the zone was capable of preventing Ogun West from realising their bid to have a candidate who will occupy Ogun State seat of power at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

    “I must appreciate your gesture of endorsing the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    ‘We need more cohesion to deliver him. Beyond endorsement, you need to mobilise yourself to speak with one voice.”

    On Ogun West, he said: “Without internal discipline and coordinated elite leadership, this opportunity can once again be squandered.”

    Acknowledging other politicians from the zone, who might be interested in the top job, Bamidele said there was need for all stakeholders to come together to deliver Senator Adeola as the next governor of Ogun State.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Salako, said the elite in Ogun West had agreed to present Adeola for the plum job.

    “We, the professionals in this zone are ready to take the bull by the horns this time; we won’t leave anything to chance.

    ‘’We are here not just to endorse the re-election of President Tinubu, but to also present Senator Adeola as the next governor of the state.

    “Yayi is a national figure, who commands national representation. He has demonstrated that capacity and commitment to represent us.

    “The endorsement of Tinubu is in the self-interest of Ogun West. For the first time in 30 years, we have a minister. For the first time, we have the son of the soil as IG. These are among other appointments.

    “Ogun West and other districts will benefit from the re-election of President Tinubu.

    “The journey to Oke-Imosan is a project, and we are now at the execution stage. A lot more is required from us.

    “If we endorse and fail to mobilise others to vote alongside with us, our endorsement won’t deliver our dream.”

    Coordinator of the group, Ajiroba Dapo Oke, said Adeola has what it takes to take Ogun State to the next level.

    “Senator Adeola is not a stranger to service. His journey from all the hallowed chambers provided in our constitution to the hearts of the people has been marked by uncommon dedication, visionary leadership and a passion for development.

    “His footprints in Lagos West and now in Ogun West are not just visible, they are also transformative.

    “Just yesterday he was honoured as The Sun Man of the year 2025, in deep appreciation of his noble roles in transformative and responsive governance.”

  • Pepper production to hit 800,000 metric tonnes

    Pepper production to hit 800,000 metric tonnes

    Nigeria’s chili pepper production is set for sustained expansion, with industry projections indicating output will climb from the current baseline of 757,000-770,000 metric tons to potentially reach 800,000 metric tonnes by 2030. This will position the nation as the continent’s leading chili producer.

    The anticipated growth, though modest at an annual rate of 0.3-0.5 per cent, according to analysts represents a significant opportunity for agricultural development as peppers account for 40 per cent of vegetable consumption.

    Production estimates suggest the sector will achieve approximately 767,110 metric tonnes by this year rising to between 775,000 and 800,000 metric tonnes by the decade’s end.

    Current production is harvested across approximately 104,000 hectares, primarily in northern states such as Kano and Kaduna, where farmers achieve yields of 7-8 tonnes per hectare, predominantly of the popular Scotch Bonnet variety. Domestic demand is projected to reach 65,000 metric tons by this year.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr. Victor Iyama, expressed optimism about the sector’s economic potential.

    “Chilli pepper is in greater demand both for local consumption and exports.”

     It is a commodity with tremendous prospect to boost economic growth,” he said.

    He said chili pepper cultivation represents not just a traditional crop, but an increasingly viable pathway to economic advancement in a growing market that shows no signs of slowing.

    Experts acknowledged that achieving more aggressive growth will require addressing persistent challenges, including pest outbreaks and climate variability continue to threaten yields, while seasonal production fluctuations limit output without adoption of controlled environment agriculture techniques.

    In Europe, demand for chillies, according to Netherland based Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), that strengthen the social, economic and environmental sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in low and middle-income countries,  is not seasonal, but annual. It noted: “Demand for chilli peppers is set to rise, thanks to the cooking preferences of various ethnic groups and some European communities.”

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    While Nigeria leads Africa in chili production, surpassing Egypt and Algeria, the country faces formidable global competition. India dominates world markets with approximately 1.9 million metric tons of chili production in 2023, compared to Nigeria’s 330,000 metric tons of dry chilies that year, according to FAO FAOSTAT data. India produced 1.874 million tons of dry chili and peppers in 2022, representing 38.2 percent of global output, while Nigeria contributed roughly 65,000 tons. This gap reflects fundamental differences in agricultural approaches. India’s advanced cultivation techniques and robust market integration give it a five-to-six-fold volume advantage over Nigeria’s predominantly subsistence-based farming model. India’s sophisticated processing and export infrastructure contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s focus on fresh produce for domestic consumption, with Nigerian dried chili exports accounting for just 1.11 per cent of the global market.

    Egypt, another regional competitor, maintains annual chili production of 200,000-300,000 tons but faces its own challenges with water scarcity constraining expansion.

    Morocco continues to expand its sweet pepper export programme, reaching a new record for the fifth marketing year in a row, according to EastFruit. In MY 2024/25, running from October to September, sweet pepper exports totaled 189.2 thousand tons, generating $240 million in export revenue. Sweet peppers remain one of Morocco’s primary vegetable export categories after tomatoes.

  • NCSP eyes $50b trade volume with China

    NCSP eyes $50b trade volume with China

    Director-General, Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, has highlighted Nigeria’s ambition to significantly scale up bilateral trade with China, targeting 350 billion RMB, Chinese official currency, about $50 billion trade volume by 2030.

    The plan included scaling up Nigerian export to at least 30 per cent of the total volume of the bilateral trades.

    Tegbe spoke when he hosted a delegation from the Chinese Embassy, comprising Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou; Minister Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Mr. Wang Yingqi, and other senior officials of the Embassy

    He explained that the $50 billion trade volume with China will be achieved by leveraging the upcoming zero-tariff policy and significant increase in the export of agricultural produce.

    He also emphasised the importance of strategic economic collaboration to drive sustainable growth for Nigerian businesses.

    Read Also: Guru Maharaj ji canvasses appointment of Nigerian as Eagles coach

    Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and affirmed the One-China principle.

    Responding, Mr. Zhou expressed satisfaction with the growing relationship between Nigeria and China and underscored the need to explore further avenues for deepening economic and commercial cooperation especially in technology, agriculture and human capacity development.

    He expressed optimism that the zero-tariff agreement will create substantial opportunities for Nigerian businesses, boost bilateral trade, and further strengthen the already robust relationship between the two countries.

    The Chinese Embassy expressed their support for Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, particularly in steel development and the agricultural sector.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing development projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, Mr. Tegbe felicitated with the Chinese people on the forthcoming Chinese Spring Festival to mark the new Lunar Year.

    He affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cultural, diplomatic, and economic ties with the People’s Republic of China, fostering a more robust, sustainable, and mutually beneficial Nigeria–China partnership.

  • Council funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50b diversion

    Council funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50b diversion

    Osun State House of Assembly yesterday alleged that about N50billion from the local governments’ allocations have been diverted by the reinstated council executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ‘’which has exposed grassroots to deterioration and hardship.’

    The assembly through the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, addressing reporters at the lawmakers’ complex, said the alleged actions of the APC executives had further destabilised governance at the grassroots.

    He said the assembly by the provision of law had oversight and legislative powers over 30 local government areas of Osun State.

    Egbedun said N25million was paid to each of the reinstated chairmen, N12million was paid to vice-chairmen, N10million to 332 councillors, N130million to selected traditional rulers and N13billion to a law firm.

    He alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) connived to make the diversion easy for the reinstated council executives.

    According to him, ‘’reaffirming the illegality of forceful occupation of council secretariats by tenure-less politicians, the assembly condemns the callousness of the APC cronies and the minister.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    “Not one naira has been paid in the last 12 months as salaries of local government workers by these illegal APC chairmen: primary school teachers – zero ; nurses and other health care workers – zero; local government workers – zero; traditional rulers not favoured by Gboyega Oyetola – zero; retirees – zero.

    “Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another Fifty Billion Naira of local government funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continue to suffer. We will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, health care, education and community development into private hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.”

    Contacted, the Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Abiodun Idowu, said the assembly lacked proper knowledge of governance at the grassroots, urging them to seek update from Governor Ademola Adeleke rather than feeding the public with lies.

    “The same assembly has been shouting that Federal Government withheld Osun local government funds. They even said the seizure has stalled governance at the grassroots, only to now say the money has been diverted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

    “The assembly needs to tell the world how a minister will be diverting fund ceased by the Federal Government, how the same fund you claimed its non-release has stalled projects at the grassroots is now being diverted to private pockets. The assembly as an institution needs to do better rather than pushing false narratives,” he said.

  • Tinubu, Atiku hail Fela as global icon after Grammy Lifetime honour

    Tinubu, Atiku hail Fela as global icon after Grammy Lifetime honour

    • Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy lives on, says President

    • Late musician becomes first African recipient of the award

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also described the award as a well-deserved honour for an enduring global icon.

    The President was reacting to the posthumous recognition of Fela with the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, also known as the Grammy Awards.

    In a tribute he personally issued yesterday in Abuja to celebrate Fela’s award, President Tinubu described the late musician as a towering figure whose influence transcended music, culture and generations, saying the world had honoured “a giant”.

    The President said Fela was more than a musician, portraying him as a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.

    “His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world,” President Tinubu said.

    The President noted that in the Yoruba mythology, Fela had transcended to a higher spiritual plane and become eternal.

    He said the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award marked a historic milestone, as Fela became the first African to receive the honour, albeit posthumously.

    President Tinubu also said the recognition affirmed Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in shaping the evolution and global impact of African music.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    The President said the late music icon defined Afrobeat as a genre and that his influence remained evident across generations of Nigerian musicians, as well as in contemporary Afrobeats and global music beyond Africa.

    “Fela lives,” President Tinubu declared, underscoring that the musician’s ideals, sound and cultural impact remain alive decades after his passing.

    The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred on performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording, placing Fela among an elite group of global music legends.

    Also, Atiku hailed Fela as unforgettable, iconic and irrepressible, noting that the late musician’s influence continues to resonate decades after his death.

    The former Vice President referred to Fela by his famed moniker, Abami Eda, saying the legend “lives on” through his music, message and fearless spirit.

    He described the Grammy recognition as a fitting tribute to a trailblazer whose art transcended entertainment and became a powerful voice against oppression and injustice.

    The award, the former Vice President noted, has further cemented Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s status as one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures.

  • Ndume, Reps deputy spokesman clash over tax laws alteration claims

    Ndume, Reps deputy spokesman clash over tax laws alteration claims

    • Expert lauds tax reform initiative

    Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume and House of Representatives Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese have traded words over allegations that the recently passed tax laws were altered after the National Assembly’s approval.

    Ndume, who is representing Borno South Senatorial District, had alleged during an interview on a national television programme that discrepancies existed between the version of the tax laws the parliament passed and the copy assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The senator claimed that at least two versions had been gazetted.

    But addressing reporters at the weekend in Abuja, Agbese dismissed Ndume’s claims as unfounded and misleading.

    The Green Chamber’s deputy spokesman insisted that the due legislative process was followed and that there was no falsification of the tax laws.

    He said the House had already constituted a committee to review concerns surrounding the legislation, describing suggestions of a cover-up as “sheer mischief”.

    Agbese warned that politicising the issue could mislead the public and erode confidence in the National Assembly.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    The House deputy spokesman assured fellow Nigerians that existing legislative mechanisms were adequate to address any genuine errors or ambiguities.

    But Ndume, who considered Agbese’s remarks as disrespectful and insulting, said the House deputy spokesman did not have the locus standi to respond to his reaction.

    According to him, Agbese was overstepping his role, asking the House leadership to caution him.

    Nudme maintained that the matter was still before a committee, led by Muktar Betara.

    The Borno South senator said only the panel has the authority to determine whether discrepancies existed or not.

    He stated that his concerns were based on a clause-by-clause review of the votes and proceedings, insisting that any differences, however minor, should be transparently examined to reassure Nigerians and protect the integrity of the legislative process.

    Also, a tax expert, Olayinka Oyebola, has said the Federal Government’s tax reform is a major overhaul with far-reaching implications for individuals and businesses.

    Oyebola, a Chartered Accountant, said the reforms aim to promote fairness, growth and compliance, but noted that their success would depend on effective implementation and public acceptance.

    Speaking at a seminar on the implications and compliance requirements of the new tax laws, the chartered accountant emphasised the need for public enlightenment to counter misinformation and build trust among tax-paying citizens.

    He highlighted key provisions of the reforms, including the replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), mandatory use of Tax Identification Numbers, enhanced reliefs for small companies, revised VAT administration and strengthened dispute resolution mechanisms.

    According to him, while compliance demands would increase, the reforms are designed to deliver a more transparent, technology-driven and equitable tax system capable of funding public services without stifling enterprise.

  • REA, Benue State chart path for energy security

    REA, Benue State chart path for energy security

    The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Benue State have reached agreement to collectively explore innovative energy solutions that would ensure adequate power supply to unlock the full economic potential of the state.

    At the 24th high-level State-by-State Roundtable in Benue State, stakeholders discussed ways to deepen practical implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 and the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP) to catalyse data-driven investments across the state.

    Upon the passage of the 2023 Electricity Act, REA had maintained a frontline role, translating policy into sustainable impact and facilitating the development of State Electricity Markets using decentralized, investment-ready strategies and solutions.

    Themed “From Strategy to Impact: Accelerating Private Investment in Benue State Renewable Energy Ecosystem”, REA–Benue State Roundtable brought together over 300 stakeholders, including Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), policymakers, innovators, financiers, community representatives, and development partners to align a federal reform, the 2023 Act, with subnational execution.

    Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu provided an x-ray of Benue State’s electricity market with the identification of over 1,207,272 residents that can be potentially powered through solar mini-grids.

    He said the agency, through its data-driven approach, has also identified 3,821 potential mini-grid sites in the state, while an estimated 651 communities have more than 100 connections for private sector mini-grid developers.

    According to him, these areas include Odejo, Mbadede and Gwer, all economically viable areas in Benue State. Other locations include Tarka, Otukpo, Obi, Markurdi, Gboko, to mention just a few. The potential mini-grid sites, the MD explained, are attractive and high impact investment sites.

    Central to the discussions at the Roundtable, the agency provided a spotlight of existing renewable energy projects in the State, including functional mini-grid infrastructure, grid extension projects, solar-powered irrigation pumps, solar streetlights and solar home systems.

    Abba, however, emphasized the need to accelerate and scale-up additional renewable energy projects in the State, leveraging the agency’s data and leaning on the State’s commitment to create a business-friendly electricity market for RESCOs.

    Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyancinth Alia, explained that Benue State, like much of Nigeria, have battled with poor energy access over the years.

    He said: “The 2023 Electricity Act enacted by the FG presents a historic opportunity for energy independence and my administration is fully committed to leveraging this framework to reverse years of energy gap, expand access and attract private sector participation”.

    He explained that his administration, upon resumption, has taken “deliberate steps to develop pathways for the state electricity market” as “investor confidence depends on clarity, predictability and efficient project coordination”.

    Read Also: 2026: Dissecting Nigeria’s boom year

    While commending the REA, the Governor expressed his amazement for the “volume of energy access statistics the REA has in its possession”.

    He assured the RESCOs of the State’s readiness to welcome investors and developers.

    Widely regarded as the nation’s food basket, the roundtable presented Benue State with data-driven, practical strategies to integrate energy access with agricultural value chains. Beyond this, however, the REA laid out the possible multi-sectoral impact of renewable energy investments in the State, including impact on education, healthcare delivery, security and local economies. Reviewing the pathways for establishing a functional state electricity market framework, the executive team of the REA as well as critical commissioners and heads of agencies in Benue State explored opportunities under the ongoing Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI), the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and other strategic programmes of the REA.

    With the success of the REA–Benue State Roundtable, the REA marks another milestone in Nigeria’s evolving electricity landscape, demonstrating how federal reforms can be effectively localized as States governments step into their new roles under the Electricity Act 2023. The agency has, therefore, continued to mainstream the need for a favourable investment climate, innovative renewable energy solutions, wider private sector participation, sustainability systems and the development of skill pipeline to manage the infrastructure growth across States.