The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Tax reforms have wiped out Nigeria’s middle class — UNILAG professor

    Tax reforms have wiped out Nigeria’s middle class — UNILAG professor

    A tax policy expert at the University of Lagos, Prof. Isaac Nwaogwugwu, has said ongoing Federal Government tax reforms have effectively eroded Nigeria’s middle class, blaming the outcome on weak policy design and inconsistent macroeconomic implementation.

    Nwaogwugwu made the assertion on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the 21st Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos Branch, held in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The lecture, titled “Nigeria under the Grip of Tax Reforms: Exploring the Politics, Economics and Geospatial Dimensions of the Act,” examined the broader impact of tax policies on the economy and citizens’ welfare.

    According to the professor, although the reforms were introduced to streamline the tax system, reduce multiple taxation, cut collection costs, and improve revenue generation, their unintended consequence has been prolonged economic hardship for Nigerians.

    He argued that what was initially presented as short-term fiscal pain has become a lasting socio-economic burden, noting that successive reforms have failed to correct deep-rooted structural imbalances.

    “The many reforms of the Federal Government have eradicated the middle class. Macroeconomic policies have not delivered expected outcomes due to poor policy design, inconsistency in implementation, and corruption,” he said.

    Nwaogwugwu listed the stated objectives of the reforms to include economic diversification, job creation, income growth, increased non-oil revenue, and improved welfare, but maintained that most of these targets remain largely unmet.

    He urged the government to inject more liquidity into the economy to stimulate growth, strengthen enterprises across all scales, and rebuild a productive sector capable of restoring the middle class and driving inclusive development.

    Earlier, the Acting Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Olalekan Odupe, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to governance reforms through geospatial infrastructure and data-driven solutions to enhance fiscal sustainability and urban development.

    Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos Branch, Adedeji Olanrewaju, described the lecture theme as timely, saying it addressed critical issues around leadership, governance, integrity, and socio-economic progress.

    The event featured prize presentations to winners of the Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture Essay Competition for secondary and tertiary institutions and was attended by members of the Kukoyi family, surveyors from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, as well as students, women, and young professionals.

  • Nigeria taps low-emission farming to unlock climate finance, other opportunities

    Nigeria taps low-emission farming to unlock climate finance, other opportunities

    Nigeria’s drive to cut short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) from agricultural activities is gaining traction as a potential gateway for climate finance and carbon market investment, the Federal Government has said.

    This was disclosed at the close-out workshop of the Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the Nigerian Agricultural Sector Project held in Abuja.

    Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the initiative has shown how climate-smart agricultural practices can open new funding opportunities for farmers while advancing Nigeria’s climate obligations.

    The project, implemented by Self Help Africa in partnership with the Ministry and funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, targeted reductions in methane and black carbon emissions by promoting alternatives to open-field burning across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    Ogunbiyi explained that although the project benefited from international grant support, its long-term value lies in its ability to deliver measurable, bankable climate outcomes capable of attracting private sector and blended financing.

    “Reducing methane and black carbon delivers fast climate benefits, and these are exactly the kinds of outcomes global climate finance and carbon markets are increasingly looking to support,” he said.

    He noted that emission reductions achieved through practices such as water-efficient rice cultivation, sustainable management of crop residues, and conservation agriculture could be packaged into carbon credit schemes, providing additional income streams for farmers and cooperatives.

    According to the Ministry, the project has demonstrated that smallholder farmers can effectively participate in carbon markets when mitigation measures are practical, verifiable, and tied to productivity improvements.

    In more than 20 demonstration plots across 15 communities—particularly in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State—farmers adopted no-burn farming methods, climate-resilient cropping systems, and residue-to-briquette technologies. These approaches not only cut emissions but also improve crop yields and reduce household energy costs.

    “These results position Nigerian agriculture as a credible candidate for results-based climate finance, where farmers are rewarded not just for producing food, but for delivering climate services,” Ogunbiyi said.

    The SLCP Abatement Project aligns with the Climate Change Act of 2021 and Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which recognise agriculture as a key sector for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

    Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS) said embedding SLCP mitigation into agricultural policy would enhance Nigeria’s access to global climate funds, voluntary carbon markets, and emerging methane-reduction financing mechanisms.

    “Climate-smart agriculture is no longer just an environmental agenda; it is an investment opportunity,” the ALCCMS Director said.

    The Federal Government used the occasion to urge financial institutions to design tailored credit products for farmers adopting low-emission practices, while calling on development partners to support longer-term, results-based financing models that connect emission reductions with rural income growth.

    Ogunbiyi stressed that expanding the gains recorded under the project would require strong coordination among agricultural, environmental, and financial institutions, alongside improvements in rural infrastructure and extension services.

    “As we conclude this project phase, the task before us is to convert pilot success into sustainable finance pipelines. With the right climate finance structures, Nigerian farmers can become active players in carbon markets while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods,” he said.

  • NLNG trains 32 journalists on digital media skills

    NLNG trains 32 journalists on digital media skills

    The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) has concluded the training of the first batch of 32 journalists drawn from both the print and electronic media on how to use digital tools to enhance journalism practice.

    The three-day training, which took place in Abuja, is organised by the Journalism Clinic and sponsored by the leading operator in the nation’s gas industry and offered new insights into the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence and digital communication in the newsroom.

    Participants were drawn from Voice of Nigeria, The Nation Newspaper, Blueprint, Daily Trust, AIT, TVC, News Agency of Nigeria, Galaxy TV, Daily Times, Democracy Radio, Independent Television, Arise News, among others.

    Addressing the participants, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the company was focused on building capacity, which she described as a key pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

    Tagged #NLNGChangeYourStory, she said the initiative has continued to equip journalists with the required skills and confidence needed to produce professional media content in an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven media environment.

    She described journalism as a calling that informs, educates, and influences society. She encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge they gained to amplify their impact, and expressed optimism that journalists will continue to enlighten the public and inspire valuable synergies through stories that reflect NLNG’s vision of being a globally competitive energy company improving lives sustainably.

    Read Also: NLNG seeks global strategy to sustain LNG growth

    She further highlighted NLNG’s broader support for the media sector, citing the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), among others.

    Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said NLNG is deliberate with its investments to raise professional standards in Nigeria’s media practice.

    She said the training reinforces NLNG’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder capability and advancing professionalism within Nigeria’s media space.

    “This workshop moved beyond theory to address the real pressures of a digital newsroom, including speed, verification, audience trust, and relevance. Our support for these competencies is aimed at strengthening a resilient media ecosystem that produces accurate, impactful journalism that is capable of shaping public understanding and contributing to national progress,” she said.

     It featured hands‑on sessions and expert-led discussions with participants exploring how new media tools can be effectively deployed to deliver real-time reporting, expand audience reach beyond borders, and foster meaningful engagement across platforms.

    The workshop, which was facilitated by digital communication specialist Dan Mason and media veteran Taiwo Obe, guided participants through practical approaches to digital storytelling, data visualisation, online fact-checking, audience engagement, and the effective management of digital presence.

    The #NLNGChangeYourStory has so far empowered over 180 journalists with enhanced digital communication and social media skills across its various editions.

  • JUST IN: Fire guts shopping complex in Lagos

    JUST IN: Fire guts shopping complex in Lagos

    A fire outbreak in the early hours of Thursday razed a one-storey shopping complex and adjoining shops along Amore Street, Ajegunle Boundary area of Lagos, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the incident was reported at about 2:40 a.m. through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response plans from its Cappa Base in Oshodi.

    According to a preliminary report signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, emergency responders arrived at the scene by 3:22 a.m. and found active flames engulfing the shopping complex, which housed several clothing dealers.

    “The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the intense fire,” the agency stated, noting that the blaze also affected surrounding shops used for the storage and sale of clothes.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by a power surge following the restoration of public electricity supply. LASEMA, however, confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

    It said, “Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area. Agency’s Response Team activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environs of the incident scene.

    “Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT in collaboration with other responders to forestall escalation of the fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it. LRT coordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation

    “The entire one-storey shopping complex and surrounding shops were completely razed by the fire. All goods and properties stored therein were destroyed,” the statement said, adding that parts of the structure were compromised and would require immediate structural assessment.

    Fire-fighting operations successfully contained the blaze within the affected area, while damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition. LASEMA said rescue and recovery operations have been concluded, although monitoring of the site will continue.

    The agency urged commercial property owners in the area to review fire safety measures and storage protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • Firm launches digital motor inspection tool

    Firm launches digital motor inspection tool

    AXA Mansard Insurance has launched a digital motor insurance inspection process aimed at making vehicle inspection faster and more convenient for customers.

    The new solution, powered by insurance technology firm Curacel, allows customers to carry out required vehicle inspections by uploading photographs of their vehicles using their smartphones.

    It applies to the initiation of comprehensive motor insurance policies, policy renewals, and claims assessment.

    The company said the tool is part of its ongoing drive to simplify and personalise insurance services through digitisation.

    Images submitted by customers are scanned through an automated review system, which generates inspection reports that are integrated into AXA Mansard’s existing underwriting and claims processes.

    Commenting on the launch, Chief Technology Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance, Chizuru Nwankwonta, said the innovation would reduce delays associated with physical inspections.

    “At AXA Mansard, we continue to introduce solutions that make insurance processes easier and faster. This digital inspection option reduces the need for physical assessments and gives customers more flexibility in completing key stages of their motor insurance journey,” she said.

    The digital inspection system was developed in collaboration with Curacel, whose platform supports image submission, automated screening, and document processing.

    AXA Mansard said the partnership reflects its strategy of working with external technology providers to enhance specific operational functions.

    The company added that the digital inspection process is now available nationwide and can be accessed through its customer platforms and links provided during motor insurance onboarding.

  • 2027: APC Forum rejects alleged plan to drop Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate

    2027: APC Forum rejects alleged plan to drop Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has rejected renewed efforts to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move would amount to a major political error.

    The Forum said recent signals indicate that some elements within the ruling party are pushing for Shettima’s removal, following the omission of his image from a banner featuring APC leaders in the North-East.

    According to the group, the banner, seen during the North-East Zonal public hearing on proposed amendments to the APC constitution in Maiduguri, displayed only the images of President Bola Tinubu, the five APC governors in the zone, and the party’s national legal adviser.

    The development has reignited debate over the future of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027 and raised questions about Shettima’s political standing, with some party stakeholders advocating his replacement with a Christian from the North.

    The Forum further noted that certain North-Central groups are calling for a Christian from the region to emerge as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027.

    However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the North-Central APC Forum cautioned that replacing Shettima could endanger the party’s electoral prospects and undermine President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    It stressed that the North-Central is not seeking the vice-presidential slot, but is instead positioning itself for the presidency in 2031, after the completion of Tinubu’s tenure.

    Read Also: APC support group urges retention of 2022 zoning formula ahead of 2026 convention

    The Forum also warned against introducing religious considerations into political strategy, arguing that the North currently lacks a Christian contender with the grassroots reach, national appeal, and political structure needed to effectively complement Tinubu’s electoral strength.

    In the statement signed by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the group maintained that abandoning the Muslim-Muslim ticket would ultimately benefit opposition parties in the 2027 elections.

    “There is serious danger in changing a winning ticket. We totally and unequivocally reject calls and plans to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the next election.

    “We sincerely advise that President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the party should not listen to such calls because such a decision will turn out to be a grievous political miscalculation,” the Forum said.

    Alleging that those behind the calls do not have the party’s best interest at heart, the Forum warned, “They don’t want to see President Bola Tinubu reelected, that is the only reason anybody who has political knowledge could make such a request.”

    Examining voting patterns in the North and insisting that Tinubu would not gain new votes by replacing Shettima, the Forum warned that removing him on religious grounds would result in the President losing support and votes in the region.

    It noted that if the opposition coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) selects Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, dropping Shettima would make no strategic difference, as most minorities in the North would still vote for Obi, regardless of who replaces Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate.

    The Forum therefore urged Tinubu to maintain the status quo and retain Shettima as his running mate to secure victory in the 2027 election, while arguing that those calling for a change did not vote for Tinubu in 2023 and would still not support him in 2027, even if Shettima was dropped.

    “Those who are calling on President Bola Tinubu to change Vice President Kashim Shettima, basing their position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, if you check, you will notice that in 2023, most of their communities voted for Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

    “Now, if Peter Obi is to come out again in 2027 for ADC, what is the guarantee that they will vote for Tinubu even if he drops Shettima and replaces him with a Christian. Does it mean that these people will now leave Peter Obi and vote for Tinubu? That is not going to happen.

    “What is likely to happen in such a situation is that Tinubu will lose support among core northerners, thereby reducing his votes and giving the advantage to Peter Obi. Basic political calculation shows that dropping Shettima makes no sense and is actually very dangerous.

    “We don’t see any reason President Tinubu should listen to those who are asking him to change Shettima. These people did not contribute to his victory in 2023; they were not with him.

    “Tinubu should ignore them and go ahead with Vice President Shettima because those who will vote for him will vote for him. But he will be driving many of his voters away if he changes Shettima.”

    The Forum also emphasized that there are also suggestions that the international community, particularly the United States and other Western powers, may be uncomfortable with the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket and could push for its alteration in 2027, especially against the backdrop of allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

    It, however, maintained that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and must not bow to foreign influence.

    “The Muslim-Muslim ticket gave us victory in 2023. Nigeria is an independent nation, and nobody is going to dictate to us,” the Forum noted, warning that any form of external interference could derail Nigeria’s democratic process and plunge the country into avoidable conflict.

  • Igarra imposes night curfew over rising kidnappings in Edo

    Igarra imposes night curfew over rising kidnappings in Edo

    Leaders and elders of Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area, have imposed a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am following a surge in kidnapping incidents in the community.

    The decision also includes a ban on all-night parties, while burial dances are now restricted to between 4 pm and 6 pm.

    The move followed the abduction of the wife of the Chairman of the Akoko Youth Forum, Ubani Okuo, after kidnappers reportedly invaded their residence. Her abduction came just 24 hours after seven residents of the Imoga community regained their freedom after paying ransom.

    A town crier, acting on the directive of the traditional ruler, announced the curfew, noting that a young girl had also been kidnapped in another part of Igarra days earlier.

    Read Also: 11 die in Edo road accident

    Confirming the development, the traditional ruler, Oba Adeche Saiki, said the curfew was jointly agreed upon by the local government leadership, security agencies, and traditional authorities to curb criminal activity across the council area.

    Meanwhile, Edo State government spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said security agencies have launched coordinated efforts to rescue the abducted victim, adding that Divisional Police Officers in the area have been directed to intensify operations.

  • UNILAG graduate dies day after convocation

    UNILAG graduate dies day after convocation

    A University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate, Maryam Agoro, has died a day after her convocation ceremony.

    Agoro, a law graduate, reportedly passed away shortly after celebrating the milestone she had worked years to achieve.

    The demise of the young graduate was shared on X on January 21, 2026, by a user identified as Confidence Ufuoma (@plantcodesss).

    “You did your convocation yesterday, and today you’re no more. You deserve to be celebrated, and you will be.

    “My sister, evidence was always rooting for you, and after seeing you in that miserable condition the last time, I hoped you’d get better. I know you’re smiling from where you are because ‘UNILAG didn’t end you.’ You ended UNILAG, in joy,” Confidence Ufoma wrote.

    The emotional tribute has since drawn reactions from students, alumni, and social media users who expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss.

    An X user, @Coachchair007, while expressing shock, prayed for her soul to rest in peace.

    “May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss. Can’t believe I’m mourning Maryam when I’m supposed to be celebrating her. Allah knows best,” he said.

    @Sharon2Eniola reflected on the vanity of life, questioning how a moment meant for celebration could so quickly turn into tragedy.

    “Life really is meaningless. Few people posted her when she convocated yesterday, but today she’s no more, and about 30% of the school is posting her picture. May we not be celebrated in death. I can’t imagine the sorrow her family is in. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.

    UNILAG held its 2024/2025 convocation ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the institution’s main campus. The event marked the university’s 55th convocation ceremony.

    Read Also: 500 UNILAG graduates inducted into Lagos NSE

    During the ceremony, UNILAG awarded degrees to a total of 16,506 graduates, including 272 students who earned first-class honours.

    The Faculty of Engineering recorded the highest number of first-class graduates, with 89 students graduating with the top honour.

    In total, 2,097 students graduated from the Faculties of Engineering, Law, and Management Sciences. Of the 613 engineering graduates, 89 earned first-class honours, while the Faculty of Law produced 321 graduates, including three first-class degree holders.

    The Faculty of Management Sciences graduated 1,163 students, with 180 attaining first-class honours.

  • Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare two-day fast over Kajuru kidnapping

    Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare two-day fast over Kajuru kidnapping

    The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has declared a two-day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Association expressed deep anguish and condemned the incident, describing it as heart-rending, alarming, and unacceptable, particularly as it reportedly occurred during church services.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, SKCLA Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, said the Kajuru incident marked the first time in the history of the area that worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted on the same day.

    He lamented that the attack had added to the growing list of unresolved kidnappings across Southern Kaduna, especially in Kauru, Kachia, and other vulnerable communities, where families continue to live in uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.

    The Christian leaders called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted victims.

    They also urged decisive and sustained action to halt what they described as the recurring cycle of kidnappings and insecurity in the region.

    As a spiritual response to the crisis, Apostle Kure said the Association had proclaimed a two-day fasting and prayer programme anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna.

    According to the statement, the fasting will commence on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions in all churches across Southern Kaduna on Sunday.

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna APC group backs Tinubu, Sani

    “This call to fasting and prayer is a united cry to God for mercy, protection, and the safe return of our brothers and sisters from captivity,” Apostle Kure said.

    He added that the programme also reflects rare unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment in the region’s history.

    The Association called on Christians within and outside Southern Kaduna to participate fully in the fast, while appealing to the wider Nigerian society to stand in solidarity with affected communities, particularly families of victims in Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and other flashpoints.

    “We will not be silent in the face of evil, nor will we lose hope. We trust God for divine intervention, and we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement concluded.

  • NBA Chairmen laud Sanwo-Olu, NTDA GM Aboyeji on projects

    NBA Chairmen laud Sanwo-Olu, NTDA GM Aboyeji on projects

    The Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos and Epe Branches, Mrs. Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade and Dr. Saliu Jimoh, have lauded the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) on the completion of its new office building and its development initiatives.

    ‎The two chairmen paid a high-level courtesy visit to Olakunle Aboyeji, General Manager of NTDA, at the newly commissioned NTDA office complex in Ikeja on January 19, 2026.

    ‎In a statement, the chairmen described Aboyeji as one of the critical stakeholders in land management in Lagos State.

    ‎They formally congratulated Aboyeji on the completion and relocation to the modern office building.

    They described the facility as a “beacon of administrative excellence,” stating that the conducive environment is essential for the technical and legal complexities handled by the prestigious agency of the Lagos State Government.

    ‎The two chairmen commended Governor Baabjide Sanwo-Olu and the state government for the massive development in the state done through the NTDA, particularly in the Sangotedo, Ibeju lekki and Epe corridors.

    ‎The Chairman of the NBA Epe Branch particularly celebrated the governor and the General Manager for the orderly development of government schemes in these areas.

    He stated that Epe is fast becoming a model for sustainable urban growth in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

    ‎The Chairmen also noted that the governor’s commitment to the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda is evident in the quality of road networks and town planning initiatives currently sweeping across the state.

    ‎The General Manager expressed his gratitude to the NBA Chairmen for the visit and their recognition of the Authority’s efforts.

    He emphasised that the NTDA remains committed to transparency and the rule of law in land administration, stressing that the support of the Bar is crucial in navigating the legal frameworks of new towns development.