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Tag: tinubu

  • JUST IN: Tinubu brokers late-night peace talks to resolve Rivers political crisis

    JUST IN: Tinubu brokers late-night peace talks to resolve Rivers political crisis

    In a major step towards resolving the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday night convened a high-level peace meeting at the State House in Abuja, bringing together key actors in the conflict for a rare face-to-face dialogue.

    According to a post by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X handle @aonanuga1956, on Friday morning the closed-door meeting was attended by suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, suspended Rivers Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and several other lawmakers embroiled in the dispute.

    The peace talks, described as a “reconciliation meeting,” has been considered about the most significant and defining intervention of many others by President Tinubu since the crisis erupted and deepened into a near constitutional impasse.

    Onanuga described the meeting, which was initiated by the President, as a “closed-doors”, and was organised to end the political hostilities that have gripped Rivers State for months and to “restore normalcy and order.” 

    Tensions in the oil-rich state escalated significantly earlier this year, culminating in President Tinubu’s decision on March 18 to declare a political emergency in the state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly. 

    Read Also: Nigerian illusion of outrage and criticism

    The move, though exceptional and raised dusts across the country, was intended to prevent the breakdown of governance as both executive and legislative arms of the state government remained at loggerheads.

    While full details of the agreements reached at Thursday’s meeting remain undisclosed, the mere convergence of the rival factions in the presence of the President signalled a possible thaw in relations and a potential return to political stability in the state.

    Rivers State, a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy due to its oil production capacity, has faced mounting uncertainty since the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, took a public and deeply divisive turn. 

    The rift has fractured the state’s political alignment, disrupted governance, and raised fears of broader instability in the Niger Delta region.

    Tinubu’s intervention is seen as a high-stakes balancing act to maintain national cohesion while preserving political alliances critical to his administration.

    Observers say Thursday’s dialogue could be a turning point, especially if the parties involved abide by any resolutions reached during the meeting.

    More details are expected in the coming days.

  • New tax laws to open up economy, says Tinubu

    New tax laws to open up economy, says Tinubu

    • Laws to exempt the poor from taxation take off Jan
    • FIRS transforms to NRC

    A new era in the country’s tax administration commenced with yesterday’s signing of the four tax bills by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The new laws, which are due to go into effect in January, have streamlined taxation, which was uncoordinated before now.

    The President said the new laws “opened the door for a new economy and business opportunity”.

    “This is a clear message to the world that Nigeria is truly ready and open for business.

    “We’re in transit—we have changed rules, we have changed some of the misgivings”, the President said at the signing ceremony held at the State House, Abuja.

    Describing the occasion as a turning point for the nation’s economic future, President Tinubu hailed the new laws as a necessary step in Nigeria’s journey to modernisation.

    “What we did a few minutes ago is a way forward for our country.

    “Leadership must help the people to take off and lead the way at every twist and turn. That is what we are doing here,” he said.

    The Nigeria Tax Reform Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act are part of the administration’s comprehensive fiscal policy overhaul and were developed through extensive consultations and legislative scrutiny over the past 10 months.

    President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for what he called their “courage” and sense of duty.

    “Initially, it was difficult, but not all roads will be easy in the process of nation-building.

    “Even the blockwork takes a binder and concrete cement to build a body,” he said.

    The laws, the President noted, will deliver relief, restore fairness, reignite growth, unify a fragmented tax system, remove redundant overlaps, boost investor confidence, enhance transparency and promote coordinated efforts across the board.

    He also described the legislation as a clear departure from previous policies, emphasising that the reforms are designed to ease the burden on working families, small businesses, and low-income earners while eliminating inefficiencies that have long plagued Nigeria’s fiscal structure.

    On his verified X handle @officialABAT, the President said the new tax laws form the groundwork for the Nigeria of tomorrow, focused on unlocking opportunities for all.

    “We are also building a framework for the Nigeria of tomorrow: leaner, fairer and laser-focused on unlocking opportunities for all.”

    He believes the new statutes have laid the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.

    “These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes.

    “They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet.

    “For too long, our tax system has been a patchwork-complex, inequitable, and burdensome.

    “It has weighed down the vulnerable and shielded inefficiency. That era ends today.

    Read Also: Bus terminal will enhance Abuja security, ease traffic – Tinubu

    “We are laying a foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria; a tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he said.

    Leaders of the National Assembly, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which is now to be known as the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, and others witnessed the Presidential assent.

    Akpabio: it’s historic

    Senate President Akpabio described the legislative journey as historic.

    “You have harmonised the entire tax system in this country,” he said, noting that laws like the Stamp Duties Act—originally enacted in 1901 and last revised in 1939—were overdue for reform.

    Akpabio said the President’s vision was clear from the outset.

    “You campaigned based on changing the country and the perception of our institutions.

    “By signing these bills today, you are changing Nigeria’s future. Generations unborn will remember you.”

    He underscored the dire fiscal condition inherited by the Tinubu Administration in 2023, saying “Nigeria was on life support,” with nearly all revenue consumed by debt servicing and subsidies.

    “You came and saved the country,” he said.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, said the final bills reflect “the true aspirations of Nigerians,” shaped by extensive dialogue, even with groups initially opposed, particularly in the North.

    Senator Musa highlighted the harmonisation of Nigeria’s tax system, which previously had over 70 fragmented and duplicative taxes across federal, state, and local levels.

    House Finance Committee Chair James Faleke said the bills were once considered “mission impossible.”

    He praised the coordinated national effort involving legislators, governors, and civil society.

    Laws to take effect Jan.

    Dr. Adedeji said the new tax laws will take effect on January 1, 2026, aligning with the fiscal calendar and allowing for adequate public sensitisation.

    “Implementing such sweeping reforms mid-year would disrupt fiscal coherence.

    “This timeline gives all stakeholders—regulators, taxpayers, institutions—time to adjust,” Adedeji explained.

    He said the six-month window was based on global best practices and designed to ensure a smooth transition.

    Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, described the laws as “pro-poor,” reassuring Nigerians that low-income earners, micro-enterprises, and vulnerable groups were protected in the reforms.

    “Over one-third of workers—both public and private—will be fully exempt from PAYE.

    “Over 90 per cent of micro, small, and nano businesses will no longer be subject to corporate tax, VAT, or withholding tax,” Oyedele said.

    He noted that major spending areas for ordinary Nigerians—food, education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and accommodation—are now exempted from VAT entirely.

    “Any traces of VAT in food, education, and healthcare are now removed completely. These are the three biggest expenses for Nigerian families. This is a huge relief,” he said.

    Oyedele added that the reforms include transparency and efficiency measures to improve public trust in tax administration.

    “For the first time, we are legally linking tax transparency with how public funds are used,” he said.

    The laws

    The Nigeria Tax Reform Act (Ease of Doing Business) consolidates fragmented tax statutes into a single modern code, aimed at reducing compliance burdens and increasing predictability for investors.

    The Tax Administration Act introduces a unified legal and operational tax framework across all tiers of government, streamlining administration and reducing duplication.

    The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act repeals the old FIRS law and creates a more autonomous, performance-driven agency responsible for both tax and non-tax revenue collection.

    The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act establishes a formal governance structure for collaboration among federal, state, and local tax authorities.

    It also creates a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman to handle disputes and complaints.

    Also in attendance at the signing were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun; and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    NECA welcomes laws

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) said the four tax laws would promote and drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

    Director-General of NECA, Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, spoke on the sidelines of the fourth Employers Summit with the theme: “Enabling sustainable enterprise in a transitioning economy; aligning fiscal, trade and regulatory reforms for rapid development.”

    He hoped the laws would open up the economy.

    Smatt-Oyerinde noted that the Organised Private Sector (OPS) had struggled with the challenges of taxes, levies and fees for over 10 years.

  • Tinubu: bus terminals will curtail ‘one-chance,’  ease traffic woes in FCT  

    Tinubu: bus terminals will curtail ‘one-chance,’  ease traffic woes in FCT  

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism that the modern bus terminals in Abuja will improve security and ease transportation challenges in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

    Tinubu added that the terminals will, in no small measure, contribute to  his administration’s zeal to improve  ‘’the fortunes of our people through improved connectivity, reduced travel time and economic growth.’’

    He spoke at the inauguration  of   Kugbo Bus and   International Taxi terminal in the FCT yesterday

    The President was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He challenged FCT residents to ‘’cooperate with the management to ensure its smooth operations.’’

    He explained that his administration decided to prioritise high-impact transportation infrastructure because of the undeniable fact that no nation records progress without modernising and expanding its public mobility and utilities.

    He said: “On  Tuesday, the 17th day of June 2025, we were at the Mabushi District to commission the Mabuchi Terminal, the first of its kind in our nation’s capital, and in our entire nation.

     “As encapsulated in the Renewal Hope Agenda of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalise our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, and create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, is being fulfilled one significant step at a time.

     “You will all agree with me that the Mabuchi and now Kugbo International Bus Terminals meet with global practices and  principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation,

    ‘’It will automatically erase the ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.

     “The terminals align with development goals of transit-oriented cities with smart mobility, compact living spaces, parking management, winning support of stakeholders and citizens, and ultimately transforming lives.

     “At the swearing-in of my government two years ago, I swore to uphold and defend the 1999 Constitution and its people. With the security reports on the several menaces of one-chance robberies, kidnapping and thuggery that characterised public transportation in Mabushi, I directed the FCT  Minister Wike to put in place measures to address that situation.

    ‘’Here and now, you will find an organised system where vehicles and drivers are properly identified and registered, significantly reducing the risk associated with the normal informal transportation.

    Read Also: Bus terminal will enhance Abuja security, ease traffic – Tinubu

    “The presence of advanced security features, including comprehensive  CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television), ensures that your journey begins and ends in a secure environment.

    ‘With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from one chance by the roadside.

    “The Bus Terminal at Kugbo, alongside its counterparts in Mabushi and the ones lined up, for instance, the ones coming up at Eagle Square in the Central Business District, will in no small measure contribute to my government’s determination to turn around the fortunes of our people through improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and economic growth, thereby creating opportunities.

    “This terminal, which is a meticulously planned transportation hub, will add to the numerous jobs being created by this administration in different sectors. It will boost trade. It will bring orderliness. It will bring safety. It will bring comfort to commuters. 

     “To residents of the FCTA, Abuja, in particular, this facility is yours. I ask you to utilise it responsibly, to embrace the organised system it offers and to cooperate with the management to ensure its smooth operations.

    Let us collectively reject the dangers of patronising unauthorised roadside parks. Your safety is paramount, and this government has provided a safe and secure alternative for you.

     “This inauguration is but one piece of a larger mosaic. We remain dedicated to continuing our investments in infrastructure, continuing our investment in the total development of the FCT and indeed the entire nation, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to safe, efficient, and modern public services.”

    Wike: Tinubu’s support creates enemies for  me

      FCT Minister  Wike said that the support given to his ministry by President Tinubu was creating enemies for him.

     Wike, who urged those criticising the President to appreciate his achievements in the last two years, however, said he was comfortable with even 20  million such enemies.

    He said:  “I want to sincerely thank you(Tinubu) for the kind of support you have given to our city. Even though your support has also caused me a lot of problems, a lot of enemies, I prefer it.

    Continue to support me, let me have enemies. With you alone,  I am okay having more than 20  million enemies. ‘’

     On the renovation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Wike said he was not bothered because the facility had started generating revenue having been booked till 2027.

     He said he was trying to adjust the timetable to see how the FCT Administration could accommodate an application by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review to use the facility.

    Many dignitaries, including serving and former senators, ex-governors and top government officials attended the event.

  • Tinubu to civil servants: drop passive bureaucracy, embrace digital system

    Tinubu to civil servants: drop passive bureaucracy, embrace digital system

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised Nigeria’s civil servants to shed their traditional passivity and take the centre stage in driving the country’s transformation.

    The President spoke while declaring open the inaugural International Civil Service Conference yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the era of bureaucratic inertia was over, insisting that a digital, innovative, and performance-driven civil service is now central to achieving his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “This conference must not be a talk shop. The civil service is not a supporting actor; it is the platform through which our national transformation will be delivered. We must rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate. The time to act is now,” the President said.

    The conference, with the theme: Rejuvenate, Innovate and Accelerate, attracted public sector leaders from across the globe, including delegates from the United States (U.S.A), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Ghana, Morocco, Kenya, and Azerbaijan, positioning Nigeria as a rallying point for civil service reform in Africa.

    President Tinubu announced far-reaching reforms, including a comprehensive personnel audit and skills gap analysis across the Federal Civil Service, to eliminate inefficiencies and reposition the Service for high-impact governance.

    He also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to rigorously collect, protect, and publish data in line with the Nigerian Data Protection Act.

    Read Also: Bus terminal will enhance Abuja security, ease traffic – Tinubu

    The President described data as “the new oil” for evidence-based decision-making.

    He urged the publication of verified national datasets on international platforms to enhance Nigeria’s global standing.

    “We must let our data speak for us, within Nigeria and to the world. Global benchmarking must reflect our progress in real time,” President Tinubu said.

    The President praised the leadership of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, whose stewardship he said has propelled key reforms under the 2021–2025 Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, including the rollout of Service-Wise GPT, a homegrown AI tool to boost productivity and responsiveness in public service.

  • Tinubu calls for national movement against drug abuse

    Tinubu calls for national movement against drug abuse

    • President urges comprehensive approach to tackle root causes
    • First Lady seeks collective action against drug scourge

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a national movement in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    He said only a holistic, inclusive approach can successfully tackle the scourge.

    “To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be comprehensive,” President Tinubu said in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the grand finale of this year’s commemoration of World Drug Day at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre in Abuja.

    “We must foster peace. We must promote inclusive development. And we must uphold human rights every step of the way,” he said.

    President Tinubu stressed the need to address the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, inequality, and conflict.

    He noted that combating substance abuse and trafficking is not a task for the government alone but must be championed by families, civil society organisations (CSOs), youth groups, faith leaders, community organisations, businesses, and individuals with lived experience.

    “Their voices matter. Their stories inspire. Their leadership is essential,” the President said.

    Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts to end drug abuse, President Tinubu said: “Together, we can dismantle the systems that sustain this crisis. Together, we can build a future where prevention is strong, treatment is accessible, and recovery is not just possible—but celebrated.”

    President Tinubu hailed the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for the agency’s globally recognised achievements in drug supply and demand reduction.

    Marwa painted a stark picture of the country’s drug challenge, stressing that prevention must now be treated as a national emergency.

    “With a population exceeding 230 million, it is both urgent and pragmatic to prevent new individuals from being drawn into the population of drug users,” he said.

    Marwa said the NDLEA had adopted a two-pronged strategy: an aggressive crackdown on drug supply networks and a robust push for drug use prevention and rehabilitation.

    “Over the past 53 months, we have arrested 66,085 drug offenders, including 94 identified drug barons.

    “We’ve seized over 11.1 million kilograms of assorted drugs and secured the conviction of 12,201 individuals,” he said.

    He announced that 26,393 persons had undergone counselling and rehabilitation during the period, with 30 treatment centres currently in operation and seven more approved for development in the current fiscal year.

    Read Also: Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    Also, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for renewed national commitment to the prevention of drug abuse and the dismantling of organized crime.

    Mrs. Tinubu spoke yesterday in Abuja during the commemoration of this year’s edition of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    In a message to mark the global event, observed annually on June 26, the First Lady emphasised the urgent need for proactive community efforts in safeguarding the nation’s youth from the dangers of drug abuse and the influence of criminal networks.

    “The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking calls on all of us as leaders, parents, teachers, and communities to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the health and future of our people, especially our youth, from the menace of drug abuse,” she said.

    Mrs. Tinubu aligned her message with this year’s theme: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle. #StopOrganisedCrime, stressing that preventive strategies are not only effective but essential in building a stronger society.

  • Tinubu’s policies building equitable society, says Labour minister

    Tinubu’s policies building equitable society, says Labour minister

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is building a just and equitable society as well as laying a springboard for international integration.

    He stated this at the ongoing 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.

    Speaking in response to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General’s report entitled: “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection”, Dingyadi expressed Nigeria’s alignment with the global push for social justice, inclusive growth, and decent work.

    “Nigeria shares the ILO’s vision of a just transition and acknowledges that sustainable development hinges on inclusive economic growth, fair labour practices, and robust democratic institutions,” he said.

    Read Also: National Assembly will resolve Rivers political crisis – Akpabio

    The minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is Nigeria’s national blueprint for social and economic transformation — a framework he described as being in synergy with the ILO’s objectives.

    “This Agenda is hinged on attaining job creation, inclusiveness, food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, access to capital, and the fight against corruption.

    “These priorities aim at building a more just and equitable society as well as laying a springboard for international integration,” Dingyadi added. Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to advancing social justice, the minister announced that the country has joined the ILO’s global coalition for social justice, describing it as a significant step toward creating an equitable society for all.

    One of the major milestones, he noted, was the approval of a new National Minimum Wage last July, which was achieved through collective bargaining.

    He further added that the Federal Government had also reviewed the National Employment Policy to support decent work initiatives across all sectors.

    Dingyadi appealed for global cooperation to tackle inequalities, climate change, technological disruptions, insecurity, and governance challenges.

  • Lagos council primary: TMG seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    Lagos council primary: TMG seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    Leader of The Mandate Group (TMG) in Kosofe, Chief Tunde Temionu, has sought the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the “shameful and polarity-prone primaries,” in Kosofe.

    He noted that there was a subsisting agreement between Justice Forum (JF), another faction of Lagos chapter of All Progressives Congress that TMG would have four wards, B,C,F and G; while JF  would take three wards, A,D and E.

    He said to their chagrin, the rival group fielded seven candidates in the primaries.

    However, in an open letter, Temionu wants the President to intervene and call the rival group to order and stick to the agreement, adding their appeal is to have it as agreed by the two parties. He said if this is not acceptable to JF, then  all supervisory positions should be conceded to TMG.

    He said it has become necessary for the President to intervene since efforts to peacefully get party leaders to handle the situation failed.

    “Your Excellency, when we suspected that all was not well with the process of the controversial primaries, we held two crucial meetings with the leadership of JF. After a heated debate on the issue of concession, the leadership of JF accepted that the incumbent chairman, and vice- chairman, the seven councillors and all serving supervisors are members of JF.

    “Therefore, TMG laid claims to the seven councillorship seats. Because this was not acceptable to JF, we agreed that wards A, D, and E should go to JF while B, C, F and G should go to TMG. On the basis of this consensus, we did not field candidates in wards A,E and D. To our astonishment, JF fielded their candidates in all seven wards! But documentations and other irregularities disturbed the free flow of the elections in Kosofe.

    Read Also: Why Nigerians must cut salt intake, by experts

    “But in the controversial primaries in question, TMG in Kosofe is certainly a victim of calculated disharmony and obscured elections.

    “For a rival group to cleverly and deceptively snatch 100 percent victory and get away with it, depicts grandmaster absolutism and lack of respect for others. It  is a conduct that would have resulted in anarchy if maturity had not been shown by TMG.

    “If TMG was defeated on a level playing field, there will be no hassle and it will accept its fate. But if it was edged out by maneuverings, ego and influence, then it will seek redress.

    “All efforts to get JF to comply with the original arrangement failed. In the same manner, Lagos State Electoral Commission (LASEC) forms were issued to only JF candidates with impunity. Which primary elections qualified them for the forms? In a couple of days, a persuasive committee, tagged “reconciliation committee” came to Kosofe. Without any pretention, at reconciliation, the chairman of the committee embarked on intense persuasion.

    “Hence this humble appeal for the intervention of our great leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is logical and peace-oriented,” he said.

  • Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria has “opened the door for a new economy and business opportunity” with the signing of four transformative tax reform bills into law, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s economic restructuring.

    “This is a clear message to the world that Nigeria is truly ready and open for business. We’re in transit—we have changed rules, we have changed some of the misgivings,” the President said at the signing ceremony held at the State House, Abuja.

    Describing the occasion as a turning point for the nation’s economic future, Tinubu hailed the new laws as a necessary step in Nigeria’s journey to modernisation. 

    “What we did a few minutes ago is a way forward for our country. Leadership must help the people to take off, lead the way at every twist and turn. That is what we are doing here,” he said.

    The four new laws—the Nigeria Tax Reform Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—are part of the administration’s comprehensive fiscal policy overhaul and were developed through extensive consultations and legislative scrutiny over the past 10 months.

    The President commended the National Assembly for what he called their “courage” and sense of duty, noting “initially, it was difficult, but not all roads will be easy in the process of nation-building. Even the blockwork takes a binder and concrete cement to build a body”.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking at the event, described the legislative journey as historic. 

    “You have harmonised the entire tax system in this country,” he said, noting that laws like the Stamp Duties Act—originally enacted in 1901 and last revised in 1939—were overdue for reform.

    Akpabio said the President’s vision was clear from the onset, remarking “you campaigned on the basis of changing the country and the perception of our institutions. By signing these bills today, you are changing Nigeria’s future. Generations unborn will remember you.”

    He underscored the dire fiscal condition inherited by the Tinubu administration in 2023, saying “Nigeria was on life support,” with nearly all revenue consumed by debt servicing and subsidies. 

    “You came and saved the country,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘Declan Rice’ most global Nigerian song with impact – Odumodublvck

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, said the final bills reflect “the true aspirations of Nigerians,” shaped by extensive dialogue, even with groups initially opposed—particularly in the North.

    “We had stakeholder consultations, even with those who were kicking against these bills. We sat with them, we listened, and we made adjustments,” he told reporters.

    Senator Musa highlighted the harmonisation of Nigeria’s tax system, which previously had over 70 fragmented and duplicative taxes across federal, state, and local levels. 

    “Now, we have harmonised them. This reform brings clarity, structure, and fairness,” he said.

    He added that key sectors, including oil and gas and Export Processing Zones, were carefully reviewed to encourage industrial growth. 

    “We looked at how the EPZs operate, and where they can offer comparative advantage to Nigerian industrialists,” he said. 

     House Finance Committee Chair, Hon. James Faleke, said the bills were once considered “mission impossible.” 

    Faleke praised the coordinated national effort involving legislators, governors, and civil society.

    He emphasised that the reforms introduce no new taxes, but instead expand efficiency in collection, plug revenue leakages, and empower the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) with technology to widen the tax net.

    Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (formerly FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, announced that the new tax laws will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, aligning with the fiscal calendar and allowing for adequate public sensitisation.

    “Implementing such sweeping reforms mid-year would disrupt fiscal coherence. This timeline gives all stakeholders—regulators, taxpayers, institutions—time to adjust”, Adedeji explained.

    He said the six-month window was based on global best practices and designed to ensure a smooth transition.

    Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, described the laws as “pro-poor,” reassuring Nigerians that low-income earners, micro-enterprises, and vulnerable groups were protected in the reforms.

    “Over one-third of workers—both public and private—will be fully exempt from PAYE. Over 90 percent of micro, small, and nano businesses will no longer be subject to corporate tax, VAT, or withholding tax,” Oyedele revealed.

    He noted that major spending areas for ordinary Nigerians—food, education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and accommodation—are now exempted from VAT entirely.

    “Any traces of VAT in food, education, and healthcare are now removed completely. These are the three biggest expenses for Nigerian families. This is a huge relief,” he said.

    Oyedele added that the reforms include transparency and efficiency measures to improve public trust in tax administration. “For the first time, we are legally linking tax transparency with how public funds are used,” he said.

    The Nigeria Tax Reform Act (Ease of Doing Business) consolidates fragmented tax statutes into a single modern code, aimed at reducing compliance burdens and increasing predictability for investors.

    The Tax Administration Act introduces a unified legal and operational tax framework across all tiers of government, streamlining administration and reducing duplication.

    The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act repeals the old FIRS law and creates a more autonomous, performance-driven agency responsible for both tax and non-tax revenue collection.

    The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act establishes a formal governance structure for collaboration among federal, state, and local tax authorities. It also creates a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman to handle disputes and complaints.

  • Bus terminal will enhance Abuja security, ease traffic – Tinubu

    Bus terminal will enhance Abuja security, ease traffic – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said he will ensure that Abuja residents do not suffer ‘one chance’ menace with the bus terminals in place.

    Tinubu said the facility will also help ease traffic with the compliance of residents.

    He gave the assurance while commissioning the Kugbo Bus and International Taxi terminal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The decision of the administration, Tinubu said is to prioritise high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is the bus and taxi terminal, adding that is based on the undeniable fact that no nation around the world has been recorded to have made any noticeable progress without modernization and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

    Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said: “As you may recall, on Tuesday, the 17th day of June 2025, we were at the Mabushi District to commission the Mabuchi Terminal, the first of its kind in our nation’s capital, and I dare say, in our entire nation.

    “As encapsulated in the renewal agenda of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one significant step at a time.

    “You will all agree with me that the Mabuchi and now Kugbo International Bus Terminals meet with global practices, meet with global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation, and automatically erase these ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.

    “The terminals align with development goals of transit-oriented cities with smart mobility, compact living spaces, parking management, winning support of stakeholders and citizens, and ultimately transforming lives.

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    “The presence of advanced security features, including comprehensive CCTV surveillance, ensures that your journey begins and ends in a secure environment. We heard your concerns. We understood your fears. And we acted. With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from one chance by the roadside.

    “The Bus Terminal at Kugbo, alongside its counterparts in Mabushi and the ones lined up, for instance, the ones coming up at Eagle Square in the Central Business District, will in no small measure contribute to my government’s determination to turn around the fortunes of our people through improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and economic growth, thereby creating opportunities.

    “This terminal, which is a meticulously planned transportation hub, will add to the numerous jobs being created by this administration in different sectors. It will boost trade. It will bring orderliness. It will bring safety. It will bring comfort to commuters. I must, therefore, once again commend the Federal Capital Territory Minister, and his team at the FCTA for yet again doing my government and all of us proud by judiciously utilizing scarce public resources towards initiating and completing within record time this iconic public transportation infrastructure”.

    Tinubu also commended the lawmakers in the National Assembly for the support given to his administration so far, which has enabled us to fulfill and renew the promises to Nigerian citizens.

  • Civil service must drive national transformation, says Tinubu

    Civil service must drive national transformation, says Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s Civil Service to abandon its traditional passivity and assume a central role in the country’s transformation agenda.

    Speaking at the opening of the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu asserted that bureaucratic inertia must give way to a digital, innovative, and performance-driven system in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “This conference must not be a talk shop. The Civil Service is not a supporting actor; it is the platform through which our national transformation will be delivered. We must rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate. The time to act is now,” Tinubu declared.

    Themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”, the global gathering has drawn public sector leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ghana, Morocco, Kenya, Azerbaijan, and others — positioning Nigeria at the forefront of civil service reform in Africa.

    President Tinubu announced sweeping reforms, including a comprehensive personnel audit and a skills gap analysis across the Federal Civil Service, to root out inefficiencies and elevate governance standards.

    He also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collect, safeguard, and publish data in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, describing data as “the new oil” for driving evidence-based policy.

    He further urged the publication of verified national datasets on international platforms to strengthen Nigeria’s global visibility and reputation.

    “We must let our data speak for us, within Nigeria and to the world. Global benchmarking must reflect our progress in real time,” Tinubu said.

    The President praised the leadership of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, whose stewardship he said has propelled key reforms under the 2021–2025 Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, including the rollout of Service-Wise GPT, a homegrown AI tool to boost productivity and responsiveness in public service.

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    Tinubu also highlighted new welfare initiatives under his administration—including the minimum wage increase and approval of the pension bond scheme—as social compacts that reflect respect for the sacrifices of Nigerian workers.

    Walson-Jack, in her address, said the Civil Service must no longer lag behind global trends, but lead boldly with discipline, vision, and innovation. She described the conference as a “historic turning point” in Nigeria’s governance journey.

    “Public service is not a relic of the past; it is the key to our future. If Nigeria must lead Africa, then the Nigerian Civil Service must lead the way,” she said.

    She revealed that the conference was fully self-funded through partnerships and corporate support, and has already secured major wins, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme to transform the Public Service Institute of Nigeria into a global centre for institutional excellence and innovation.

    Walson-Jack also unveiled the Aspire Stage, a dedicated platform for young civil servants to pitch transformative ideas, ensuring that the next generation plays a direct role in shaping public service delivery.

    United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, in a keynote message, echoed the urgency of reform.

    “The call to rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate public service is more pressing than ever. Public servants are the frontline soldiers in the delivery of peace, justice, and development,” she said.

    She urged Nigeria and other nations to professionalise civil service, invest in digital tools, and ensure inclusion and accountability as the world races to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.