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There was a drama in the National Assembly on Wednesday when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies during an investigative hearing.

The drama unfolded when the Committee, chaired by Hon. Oboku Oforji, convened a session to examine JAMB’s 2023-2024 budget performance, implementation, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements.

The Committee had invited the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to appear in person and present the documents.

However, the Registrar sent a Director, Mr. Muftar Bello, to represent him.

The atmosphere became tense shortly after the session began. When it was time for introductions, the JAMB representative insisted that members of the press should leave the meeting, claiming that the documents he was to present contained ‘sensitive information.’

The committee, however, objected to the demand, maintaining that its proceedings were public and that it was within its constitutional powers to determine how its sittings were conducted.

The JAMB official became visibly agitated and, in an unexpected turn, stood up, directed his team to follow and walked out of the session, leaving members of the committee stunned.

Angered by the action, the committee immediately directed the Clerk to summon the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative but he had already left the premises.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, described the walkout as ‘unfortunate and unacceptable,’ stressing that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to obstruct its oversight duties.

‘We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar of JAMB requesting these documents. To our surprise, the Registrar failed to appear, and instead sent a former Director of Finance and Accounts, who claimed the committee was out to embarrass them. That is very unfortunate,’ Oforji said.

He added that the committee’s intention was not to witch-hunt any government agency but to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

‘Our responsibility is to make sure that all agencies under our watch are accountable to Nigerians. We have no intention whatsoever to witch-hunt anyone,’ he stated.

The committee has given JAMB until next Tuesday for the Registrar to appear in person with his management team to present the requested documents.

‘Failure to do so will compel the committee to take necessary actions in line with the powers vested in us under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ the chairman warned.

Other members of the committee also reacted angrily to the development, describing JAMB’s conduct as a blatant show of disrespect to the National Assembly and, by extension, to the Nigerian people.

Member representing Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante said the walkout amounted to contempt of Parliament. He described the incident as ‘most unfortunate,’ warning that it set a dangerous precedent for accountability in governance.

‘If JAMB can walk out on a committee of the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is a constitutional duty. When an agency refuses to answer questions about public funds, Nigerians have every reason to suspect something is wrong,’ Abiante said.

The lawmaker added that JAMB’s posture raised doubts about the transparency of its financial dealings, recalling previous controversies over unremitted or missing funds in public offices.

‘We have heard of instances where snake or something swallowed money. So probably a bigger swallow may have happened, and they have not prepared themselves for the autopsy. It’s unfortunate. And if this is what we call democracy, I do not understand where we are headed. We have institutions that have chosen not to be responsible to other arms of government, especially one that is constitutionally mandated to ensure public resources are not wasted,’ he added.

Member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, also faulted JAMB’s request for a closed-door session, insisting that it contradicted the principles of transparency expected of public institutions.

‘Public funds must be accounted for in the open. It is not JAMB’s right to dictate that a parliamentary session be held behind closed doors. This is how agencies get lawmakers into trouble. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent,’ he said.

The member representing Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the identity of the official who led JAMB’s delegation, expressing dismay that the Registrar failed to attend the hearing in person.

She maintained that as a major revenue-generating agency, JAMB must be held accountable for its finances and operations, noting that the committee expected the Registrar to appear personally at the next session.

‘It’s even more embarrassing that the man who walked out was not the Registrar. We don’t even know who he is. We simply asked them to introduce themselves and they refused. For all we know, he could have been impersonated. Nigerians want to know what JAMB is doing with their money. The Registrar must appear before this committee by Tuesday to explain,’ Ebikake said.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, will lead other dignitaries to the annual celebration of Uponna Olosi in Osi-Ekiti on Saturday.

Activities to mark the weeklong event began on Monday with a football competition among quarters in the ancient town. A sum will be won. It is sponsored by the late Chief Dayo Ogboja family and others.

A symposium with the theme: ‘Osi-Ekiti Community Development and Economic Growth’, will hold tomorrow. It will feature Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Steve Adegboyega Alabi, who will declare the talk open, with Prof. Dele Ilesanmi and Prince Sunday Robinson as speakers.

On Friday, the Osi-Ekiti monarch will visit quarters in the town.

Chief host, ACM Oludare Fadogba, who is the president of Osi Progressive Union (OPU), enjoined indigenes to attend the event.

President/CEO, Garbykem Global Resources, Kolawole Ajiboye, is the chairman of the day, while the National President, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo, is the co-chairman.

Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year’s World Cup, but he says he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream come true.

The 38-year-old striker for Inter Miami of MLS led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and yearns to be on the field when the ‘Albiceleste’ defend the crown next year in North America.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told NBC News in an interview broadcast on Monday that he will see next year how his body feels before deciding on whether or not he can play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

‘It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to,’ said Messi, who turns 39 next June.

‘I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

‘And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.’

Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, wants the chance for one more star turn on football’s biggest stage.

‘I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.’

Messi, who debuted with Barcelona in La Liga at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and moved to MLS in 2023.

‘The truth is that I like everything about living here,’ Messi said of Miami.

‘I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot.

‘But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.’

Messi has 195 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 114 goals.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold project, Segilola Gold Mine in Osun State, has participated as a Gold Sponsor at 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.

During the week, SROL hosted its Second Annual Stakeholder Reception at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The event convened over 100 industry’s top voices, policymakers, regulators, financiers, legal experts, and development partners. Also present were Faruk Yabo, permanent secretary of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Prof. Innocent Bariko, director general of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency; Simon Nkom, director general of Mining Cadastre Office; and Prof. Olusegun Ige, director general of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

They were joined by senior representatives from Babalakin and Co., ENR Advisory, VUKA Group, Africa Finance Corporation, Bank of Industry, and other key institutions shaping Nigeria’s mining.

The reception served as a strategic forum to align visions across sectors, foster transparency, and reaffirm SROL’s commitment to responsible mining as a driver of economic and social development in Nigeria.

Segun Lawson, chief executive of Segilola, lauded stakeholders who supported its journey, saying ‘it took courage to build what we have. It takes courage to do things differently, to build mines not just for profit, but for people, planet, and posterity.

”At Segilola, we chose a path grounded in responsibility and driven by innovation, committing to a sustainable future for Nigerian mining.’

Guests engaged with the tangible results of SROL’s livelihood restoration programs, community-led initiatives designed to build resilient and diversified local economies. These efforts exemplify the company’s inclusive development model and its enduring commitment to sustainable growth.

Throughout the Nigeria Mining Week, SROL played a leading role in shaping discussions around the future of the industry.

As a Gold Sponsor, the company contributed to high-impact conversations through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions focused on regulatory evolution, sustainable finance, and sector-wide transformation.

SROL’s exhibition booth served as a hub of engagement for stakeholders eager to connect with the team behind Nigeria’s pioneering gold mine.

As Nigeria’s mining renaissance gathers momentum, Segilola Resources Operating Limited stands at its forefront-proving that responsible mining can drive lasting transformation. The Second Annual Stakeholder Reception was not merely a reflection of progress but a reaffirmation of SROL’s vision for a future where communities, industry, and sustainability thrive together.

United Kingdom-based Nigerian culture ambassador, Omolara Augustina Seweje, popularly known as Olori Seweje-MC Alaga Extraordinaire, continues to project African traditions and values to global audiences through her media platforms, cultural events, and community mentorship.

A bilingual radio host and professional traditional wedding moderator, Seweje’s work bridges continents, connecting African heritage with the wider world while celebrating the richness of cultural diversity.

For Seweje, culture is not just performance but a calling. ‘My background has always been arts and culture. While in secondary school, I loved acting and dance. I participated in Yoruba, Igbo, and French cultural activities, and that passion keeps driving me even more every day,’ she said.

Her journey as a culture ambassador began when she took up the mantle of Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko, traditional wedding moderator roles deeply rooted in Yoruba custom.

‘A professional Alaga is expected to uphold cultural values. Beyond moderating weddings, I promote culture daily through my dressing, language, and how I express myself,’ she said.

Through her two radio shows, Eto Omoluabi on Jambo Radio, Scotland and Culture Fusion on Heartsong Live Radio, Seweje has carved a space for cultural dialogue in the diaspora.

While Eto Omoluabi focuses on celebrating Yoruba culture and inspiring Nigerians abroad to take pride in their heritage, Culture Fusion explores global cultures, highlighting shared values and distinct traditions.

‘My shows centre on the beauty and uniqueness of every culture. No culture is superior to another because every culture is beautiful in its own way,’ she said.

Her experience as a traditional wedding host has also expanded her understanding of multicultural connections. Among the many weddings she has moderated, Seweje recalls a Scottish-Yoruba wedding in Inverurie, Scotland, and an Ugandan-Scottish bridal unveiling as particularly memorable.

‘I’ve also hosted more than ten Anglophone-Francophone weddings. Every culture I encounter teaches me something new. The diversity I see at these events reinforces my belief that culture is the heartbeat of humanity,’ she said.

Through her work, Seweje has become a bridge between communities. ‘Many people have been encouraged to explore African culture. Interracial marriages are increasing, and more people now understand others’ behaviour through the lens of culture. It has changed mindsets and broken biases,’ she noted

Despite the progress, she admits that promoting cultural diversity in the diaspora is not without challenges. ‘It can be overwhelming. As an ethnic minority, it takes a lot to get the right platforms. But we’ll keep doing what we do until we’re heard,’ she added.

According to her conviction, she said she is rooted in passion and perseverance. ‘There are opportunities for people who are willing to take them. But your passion must be strong enough to keep you going, because it’s not easy. Many people here prefer to focus on work shifts rather than voluntary cultural promotion.’

True to her advocacy, Seweje’s personal style reflects her values. ‘Everywhere you find me, you’ll see me dressed as African. Even in Glasgow, I wear African prints and fabrics. It gives me confidence, and people commend me for it,’ she said proudly.

Looking to the future, Seweje envisions a world where cultural pride is universal. ‘My goal is to stand on global stages and tell people to be proud of their heritage. The world is beautiful because of its diversity. Imagine a world without agbada, asooke, gele, or the Scottish kilt. Diversity is what makes life colourful,’ she said.

Her upcoming project, slated for 2026, will celebrate African arts through music, fashion, and dance, a continuation of her mission to preserve and showcase cultural beauty.

‘I want to be remembered as the woman who broke biases by preaching the beauty in every culture. Someone who used her platforms to promote unity in diversity and preserve cultural pride across generations,’ she said.

Through her voice, her attire, and her platform, Olori Seweje continues to remind the world that culture is not just a marker of identity, it is a legacy of beauty, pride, and belonging.

Paris St Germain posted record revenue in the 2024-2025 season of 837 million euros ($976.11 million), the Champions League winners announced in their financial results.

PSG, third in the Deloitte Football Money League in January, beat their previous revenue high of 806 million euros.

The Ligue 1 club generated 367 million euros of commercial revenues and 175 million euros from matchday income, with the Parc des Princes sold out for 170 consecutive matches.

The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books as PSG won their first Champions League title plus the Ligue 1 crown, French Cup and Trophee des Champions before losing in the Club World Cup final.

‘This performance shows the maturity of the project since the arrival of its main shareholder QSI, and confirms the solidity of the club’s economic model, now among the most successful in the world’, PSG said in a statement.

Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.

Revenue from the Club World Cup up to the quarter-finals was included in this season’s financial report, while the latter stages will be reflected in next year’s results.

Despite record revenue, PSG registered an annual loss although the club did not disclose the deficit. Last season, PSG reported a loss of approximately 60 million euros.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the new external Borrowing plan as contained in the 2025 appropriation act to refinance maturing Eurobonds, and issue a debut Sovereign Sukuk in the International Capital Market.

The report of the committee on Loans and Debt was presented to the House for consideration at plenary by the Chairman of the Committee, Hassan Nalaraba.

However, there was a mild drama as the Deputy House Leader, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, who earlier moved for the consideration of the report, also said the report should be stepped down for further consultation.

The Speaker was not pleased with the Deputy House Leader questioning why he should be moving a motion to step down the consideration of the report when he was not fully abreast with the content of the report.

The House considered and approved the Implementation of the New External Borrowing of N1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD 1,229,113,000.00 at the Budget Exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500) provided as New External Borrowing in the 2025 Appropriation Act, to part-finance the Budget Deficit of N9,276,348,934,935.79.

They also approved the request to refinance the USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025.

They also approved the request by the President to access aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229BN and USD 1.118BN), through any of the following option(s) in the International Capital Market (ICM): Issuance of Eurobonds, Loan Syndications, Bridge Finance Facility from Bookrunners and Direct Borrowing from international Financial Institutions.

Also approved is the request to issue a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500M in the ICM with or without credit enhancement (Guarantee).

The President had, in a letter read at plenary on the 7th of October sought the approval of the House to implement the new external borrowing planning in the 2025 appropriation act, to refinance maturing eurobond and issue a debut sovereign sukuk in the international market.

The President’s letter dated 22nd September, 2025 was titled ‘Request for the resolution of the National Assembly to implement new external borrowing in the 2025 appropriation act, refinance maturing Euro bonds and issue debt sovereign sukuk in the international capital market.’

President Tinubu said the purpose of the letter is to seek a resolution of the House pursuant to the provisions of sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003 to implement the New External Borrowing of ?1,843,669,786,987.16 (equivalent of USD1,229,113,000.00 at the budget exchange rate of USD1.00/N1,500.00) in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the part-financing of the Budget Deficit.

He is also seeking a resolution to refinance the USD1,118,352,000.00 Eurobonds (7.625% USD1.118BN NOV 2025) maturing on November 21, 2025; access aggregate external capital of USD2,347,465,000.00 (USD1.229bn and USD1.118bn).

The facility is to be accessed through any of the following channels in the International Capital Market (ICM): Issuance of Eurobonds, Loan Syndications, Bridge Finance Facility from Bookrunners and Direct Borrowing from International Financial Institutions.

Also, the request is also for a resolution to issue a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to USD500m in the ICM with or without credit enhancement (Guarantee).

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, yesterday warned that any attempt to induce voters before or during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State would be resisted and curtailed.

Speaking at the first consultative meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Amupitan urged Nigerians-especially political actors-to unite in combating the menace of vote buying as a way of restoring integrity to the electoral process.

He said the commission was working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies, particularly the anti-graft agencies, to stop vote buyers from contaminating the electoral process.

‘Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate during the Anambra election,’ he said.

‘Together, let us combat vote buying, uphold the values of democracy, and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections. The path ahead may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.’

The INEC boss said that following a week-long comprehensive readiness assessment conducted across Anambra State, the commission was confident of its full preparedness for the polls.

According to him, INEC recently conducted a mock accreditation exercise in 12 selected polling units across six local government areas of the state, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to test-run its facilities and readiness.

As political momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections, Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, founder of the Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) and a key figure in the Tinubu Support Movement, has declared that ‘Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have neither the influence nor the credibility to turn the North against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

In a strongly worded statement, Alawuje cautioned politicians ‘engaging in underground ethnic and religious politics,’ insisting that every move is being closely monitored.

‘Be warned. There is no political or ethnic scheme you can execute without the awareness of our agents. The North will not be deceived again,’ he said.

Recalling Tinubu’s pivotal role in the 2015 elections, Alawuje said history will not forget how the then-APC National Leader ‘stood firmly with the North when it mattered most.’

‘At that crucial moment, Tinubu traversed the region, convincing millions who once opposed Buhari to support him. The North has not forgotten that selfless act,’ he stated.

He described the North as ‘a region of loyalty and honour,’ stressing that it would ‘reward Tinubu with its votes again in 2027.’

The Tinubu loyalist accused Atiku of masking a ‘Northern agenda’ while alleging that Peter Obi was ‘hiding behind religious sentiments.’

‘Both are playing hypocritical politics of the highest order. No propaganda will turn the North against its trusted ally from the Southwest,’ he declared.

Citing recent remarks by the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, who noted that ‘Nigeria has pulled back from the brink of economic collapse,’ Alawuje commended President Tinubu’s ‘bold and transformative reforms.’

‘Tinubu is performing exceptionally well-transforming Nigeria’s economic and developmental landscape. Nigerians only need patience,’ he added.

Praising the President’s resilience amid criticism, Alawuje said Tinubu’s governance had silenced detractors.

‘Despite social media ‘economists’ sowing fear, Tinubu has proven them wrong. He is a courageous and visionary leader-an economic reformer and a true champion of human development,’ he said.

Alawuje urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s ongoing reforms and resist divisive politics, saying, ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made us proud. He has laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future.’

When President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025 into law on June 26, he ushered in one of the most ambitious fiscal reforms in Nigeria’s modern history. Alongside the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, this landmark legislation is not merely a consolidation of tax laws, it represents a structural re-engineering of how Nigeria mobilises, administers, and sustains its domestic revenue base.

At its core, the NTA 2025 seeks to modernise the tax framework, broaden the tax base, and align domestic practice with global norms, including the OECD’s minimum tax standards. It consolidates income classifications, introduces controlled-foreign-company (CFC) and top-up tax rules, reforms capital gains and corporate taxation, and streamlines administrative processes through enhanced automation and digital compliance.

Yet, even well-intentioned reforms can generate friction. Rapid transitions unsettle both administrators and taxpayers, particularly in a system already grappling with weak institutional capacity and uneven digital infrastructure. The challenge, therefore, is not whether Nigeria can reform its tax system; it’s how to transition painlessly from enactment to execution.

The case for careful transition

Fiscal transitions of this magnitude must balance ambition with realism. If rushed, reforms risk undermining business confidence, distorting cash flows, and triggering avoidable disputes. But if phased and well-communicated, they can achieve three goals simultaneously: boost revenue, build compliance culture, and foster trust between taxpayers and the state. Therefore, transition planning matters because the NTA changes are structural, not cosmetic. The Act redefines taxable income, alters reporting formats, and imposes new obligations on multinational groups. Without clear operational guidance, both small businesses and large corporates may misapply provisions – leading to revenue loss for government and compliance stress for taxpayers.

Principles for a smooth rollout

To achieve a seamless implementation, five guiding principles stand out:

Clarity First: Tax laws must be understood to be obeyed. The FIRS and State Revenue Services should publish plain-language guidance, worked examples, and industry-specific FAQs. Ambiguity fuels litigation; clarity fuels compliance.

Phased Implementation: The most disruptive provisions such as CFC computations and top-up taxation should be introduced gradually. A phased rollout allows taxpayers and administrators to align systems, test software, and adjust accounting models.

Technology-driven administration: End-to-end digital filing, e-payment systems, and automated data matching should replace paper-based and discretionary processes. These tools reduce leakages, improve audit efficiency, and minimise human interference.

Stakeholder partnership: Early collaboration with professional and industry bodies like ICAN, CITN, and chambers of commerce will make compliance pathways practical, not punitive. Consultation turns stakeholders into co-implementers rather than spectators.

Fairness and predictability: Transitional relief, clear grandfathering rules, and temporary compliance leniency should help businesses plan. Reform should encourage voluntary compliance, not breed fear.

Four-phase roadmap

Phase one – preparation and communication: From now until two months before the law’s effective date, the priority is communication. Authorities should issue explanatory notes and sectoral guides covering typical transactions from capital gains on asset disposals to cross-border profit allocation. Town halls, webinars, and consultations with key stakeholders will help surface ambiguities before enforcement begins. Draft regulations and operational rules delegated to the executive should be published early for review.

Phase two – pilot testing and capacity building: Pilot testing complex provisions will help refine compliance templates and tax forms. Volunteer firms can participate in ‘sandbox’ simulations of CFC computations and global minimum tax filings. Simultaneously, FIRS officers, helpdesk teams, and dispute resolution staff need intensive training, while SMEs should be supported through simplified filing tools and one-on-one clinics.

Phase three – soft launch and supportive enforcement: Implementation should begin with an assistance-first approach. In the initial months, taxpayers who make genuine filing errors should receive corrective notices rather than penalties. Complex provisions can be introduced in stages, giving firms time to recalibrate. Dedicated sectoral helpdesks such as for oil and gas, financial services, and digital firms should provide prompt responses to industry-specific issues.

Phase four – full enforcement and continuous improvement: After stabilisation, enforcement should become data driven. Risk-based audits and analytics can prioritise high-value or high-risk cases, while fast-track dispute resolution and expand tax tribunals can handle inevitable disagreements efficiently. The publication of monthly performance dashboards showing filings processed, refunds issued, and query turnaround times will promote transparency and trust.

Reducing the pain points

Even with the best preparation, implementation will still test institutional resilience. The government must therefore deploy targeted relief measures to ease pressure on vulnerable sectors.

Transitional pricing and grandfathering: Allow pre-effective-date contracts to retain prior tax treatment to avoid retroactive shocks.

Support for small businesses: Offer simplified regimes, temporary deferments, or tax credits to offset compliance costs.

Public education: Use radio, social media, and local-language campaigns to demystify registration, filing, and payment procedures.

Technology partnerships: Encourage fintech and accounting software providers to release NTA-compliant tools early. Private innovation can bridge administrative capacity gaps.

Cross-government coordination: Align FIRS, Customs, and state tax agencies to prevent double assessments and inconsistent interpretations.

Tracking Progress

Progress should be measured against tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

At least 80% of filings processed without manual correction within six months.

Average response time to taxpayer queries under seven business days.

90% of pilot-identified issues resolved before enforcement begins.

60-80% SME compliance uptake in the first year.

A higher ratio of corrective guidance to penalties, signalling education over punishment.

Such metrics transform implementation from aspiration to accountability.

Beyond revenue: Building trust and competence

The ultimate success of the NTA 2025 will not be judged by how much revenue is collected in its first year, but by how efficiently and fairly the system functions. Nigeria’s tax culture has long been weakened by mutual distrust; taxpayers suspect inefficiency or arbitrariness, while authorities assume evasion. The new regime offers a chance to reset this relationship. Thus, implementation should therefore be viewed as a partnership, not a confrontation. The tax authority’s role is evolving from a mere collector of revenue to a facilitator of compliance, a custodian of fairness, and a driver of national growth.

Done right, the NTA 2025 can strengthen domestic resource mobilisation without discouraging enterprise or investment. Done poorly, it risks litigation, economic distortion, and erosion of confidence. The difference lies not in the text of the law, but in the discipline of its execution. Undoubtedly, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward a modern, inclusive, and globally aligned tax system. The next test perhaps the most important is ensuring that this reform journey is guided by clarity, compassion, and competence. That is how transformation becomes progress.