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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

The Convener, ISO/TC309/WG8 and the Chairman, SON NTC Governance of Organization, Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor on Tuesday stated that the world economy loses over $4.7 trillion to fraud yearly.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of ISO 370032:2025, Osunbor said the formation for the new standard started on the sidelines of ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia in November 2018 .

‘There was need to develop a standard to address fraud in organizations that would align with the strategic business plan of TC 309 following our presentation to plenary, an ad hoc group was by resolution constituted to ascertain the desirability of an ISO deliverable on fraud controls.

‘A global survey was designed and administered by the ad hoc group, and we received responses from a wide range of organizations, small, medium and large, covering commercial, government and non governmental organizations from diverse sectors.

‘The responses established key facts, namely; One, there was awareness of fraud risks in organizations. Two, there were existing fraud controls within the organizations, including internal fraud whistleblowing code of conduct, anti fraud policies as well as fraud training and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

‘Another element was that, despite the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control’.

He explained that’research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. In fact, the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Thoracic Examiners put it at $4.7 trillion, so it’ is increasing.’

He noted that total loss amount to 7% of the annual turnovers of organizations based on the findings. ‘The leadership of TC 309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group to develop a fraud control management system standard after going through all the different stages of development, from working draft to committee, draft international standard to final draft international standard.

‘The document was published as an international standard on 29th May of this year. It has been adopted by SON as a National Industrial Standard in accordance with the Standards Organization of Nigeria act.

‘We are gathered here today to witness the formal presentation and launch of the standard ISO 37,003 is a response to global concern about the damaging effects of fraud.

Osunbor said the standard provides guidance for organizations for the development, implementation and maintenance of an effective fraud control management system, including fraud prevention, early detection of fraud and effective response to fraud events that have occurred or may occur in future.

‘By adopting and implementing ISO 37,003. along with the other TC 309 family of standards, ISO member countries and their organizations will boost their global competitiveness by sending a clear signal that they uphold the highest standard of governance and that it is safe to do business’ he reaffirmed.

Also speaking at the event, Sorrel Evans of the Justice and Home Affairs Affairs with the British High Commission in Abuja reiterated that ‘on behalf of the United Kingdom, I am honoured to stand here today alongside our Nigerian partners, united in a shared mission: to protect our economies and our citizens from the growing threat of fraud.

‘Fraud is not just a financial issue, it affects livelihoods, undermines trust, and in the most heartbreaking cases, it costs lives.

‘The scale of the problem is staggering:, there are an estimated 76 million victims of fraud each year’ she stated.

Evans noted that globally, scammers siphoned off an estimated $47 trillion in just 12 months. ‘A figure that exceeds the GDP of many nations.

‘In the UK alone, 10 million people have been affected, costing our 11 economy and individuals £15 billion over the past three years.

‘Financial institutions in Nigeria lost N52.26 billion to fraud in 2024 according to the latest report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

‘But even more worryingly – these trends are growing across the nation, the continent, and the world. This represents a significant increase of 295% compared to the N17.67 billion recorded in 2023′ she explained.

Sorrel Evans said in parts of Africa according to INTERPOL, scam notifications rose by 3,000% last year’, commending SON for adopting standard for fraud control.

‘I want to thank the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the British Standards Institution (BSI), and all stakeholders who contributed to this effort. ISO, one of the world’s longest-standing international organisations, continues to demonstrate its central role in shaping a safer, more secure global economy.

‘Over the next few days, you will hear from experts and peers about the many ways fraud impacts business viability and profitability. But I encourage you to also look around this room-for opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead the next wave of change in this industry.

‘Nigeria’s publication of these standards is more than a technical achievement. It is a statement of leadership, engagement, and ambition to be a global pioneer in fraud prevention’ she stated.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to work harder and remain committed to building a greater nation.

She gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday in her message to citizens on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Quoting from Gebran Kalil Gebran’s 1925 essay The New Frontier, she said, ‘Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite, if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.’

The First Lady also referenced the Jan. 20, 1961 inaugural address of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, urging Nigerians to embrace virtue and service.

‘My Fellow Citizens, ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country.

‘My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of Man.

‘Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain,’ she said.

A former Minister of Communications and Alternate Chairman of the Renaissance Patriots, Major-General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), has cautioned against the rumoured plan to demolish Randle General Hospital in Surulere, Lagos.

In a statement, Olanrewaju emphasised the hospital’s historical and cultural significance, warning that such a decision would amount to the destruction of a cherished Lagosian heritage.

He recalled that Randle Hospital was built in 1961 by the Lagos Primary Health Commission in honour of Chief J.K. Randle, a revered Lagosian philanthropist, athlete, socialite and advocate for public health.

According to Olanrewaju, Chief Randle dedicated his life and wealth to fighting diseases such as tuberculosis and rabies during a time when such efforts were both rare and critical.

‘Chief Randle was indeed a demonstrable evidence of a Lagosian who invested his wealth into his community for the greater good of all,’ Olanrewaju stated.

He commended the late icon’s contributions to philanthropy, cultural revival and social intervention, recalling a life that combined medical philanthropy with athletic distinction and civic engagement.

The former minister expressed disbelief at reports suggesting that a top government official may have an interest in the demolition and redevelopment of the hospital.

He, therefore, described the move, if true, as a ‘reckless abuse of public office’ and a ‘trampling upon public trust.’

Olanrewaju said: ‘I do not believe it. This would amount to the destruction of a 64-year-old monument, a gradual eradication of a treasured Lagosian historical landmark. If true, it smacks of partisan ribaldry.’

Rather than demolish the facility, Olanrewaju advised that new primary healthcare centres could be developed on other available government lands within the area.

He proposed portions of the vast grounds surrounding the National Arts Theatre, located within Surulere, Mainland, Apapa and Lagos Island local government jurisdictions, as alternative sites for such projects.

‘Please, do not destroy another Lagosian heritage in the craze for commercial thoughtlessness and partisan aggrandizement,’ he pleaded.

As of press time, there has been no official confirmation or denial from government authorities regarding the alleged plans for the hospital.

Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has discharged and acquitted a 82-year-old man, Chief Olowofela Oyebanji, of criminal offences related to kidnapping and murder.

The trial judge, Umar Zikki Jubril, upheld a no case submission preferred before it by the defence counsels.

Oyebanji and 12 others were facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, kidnapping and giving false information contrary to Sections 97, 221 and 178 of the penal code law and Section 1 (Special Prohibition) Kidnapping Law of Kwara state 2010.

Oyebanji, who is a High Chief in Igbara-Odo, Ekiti state, has since denied involvement in the criminal allegations, particularly the killing of a traditional ruler, Olukoro of Koro, Oba Aremu Cole, in the Ekiti local government area of Kwara state.

In her ruling on Tuesday, the trial judge discharged and acquitted Oyebanji, having proved his innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Zikki held that the prosecution was not able to prove a prima facie case against the defendant and others alleged to be involved in the criminal act.

Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the defendant, Dr Solomon Afolabi, expressed joy and satisfaction with the ruling.

He commended the judge for being courageous and ensuring justice was done, amid heightened sentiments and the sensitive nature of the case.

‘It’s a big gift at the beginning of the new legal year that my client, the ninth defendant, who has been standing trial since February 2024, for an offence he knew nothing about, eventually got justice.

‘It was just unfortunate that he had to go through this because, as you heard in the judgement, it was a case of random arrests for many of the defendants in this case’, he said.

Another defence counsel said the ruling came after the prosecution closed its case against the defendants.

‘The prosecution presented evidence and called five witnesses during the case. But after thorough perusal of the evidence before the court, the court found it in its ruling that the prosecution failed to provide a substantial and compelling evidence against all the defendants and, in view of this, discharged and acquitted them’.

Aspira Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost manufacturers and distributors of trusted household cleaning and personal care brands for over 15 years, is proud to unveil Viva Matic, its latest innovation designed to transform laundry routines nationwide for families and individuals. Building on the success of beloved brands like Viva Plus Detergent, Aspira continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering practical solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families.

Viva Matic is a high-performance detergent, specifically formulated for use in washing machines, offering a more innovative and efficient way to handle laundry. With washing machines becoming a household essential across Nigeria, Viva Matic is positioned as an indispensable laundry companion, ensuring clothes come out cleaner, fresher, and protected wash after wash.

Unlike traditional powder detergents designed for hand washing, Viva Matic’s advanced formula is engineered to dissolve quickly and work seamlessly in both front-load and top-load washing machines. It penetrates fabrics deeply, tackles tough stains, preserves colours, and extends the life of both clothes and washing machines, giving families the confidence of a superior clean every time.

‘At Aspira, we listen to our customers and understand that efficiency and convenience are top priorities for modern households,’ said Lynda Aguocha, Head of Advertising at Aspira. ‘With Viva Matic, we’re introducing an innovative solution that makes laundry faster, easier, and more cost-effective, redefining what laundry care should look like for today’s Nigerian families.’

Speaking on the company’s vision for innovation, Santhosh Kumar Nair, Head of Marketing at Aspira, added: ‘Viva Matic embodies our commitment to practical innovation and quality. It’s more than just a washing product; it’s a solution that helps families care for their clothes and appliances better, while saving time and resources.’

Available at major supermarkets, neighbourhood retail outlets, and leading online stores nationwide, Viva Matic is set to become an indispensable part of every home that values convenience and smart laundry care. With this launch, Aspira Nigeria reaffirms its position as a brand that cares, listens, and continuously raises the bar for innovative household solutions.

About Aspira Nigeria Limited

Aspira Nigeria Limited is the leading manufacturer and distributor of household cleaning and personal care products, serving Nigerian consumers for over 15 years with a diverse range of quality yet affordable products, including Viva Plus Detergent, Viva Dishwashing Liquid, Siri Soap, Biotol, Oracare, Fizz Detergent, Sabil, Chic, Family Care, Baby and Me, Fizz Manuka, and MP3 soap

Nigeria celebrates its Independence every 1st October, marking the nation’s declaration of freedom from British dominance as a colonial master.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary of independence today, Tribune Online looks at some 65 quick facts you should know about the country.

Nigeria is located in West Africa.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

In the Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

The country covers an area of 923,769 square kilometres (356,669 sq mi).

The country borders Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.

Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states.

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria.

The official language of Nigeria is English, while the national languages are Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.

Nigeria has over 500 different regional languages.

Nigeria is known for its diverse ethnic groups, with over 250 different ethnicities.

Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963.

Nigeria’s three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo.

The Nigerian currency is called the Naira.

There are 774 local governments in Nigeria.

The Federal government of Nigeria comprises three distinct branches, namely the legislative, executive, and judicial.

Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, music, and artwork.

Nigeria is home to various national parks and wildlife reserves, which include Yankari National Park and Cross River National Park.

Nigeria’s film industry is referred to as Nollywood.

Nigeria has the largest population of people of African descent in the world.

Nigeria has a tropical climate, with distinct dry and wet seasons.

The country has seen periods of military rule as well as periods of democratic governance.

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is known for its oil reserves.

The country has a diverse range of natural resources, including crude oil, tin, limestone, and coal.

Nigeria is known for its vibrant fashion industry, with traditional textiles like Ankara fabric being widely used.

Nigeria has a rich sporting history, with successes in football, athletics, boxing, and basketball among others.

Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a renowned figure in contemporary literature.

Nigeria is often referred to as the Giant of Africa due to its large population and economy.

Nigeria is a multi-religious country, with Islam and Christianity being the major religions.

The amalgamation of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate was done in 1914 by Lord Lugard.

Nigeria has a federal system of government, with power shared between the federal and state governments, and local governments.

Lake Chad, located in northeastern Nigeria, is a crucial water source for the country.

Nigeria is home to Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel laureate in literature.

The country is rich in cultural festivals, including the Argungu Fishing Festival, Egungun Festival, and the Durbar Festival.

The Yoruba people of Nigeria have a strong tradition of wooden sculpture and art.

In 2015, Nigeria became the first African country to rid itself of the Ebola virus.

Nigeria has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Sukur Cultural Landscape, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, and Aso Rock.

Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe’s novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’ is one of the most widely read and studied African novels.

Nigerian footballer, Jay-Jay Okocha is considered one of the greatest African football players of all time.

Lagos was the former capital city of Nigeria before the federal capital was formally moved to Abuja on December 12, 1991 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babaginda.

Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa.

The Nigeria flag has two green stripes and a white stripe.

The Nigeria national motto is ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.’

Nigeria’s current national anthem is ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee.’

The Nigeria coat of arms features an eagle, representing strength, and a shield, representing agriculture and the natural resources of the country.

Nigeria is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Nigeria has produced many notable writers, including Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Wole Soyinka.

A Nigerian, Aliko Dangote, is the richest man in Africa.

The first newspaper in Nigeria, ‘Iwe Irohin fun awon ara Egba ati eya Yoruba,’ was established in Abeokuta, Ogun state, in 1859.

Nigerian late legendary musician and activist Fela Kuti is well known for his Afrobeat music and his criticism of government corruption and human rights abuses.

Nigeria has a growing music industry, producing internationally recognized artistes like Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy among others.

Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of Cassava.

Nigeria has a large diaspora population, with Nigerians living in virtually all countries around the world.

Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones: North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-West, South-East, and South-South.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe was the first ceremonial president of Nigeria.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first prime minister of Nigeria.

Nigeria is a member of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The country has a diverse music scene, with popular genres including Afrobeat, Afro-pop, hip-hop, fuji, and gospel music.

The Nigerian Civil War, otherwise known as the Biafra war, lasted from 1967 to 1970 and resulted in widespread violence and a significant loss of life.

Britain annexed Lagos, Nigeria as a crown colony in August 1861 with the Lagos Treaty of Cession.

Nigeria has a diverse transportation system, including road networks, railways, and waterways.

Nigeria has a rich history of traditional kingdoms and empires, such as the Benin Empire, Bornu Empire, and the Oyo Empire.

The Zuma Rock is one of the most famous geological landmarks in Nigeria.

The current President of Nigeria is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the national female football team that has won an international trophy 10 times, securing their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in 2025.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region by pledging continued support for initiatives aimed at curbing drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the region.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who disclosed this during the sensitisation campaign against substance abuse in Igbokoda, in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, stressed that tackling drug addiction is key to securing peace and stability in the region.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Acting Director Ondo State office, Dr Victor Asonye,

assured to continue to support all efforts to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the Niger Delta region.

He said the initiative was designed to curb the rising tide of drug abuse, particularly among young people, which has been fueling crime, cultism, and insecurity across the Niger Delta communities, said the

According to him, the campaign against substance abuse aligns with its broader mandate of sustainable development and peacebuilding, noting that infrastructure alone cannot deliver progress without addressing the social issues threatening human capital

He said, ‘Our campaign is about saving lives and protecting the future of our region. Substance abuse not only destroys individual potential; it fuels violence, erodes family values, and threatens the peace we all desire in the Niger Delta. The NDDC cannot ignore this challenge.

‘The NDDC is not only building roads and bridges; we are building peace and people. This campaign is part of our social investment to secure a healthier, safer, and more peaceful Niger Delta.’

‘Peace and stability remain the foundation for development in the Niger Delta, and this is why the NDDC has decided to embark on a campaign against substance abuse. Drug abuse is one of the hidden drivers of insecurity in our communities. It fuels cultism, armed robbery, militancy, and domestic violence.

He noted that drug abuse has become a growing challenge among students and youths, leading to poor academic performance, school dropouts, cultism, violence, and insecurity.

‘Many crimes in our communities are linked to substance abuse, and unless we tackle this problem early, it will continue to destroy lives and destabilise the peace we seek in the Niger Delta. As long as young people are trapped in the cycle of addiction, peace in the region will continue to be fragile.

‘We believe that sustainable peace cannot be achieved by building infrastructure alone. True peace is built on healthy, productive people who can contribute positively to society. Our campaign against substance abuse is therefore a peace initiative – designed to reduce crime, strengthen family values, and give our youths a chance to live meaningful lives.

‘By sensitising schools, communities, and marketplaces, and by working closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups, the NDDC is investing in peace. Every life saved from drugs is a step towards a safer and more prosperous Niger Delta.

‘This campaign is, therefore, about securing the future. We are building peace not just through dialogue or intervention, but by addressing one of the root causes of instability in our region’

He disclosed that the campaign was supported and launched in partnership with key stakeholders, including government agencies, security organisations, and educational institutions, ‘seeks to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse, empower them to make informed choices, and create student ambassadors who will promote awareness within their communities’

The Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ondo State Command, Mr Nanzing David Sallah, in his presentation, appreciated NDDC for being at the forefront of waging war against drug abuse in the Niger Delta states.

Represented by the Deputy Commandant of Narcotics, Drug Demand Reduction Unit (DDRU), Mrs Yetunde Jeyifous, identified abuse of drugs as capable of destroying the lives of the students, urging them to shun drug abuse as they have a brighter future ahead of them.

In the presentation, the Deputy Commandant, Jeyifous, revealed that about 40 per cent of Nigerian youths between 18 and 35 years are involved in abuse of drugs nationally and stressed the need to sensitise and educate the school students on the dangers is important.

She said drug abuse remains a major driver of crime and insecurity across the country, warning that unless it is tackled, peace and development in the Niger Delta will remain elusive.

‘Drug abuse is the oxygen that fuels criminality and violence. From cultism to armed robbery, kidnapping to militancy, you will find drugs at the root of it.

‘If we are serious about peace in the Niger Delta, we must first confront substance abuse. That is why this NDDC initiative is not just welcome, it is urgent. It is a war we need to collectively fight, NDLEA cannot do it alone. Most of the vices we have in our society today are traceable to the use of substances.

‘Our position is clear, drug supply reduction through seizures and arrests must go hand in hand with drug demand reduction through sensitisation and rehabilitation. That is the holistic approach, and this campaign by NDDC is a bold step in the right direction.’

She added that the NDLEA is ready to partner with the Commission and other stakeholders to extend the sensitisation drive to schools, communities, and marketplaces across the Niger Delta.

‘We cannot afford to lose our youth to drugs. Every young person who escapes the trap of drug abuse is one more builder of peace, one more contributor to the future of this region.’

Some of the students who spoke after the programme expressed support for the campaign against substance abuse jointly championed by the NDDC and the NDLEA, describing it as timely and life-saving.

One of the students, John Ebiwonjumi, said: ‘This campaign is very important because many young people around us are falling into drugs without realising the damage. Some of them drop out of school, and some join violent groups. If we want peace in this area, we young people must say no to drugs.’

The students called on the NDDC and NDLEA to sustain the campaign, extend it to rural areas, and provide rehabilitation opportunities for those already struggling with addiction.

‘If we don’t help those already on drugs, the problem will not end. We need counselling centres in schools and communities, not just lectures.’

The Lawmaker representing the Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu, on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, facilitated a 150-million-naira training/empowerment programme on fish farming for no fewer than 600 fish farmers in his constituency.

The lawmaker facilitated the empowerment programme through the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in conjunction with Holatekun International Services Limited for selected youths and women who specialized in fish farming in Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency.

At the end of the one-day training held at the Faith Joe Event Centre, Alegongo, Ibadan, each of the beneficiaries was given artificial fish ponds, fingerlings, fish feeds, and N200,000 each as start-up capital.

Similarly, the lawmaker also facilitated another 3-day training on entrepreneurship basics and empowerment skills under the 2025 capital project support for vulnerable persons in Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency.

At the end of the training attended by 100 youths within the Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency, each participant also received #200,000 financial support for their businesses and certificates of participation.

Speaking on the two programmes, Hon. Akinmoyede Wasiu stressed that the motive behind the gesture was to teach the beneficiaries drawn from 26 wards in the Akinyele/Lagelu constituency to acquire necessary skills to be self-reliant and further reduce the level of poverty among the people in his constituency.

Hon. Lafi, who enjoined the beneficiaries to utilize the knowledge they acquired at the training and the money judiciously, disclosed that more empowerment programmes are underway for those who did not benefit from this one before the end of the last quarter of the year 2025.

The Oyo Central senatorial Chairman of the APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, who spoke on behalf of the party, stated that from what happened at the programme, coupled with Hon. Lafi’s impressive performance, who has been serving his constituents conscientiously, the party may have no choice than to stand by him for re-election because the APC today stands on justice and fair play.

Also speaking, a former Vice-chairman of APC in Oyo State, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, also attested to Hon. Lafi’s outstanding performance, which, according to him, is quite different from his predecessors in the said federal constituency.

The coordinators of one of the training sessions, Mr Okunubi Goriola and some of the beneficiaries, Jimoh Ridwan Oladayo, Dr. Akintunde Isiaka, youth leader of Lagelu local government; Hon. Teslim Olomopupo, youth leader of Akinyele local government; Mrs Abosede Abodunrin, Women Leader of Lagelu local government; and Mrs Felicia Osunbunmi, Women Leader of Akinyele local government, appreciated Hon. Lafi for always accommodating the youth and women whenever he organises empowerment programmes for his constituents.

Some of the APC leaders who attended the programme include Alhaji Fatai Awoyoola, Engr. Akinniyi Emmanuel Akinbode, Arch. Hassan Giwa, Hon. Biodun Oladeji, Hon. D.A. Lawal, Hon. Mukaila Ambali, Hon. M.L. Lawal, Hon. Debo Arowomole, among others.

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, speaks on two years of his headship of the apex tax agency, the reforms of President Bola Tinubu and what the economy stands to gain from next year.

It is two years since you took over as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). How has the journey been and what would you give as your achievements in the agency?

When we set out on this journey, our mind was set on reforming the fiscal landscape of Nigeria and consequently changing the revenue structure of the Federation. To the glory of God, two years on, the figures are justifying that the reforms we embarked upon were the right steps to take. Let me start from the latest evidence, for the first time the three tiers of government shared a record monthly allocation in excess of N2trillion. States and local government councils are now more empowered to carry out their responsibilities to Nigerians in their domains. Nearly 70 per cent of what the three tiers of government gather every month to share comes from tax revenue collected by FIRS. This is an eloquent testimony to the reforms spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, all credits must go to the president for the courage he has demonstrated in leadership by setting the economic fundamentals right in order for the reforms to bring plenty fruits and gains for the Federation. By removing subsidy on petrol and collapsing the hitherto dual exchange rate windows, floating the Naira consequently, the health of the Federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims that would naturally have depleted the accruals into the pool.

In addition to these, the President in his inaugural speech, promised to make his industrial and economic policy one that will remove hurdles in the way of businesses. As a follow up to that, he set up a committee which worked so hard with other stakeholders to bring about the new tax laws that will go into effect from January next year. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since Independence in 1960. The President has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This has been done with the new tax laws which will eliminate multiple taxes. The president said we should not have more than single digit tax types and that has been achieved now. The various tax laws which are scattered in several legislations have now been consolidated and streamlined into a single document. Tax is not easy to collect anywhere in the world and it will be made more difficult if taxpayers go through unnecessary hurdles before they can pay taxes. The fact that these laws were scattered in various legislations gives room for different applications and make compliance cumbersome. But all that is history now. Perhaps the biggest deal for Nigerians is that food, education, shared transportation, agriculture are going to be VAT-free. This will have positive effect on more than 80 per cent of Nigerians. This is in addition to the tax adjustment of personal income of those in the low-income brackets. Small businesses with turnover of N50 million will not pay tax. All these go to show that President Tinubu is a compassionate leader who knows there the shoes pinch for businesses. A more business-friendly environment has now been created with these new laws.

As an agency, FIRS has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years. Carrying out the president’s mandate, we re-structured our internal operations from the functional tax typologies to a customer-centric approach. Now, all tax types are paid at a one-stop shop. How do I mean? We put the taxpayers into the emerging tax, medium and government tax as well as large tax buckets. The categorisation is done according to the turnover thresholds of the companies, with those having turnover of N5 billion and above in the large taxpayers’ bucket. What this means is that these companies pay all the tax types they need to pay at a single tax office which caters for their categories. We no longer have a situation where several offices or units are writing the same company and asking for different things about the VAT or CIT and so on. This has engendered a shift in the mental geography of our staff and has seen a transition to a Federal Inland Revenue Service that is customer-focused. We are service providers to the taxpayers rather than coming across to them as a tax law enforcement agency. Non-oil tax revenue has grown exponentially and for the first time in a long while, we met and surpassed our oil and gas tax revenue target for this year, thanks to the improved security situation in the country which has energised the oil companies to grow and make profits.

Despite your praise for the President, there are those who say much has not really been done for the country and its citizens since he took over in 2023?

Even you journalists know that it will be inaccurate for anyone to come with such claims. Yes, the removal of subsidy on petrol created some disruptions in the living conditions of most Nigerians. Transportation costs went up, as did prices of goods and services. The disruptions can be likened to the pain of a woman in labour. After she is delivered of the baby, comfort and bliss will follow. To cushion the effect, President Tinubu came up with the compressed natural gas initiative which has seen millions of vehicles converted from petrol to CNG. CNG buses were also procured and distributed to states. From the height that it went earlier in the year, petrol price is coming down. Don’t forget that we also came up with the crude-for-naira initiative which is helping local refiners get access to crude oil in naira. The exchange rate that went up is also coming down. The FX market has navigated away from arbitrage which used to be the order of the day. Foreign airlines and others were owed $7 billion by Nigeria. President Tinubu came and cleared the debt. About 90 per cent of revenue was devoted to servicing debt, but the rate has gone down to about 50% in two years. Tax-to-GDP ratio was 10 per centwhen we took over, now it is 13.5 per cent. But that is not where we are going. We are aiming to beat Africa’s average of 15 per cent and achieve 18 per cent by 2027. External reserves have climbed up to $41 billion from $4 billion. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) created by the President Tinubu has seen almost N90 billion disbursed to over 450, 000 students across the country.

There are many road projects going on and some completed across the country, covering all the six geo-political zones. These roads are opening up economic corridors across the country. Federal allocations to state have grown by almost 70%, enabling them to enjoy a great level of fiscal stability and debt management. According to the figures from DMO, about 30 states repaid N1.85trillion in debt over 18 months. We should keep these figures in perspective when X-raying this Administration.

What is the truth about this 5% surcharge on petrol?

The problem with the people bandying this about is either that they don’t read or they read but do not understand. In my earlier comments, I said there were many laws about taxes which were scattered in various legislations, making compliance difficult for taxpayers. To remove the burden, we harmonised these laws into a single document and one of such laws is the petrol tax. The law had existed under the FERMA Act 2007 and the purpose was to use the money therefrom for road maintenance. The new law lays down the procedure for this provision to come into effect. There must be a commencement order from the Minister of Finance which will be publicly announced and also gazetted. So, it does not automatically mean that this provision will go into effect from January next year. Remember, one of the first set of reliefs President Tinubu brought to Nigerians was to remove 7.5 per cent VAT on diesel. Is it that same president that will now impose additional cost on petrol for the citizens at this time?

Why was FIRS changed to Nigeria Revenue Service and what should taxpayers expect from the agency when it goes full throttle next year?

Let me start from what the taxpayers should expect from us. They should expect a fair tax administration that will also come without hassles. Our core mandate is simple: assess, collect and account for revenue accruing to the Federation. In doing this, we will be fairer as a tax authority and continue to provide quality service to our only customers, that is, the taxpayers. The president has done a lot in bringing reliefs to Nigerians and businesses with the new tax laws. Compliance should be easier now and of course our advocacy has been on voluntary compliance. Do the right thing at all times and don’t wait till our tax people visit your premises. If they have any issue, they should get in touch with us. With the new tax laws, evasion will be pretty difficult. Companies should be diligent in their tax planning. Those who still think they can find a way to game the system will find out that evasion or trying to cut corners will be costlier than being compliant and honest.

There is one proverb in my language, ‘If the main course is not satisfying, there is nothing anybody can give you as a gift that will be enough.’ So, if within, we cannot develop Nigeria, nobody will come and develop it for us. President Tinubu’s mantra has always been: ‘I’m not here to tax poverty; I’m here to tax prosperity. My government will tax the fruits of your investments and not the seeds.’ When companies are doing well and are making profits and are expanding their operations, we will benefit from their doing well. The tax rate is simple. If the base is 10, we will have three. If the base increases to 20, we will have six. If the base increases to 30, we will have nine. So, if I want to have more, it’s not by going on an aggressive revenue drive. It is to help the companies to do well and that is when I will do well too. So, that is why, for us at Nigeria Revenue Service, we are here to remove all the hurdles in the way of our taxpayers. This is what President Tinubu has done with the new tax laws. He has fulfilled his electoral promise and we should all commend him for being a promise keeper.

On why we are changing from Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service, the word federal in the name of the agency gives the erroneous impression that we are only collecting tax revenue for the federal government. When you say ‘Inland’, it wrongly means we are only collecting money from Nigeria, which is not what we are doing. I will give you examples. We collect VAT, 90% of which is for states. When you therefore say ‘federal’, it means we are not representing what we do. The new name, NRS, shows we are the sole tax authority for all revenue collection for the Nigerian federation according to our laws.