Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN) and the Himma Youth Farmers Association of Nigeria (HYFAN) have expressed concern that the Federal Government’s ongoing restructuring of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) could lead to sharp increases in fertilizer prices, threatening smallholder farmers and food security across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr. Abubakar Bamai commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his agricultural reforms and policies aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s food systems, but urged the administration to safeguard the achievements recorded under the Buhari-led government.

‘Mr. President, Nigerian farmers cannot afford a disruption in fertilizer supply at this critical moment. We deeply appreciate your reforms, but we appeal: do not kill the legacy of Buhari’s agricultural transformation on fertilizer access. Sustain raw material importation until Nigeria’s local capacity is ready’, Bamai said.

The groups noted that the PFI, introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had been central to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, making fertilizer more affordable by supporting local blending plants through the importation of raw materials.

Millions of farmers, they said, had benefited from the scheme, which boosted food production and strengthened national food security.

COFAN and HYFAN urged the Tinubu administration to adopt a balanced approach that shields farmers from immediate shocks while building local production capacity for the future.

They specifically called on the government to continue importing fertilizer raw materials until local capacity can fully meet demand, retain the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) as the agency responsible for managing raw material imports to ensure transparency and efficiency and guarantee stability in fertilizer supply and pricing during the transition.

The farmer groups reaffirmed their commitment to working with government, the private sector, and development partners to ensure the restructuring of the PFI strengthens the sector rather than undermines it.

Justice M.J. Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court on Monday convicted and sentenced Solomon Ilemona Emmanuel for internet fraud.

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted him on a one-count charge of impersonation and internet fraud.

The charge reads, ‘That you Solomon Ilemona Emmanuel (a.k.a SANTI XII) sometime in June, 2025 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently presented yourself as one SANTI XII on Facebook (a social media platform) to unsuspecting victims and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.’

Emmanuel pleaded guilty. Following this, prosecution counsel M.J. Argungu asked the court to convict and sentence him.

Justice Zubairu sentenced Emmanuel to three years in prison or an option of a ?200,000 fine.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of a Tecno Camon Pro mobile phone and noted that Emmanuel had earlier restituted ?6,057,488.13 to his victims.

According to the EFCC, Emmanuel was arrested in the Kafanchan area of Kaduna State after intelligence reports revealed fraudulent online activities.

Investigations showed he acted as a ‘picker,’ receiving illicit funds through a Chinese vendor and transferring them to other members of the syndicate.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, has described the legislature as the heartbeat of any democratic system and governance in the world.

The speaker explained that among other arms of government, the legislature served as an institution through which the will of the people are expressed, laws are made and government at all levels are held accountable.

Aribasoye, who was represented by the leader of the House, Tolulope Ige, spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capitalwhile declaring open a three-day workshop on Legislative Practice and Procedures.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with the Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Development for the legislative arms (members of legislative officers and the clerk of the house) across the local government areas in the state.

He added that local governments legislative councils are critical and are the closest to the people and, ‘their effectiveness directly impacts grassroots development which are indispensable for ensuring transparency, accountability and people oriented governance.’

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for placing a premium on development of sustainable loyal legislation in the state, noting that the success of governance depends on the functionality of grassroot institutions.

Aribasoye stressed that the purpose of the workshop is to shape the destiny of Ekiti, lay the foundation for stronger democratic governance and sustainable development to empower with tools needed to discharge their duties responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babatunde Olaoye explained that it was part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots and as it would continue to create platforms for learning, collaboration and Innovation in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Lead Consultant of the Centre of Constitutionalism and Human Development, Tope Agunbiade said that the workshop was organized to engage in the discourse on the practice, procedure and roles of legislature in the third tier of government.

He said this is aimed at delivering expected dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Olusegun Ojo encouraged the participants to fully cooperate and participate in the seminar to learn a lot as governance is one of the pillars of this administration.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna, has formally handed over a massive seizure of donkey bones and skins to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

The Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Saidu Nuruddeen, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

He noted that operatives intercepted 700 bags of donkey bones and 2,500 pieces of donkey skins in separate anti-smuggling operations. The items were handed over to Mr. Hene Emmanuel, NESREA’s Kaduna State Coordinator, during a brief ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Aminu Sule, described the seizure as a major step in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity. He stressed that the illegal slaughter and trade of donkey parts pose grave ecological and socioeconomic threats to rural communities where donkeys serve as a key source of livelihood and transportation.

‘The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to enforcing environmental laws, protecting endangered species, and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit point for illegal wildlife trade,’ he said.

Comptroller Sule said the handover ‘sends a clear warning to traffickers and their collaborators: Nigeria will not tolerate environmental crime.’

According to him, the operation demonstrates the NCS’ resolve under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to deepen collaboration with partner agencies in line with his Three-Point Agenda of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.

He expressed appreciation to officers of the Unit and partner agencies for their dedication to protecting the nation’s natural resources. The Comptroller also called on communities, transporters, warehouse owners, and traders to support the Service by reporting suspicious activities linked to wildlife trafficking.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Omotosho Kolapo, popularly known as Kola has been given a stiff penalty for breaching one of the show’s most important rules on confidentiality.

On Monday, Head of House Jason Jae delivered Big Brother’s judgment, announcing that Kola would not be allowed to speak until further notice. Instead, he is only permitted to communicate using a writing pad provided by Big Brother.

The sanction followed Kola’s decision to disclose details of a private red telephone conversation, despite earlier warnings not to share its content with fellow housemates.

During the call, Agent X had offered Kola a luxury manicure and pedicure session worth ?1 million, which would have been deducted from the eventual grand prize. Kola, however, declined the offer.

Big Brother declared: ‘Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.

‘As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.

‘Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation.’

The Malala Fund has commended the collective education activism in Nigeria, particularly noting the crucial role of local education activists and young women and girls in driving change.

During her visit to Nigeria, Malala Fund Co-founder Malala Yousafzai expressed her admiration for the tireless efforts of these individuals.

Malala said, ‘I’m so honoured to be in Nigeria once again. Nigeria is a very important part of the Malala Fund’s projects.’

‘We know that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children, and girls here have the same dream and determination as girls everywhere else to be able to learn and have a future for themselves.’

‘The Malala Fund works closely with local partners to understand the complex challenges facing girls’ education in Nigeria. We believe that education is the best solution, education is the best investment in their future,’ Malala stated.

Malala also outlined the organisation’s focus on education as a solution against child marriage and forced marriage, re-enrolment of girls in schools, and policy change to guarantee 12 years of education for every girl.

‘Our activists have made many achievements in many states of the country in securing better policies, gender-responsive policies for girls,’ she added.

The Malala Fund team are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that policies are implemented and financed to bring real change to girls’ education in Nigeria.

‘I met the girls, I met the education activists here in Nigeria, and I am more determined than ever that change is possible, and we will see it happen in our lifetime when every girl in Nigeria will be able to have her right to a complete and quality education.’ She said.

Also speaking, the Malala Fund’s Chief Executive in Nigeria, Nabila Aguele, explained the organisation’s impact in the country, citing a decade of investment and activism that has yielded significant results.

‘We have had a presence on the ground for 10 years, and have invested about eight million dollars over that time. But impact cannot only be measured in dollars and time.’

‘Just last year, one of our partners working with the government of Adamawa state supported that state in launching their first-ever education policy, which was gender-responsive and spoke to the needs of girls and broader communities.’

Aguele underscored the importance of local activism and expertise in driving change for adolescent girls’ education. ‘Our problems are not being solved by outsiders.

‘That’s why I’m proud to lead an organisation that invests exclusively in local activists, local experts who work to inform policy as well as community, and who do so with the voice and the power of the girl in mind.’

‘The Malala Fund has focused its efforts in specific states, including Kaduna, Kano, Adamawa, Borno, and Oyo.

‘We have selected these states because they have a high need for girls’ education, as well as a robust civil society ecosystem and political will,’ Nabila explained.

Aguele pointed out the work of local partners, including Bridge Connect Africa in Kano, which is working on gender-responsive budgeting with the state government, and the Centre for Girls Education in Kaduna, which is pioneering safe spaces for adolescent girls.

‘The Malala Fund engages with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders, to ensure that girls have access to 12 years of quality education.

‘This work cannot be done by any one actor. It needs to be owned and driven by government, but also by community.’

Aguele noted that systems change, capacity building, and partnership are crucial in ensuring that policies are informed by the realities and needs of girls.

‘We need to ensure that whatever is being done by policymakers is informed by the realities and the needs and the wants of the girls.’

‘That’s where we find the disconnect. It’s not always about whether there’s intent or interest. It’s about policies being developed and implemented without the right people at the table.’ She said.

The Board Member, Pearl Uzokwe, disclosed that the Malala Fund recognises the crucial role men and boys can play in promoting girls’ education and the organisation is working to engage men and boys in this effort.

‘We have to carry them a lot, so they have to have a community entr,y and then you’re buying it,’ Pearl said. ‘How are you doing it? What have been the efforts in terms of engagement as mobilisers for your children in education?’

‘Malala Fund is collaborating with men in different spaces to promote girls’ education. ‘Just as you’ve said, we’ve come to realise that if we are going to achieve the goals and the aspirations that we have for girls, then we are going to have to think about boys and men as allies,’ she said.

She noted that fathers often love their children but may not understand the value of girls’ education due to societal norms.

‘If we don’t tackle the issues of the social norms that prevent them from understanding the true value, economic and otherwise, of girls being in school, then we are going to have a challenge in our hands,’ she said.

The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political leaders that he has retired from politics following his ascension to the throne.

Oba Ladoja made this known on Tuesday while receiving Atiku, El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, who paid him a visit at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The monarch, who became the 44th Olubadan after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, emphasised that he would now focus on serving the people with justice and fairness.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch stressed.

Earlier, Atiku explained that his absence at the coronation ceremony was due to protocol arrangements and not intentional.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we don’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

An Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate (Mrs) Akinde, on Tuesday ordered that the case file of Shamusideen Oladiti, a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) member, be forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

This action followed widespread public outrage sparked by a viral video of Oladiti’s alleged assault.

Oladiti, 55, was arraigned on a three-count charge including unlawful homicide, conspiracy, and grievous assault.

The core charge relates to a violent August 27 attack at Lewis Street, Lagos Island, where he allegedly beat Imam Ramon with repeated fist blows.

Ramon later died from the sustained injuries at Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina.

The defendant has also been accused of conspiring with others still at large on September 17 and of separately assaulting another victim, Omale Samuel.

While the charge marked BG/B53/25 and signed by Anthony Iyeye of the Legal and Prosecution section of the Nigeria Police, Panti, Yaba, were read in court, Oladiti’s plea was not taken.

The Magistrate directed that the case file be duplicated and sent to the DPP within 30 days for advice on the appropriate prosecution.

The court adjourned the case until October 28, 2025.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has listed food, education, transport, and agriculture as items exempted from value-added tax under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently signed tax reform laws.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, announced the changes during an interview marking his two years in office. He said the move fulfils Tinubu’s campaign promise to simplify tax compliance and reduce obstacles for taxpayers.

‘With these new laws, food, education, transport, and agriculture will be VAT-free,’ Adedeji declared. ‘The President has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since 1960.’

The new tax code, set to take effect in January, merges several tax laws into one and cuts the number of tax types to single digits. It also raises thresholds to protect low-income earners and exempts businesses with annual turnover below N50m from tax.

Tribune Online reports Tinubu signed four bills into law on June 26, 2025 which includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. Together, these laws, known as the Tax Acts quartet aim to broaden the tax base and improve compliance across federal, state, and local governments.

Earlier, Tinubu, aimed at guiding the reforms, appointed Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee includes experts from both the private and public sectors.

Continuing, Adedeji said the reforms are already delivering results, with Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio rising from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in two years, and a target of 18 per cent set for 2027. He added that 30 states have used improved revenue to repay N1.85tn in debts, while debt servicing costs have dropped from 90 per cent to about 50 per cent of revenue.

As part of the reforms, the FIRS will be renamed the Nigeria Revenue Service to reflect its role as a central tax authority for all tiers of government. ‘The word ‘federal’ gave the wrong impression that we only collect for the federal government,’ Adedeji explained. ‘In reality, we collect VAT, of which 90 per cent belongs to the states.’

He also pointed to Tinubu’s other economic decisions, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as measures that have strengthened the federation account. ‘The health of the federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims to deplete the pool,’ he said.

Adedeji admitted that the reforms have created short-term hardship but said government measures such as compressed natural gas buses and crude-for-naira support for local refiners are helping to ease the impact.

He added that the consolidated tax law strengthens compliance by grouping taxpayers into small, medium, and large categories, with one-stop shops for filing and payments. ‘We are service providers to taxpayers rather than just an enforcement agency,’ he said.

On concerns about a petrol surcharge, Adedeji explained that it would not apply automatically. ‘It will only take effect if activated by a ministerial order and published in the official gazette,’ he noted.

While urging taxpayers to support the reforms, he concluded: ‘When companies are doing well, expanding, and making profits, we will benefit from their growth. Our task is to remove hurdles in their way, and that is what the president has done with these new laws.’

The Cross River State Government has expressed confidence that its 2025 fiscal year will close with a 90 per cent budget performance, building on the 85 per cent achieved in 2024, following renewed efforts to strengthen public financial management systems.

This declaration was made on Monday during a presentation of the Cross River Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (2026-2028) and Development of the Medium-Term Sector Strategy at Danic Hotel, Calabar, sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Budget, Mr Otu Otu Ita, disclosed that the state’s 2024 budget achieved an 85 per cent performance rate, while the 2025 budget had reached 35 per cent implementation by the end of the second quarter. With a supplementary provision of N104 billion signed into law in August to reflect new revenue inflows, he expressed optimism that the 2025 budget could achieve up to 90 per cent performance.

He explained that the state is committed to plan-based budgeting and prudent resource allocation.

‘We want a system where revenue projections match expenditure, based on proper economic analysis. From 2021, we have improved our processes, but there is always room for growth. That is why we are grateful to UNICEF for this technical support, and we are hoping that budget officers will learn best practices in the course of this workshop,’ he stated.

On leakages, the adviser noted that the state’s finance management system had been tightened, with due diligence processes and legislative oversight helping to curb wastage.

In her remarks, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, who was represented by UNICEF’s Social Policy Officer for Enugu Field Office, Victor Chima, said the engagement was part of a broader initiative to build the capacity of budget officers across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

‘We are supporting Cross River state in terms of strengthening the public financial management system through capacity building for the medium-term expenditure framework and the medium-term sector strategies for WASH, education, social protection, and health’.

According to Chima, UNICEF’s support is tailored to ensure better alignment of budget implementation with the state’s development plan.

‘This effort is to enhance public financial management in sectors critical to women and children. While Cross River has recorded progress in budget implementation, there is still room for improvement, particularly in increasing allocations and ensuring timely releases for social services,’ he said.

He stressed that UNICEF does not set targets for states but works to strengthen their systems and provide technical assistance to help them achieve their own development priorities.

A Public Finance Management expert, Oluwasola Omoju, in his presentation ‘Overview of the Budget and Appropriation Process’, stressed that Nigeria’s budgeting process still suffers structural weaknesses that undermine its impact on citizens. He cited delays and arbitrariness in budget presentation, lack of a predictable budget calendar, and weak oversight functions as major challenges.

‘Government spends a lot of money, but the impact on people’s lives remains limited. A predictable budget calendar and reforms to strengthen legislative independence are critical. Oversight is compromised when lawmakers rely on the executive or external organisations for funding, rather than having dedicated resources to carry out their constitutional roles,’ he said.

He added that while national assemblies have some financial autonomy, most state assemblies still depend on governors for funding, a situation he described as unhealthy for accountability.

The expert also called attention to the need for strict adherence to the constitutional provision that places the Public Accounts Committee under the leadership of the opposition, warning that the dominance of single parties in most state assemblies undermines effective checks and balances.