Category: Nigerian Tribune

IN principle, there is nothing to dislike about the new tax law being mooted by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. For too long, tax collection has been the bane of successive governments in Nigeria, and social scientists see the government’s failure to collect and the average citizen’s reluctance to pay as the hallmark of the poverty of citizenship in the country. To that extent, we couldn’t agree more on the need to institute a new tax regime that will bring more revenue into the coffers of the state and presumably stimulate Nigerians to demand more from authorities at various levels.

That being said, we find unsettling some of the ideas being bandied around by some government officials in this regard. The latest example concerns the Chair of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policies and Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele. Speaking last week at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David parish, Lagos, the tax czar, understandably eager to drive home the point that the administration will leave no stone unturned in its revenue gathering drive, disclosed that it (i.e the administration) will honour no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate economic activities. In the words of Mr. Oyedele,’One thing about the tax law is it doesn’t separate whether what you’re doing is legitimate or not; it doesn’t even ask you. It just asks you whether you have an income. Did you get itfrom rendering a service or providing a good? You pay tax.’More controversially, My. Oyedele added: ‘If somebody is doing runs girls (sic), they go and look for men to sleep with; you know that’s a service. They will pay tax on it.’

As already mentioned, we are on board with the administration in its drive to ensure that every Nigerian pays their fair share, and that every necessary legal measure be taken to that effect. Where we beg to disagree is the idea that because the government lacks ‘the capacity to distinguish between income obtained from legitimate means and illegitimate ones,’then ‘all income is deemed taxable.’ It would appear that Mr. Oyedele has forgotten that the whole idea of taxing an economic activity is because it is legal, and that what you do to an illegal activity is not to tax it, but to use the entire apparatus of the state, including coercion, to stop it. When any economic activity is beyond the legal pale, it exists in contravention of the law of the land. Accordingly, the government pursuing those involved in that specific activity is tantamount to having one’s cake and eating it at the same time.

The issue of prostitution is a case in point. So far as we know, prostitution is illegal in Nigeria, which is why the police regularly raid brothels. Those raids are not made to ensure tax compliance, but to enforce the law. Is Mr. Oyedele saying that those raids are now illegal? Surely, the government can’t seek to arrest brothel workers and tax them at the same time?

The tax czar’s comments are a reminder that a good policy in principle can be undermined by shoddy execution. Fortunately, there is still time for the government and its spokespersons to clarify the official position. The new tax law is too important to mess up.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man for allegedly impersonating one of its officials and extorting N7,800 from a motorist.

In a statement on Wednesday, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday near Itire Junction in Lagos.

According to Bakare-Oki, preliminary investigations showed that the suspect, posing as a LASTMA operative, stopped a motorist, Mr Stephen Ayano, and demanded N80,000 for allegedly making an unlawful turn.

‘The suspect told his victim that the amount is the penalty for the traffic violation. Unable to meet the outrageous demand, the victim pleaded and eventually parted with the only cash (N7,800) in his possession and handed it to the fake officer,’ Bakare-Oki said.

He added that the victim later became suspicious and contacted LASTMA through its toll-free line to confirm the officer’s identity. The agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit was immediately mobilised to the area, leading to the suspect’s arrest after a brief attempt to flee.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being part of a three-man syndicate that disguises as LASTMA personnel to extort motorists around Itire and nearby areas, making up to N65,000 daily from their illegal activities.

Bakare-Oki praised the motorist for promptly reporting the incident, describing it as an act of civic responsibility. He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and transparency in its operations.

He reminded the public that genuine LASTMA officials can be identified by their uniforms, name tags, and service identification numbers, and warned against dealing with impostors.

‘I can assure the public that the suspect will be arraigned before a Mobile Court to serve as a deterrent to others who impersonate LASTMA officials to extort innocent citizens,’ he said.

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, to provide security support for polytechnic campuses facing threats across the country.

The appeal was made in a statement by the NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, shortly after a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja.

Expressing concern over rising insecurity in some institutions, the NAPS leadership said, ‘I also used the platform to present the growing insecurity challenges affecting our students across campuses, especially in volatile environments where kidnapping and attacks have become threats to learning and personal safety.

‘Some visible examples include the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, and the State Polytechnic, which have recorded such incidents within a short period.’

The group urged the Minister, as stated in their position paper, ‘to strengthen joint security operations around educational corridors and to ensure that all criminal elements and their sponsors are completely displaced and made uncomfortable anywhere in Nigeria.’

NAPS also proposed a model called ‘Enhancing Security through Agriculture,’ encouraging the Ministry of Defence to collaborate with relevant agencies to create Military/Paramilitary Agro-Security Farms in border areas, forests, and other strategic locations.

According to the proposal, the initiative would help secure vulnerable areas, create jobs for youths and ex-servicemen, boost local food production, and turn ungoverned spaces into productive communities. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, national security, and economic diversification.

‘In his response, the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation for the proactive posture of NAPS and assured of the Ministry’s willingness to deepen partnerships with youth bodies and educational institutions in building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.’

The statement added that the visit reaffirmed NAPS’ commitment to constructive engagement with government institutions to safeguard students’ welfare and contribute to national peace and development.

‘We reiterated that NAPS is not merely an advocacy platform for student welfare but a strategic partner in national development, committed to advancing technical education, innovation, national unity, and the protection of Nigeria’s human capital.’

Hundreds of students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against the anti-masses stance of the PENGASAN, which, according to them, is adversely affecting the masses.

The students’ body also frowned against what it described as the anti-masses stance of the PENGASSAN and the forced unionisation of workers at the Dangote Refinery, while also calling for an end to union harassment and industrial blackmail of local refineries.

The peaceful protest held at the Oworo Berger in Lagos saw students and youths carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Dangote Refinery-Pride of Africa’, ‘Stop the sabotage’, ‘Save Dangote Refinery’, ‘Stop the politics of petroleum’, when you attack Dangote, you attack development, support indigenous industries and not monopoly and calling the government to action on the well-being of the masses.

NANS President, Comrade Olusola Oladoja, warned international saboteurs and their local collaborators to desist from frustrating Dangote Refinery and other emerging private investments in the oil and gas sector.

Oladoja, who was represented by the NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, described the protest as a national warning signal to the government and the industry actors that Nigerian students and the youths are fully awakened.

He said, ‘The danger of economic sabotage cannot be overemphasised. The Nigerian experience in the textile industry stands as a tragic warning. The textile industry was once the second largest employer of labour after the Federal Government, but it was destroyed through the duty-free importation and the government’s failure to protect local industries.

‘We reject the same negligence in the petroleum sector. We won’t allow sabotage of the industry and the undue union pressure or policies, hostilities towards private refineries like Dangote and BUA Refineries.

‘The emerging conspiracy against private refineries is well noted. The current importers of petroleum products and exporters of crude oil, including the DAPPMAN, International Oil Companies (IOC) are using trade unions, industry regulators and government agencies to frustrate the operations of private refineries.

‘The most recent of this is the unconstitutional attempt by PENGASSAN to impose union membership on workers of Dangote Refinery. This is an act of cohesion and a violation of section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution as amended, which guarantees freedom of association.

‘Private refinery workers have every right to choose their form of representation, either or not to join any union. The academic staff in private universities are not compelled to join ASUU. Also, lecturers in private polytechnics are not under ASUOP, while teachers in private colleges of education are not members of COEASU. So why should workers at the Dangote Refinery be forced to join any union?

‘This is nothing but a calculated attempt to frustrate Dangote Refinery and other emerging private investments in the petroleum sector. NANS will resist this move with every legitimate move possible.’

Oladoja made four-point demands of the Federal government. This, according to him, includes ‘prioritising crude oil supply to Nigerian refineries. The Federal Government, through the NNPC, must make an open commitment to give supply priority of crude oil to all Nigerian refineries, including private refineries.

‘The government just put an end to crude undervaluation to foreign refineries. There must be an immediate end to selling crude at a cheaper rate to foreign refineries. Local refineries must be incentivised.

‘There must be less priority on importation of petroleum products at the expense of local refineries. The Nigerian students stand firmly on the side of industrial growth and job creation. We won’t fold our arms while international saboteurs and their local collaborators destroy the new Nigeria we are currently enjoying.’

The House of Representatives of the state of South Carolina has commended Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, for his contributions to governance in Nigeria.

The recognition was presented at the African Leadership Public Service Excellence Awards, organised by Africa Leadership magazine, at the Proshansky Auditorium, City University of New York, United States, recently.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, stated that the organisers awarded Alake the African Leadership Public Service Excellence Award for Solid Minerals Development and Sectoral Reform.

Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, member, South Carolina House of Representatives, presented the award.

In a surprise move, the organisers announced that the House of Representatives of South Carolina wished to present a certificate of recognition to the minister.

A motion signed by the Speaker of the House, G. Murrel-Smith Jr., and the Clerk, Charles Reid, on September 24, 2025, at the State House, Columbia, recognised Alake as a seasoned journalist, media strategist, and public administrator.

It stated, ‘We, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, commend you on all your contributions to Nigerian politics and wish you success in all your future endeavours.’

The commendation concluded a long citation in honour of the high-profile minister, extolling his virtues and contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.

The citation delivered by Hon. Aaron T. Manaigo, Former Republican State Senator from New York, reads, ‘His distinguished career spans over four decades in media, politics, and government. Alake began his professional journey as a writer, columnist, and editor.

‘His political career began when he served as Advisor of Information to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s presidential campaign. Dr Alake worked with the pro-democracy movements and assisted with the formation of the National Democratic Coalition.

‘He served as Special Advisor to the Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu; President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Solid Minerals Development.’

Receiving the awards, Solid Minerals Development Minister, Alake, thanked the organisers and the House of Representatives of South Carolina for the good gesture, assuring them that he would not lower the standards of governance and public probity that won him the recognition.

He reiterated the reforms of the solid minerals sector, such as the establishment of the mining marshals and deployment of mine satellite monitoring software to combat illegal mining, revocation of licences to tackle speculators, and digitisation to promote access and transparency.

Alake explained the administration’s policy of value addition that discourages export of raw minerals and promotes processing and manufacturing will ensure skills transfer and employ many Nigerians.

He recalled how his campaign for the policy at the Future Mineral Forum in Riyadh in January 2024 led to the formation of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) and his election as the pioneer chairman.

He urged investors to put their capital in the solid minerals sector to boost African economies and empower the people.

Nigerian equities market sustained its bullish momentum on Wednesday, as renewed investor interest pushed the All-Share Index (ASI) up by 0.50 percent to 145,719.09 basis points.

At the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the bullish stance extended the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns to 2.1 percent and 41.58 per cent, respectively.

Investors gained N459.43 billion as the market capitalisation closed at N92.49 trillion, reflecting sustained optimism around market fundamentals and anticipated third-quarter earnings reports.

On Wednesday, gains in MTN Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, and Zenith Bank were the major drivers of the day’s uptrend, cushioning losses in Dangote Sugar, SUNU Assurance, and LivingTrust Mortgage Bank.

Sectoral performance was broadly mixed. The Oil and Gas, Banking, and Commodity sectors recorded gains of 0.59 percent, 0.12 percent, and 0.31 percent, respectively, buoyed by strong demand for energy and financial stocks.

Conversely, the Insurance, Consumer Goods, and Industrial Goods indices declined by 0.75 percent, 0.01 percent, and 0.02 per cent, respectively, reflecting profit-taking and selective positioning ahead of earnings releases.

Despite the positive close, overall market sentiment was negative, with 33 laggards outpacing 29 gainers.

On the performance board, FTN Cocoa Processor, Livestock Feeds, Eterna, Prestige Insurance, and Fidelity Bank topped the gainers’ list, while Industrial Medical Gases, Living Trust Mortgage Bank, Sunu Assurance Nigeria, Chams, and Dangote Sugar led decliners.

Trading activity showed a mixed pattern as total volume traded rose by 3.61 percent to 525.73 million units, while the value of transactions dropped 43.95 per cent to N13.61 billion across 25,597 deals, suggesting fewer but larger trades dominated the session.

FBN Holdings emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 36.54 million units, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company led in value with N1.80 billion worth of trades.

Analysts believed the persistent uptrend underscores sustained investor confidence in blue-chip counters and resilient market liquidity despite macroeconomic headwinds. They expect the positive sentiment to linger in the near term, supported by attractive valuations and dividend expectations.

The OBIdient Movement has dismissed reports circulating in some media outlets on the purported list of nominees into its Lagos State Coordinating Council, describing them as false and misleading.

In a statement co-signed by Rev. Ime James, Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji, and March Oyinki, the Southwest Coordinating Council of the movement said the published list did not originate from the national leadership, emphasising that it was the product of a five-month consultative process conducted solely by the Southwest Advisory Council under the leadership of Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

According to the communiqué, the regional body said it engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders across Lagos, including 2023 election aspirants, elected lawmakers, elder statesmen, and major support groups to ensure inclusivity and fair representation from all local government areas.

The Lagos OBIdient Movement clarified that the list was formally transmitted to the National Council, led by Dr Yunusa Tanko, on October 1, 2025, for ratification, and not produced by the national leadership as some reports claimed.

Acknowledging that a few local government areas were not fully represented in the initial draft, the regional body said corrective consultations were already underway to resolve any omissions.

‘For the record, the Southwest Advisory Council, led by Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, consulted extensively with elected members of the House of Representatives in Lagos, 2023 aspirants, respected stakeholders, elder statesmen, and various Obidient support groups across the state.

‘The final executive list was the outcome of over five months of diligent effort to identify the most qualified, articulate, and resourceful members drawn from support groups, Local Government areas, and the general public.

‘It is important to clarify that at no point did the National Leadership, including Dr. Yunusa Tanko, participate in producing this list. It was solely the responsibility of the Southwest Coordinating Council and was officially released on 1st October 2025 to the National Council of the Obidient Movement for ratification.

‘We acknowledge that a few Local Government Areas were not fully captured in the initial draft. The Regional Coordinating Council is already addressing these gaps through ongoing meetings and consultations.

‘We emphasise that the reports in question are inaccurate and misleading. Our objective remains to project inclusivity and uphold the 5Cs creed of the Obidient Movement – Character, Competence, Capacity, Compassion, and Commitment,’ the statement partly read.

The statement reaffirmed the movement’s dedication to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity guided by its 5Cs creed, while reiterating its commitment to ‘rescue Lagos and Nigeria from further economic and social decline under the APC.’

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday moved to impose a 10-year ban on international passports of Nigerians convicted of crimes overseas.

The proposal, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North), seeks to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act as part of ongoing legislative efforts to restore Nigeria’s global image.

Leading the debate on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Onawo Ogwoshi (Nasarawa South) described the bill as both ‘punitive and deterrent,’ noting that it was necessary to protect the integrity of the Nigerian passport and discourage criminal activities abroad.

‘Innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment at airports, face visa denials, and endure constant suspicion because of the actions of a few,’ he said. ‘The green passport, once a symbol of pride, is now widely disrespected. That is nothing less than a state of emergency.’

If passed, the amendment would mandate the withdrawal of a convicted individual’s passport for 10 years after completing their sentence in a foreign country.

Supporters of the bill say the measure would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and help rebuild international confidence in the nation’s citizens and institutions.

The National President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Williams Akporeha, on Wednesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the union was not using the police or the court to settle internal union matters.

Akporeha made the assertion while being cross-examined by defence counsel, Christopher Oshomegie (SAN), in the ongoing trial of 21 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG before Justice Yusuf Halilu, sitting at Maitama, Abuja.

The police had charged a former PTD National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, and 21 others before the court on a five-count charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace, and assault in case number FCT/HC/CR/042/2023.

The defendants were alleged to have, on November 1, 2023, attacked Akporeha; the union’s Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi; and the new PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon, acting in a manner likely to cause their death, among other offences.

Other defendants included Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu, John Amajuoyi, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, Sunday Ezeocha, and seven others.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, while responding to questions from Oshomegie, Akporeha told the court that NUPENG had about 150 branches, of which PTD was one, adding that there was no issue of one group working against another within the union.

According to him, ‘It is not correct that one group is using the police and court against another to settle union matter. I am the national president of the union (NUPENG); I oversee everybody.

‘NUPENG is one body, and there are no groups. NUPENG has about 150 branches which PTD is one of them. The issue of one group against another does not arise.’

Akporeha, who testified as the second prosecution witness (PW2), told the court that the union had conducted PTD executive elections in June 2022 in Ibadan, where the first defendant, Lucky Osesua, and Dayyabu Garga, among others, emerged winners. However, the National Industrial Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, nullified the election.

He explained that the court directed NUPENG to conduct another election for PTD, but some of the defendants went to the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which also nullified the second election.

‘After the first election was nullified, the court directed that another election be conducted. This was conducted but some of them (defendants) went to court and the court also nullified the second election.

‘After this, NUPENG conducted another election in Ibadan, while some people also conducted another illegal election in Abuja. It is NUPENG that is supposed to conduct elections. The one the court directed to be supervised by NUPENG was conducted in Ibadan,’ he told the court.

He further stated that most of those who conducted the illegal Abuja election did not show up in Ibadan for the court-ordered poll supervised by NUPENG.

He confirmed that the Lucky Osesua-led executives that emerged from the illegal Abuja election later filed a suit against the executives elected in Ibadan, adding that he was joined as a defendant in the case.

Akporeha denied the suggestion by Oshomegie that he went to install the winner of the Ibadan election on the day he and others were attacked at the PTD national secretariat at No. 50 Majekodunmi Street, Utako, Abuja, which also served as NUPENG’s liaison office.

According to him, the winners of the Ibadan election had already been inaugurated there after emerging victorious, adding that Osesua and the other defendants were not supposed to occupy the PTD national secretariat as they were not the authentic executives.

He told the court that on the day of the attack, he and others met Osesua and his group at the gate of the premises, where they were stopped from driving in. They then used a small gate to enter, where they were later attacked.

The witness said the defendants led a mob of youths armed with gallons of petrol and other weapons to attack the hotel where he and others were lodged, destroying doors, windows, and other property.

He added that he was speaking with the new PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon, when he heard the door to his room being broken and Egbon screaming as he was beaten.

‘I was not with Egbon but I was on phone with him when I heard the door to his room broken and he screamed. I also saw when he was being beaten and dragged from the fourth floor. He was beaten to a pulp,’ Akporeha said.

He said it took the intervention of the then acting Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Utako Division to rescue him from his hotel room before the defendants were arrested and taken to the police command.

Following the conclusion of his cross-examination by the defence counsel, Justice Halilu adjourned the case to November 10 for the continuation of the hearing.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has arraigned two Abuja-based lawyers, Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over alleged forgery and impersonation.

This follows previous adjournments for arraignment which subsequently led to issuance of bench warrant for arrest of the lawyers.

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie sitting at Apo, Abuja, on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, false personation and fraudulent execution of documents.

In the charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/150/25, both defendants were alleged, among others, to have on June 28, 2024, purportedly forged a letter using the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu SAN and addressed same to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The forged letter titled ‘Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023’ allegedly sought to influence the AGF to stop Giwa’s arraignment scheduled before Justice Samira Bature at the High Court, Maitama.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them in the open court.

Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, Asaph Eristo, asked the court to remand Giwa in prison custody, citing the need to prevent interference with investigations.

On his part, counsel for the defendants, Edwin Anikpenu SAN, while seeking the leave of the court to make oral amendment to the existing bail application before the court to include the second defendant, urged the court to admit both defendants to bail, adding that they are legal practitioners.

He added that apart being lawyers, the second defendant, Bukola is a nursing mother.

As for Giwa, Anikpenu urged the court to consider admitting him on self-recognition or to the custody of a reputable executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, promising that he would not interfere with the case.

The prosecutor, however, opposed the application on the ground that Giwa is a flight risk, noting that public funds were used to effect his arrest.

Justice Onwuegbuzie, however, expressed the court’s displeasure with the oral bail request, saying that, ‘It is shocking that a lawyer would come with an oral application and attempt to add another defendant without documentation. With 13 lawyers present, none deemed it fit to file a proper bail application.’

He subsequently refused bail for the second defendant and remanded her at the Suleja Correctional Facility in Suleja, Niger State.

The court then granted Giwa bail in the sum of ?30 million, with two sureties in like sum, who must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, resident in Abuja, with verifiable addresses and valid ID cards. They must also submit their international passports.

The judge ordered that Giwa be remanded in police custody till he perfects his bail conditions.

He subsequently adjourned the case to October 15 for hearing.