Category: Nigerian Tribune

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed that about 98 percent of Nigerian workers will be exempted from paying Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax under the new tax laws scheduled to take effect from January 2026.

Speaking at a session during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja, Oyedele explained that the reforms are designed to protect low-income earners and those living around the poverty line, while ensuring fairness and efficiency in Nigeria’s tax administration.

He further revealed that the Federal Government generated good revenue from tax last year, even as plans are underway to reduce the corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 25 percent as part of the broader fiscal reform agenda.

‘The more inequality you create, the more time-bomb you have. These reforms are designed to strengthen governance around revenue generation, improve accountability, and ensure that tax revenues are effectively utilised,’ Oyedele said.

According to him, the reforms will help enhance Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating, lower borrowing costs for both government and businesses, and stimulate private-sector investment.

Oyedele noted that the reform process has been inclusive, with engagements across all sectors of the economy, including persons with disabilities, farmers, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

‘No one was left out. We worked with every State, consulted widely with stakeholders, and co-created solutions to the challenges identified in the fiscal system,’ he added.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for adopting an implementation-focused approach, which allows the Committee not only to design reforms but also to work directly with government institutions to execute them.

‘Our Committee is unique because we are not just submitting a report; we are part of the implementation process. The goal now is to ensure public understanding, capacity building, and effective rollout of these laws,’ Oyedele stated.

The reforms, he emphasised, are expected to broaden Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and make the system more equitable, ensuring that those with the ability to pay contribute fairly, while protecting those most vulnerable.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has announced a total ban on all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students, warning that any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions

According to the university’s registrar, Ademola Bobola, in a circular on Tuesday, it was generally agreed by the university management that unauthorised activities on campus should be totally banned after a Senate meeting and final decision on Monday.

‘No sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,’ he said.

Bobola stated that the decision was made to maintain order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

The ban upliftment was signed to totally eradicate sign-out celebrations and other prohibited activities, including signing on T-shirts, playing music, and large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes.

Also, the indiscriminate parading around on campuses with or in any brand of vehicle is no longer permitted, as unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses during the last week of the second semester examination.

‘Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,’ the circular warned.

Furthermore, photographers are not permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for sign-out celebrations.

‘Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,’ he said.

Parents and guardians of final-year students are therefore advised to stay away from campus premises, especially on the last day of examination.

‘Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,’ he said.

The school management has vowed to punish students who violate this law. The violators, however, would risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

‘Members of the university community are invited to kindly note the above position for strict compliance.

‘Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,’ he warned.

In addition, this ban is not unique to UNIBEN, as other universities like the University of Port Harcourt, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Federal University, Lafia, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, and Kaduna Polytechnic have also implemented similar restrictions.

Members of the House of Representatives will this week debate a motion seeking urgent medical intervention for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The resolution followed an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who in reaction to a point of order raised on the subject matter by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, notified the House that it will be properly presented for hearing within the week.

Hon. Aguocha had raised a point of order, (Order 6 Rule 2 on matters of privilege), stating that he’s yet to get a response to the letter dated 27th August, 2025 he wrote to the Speaker, President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for urgent medical intervention for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

Hon. Aguocha who was visibly angered by the development, explained that the lawmakers who authored the letter ‘requested for a certain action, which was to intervene in the medical condition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.’

When asked to take down the motion, Hon. Aguocha maintained that the issue at stake ‘is a matter of life and death.’

He explained that: ‘A letter to Mr. President for an urgent intervention request to the deteriorating health conditions of my constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Up until today, Mr. Speaker, I have yet to receive any response from Mr. Speaker, from Mr. President, and from the Attorney General despite the deteriorating health of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been evaluated by his own team of doctors and came up with a report which was attached to the letter that was submitted to Mr. Speaker, to the President, and as well to the Attorney General.

‘A second evaluation has been conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association, and the results even further confirms.

‘The deteriorating health of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, he has organ deficiencies, low potassium, and that he is, as we speak, on the verge of death.

‘Mr. Speaker, at the instruction of the court, the court instructed in eight days for the Nigerian Medical Association to also do their own assessment.

‘So there are three reports now, Mr. Speaker. All leading to the same direction. I quote the judge. The judge says, only a man who is alive and living can stand trial. Mr. Speaker, this is not politics or any other thing, but it is a fundamental human right that should be ascribed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

‘Most other people in that gap have been given opportunities to even travel overseas to seek medical attention.

‘Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is neither convicted of any crimes in Nigeria. I must be protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, Mr. Speaker, a lot of progress has been made in order to see that the government does the right thing to be able to afford Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the urgent treatment that he needs. It’s significant, Mr. Speaker.

In his reaction, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen urged Hon. Aguocha to step it down, and present the matter properly another legislative day, as he came under the wrong House Rules.

Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker while noting that the subject matter presented is important, assured the Speaker that the motion will be presented properly before the House in the course of the week.

Hon. Kalu said: ‘Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue that is being raised by my Colleague, we will present it before the House properly in the course of the week.

‘We will come properly before the House so that proper hearing will be given to it. I beg that you will give us the audience maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow.’

While ruling on the issue, Speaker Tajudeen said: ‘No problem, it’s just the procedure that I was challenging not the substance of the issue. We will be willing and ready to give you all the time to present.’

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has criticised the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, over his recent comments on the dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery.

Speaking last Friday on Arise TV, Senator Oshiomhole faulted the industrial action embarked upon by PENGASSAN in protest against the Dangote Refinery, which led to a nationwide shutdown of oil facilities. He described the move as ‘hasty’ and ‘unfair to other workers.’

Oshiomhole noted that while unions have the right to defend workers, they must do so in ways that do not worsen the country’s economic situation.

‘I think that in seeking to protect a particular set of workers, you do not then risk the jobs of several other workers. When you are pursuing a dispute, the tools you deploy must be such that they do not undermine other people’s jobs,’ he said.

However, in a statement signed by Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG President and General Secretary respectively, the union expressed disappointment over Senator Oshiomhole’s remarks, describing them as a betrayal of labour principles and a distortion of established laws.

‘We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression, actively campaigning against the very rights he once championed. His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their fundamental rights of association and peaceful action are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions,’ the statement read.

In the statement titled ‘Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole’s Undistinguished Anti-Worker Vitriol,’ NUPENG accused Oshiomhole of betraying the cause of Nigerian workers by ignoring the sack of over 800 employees while faulting PENGASSAN’s strike method.

‘Adams Oshiomhole’s criticism of PENGASSAN’s strike is an act of profound historical revisionism and political amnesia.

Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act, Cap T14, LFN 2004, legally recognises trade disputes, including industrial actions undertaken in sympathy with other workers.

PENGASSAN’s solidarity action with its members at Dangote Refinery is therefore a protected legal action.

The principle that ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ is the foundational ethic of trade unionism globally,’ NUPENG stated.

The union further described Oshiomhole’s stance as hypocritical, noting that he once led similar strikes as NLC President.

‘Shockingly, this was a man who served several times on the Governing Council of the ILO and in the Committee on Application of Standards that reviews violations of workers’ rights globally. It is unfortunate that Senator Oshiomhole, by his comments, has demonstrated monumental ignorance of trade unionism,’ it added.

NUPENG declared that it would no longer participate in any labour-related event where Senator Oshiomhole is present, describing him as persona non grata among oil and gas workers.

‘The leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian oil and gas workers for his undistinguished denunciation of PENGASSAN’s strike against the unjustifiable sack of 800 engineers.

Henceforth, we will not participate in or lend legitimacy to any event featuring Senator Oshiomhole. The NLC, TUC, and all conscionable civil society organisations should kindly take notice,’ the statement said.

The union concluded by describing Oshiomhole’s position as ‘a dangerous toxin designed to weaken the working class,’ adding that his comments amount to a ‘monumental betrayal.’

‘The undistinguished position of Adams Oshiomhole on the PENGASSAN strike qualifies him as the Judas Iscariot of Nigerian trade unionism. What a monumental betrayal of the cause of the working class! We advise Senator Oshiomhole to retire from commenting on labour matters, as he has irretrievably lost the moral right and legitimacy before Nigerian workers, especially those in the oil and gas sector,’ NUPENG stated.

AS the World Habitat Day is being marked globally, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has emphasized that need to engage registered builders to construct buildings in order to drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria.

This step, according to the statement by NIOB, would make Nigeria’s urban cities safer, free residents from avoidable displacement, prevent needless deaths, and protect the poor who are always the victims of building collapse.

‘On this World Habitat Day, let us recommit ourselves to making safe, resilient, and affordable housing a reality. Let us embrace the vision of cities that can withstand crisis and protect every citizen,’ the statement read.

As builders, built environment professionals, policymakers, and community members, NIOB urged that they must respond by prioritizing resilient building/construction standards and climate-sensitive designs: and engaging appropriate and qualified professionals in housing developments.

It also called for the need to strengthen urban infrastructure like drainage and safe and affordable housing.

‘Ensuring inclusive policies that protect the marginalized. Working together – government, professionals, private sector, NGOs, and citizens – to build housing solutions that endure.

‘Equally important, we must emphasize that engaging Registered Builders to construct our buildings will drastically reduce the cases of building collapse in Nigeria,’ the statement read.

NIOB said that housing is not just about shelter; but about dignity, safety, and sustainable resilience.

Talking about the theme for the year, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, NIOB said it has called the attention to the urgent need to prepare ‘our cities, towns and communities to withstand shocks – from floods, chaotic planning and development; building collapses, overstretched public infrastructure and climate change to displacement and economic hardship.’

‘In many of our communities, towns and cities in Nigeria, families live in fragile and dilapidated houses, vulnerable to storm damage, flooding, and poor infrastructure. Too often, the most vulnerable in the society- women, children, the displaced, and the poor – suffer the hardest impact. We cannot remain indifferent,’ the statement rea World Habitat Day: HDAN seeks action toward climate-resilient housing, others.

The Ifesowapo Consultative Forum, a consortium of 32 communities surrounding Lisa Town and its environs in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, has announced plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bellview Airlines plane crash, which claimed 117 lives at Lisa village on 22 October 2005.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting of community representatives, where Dr Fola Abati, chairman of the Forum, outlined preparations for what he described as a truly memorable and meaningful event.

According to Abati, the commemoration will include inter-religious prayer sessions, an aviation safety lecture, and outreach to families of the victims. Government officials, aviation stakeholders and members of the international community are expected to participate in the remembrance. To ensure wider participation, the memorial event will be live-streamed, enabling those outside Lisa, across Nigeria, and in the diaspora to join in the tribute.

‘The 20th Memorial Anniversary is not merely about looking back with sorrow. It is about using history to inspire progress. We owe it to the victims, their families and to ourselves to ensure that Lisa is not remembered only for tragedy, but for resilience and renewal,’ Abati remarked.

He recalled that the crash, which drew global attention to Lisa and its environs, led to the construction of the Lisa Memorial Arcade by then President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Gbenga Daniel, with promises of sustained development. Two decades on, the once symbolic arcade has been left to deteriorate, while the 10.5-kilometre Ijoko-Oyero-Lisa access road remains in a state of disrepair.

Abati emphasised that the anniversary will serve as a renewed call for urgent government’s intervention. Restoring the Lisa Memorial Arcade, he said, would honour the departed with dignity, while rehabilitating the access road will ease the daily burden of thousands of residents who commute between Ogun and Lagos.

He further stressed the need for the site to be recognised as a national heritage landmark, and for the long-envisioned aviation tourism centre to be established-preserving memory and inspiring future generations.

The forum also acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, whose intervention at the Awela River axis facilitated the construction of a flyover bridge. This singular project, Dr Abati noted, has significantly reduced the annual loss of lives caused by flooding in the area.

In addition, the forum commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladele Odugbemi for his enduring commitment to the welfare of Lisa and its neighbouring communities. His leadership in matters of security, infrastructure and government engagement has, they affirmed, kept the voice of the region alive in the corridors of power.

The 20th anniversary observance is scheduled for October 22.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has urged residents and business owners in Abuja to pay their taxes promptly, noting that steady tax payments are key to sustaining the ongoing infrastructure projects across the city and its surrounding areas.

Wike made the appeal on Monday during the flag-off of new road and drainage projects in Asokoro Extension.

He said tax revenue remains central to government efforts to deliver quality roads, drainages, streetlights, and other public facilities.

He emphasized that paying taxes is both a civic duty and an investment in collective well-being.

He said: ‘All these good roads, drainages, and streetlights wouldn’t be possible if you don’t pay your taxes.

‘Dis soup sweet, na money kill am. If you don’t have money to buy the right ingredients, the soup won’t taste good. In the same way, if we don’t have funds, we can’t deliver the kind of city Abuja deserves.

When you pay your taxes, you are buying comfort, safety, and pride for Abuja. So, let’s all do our part to make this city the pride of the nation.’

The Minister explained that the projects are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda aimed at repositioning Abuja to compete with other major cities globally.

‘This government is committed to ensuring that the FCT competes favorably with other cities of the world,’ Wike said. ‘What you see in the developed world isn’t magic, it’s the result of leadership commitment. That is what Mr. President has brought to Abuja.’

Over the past ten days, Wike has launched several projects across the FCT, including roads, water systems, and streetlights. He said the Asokoro project shows the government’s determination to develop every part of the capital.

‘Without proper road networks, drainages, and streetlights, life becomes difficult. But by the time these are completed, Asokoro will rank among the most beautiful areas in Abuja,’ he assured.

Wike also noted that the ongoing projects have created jobs for thousands of young people through the construction firms working across the city.

‘Everywhere you go, construction is ongoing and that means jobs for our young people. This is part of the Renewed Hope agenda,’ he said.

He added that the FCT Administration will soon begin rehabilitation of 40 schools and start new projects in the health sector.

‘We’ve touched transport, roads, sports, and education. Now we’re moving to health. No sector will be left untouched,’ he stated.

The Minister called for continued public support and patience, saying progress takes time and resources.

‘The Abuja of two years ago is not the same today and by tomorrow, it will be even better,’ Wike concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force is in the news again, for the enforcement of the ban against tinted or shaded glasses in motor cars. On April 25, 2025, the police announced its intention to compel the procurement of a written permit on all cars with tinted glasses. Although no cogent reason has been proffered for the implementation of this policy inherited as part of the military invasion of our political space, it would seem from all indications that the goal is that of revenue generation. The challenge with this is that Nigerians have been taxed and overtaxed and if the rationale behind the current tax reform laws is to harmonise all taxes, then there has to be a rethink of this policy by the police.

THE LAW AGAINST TINTED OR SHADED MOTOR GLASSES

On 8th February 1991, the federal military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (Retd) enacted the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree 1991, in the following terms:

‘The Federal Military Government hereby decrees as follows:

1. (1) Except with the permission of the appropriate authority designated for the purposes of this Decree and for such good cause as may be determined from time to time by the appropriate authority, no person shall cause any glass fitted on a motor vehicle to be-

(a) tinted; or (b) shaded; or (c) coloured lightly or thickly (d) darkened; or (e) treated in any other way, so that the persons or objects in the motor vehicle are rendered obscure or invisible.

(2) In this section, ‘good cause’ means health or security reasons.

2. (l) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, rule of law, enactment or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979, as amended, any person who without the permission of the appropriate authority-

(a) causes any glass fitted on a motor vehicle to be treated in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree

(b) does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling or aiding another person to tint, shade, colour, darken, or treat in any other way any glass fitted on a motor vehicle in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree

(c) aids another person in tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way any glass fitted on a motor vehicle in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree ; or

(d) counsels or procures any other person to tint, shade, colour, darken or treat in any other way, any glass fitted on a motor vehicle, commits an offence under this Decree and shall be punished in the manner set out in this Decree.

(2) Any person who commits an offence under paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of this section may himself be charged with tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way the glass fitted on the motor vehicle or with counselling or procuring the tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way the glass fitted on the motor vehicle.

(3) In this Decree –

(a) reference to the ‘appropriate authority’ means reference to the Inspector-General of Police or any person or authority authorised by him to give such permission as is contemplated in subsection (1) of section 1 of this Decree

(b) reference to ‘permission’ includes registration.

3. It shall be the duty of the buyer, donee or importer of a motor vehicle with tinted, shaded, coloured, darkened or treated glass to change all the glass within a period of 14 days from the date of arrival in Nigeria or date of purchase (whichever is applicable in each circumstance).

4. (1) Any person who commits an offence under this Decree shall on conviction be liable to a fine of N2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Where an offence under this Decree has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a proprietor, director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer servant or agent of the body corporate (or a person purporting to act in any such capacity) as well as the body Corporate shall be guilty of the offence and may be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

5. The Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to try offenders under this Decree.’

WHY THE POLICY IS WRONG

Understandably so, Nigerians have kicked against the enforcement of this law on so many grounds. First, it is not reasonably justifiable. The cars in issue were not manufactured in Nigeria and the owners have no control over the specification or mode of the car. To enforce such a blanket ban, the government must have a ready alternative which it can offer to its citizens. Second, these cars are driven freely in other parts of the world without the need for a permit. Third, if the ban on tinted or shaded motor glasses is that of security, all that the police need to do is to ask the motorist to wind down his glasses for random security check.

THE COURT CASES

The Nigerian Bar Association has challenged the enforcement of this policy in court in Abuja and the police was duly served with the originating processes in the suit but it claimed that since there is no positive order from the Court, the enforcement will proceed notwithstanding the court case. Subsequently on October 2, 2025, the Federal High Court in Warri issued an order, directing the police to show cause why an order of injunction should not be made to stop the enforcement of the policy. There has been some controversy on the purport and effect of the order of court for the police to show cause. Let me dwell on this a little more.

Under and by virtue of Order 26 Rule 8 of Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019:

‘2. Where a motion is made ex-parte, the Court may make or refuse to make the order sought, or may direct the motion to be made on notice to the parties to be affected thereby or may grant an order to show cause why the order sought should not be made.

C- ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

13. An order to show cause shall specify a day when cause is to be shown, be called the return day to the order, which shall ordinarily be not less than three days after service.

14. A person served with an order to show cause may, before the return day, produce evidence to contradict the evidence used in obtaining the order, or setting forth other facts on which he relies to satisfy the Court to discharge or vary such order.

15. On the return day, if the person served does not appear and it appears to the Court that the service on all proper parties has not been duly effected, the Court may enlarge the time and direct further service or make such further order as seems just.

(b) if any other relief is sought, the Judge may at any time grant in the proceedings such interim relief as could be granted in an action begun by writ;

(c) the Judge may impose such terms as to costs and as to giving security as he deems fit.’

WHY THE POLICY MUST BE HALTED FORTHWITH

In law, an order for a party to show cause why an injunction should not be made is a preliminary court order that puts the respondent on notice to demonstrate why they should not be restrained by an injunction. The effect is that it requires the respondent to argue against the grant of the injunction, and if they fail, the court may issue the injunction based on the applicant’s argument. The party to whom the order is directed has the duty to show cause, or present reasons, why the injunction should not be granted, and this may involve demonstrating that they have a sufficient legal remedy or that the balance of convenience does not favour the applicant. The legal effect of the order is that the respondent is obligated to appear before the court and argue their case against the injunction being granted. The burden of proof rests heavily on the applicant for the injunction to show that a serious issue to be tried exists and that damages will be inadequate compensation. However, if the respondent fails to show cause, this failure will strengthen the applicant’s case for the injunction. The court’s order serves as a formal notice to the respondent about the potential injunction and allows them to be heard on the matter. The order aims to maintain the current state of affairs (status quo) while the court considers the application for injunction. If the respondent fails to show cause or provides insufficient reasons against the injunction, the court can proceed to grant the injunction. And even when no positive order of injunction has been made, the respondent is required to keep matters in status quo because the court will not aid a party who is guilty of taking steps to jeopardize the subject matter of the application for injunction. In the case of John Aikpkokpo-Martins however, the court specifically directed the police to maintain the status quo, effectively halting the implementation or further implementation of the policy, pending the hearing and determination of the application for injunction. As the police are established to maintain law and order and to enforce decisions of the court, the policy on tinted motor glass permits should be suspended for now.

AS the world marks World Habitat Day 2025, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called for urgent action toward climate-resilient housing, sustainable urban planning, and inclusive housing policies across Nigeria.

It warned that ‘every home built today must stand against tomorrow’s climate risks.’

World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October each year. It was established by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities and reaffirm the basic right of every human being to adequate shelter. It also reminds the global community that everyone has the power and responsibility to shape the future of urban settlements

This year’s global observance, held on October 6, 2025, is themed ‘Urban Crisis Response’, drawing attention to how conflicts, climate disasters, and economic instability are transforming cities and deepening inequality. The theme emphasizes that inclusive urban crisis response must create the conditions for people to return, reintegrate, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), over 122 million people are currently displaced worldwide, with more than 60 percent of them seeking refuge in cities. This growing trend of urban displacement is exerting immense pressure on already fragile housing systems and public services, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.

Nigeria’s urban crisis is escalating rapidly, driven by poor planning, weak enforcement of regulations, and rapid population growth. Experts estimate that Nigeria’s cities are expanding at a rate far faster than their infrastructure can support, resulting in overcrowded settlements, pollution, and inadequate social amenities.

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), in its statement to mark World Habitat Day, expressed concern that Nigeria’s urban landscape is under increasing strain due to unregulated construction, poor waste management, and the loss of green areas meant to serve as buffers against flooding and heat waves.

The organization noted that cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Asaba, green belts originally designed as utility corridors and environmental buffers have been converted into residential and commercial properties.

A civil society organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has raised concern over the weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) Act and the increasing abuse of personal data and digital rights in the country.

The organisation, known for its accountability and anti-corruption advocacy, said the situation underscores the need for stronger awareness campaigns to protect Nigerians’ digital freedoms.

The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists that the organisation was deeply worried about the rising misuse of personal information and the NDPC’s inability to effectively safeguard the digital rights of citizens. He said this prompted the organisation to partner with the UN Women, US Embassy, ActionAid, DigiCivic, Inclusive Friends Association, Paradigm Initiative, and others to organise the ‘Rights and Rhythm’ concert in Abuja on Friday.

Odeh explained that the concert aimed to advocate for safer digital spaces and freedom of expression through music and creative arts. ‘Nigeria’s online space is becoming increasingly restrictive. Surveillance, censorship, weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, arbitrary internet shutdowns, and unchecked disinformation continue to undermine freedom of expression and privacy.

‘These threats often target young people, artists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Unfortunately, many Nigerians still do not fully understand their digital rights or how to protect them, and low digital literacy, especially in rural and underserved communities, fuels this vulnerability.

‘Art and music have the power to cut across education levels, languages, and cultures, translating complex policy issues into relatable content and inspiring collective action. Hence, Rights and Rhythm leverages this power to demystify digital governance, promote rights-based dialogue, and link creative voices to policy processes,’ he said.

He recalled that in July 2025, Accountability Lab Nigeria, in collaboration with the NDPC and the Ministry of Youth, reported a surge in complaints about data and digital rights violations, particularly the misuse of data affecting youth, journalists, and grassroots social media users.

He further said: ‘Also, in July 2025, the NDPC fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for violating the NDPC Act. The violations included unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data and breaches of subscribers’ privacy. These developments are clear indications of the growing scale of data breaches in the country. While these cases show progress in enforcement, they also highlight a gap – that many citizens remain unaware of their digital rights or how to protect them.’

‘Without awareness and literacy, people will continue to be vulnerable to data privacy violations, surveillance, and misuse of their personal information. This moment calls for urgent and widespread sensitisation so that citizens can better understand their rights and take active steps to protect and defend their digital rights.

‘We also cannot ignore that democracy, elections, and governance are all shaped by online platforms. Digital spaces are central to civic participation. Yet the digital divide remains stark. Many in the villages are still offline, cut off from the conversations that shape policies and the opportunities technology creates. Until access is widened, until every Nigerian can connect meaningfully, our digital rights will remain uneven and incomplete.

‘Through music and rhythm, we affirm these truths. We affirm that the right to speak, to associate, to critique, and to dream belongs to us all. And we remind ourselves that protecting civic space, online and offline, is the heartbeat of any real democracy.

‘This is why Nigerians, government, and companies must renegotiate the rules of digital engagement. Regulation is necessary, and responsible speech is important. But political criticism should never determine who enjoys freedom after speech. The heart of this is trust that when we press ‘send’ on WhatsApp, the message will arrive, and trust that our data will not be misused,’ Odeh stated.

The Storytelling Development Officer at Accountability Lab Nigeria, Blessing Anolaba, described the ‘Rights and Rhythm’ concert as a demonstration of how creativity can drive civic change.

‘Conversations from the concert amplified critical issues around digital rights, strengthened advocacy around data protection, and could play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative on freedom of expression and a safer, more inclusive digital space in Nigeria.

‘It is also a platform where young creatives used music, art, and storytelling to amplify digital rights issues, understand the provisions of data protection laws, the cybercrime act, and advocate for safer digital spaces,’ she said.

She added that partners at the event reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sanity in the digital space and ensuring the enforcement of users’ rights, particularly those of young Nigerians.

They observed that the civic space in Nigeria remains fragile, noting that while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association, and participation in public life, these rights are constantly tested by restrictive laws and practices. Some partners lamented the existence of vague legal provisions that criminalise dissent and the tendency of government institutions to suppress citizens rather than safeguard their rights.