Category: PM News

The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its resolve to maintain a transparent and equitable tax system aimed at strengthening the state’s economy while encouraging business growth and voluntary compliance.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr Olaniran Olatona, said in Ado Ekiti on Saturday that the state had adopted a sustainable revenue model that relied on taxpayers willingly meeting their obligations rather than coercive enforcement.

He praised residents for embracing voluntary tax payment, noting that the approach had helped improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue despite the suspension of enforcement measures such as roadblocks and the closure of business premises since July 2025.

According to Olatona, the state’s revenue performance has continued to improve as economic reforms introduced at both federal and state levels begin to yield positive results.

He disclosed that Ekiti generated N2.75 billion in Internally Generated Revenue in June 2026, compared with N2.06 billion recorded in the corresponding month of 2025, representing an increase of 33.2 per cent.

‘Collections have held a stable N2.74 billion plateau since April 2026,’ he said.

The EKIRS chairman attributed the improved performance to the agency’s increasing reliance on technology, including automated and digital tax collection systems that have expanded payment options, reduced leakages and brought more taxpayers into the formal system.

He also cited improvements in Pay-As-You-Earn collections and stronger compliance with withholding tax obligations.

He said, ‘EKIRS remains committed to building a fair and sustainable revenue system that supports economic growth while ensuring every taxpayer contributes an equitable share to the development of Ekiti State.’

Reaffirming the agency’s taxpayer-focused approach, Olatona stressed that the objective was to encourage compliance rather than penalise businesses.

‘Our responsibility is not to punish taxpayers but to ensure fairness. We are more interested in helping businesses grow because thriving businesses ultimately translate into sustainable revenue for government,’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the agency would exceed its internal monthly revenue target of more than N3 billion before the end of 2026 through wider taxpayer participation rather than higher tax rates.

According to him, ‘EKIRS’ objective is to widen the tax base by bringing more eligible taxpayers into the system, rather than raising tax rates or introducing new taxes. The Service will continue deploying technology and data intelligence to identify previously untaxed incomes, while complying with relevant data protection regulations.’

Olatona also disclosed that EKIRS was working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as local government councils to establish a central billing platform that would eliminate multiple taxation and make tax payments easier.

Addressing recent protests over alleged tax increases, he said taxpayers should have taken advantage of the legal provisions available for disputing tax assessments instead of resorting to demonstrations.

He clarified that the recently issued Notices of Assessment were simply notifications of tax liabilities for the 2024 and 2025 tax years and were not enforcement actions.

The EKIRS boss explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 gives taxpayers the right to challenge assessments by filing written objections within 30 days of receiving a notice, while tax authorities are required to respond within 90 days.

He assured residents that the agency remained willing to review genuine complaints, particularly where taxpayers encountered procedural difficulties.

Olatona added that EKIRS had intensified public enlightenment campaigns through engagements with market associations, landlords’ groups, religious organisations and other stakeholders to improve tax awareness and encourage voluntary compliance.

He also advised market associations to engage tax professionals to assist members in understanding tax laws, resolving disputes and maintaining accurate financial records.

Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has said that his administration had begun the restructuring of the State College of Health and Technology Takum to a polytechnic to enable it qualify for Tertiary Education Trust Funds (TETFUND) intervention.

Kefas made the declaration on Saturday at the maiden Combined Convocation of graduates from 1995 to 2025 held in Takum local government area of the state.

Represented by Dr Mike Dio, the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Kefas said that plans were under way to amend some of the laws establishing the college to be able to access TETFUND

He explained that as a monotechnic, the college was currently ineligible for the intervention under existing regulations, assuring that legal and institutional reforms were underway to change it from a monotechnic to a polytechnic.

The governor recalled that the Taraba College of Agriculture, Jalingo had undergone reform process from a monotechnic to a polytechnic and was thus qualified to access the fund.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening tertiary education through sustained investments in infrastructure, programme’s accreditation, staff development and expanded access to higher education.

Kefas described the convocation as a historic milestone, noting that it marked the fulfilment of a long-awaited aspiration for the institution and its alumni.

While congratulating the management, staff, parents and graduating students of the college, Kefas urged them to uphold integrity, humility and professionalism in their careers.

‘Our administration placed education at the centre of our development agenda because no society can build a resilient healthcare system, grow its economy or secure its future without investing in education,’ the governor said.

Kefas highlighted key interventions by his administration, including a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions, funding for programme accreditation, improved infrastructure, recruitment of additional personnel, enhanced institutional funding and the introduction of new academic programmes.

He said the interventions were part of a broader strategy to reposition tertiary education in the state and to produce graduates capable of competing nationally and internationally.

Earlier, Dr Wama Binga, the Provost of the College said the successes recorded by the institution were the product of collective efforts by management, staff and development partners.

Binga described the event as a landmark in the history of the institution, noting that it was the first convocation since the college was established more than three decades ago.

She praised Gov. Kefas for his administration’s investment in education, saying government interventions had transformed the college’s physical infrastructure, strengthened academic programmes and restored confidence in the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the college, which was established in 1993 had graduated over 30 sets without convocation.

Bandits have abducted a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, shortly after he returned home from a trip to Sokoto.

The gunmen stormed the judge’s residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area around midnight as Saturday turned into Sunday.

They reportedly fired several shots into the air before taking Justice Bunza away.

‘He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen stormed his residence and took him away,’ a source said.

No member of the judge’s household was injured during the attack.

The incident was immediately reported to security agencies and the leadership of the Kebbi State High Court.

According to Daily Trust, Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman confirmed that Justice Bunza was abducted from his home around midnight.

‘I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight,’ Usman said.

He disclosed that Commissioner of Police Umar Muhammad Hadejia had deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to locate the abductors and rescue the judge.

Police teams were also reportedly searching identified locations and forest areas for Justice Bunza.

The All Progressives Congress has unveiled a 276-member National Campaign Council to coordinate its campaign for the Osun State governorship election slated for August 15, 2026.

A statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and published on the APC’s X handle, named the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as chairman of the council.

The party also appointed Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as co-chairmen.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari, will serve as deputy chairman, while Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin has been named secretary of the council.

According to the statement, the campaign council draws its membership from across the party’s leadership structure, including governors, members of the National Working Committee, ministers, principal officers of the National Assembly, federal and state lawmakers, as well as other prominent stakeholders.

The statement said, ‘The Council comprises eminent party leaders, governors, members of the National Working Committee, principal officers of the National Assembly, ministers, federal and state legislators, and other key stakeholders drawn from across the country to drive the party’s campaign towards victory.’

To strengthen its election preparations, the APC also established a number of specialised subcommittees that will oversee critical aspects of the campaign.

These committees will handle election planning and management, finance and resource mobilisation, grassroots mobilisation, logistics, campaign coordination, monitoring and compliance, protocol, media and publicity, security, youth mobilisation, mobilisation of persons with disabilities, women’s mobilisation and secretariat duties.

The party further announced that the National Campaign Council and the various subcommittees will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday as campaigning gathers momentum ahead of the Osun governorship election.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to introduce a more effective and citizen-friendly framework for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Oyintiloye, who spoke with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said the current process has subjected many eligible voters to unnecessary hardship during collection.

He noted that simplifying the PVC collection process would boost voter turnout and enable more citizens to exercise their constitutional rights during the election.

The former lawmaker urged the electorate not to be discouraged by the perceived cumbersome process, encouraging those yet to collect their PVCs to do so and turn out en masse to vote peacefully for candidates of their choice.

He also cautioned voters against being intimidated by reports of political tension capable of creating fear.

‘No individual or group should be allowed to undermine the democratic process through acts capable of causing panic or discouraging lawful participation in the election,’ he said.

Oyintiloye further called on security agencies to remain vigilant and professional in safeguarding lives and property before, during and after the poll.

He urged them to ensure that anyone engaging in violence, intimidation or any act capable of disrupting the electoral process is brought to justice.

Rainstorm accompanied by strong winds has destroyed no fewer than 200 houses, shops and other property in Dangamau community, Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Gov. Dikko Radda has sympathised with the victims of the disaster, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate.

Radda, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, said that the destruction had displaced many families and exposed them to hardship.

‘On behalf of the government and good people of Katsina State, I sympathise with the victims of this disaster in Dangamau. We share your pain and will not abandon you at this difficult time,’ je said.

The governor said that he had directed the relevant government agencies to immediately assess the extent of the damage to facilitate prompt intervention.

He assured the affected residents that the state government was making arrangements to provide immediate relief materials and other essential assistance to the victims.

‘Efforts are in top gear to bring succour to the displaced persons. Food, shelter and other necessities will be provided without delay,’ Radda said.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency response teams, as the government worked to restore normalcy in the affected community.

The governor also prayed for the safety of residents and asked Allah to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded American citizens that they must travel with a valid US passport whenever they enter or leave the United States.

The advisory, issued on Sunday through the mission’s official X account, applies to every US citizen, including minors and individuals who hold citizenship of another country alongside their American nationality.

Reaffirming the longstanding travel requirement, the mission said, ‘U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals.’

The mission also clarified that Americans with dual nationality cannot rely on a foreign passport when seeking approval under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

According to the post, ‘dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization.’

It explained that the Department of Homeland Security ‘routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.’

The mission further encouraged Americans residing outside the United States to check the validity of their passports well before making travel arrangements.

‘If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport,’ the mission said.

It also urged travellers not to wait until the last minute to renew their passports, noting that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.

‘Remember many countries require passports to have six months’ validity.’

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) over its ‘failure to explain and account for ?211 trillion in oil money recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses.”

NNPCL reportedly recorded over ?211 trillion (?211,015,245,000,000) in its 2023 audited financial statements as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses’ without adequately explaining the transactions or providing sufficient information to enable public scrutiny of the funds.

In the suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2027, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking ‘an order of mandamus directing and compelling the NNPCL to account for the ?211 trillion and disclose all documents and information relating to the transactions recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements.’

SERAP is asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to provide a detailed explanation, reconciliation and supporting documents relating to the ?107.6 trillion recorded as ‘Sundry Receivables’, including the identities of the debtors, the amounts owed, the legal basis for the receivables and the status of recovery efforts.’

SERAP is also asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose the complete breakdown and supporting documents relating to the ?103.4 trillion recorded as ‘Accrued Expenses’, including the identities of the creditors and beneficiaries, the nature and legal basis of the liabilities, and the documents establishing their legitimacy.’

SERAP is further asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose all records relied upon in preparing and approving the ?211 trillion recorded as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses’ in its 2023 audited financial statements.’

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that ‘there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure of the information sought. The NNPCL has a legal duty to explain and account for the ?211 trillion and demonstrate that the entries are accurate, lawful and supported by credible documentation.’

According to SERAP, ‘the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee the public’s right to access information held by public institutions, including NNPCL, to enable citizens to scrutinise the management of public resources.’

SERAP is arguing that ‘disclosure of the information is necessary to promote transparency, prevent corruption, strengthen fiscal accountability and ensure effective public oversight of NNPCL’s operations.’

SERAP is also arguing that ‘Nigerians have the right to know who owes the ?107.6 trillion, who is entitled to the ?103.4 trillion in accrued expenses, the legal basis for the transactions, and whether the entries comply with applicable laws and public accountability standards.’

The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Maryam Mumuni, reads in part: ”Sundry Receivables’ are amounts of money that NNPCL says are owed to it by individuals, companies or government entities but which it has not yet received.’

”Accrued Expenses’ are amounts that NNPCL says it owes to others for goods, services or other obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid. Together, these entries account for over ?211 trillion in NNPCL’s 2023 audited financial statements.’

‘Yet the financial statements do not adequately explain who owes the money, who is to be paid, the legal basis for the transactions, or provide the supporting documents necessary for Nigerians to independently scrutinise and verify these enormous sums. NNPCL’s failure to disclose the requested information undermines transparency, accountability and public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth, prevents Nigerians from determining whether the transactions are lawful and properly documented.’

‘NNPCL remains fully subject to the Freedom of Information Act because it is wholly owned by the Federal Government and manages Nigeria’s petroleum resources and oil revenues on behalf of the Federation. The Petroleum Industry Act did not remove NNPCL’s legal obligations to operate transparently and accountably. The funds managed by NNPCL are public funds, regardless of the company’s corporate status, because they are derived from Nigeria’s petroleum resources, which belong to the Federation. Nigerians have a legal right to scrutinise how these resources are managed.’

‘NNPCL failed to comply with SERAP’s Freedom of Information request despite the clear timelines prescribed by the Freedom of Information Act. Under the Act, its failure to respond is deemed a refusal, entitling SERAP to seek judicial intervention to compel full disclosure. The information requested is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and concerns matters of overwhelming public interest relating to transparency, fiscal accountability, good governance and the prudent management of Nigeria’s oil wealth.’

‘Secrecy over the management of oil revenues undermines the rule of law, weakens public trust, and is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Financial Regulations, and Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues are essential to combating corruption, protecting public resources and ensuring that the country’s wealth is used to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians.’

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Nigeria and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have called for stronger African control of mineral resources through value addition, regional cooperation, data sovereignty and strategic financing.

The call was made at the Ministerial Forum on Critical Minerals, Value Chain and Beneficiation, held under AfDB auspices in Abidjan.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, urged mineral-producing countries to embrace regional cooperation to unlock greater benefits from Africa’s abundant resources.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, on Sunday in Abuja.

He said African countries must move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop practical strategies for controlling their natural assets through processing and value addition.

‘While the mantra of value addition has ushered in an era of economic independence for mineral-producing nations, we need concrete actionable strategies to take charge of our natural assets,’ Alake said.

Alake, Chairman of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), said more than 30 member countries were advancing a common continental approach anchored on value addition.

He also called for African sovereignty over the data and technical systems used to assess, classify and report the continent’s mineral resources.

The minister described Africa’s reliance on the Australia-based Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) reporting standard as outdated.

He advocated adopting the Pan African Resource Reporting Code (PARC), developed by the Africa Minerals Development Centre, as the continental reporting framework.

According to Alake, PARC promotes transparency, consistency and ethical reporting while reflecting Africa’s geological, environmental and mineral-resource characteristics.

He also proposed a West African minerals-processing corridor stretching from Lagos to Dakar to strengthen regional processing and reduce development costs.

Alake said participating countries would leverage comparative advantages, share infrastructure, facilitate trade and distribute the risks and rewards of mineral development.

He noted that intra-African trade accounted for about 16 per cent, compared with approximately 60 per cent in Asia and 70 per cent in Europe.

Earlier, AfDB President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, said Africa’s vast critical-mineral deposits had not translated into corresponding gains in GDP or global influence.

Tah identified inadequate financing and low foreign direct investment as major obstacles preventing Africa from maximising opportunities in its mineral sector.

The forum consequently called for coordinated policies, integrated infrastructure, mineral value chains and capital mobilisation to transform Africa’s mining sector.

Participants adopted the Abidjan Declaration, placing financing at the centre of efforts to transform Africa’s solid-minerals sector.

Under the declaration, AfDB pledged financial instruments, capital mobilisation and technical expertise to de-risk strategic projects and finance critical infrastructure.

The bank also committed support for competitive and sustainable mineral value chains capable of generating greater economic benefits across African countries.

The declaration urged African countries to strengthen national and regional capacities to attract investment, create quality jobs and generate sustainable local value.

The forum attracted more than 20 ministers, AfDB and Afreximbank representatives, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and mining companies.

Mining companies from Germany, Canada and the United States also participated in discussions on Africa’s critical-minerals opportunities.

Participants reaffirmed that stronger African cooperation, regional value addition and greater control of mineral resources were essential for sustainable economic transformation.

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union on Thursday, July 23, 2026, concluded its Central Executive Council election with Kujembola Olalekan (IkuuBoy) emerging as the president-elect.

According to the institution’s magazine, The Awo Times, the Students’ Union Independent Electoral Commission (SUIEC) declared IkuuBoy President-elect following conclusion of the election.

The news medium quoted a statement released on Friday by the Commission as saying only results validated and submitted by designated Electoral Officers across all faculty polling units were admitted for collation, adding that the final figures accurately reflected the votes cast by students.

It further maintained that the released figures are the only official and recognised election results, describing any contrary results or claims in circulation as false.

‘According to the official results announced by the Commission, IkuuBoy polled 9,112 votes to defeat Lateef Akeem Omotayo (Emmanuel), who secured 4,846 votes, while Fatokun Matthew Babafemi (Iseoluwa) who announced his withdrawal from the presidential race on the eve of the election, received 28 votes.

‘For the office of Vice President, Oluwagbemiro Elizabeth (Liz) was declared elected with 9,838 votes, defeating Ayansola Eniola Abimbola (Eniola), who polled 4,511 votes,’ The Awo Times reports.

Other candidates declared elected by the Commission include:

Secretary General: Arogundade Abduroheem (Arogs) with 8,543 votes; Assistant Secretary General: Akande Faith Oluwafunmilayo with 7,643 votes; Public Relations Officer: Oluwagbami Isaac (Zikkish) with 9,967 votes, and Director of Socials and Culture: Adeola Afolabi Enoch (FolaCandy) who polled 8,792 votes.

Others were Director of Sports: Oladosu Miracle Okikijesu (BIG POPE) with 8,853 votes; Financial Secretary: Olaniyan Olawale Stephen (Hon. Ola) with 10,645 votes, and Welfare Officer Afolabi Opeyemi Mubarak (Opeyemi) who won with 7,101 votes.

According to the report, the Commission expressed appreciation to all aspirants, Electoral Officers, security personnel, observers, members of the campus press, and the Great Ife student community for their cooperation throughout the electoral process.

It also congratulated the newly elected officers, urging them to serve with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of the Students’ Union.

However, the election was reportedly marked by a number of incidents that drew attention during the voting process. The Awo Times reported several confrontations between party agents and electoral security personnel at different faculty polling locations.

Also, there were reports of journalists being harassed while carrying out their duties. In some faculties, members of the campus press were allegedly chased out of polling units during the vote-counting process, limiting independent media observation of the collation exercise.

The concerns also affected election coverage. Amid reports of harassment and restrictions on press activities, the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU), Obafemi Awolowo University, reportedly withdrew from its live election coverage before the conclusion of the electoral process.