Category: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday launched a nationwide economic empowerment programme worth N1.9 billion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), declaring that the country grows stronger “when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully.”

The First Lady was represented at the Lagos launch, held at the State House, Ikeja, by the Lagos First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the initiative rolled out simultaneously across all 36 states, the FCT, and DEPOWA, was designed to ensure that PWDs are not excluded from national progress.

She told the gathering: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Quoting Helen Keller, she added that the message captures the spirit behind the programme: “A truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to our collective progress.”

The First Lady stated that under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, 250 PWDs in every state and the FCT would receive N200,000 business recapitalisation grants, targeted at strengthening small businesses and securing livelihoods.

In addition, she announced that each state, the FCT and DEPOWA will receive N50 million for distribution to beneficiaries in their domains.

In total, 9,500 Nigerians living with disabilities will benefit from the intervention, amounting to N1.9 billion.

Mrs Tinubu stressed that the programme was aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to her, aims to “promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.”

She recalled that the Renewed Hope Initiative had, in just two years, extended support to over 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities.

Beyond financial grants, she noted that the Initiative had also delivered interventions in agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment, and social welfare, and had consistently provided relief materials to victims of disasters, communal conflicts, widows, the elderly, orphans of fallen heroes, Internally Displaced Persons, and other vulnerable groups.

On food security, the First Lady stated: “Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 states and the FCT. We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need.”

She further announced that the RHI Governing Board had resolved to institutionalise the empowerment programme as an annual event every 3rd December, in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

ddressing beneficiaries, she urged prudent use of the grants, saying “Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for supporting the rollout of the programme in Lagos.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called Somalia “barely a country” and described Somali immigrants as “garbage,” saying he did not want them in the United States.

Speaking at the end of a Cabinet meeting, Trump said some might consider his remarks politically incorrect, but he did not care.

“I don’t want them in our country. We’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country,” he said.

Earlier, Trump said refugees were a main cause of social problems in the U.S. and cited Minnesota as an example, saying the state had been taken over by “hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia.”

He also announced the end of a Somali protection programme in Minnesota, which current statistics suggest affects only a few hundred people.

On Tuesday, Trump targeted Somali-born Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from Minnesota, calling her and her friends “garbage.”

The remarks came amid a high-profile Minnesota welfare fraud case, in which several dozen Somali residents allegedly defrauded the state’s system of hundreds of millions of dollars under Gov. Tim Walz.

Omar said on X, Trump’s “obsession” with her was “creepy” and she hoped he would get “the help he desperately needs.”

U.S. media have speculated about impending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting Somali migrants in the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota.

The New York Times reported that the operation targets hundreds of Somalis without proper residency papers.

Minnesota is home to more than 60,000 people of Somali origin, most of them legally residing in the state, making it the largest Somali community in the United States.

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Afrobeats superstar, Burna Boy, has reportedly pledged to cover the funeral expenses of the four young people killed in a shooting at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday, November 29, at Monkey Space, a banquet hall in San Joaquin County, where children and teenagers had gathered to celebrate. The victims, aged between 8 and 21, were fatally shot, and eleven others were wounded in what investigators believe was a targeted attack.

According to TMZ, Burna Boy said he first learned about the shooting while listening to “The Breakfast Club” radio show, and the news hit him hard.

“When I heard about the children murdered in Stockton, my heart broke,” he said. “No family should ever face this kind of pain alone. I wanted to do whatever I could to support these parents as they begin the long process of healing.”

After reaching out to music executive Wack 100, Burna Boy was connected with Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee, who confirmed the singer’s promise to assist the grieving families by paying for funeral costs.

The Grammy winner was particularly moved by the story of 14-year-old Amari Peterson, described on a GoFundMe page as an active football and basketball player who had begun planning for college.

Vice Mayor Lee praised Burna Boy’s generosity, saying it should inspire others to support the community during this painful time.

As of Tuesday, December 2, no arrests have been made. The incident has drawn national attention and reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States.

Burna Boy’s gesture comes days after a viral moment in Colorado, where he paused a performance to call out a couple who appeared to be asleep in the front row.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has expressed deep grief over a fatal road accident at Ilubirin, inward Simpson on Lagos Island, which claimed the lives of a police officer and a scavenger in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to preliminary findings, the crash occurred when the driver of a Toyota Camry (registration number MUS 885 JA) reportedly sped dangerously, lost control, and veered off his lane.

The vehicle struck a scavenger and a police officer who was riding a motorcycle. Both victims died on the spot from the force of the impact.

LASTMA officers stationed near the corridor responded immediately, securing the accident scene and managing traffic to avoid further danger.

Officials also arrested the driver as he attempted to escape and handed him over to officers at the Adeniji Adele Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The badly damaged vehicle was removed from the road by LASTMA personnel to prevent additional accidents and restore traffic flow.

eneral Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who visited the site, described the incident as heartbreaking. In a sombre tone, he condoled with the families of the victims and lamented the “needless and devastating loss of life” caused by reckless driving.

He warned that over-speeding remains one of the most common causes of deadly road crashes in Lagos, stressing that motorists must obey speed limits and embrace responsible driving habits.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to ongoing public sensitisation on road safety, urging all road users–especially drivers, to prioritise caution, discipline, and compliance with traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

By Ayorinde Oluokun with agency report

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has faulted media reports in which he was quoted as apologising for poor show at the maiden edition of Nigeria International Airshow (NIA) held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Tuesday.

Keyamo, in a post on his X handle faulted the newspaper reports, describing the headline as ‘warped.’

The Minister said his description of the performance of the air show as ‘modest’ effort should not be taken as an apology.

According to him, contrary to the media reports, the feedback received by the Ministry and the aviation agencies is that the Airshow exceeded expectations on the first day.

“We respectfully urge that next time, as journalists, they should learn to differentiate between a ‘modest statement’ and an ‘apology’.

“However, the feedback we have all received at the Ministry and the aviation agencies is that the Airshow exceeded expectations on the first day”.

Meanwhile, speaking during the International Airshow, Keyamo said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts toward making Nigeria Africa aviation hub.

He said the Federal Government is growing momentum toward an African Aviation hub by the implementation of policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

He added that efforts are being deepened by engaging with regional airlines, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and global partners to deepen connectivity.

“This moment is historic. For the first time, Nigeria joins the global community of nations that host world-class airshows–platform where aviation innovation, investment, technology, policy, and partnerships converge.

“For decades, the question has been asked: When will Nigeria take its rightful place in the global aviation showcase circuit? Today, with this inaugural Airshow, we provide a clear and confident answer.

“This is our first attempt. It will not be perfect. We are taking baby steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose.

“We will learn from this experience and we will build upon it until the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a permanent fixture on the global aviation calendar–standing shoulder to shoulder with Paris, Dubai, Farnborough, and Singapore.”

The minister said NIA represented more than an event but a statement of intent.

According to him, NIA is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead, innovate, and compete on the global stage as a platform for discovery, investment, and collaboration.

“Here, global manufacturers, investors, regulators, airlines, innovators, and aviation enthusiasts will gather to explore opportunities, display cutting-edge technology, and shape the future of flight.

“It is also a platform for young Nigerians to see what is possible–to be inspired by aerospace engineering, aviation technology, defence systems, drones, and the limitless universe of opportunities within the sector.

“I ask that we remain patient, collaborative, and ambitious. It may not be perfect, but it is our beginning. With each edition, we will refine, expand, and elevate this Airshow until it becomes a global benchmark.”

Keyamo, who said that NIA would grow to become a global brand and a symbol of the nation’s ambition, added that the future of Nigerian aviation would be bright.

He reiterated that the NIA was anchored on the vision of President Bola Tinubu, for a modern, safe, secure, globally competitive aviation industry.

“The President’s vision drives economic growth, strengthens national security, supports tourism, and positions Nigeria as Africa’s aviation hub.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aviation has emerged as one of the fastest-advancing sectors, with transformative milestones that are reshaping Nigeria’s status as a regional powerhouse,” he said.

The 3-day event is aimed at stimulating Aviation as a positive tool for economic development in Africa spanning sectors such as Avionics, Cargo, Defence, Medical, Tourism, Aerospace, Trade, Transport, amongst others.

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Accord Party has said it is ready to offer its platform for Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to actualise his second-term ambition.

Adeleke, who is seeking a second tenure in the 2026 off-cycle governorship election had dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the platform on which he was elected into office.

The Governor who dumped PDP because of the crisis rocking the party is believed to shopping for another platform to seek re-election.

The Lagos State Chairman of the party, Mr Dele Oladeji said the Accord Party remained the most viable and organised platform for Adeleke to pursue his re-election bid.

He said the party has no factions and no godfathers.

“We are waiting for his declaration. That is what we can say for now. We are waiting for when he will declare for Accord.

“In Accord, we are ready for him. Whenever he decides to step in, we are set to receive him,” Oladejo said.

He said Adeleke should consider joining Accord as it had no internal wrangling, godfather interference, or structural ambiguity.

“Accord is a very stable and sanitised political platform. We have no factions and no godfathers.

“Any candidate who joins us between now and 2027 is sure of a peaceful and dependable structure,” he added.

According to him, Accord is presently the best political platform for any serious politician seeking office

“If he decides to step in, we will be ready to work with him and ensure his success,” Oladeji said.

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By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission has annulled the employment of 324 workers, declaring their appointment letters illegal and unauthorized in a statement issued on 1 December 2025.

The announcement, jointly signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Ezehi Igbas, and Secretary, Mrs Isoken Nehi-Olotu, marked a dramatic reversal of what many of the affected individuals believed to be legitimate job placements within the Assembly structure.

In the brief statement, the Commission stated that the issuance of the employment letters did not follow lawful procedures and therefore could not stand.

It described the entire recruitment as “unauthorised, illegal and unlawful”, stressing that the letters were “null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

lthough the Commission did not provide details of how the irregular employment occurred or who authorised it, it apologised to all 324 individuals for the confusion and distress caused.

It wrote: The Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission hereby tenders an unreserved apology to all recipients of the unauthorized and unlawful employment letters and deeply regrets all inconveniences caused to all persons affected by its actions.

The development raises questions about internal processes within the Commission and may prompt further scrutiny over recruitment transparency in the state legislative bureaucracy.

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, has expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to partner Livespot on the forthcoming ‘Detty December Fest’ in Lagos.

Organisers of the event, Livespot, a culture- building creative company, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

The festival will bring together multi-stage concerts, nightlife experiences, fashion and cultural showcases, culinary pop-ups, art installations, and citywide programming designed to capture the full spirit of Nigeria’s globally recognised December season.

The first wave of headliners for the event, scheduled for Dec. 6 to Dec. 31, are Gunna, Busta Rhymes, Juma Jux and Bella Shmurda.

Musawa recognised ‘Detty December Fest’ as a defining contributor to Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem, spotlighting its role in strengthening the country’s global creative presence and attracting holiday tourism.

She said that through this partnership, “Detty December” is moving from a social media trend to a structured national asset.

“We will showcase Nigerian and African talent on a world-class stage.

“We will support SMEs and creative businesses from vendors to production teams to fashion, food, hospitality and we will work with relevant MDAs to improve safety, mobility and overall visitor experience,” she said.

She commended Livespot for the initiative, saying it will continue to be a thinking and planning hub for the creative economy.

“Detty December Fest will be one where those ideas become real opportunities, real jobs and experiences in our cities to our creative economy.

“To our private sector, we invite you to plug in and co-invest; to our international friends, Nigeria is ready for collaboration and cultural exchanges,” she said.

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United States lawmakers on Tuesday said the Nigerian government is not doing enough to stop increasing violence and killings happening across the country.

The comments were made during a joint briefing of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, where members discussed reports of organised attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

During the session, lawmakers referred to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to again label Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” along with his warning that the U.S. may consider military action if the violence continues.

Congressman Chris Smith said Nigerian leaders are failing in their duty to protect citizens.

“The people behind these attacks continue to operate freely without punishment,” he told the panel.

Smith, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, warned that the U.S. will hold Nigeria responsible for the ongoing killings.

“The Nigerian government is trying to delay action. We cannot allow that. Serious steps must be taken now to save lives,” he said.

Representative Brian Mast supported Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria and said Washington must increase pressure on the Nigerian government. He called on the U.S. to demand that armed groups be disarmed, displaced communities resettled, and attackers prosecuted.

Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, also spoke, saying Christians in Nigeria are facing targeted attacks.

“The world will no longer pretend not to see what is happening to Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, also addressed the meeting. She accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring warnings that could prevent attacks. She said communities often alert security agencies before or during attacks but receive no help.

“This happens too often. People ask for protection, but no one comes. Sometimes police are contacted while attacks are ongoing, yet nothing is done. This is unacceptable,” Hartzler said.

She urged the U.S. to give more support but insisted that Nigerian officials must take responsibility for protecting their people.

Michael Adesina

FIRS Says 4% Development Levy, Not Additional Tax

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has stated that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws are designed to strengthen economic competitiveness, attract investments and improve long-term fiscal stability.

The agency also clarified that the much-debated 4% Development Levy on imported goods is not a new or additional tax burden, but a streamlined consolidation of several existing levies.

In recent weeks, the new Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) and Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) have sparked widespread debate among citizens and businesses seeking clarity on how the reforms will affect them. But tax authorities say these concerns stem largely from misinterpretations, insisting the laws are aimed at simplifying compliance, protecting incentives and improving Nigeria’s investment environment.

According to FIRS, one of the most misunderstood elements of the new tax framework is the 4% Development Levy. The agency explained that the levy replaces a range of fragmented charges–such as the Tertiary Education Tax, NITDA Levy, NASENI Levy and Police Trust Fund Levy–that businesses previously paid separately.

This consolidation, it said, reduces compliance costs, eliminates unpredictability and ends the era of multiple agency-driven levies. The law also exempts small businesses and non-resident companies, offering protection to firms most vulnerable to economic shocks.

Analysts say the new levy structure sends an important message to investors: Nigeria is moving toward a more coordinated, transparent and predictable fiscal environment.

Another major clarification relates to Free Trade Zones (FTZs). Earlier commentary had suggested that the government was rolling back the incentives that have attracted export-oriented investors for decades. However, the reforms maintain the tax-exempt status of FTZ enterprises and introduce clearer guidelines to preserve the purpose of the zones.

Under the new rules, FTZ companies can sell up to 25% of their output into the domestic market without losing tax exemptions. A three-year transition period has also been provided to allow firms to adjust smoothly. Government officials say the reforms aim to curb abuses where companies used FTZ licences to evade domestic taxes while competing within the Nigerian market.

With the new measures, Nigeria aligns with global FTZ models in places like the UAE and Malaysia, where the zones function primarily as export hubs for logistics, manufacturing and technology.

The introduction of a 15% minimum Effective Tax Rate (ETR) for large multinational and domestic companies has also been met with public concern. But the FIRS notes that this policy aligns with a global tax agreement endorsed by over 140 countries under the OECD/G20 framework.

Without this adoption, Nigeria risked losing revenue to other countries through the “Top-Up Tax” mechanism, where the home country of a multinational collects the difference when a host country charges below 15%. By localising the rule, Nigeria ensures that tax revenue from multinational operations remains within its borders.

The ETR is also extended to large domestic companies to ensure a level playing field and discourage profit-shifting practices that undermine the fiscal system.

The reforms also introduce sweeping changes to capital gains taxation–now termed “chargeable gains.” The new framework contains several incentives to promote investment and capital mobility.

One of the key innovations is the reinvestment relief, which allows investors who sell shares and reinvest in another Nigerian company within the same year to avoid tax on gains. Experts say this provision will unlock capital for startups, private equity and other emerging enterprises.

The law also modernises capital loss treatment and exempts low-value transactions to protect small investors. At the same time, loopholes that previously allowed companies to disguise business income as capital gains have been closed.

Taken together, the reforms introduce structure, clarity and competitiveness into Nigeria’s tax environment. Government officials maintain that the measures will strengthen investor confidence, support industrial expansion and secure a sustainable revenue pipeline for national development.

While public debate continues, authorities insist the new tax regime is not punitive but strategic–balancing investor incentives with national revenue needs, and positioning Nigeria as a more predictable and attractive destination for global capital.