Category: PM News

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed claims that it appointed Xpress Payments as the only platform for collecting government revenue.

It said the allegations were false and could turn a normal administrative issue into a political one.

In a statement signed by Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, the agency also responded to comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

FIRS stressed that it does not run any exclusive or single payment gateway for tax collection, and no private company has been given full control over government revenue.

FIRS explained that it uses a multi-channel system involving several long-standing Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs). These include Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact, Flutterwave, and XpressPay. The idea is to make it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to pay taxes.

The agency added that PSSPs are not government revenue collectors and do not get a percentage or fee from government money. All payments made through these platforms go directly into the Federation Account.

According to FIRS, using multiple platforms improves efficiency, makes monitoring easier, and supports innovation and competition in Nigeria’s fintech industry. It also said that the process of selecting PSSPs is transparent and fair.

FIRS further noted that the ongoing national tax reforms being coordinated by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms are important for modernising the economy and are built on openness and efficiency. These reforms, the agency said, should not be dragged into political disputes.

The agency urged politicians to stop spreading false information about routine administrative matters, saying Nigeria’s tax system is too important to be damaged by unnecessary controversy.

By Hamza Suleiman

Police have explained how 14 girls working an a farm in Huyum, Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno state were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents while working on a farmland.

However, one of the girl was able to escape from the gunmen, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the spokesperson for Borno Police Command said in a statement on Sunday.

Daso, who said the police have intensified efforts to secure the release of the 13 girls further revealed that the gunmen took away the victims on Saturday, Nov. 22 at about 3:30 p.m when they invaded the farmland they were working on.

He added that the District Head of Huyum informed the police about the incident.

He said that a joint team of police operatives, troops of the Nigerian military, Civilian JTF and vigilantes immediately launched a rescue operation in the area.

“During the operation, one of the abducted girls managed to escape unharmed and was rescued. Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining 13 abducted girls,” he said.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, as urging residents to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as coordinated operations continued.

While advising farmers and rural dwellers to operate within the coverage of security patrols and maintain heightened vigilance, Abdulmajid assured the public that further updates would be communicated as the operation progresses.

(NAN)

Paystack has terminated the appointment of its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following days of online allegations of sexual misconduct and an internal suspension by the company’s Board.

Olubi, who co-founded the fintech firm in 2015, confirmed his sack in a statement on Saturday, saying the decision was communicated while the company’s promised investigation was still ongoing.

According to him, Paystack ended his employment “before the supposed investigation was concluded, and without any meeting, hearing, or opportunity for me to respond to the issues raised.” He described the process as a breach of Paystack’s own policies and insisted he had fully cooperated with the Board.

The allegations against Olubi, which resurfaced across social media last week, include old tweets and accusations from a former associate, sparking widespread debate and prompting the company to announce an “independent” review.

Ezra Olubi disclosed that his legal team is now assessing the termination and determining the next steps. He declined further comment.

Paystack has yet to release an updated statement on the matter.

The company, one of Africa’s biggest digital payment players and a major partner of Stripe, is now facing intense scrutiny over its handling of the allegations and the exit of one of its founding executives.

The Chairman of the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take strong action against terrorists causing killings and destruction across Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s programme Inside Sources on Sunday, Smith said Nigeria was named a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the US for genuine reasons, not to punish the country.

He explained that the Nigerian government must protect its citizens and stop downplaying the level of violence.

According to him, “Tinubu has to act. I won’t judge him harshly, but the CPC designation was done in good faith. This is not about pleasing the United States. Nigerians deserve better than looking the other way while these attacks happen.”

Smith criticised comments from a Nigerian official who claimed only a small number of people had been killed. He urged the government to “tell the truth and fight the evil.”

His remarks follow continued global attention on Nigeria’s security problems. Last Thursday, witnesses appeared before the US House Subcommittee on Africa, giving conflicting reports about violence and religious persecution as part of a review of Nigeria’s CPC status.

The discussion also revisited former US President Donald Trump’s past claim that “Christian genocide” was happening in Nigeria, a statement the Nigerian government dismissed at the time.

Responding to the renewed concerns, President Tinubu released a statement rejecting the idea that Nigeria is hostile to Christians. He maintained that the country respects religious freedom and is working to protect the rights of all religions.

Tinubu said: “Calling Nigeria religiously intolerant does not reflect reality. Nigeria is a democracy that guarantees freedom of religion, and we remain committed to protecting that freedom.”

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army said troops deployed for intensified search-and-rescue operations for abducted schoolchildren in Niger, Kebbi and Zamfara states had in the course of their operations in the last 24 hours, neutralized terrorists and destroyed their hideouts across the North Central and North West corridors.

Source at the Army headquarters revealed that the troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) under 22 Brigade responded to the abduction of students from St Mary’s School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger, with ISR aircraft deployed and ground search teams tracking the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

According to him, troops have since expanded search operations to the Audu Fari axis in Borgu Local Government Area.

In Mariga Local Government Area, troops at FOB Gulbin Boka ambushed terrorists attempting to link up with their cohorts around Magaman Daji, resulting in casualties among the criminal group and the capture of four motorcycles.

“On the Kebbi front, troops intensifying efforts to rescue students abducted from GGSS Maga on Nov. 17 conducted a major operation around Gando/Sunke Forest in Kebbi and Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara.

“The strike force destroyed three terrorist camps, forcing the criminals to abandon their hideouts. Troops also recovered a lost international passport belonging to a female resident of Bagega,” he said.

The military Source reiterated the army’s commitment to sustaining the operations until all abducted students were rescued and terrorist networks crippled across the North Central and North West regions.

Recall that more than 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted last Friday at St. Mary’s School, Papiri, Niger state.

However, reports on Sunday indicated that 50 of the abducted schoolchildren escaped from their abductors.

The abduction in Niger State came four days after gunmen also suspected abducted 24 students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

The Kebbi State government said the schoolgirls were abducted about 45 minutes after military personnel deployed to the school to secure the students left.

The military said it is investigating the claim by the Kebbi government.

(NAN)

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, says he has been making continuous efforts behind the scenes to help secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kalu spoke during an interview on Sunday Politics, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.

His remarks came shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu on terrorism-related offences–a decision that has sparked strong reactions across the country, especially in the South-East.

According to Kalu, the lingering case involving Kanu cannot be resolved by the courts alone. He stressed that Nigeria needs a political approach to bring an end to the tension, fear, and division surrounding the matter.

He warned people against criticizing Justice Omotosho, the judge who delivered the ruling, saying that the judiciary should be respected while political leaders work on a lasting solution.

The senator explained that although Kanu’s lawyers will challenge the conviction at the Court of Appeal, he will personally reach out to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

His aim is for the Attorney General to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the best path forward, especially one that promotes peace and stability in the South-East.

Kalu expressed deep concern over the negative impact that IPOB activities and the resulting security operations have had on the region.

He noted that many people in the South-East lost their jobs, businesses, and sources of income due to fear, violence, and restrictions. According to him, dozens of Igbo people have also lost their lives a loss that should not be ignored in national conversations.

He also recalled that this is not the first time he has intervened on Kanu’s behalf. Kalu revealed that in 2017, he mounted strong pressure on then-President Muhammadu Buhari to release Kanu from detention so that he could face trial.

He credited Mamman Daura and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami for helping make that release possible at the time.

“I know what I did and the pressure I put on President Buhari before Kanu was released in April 2017,” he said. “But while everyone is talking about Kanu, nobody is talking about the Igbo people who were killed.”

Kalu emphasized that Nigeria needs healing in the South-East, and the government must take steps that promote dialogue and reconciliation. He maintained that resolving Kanu’s case through a political process would reduce tension, restore economic activities, and help rebuild confidence among the people.

By Ayox Ojo

The United States has urged the Nigerian government to ensure that masterminds of abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States are brought to justice for their crimes.

The US government said this in reaction to recent kidnapping to teachers and students in Niger and Kebbi States in a statement issued on Monday via its X handle.

In the statement by its State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, the US further called on the government to strengthen security measures and guarantee the safety of vulnerable communities, including Christian populations.

The US government added that Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure that Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”

It wrote, “The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

“Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”

Recall that gunmen abducted 24 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State on 17 November.

The gunmen also killed the vice principal, Hassan Makuku.

Also, last Friday, gunmen abducted over 30s students and 12 teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

However, reports on Sunday indicated that 50 students St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School escaped from the kidnappers.

The Federal Government had in response to the abduction of the schoolchildren ordered a shutdown of academic activities in some schools.

While the Federal Government closed 41 unity schools, governors of Bauchi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Katsina also shut down schools in their states.(NAN)

By Opeyemi Ibitoye

The global health landscape is undergoing a silent, yet profound, transformation. Where infectious diseases once reigned supreme, a new wave of chronic conditions, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are taking their place, driven largely by what we choose to eat.

The price of convenience and the ubiquity of cheap, ultra-processed foods are creating a dual public health crisis, and Nigeria must now address not just hunger, but the quality of every meal.

Nigeria faces a significant and escalating diabetes burden. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the national prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 2079 was estimated at 3% in 2024, translating to approximately 3 million adults living with the condition. This gives Nigeria the highest absolute number of adults with diabetes in the African region.

However, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that the true burden may be considerably higher, with pooled prevalence estimates ranging from 6 percent to 7 percent, that is, up to 8 million, reflecting substantial sub-national variation and widespread underdiagnosis.

Nearly half of adults with diabetes in Nigeria remain undiagnosed, fuelling complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and early death, according to the World Health Organisation. Diabetes now accounts for a major share of Nigeria’s NCD burden, straining both primary and specialist care.

Lobally, NCDs remain the leading cause of death, with premature deaths concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. Poor diets high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats are a key driver, costing trillions in lost productivity and healthcare spending.

The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 41 percent of children aged 6-23 months consume sugar beverages, 24 percent consume unhealthy foods, and only 12 percent meet minimum dietary diversity. This early exposure to poor nutrition lays the foundation for a lifetime of health challenges.

Furthermore, the 2024 Global Food Policy Report noted that nearly 80 percent of Nigerians could not afford a healthy diet in 2022, highlighting deep affordability and accessibility issues. Tragically, NCDs are now responsible for nearly 600 deaths per 100,000 Nigerians, overtaking communicable diseases as the leading cause of mortality.

The case for strong policy is not merely moral nor academic; it is an economic necessity that addresses a clear market failure. When profit motives incentivise the mass production and aggressive marketing of nutritionally poor products, especially to vulnerable populations, the government must intervene to protect public health. Robust healthy food policies are not an infringement on personal choice but a mechanism to internalise the societal costs of poor nutrition, which currently burden healthcare system and the economy, not the manufacturers.

Nigeria’s food environment needs to be reshaped, and action be taken across fiscal, regulatory, and institutional domains. An effective sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax deters consumption and generates revenue for nutrition programs.

Simultaneously, subsidies for fresh produce can improve affordability and access. Information and marketing regulation must also become the norm. The aggressive advertising of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt products particularly aimed at children, must be curtailed.

Also, mandatory Front-of-Pack labels (FOPL) empower consumer choice by overcoming literacy barriers and simplifying nutrition information. The National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, launched in 2024, must translate into tangible standards for schools, hospitals, and public institutions, removing sugary drinks and junk from our plates.

The clock is ticking on the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (2016-2025), with targets like reducing diet-related NCDs by 25 percent by 2025 unlikely to be met. This highlights the need for a revised, transformative policy in the next decade.

Implementing bold, evidence-based food policies from SSB taxes to marketing restrictions and clear warning labels can transform Nigeria’s food system from a source of disease into a pillar of health and national productivity.

To make World Diabetes Day 2025 meaningful, we need to ensure that the convenience of modern/ convenient foods does not ultimately cost the health of the Nigerian populace.

Ibitoye, Programme Officer, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) Tax at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), writes from Abuja.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian Army has listed killing of at least seven terrorists among the achievement of its troops in intensified offensive operations across the North East Theatre.

The troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) also recovered arms and logistics in series of coordinated ambushes across Borno in the last 24 hours.

The source said that troops had maintained pressure on ISWAP/JAS elements and disrupted their mobility corridors.

According to him, an ambush by troops of 192 Battalion and hybrid forces at Gwadale general area in PulkaGwoza axis led to the killing of four terrorists, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He added that a mobile phone with a Cameroonian MTN SIM card was recovered.

“Similarly, troops of 152 Task Force Battalion at Kumshe, in Bama Local Government Area, eliminated two terrorists crossing into Nigeria from Cameroon during a night ambush along the BankiKumshe route.

“Another terrorist was neutralised during an ambush by 192 Battalion around Kwatarakasa village in Gwoza, forcing the remaining fighters to flee towards the Mandara Mountains.

“In Chibok Local Government Area, troops of 117 Task Force Battalion recovered 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition after laying an ambush along terrorists’ withdrawal routes,” he said.

The military source revealed that the Civilian Joint Task Force conducting patrols along the DamasakKareto route uncovered a large cache of abandoned terrorist logistics.

These, according to the source, include blankets, engine oil, construction materials, baby items, tricycle rims, a grinding machine engine and other supplies believed to be intended for ISWAP/JAS cells.

He said the military offensive operations and patrols under Operation Desert Sanity IV are ongoing, with troops maintaining domination of key routes and denying terrorists freedom of movement.

(NAN)

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has assured that the 25km access road linking Lekki Deep Seaport to Epe and Ijebu-Ode will be delivered within its 21-month schedule.

Umahi gave the assurance during an inspection of the road project in Lagos on Sunday as he noted that the project is highly viable and fully on course.

The Works Minister expressed confidence in the capacity and track record of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor handling the project.

He said that CHEC won the contract through a competitive bidding process, citing its construction of the Lekki Deep Seaport, KeffiMakurdi Super Highway and the ongoing MakurdiEnugu Road.

“The project is 50km in total 25km by two carriageways, six lanes with major bridges of about 3.5km and 2.4km.

“I believe strongly that China Harbour will complete this job within 21 months,” he said.

The minister said the Federal Government had already paid 30 per cent of the project cost, while the contractor would source the remaining 70 per cent under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (EPC+F) arrangement.

According to him, the loan would be repaid through tolling on the corridor, once completed.

Umahi said that feasibility studies had confirmed the viability of the project.

“China Harbour will have the right of first refusal when government begins the process of operation and maintenance.

“We have done the traffic counts and this road can pay for itself,” he said.

Umahi said the financing approach had strong and transparency safeguards.

He noted that Section 1 of the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway was oversubscribed by 100 million dollars when presented to international lenders led by the Dutch Development Bank.

“They told us the project was undervalued. International funders are meticulous; they do not disburse without going to site.

“With the involvement of the Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance and the attorney-general, there is little room for anything other than due process,” he said.

On the total cost of the access road project, the minister said he would release details after final adjustments to both the dollar and naira components.

On challenges being addressed, Umahi said discussions were ongoing with China Harbour, Dangote Group and Lagos State Government to redesign a section of the project where a three-kilometre bridge might be replaced with backfilling across a non-flowing lagoon.

He also noted delays caused by a shrine located on the corridor, but said that the setback would not hinder progress.

“I have removed shrines in many places. If the people do not remove this one, I will come and remove it myself,” he said.

Earlier, a representative of engineers on the project, Mr Oyeneye Damola, said the project, which began in September, was designed as a three-lane dual carriageway constructed on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

He said that all identified environmental and technical challenges had been factored into the project design.

Mr Musa Saidu, Director of Bridges and Design at the Federal Ministry of Works, said his team was addressing concerns around gas pipelines supplying the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Free Zone.

He expressed confidence that issues involving community stakeholders would also be resolved.

The Managing Director of China Harbour, Mr Jason Wang, gave the assurance that the company would deliver a high-quality project “without excuses”. (NAN)