Category: The Nation – Nigeria

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo said the party’s presidential candidate; Bola Tinubu has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that will restore Nigeria to the path of greatness if he becomes president.

Kolo told reporters in Minna, the state capital yesterday that Tinubu had the required knowledge to move the country forward.

The APC chieftain described Tinubu as a leader who will unite and move the country forward.

According to him, the APC presidential candidate has vast experience in how to solve the problems bedevilling the country.

He noted that despite the withholding of local governments’ allocation from the Federation Account by the Federal Government during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, he was able to manage the state’s finances and put Lagos economy on sound footing.

The recent News Central Diaspora Town Hall convened a powerful dialogue on the pivotal role of Nigeria’s diaspora in the nation’s development, spotlighting the critical link between diaspora remittances and democratic inclusion.

As remittance flows continue to underpin Nigeria’s economic stability, speakers urged that diaspora voting rights must be recognised and enabled as a natural extension of the diaspora’s financial contributions.

Councilor Hephzibah Olugbemi underscored the staggering economic power wielded by Nigerians abroad, highlighting that ‘in July alone, $553 million was remitted to Nigeria.’

She emphasised that the diaspora’s influence extends beyond money, calling for Nigerians overseas to ‘make their voices heard, not just with their money but with their vote.’

This sentiment echoes the broader recognition that diaspora remittances are a lifeline, sustaining families and fueling economic activity across Nigeria.

Bobby Digi Olisa, President of Nigerians in the Diaspora New York State, emphasised the need for infrastructural frameworks to support diaspora participation. ‘We need NIN and BVN registration. As the Diaspora invests billions into the motherland, they should surely have the right to vote.’

Chibuzor Ubochi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Europe (NIDO), firmly stated, ‘Diaspora voting is our right, not a favor,’ adding that voting is an intrinsic right of every Nigerian, including those abroad who significantly sustain the nation through remittances.’

Data from multiple sources show diaspora remittances to Nigeria reached approximately $19.5 billion in 2023 and are projected to hit $26 billion by 2025, reflecting both resilience and growth in formal remittance channels.’

The chairman of NIDO noted that ‘these inflows consistently exceed Nigeria’s oil revenues and contribute substantially to the federal budget, highlighting the diaspora’s outsized role in the national economy.’

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, participants in the Town Hall meeting stressed that diaspora remittances must be matched by political recognition and inclusion. The collective call is for transparent, secure electronic voting systems that integrate diaspora input, ensuring that Nigerians abroad can exercise their democratic rights fully. They maintained that empowering the diaspora politically will reinforce their economic contributions and foster a more inclusive, accountable governance system, critical for Nigeria’s sustainable growth and unity.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has detailed how the newly established Office of the Tax Ombuds (OTO), a key feature of President Bola Tinubu’s new tax legislation, will mediate complaints and resolve grievances between tax authorities and the public when the new tax regime takes effect on January 1, 2026.

During the FIRS Taxpayer Webinar Series (TWS), Coordinating Directors at the FIRS, Dr. Dick Irri of the Government and Medium Taxpayers Group (GMTG) and Mr. Tamadi Shettima of the Special Duties Group (SDG), urged taxpayers and FIRS staff to familiarise themselves with the ongoing reforms in the nation’s tax system.

Irri described the Ombud as an essential mechanism for resolving disputes in a fair and accessible manner.

‘I just want to encourage everyone to take note of this new concept coming on board. In Tax Ombud, in African tradition, we have a belief that you cannot beat a child and not expect the child to cry,’ he said.

‘So, taxpayers who may be at risk of repaying or have complained about the attitude of revenue officials or behaviours that are not satisfactory can complain to them. And that is the essence of the Tax Ombud, so to speak, in a layman’s language. It’s not everything that must go to court.’

Shettima described the introduction of the Ombud as a ‘noble initiative’ that will safeguard taxpayer rights and privileges while promoting awareness of their obligations. He said the reform would ensure ‘a seamless and fair tax administration process that upholds trust between citizens and tax authorities.’

Mrs. Lovette Ononuga, Director of the Taxpayer Services Department (TPSD), said the creation of the Ombud reflects the government’s recognition of taxpayers’ central role in national development. ‘By embedding the Ombud function in our tax system, the government is not only strengthening revenue mobilisation but also building a tax culture based on trust and mutual respect,’ she stated.

According to her, the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which places fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability at the centre of governance. ‘FIRS is determined to facilitate compliance, improve service delivery, and ensure that every taxpayer feels valued as a true partner in Nigeria’s developmental journey,’ she said.

Bolanle Azeez, Acting Director of the Tax Policy and Advisory Department, and Mr. Olufemi Olarinde, Head of the Fiscal and Tax Reforms Implementation Division, explained the role and benefits of the Ombud in Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape.

According to Azeez, the Ombud is a crucial institution under the new tax regime. ‘It balances the relationship between citizens and other relevant agencies. Its role promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability. Ultimately, it strengthens tax administration and taxpayer trust,’ she said.

Olarinde traced the origin and evolution of the Ombudsman model, noting that it has become a global standard for promoting fairness in governance and public administration. ‘The Tax Ombuds model began in the late 20th century as countries sought to enhance taxpayer rights and fair tax administration,’ he explained.

‘The Ombudsman concept originated in Sweden in 1809, designed to protect citizens against maladministration. The idea spread globally, with specialised ombudsman offices now established for banking, insurance, and taxation.’

He further stated that Nigeria’s adoption of the Office of the Tax Ombud demonstrates the country’s commitment to transparency and fairness in tax administration.

‘The Office of the Tax Ombuds will promote transparency, strengthen taxpayer confidence, improve compliance, and ultimately promote sustainable revenue growth,’ Olarinde added.

The Office of the Tax Ombud offers significant advantages for taxpayers and the tax authorities.

For taxpayers, it ensures fair treatment and protection from abuse, maladministration, or delays; provides a simple, low-cost, and non-judicial means of resolving disputes; and enhances awareness of their rights and entitlements. It also offers faster complaint resolution compared to lengthy court processes and encourages voluntary tax compliance.

For the tax authorities, the Ombud promotes accountability and integrity, reduces the backlog of disputes and court cases, strengthens public confidence in the system, and provides feedback to improve internal processes and efficiency. It also helps identify systemic policy issues, contributing to long-term reform of Nigeria’s tax administration.

According to the legislation, Section 41 (1a-i) of the Act defines the powers of the Office of the Tax Ombud to include serving as an independent arbiter for complaints related to taxes, levies, duties, and fees; reviewing complaints against tax officials; investigating taxpayer grievances; inspecting tax offices; inviting witnesses; making recommendations; initiating legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers; and identifying systemic fiscal issues that affect tax policy.

The law also authorises the Ombud to ‘serve as a watchdog against any arbitrary fiscal policy of the Government or by any of its agencies and report such policy to the National Assembly.’ Importantly, Section 41 (2) specifies that ‘the Office of the Tax Ombud shall not charge a fee’ for its services, ensuring accessibility for all taxpayers.

However, Section 43 (a-d) limits the Ombud’s powers, stating that it cannot interpret tax laws beyond procedural or administrative matters, intervene in cases already before a court or tribunal, determine tax liabilities or assessments, or review personal grievances from tax officials.

With the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Nigeria joins the ranks of nations with independent tax mediation institutions designed to enhance fairness, transparency, and public confidence in tax administration.

The initiative represents a major milestone in President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which seeks to modernise Nigeria’s fiscal system, reduce disputes, and build a more responsive, citizen-centered tax administration ahead of the 2026 implementation date.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities, pledging to unite the country under a shared vision of peace and prosperity.

Speaking at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, Tinubu told Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria that his government is dedicated to ensuring justice and inclusivity for all citizens regardless of faith.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said: ‘I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress’.

He urged clerics to have faith in his leadership, adding that religious harmony remains essential to national stability.

‘As leaders, we have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all,’ he added.

Tinubu also assured the gathering that his administration is determined to end insecurity and criminality.

‘We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,’ he declared, noting that ongoing economic reforms are being executed to benefit every Nigerian.

The President was in Jos to attend the funeral prayers for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who died at the age of 83.

Paying tribute to the late matriarch, Tinubu described her as ‘a devoted mother and humanitarian.’

‘In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter, and I have never forced her to change her religion,’ the President said, stressing his belief in mutual respect and coexistence.

He recalled his political journey through Jos during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return as President to honour the late Mrs. Yilwatda.

Yilwatda described his late mother as a resilient woman who lived on medication for 47 years yet worked tirelessly for her family and community.

He thanked the President for attending the funeral and for the trust reposed in him as APC chairman.

Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, lauded President Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to key national positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Professor Yilwatda.

He also praised the administration’s attention to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for more support for displaced Christian communities.

Mohzo pledged the Church’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his efforts toward peace and national development.

Dignitaries at the event included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Others were former SGF Boss Mustapha, former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha, as well as lawmakers, ministers, and members of the APC National Working Committee.

The Minister of Power and All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said his gubernatorial ambition is in the interest of people in the State.

Adelabu said his passion to serve was borne out of love for the poor, less privileged and people across the State.

Speaking while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders and members of the party in Oke-Ogun zone 2 of the state, Adelabu said if given chance to be the Governor in 2027, he would work towards the progress and development of the State.

Oke-Ogun zone 2 consist six local government areas of Oorelope local government, Saki East, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Irepo and Atisbo.

The Minister, who was accompanied by brother of late former Governor, Alhaji Wasiu Ajimobi, Hon. Abiodun Ambali, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Alhaji Kola Amoo, Alhaji Fatai Adesokan and others emphasised on unity of the party ahead of next election.

He said: ‘United APC owns Oyo State, PDP is a tenant in Agodi Government House, a divided house can never be victorious, APC will regain Oyo State in 2027.

‘There should be internal democracy in our party and this start from our upcoming congress, I want to assure you that no one will impose any candidate on us, our party should unite and stand as one.’

The Minster met some APC leaders in Saki including Alhaji Sulaimon Ajibade (Saki West Local government), Alhaji Hamed Ayinla (Olorunsogo local government), Alhaji Balogun Mayor Alagbada (Saki East Local government) and Chief Lateef Ajemeje (Atisbo Local government) among others.

Exif_JPEG_420

Member representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo federal constituency, Hon. Kareem Abisodun, who requested intervention of the Minister over power in the zone, lauded the giant stride of the Minster in the sector across Nigeria, saying Adelabu’s efforts in Power Ministry can not be overemphasised.

He vowed that people in the six local government will support and vote massively for the party come 2027 so that APC can come back to power in the State.

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been rated as the most transparent public institution in Nigeria. This is according to the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII).

In the report unveiled in Abuja by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), NOSDRA led all 575 assessed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with a score of 78.84 per cent.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission came second with 78.21 per cent, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission scored 78.13 per cent to place the third most transparent agency.

However, most federal institutions scored poorly in the report, with many falling below the 50 per cent benchmark for average on openness, accountability, and compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.

While presenting the report, the Executive Director of the Centre, Umar Yakubu, noted that public institutions were statutorily required under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (2007), the Freedom of Information Act (2011), and the Public Procurement Act (2007) to publish information such as budgets, procurement details, recruitment policies, audit reports, and anti-corruption frameworks.

According to the Centre, the index was conceived to strengthen integrity mechanisms in Nigeria’s public sector by assessing whether MDAs publish vital information on their websites and portals as required by law.

The assessment focused on five key variables, namely, financial transparency, procurement, human resources and inclusion, control of corruption, and citizen engagement, with each attracting 20 per cent.

A review of the report showed that out of 575 public institutions assessed, only six crossed the 50 per cent average threshold.

Apart from the earlier listed agencies, Development Bank of Nigeria (62.60 per cent), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (54.12 per cent) and Bank of Industry (51.29 per cent) were ranked 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

Conversely, over 400 institutions scored within the range of 36 and 10 per cent, with no evidence of publishing basic governance information online.

More alarming was that about 100 institutions recorded below 10, while nine institutions scored zero.

This means that they failed to publish any of the required information on budgets, procurement, staffing, or anti-corruption policies.

Many of these included federal colleges, polytechnics, teaching hospitals, and river basin authorities.

For instance, Nigerian Coal Corporation, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga, Hadrian-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, and Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha scored zero in the ranking.

Also, key ministries fared poorly. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were graded zero.

The Ministry of Power (21.0 per cent), the Ministry of Works and Housing (14.50 per cent), Ministry of Health (14.50 per cent), and Ministry of Defence (14.50 per cent) ranked low, which further highlighted persistent opacity in sectors critical to Nigeria’s development.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late retired Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, as a distinguished officer who exemplified the virtues of humility, compassion and hard work in his service to the country.

Senator Diri stated this on Friday at the funeral mass in honour of Arase at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin, the Edo State capital.

Arase, who was appointed IGP by former President Goodluck Jonathan, served between 2015 and 2016 and passed on in August this year at the age of 69.

Speaking as Chairman of the South South Governors Forum, the Bayelsa governor paid glowing tributes to the late IGP, stating that by dint of hard work and service rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his career.

He said: ‘We have lost a great officer in Arase, who we thought could have been of greater service not only to Edo State but the South South region and indeed to Nigeria after he retired as IGP. We all grieve but at the appointed time, no matter the position we occupy, we will all lie in state like our brother, father and friend here today.

‘For me, moments such as these are humbling. So we should all be humbled and continue to give service to our country and states to the best of our abilities. We will always be remembered by what we have done.

‘Today, we remember Arase and his good deeds in service of his country as a police man from the beginning to the zenith of his profession. His relationship with the rest of society was marked with humility and spreading love wherever he went.’

In his remarks, son of the deceased, Victor Arase, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa governor and his Edo counterpart as well as all those who identified with the Arase family in its moment of grief.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Governor of Edo State, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede represented by Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

Others were Commissioners of Police across the country, DIGs, AIGs and other senior police officers among other top government functionaries.

Bandits killed and abducted many residents of Zamfara on Friday evening.

They also blocked Mayanchi – Anka road in Zamfara where they carried out their enterprise.

One of the motorists that escaped the roadblock Malam Muhammad Ahmad said the bandits were heavily armed.

‘The bandits blocked us on the road and kidnapped many people, some of us scattered and ran into the bushes. Those that escaped among us were those that run into bushes where long crops were planted,’ Ahmad said.

‘My colleague Abubakar Lawali Sardauna was killed because he refused to be abducted saying that, he will not follow the bandits to the bush,’ he added.

Efforts to reach Zamfara Police spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar were not successful.

As part of activities marking the 2025 Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day, the Audio – Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), in collaboration with NCC, WIPO, CISAC and MCSN recently hosted the Colloquium on Copyright Licensing for Public Performance.

Held at the UBEC Digital Centre, Abuja, the colloquium brought together regulators, rights holders, industry stakeholders, tourism operators, and members of the creative community to engage in a robust discussion on how copyright compliance can be repositioned as a strategic investment in business sustainability.

The event opened with a welcome address by the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein, who emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government, creative industry operators, and collective management organisations to ensure effective licensing practices in Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote, DG, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Chief Obi Asika stressed the centrality of music to business growth: ‘Music is not free – it’s fair trade. We are connected and cannot be separated. Music contributes directly to your business success, and it is time for fair compensation, as happens everywhere else in the world. Licensing is never expensive – it’s about getting everyone into the net so the system works for all.’

Hospitality and legal expert, Chief Samuel Alabi, highlighted challenges and solutions in copyright compliance: ‘It is rather unfortunate that many prospective licensees are still dilly-dallying with compliance. Such practices only lead to prohibitive tariffs and litigation costs.’

Special remarks were also delivered by Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chairman of AVRS; Pupa Oritz Wiliki, Chairman of MCSN; Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB); and Mr. Richard Esewhaye Ovie, Acting Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). The international dimension was underscored by the participation of Dr. Moody Oluwatobiloba, Director at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The hospitality and tourism industry were represented by Mr. Emeka Ezekwesili, President of the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), and Dr. Aliyu Badaki, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).

From the Nollywood community, leading actors including Monalisa Chinda, Ejike Asiegbu, Makama Sani Muazu and Francis Duru lent their voices to the discussions, underscoring the importance of copyright compliance for the sustainability of Nigeria’s film and creative industries.

The Colloquium also featured two technical workshop sessions facilitated by intellectual property experts, Barrister Michael O. Akpan and Dr. Chinedu A. Chukwuji, who delivered practical insights on compliance and its business benefits.

In recognition of their immense contributions to advancing public performance compliance culture in Nigeria, plaques of appreciation were presented to the keynote and guest speakers, as well as to the workshop facilitators.

Bosnia and Herzegovina second tier of professional football side, Jedinstvo Bihac, have expressed delight over the signings of Nigerian brothers Damilola and Jomiloju Ajanaku.

The Ajanaku siblings were recently presented by the club competing in the First League of FBiH at a brief but vibrant signing ceremony held last Friday, 27th September.

The club’s president, Saša Smiljanic, explained that the decision to sign the siblings was based on their individual qualities and the rich footballing pedigree of Nigerian players.

‘We decided to sign the two brothers because we recognize the immense talent Nigeria continues to produce-legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and more recently, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who have both won African Footballer of the Year. We hope Damilola and Jomiloju can replicate that level of excellence, not only for our club but also for their national team,’ Smiljanic said.

He also urged the players to give their best in helping the club return to the Premier League, following its relegation in the 2007/2008 season.

The Ajanaku brothers expressed their gratitude to the club’s management for the opportunity and pledged to repay the trust placed in them.

‘We’re excited to join this historic club, the first football club in Bihac, founded around 1920. We’re confident we can contribute to the team’s journey back to the Premier League,’ said Damilola.

Jomiloju also thanked the club president and everyone who made the move possible, acknowledging the support of their family.

‘This is a new chapter in our careers, and we’re deeply grateful to our parents for allowing us to pursue our dreams. It’s a big opportunity to showcase our talents and work toward representing Nigeria and playing for top clubs in Europe. We believe joining NK Jedinstvo Bihac will open doors for us in the near future.’