Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The authorities of the Delta State Environmental Taskforce have arrested four environmental marshals involved in illegal night extortion of residents of Oshimili South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended yesterday along Summit Road in Asaba, the state capital.

The task force team, led by Chief Agbari, recognised the marshals engaging in unauthorised activities and contacted Comrade Adim Dikedi, the Supervisory Officer on Environment for Oshimili South, for clarification regarding the marshals’ actions.

Upon receiving the call, Supervisor Dikedi ordered the immediate detention of the four officers at a police station until he could address the matter personally.

It was revealed that one of the apprehended marshals was impersonating the current Supervisor on Environment, prompting further concern about corruption within the ranks.

Dikedi emphasised his agency’s commitment to eradicating corruption among environmental marshals.

He expressed that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated and reaffirmed a directive issued in January, prohibiting marshals from operating beyond 4:00 pm.

He said the incident underscored the challenges of overseeing environmental enforcement and the need for accountability within such agency.

Dikedi said ensuring transparency and integrity among environmental officers is crucial for maintaining public trust, especially when allegations of extortion are involved.

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.

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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.

Music icon 2Baba has debunked reports of his arrest in London following an alleged altercation with wife, Natasha Osawaru.

In a video shared online, he explained that his absence from a scheduled UK tour performance on October 2, 2025, was due to a medical emergency, not a domestic dispute.

He expressed gratitude to fans who attended the event despite the circumstances.

The singer assured that he would regroup and make something beautiful happen.

According to him: ‘First of all, I want to say everyone that came out, I appreciate you. We had a medical emergency, it was tough. To the organizers and everyone that came out, we go regroup and make something beautiful happen’.

Frustrated by the baseless allegations, 2Baba implored people to verify facts before sharing them publicly, saying, ‘If una no sabi something, make una no talk abeg. This allegedly, I don tire’.

Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo on Friday denied the allegation of raping a 13-year-old girl or having been detained by the police over the matter.

Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Ninth Senate, said rather, a woman attempted to extort N5million from him with a threat to report him to the police that he had sexually assaulted her daughter should he refuse to give her the money.

He said following the threat, he personally reported the issue to the police who thereafter invited him to substantiate his claim as well as the unnamed woman to defend herself over the allegation.

He said he was neither detained nor slept in a police cell as reported by a section of the media.

An online media on Thursday reported that Abbo had surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja after being accused of raping a 13-year-old secondary school student.

The report claimed that the parents of the minor allegedly told journalists that another popular former Senator from Adamawa had visited their home to plead with them not to disclose the scandal.

According to the report, the parents of the said girl further alleged that after the incident, Abbo repeatedly sent money to the victim’s father in what they described as an attempt to suppress the matter.

The alleged rape reportedly took place on June 29, 2025, at Abbo’s residence in Katampe, Abuja.

However, Abbo denied the allegation and described the report as baseless, unfounded, mischievous and fake news.

Senator Abbo, who reacted in a telephone conversation with some journalists covering the Senate, said he was in his Abuja residence (Katampe Extension) throughout Thursday and not at the FCID, Abuja.

‘The said report is the handiwork of my political detractors. It is an orchestrated smear campaign to disturb my peace by political enemies,’ he said.

He however admitted that he recently reported to the police a case of attempted blackmail and extortion by a woman who allegedly demanded that he should give her N5million or be reported to the police for alleged sexual assault against her daughter.

‘I personally reported the desperate female money monger to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), where both of us were later invited for questioning, only for me to be reading or hearing a completely different story several weeks after now.

‘The report that I raped a girl and that I was detained at the FCID is baseless, mischievous and fake,’ he said.

Perception and image are essential components that form our communications and understanding of life. They impact our behaviours and opinions. If not clear, it can be bad and damaging. Over the years, Nigeria has experienced different perceptions globally and some of that hasn’t been good. Things are about to change for the better, as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, the country’s official initiative dedicated to shaping and projecting a powerful, positive, and unified image of Nigeria globally, Patricia Obozua is leading this commendable initiative.

The former Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Africa at The Coca-Cola, said ‘Nigeria’s global perception has evolved from being viewed narrowly as an oil-rich but unstable country to being increasingly recognized as a hub of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.’

Patricia says the biggest misconception we face is the tendency to see Nigeria from one dimension. either a nation defined solely by its challenges, or more recently, only by the explosive success of Afrobeats and Nollywood. ‘We need to dispel this oversimplification.’ She stated.

On the primary target audience for this initiative, Patricia says the project’s expected audiences are not fixed groups, but circles that constantly connect and influence each other. For her, a strong global reputation must be built on the solid foundation of domestic reality and pride. According to her, ‘Domestically, our audience includes citizens, the private sector, civil society, and the media. Nigerians must see themselves reflected positively, because national confidence is the foundation of international credibility.’

The project is powered by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and it brings together government, private sector, and cultural leaders to align Nigeria’s national narrative with our economic and cultural realities, ultimately driving investment, tourism, and global influence.

Measurement and data analysis of the initiative is important so progress can be reported. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics, according to Patricia, this will be achieved. From tracking Nigeria’s position in recognised rankings, to measuring tone and volume of international media coverage and social discourse, and monitoring correlations with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourism numbers (long-term), the initiative is ready to change the wrong narratives projected about Nigeria.

The goals of the project have been broken down to three. First is to project Nigeria’s strengths. our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and cultural leadership. Second is to build trust by ensuring that what is communicated abroad aligns with the progress made at home. Third is to create a coordinated platform where government, business, civil society and diaspora voices work together to tell a consistent, compelling story about Nigeria.

On likely challenges, she says the key one will be to provide balance and perspective. ‘I intend to address this by adopting a solutions-driven communications approach. For every story of a challenge, there is a parallel story of resilience, innovation, or progress that deserves equal attention.’

Patricia holds on to the importance of collaboration to make this work. She says the success of the project requires the active involvement of the private sector, development partners, the diaspora, and culture leaders. ‘International collaborations with UN agencies, multilateral banks, and global think tanks will give us reach and credibility.’ Patricia narrated.

She further stated that organisations and individuals can be part of the project through amplifying positive Nigerian narratives within their global networks, joining the project’s working groups or contributing insights as a sector expert, and also partnering if your organisation has a stake in Nigeria’s global standing.

This project is powered by the NOA. The NOA provides the crucial grassroots reach to ensure Nigeria’s international narrative is authentic and reflects the domestic reality.

A former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has been laid to rest in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Arase was buried in a private ceremony attended by family members and close associates, following a funeral mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church.

Delivering the homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to live in ways that prepare them for eternal life, stressing that ‘people want to go everywhere on earth but refuse to go to the House of God.’

He also expressed concern over the reluctance of some individuals to contribute to the work of God, describing it as a reflection of misplaced priorities.

According to him, ‘Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily, powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

‘We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

‘Sometimes we go everywhere, but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want to come to the House of God.

‘Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see a soaring crime rate, yet many police officers are exemplary, hardworking.

‘We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.’

Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the Nation.

‘Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him is great and a good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spread love everywhere he went.’

Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe, Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.