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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has listed food, education, transport, and agriculture as items exempted from value-added tax under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently signed tax reform laws.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, announced the changes during an interview marking his two years in office. He said the move fulfils Tinubu’s campaign promise to simplify tax compliance and reduce obstacles for taxpayers.

‘With these new laws, food, education, transport, and agriculture will be VAT-free,’ Adedeji declared. ‘The President has fulfilled his promise to make businesses flourish by removing all burdens and hurdles. This is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria’s fiscal ecosystem since 1960.’

The new tax code, set to take effect in January, merges several tax laws into one and cuts the number of tax types to single digits. It also raises thresholds to protect low-income earners and exempts businesses with annual turnover below N50m from tax.

Tribune Online reports Tinubu signed four bills into law on June 26, 2025 which includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. Together, these laws, known as the Tax Acts quartet aim to broaden the tax base and improve compliance across federal, state, and local governments.

Earlier, Tinubu, aimed at guiding the reforms, appointed Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee includes experts from both the private and public sectors.

Continuing, Adedeji said the reforms are already delivering results, with Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio rising from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in two years, and a target of 18 per cent set for 2027. He added that 30 states have used improved revenue to repay N1.85tn in debts, while debt servicing costs have dropped from 90 per cent to about 50 per cent of revenue.

As part of the reforms, the FIRS will be renamed the Nigeria Revenue Service to reflect its role as a central tax authority for all tiers of government. ‘The word ‘federal’ gave the wrong impression that we only collect for the federal government,’ Adedeji explained. ‘In reality, we collect VAT, of which 90 per cent belongs to the states.’

He also pointed to Tinubu’s other economic decisions, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as measures that have strengthened the federation account. ‘The health of the federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims to deplete the pool,’ he said.

Adedeji admitted that the reforms have created short-term hardship but said government measures such as compressed natural gas buses and crude-for-naira support for local refiners are helping to ease the impact.

He added that the consolidated tax law strengthens compliance by grouping taxpayers into small, medium, and large categories, with one-stop shops for filing and payments. ‘We are service providers to taxpayers rather than just an enforcement agency,’ he said.

On concerns about a petrol surcharge, Adedeji explained that it would not apply automatically. ‘It will only take effect if activated by a ministerial order and published in the official gazette,’ he noted.

While urging taxpayers to support the reforms, he concluded: ‘When companies are doing well, expanding, and making profits, we will benefit from their growth. Our task is to remove hurdles in their way, and that is what the president has done with these new laws.’

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, has described the legislature as the heartbeat of any democratic system and governance in the world.

The speaker explained that among other arms of government, the legislature served as an institution through which the will of the people are expressed, laws are made and government at all levels are held accountable.

Aribasoye, who was represented by the leader of the House, Tolulope Ige, spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capitalwhile declaring open a three-day workshop on Legislative Practice and Procedures.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with the Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Development for the legislative arms (members of legislative officers and the clerk of the house) across the local government areas in the state.

He added that local governments legislative councils are critical and are the closest to the people and, ‘their effectiveness directly impacts grassroots development which are indispensable for ensuring transparency, accountability and people oriented governance.’

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for placing a premium on development of sustainable loyal legislation in the state, noting that the success of governance depends on the functionality of grassroot institutions.

Aribasoye stressed that the purpose of the workshop is to shape the destiny of Ekiti, lay the foundation for stronger democratic governance and sustainable development to empower with tools needed to discharge their duties responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babatunde Olaoye explained that it was part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots and as it would continue to create platforms for learning, collaboration and Innovation in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Lead Consultant of the Centre of Constitutionalism and Human Development, Tope Agunbiade said that the workshop was organized to engage in the discourse on the practice, procedure and roles of legislature in the third tier of government.

He said this is aimed at delivering expected dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Olusegun Ojo encouraged the participants to fully cooperate and participate in the seminar to learn a lot as governance is one of the pillars of this administration.

Some farmers in Ilora, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, have cried out over what they described as continued invasion and destruction of their farms by Fulani herdsmen.

One of the incidents which happened recently, captured in a 7-minute footage and made available to the Nigerian Tribune showed Fulani herdsmen having confrontation with farmers after a maize farm was destroyed by the cows being reared by the herdsmen.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, one of the farmers, who craved anonymity said: Before this recent incident, a farmer was few weeks ago, attacked in his farm, killed and his motorcycle taken away. If you look at the video very well, you will see a man in purple dress, that is there leader and you will see the way he was aiding his subjects to carry out attack on the farmers.’

Asked whether relevant security agencies have been noitified about the incident, he said:’We have reported the matter, but we just felt if we make more noise about it, we believe steps will be taken urgently to address the situation.

‘It has been a very long while that this thing is happening and if the situation continues the way it is, farmers will be forced out of the farms because of their safety and avoiding continued loss of farm produce to numerous attacks from these herdsmen.

‘We appeal to government to please come to our rescue by acting accordingly in order to check the nefarious activities of these herdsmen as they remain threat to food security in Oyo State and some other places across the country,’ he said.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new heads for three key Federal Government agencies.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

Tinubu appointed Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency for an initial four-year term, effective from 18 September 2025.

The President also appointed Mr Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal for a five-year term, beginning on 18 September 2025.

Similarly, Mr Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation for an initial four-year term, effective from 2 September 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

An operation of combined security forces in Kwara on Monday night launched an onslaught on camps of bandits and kidnappers in the Ifelodun local government area of the state.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the onslaught resulted in multiple casualties on the side of the criminals.

‘No specific is known yet about any casualties on the side of the government forces,’ the statement said.

It is recalled that suspected bandits had on Sunday morning killed 12 residents of Oke Ode community, including a community leader.

The statement reads: ‘Combined security forces took the battle to the criminals’ hideouts around Baba Sango on Monday night, resulting in multiple casualties on the side of the roughnecks.

‘The multiagency operation comes a day after the unfortunate incident at Oke Ode on Sunday.

‘The Monday night engagement is happening along the Kogi border with Kwara, according to military sources.

‘Earlier today, the Nigerian Air Force announced aerial hits on the criminals’ positions in the area, introducing a new layer of efforts to rout the criminals.

‘No specific information is known yet about any casualties on the side of the government forces’.

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning Onigbongbo as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Symposium, the Chairman highlighted Onigbongbo’s unique role as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving in Lagos, with its thriving hospitality sector along Allen, Opebi, Toyin, Kudirat Abiola, and Ikeja GRA.

He emphasised that tourism is not just leisure but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, aligning with his administration’s F.I.N.E Agenda – Foster economic growth, Invest in people, Nurture enterprise, and Ensure wellbeing.

Adebanjo announced the upcoming Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025, a landmark yuletide festival designed to light up our cityscape, attract visitors, and transform Onigbongbo into a yuletide destination to rival Victoria Island and Lekki. He also unveiled plans for a digital hospitality directory powered by QR codes, which will be placed at airports and strategic locations across Lagos, offering visitors access to local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife operators with a 10% discount incentive.

The Chairman assured tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in driving visibility, investment, and growth, stating: ‘Together, we will make tourism the heartbeat of development in Onigbongbo LCDA.’

Built environment professionals under the auspices of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Iru – Victoria Island Cell have raised the alarm over what they described as ‘imperfect’ sub-soil investigations in the coastal region of Lagos State.

The professionals pointed out that investigations have shown that substandard sub-soil test was fuelling building collapse in Lagos State, expressing worry that lack of effective regulatory monitoring of geotechnical practice in the metropolis portends future incidents in Iru – Victoria Island LCDA.

They emphasised that Iru – Victoria Island Local Council Development Area is surrounded by the Five Cowrie Creek and Atlantic Ocean, arguing that conducting comprehensive sub-soil investigations in order to determine the mechanical properties and the shear strength of the soil that could bear the loading exerted by the building foundation is inevitable.

They reiterated that ensuring the integrity of sub-soil investigations is critical to safeguarding lives, properties, and investments in the coastal region of Lagos State.

The professionals called for collaborative engagement between government agencies, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders to build capacity, enforce standards, and foster transparency in soil testing operations.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator, BCPG Iru – Victoria Island Cell, Adefemi Afolabi, an architect; General Secretary,Taiwo Ayanboade, a quantity surveyor; and Public Relations Officer, Wale Oyetayo, a civil/ geotechnical engineer, the trio said that soil test remained an important exercise for building development, especially in the coastal region, in order to prevent building collapse due to foundation failure.

‘Geotechnical sub-soil investigation report, if correctly done, enables the civil/structural engineer to determine and design the most suitable foundation type for the proposed building development,’ the group said in the statement.

However, the group said that investigations have revealed that the underlying factor of execution’s cost being at variance with contract sum/budget has paved way for most of the substandard soil tests that are being conducted around.

The group also raised doubt about the integrity of the sub-soil investigation report being attached as part of building plan approval requirements.

It said that through investigations, it has identified paucity of competent drillers,strenuous process of soil text, insufficient drilling accessories, and high drilling accessories’ cost, among others as challenges being faced in the sub-soil soil text segment.

‘On the submission of application for planning permit or building plan approval, Section 4, Sub-section 3 (V) of the revised Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority Regulations, 2019 specifies that, ‘Sub-soil investigation report in the case of structures in excess of two (2) floors and all developments in areas with low bearing capacity soil where required. ‘

‘This regulation has created exponential demand for sub-soil investigations, thereby exposing the unpreparedness and limitations of geotechnical firms. Although the challenges are being endured silently by practitioners in order to protect the business from low patronage, the need to avert future disastrous consequence of downplaying the challenges necessitates bringing into the open constraints in the geotechnical field.

‘Doubts being exhibited by piling contractors, who nowadays demand for confirmatory sub-soil investigations, making clients spend double for the same exercise, are the indication that all is not well in the geotechnical sector. There is a limit to pretentiousness,’ the statement by BCPG read.

To enhance credibility of sub- soil investigations, BCPG urged that the building plan approval system should incorporate procedures capable of verifying soil test reports and minimizing the risk of copied or falsified submissions.

It stressed the establishment of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory by law in 2006 was considered a solution to inferior geotechnical practices, but that the agency that was supposed to play the role of the disciplinarian umpire, entered into the business of soil testing, thereby competing with the firms it was established to regulate.

‘The revenue generation drive of the agency is counter-productive as standards became compromised.

‘It is high time LSMTL stopped playing the dual role of soil test monitoring and revenue generating agency through soil testing business.

‘LSMTL should now wield the big stick to sanitise the geotechnical sector. Any firm that wants to practise geotechnical investigations in the state must undergo scrutiny for possessing appropriate plants, equipment, accessories, experienced drillers, and analytical competent supervisors,’ the group said.

As way out of the woods, the BCPG Iru-Victoria Island Cell is making a case for the establishment of training school for drillers by the Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Institution of Geotechnical Engineers; Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment; and other relevant bodies.

‘For a result oriented approach, field work monitoring with enforcement teams is inevitable in the aspirations for the satisfactory sub-soil investigations,’ it said.

The group reiterated that ensuring the integrity of sub-soil investigations is critical to safeguarding lives, properties, and investments in the coastal region of Lagos State.

While commendable efforts have been made in strengthening building control processes, the group said that more work remains to be done in the area of geotechnical practice.

‘By addressing the identified challenges and prioritizing professionalism above expediency, Lagos State can significantly reduce the risks of building collapse and set a sustainable example for other coastal cities in Nigeria and beyond,’ BCPG said.

A boat mishap has claimed about twenty lives in the River Niger on Tuesday at about 4:30 p.m. in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, while many others remain missing.

Tribune Online gathered from a farmer, Mr James Otoga, an eyewitness in the local government, that the tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening.

According to him, the boat, which was fully loaded with passengers, departed from Onugwa community in Ibaji and was heading to Ilushi market before it capsized, leaving an as-yet unconfirmed number of people dead.

‘The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the 1st October celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced so far, and 20 bodies have been recovered. More of our people are still lying lifeless beneath the River Niger.

‘Even those who came for a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi are missing. We are yet to confirm the total number of people onboard and those who survived,’ he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Honourable Ugeh Emmanuel, described it as the most disastrous in the history of the area.

‘As I am speaking with you now, nobody can authoritatively say this is the actual number of casualties. We also cannot ascertain the number of people on board from their departure point.

‘This is a very serious accident. The boat had not even reached Ilushi when the mishap occurred around 4:30 p.m. Most of the victims were moving to Ilushi for the celebration of 1st October, which has been a tradition in the community, before they met their untimely death,’ he said.

It will be recalled that in the past year, there have been numerous boat mishaps in Kogi, Niger and other riverine states, with many lives lost.

Efforts to reach the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebanji, and the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, proved abortive as their phones could not be reached.

Anime is full of memorable characters, intense battles, and legendary weapons. Few items capture the imagination quite like the manga katana and the Bleach sword two of the most iconic representations of power and identity in Japanese pop culture. Whether you are a casual anime fan, a serious collector, or a dedicated cosplayer, understanding these weapons helps you appreciate not just their visual appeal but also their deeper symbolic meaning. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the cultural history of the manga katana, the unique storytelling role of the Bleach sword, and why these anime blades continue to fascinate and inspire fans worldwide.

The Cultural Roots and Significance of the Manga Katana

Before appearing on manga pages, the katana was a weapon with a long and revered history. Known as the soul of the samurai, the katana was prized for its curved design, exceptional sharpness, and almost spiritual significance. The manga katana carries this tradition into modern pop culture, serving as both a practical weapon and a symbol of the protagonist’s journey.

In many popular manga series, the sword evolves alongside the hero sometimes gaining mystical powers, other times representing the user’s personal growth. The manga katana is often drawn with dramatic flair: glowing edges, intricate hilts, or supernatural auras that highlight its importance in battle.

What Makes the Bleach Sword Unique

Fans of Tite Kubo’s Bleach know that the Bleach sword, also called the Zanpakuto, is more than just a weapon. Each sword has its own personality, powers, and spiritual connection to its wielder. This is one of the reasons the Bleach sword stands out it grows as the character grows, unlocking new abilities and deeper forms such as Shikai and Bankai.

When Ichigo Kurosaki first wields his massive Zanpakuto, fans are introduced to one of the most visually striking weapons in anime. The transformation sequences, in which the Bleach sword reveals its true form, are some of the most dramatic moments in the series and perfectly illustrate how anime uses weapons as symbols of self-discovery.

Comparing Manga Katana and Bleach Sword

Both the manga katana and the Bleach sword share the traditional shape of a Japanese blade, yet they play different roles in storytelling. The manga katana is often tied to history and realism, focusing on technique, discipline, and samurai culture. The Bleach sword, on the other hand, represents the wielder’s soul and spiritual energy, making it more fantastical and deeply personal.

From a design perspective, the manga katana typically maintains the elegant curve of a traditional blade, while the Bleach sword might take on exaggerated forms oversized, segmented, or even shape-shifting reflecting the user’s power. This difference is what makes both fascinating for fans and collectors.

Collecting Anime Swords: Bringing Fiction to Reality

For many enthusiasts, owning a replica manga katana or Bleach sword is a way to bring their favorite anime moments to life. Collectors often seek authentic-looking replicas, crafted from steel or high-quality materials, to display at home.

When choosing a Bleach sword replica, fans may select from different stages of the weapon’s evolution such as Shikai or Bankai depending on which form they prefer. Similarly, a manga katana replica inspired by iconic characters like Tanjiro (Demon Slayer) or Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) can become the centerpiece of a collection.

Cosplay and Performance

In the cosplay community, a manga katana or Bleach sword can be the perfect finishing touch to a costume. These weapons are essential for capturing the character’s essence. Cosplayers often use lightweight foam or plastic versions to meet convention safety standards, while still keeping the design accurate.

Few props get as much attention as Ichigo’s Zanpakuto the Bleach sword is massive, eye-catching, and immediately recognizable to fellow fans. Similarly, carrying a classic manga katana instantly signals your love for samurai-themed anime and manga.

Why These Anime Blades Remain Popular

The enduring appeal of both the manga katana and the Bleach sword lies in what they represent. They are not just tools for combat they are metaphors for discipline, courage, and transformation. The manga katana connects fans to the historical legacy of the samurai, while the Bleach sword reminds us that true strength comes from understanding ourselves.

These anime weapons also inspire countless artists, writers, and video game creators. They keep the tradition of swordplay alive in pop culture, giving new generations of fans a reason to fall in love with the art form.

Final Thoughts

Whether you admire the traditional elegance of the manga katana or the spiritual depth of the Bleach sword, these iconic anime blades continue to inspire passion and creativity. They appear in some of the most memorable battles, emotional character arcs, and epic storylines in manga and anime history.

For collectors, they are prized display pieces; for cosplayers, they are must-have props; and for fans, they are symbols of growth and perseverance. The next time you watch a duel or read a fight scene in manga, take a moment to appreciate what the weapon represents – whether it’s a sleek manga katana cutting through darkness or a powerful Bleach sword unleashing its Bankai. These blades are more than metal and magic – they are part of the very heart of anime storytelling.

The ongoing conciliation meeting between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery has been moved to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Officials at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed the development to journalists who had gathered at the ministry’s conference room, where the meeting was originally scheduled to hold at 2 pm this afternoon.

The change of venue means the session may not commence at the earlier communicated time.

The talks follow an intensive nine-hour meeting that stretched from 3 pm yesterday until midnight. The meeting ended without full resolution, leading to today’s reconvening aimed at settling the lingering labour dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, had earlier disclosed that most issues had been resolved, except for two critical matters: the reinstatement of 800 sacked workers and recognition of workers’ rights to unionise.

The ministers also noted that PENGASSAN has consistently demonstrated peaceful and responsible conduct in its actions and engagements as a trade union.

They expressed hope that both the union and Dangote Refinery would display good faith and sportsmanship when the meeting reconvenes.

They also expressed optimism that these outstanding issues would be resolved quickly in the interest of the economy, warning that the strike embarked upon by PENGASSAN could cripple economic activity if allowed to persist.

On its part, the PENGASSAN delegation led by its National President, Comrade Festus Osifo, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to dialogue but warned that the strike would continue if Dangote Refinery refuses to reinstate the 800 workers and uphold unionisation rights.