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The federal government has launched an independent data platform for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ensure timely and accurate reporting of solid minerals revenue across the states.

The commission said the platform aims to eliminate discrepancies in figures submitted by government agencies and operators in the solid minerals sector.

It explained that the new system will serve as a reliable, discrepancy-free data source for verification, comparison and attribution of revenues generated from the solid minerals sector into the Federation Account.

Speaking in Abuja during a one-day sensitization exercise on the implementation of a new solid minerals data rendition template for effective revenue monitoring, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu-represented by Hon. Ibrahim Shettima, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State-said the system was designed to close existing information gaps and promote transparency in revenue reporting.

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Construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has held its annual Cultural Day celebration across its corporate offices, regional headquarters, and project sites nationwide.

The event highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as a vital tool for fostering unity, peaceful coexistence, and socio-economic development.

This year’s Cultural Day was marked by colourful displays of tradition, as staff turned out in vibrant attire representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. The celebration featured traditional music, dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and a showcase of indigenous cuisines, all reflecting the depth and richness of Nigeria’s heritage.

In Abuja, the Head of Human Resources, Olorunfemi Ojomo, welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of unity in diversity. He said that the company values the strength found in different cultures and will continue to promote it. Ojomo said, ‘I can see some beautiful dresses this evening. I’m really impressed. Thank you very much for the effort. Definitely it is going to be a beautiful outing. Like I always say every year in year out, it’s one of those moments where we get to celebrate our diversity. Yes, it’s a period for some fun.

‘However, the most important thing here is we try as much to recognise that we’re from different parts of the world, different parts of the country because we are as a company and that’s our strength. It’s very important to appreciate ourselves and so little things like this do matter a lot.’

The family of the late Olu Ere of Ere, His Royal Highness Oba J.I. Ipinyemi, has announced the schedule of events for the celebration of his life and legacy.

According to a statement signed by HRH Isiaq Ajibola, the Akogun of Ife Olukotun, the ceremonies will hold from November 27 to 29, 2025, in Ife Olukotun, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A commemoration service will precede the main events on November 27, 2025, at the Methodist Cathedral, Ilorin, beginning at 10 a.m.

The family also announced the constitution of a central committee and several subcommittees to coordinate the burial activities.

The Central Committee will be chaired by Mudasiru Oseni, with Dr. Peter Adelaiye as co-chairman and Mr. Mutiu Ekundayo as secretary.

The subcommittees include: Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Hon. Ahmed Amodu; Venue and Protocol Committee, chaired by Hon. Moshood Hassan; Security Committee, chaired by Chief Agbana Alaiyegbami; Food and Beverages Committee, led by Mrs. Rukayat Mohammed; Wake-Keeping/Service of Songs and Burial Committee, chaired by Chief Toba Johnson; Traditional and Cultural Matters Committee, chaired by Chief Dele Atanda; and Media and Protocol Committee, chaired by Dr. Rasheed Yusuf.

The statement concluded with a prayer for the peaceful repose of Oba Ipinyemi’s soul, noting that the revered monarch joined his ancestors on August 14, 2025, after a brief illness.

The Senate on Wednesday resolved to summon the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to brief the lawmakers on the coordinated federal response to insecurity in Kwara South.

The Senate also urged the federal government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South, near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area, as a rapid response hub to tackle insecurity in the zone.

The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored during plenary by Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South).

The red chamber also called for the immediate deployment of additional troops and special units to clear the forests and restore normalcy in affected communities in the senatorial district. In his lead debate, Senator Ashiru lamented the escalating insecurity in Kwara South, especially in Ifelodun LGA, where he said bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings have reached alarming levels in recent weeks.

He disclosed that the development has forced thousands of residents to flee their communities.

After a debate on the motion, the Senate mandated its committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and report back within two weeks.

It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide humanitarian relief to displaced persons in Ifelodun and other affected LGAs.

The red chamber equally urged the federal government to compensate families of fallen forest guards and vigilantes who died defending their communities.

Army deploys full brigade to Kwara forests

The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade with heavy military equipment to Kwara State to dislodge bandits operating from forests in parts of the northern and southern axis.

The deployment saw troops and armoured vehicles advancing through communities around Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, according to a government statement on Wednesday night.

Daily Trust reports that the affected communities had come under renewed attacks lately from the bandits, killing and kidnapping many victims in the process.

The operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Fasan Yanma aimed at neutralising armed criminal groups and restoring peace across affected areas.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue over the weekend in Jos, thanked the president for his swift intervention and the military hierarchy for their commitment to public safety.

‘We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen the security of lives and properties,’ the Governor said in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He expressed optimism that the new deployment would bring lasting relief to communities that have suffered repeated abductions and killings.

‘We are upbeat that this operation, as part of Operation Fasan Yanma, will eliminate all forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North.

‘I thank the President and the security agencies for the efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the operation, under the theatre commander Major General Soyele, who is accompanied by Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde, will succeed in this important task and clear the entire area,’ he said.

The governor also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who had earlier relocated to Kwara to oversee the operation.

Security challenges require multi-level policing – Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for decisive legislative action to establish a multi-level policing system to address the nation’s deepening security challenges.

Abbas made the call on Wednesday during a public hearing on the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, 2024, organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

He said security sector reforms have become a national priority and must now ‘move from theory to decisive action.’

Represented by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, the Speaker said creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious national consideration.

The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed legislation would mark a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture through the regulation and professionalisation of private intelligence operations.

The House of Representatives has resolved to review the existing university admission age policy while pledging continued support for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and other examination bodies to enable them to effectively discharge their mandates.

Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Rep. Oforji Oboku, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when members of the committee visited the venue of the ongoing examination for exceptional underage children seeking university admissions.

Rep. Oboku commended the exceptional performance of the young candidates participating in the examination, describing them as a source of pride to the nation.

‘The performance of these underage students shows that our educational system is moving in the right direction. We are very proud of JAMB, and we will continue to support and encourage them to do more,’ he said. On the issue of the age limit for university admission, Rep. Oboku clarified that the policy originated from the Federal Ministry of Education, not JAMB, but assured that the House will review it as part of broader educational reforms.

‘The issue of age limit is not JAMB’s decision; it’s a government policy. JAMB is only implementing what the Ministry of Education has approved. However, we will look into it and, if the need arises, take the necessary legislative steps,’ he added.

Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced the arrest of the suspected armed robbers linked to the death of an ARISE TV staff member, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.

The duo lost their lives over the robbery incident at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the incident happened at about 3:30am, on September 29, 2025.

Ms. Somtochukwu reportedly jumped from the balcony of her apartment on the third floor of the building when the robbers invaded the estate. The suspects were identified as:

Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state

Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State

Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state

Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state

Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state

Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state

Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State

Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state

Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan ‘m’ 30 years from malumfashi lga katsina state

Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby ‘m’ 27 years from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna state 11.Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati ‘m’, 25 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state

Musa Umar a.k.a. small ‘m’ 31 years from Maiduguri LGA Borno state.

In its statement on Thursday, the police said shortly after the incident, four of the suspects were arrested through the tracking of the phones stolen from the building.

The police said Shamsudeen Hassan, one of the suspects, confessed to have shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the building.

Sani Sirajo, another suspect reportedly said he held the victim from falling off the storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight.

‘Operatives of the scorpion squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, have successfully arrested twelve (12) of the armed robbers that were involved in that operation.’

‘During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment.

‘Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight.

‘Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove the white Honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation. The four suspects admitted that they each received ?200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.

‘Recovered exhibits include: one (1) fabricated AK-47 rifle; thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition; one (1) locally made pistol; one (1) pump-action gun; two (2) live cartridges; four (4) mobile phones of the victims; two (2) sharp knives; one (1) cutlass; nine (9) torchlights used during the operation.’

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for a brighter future of filmmaking in Nigeria is yielding fruits as the state Sugar Factory Film Studios unveiled its first film – Ajuwaya Series.

The movie – 85 per cent of which was executed in the state-of-the-art studios – was financed by Nigeria’s First Lady Sen Oluremi Tinubu, who supported the facility with 350 million naira.

At a media briefing for the unveiling of the project in Ilorin on Tuesday, Managing Director of the Studios, Gbenga Titiloye, said the movie stands the chance of attracting direct foreign investment, ‘because this is the only functional film studio in Africa’.

He commended the Governor’s foresight and his administration’s resolve to create a platform that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality.

‘Today, we gather to celebrate a milestone that marks not just the completion of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in Nigerian cinema and cultural expression-the successful completion of the Ajuwaya project,’ he said.

‘This moment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, perseverance, and collaborative effort converge for the common good. What the Governor has achieved here is foreign direct investment because this is the only functional film studio in Africa, and 85 percent of this movie was done in this studio.

‘His Excellency’s willingness to champion a film studio in Nigeria demonstrates not only a bold strategic mind but also a deep faith in our people and their talent. It is through that foresight and resolve that we have arrived at this moment: a state-backed endeavour that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality’.

Titiloye also appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her generous donation to the Sugar Factory Studios, adding that her gesture reflects the spirit of national renewal and investment in the creative economy.

‘This grant (from the First Lady) is more than funding; it is a signal, a beacon, and a pledge that Nigeria will not only tell its stories but export them with pride and excellence,’ he said.

Speaking on the lessons to gain from Ajuwaya, Titiloye said the movie exemplifies how national and regional efforts can combine to create durable infrastructure for culture and economy.

The press briefing was attended by Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola; Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju; and General Manager, Sugar Factory Film Studios and Producer of the film, Grace Babasola.

Princess Babalola, for her part, urged the youth to take advantage of the Sugar Film Studios to tap into the creative industry, saying theatre work is a model to reflect modern society.

‘This studio is important to economic growth, development growth and projecting our state as a leader in the area of theatre and creative industry generally. So, let us talk to our youth so that they can find their feet in this industry,’ she said.

Olukoju described the production of the Ajuwaya Series as a big win for the state, saying it signals the beginning of a new ecosystem in the creative industry in the sub-national.

‘For us in Kwara State, the creative industry is a big ecosystem. In the time of shooting this film, 1,211 participated. People benefited a lot, we have fashion designers, caterers, transporters, artisans, among others, and if we can have this regularly, it is going to open up the ecosystem of the creative industry. Every part of the economy benefited in the course of producing the film,’ she said.

Babasola lauded AbdulRazaq for the creation of the studios that he noted represents more than just a building or a production house.

‘Governor AbdulRazaq is a leader whose belief in the potential of young creatives has opened new doors for the film and entertainment industry in Nigeria,’ she said.

‘Ajuwaya is just the beginning. It is proof that when opportunity meets passion, great stories emerge that inspire, entertain, and remind us of who we are.’

Many residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have rejected the enforcement of television and radio sets tax by the area council authorities.

They described it as untimely, accusing the government of not being sensitive to the plight of the masses.

Some residents spoken to described the council’s action as inhuman amid the severe economic hardship in the country.

Daily Trust reports that a demand notice from the area council was recently sent to some residents, requesting them to pay for the usage of these and other items in their houses and business premises. Many residents shared the notice on their social media platforms, calling for a reversal of the policy.

The television tax

The controversy stems from the recently assented AMAC Radio and Television Licence By-Law (No. 19) of 2024.

The invoice, or notice of demand, sent to residents requests full payment within 21 days.

According to the notice, failure to comply is a punishable offence that could lead to arraignment at the magistrate’s court and the possible sealing off of the affected premises.

The new by-law mandates an annual license fee for anyone who owns or controls a radio, television, or ‘other items of the same or similar kind.’

The annual fees are categorised as follows: large banks and multinationals (Category B) are to pay N1,000,000 annually, medium-sized businesses (Supermarkets, hotels, and telecom companies – Category C) are to pay between N50,000 and N200,000 and residents (Duplexes, flats, bungalows, and self-contained apartments – Category D), who are to pay between N3,500 and N20,000 per dwelling.

Residents reject policy

A Cross-section of AMAC residents have demanded the stoppage of the tax policy, labelling it ill-timed.

Mr John Achungu, a business owner at the Central Business District, said he was shocked when the council’s revenue officers delivered the notice.

‘Honestly, this is surprising! How can you ask me to pay for the television I’m using in my office or waiting room? What service are you rendering in that regard? Providing the signal for the TV or the electricity we are using to power it? I can’t really understand,’ he lamented.

Mrs Zainab Muhammad, a food vendor in Wuse District, said her business was classified in Category C and she was asked to pay the required amount within 21 days or risk her business being sealed off.

‘The same AMAC will bring the tenement rate, bring this, bring that; how many taxes are they going to collect from us? Honestly, this administration has been something else from the national down to the local,’ she complained.

For Ifeanyi James, the new tax is targeted at further discomforting residents amid the economic crisis they are passing through. ‘They expect us to pay another tax to watch our stations even after we have paid service providers. They want us to even pay for listening to the radio. What is the difference between this and the radio license during the olden days?’ he asked.

Samson Isah, a community leader in Jabi, described the tax policy as not only ridiculous but inhuman to many residents who are struggling to live.

‘When one of my tenants told me about the demand from the AMAC, I did not believe her until the following day when she came with the demand notice from the area council,’ he said.

Some other residents, who spoke with Daily Trust, called for an immediate review and possible suspension.

Toyin Ajayi, a public affairs analyst, demanded a public campaign to explain the necessity of the tax and what the generated revenue will be used for, rather than just issuing demand notices with threats.

He also stressed the need for a clear explanation of what constitutes ‘electronic devices’ to prevent extortion and harassment by enforcement officers.

AMAC justifies levy

Meanwhile, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has justified the tax, saying it is constitutional and not new, as is been assumed in some quarters.

The Council’s Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties, Emmanuel Inyang, made the clarification in an interview with Daily Trust on Wednesday.

According to him, the taxation on radio and television ownership is supported by law and has long existed, even before the current administration came into office.

On why the council is enforcing the law now, Inyang said its enforcement had been relaxed until now due to the inactivity of previous consultants.

‘The law allows the Area Council to collect revenue on radio and television. It has been there all this while, but maybe the consultant who was handling it before was not intensifying it like the present consultant,’ he said.

Recognising that many residents are unaware of the tax, the councillor assured that AMAC will embark on an enlightenment campaign to inform and educate the public.

‘There has to be enlightenment, that I can assure you,’ he said, adding that the Chief Revenue Officer would soon appear on television and other media platforms to educate the masses.

‘Quite a number of people are not even aware of this law.’

The supervisory councillor assured the residents that the funds generated from the tax would not be misappropriated but reinvested into the community.

In an earlier interview with a section of the media, Kingsley Madaki, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the AMAC chairman, explained that the radio and television licence has existed since the Micah Jiba-led administration in AMAC and is not a new item.

‘It is under Section Four Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, and it is under Tax and Levy. So, it is not a new item introduced by this government; it has been there. Anybody who contravenes that section of our by-law shall be fined,’ he stated.

‘Our agents going round are meant to visit corporate and residential bodies to check and ensure that they pay accordingly. All corporate bodies are meant to pay the tax. If you have a radio or television, you must pay the license fee,’ he added.

An official of the revenue department of the council, who spoke anonymously, promised that the council’s officers will be civil while enforcing the new tax regime, and noted that the law allows such officers to inspect premises within the council to determine who has such appliances.

Constitution provides for TV licence – Lawyers

Reacting, Dayo Akinlaja SAN said television licensing is one of the functions of local government areas in the country.

Akinlaja said the function was prescribed by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution under ‘collection of rates, radio and television licenses.’

Whether this is the same thing as a television tax may have to be decided by a court of law, he said.

Similarly, Abu Arome Esq said, ‘In Schedule 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, specifically paragraph (b), the collection of rates and licensing in respect of radio and television is the exclusive preserve of the local government councils, and in the case of the FCT, the area councils, as they are called under the constitution.

‘By this provision, other tiers of government are constitutionally precluded from collecting rates relating to the use of televisions and radios.’

On his part, EMD Umukoro Esq, said, ‘Indeed, the list is many, radio, bicycle, etc. However, the contemplation of television as it then was and the digital or smart TV of today are matters to be critically examined.

‘Remember that some of these provisions were lifted from previous constitutions, which dispensation and level development had TVs with pole antennas connected to government-owned stations.

‘In this era, there are a lot of advancements that make such enactments archaic. Therefore, such provisions should be expunged as they are capable of causing disaffection and giving rise to abuse and conflicts among citizens. It is not every legislation that is capable of enforcement.’