This response follows allegations from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several civil society organizations, who have called for the suspension of the tax laws’ implementation. These groups have raised concerns about possible discrepancies between the version of the laws passed by the National Assembly and those that were eventually gazetted and released to the public.

The controversial tax reform laws, which faced significant opposition from lawmakers in northern Nigeria during their passage, are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. The reforms, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, are described by the government as a major overhaul of the country’s tax system in decades.

The laws include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, which will all operate under a single authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service, NIRS.

The Federal Government argues that these reforms are intended to simplify tax compliance, broaden the tax base, eliminate overlapping taxes, and modernize the revenue collection system across federal, state, and local governments.

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PRESIDENCY REAFFIRMS TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO TACKLING INSECURITY

However, the reforms have come under scrutiny after a claim by Abdussamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives (PDP, Sokoto). Dasuki alleged that the gazetted versions of the tax laws did not match those passed by the National Assembly. He claimed that several key provisions discussed and approved during legislative debates were missing or altered in the final documents released to the public.

During a session on Wednesday, Dasuki warned that these discrepancies could potentially undermine the legal standing of the new laws, as they might lack proper legislative approval. He called on the House Speaker to ensure that all relevant documents, including the harmonized versions, votes, and proceedings be examined by the Committee of the Whole.

In response, the House of Representatives moved quickly to address the allegations. On Thursday, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the formation of a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the discrepancies. The committee is tasked with thoroughly reviewing the claims and submitting a report for further legislative action.

The alleged alterations include the removal of key provisions related to oversight and accountability that were originally approved by lawmakers.

Additionally, sources within the National Assembly claim that the gazetted versions of the laws introduced new coercive measures, such as arrest powers, garnishee orders without court approval, and mandatory USD computation, none of which were part of the versions ratified by Parliament.

As the investigation continues, the future of the tax reforms remains uncertain, with critics demanding that the discrepancies be addressed before the laws are implemented.

Source: Punch

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Among those seen at the National Assembly were former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, former presidential spokesperson Reno Omokri, former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau.

Their arrival comes two weeks after President Tinubu submitted a 32-member list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29 for confirmation.

The list includes 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees, who are expected to be posted to countries where Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations and to international organisations such as the United Nations.

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The nominations have attracted attention due to the inclusion of high-profile political figures. Notable names on the list include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, and Fani-Kayode.

Women also feature in the list, with four career diplomats and six non-career nominees.
The ambassadorial nominations have faced criticism from some quarters, particularly regarding the inclusion of former political office-holders.

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called for the withdrawal of the list, arguing that it violates the Federal Character principle outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Ndume claimed that several states were underrepresented or entirely excluded, while others had multiple nominees.
Senate screening for the nominees is set to commence on Thursday.

Source: Channels

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The meeting, held at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, is the first gathering of the council since July.

His remarks come days after U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ a move the Federal Government has described as a misrepresentation of the nation’s security situation.

In his first public comments on the matter, Tinubu said his government is engaging the international community to advance security, stability, and economic growth.

Despite political headwinds and fears, we will continue to engage with our partners.

“The success of the $2.3bn Eurobond, which was oversubscribed, is a sign of confidence in our economy.
The task ahead is immense, but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose,” he said.
The president also assured Nigerians that the country remains united and resolute in its pursuit of peace and prosperity.

Tinubu commended members of his cabinet for their commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising the need for unity and focus in implementing government reforms.

Source: Channels

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Governor Mbah, accompanied by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, former Inspector General of Police Alkali Usman Baba, who also serves as the Committee Secretary, and Assistant Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu of the Special Protection Unit, SPU, said the committee has been given 30 days to submit a comprehensive report to the NEC for further action.

Read Also: Retired Officers, Northern Elders Back Irabor’s Call for State of Emergency on Insecurity

Mbah emphasized that President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the dilapidated state of the training facilities, noting that these institutions are currently tasked with preparing security personnel who are expected to uphold human dignity and protect citizens’ rights.

The President’s directive, issued during the October 23 NEC meeting, underscored the urgent need for modernization. According to Mbah, the current state of the training institutions “does not align with President Tinubu’s vision of growing Nigeria’s economy to one trillion dollars in the next five years.”

Source: TVC

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In response to the allegations, the Defence Headquarters has strongly denied the existence of any such plot or related detentions. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Media Operations, told newsmen that the Armed Forces were unaware of any coup attempt.

“I am not aware that anyone was detained for plotting a coup,” Gusau stated. “We have not released any new statement regarding the 16 personnel we earlier confirmed were in custody. If there is any update, we will inform the public accordingly.”

In a previous statement issued on October 4, the Defence Headquarters clarified that the 16 officers in question were arrested for violating military regulations and engaging in acts of indiscipline.

The statement noted that the affected officers were reportedly frustrated over perceived career stagnation, particularly due to repeated failures in promotion exams.

However, online investigative outlet Sahara Reporters published claims suggesting the arrests were directly linked to a coup plot. According to the report, the detained officers ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General were allegedly apprehended by the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, at their homes across different states.

A security source corroborated aspects of the report, claiming the arrests were related to a coup plan originally scheduled for October 1. The source added that the operation was foiled when the arrests began a day earlier, which allegedly led to the abrupt cancellation of the Independence Day parade.

“The arrests started on September 30. More than 16 officers have been picked up, and they are all serving military personnel, led by a senior general,” the source said.

As tensions rise, calls for transparency and calm continue to mount, with many urging the government and military to uphold democratic principles and provide clear, factual updates to the public.

Source: Punch

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This year’s summit, co-hosted by the Governments of Jordan and Italy, focused on bolstering international and regional cooperation—particularly in West Africa, a region increasingly affected by terrorism.

The high-level meeting took place on Wednesday, October 15, at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. Attendees included King Abdullah II of Jordan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Presidents from Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

Read Also: Tinubu Returns To Abuja After 10-Day Lagos Working Visit

These included talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, U.S. Presidential Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, and the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Discussions with Cardinal Parolin reportedly focused on promoting religious harmony in Nigeria and countering disinformation campaigns that portray the country as intolerant of religious diversity.

Since its inception, the Aqaba Process has convened 33 meetings across multiple levels from expert technical sessions to Heads of State summits. Its efforts are centered on three pillars: prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in global counterterrorism strategies.

Source: Channels

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“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding.

“I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,” the President said.

Tinubu hailed the resilience of Nigerians, saying the country had survived a civil war, military rule and political crises, and is still striving to build “a more perfect union.”

He described the 65th anniversary as a moment for reflection on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the progress achieved since Independence in 1960.

The President highlighted achievements in education and healthcare, noting that Nigeria has grown from just two tertiary institutions at Independence to 274 universities, 183 polytechnics and 236 colleges of education by 2024.

Tinubu defended his economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which he said ended decades of distortions and rent-seeking.

According to him, these difficult decisions freed resources for investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social programmes.

He argued, “In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority.

“Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure.”
The President reeled out a list of 12 economic milestones achieved in the last two years and four months in office.

Read Also: Text Of Presidential Address On Oct 1, 2025

The president concluded his third Independence Day address with a call for productivity and national unity, saying, “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce.

“Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes. Finally, let all hands be on deck.

“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”

Source: Channels

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The team is en route to the Presidential Villa, where they will be formally received by President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Tinubu had earlier congratulated the team in a statement, hailing their dedication, teamwork, and consistency on the continental stage.

D’Tigress defeated Mali in the final on Sunday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to clinch the 2025 title.

The win sealed their dominance in African women’s basketball, making Nigeria the first country to win five Afrobasket championships back-to-back.

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The monarch also lauded the effort of the Senator representing Ogun West, Olamilekan Adeola, for his unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of establishing a federal university in the area.

The post Ogun monarch hails Tinubu for upgrading Ilaro Poly appeared first on Afinju FM.

The budget proposal was earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday.

This comes after the Senate endorsed the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, 2025-2027 on November 22 .

Read Also: FEC orders final adjustments as Tinubu presents 2025 budget on Wednesday

Tinubu’s presentation is expected to align with the fiscal strategies outlined in the MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP.

The budget size remains unchanged at N47.96 trillion, with new borrowings of N9.22 trillion.

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