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The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State during the 2023 general election, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
According to TheCable, the meeting, which was not publicly announced, reportedly took place between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Naija News recalls that Jandor recently resigned from the PDP, citing “indiscipline and anti-party activities” within the party, but he has yet to disclose his next political move.
Jandor was previously a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before defecting to the PDP to contest the Lagos governorship election.
However, his run was marred by internal party divisions and what he described as a betrayal by the PDP’s national leadership on the eve of the election.
He insisted that he “would have won” the election but for a “false claim of alliance” that allegedly misled PDP supporters into voting for another candidate.
During the 2023 governorship race, the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC secured 762,134 votes, while Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party came second with 312,329 votes. Jandor finished in third place with 62,449 votes.
In his resignation letter from the PDP, he expressed disappointment in the party’s leadership, saying, “I am here before you today without a heavy heart and a clear conscience. We have dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy—both good governance and the pursuit of a better Lagos.
“However, it has become evident that the leadership of the PDP, both at the national and state levels, has failed to uphold its principles.”
He also hinted at a potential move to another party, stating, “We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform. The major thing now is that we have left the PDP.”
The details of Jandor’s meeting with Tinubu remain unclear, but sources within Aso Rock suggest it was a fence-mending move that could pave the way for his return to the APC or an alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Prior to his meeting with Tinubu, Jandor had also visited former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger State.
He later met with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and senior officials of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), fueling further speculation about his next political steps.
Confirming the development, Jandor’s spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, stated: “I can confirm that Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor) met with President Bola Tinubu on Monday. He has also met with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, among other notable figures. These meetings are part of his ongoing consultations following his resignation from the PDP.
“The PDP National Secretary and other party leaders recently visited him, appealing for a reconsideration of his resignation.
“Dr. Adediran is scheduled to meet with his political associates and key stakeholders in Lagos over the weekend and will address the media on Monday, March 17, 2025.”
![[FULL LIST] PSC Schedules Promotion Exams For 19 DCPs For March 17](/media/k2/items/cache/d69e8f007a0f963cd8b477127b544e61_L.jpg)
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled promotion examinations and interviews for 19 senior police officers seeking elevation from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to Commissioner of Police (CP).
According to an internal police wireless message dated March 13, 2025, spotted by SaharaReporters, the selected officers have been invited to participate in the examination and interactive session on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The session will take place at the Hon. Chairman’s Conference Room, 6th Floor, PSC Corporate Headquarters, Plot 64, Cadastral Zone, Jabi, Abuja.
The examinations and interviews are scheduled to commence promptly at 10:00 a.m., with all invited officers expected to be present and prepared for the process.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the following DCPs to attend the interview as scheduled: Usman Tahir, Sunday J. A. Okoebor, Ayodeji Faniyan, Saka Adewale Ajao, Omole Ola, Hope Urunwa Okafor, Ajo Geofrey Ordue, Olufunke Adeayo Ogunbode, Stephen Olubunmi Ogedengbe, and Iyabode Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja.
Others are Adebowale Lawal, Ojo Adekimi, Yemi John Oyeniyi, Obasi Mary Okereke, Moses Ashu Ottah, Felix Akoneme Nnebue, Gazali Alade Abdul-Salaam, Fidelis Ndubisi Ogarabe, Olubode Ojajuni.
The commission advised the officers to review and refresh their knowledge.
In a related development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled promotion examinations and interviews for 26 senior police officers seeking elevation from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
According to an internal police wireless message dated March 13, 2025 spotted by SaharaReporters, the selected officers have been invited to participate in the examination and interactive session, which will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
[NaijaNews]
Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former aide to deceased military leader, General Sani Abacha, has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Al-Mustapha, accompanied by his team, arrived at the SDP headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly received by party leaders and supporters.
He said his move to the party signals his commitment to leadership based on justice, security, and progress.
This move is coming after former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the SDP.
El-Rufai had accused the APC of failing to abide by its founding principles, adding that the government is now commercialised and everything has a price tag.
The former governor vowed to move against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration during the 2027 polls.
Naija News reports that Al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer to former military ruler General Sani Abacha during his administration from 1993 to 1998.
He was known as one of Abacha’s closest associates during the military regime.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent political moves as desperate attempts to remain relevant, declaring that his political career is practically over.
Ata accused El-Rufai of engaging in “political mischief” after failing to secure a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to his inability to pass a security screening.
He further criticized El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna governor, describing it as a period marked by insecurity, divisive policies, and failed leadership.
Despite El-Rufai’s defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and his attacks on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ata assured that Tinubu’s government remains focused on delivering on its promises and will not be distracted by political theatrics.
His tenure as the minister of the FCT under President Olusegun Obasanjo was marked by contentious policies and an abrasive leadership style. This trend continued throughout his political journey, from his days in the opposition during the formative years of the APC to his tenure as a two-term governor of Kaduna State.
“It is, therefore, not surprising that in the present dispensation, while President Tinubu remains focused on tackling the multi-faceted challenges facing Nigeria, El-Rufai has chosen to embark on yet another round of political mischief,” Ata said in a statement issued by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola.
The minister further accused El-Rufai of presiding over a period of severe insecurity in Kaduna, stating that under his leadership, ethnic and sectarian violence escalated significantly.
“Under his watch, Kaduna recorded some of the highest fatalities linked to communal conflicts and terrorist activities. Infamously, he once admitted to making payments to foreign militias, a statement that remains a dark stain on his record and raises questions about his role in fostering peace and stability,” Ata noted.
He described El-Rufai’s leadership style as divisive, claiming that his policies alienated minority groups and worsened communal tensions in the state.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again written to the State House of Assembly, notifying lawmakers of his intention to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration and approval.
In a letter dated March 13 and addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Fubara expressed his readiness to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other date in March deemed suitable by the House.
The governor emphasized that his decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s judgment and responds to the lawmakers’ request for him to re-present the budget.
He recalled the previous attempt to submit the budget at the Assembly Quarters, where lawmakers were temporarily convening, but he was denied access to the premises.
The letter read: “You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us.
“Recall further that before this unfortunate incident, the House issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget even when we were yet to be served with the certified true copy of the judgment and accompanying enrolled orders.
“Therefore, we were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 budget on the 12th of March, 2025.
“The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.
“Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.
“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House, and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my highest regards.”
The trial of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, over alleged non-disclosure of assets resumed on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with a prosecution witness revealing that investigations uncovered over ₦200 million in Kyari’s accounts, exceeding his official earnings.
Naija News reports that the witness, a Chief Investigator with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmed Yero, told the court that the money was traced through Kyari’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) linked to 12 accounts, 10 of which were active.
Yero, testifying as the ninth prosecution witness (PW-9), said his team was assigned on February 14, 2022, to investigate the defendant’s financial activities under the NDLEA’s Directorate of Assets & Financial Investigation.
According to Yero, Kyari initially declared only three bank accounts, but forensic analysis of his BVN records, obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), revealed he owned and operated 10 active bank accounts, including domiciliary accounts in Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Sterling.
“One of the accounts is a salary account through which the 1st defendant (Kyari) received salaries and allowances from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF),” Yero said.
The witness added that NDLEA analyzed Kyari’s bank records for 16 years, from 2006 to 2022, and discovered that deposits into his accounts significantly exceeded his known police earnings.
The NDLEA investigator further disclosed that funds tagged as “operational funds” were wired directly from the CBN into Kyari’s accounts. However, a substantial portion of these funds was transferred to family members and associates.
“We calculated everything the defendant earned in salaries and other entitlements and compared it with inflows into his account. Our analysis showed that over ₦200 million was received beyond what he should have earned officially,” Yero testified.
The witness told the court that Kyari refused to provide a written statement to the NDLEA, insisting that he would only explain himself in court.
Meanwhile, the court admitted into evidence Kyari’s bank statements and BVN analysis, despite objections from his defence counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), who reserved his reasons for challenging the admissibility until later in the trial.
Kyari’s Agriculture Claim Lacks Evidence – Witness
Under cross-examination, the NDLEA witness acknowledged that Kyari was once regarded as a “super cop” due to his crime-fighting role but stated that the embattled officer failed to provide evidence to support his claim that he was involved in agriculture.
“He declared some assets, including landed properties in Maiduguri, Borno State, but failed to declare others,” Yero added.
When asked whether Kyari had ever been convicted before any court, Yero admitted he was not aware of any prior conviction. However, he noted that some of the undeclared assets traced to Kyari were claimed to belong to his late father or wife.
The witness also admitted that there is no law prohibiting a person from owning multiple bank accounts but maintained that Kyari’s accounts contained funds that exceeded his known income.
Earlier in the proceedings, a Compliance Officer from Sterling Bank, David Ajoma, tendered three bundles of documents, including statements of accounts linked to Kyari.
Following the witness’s testimony, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the trial till March 24, 2025, while the NDLEA disclosed plans to produce two additional witnesses in the case.
Aside from the 10-count charge on asset concealment, Kyari is also facing an eight-count charge in another case, where he and four members of his former Intelligence Response Team (IRT) are accused of tampering with cocaine seized from two convicted drug traffickers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Kyari is on trial alongside ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in custody pending the determination of their cases.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria was on the brink of bankruptcy before his administration swiftly ended the fuel subsidy and implemented critical economic reforms.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu explained that the urgent measures were necessary to safeguard the nation’s financial future and protect coming generations.
Tinubu said, “For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our sub-region with fuel. “It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future.”
Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, detailed the president’s remarks in a statement titled, ‘For 50 years, we were spending the money of generations yet unborn: President Tinubu.’
Reflecting on the conditions upon assuming office, the President pointed out the severe economic and social challenges facing the country, stating that bold action was needed to avert financial collapse.
“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” he said.
The President credited Nigerians for their resilience and support for his policies, noting that their sacrifices have contributed to the recent economic improvements, particularly in stabilizing the exchange rate and reducing food prices.
“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the exchange rate is stabilizing. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured.
Tinubu reiterated his commitment to democracy, calling it the best route for Nigeria’s economic, social, and political development.
He also praised those who remained steadfast in upholding democratic values, reflecting on his experience in the Third Republic and how it shaped his political journey.
Delegation Commends Tinubu’s Policies
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Senator Emmanuel Nwaka lauded the administration’s initiatives, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), highlighting their role in easing financial burdens on citizens.
“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it,” Nwaka said.
He further praised the credit scheme, saying: “CREDICORP is a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, fresh out of school, who wants to buy a car or house and has to pay in cash. But with this credit system, people can finance their needs properly. I’ve been following its activities, and we are delighted.”
Other members of the delegation included Senator Bako Musa, Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Amina Aliyu, Obi Anoliefo, and Eze Nwauwa.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he remained a committed member of the ruling party and will continue to promote its ideals.
In a statement reaffirming his political allegiance, Buhari emphasised that he would never distance himself from the party that brought him to power and supported him through two terms in office as president.
“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such,” he said. “I will try to popularise the party by all means.”
The former president expressed deep gratitude to the APC for the platform it provided him, describing his tenure as the highest honour of his political career.
He maintained that he had no further personal demands from the party but remained committed to strengthening its foundation.
Buhari also highlighted the sacrifices made by the party’s founding fathers, stressing that their efforts in establishing a strong political movement should not be taken for granted.
He called for the protection of democratic principles and the continued growth of the APC as a vehicle for national development.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi. has urged Nigerians to ignore comments that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was wasteful and corrupt.
Umahi stated this during his working visit to Ondo State for a 2nd interactive session on the Ondo State axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The meeting, which was held at the Government House in Akure, followed the first stakeholders’ meeting on the project, which was held on October 31, 2024.
According to the Minister, “This Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of Mr. President’s four legacy projects.”
Umahi asked those criticising the project and President Bola Tinubu’s other legacy projects not to pass through the roads when they are completed.
The minister, who insisted that the project was transparent, noted that people have the right to be jealous and angry.
While reminding Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to issue a revocation order on the route in line with the laws of the land, The Works Minister said the alignment reduced the route from 75km to 71km.
However, he informed Ondo residents that President Tinubu was determined to complete all inherited projects and his administration’s four legacy projects.
According to him, “The man deserves our respect. I have not read the book, but the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is not wasteful and corrupt. Anyone criticising the project is waking up to say how one man (Tinubu) can be attributed to these types of projects.
“For those saying it is a waste of resources when the project is completed, they should not use the road.
“This is not a wasteful project, and it is not fraudulent. If someone is saying it’s a fraud, that person is also saying that I am a fraud, and I am not.
“This project has been very transparent, so we continue to engage the stakeholders. Every process step has been very transparent, and every detail is in the public domain.”
Speaking on other federal government projects in Ondo State, Engr. Umahi said they were looking into the issue of compensation so that the contract would not be stalled.
He said dualisation of the Ilesha-Akure-Benib Highway was stalled by funding but assured that the contractor was bound to make the road motorable.
The Minister, however, commended the government and people of the State for their support of the project, adding that all the necessary steps for its execution have been taken.
While commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for his keen interest in the state’s infrastructural development, Umahi promised that all Federal road projects in the State would be executed quickly.
A former Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Banjo Okunomo, said the coastal communities would not allow any sentiments to delay the projects.
He assured that the community leadership would ensure easy implementation of the project.
The House of Representatives on Thursday considered and adopted the reports of its committee on finance regarding the four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu transmitted in October, 2024.
The reports were considered clause-by-clause and were subsequently approved ahead of the third reading. The bills include: The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill 2024, and the Joint Revenue Board Tax Bill, 2024.
Here are 10 amendments adopted by the Green Chamber on Thursday.
Revenue derivation formula
This was one of the most contentious sections in the proposed tax administration bill. The amended bill reduces the proposed derivation formula from 60 percent to 30 percent. Currently, the value added tax (VAT) revenue is shared as follows: 15 percent to the federal government, 50 percent to states, and 35 percent to LGAs. States use a 50:30:20 formula—50 percent for equality, 30 percent for population, and 20 percent for derivation.
The House amended Section 77 of the Tax Administration Bill and approved that notwithstanding any formula that may be prescribed by any other law, the net revenue accruing by virtue of the operation of Chapter Six of the Nigeria Tax Act shall be distributed as follows —10 percent to the federal government; 55 percent to the state governments and the Federal Capital Territory; and 35 percent to local governments.
The House recommended that the amount of the VAT revenue standing to the credit of states and local governments shall be distributed among them on the following basis: equally – 50 percent; population – 20 percent; and consumption – 30 percent.
In addition, the House proposed that the basis of VAT taxation will now be consumption, rather than where the returns are filed. This is meant to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders at the public hearing that some regions may be disadvantaged as the headquarters of companies are largely located in one region, where all returns are usually filed.
7.5% VAT retained
In Section 146 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, the VAT rate was amended to retain the current 7.5 percent as opposed to the earlier proposed increase to 15 percent by 2030.
Funding for TETFUND, others retained Section 59, which focuses on the development levy, was amended to remove a sunset provision in the bill and the sharing of the levy. Beneficiary agencies were expanded to include the Tertiary Education Trust Fund– 50 percent; the Nigerian Education Loan Fund – 3 percent; National Information Technology Development Agency Act (NITDF) – 5 percent; and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) – 10 percent.
Moreover, the Defence Infrastructure Fund has 10 percent; Nigeria Police Trust Fund – 5 percent; National Sports Development Fund – 5 percent; Social Security Fund – 10 percent; National Board for Technological Incubation – 10 percent; and National Cybersecurity Fund – 1 percent.
Restriction of presidential powers
The House amended Section 74 of the Tax Administration Bill, which provides for the power of the president or governor to remit taxes, to include the need to obtain the approval of the National Assembly or states’ houses of assembly for federal and state taxes.
Similarly, Section 75, which provides the power of the president to exempt companies from income tax, was amended to include the need to obtain the approval of the National Assembly.
Deletion of 5% excise duty
The House deleted sections 130 – 132, which made provisions relating to excise duties. All provisions relating to compliance with excise duty charges were expunged to align with the similar amendments to the Nigeria Tax Bill.
The House argued that the excise duty on telecoms will lead to hike in the tariffs, which will be passed on to the end-users, leading to possible loss of jobs and worsening rate of unemployment in the country. The House added that the excise duty on foreign exchange transactions may lead to shortage of forex inflows into the economy.
Removal of inheritance tax
The House amended Section 4 of the Nigeria Tax Bill to exclude income on inherited assets before distribution from the income of a family that may be chargeable to tax. Lawmakers explained that this amendment clarifies that inheritance tax is not being introduced into Nigerian tax law in any manner.
30% Company Income Tax
The House amended Section 56 of the tax bill to remove the ‘staggered’ reduction in the companies’ income tax rate from 30 percent to 27.5 percent in 2025 and 25 percent in 2026.
For the recommendation by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the tax rate of companies, other than small companies, remains 30 percent. The House further recommended that the tax rate of companies in the priority sector be reduced to 25 percent during the priority period of five years.
Taxation of free trade zones
In the second schedule of the tax bill, the House introduced provisions to allow the claim of available incentives. The conditions include the following: When goods and services are sold to persons engaged in upstream, midstream, or downstream petroleum or gas operations in the customs territory, or when at least 75 percent of goods or services are exported or used as inputs in goods or services, at least 75 percent of which are exported. The evidence of export proceeds, either in the form of cash flow, imported materials, or equipment, must be provided.
Lottery, gaming business
The House removed reference to the Lottery Trust Fund in alignment with the Supreme Court judgment. Section 62 had proposed that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other law, the income of lottery and gaming trade or business shall be subjected to tax. However, the House noted that a court has ruled against the National Lottery Act, noting that such tax would not be charged.
Exemption of military personnel from tax
The House proposed tax exemption for military personnel on their personal income, stating that the reason is due to the critical nature of their assignment.
[BusinessDay]
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, approved a new Value Added Tax sharing formula, allocating 55% to states and 35% to local government councils.
This decision followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Finance on four tax bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024.
Presenting the report on Thursday, the chairman of the committee, Abiodun Faleke, summarised the extensive review process, which followed a public hearing held from February 26 to February 28, 2025.
The report was considered clause by clause and adopted in a session presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, on Thursday.
The committee made 19 key recommendations under the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, including a revised VAT distribution framework that had been a contentious issue between state governors and the Presidency.
Revised VAT sharing formula
Section 77 of the report introduces a new VAT distribution structure.
For states, 50% of the revenue is to be distributed equally, 20% based on population, and 30% based on consumption.
The emphasis is placed on the actual place of consumption, regardless of where tax returns are filed.
Local governments will receive 35% of VAT revenue under a similar formula.
Additionally, the timeline for issuing Taxpayer Identification Numbers has been extended from two to five working days to accommodate possible administrative challenges.
Any refusal to issue a TIN must be justified and communicated to the applicant.
Corporate tax filing
The timeframe for companies ceasing operations to file tax returns has been reduced from six months to three months to mitigate revenue losses.
The committee also recommended that taxable supply consumption should determine tax allocation, ensuring fairness in regions where company headquarters are concentrated.
On fiscalisation, the Federal Inland Revenue Service will establish further regulations to enforce the newly introduced system.
Additionally, Section 74 mandates that any tax remission by the President or a governor must receive approval from the National Assembly or respective state Houses of Assembly.
Tax exemptions
Section 75 provides that presidential tax exemptions must be approved by the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Section 76 authorises the Office of the Accountant General to deduct unremitted taxes from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies at the source, subject to National Assembly’s approval.
To enhance representation, the committee proposed appointing six Executive Directors to the FIRS Board, one from each geopolitical zone, in a rotational order.
Additionally, a representative from each state and the Federal Capital Territory will be appointed to ensure federal character compliance.
The committee recommended a fixed 4% cost of collection for FIRS, to be appropriated by the National Assembly.
It also proposed funding the Tax Appeal Tribunal from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, eliminating its current dependence on FIRS to ensure judicial neutrality.
Nigeria Tax Bill
Under the Nigeria Tax Bill, Section 27 now requires a Certificate of Acceptance for companies enjoying priority sector incentives to claim capital allowances.
The Industrial Inspectorate Department at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment will be responsible for certifying qualifying expenditures.
The committee also scrapped the previously proposed staggered reduction of the corporate income tax rate.
Instead, companies will continue to be taxed at 30%, while those in priority sectors will enjoy a reduced rate of 25% for five years.
Development levy adjustments
The revised bill also expands the beneficiaries of the Development Levy.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund will receive 50%, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund will get 3%, the National Information Technology Development Fund will receive 5%, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure will get 10%.
The Defence Infrastructure Fund will receive 10%, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund 5%, the National Sports Development Fund 5%, the Social Security Fund 10%, the National Board for Technological Incubation 10%, and the National Cybersecurity Fund 1%.
The bills are expected to be read for a third and final time before being passed into law next week.
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Over one million Nigerians nationwide will receive a 10kg bag of rice each as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) launched the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project, valued at N16 billion, on Thursday.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kano, the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, said the distribution of one million bags of 10kg of rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians in the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of his company and Foundation.
Dangote, represented by his daughter Marya Aliko Dangote, said: “This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation. It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.”
He said the Foundation was kicking off the distribution in Kano State, after which it will proceed to other states while ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in all the Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
Mr Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest person, said food remains a basic human necessity, which is why the Aliko Dangote Foundation embarked on a food distribution programme across the States.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state,” he added.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our Foundation focuses on improving Nigerians’ living conditions through support for projects that tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and scope of health and education, and promote economic empowerment at the community level.
“Your Excellency, I believe today’s event will help tackle hunger and help the most vulnerable people break their fast. We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people. I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians. This job should not be left to the government alone. Instead, we need a public-private partnership to help us fight the scourge.
I commend the government at all levels for addressing the food crisis. I am sure that with time, we shall overcome these challenges; therefore, let us support the government in achieving its target of a better life for Nigerians, “he said.
Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State, who flagged off the Annual National Food Intervention Project, said the intervention reflects Mr. Dangote‘s unwavering commitment to addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo, said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed across the state‘s 44 Local Government Areas.
He described Mr Dangote as humane: “A similar event took place last year, during which he oversaw the distribution of foodstuffs to the poor in this arena.”
He said the state government has set up a committee comprising relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board, and security agencies to ensure transparency in the distribution process.
Speaking to newsmen, Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the Annual National Food Intervention Project is a way of giving back and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
She said Mr Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is eradicated or reduced to a minimum in Nigeria.
“We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told newsmen on the sideline of the Kano Government House, the flag-off venue.
The Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative and urged more Nigerians to emulate Mr Dangote in the humanitarian cause.
He said the Hisbah Board would ensure the products reach the targeted beneficiaries.
Ibrahim Ahmed, a representative of the poor and vulnerable, thanked Mr. Dangote and prayed that God would help him in his businesses.
[Leadership]
The federal government has expressed opposition to the proposals by the National Assembly for creation of nearly 200 new universities in the country.
It said with almost 200 bills in the National Assembly for establishment of new universities, there is a growing concern that the system is becoming overwhelmed.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this in Abuja yesterday during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing.
Daily Trust reports that the country currently has 278 universities, 64 of which are federal; 67, state; and 147, private.
The government had, last month, announced a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities “to enhance the quality and sustainability of private universities, ensuring that only institutions with the necessary financial and academic capacity are granted licenses.”
The minister yesterday emphasised that strengthening the capacities of the existing universities is more important than establishing new ones.
He said: “They (lawmakers) are passing a lot of bills. Today, I can tell you that there are almost 200 bills in the National Assembly. We can’t continue like this. Even though we have a lot of them, the capacity for a university to admit is not there. What we need to do now is to rebuild the capacities so that we can offer more viable courses to our citizens.
“We need to stop this (the 200 bills for new universities) from happening. There is so much pressure on the president. We have to, at least, be sensitive to it as well.
“I understand the sentiment of our legislators. They want to show that they are working. We know they are working. But then, we have enough assets, we have enough opportunities out there for students to go to universities.
“What we now need to do is to begin to mobilise more resources to develop infrastructures, build engineering workshops, build laboratories in these universities, recruit international standard teachers, so that we can begin to get these universities to develop, to deliver high quality of education that will be known for as a country.
“Today, if you care to know, we have 64 federal universities, 67 state universities and 147 private universities. If you look at the entire enrolment together, the private universities account for just 7.5% of total undergraduate enrolment. I will tell you the meaning of the number. The total number of undergraduate enrolments today is just about 875,000, which is, at least, fairly low.
“We have universities with less than 1,000 undergraduate students, and there is this intense demand for more universities to be opened. We have to stop that.”
Daily Trust reports that it is not only the legislators that are obsessed with pushing for the establishing of universities as constituency project or for status symbol.
For instance, while the government has put temporary stop to the process of registering new private universities, it has, however, continued to give approval for the establishment of federal universities, some at the instance of some powerful individuals in the executive arm, or through collaboration with the legislators.
Not long ago, President Tinubu assented to two separate bills establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
On February 3, the president also approved the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in the Ogoni town of Tai, Rivers State.
The president had earlier assented to the takeover and conversion of the forfeited privately owned NOK University, Kachia in Southern Kaduna to Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, among others.
Also within the time under review, the federal government approved the establishment of 11 private universities.
These include: New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State; Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State and Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Others are Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State; Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State.
Senate, reps mum
When contacted for reactions to the government’s opposition to the National Assembly’s proposals for creation of 200 new universities, the spokesmen of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Honourable Akin Rotimi respectively, neither answered several calls nor replied text and WhatsApp messages sent to their mobile telephone lines by our correspondents.
The deputy spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese and the chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Hassan Fulata, also declined comment.
School feeding, vocational training for almajirai; grants for Tsangaya teachers
Alausa said the government had devised measures to provide almajirai with school feeding and vocational training programmes; and grants for Tsangaya and Quranic teachers.
“We have had programmes before that just brought numeracy and literacy to these schools. We are adding vocational education to the Almajirai.
“We have done a clear mapping of these Almajirai, and we are also including the Tsangaya schools and the Quranic schools. We have now laid out clear delivery link indicators that we will be using to give grants to the teachers of these Almajiri schools.
“We are linking those grants to the extent in which they let us bring in numeracy, literacy, and vocational skills. We now have skills that they can learn quickly; vulcanising, plumbing and electrical work,” he said.
The minister also said the mallams teaching the Almajirai need financial support.
“When government starts giving this financial support, those kids will not go out. And it is also linked to what’s causing the migration. Over 90% of those kids are coming from the rural areas. Those parents don’t have money to feed their kids. That is why they send them to the urban areas to be trained on how to recite, memorise the Quran, and other trainings.
“We are also going to the source of the problems. We are designing some conditional transfers. That is why this school feeding is really key to us.
“By the time we go right into the communities, we’re helping the mothers with conditional cash transfers. That is linked to the children going to school. We will monitor the attendance percentage. If they don’t meet over 75% attendance in school, they won’t get those grants. As we do that, year after year, the number of kids, the large urban migration of these kids will reduce significantly and also, the ones that are already there, we are now incentivising, collaborating with the mallams, and those schools who are working with sub-national governments.”
The minister said most of the 115 almajiri schools built by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan were dilapidated.
He said the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Almajiri Commission were collaborating on how to revitalise the schools.
“The Almajiri Commission will take over those schools. They can operate schools now. So, they will be operating those schools.
We’ve designed additional funding from UBEC to the Almajiri Commission for the Nomadic Education Commission as well.
“We’ve designed our own pay-for-performance which UBEC will be using. So, going forward, we will be seeing a lot of improvement in the level of instruction that we are giving to our kids in these almajiri schools and our kids across the country. It’s not a case of just disbursing money and not monitoring that money. That has changed completely, it has changed forever.”
The minister also called on specialised universities in the country to stop offering courses outside of their mandates.
He stressed the need to reduce the number of non-technical courses offered in specialised universities and, instead, make them available in conventional universities.
Alausa further stated that the Education Tax Fund would continue indefinitely.
“What we need to do now is to begin to open up more resources to develop infrastructures, build engineering workshops, and build laboratories in these universities,” he stated.
Govt declares 6-month free skills training
Alausa also announced that the government would offer six-month free skills training to Nigerians to address the two million job gaps in the country.
He said the ministry was implementing measures to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to meet the country’s skill gaps.
“We are doing this through our Digital Training Academy (DTA), which will equip students with the skills needed to support various industries. Based on UNESCO data, there are 650,000 vacancies in software development methodologies, 280,000 in cybersecurity, 160,000 in IT and automation.
“Others are 150,000 in AI and machine learning, 120,000 in cloud computing, and about 60,000 vacancies worldwide in natural language processing. Add that together, we have almost two million job vacancies out there. So what we’re doing with Digital Training Academy is working with trainers now, that will offer six- months to people, young engineers, to get this training.”
He said the ministry was putting measures in place to encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to meet the areas of need of the country, saying, “We are doing this through our Digital Training Academy (DTA) to give students skills to service the industries.”
“We, as a government, will pay for their internet services, pay for their certification- Cisco certification, End of Career certification, and Google certification,” he said.
Alausa said this strategy would give Nigerians new digital skills that they need to stand out in the world.
He added that the training would be launched on or before June 2025.
Speaking on vocational and technical training in schools, the minister said President Tinubu had approved N120 billion as a start-up for students’ entrepreneurial mode.
He said they are presently focusing on the value chain in technical education where practical education would be given to train artisans.
He explained that a dual mode of training would be given, which would allow students to spend three days in school, one day for gigantic training and one day in the workshop.
Alausa said the government was working on a clear strategy to improve the country’s education sector by increasing access, improving quality and enhancing the education system for foundational learning.
Tinubu approves N40bn for National Library completion
The minister also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved N40 billion to commence work on the uncompleted National Library site to support academic and research needs.
[DailyTrust]
Moves by opposition parties to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election gathered momentum on Thursday, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) working on a coalition to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed the development after a closed-door meeting with Obi at the Bauchi Government House.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed expressed readiness to work with Obi in providing purposeful leadership for the country.
“We have a lot of respect and admiration for him because of his style of politics, his statesmanship, and his deep knowledge of the economy. We believe in his vision of uniting the country and promoting good governance,” he said.
Mohammed noted that their discussion centered on political strategy, including challenges in Rivers State and the broader need for a strong opposition.
He further stated, “This is not the first time we have met. I previously met him in Abuja. Today’s discussion is just a continuation of our engagements. The opposition must unite to give Nigerians a viable alternative.”
The meeting follows former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent declaration that he would mobilize opposition figures against Tinubu in 2027.
“I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join forces under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections,” El-Rufai had stated.
Obi: Nigeria Needs Urgent Intervention
Speaking earlier, Obi said his visit to Bauchi was part of consultations with key political figures to address national challenges.
“Our country is in dire need of leadership. The North, in particular, is critical to getting it right. We need to address poverty, education, and security. Until we tackle poverty, we cannot solve criminality,” Obi said.
He criticized the current political landscape, saying, “Instead of focusing on hunger, education, and healthcare, politicians are busy debating budget padding and scandals. We need to refocus our priorities.”
Meanwhile, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) confirmed that discussions for an alliance were ongoing ahead of 2027.
CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, told Punch that a strong southern candidate was needed to defeat Tinubu.
He stated, “Yes, consultations and conversations about a coalition of opposition political parties to defeat Tinubu in 2027 are ongoing.
“The opposition parties need to come together, and they must also take into consideration that there is a quiet agreement between the South and the North that power shall continue to rotate.
“I am very sure 100 per cent that if a northern candidate appears in this coalition, Tinubu will win the election before noon. So, the South should be allowed to spend eight years and they should also consider other candidates from other parts.
“We have to look at candidates with records. We must also make sure that the parties come together for the benefit of the masses, especially the suffering masses of this country.”
The CUPP secretary, who identified Obi as the only southern candidate capable of defeating Tinubu, urged the northerners involved in the coalition discussions to select credible running mates from their region.
He continued, “It was a personal decision for El-Rufa’i to join the SDP, which is within his right as a free citizen of this country. But that is not where the decision of the opposition coalition lies.
“Maybe he’s trying to bring the SDP to the table as part of the opposition coalition.
“But the issue with the 2027 election is that the opposition must take it very seriously because I know that, yes, the APC itself has been disarrayed, but it’s not something we should take for granted.
“The APC is the one that currently controls the apparatus of the state. So, the stronger the opposition, the better for the opposition to achieve this objective, the better for all in the end.
“If we have a coalition that brings in more northern leaders, it can bring in more interested people who can galvanise voters, encourage voters, and have their own voter base and support base.
“If the intent and purpose of those who are discussing the coalition today is to defeat Tinubu, they have only one choice: a southern candidate, that is Obi. So, the North should come up with a running mate.”
PDP Reacts To Call For Coalition
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the opposition political parties must set aside their egos and form a coalition against the APC.
The party chieftain expressed concerns that selecting a presidential candidate might be a risky move for the coalition and urged other parties to adopt the PDP as the platform for the coalition.
He said, “There are two sides to every issue. On both sides of the screen, you have a coalition, which in itself seems like a good thing because it brings most of the key actors together on the same page.
“But the danger lies in that level of cooperation and agreement—who will settle for which role, and who will agree to step down for the sake of the desperate politicians?
“I am not against the PDP bridging the coalition, but I am against people who should only be contesting for governorship or Senate positions in their states, in the name of the coalition, yet want to run for President.
“If we can truly understand what fits us, how to address that, and align our actions accordingly, there wouldn’t be too much of a quarrel.”
He urged those leading the coalition to be honest, stressing that the PDP was open to discussions and willing to accommodate all coalition interests.
LP Speaks On Peter Obi Meeting With Politicians Ahead Of 2027 Election
The LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party’s National Working Committee was, however, not involved in any coalition discussions with individuals or other parties.
He described the LP as a powerful party and expressed doubts that coalition talks would be pursued by the party leadership, noting that Obi’s actions were driven by his interests.
He stated, “Our presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, can, in his capacity, mingle and discuss with like-minded individuals because it’s all about politics, and every politician is looking ahead to the next election.
“As you can see, many people are meeting each other and talking on an individual basis.
“However, on a party level, I have not seen any party, as of today, that has come forward to discuss coalition or anything merger with LP.
“Nigerian political parties are not run by individuals; they are run by a collective group of elected NWC and National Executive Committee members who sit down to decide the affairs and the next steps the party must take.
“As I speak to you now, the Labour Party has not brought up such matters in the National Working Committee. Therefore, it has not been discussed, and I doubt it will be.”
President Donald Trump on Thursday shut the possibility of halting the tariffs imposed on Canada, declaring that “we really don’t need them.”
Speaking at the Oval Office at a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the President emphasized that he would not change his mind on the trade levy.
“We’ve been ripped off for years; we’re not going to be ripped off anymore,” Trump asserted. ”No, I’m not going to bend at all.”
The United States leader complained that his country had been “subjected to costs that we should not be subjected to.”
Trump said America spends $200 billion a year to “subsidize Canada” and can not continue despite his “love” for the country and its people.
“We don’t need anything that they gave; we do it because we want to be helpful. But it comes a point when you just can’t do that; you have to run your own country.”
“And to be honest, Canada works only as a state. We don’t need anything they have,” Trump maintained, dismissing Canada’s aluminum, steel, cars, energy, and lumber.
He also referenced the map and decried separation of the neighbors. “If you look at the map, they drew an artificial line right through it, between Canada and the US.”
”Somebody drew it many, many decades ago, and it makes no sense. It (Canada) is so perfect as a great and cherished state.”
The President said Canada would be allowed to retain its anthem, adding “Keep it, but it will be for the state, one of our greatest states, maybe our greatest state.”
Trump, however, admitted there would be “a little disruption” amid the trade war, “but it won’t be very long. They need us; we really don’t need them. We have to do this, I’m sorry.”
[DailyPost]