The Federal Government’s ambitious plan to revamp Nigeria’s tax laws has gained momentum as the Senate and House of Representatives received over 200 memoranda from stakeholders during public hearings.

Naija News reports that the hearings, which attracted participation from government agencies, private sector representatives, civil society groups, and tax professionals, marked a crucial step in the country’s tax reform process.

A key focus of the discussions was how to balance economic growth, revenue generation, and business sustainability, while addressing concerns from individuals and corporate entities.

Stakeholders Offer Diverse Perspectives

The hearings showcased varied opinions on the proposed tax reform bills. While some stakeholders welcomed the move as a step toward modernizing the tax system, others warned of potential challenges.

The House of Representatives alone received 54 memoranda, indicating widespread interest in the tax reform debate.

Government officials and economists argued that the reforms would reduce the budget deficit, enhance tax compliance, and streamline collection processes. However, critics expressed concerns that proposed changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) and income tax brackets could negatively impact small businesses and middle-class citizens.

Finding A Balance Between Growth And Fairness

Key issues raised during the hearings included expanding the tax base without increasing rates, preventing overburdening of businesses and individuals and ensuring fairness in tax distribution.

The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) called for a simplified tax system to enhance compliance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The group also advocated for lower corporate tax rates to encourage investment and job creation.

Similarly, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) urged the government to avoid increasing taxes on raw materials, warning that it could lead to higher production costs and hurt local industries.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) voiced concerns about the impact on low-income earners, emphasizing the need for a progressive tax system where high-income earners and corporations contribute more.

Calls For Transparency And Sector-Specific Adjustments

Several civil society organizations (CSOs), including Tax Justice Network Africa, pushed for greater transparency and accountability in tax collection and spending.

They also urged the government to combat tax evasion among multinational corporations and ensure that revenue is directed toward social development programs.

Representatives from the oil and gas sector cautioned that frequent tax policy changes could affect Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stressed the importance of clear legal frameworks to prevent confusion and legal disputes.

Other contributions came from organizations such as the Alumni Association of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, the Centre for African Policy Research Advisory, and Project Sprint.

The Legislative Mentorship Initiative described the reforms as a strategic blueprint for Nigeria’s economic future but urged lawmakers to consider the impact on vulnerable populations.

The Centre for African Policy Research Advisory advocated for public engagement in the reform process, while Project Sprint raised concerns over the effects of VAT adjustments on economic activity and labor supply.

What’s Next For Tax Reforms?

With deliberations ongoing, lawmakers are set to review the memoranda and fine-tune the proposed tax reforms.

The goal is to pass legislation that will boost economic growth, reduce inequality, and enhance government revenue collection.

However, the specifics of the reforms remain contentious, with lawmakers facing the challenge of balancing competing interests while crafting a fair, sustainable, and business-friendly tax system.

As the National Assembly navigates the complexities of tax policy, all eyes remain on policymakers to see how they will reconcile diverse perspectives and deliver a tax system that drives Nigeria’s economic future.

In the coming months, stakeholders hope that the final reform package will effectively address their concerns while positioning Nigeria for long-term fiscal stability and growth.

A recent report by the Cadre Harmonisé (CH) on Acute Food and Nutrition Insecurity has projected that 30.6 million people across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will face a food crisis between June and August 2025. The report, conducted by federal and state governments with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other development partners, highlights that this figure includes 150,978 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Currently, an estimated 24.9 million people, including 116,765 IDPs, are already experiencing a food crisis, a situation that could worsen by May 2025. The CH analysis warns that during the lean season from June to August, households are likely to face increased food shortages, potentially pushing more people in high-risk areas into critical food insecurity.

The report identifies conflicts, climatic shocks, and macroeconomic reforms as key factors driving the crisis. These challenges have limited households' purchasing power and ability to secure adequate food. Additionally, the analysis highlights critical levels of acute malnutrition in the Northeast, particularly in Central Borno, Northern Yobe, and parts of Eastern Sokoto. Local Government Areas such as Mobbae and Ngarcail in Northern Borno, as well as Mashi in Northern Katsina, are among the most affected.

The primary drivers of the food crisis include ongoing conflict and insecurity—such as insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping—as well as high vulnerability levels that hinder households' ability to cope with shocks. Other contributing factors are soaring food prices, dwindling household food stocks, limited income-generating opportunities, inadequate food consumption, and poor access to clean water and sanitation.

FAO Country Representative Koffy Dominique praised the Federal Government and stakeholders for completing the February-March 2025 CH analysis cycle, which began on February 20 across 26 states and the FCT. He noted that Nigeria has experienced its worst inflation in over two decades, exacerbating economic hardship for many families and making it increasingly difficult to afford food and essential goods. Dominique also pointed to the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, such as flooding, alongside armed conflict and organized crime, which have prolonged insecurity and worsened food insecurity.

The CH analysis workshops, held twice a year, aim to identify populations and areas at risk of food and nutrition insecurity and propose measures to prevent or mitigate crises. Dominique emphasized the importance of these efforts in addressing the country's growing food security challenges.

Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, highlighted the role of fuel subsidy removal and insecurity in driving up food prices. Represented by Okwudule Onyema, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve, Ogunbiyi reaffirmed the government's commitment to leveraging the CH report's findings to tackle the food and nutrition crisis. He also called on humanitarian organizations to use the report to guide their interventions nationwide.

The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to address the root causes of food insecurity and prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that he remained a bonafide member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former PDP presidential candidate, who reacted to a report that he was planning to abandon the PDP for another party, said it was a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic. 

Atiku has been involved in talks about an opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, a call he started making shortly after the 2023 general election.

But, reacting to reports of his defection from PDP, the Atiku Media Office said Atiku remained a principal bonafide member of the PDP, the main opposition party.

“Recall that Atiku Abubakar had persistently called for a coalition of opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election with the aim of ousting the incompetent and pain-inflicting All Progressives Congress, in order to give Nigerians a new lease of life.

“Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties – the PDP inclusive.

“Hence, it is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping PDP ship. Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country.

“We, therefore, wish to state unequivocally that Atiku remains a principal bonafide member of the PDP, the main opposition party,” the office stated.

The media office added that any insinuation to the contrary was contrived to confuse Nigerians about the magnitude of the grand coalition that is at work to rescue Nigeria from the grip of the ruling APC.

The war of words between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has intensified following her suspension from the Senate over allegations of misconduct.

While Akpabio accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of making baseless allegations, the Kogi lawmaker fired back, insisting that she was not the first person to accuse him of sexual harassment and challenged him to submit to an independent investigation.

The dispute became a public spectacle two weeks ago, when during plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the relocation of her seat, boldly telling the Senate President that she was not afraid of him.

Although Akpabio attempted to downplay the situation, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on a live television programme the next morning, where she accused him of sexual harassment.

Senate Suspends Akpoti-Uduaghan Amid Public Outcry

Last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months based on the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

The decision has drawn backlash from rights groups and activists, who insist that the senator was denied a fair hearing.

Akpabio: Natasha Fond Of Traumatic, “Useless” Allegations

Speaking at an event commemorating International Women’s Day, Naija News reports that Akpabio portrayed himself as a victim of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations, suggesting that her past claims of sexual harassment against others had proven false.

“It was only yesterday I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That was when all hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up.

“This was said to have happened on the 8th of December, a day before my birthday. From that date till now, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even her husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed, and her seat was changed,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President further questioned the credibility of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past allegations, warning that her accusations were damaging the image of the 10th Senate.

He further stated, “Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on other people she has accused in the past? None has been proved so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this has caused the 10th Senate with all these useless allegations?”

Akpoti-Uduaghan: Let Akpabio Face Investigation

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, dismissed Akpabio’s attempt to trivialise the allegations, stressing that a formal investigation was necessary.

Giwa pointed out that Akpabio had faced similar allegations in the past, citing the case of Joy Nunieh, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“If Akpabio makes such a statement, the question anybody will ask is why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him? Joy Nunieh made the same allegation, and now it is Natasha. Akpabio should subject himself to investigation,” he stated.

Giwa also accused Akpabio of using his position to manipulate Senate proceedings to shield himself from scrutiny.

“Is it true that Natasha has been prevented from participating in international engagements involving senators? Is it true that she has been forced to use her funds for official trips while others have their expenses covered? These are hard facts that need to be addressed,” he said.

Legal Battle Looms As Mediation Efforts Continue

Despite pressure from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains determined to fight her suspension in court.

Her lawyer confirmed that efforts are being made to broker peace, adding that a meeting between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio is scheduled for next week.

“She welcomes the involvement of the Women Affairs Minister and others who are trying to mediate. A meeting between them is scheduled for next week,” Giwa stated.

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old suspect, Tahamado Demian, for the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.

This was disclosed in a statement that the command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, shared on X.com on Saturday night.

The statement disclosed that the rescue mission took place at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area between Numan and Demsa local government areas. The operation, launched on February 21, 2025, led to Demian’s arrest.

According to the statement, the victims were rescued unharmed without any ransom paid and are currently receiving medical care.

The police also recovered a locally-fabricated assault rifle, a handset, and multiple SIM cards during the operation.

The statement read, “In a bid to ensure protection of lives and property, a safe and secured environment in the state, the command carried out a coordinated rescue operation at a particular criminal hideout situated at a remote side of Gwaida Malam village connecting part of Numan and Demsa LGAs.

“These rescue operations, commenced from 21st February, 2025, in various criminal hideouts within the state and it yielded positive results as one Tahamado Jonathan Demian 34years old a member of the same church, with the victims was arrested for kidnapping of his two Reverend fathers (Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami) of Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo respectively.

“The command’s planned operation had successfully rescued the two Reverend fathers unhurt and no dime is paid as ransom. The victims are now receiving medical attention.

“The suspect was apprehended and now taking into custody for discreet investigation. Investigation so far has led to the recovery of one locally fabricated Assault rifle, two handsets and sim cards.

“The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, expressed gratitude for the support the command is receiving from the government, sister security agencies and the public.

“He therefore encouraged them to sustain the cooperation and collaboration for timely response to emergency situations. The police boss added that together, we will ensure peace and security across the state and beyond through deligent prosecution of the suspect.”

Former Senator for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has criticised the National Population Commission (NPC) for requesting nearly a trillion naira to conduct a national census, describing it as “total madness.”

The NPC had proposed a budget of ₦942 billion for this year’s housing and population census.

However, reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu rejected the request, instead considering the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for the exercise.

Reacting to the development, Shehu Sani praised Tinubu’s decision, stating on X: “National Population Commission request for almost a trillion naira just to count the number of Nigerians is total madness.

The rejection of their budget is commendable.”

Federal Government ministries, departments, and agencies, along with the Presidency, have collectively spent at least ₦1.99 billion on foreign trips, training, and estacodes in France between May 2023 and September 2024.

The expenditure data, sourced from GovSpend—a transparency platform operated by BudgIT—covered costs such as airfare, accommodation, visa processing, estacodes, training programs, and business meetings.

A significant portion of the funds was allocated to executive training programs, study trips, and international conferences.

According to The PUNCH, one of the largest single disbursements was ₦626.91 million, paid by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta for training and type rating of 35 cadet pilots in South Africa, France, and Nigeria. The funds were transferred via the GIFMIS platform to the PAP Naira Transit Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The State House also incurred substantial expenses on international travel. This included ₦149.79 million spent on foreign exchange purchases for the First Lady’s trip to France on April 1, 2024, and ₦6.29 million allocated in March 2024 for a five-year multiple-entry visa for the Vice President.

Several MDAs also recorded notable spending on overseas trips. The National Merit Award allocated ₦15.5 million as an advance payment for the course fees of eight participants attending a training program in Paris from May 14 to 20, 2023.

The Centre for Management Development disbursed ₦34.3 million for six officials—each receiving ₦5.71 million—to participate in training in France.

Senior officials also benefited from these trips. The Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Adamu Jummai, and former Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Nuhu Fikpo, had their executive programs in Paris fully funded.

Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) spent ₦41.09 million on multiple officials, including its Technical Adviser, Temitope Yoosuf, who attended business meetings with Airbus in Toulouse, France.

The company’s CEO, Jane Egerton-Idehen, and its Head of Corporate Affairs, Aisha Bantam, were also funded with ₦11.88 million and ₦5.65 million, respectively, to attend the World Space Business Week in Paris.

The Nigeria Football Federation allocated ₦124.45 million for Super Falcons players’ flight tickets for their Olympic Games qualifier against Ethiopia, with travel routes covering America, France, Spain, and Nigeria.

Additional significant expenditures included ₦10.62 million by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for airfare costs for three officials attending the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting in Paris.

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission disbursed ₦7.90 million for an officer’s participation in the 2023 International Bar Association Conference in France.

The Federal Ministry of Health funded ₦5.30 million each for David Beine Atuwo and Olusola Ayoola to cover airfare and participation in the 11th EDCTP Forum in France.

The Defence Intelligence Agency recorded two major payments, totaling ₦574.52 million, covering salaries of two seconded staff of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit at Interpol in Lyon, France, and the Egmont Group in Ottawa, Canada.

These expenditures have drawn scrutiny amid concerns about rising government spending and the increasing cost of governance.

With the economy facing challenges such as high inflation, fiscal deficits, and a depreciating naira, calls for greater accountability and transparency in public spending have intensified.

Earlier, PUNCH reported that in the first six months of President Bola Tinubu’s administration—June to December 2023—the State House spent at least ₦3.4 billion on both local and foreign trips.

Similarly, in the first quarter of 2024, ₦5.24 billion was expended on travel expenses for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu.

Between January and March 2024, ₦1.35 billion was allocated for presidential trips and related expenses, ₦3.53 billion was used for foreign currency purchases covering 10 international trips, and ₦637.85 million was paid to two travel agencies for presidential flight bookings.

Opposition parties have criticized President Tinubu’s frequent international travel, arguing that he prioritizes trips abroad over addressing domestic challenges.

However, the Presidency has defended his travel engagements, asserting that a leader focused on attracting foreign investments must be proactive in seeking opportunities.

A few months ago, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also defended Tinubu’s frequent trips, emphasizing their benefits.

“Nigeria has the money. How much does travelling cost compared to the benefits? Again, how much does it cost really when you compare it to some of the things that the President has already addressed?

“How much have we wasted on fuel, electricity, and other subsidies? He was subsidising consumption instead of production and subsidising the real sector of the economy,” he said.

Since taking office, Tinubu has embarked on 32 foreign trips, visiting 19 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, and South Africa, among others.

Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticised the Lagos state house of assembly over its decision to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as speaker.

Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers following allegations of financial misconduct but was later reinstated in what George described as a “disregard for due process”.

Speaking in an interview with The Tribune on Saturday, George accused the assembly of acting like a “private enterprise” rather than a democratic institution.

George questioned why Obasa was reinstated without addressing the allegations that led to his removal.

He further suggested that the lawmakers’ actions undermined democratic principles.

“If they are deceiving themselves, they cannot deceive the general public,” George said.

”If you are the leader of a party and the party was going to go through a procedure, and they accused the speaker of a lot of inappropriate activities – financial and otherwise – shouldn’t you even address those issues?

“Since he didn’t do it, there is no need for Obasa to respond to the allegations levelled against him. The same people came back and reinstated or re-elected him. It is an indecent approach to what democracy is all about.

“If you were accused of certain misdemeanor openly and people went through a process by which they said enough of you, if you want to come back, you know you will have to defend yourself first. It’s already in the public domain, but there was an order that he should be reinstated since it is a private enterprise. 

“Do you return people like that in a democratic dispensation to override whatever others had been saying? Is it that those Assembly members didn’t know what they had been talking about before they removed Obasa, or they are absolutely acting like a military organisation?”

The PDP chieftain also alleged that a single individual appeared to be in control of the assembly.

“You can see who is in charge. It’s a private enterprise, he can hire and fire. Is that democracy? You can’t have your opinion to explain yourself based on the demands from your constituency,” George added.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has approved the recruitment of an additional 500 personnel for the Ogun State Security Network Agency, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), announced the decision in a statement on Saturday, highlighting the state government’s continued dedication to strengthening security across Ogun State.

According to Adedigba, this recruitment drive follows the recent passing-out parade of 690 newly trained operatives, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to safeguarding residents.

He stated, “Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications free of charge via the official website: [ogunstateamotekun.com.ng](http://ogunstateamotekun.com.ng).

“The application window will remain open from Monday, March 10, 2025, to Friday, April 4, 2025.

“A comprehensive screening exercise is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to Thursday, May 1, 2025.

“Prospective applicants are encouraged to adequately prepare and adhere to the guidelines that will be provided throughout this critical process.

“This recruitment initiative marks a significant advancement in our continuous efforts to enhance the capacity of the Amotekun Corps, enabling our operatives to serve and protect the citizens of Ogun State more effectively.

“We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to participate in this important undertaking and play a vital role in fostering a secure community environment.”

This move is expected to further boost security operations and reinforce the presence of the Amotekun Corps in safeguarding lives and property across the state.