The leadership of the 10th Senate has postponed the passage of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills to Wednesday for proper scrutiny and debate.

The four bills, Nigerian Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, Revenue Tax Board Bill, and Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill were forwarded by the President six months ago as part of efforts to reform the country’s fiscal policies and boost revenue generation.

The delay in the passage of the bills had raised concerns, especially after the House of Representatives approved them two weeks ago, putting pressure on the Red Chamber.

In a related development, the Senate leadership resolved to hold a two-day national security summit to brainstorm a solution to the rising wave of killings and other forms of insecurity in the country.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.

While on a working visit to France, bandits in a senseless campaign of violence killed innocent Nigerians in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara States, culminating in calls for President Bola Tinubu to cut short his vacation to return home to lead the fight against insecurity from the front.

Leading the debate, Ibrahim said the “high level” of global insecurity is driven by events in Russia and Ukraine and compounded by tensions between the global north and global south.

According to him, the issues have continuously worsened food insecurity and affected the attainment of the sustainable development goals.

The former Ondo governorship aspirant emphasised that the ongoing trade tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on balance of power in global affairs are gradually giving way to a new world order.

“This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship — all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years,” he said.

Continuing, Ibrahim said Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the Senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest

“The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally

“There is a need for alternative language in military engagement as well as enhanced funding to advance the professional practices and respected tradition of the future military,” he stated.

He therefore called for an “empirical fact-finding national security summit” to help develop far-reaching solutions.

The senator representing Katsina South, Mohammed Dandutse, seconded the motion, saying the lack of intelligence sharing among security agencies was a major setback.

He said, “Nigeria is blessed, we have no other country except Nigeria. We have to face these criminals squarely. No country succeeds except with peace and security.

“The security agencies are given funding. So there is a need for the judicious spending of these resources.”

The senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe and the senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, however, disagreed with the move.

  Both lawmakers argued that a security summit may not be the solution

The senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam and the senate minority leader, Abba Moro,, countered their view by backing the motion.

At the end, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority of senators voted in favour of the summit.

Akpabio, however, proposed that the summit should last for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim.

The senate subsequently resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to organise the two-day national security summit in Abuja

The event will include delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.

The red chamber also urged the federal government to review and rejig the country’s security policies based on outcomes from the summit.

….As Nenadi, Kingibe others bemoan the hardship in the country.

The hardship in the country vis-à-vis the plight of Nigerian workers was at the centre of the conversation in Abuja on Friday as some members of the Obidient Movement powered by the Cyrus Group and Free Nigeria Foundation held a talk show as part of the May Day celebration.

The high points of the well-attended event at the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja were the remarks of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP frontline Chieftain Dr Segun Sowunmi, who declared that the 2023 Labour Party standard bearer, Peter Obi, remains the only authentic Presidential candidate for 2027.

According to Dr Sowunmi, “You know I am of the PDP but the future of Nigeria is in Peter Obi. He is the only authentic candidate all others are fake”

He said that Obi is restless to see Nigeria work, and he is everywhere looking for answers to our problems, unlike others who are just waiting for what they are not ready for. “I am very uncomfortable that we are busy passing the batten between the North and the South West, leaving the very critical section of the country, the Igbo, even when they have Obi, who is the future.

Dr Sowunmi supported his position with historical illustrations and the story of the circumstance that brought Obi into politics which underscores the fact that Obi is basically in politics to change the country. He charged the Obidient Movement and the Labour Party to emulate the Labour Party in Brazil and work hard to lead the change that is needed in this country.

The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, said that the Labour Party actually belongs to Workers wherever they are, at the construction site, in hospitals, in the security sector, etc.

She said that the Labour Party takes any issue concerning workers' welfare very seriously and gave five deals the LP has to restore the dignity of Nigerian workers including, among others, giving workers living wages, Labour rights, non-negotiable health and housing programs for workers, and enforcement of Labour laws.

She said that workers cannot be the creators of wealth and live in penury, pointing out that everything about the Labour struggle is for the welfare of the people.

Dr Nenadi said that a government can be busy clapping for itself that it has achieved a lot but once it’s not reflected in the welfare of the people, it’s no governance.

“They can lock everyone, but they cannot luck God. 'Stay the course; don’t sell your birthright for the sake of tomorrow’s children”, the LP acting boss concluded.

The famous poet, Dike Chukwumerije, also addressed the audience, charging Nigerians to brace up for the inevitable change even if it would take eighty years, but it’s desirable not necessarily for this generation but for the sake of our children and children’s children.

Also speaking at the event, the FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe berated the obedient and the youths of Nigeria for not doing enough to take and own the country.”You are too quiet in this country and we are going down in this country, the Labour Party Senator screamed to the audience. 

The other highlight of the occasion was the questions and answers session as the FCT Senator took the hot seat to respond to her constituents. While the questions to her were hot, she was equal to them addressing all the issues squarely.

The coordinator of the talk show and the Director of the Free Nigeria Foundation, Dr Moses Paul, sent warning signals to all those thinking that 2027 is going to be business as usual, declaring a ‘never again’ mantra for 2027. Dr Paul, popularly known as Dr Mo., particularly sent a message to the FCT Minister Nyesom WIKE to stop intimidating Abuja residents over election because the voters know where they are and where they are going.

The iconic gospel musician Bongos Ikwue was among the elders and other Labour veterans who graced the highly successful gathering.

Signed 

Ibrahim Umar 

POMR Spokesman 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education (FCOEs), following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023. This legislation, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, empowers FCOEs to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor's Degrees in Education—marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education reform.

Announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, the Education Minister described the implementation as a bold and progressive step. The Dual Mandate Policy represents not just a reform but a revolution in teacher preparation—enabling FCOEs to offer both NCE and Bachelor’s degrees. This initiative empowers institutions, broadens access, and enhances the quality of classroom instruction across Nigeria.

According to the Act, all FCOEs that meet the National Universities Commission (NUC) standards are now eligible to operate under the Dual Mandate. This inclusive policy ensures that institutions, regardless of their establishment date, can participate once the stipulated requirements are met.

The Honourable Minister emphasized the policy’s impact, noting that offering degrees within FCOEs equips educators with higher competencies to meet the evolving demands of the education sector. It also expands access to higher education by providing an alternative route to earn Education degrees outside the traditional university system.

The Dual Mandate addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, including curbing declining enrolment, preserving institutional relevance, and eliminating the need for university affiliations in the issuance of degrees.

Furthermore, the policy grants greater autonomy to FCOEs in curriculum development and implementation, enabling them to respond more swiftly to emerging trends and needs in the teaching profession.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing education, the Honourable Minister stated: “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. This policy strengthens the foundation of our education system—ensuring that every teacher is trained, qualified, and prepared.”

The inclusion of eligible FCOEs in the Dual Mandate Programme marks a vital step toward advancing Nigeria’s educational development.

Boriowo Folasade

Director, Press & Public Relations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to reclaiming ungoverned areas—particularly forests—in the North West and across Nigeria, deploying advanced surveillance and technology to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

He made the promise when he addressed the Katsina elders and leaders at a state dinner held at the Government House on Friday night.

"On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.

"We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.

"Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils," he said.

President Tinubu highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria's economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.

The President said the federal government will consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.

President Tinubu also assured that victims of terrorism will receive support to pick up their lives.

The President thanked Aminu Bello Masari for his role in ensuring that he got the endorsement of the North West and emerged as the APC presidential candidate.

The President also thanked the governors who honoured the invitation of the Katsina State Governor Radda for the commissioning of projects and his daughter's wedding.

The governors were those of Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara States.

President Tinubu acknowledged the leadership roles of Katsina indigenes in the country and described President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity who contributed significantly to Nigeria's development.

"I wish him well," he said.

In his remarks, Governor Dikko Radda said the state had established a security outfit that gathers and supplies intelligence. 

He said the proposed airport expansion, including the cargo terminal, customer terminal, and fire truck, would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54 billion.

Former Governor Masari thanked the President for appointing two ministers from the state to the Federal Executive Council.

Masari also thanked the President for appointing Kaduna indigenes as special advisers, chairmen of boards and heads of regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

On why he supported the President's ambition to contest the 2023 elections, he said: 

"You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country. You know the problem with humans: There will be resistance when new changes and a new social order are coming. And if you are not strong enough and determined, you will succumb, and the problem continues.

"But leadership is not about when it is all well. The hard way is the best; you know leaders during hard times. I know and believe you can do it; you have the courage."

Masari said the insecurity in the North West must be tackled holistically from the bottom up.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(information & Strategy)