The Hon. Minister of the FCT Barrister Nyesom Wike received the visiting President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Tuesday night.
The Minister presented the symbolic key to the city of Abuja to the German President.
Wike Receives Visiting German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Pictures)
Napoli Fans Regret Replacing Osimhen With Lacklustre Lukaku
The Nigerian striker’s boots have proven too big for Romelu Lukaku to fill at Napoli
Romelu Lukaku’s struggles in a Napoli shirt have reached a boiling point, with fans growing increasingly frustrated after his ineffective display in the team’s 1-0 loss to Lazio at the Stadio Diego Maradona.
The Belgian striker, who was brought in as a marquee signing to replace Victor Osimhen, has failed to fill the void left by the Nigerian star, sparking questions about Napoli’s decision-making in the transfer market.
Lukaku underwhelms after Napoli move
Lukaku’s lack of impact was glaring against Lazio. He managed just 15 touches in 90 minutes, completed 10 passes, and failed to register a single shot on target.
Substituted in injury time for Giovanni Simeone, Lukaku was met with a chorus of boos from the home crowd, reflecting the mounting discontent with his performances.
This disappointing outing adds to a troubling pattern for the 31-year-old. While he has scored five goals in 13 Serie A appearances, only three have come in the last two months.
Lukaku’s uninspired performances in key matches against Juventus, Atalanta, and Inter have left Napoli’s attack looking toothless, forcing manager Antonio Conte to substitute him in all those games.
Napoli fans long for Osimhen
The contrast between Lukaku and his predecessor, Victor Osimhen, has not gone unnoticed. While Osimhen consistently delivered match-winning performances, Lukaku has struggled to replicate that level of impact.
The decision to replace Osimhen with Lukaku, a player who commands significant wages but has shown inconsistent form, is now being widely questioned by both fans and analysts.
While Lukaku continues to struggle in Serie A, Osimhen has been thriving in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in nine games.
For a player of Lukaku’s pedigree, expectations were sky-high. However, as boos echo around the Stadio Maradona, it’s clear that his performances have fallen far short of what Napoli fans had hoped for—and that the shadow of Victor Osimhen continues to loom large.
Yuletide: Oil Marketers, NNPCL Strike Deal On Seamless Nationwide Distribution
Oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have signed a deal for a hitch-free distribution of petroleum products during and after the Yuletide season.
This was disclosed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Retail Operators Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) Dr Joseph Obele on Friday, following an official visit of the National President of PETROAN Dr Billy Hary, alongside his team to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL in Abuja.
The association also presented an award as an honourary life council member of PETROAN, and as the most productive GMD/GCEO of NNPCL to Kyari.
“The strategic meeting was very successful as matters on effective collaboration between the NNPCL and PETROAN to ensure seamless distribution of petroleum products across the country during and after the yuletide period were discussed.
“The high point of the meeting was the presentation of award by PETROAN led by the National President of PETROAN to the GCEO of NNPC as an honorary life council member of PETROAN and as the most productive GMD/GCEO of NNPC.
“The National President of PETROAN Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry appreciated the GCEO for his efforts towards resuscitating the Port Harcourt Refinery and the general growth of the Nigerian petroleum Industry,” the statement said.
You Can Remove ‘Kemi’ From Your Name – VP Shettima Tells UK Party Leader
He made the statement on Monday during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has accused the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, of disparaging her country of origin, Nigeria.
He made the statement on Monday during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.
Shettima said, “Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party. We are proud of her in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin.”
He further added, “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s significance on the world stage, stating, “One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian and by 2050, Nigeria will support the United States, and will be the third most populous nation on earth.”
In his address, Shettima also emphasised the key role of migrants in shaping society and contributing to economic growth.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting migrant rights and celebrating their contributions to national development.
In 2022, Badenoch, a UK member of parliament of Nigerian descent, accused Nigerian politicians of misappropriating public funds.
Following her election as the UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) reached out to her office but received no response, according to NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Governor Otti Set To Build An Airport In Abia, Begins Community Engagement
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has began engaging with members of Nsulu community in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the State over the proposed citing of an airport in the village.
Calab Ajagba, the chief of staff to the state governor, Alex Otti, in a meeting with traditional leaders and other stakeholders said the state government has communicated its plan to build an airport in the area with the people of Nsulu.
At the meeting held in the palace of Eze Christopher Ebere in Umuomaita, Isialangwa North LGA on Monday, Ajagba said the Abia state government had secured the consent of heads of various communities.
He noted letters had been sent to various stakeholders on the the proposed project and so far there has not been one single opposition to the planned airport.
“There is no opposition to the project among the leaders, but this meeting was to prepare the minds towards receiving the government’s delegation that would be visiting and interfacing with the community by community starting from Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
“The government, at present, is cutting traces in the site and, when completed, would identify the real owners of the areas chosen and would then pay compensation to them before work commences,” Ajagba said.
He added that the community engagements is aimed at ensuring that the government is not working in isolation and that all those involved are carried along.
“The community engagements the government wants to have with the people is necessary to explain the intentions of the government to the people and to assure them that the government is going to carry them along,” he added.
Ebonyi Governor’s Father Who Married 30 Wives, 108 Children Emerges King
Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, father of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, has been crowned the traditional ruler of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, News360 Nigeria reports.
Ezeogo Nwankpu, renowned for his extensive household, married 30 wives, although some who were unable to bear children eventually left. Currently, he lives with 17 wives and has fathered 108 children.
The newly crowned king is a respected farmer and patriarch. Among his children, 21 have graduated from higher institutions, including Governor Francis Nwifuru, who is one of the children from his fourth wife.
The traditional ruler’s coronation has drawn attention to his unique family structure and his contributions to the community through farming and education.
To rule over 17 villages
Ezeogo Nwankpu is superintending over 17 villages after being decorated as the Chibugo 1 of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community caved out from Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area the governor.
The governor presented a certificate and staff of office to his father, Ezeogo Nwankpu, noting that it was done in line with the law establishing Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Cap 146.
Speaming at the ceremony, Governor Nwifuru went into memory lane on how the family suffered dejection, intimidation and molestation in the hands of the villagers.
He said they killed his uncle in the village square, and later forcefully acquired their land.
According to him, the land in question is now the primary schools where the father’s coronation took place – Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School II.
He described his father as a hard-working man, noting that he got married to 30 wives, but some of them left because they could not bear any child in the family.
Why my father married 30 wives – Gov Nwifuru
Governor Nwifuru said his father was once humiliated by his relatives, neighbourhoods, and the entire community as he was excelling above his equals due to his prospering farming business.
According to the governor, it was based on his villagers maltreatment or intimidation that isolated his father.
This led him into marrying many wives for companionship and helping hands in pursuit of his dreams as a wealthy farmer.
He described his father as a hospitable man, who loves his wives, children, relatives, and neighbours, adding that currently, 25 out of his children have become graduates.
The governor’s words: “My father is a loving father and husband, who take care of all his children and wives.
“All his wives and children work hard to train themselves in school and that is why we have 25 graduates in my family who struggled to train themselves with the efforts of their mothers.”
The governor advised his father as he ascended the royal stool, to be generous with his subjects, ensuring peace and unity in the community.
He charged his father to be just in discharging his duties as traditional ruler without being vindictive, but to reign in God’s direction and motivation.
Roll call
The Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, Chief Godwin Ogbaga, described the installation of Nwifuru Nwankpu as the traditional ruler of the community as most commendable considering his contributions to societal development, particularly in the Izhi clan.
Ogbaga said the credit for Ezeogo Nwankpu’s coronation goes to his son, who is currently the state governor.
He added that Governor Francis Nwifuru created an enabling environment for the exercise by signing into law the document creating the communities as demanded and approved.
The ceremony attracted who is who within and outside the state, including the former governors of the state, Dr. Sam, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator David Umahi.
Others include the three senators and six House of Reps representing the state at National Assembly.
The state executives council members, local government chairmen, coordinators and other government appointees, among others, were also im attendance.
Nigerians Will Kick APC Out Like Ghanaians Did NPP – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says Nigerians will vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the way the New Patriotic Party, NPP, was kicked out in the just concluded Ghana elections.
DAILY POST reports that on Monday evening, the electoral commission of Ghana declared Mahama as the winner of the presidential election held on Saturday.
Mahama defeated the incumbent Ghana’s vice-president and candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, NPP, Mahamudu Bawumia.
Previously president between 2012 and 2017, Mahama garnered 6.3 million votes- 56.5 percent of votes cast.
Reacting in a statement, PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba said the victory of John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, was a clear demonstration of the triumph of the power of the people over misrule and oppressive policies of government as now being witnessed in Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ologunagba alleged that the economic policies of the APC government had sent many Nigerians into poverty.
“The verdict of the people of Ghana in this presidential election is a signal to the APC that its days in office are numbered, as the power of the people in Nigeria, just like in Ghana, will surely prevail, end the APC’s oppressive rule, and return Nigeria to the path of good governance, security, political stability, and economic prosperity on the platform of the PDP in 2027.
“Also unacceptable to Nigerians is that our once-thriving nation, which ranked as a preferred destination for international foreign investment capital and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies under the PDP, has been brought to its knees by the APC with decayed infrastructure, a comatose economy, worsening insecurity, and social uncertainties occasioned by ill-conceived and ill-implemented macroeconomic policies.
“More distressing is that while Nigerians are subjected to harrowing hardship, APC leaders remain unconcerned and unaccountable, imposing harsh taxes and recklessly looting the nation’s treasury to finance their luxury appetites and consumption while arrogantly treating Nigerians as though they are a conquered people,” he said.
SWAN encourages mass participation in sports as Bayelsa 2024 SWAN WEEK commences
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa chapter has advocated for mass participation in Sports as the Bayelsa 2024 SWAN Week officially commenced in Yenagoa.
Speaking during a 4km road walk to kick-start the week-long event, the Director General to the Bayelsa State Government on New Media, Dr Kola Oredipe, said that the walk aimed to promote physical health and fitness, burn calories, tone muscles, shape the body, and reduce stress.
Dr Kola, while emphasizing the importance of sporting activities, called for young people to choose sports as a career, which is now a pathway to alleviate poverty and generate wealth.
“It’s a good thing for sports writers and journalists to create time beyond what we do in our news rooms and studios to engage in sporting activities.”
“Today there are two things to take from this walk, we walk for healthy living, and we also walk to promote sporting activities. We are encouraging young people to look for one particular sport of interest as sports these days are beyond recreation. It’s pure business and a means of livelihood for many people.” Kola stated.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa chapter, comrade Timinepre Ohia maintained that the road-walk is a reminder that exercise holds great promise in maintaining human health through sports as a way of life and appreciated members for turning up in their numbers.
“I’m grateful to God for how far He has helped us and also happy to see the turnout of journalists coming out for the Road Walk. This walk is to celebrate the SWAN WEEK and to also encourage mass participation in sporting activities.”
“The walk is also to create an awareness that the SWAN WEEK has started and we call on all stakeholders in Bayelsa to support us as we have very interesting activities linedup to celebrate this year’s SWAN WEEK.” Timi said.
The chairman Local Organizing Committee, Loveday Herbert expressed that the SWAN WEEK will promote friendship among Media Organizations while he hinted that sports enthusiasts should expect a very funfair week as all is now set for the annual ritual.
In a goodwill message, the immediate chairman of Bayelsa United, Ebike Timitimi described SWAN as a vehicle that enables sporting stories to spread, commending SWAN members for working in unity for the betterment of the union.
“I’m seeing a new thing in SWAN, the unity and love among members of SWAN, and when you exhibit such in a union, it has no option but to grow.”
“Today Bayelsa State is reckoned among States in terms of sports development and this is courtesy of SWAN because if not for the positive reports you have been giving I don’t think it would have been widely known of what is going on in Bayelsa Sports industry.” Ebike said.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa SWAN WEEK 2024 will see actions in football events commence on Monday, 9th December, at Hamilton Garden, Ekeki along NTA-NUJ road Yenagoa with the following fixtures
NDTV vs. Federated Chapel – 10am
Royal FM vs. Creek FM –11am
People’s FM vs. Daar Communications –3pm
Newspaper Corporation vs. NTA –4pm
Akinwunmi Ambode: A Leader Needed To Build on His Legacy
In the annals of Lagos State’s history, the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode holds a special place. His tenure as governor (2015-2019) brought transformative infrastructural and socioeconomic development that positioned Lagos as a modern megacity. Today, as Lagosians reflect on his achievements, there is a growing call for him to return and complete the vision he began.
Governor Ambode’s first term should have naturally transitioned into a second, where his successes could be consolidated. However, due to the complexities of Lagos’ unique political dynamics, the opportunity for a second term eluded him, despite his exceptional performance in service delivery. As we look toward the future, it is clear that his leadership is still vital for the continued growth and prosperity of Lagos State.
TRANSFORMING INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBAN MOBILITY
During his administration, Governor Ambode left an indelible mark on Lagos State’s infrastructure. His iconic projects, such as the Jubilee Flyovers in Abule Egba and Ajah, provided permanent solutions to the intractable traffic congestion in those areas. Similarly, the redesign of the Ojodu Berger axis transformed it into a safer and more efficient transport hub, while the ongoing work on the Pen Cinema Flyover in Agege sought to ease gridlock in another vital corridor.
Governor Ambode’s focus on road rehabilitation saw the completion of over 500 roads, significantly improving mobility across the state. His administration also uplifted the Alimosho axis, where modern drainage systems, paved roads, and streetlights gave residents a renewed sense of pride and security.
The landmark Oshodi Transport Interchange, built through a public-private partnership, stands as a world-class transport hub consolidating Lagos’ status as a 21st-century megacity. The reconstruction of the road leading to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, transforming it into a 10-lane superhighway with a ramp bridge and flyover, was another milestone that boosted the state’s global appeal.
REVOLUTIONIZING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Governor Ambode championed the Bus Reform Initiative, which aimed to introduce 5,000 modern buses to Lagos’ public transportation fleet. With the successful deployment of over 1,000 buses, he extended the BRT scheme to new corridors, including the Oshodi-Abule Egba route, enhancing the daily commuting experience for Lagosians.
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND CULTURE
In the health sector, Ambode’s renovation of Ayinke House into a state-of-the-art 170-bed maternity hospital remains a benchmark. The facility, alongside a new helipad for medical emergencies and Nigeria’s first DNA Forensic Centre, positioned Lagos as a leader in healthcare innovation.
His commitment to safety and security was evident through the provision of N6.6 billion worth of equipment to law enforcement agencies, the establishment of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the passage of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, which safeguarded residents and investors from land grabbers.
In the cultural sector, the Eko Theatre Initiative saw the construction of four theatres in Alimosho, Badagry, Ikeja, and Epe, offering platforms for creative expression and youth empowerment.
FINANCIAL PRUDENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Ambode’s financial acumen ensured that Lagos achieved all these feats without adding to the state’s foreign debt of $1.43 billion, which he inherited. His administration prioritized human capital development and created an enabling environment for economic growth, making Lagos more attractive to investors.
A CALL TO RETURN
As Lagos faces the challenges of urbanization and the need for visionary leadership, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s proven track record makes him a fitting choice to return and continue his transformational work. The calls for his second coming are not just about nostalgia but a genuine desire for a leader who understands the complexities of Lagos and has the capacity to deliver.
Lagosians are yearning for a consolidation of the gains of his first term. The Ambode legacy is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve, and there is no doubt that he is capable of elevating Lagos State to even greater heights if given another opportunity to serve.
It is time for Akinwunmi Ambode to come back and complete the journey he started for the benefit of all Lagosians.
Nigeria’s Tax Reform Bills: A Valid Case For Overhauling the Current Nigerian Tax Regime – Ajibola Bello
Ajibola Bello, Esq.
I have keenly followed the discussions trailing the presentation and legislative process for the passage of the composite Tax Reform Bills. The recent town hall discussion which was hosted by Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television was quite commendable in assisting the masses have a buy-in to the Tax Reform.
As the saying goes that: “two things that are certain are death and taxes”, Nigerians cannot shy away from paying tax, but what is important is that the tax system must be trusted by Nigerians for them to cooperate with it. I believe that this cooperation is what the Reform Committee, led by Taiwo Oyedele, is aiming to achieve by availing himself for press briefings and town hall discussions, while he makes a case for the need for overhauling the tax system through the Tax Reform Bills.
The press briefing and discussion became more imperative, bearing in mind the agitation of the governors of the Northern Nigerian states who had contended that the proposed tax reform seem regionally biased, thereby giving it a political coloration. Also, times are currently very hard and the average Nigerian is not in the mood for further burden by way of taxation.
The contention of the northern governors is centrally hinged on the proposed derivation-based model for the distribution of the collected value added tax. The northern states seem to be crying afoul that their states are not as industrialised as their southern counterparts, hence, they would be shortchanged using the newly introduced sharing formula.
Upon a consideration of what the current tax regime is in Nigeria, and upon reckoning that the system is without a doubt, far from the requisite standard in terms of meeting the qualities and characteristics of a good tax system, this write up is to lend credence to the case for proposed tax reform.
The Tax Reform Bills is a conglomeration of four different Bills, put in two volumes/journals. The Journal No.72 contains three Bills which were to re-organise the collection of tax, create a new tax agency to be known as Nigeria Revenue Service, and also re-organise the enforcement of tax and tax dispute resolution. The fourth Bill which is captured in the Journal No.73 seeks to repeal certain existing multifarious taxes, while streamlining the taxes in Nigeria into a single code.
Upon a perusal of the four Bills, what comes to mind is the longstanding principle that an effective Tax System must reflect certain characteristics which includes: fairness, simplicity, transparency, and administrative ease. Not to score the Tax Reform, but by way of evaluation, one can say that the proposed tax structure reflects the said characteristics to a large extent.
With regards to fairness, which in other words means that tax should be equitable in that taxable persons in varying categories should pay what is proportionate to their categories. Conversely, a group that generates the tax revenue should get higher proportion of distribution. To put it into context, the Tax Reform Bills promotes equity in that progressive tax rates are introduced to ensure that high-income earners contribute proportionally while exempting low-income earners, including minimum wage recipients.
The controversy over the distribution of collected VAT should also be viewed from the lenses of equity in that while the current derivation is 20%, the Bills proposes to increase the derivation for states and local government to 60%. What is more significant is that states where the VAT, (being a consumption and service tax) is generated will now benefit more. This is better as it permits distribution of wealth. For Clarity, where a good is produced in Lagos, and it is consumed more in Sokoto, a higher tax distribution will go to Sokoto. Unlike what was hitherto obtainable, where the higher distribution goes to state where the head office of Producer is situate.
With regards to simplicity, it is instructive to note that under the proposed regime, over 50 nuisance taxes and levies are repealed under the reforms, thereby consolidating the legal framework for tax in Nigeria into a harmonized single-digit system to ease reference, compliance and reduce costs for businesses. With the proposed regime, taxes such as bicycle tax, wheel barrow tax, radio and television tax and some other archaic taxes are to be done away with. Moreover, administration is to be simplified with technological inputs under and enhanced tax infrastructure for assessments and filing, which will encourage compliance. This is because there is a capture of economic activity from inception to conclusion. Therefore, taxpayers will no longer have to worry about where to pay and who to pay to (recall the VAT issue between Rivers State and FIRS). Also, the new regime is intending to eliminate multiple tax collections by agencies of government under various guise, while the Nigeria Revenue Service will be the focal entity for same.
With regards to transparency, one must reckon with the fact that the leakages in the system of taxation affects accountability and once a system is unable to have a central collection, it’d be difficult to achieve transparency. The current regime of radio and television, bicycle and wheel barrow and other related colonial taxes that have become entrenched in some states and local government systems have been lost in records and are unaccounted because the system is not holistic. The collection of such taxes however places burden on the downtrodden and micro businesses. The proposed regime seems to attempt a holistic collection and redistribution which makes it easy to account. Going forward, citizens can challenge entities levying unwarranted taxes as there will be no hiding place once the tax regime is codified into a single-digit framework.
Administrative ease or efficiency requires that what is to be expended for the collection of tax should not be more than the tax to be generated. With the introduction of a simplified system, the cost of administration of tax should reduce to a bearable minimum, while the blockade of leakages should automatically result in the increase of revenue generation.
On a general note, one can say that there is huge prospect in the Tax Reform Bill for the correction of economic and regional disequilibrium existent amongst the Nigerian states. Through the tax reform, states are now further encouraged to increase their internally generated revenue through economic activities that will lead to consumption of goods and services. Contrary to the apprehension of the governors of the northern states, it has been demonstrated that states in the north who consume products that are manufactured in the south can now have increased rate of distribution of VAT as against the current situation. Meanwhile, the low-income earners and small companies (companies whose revenue is not more than N50million) in every state in Nigeria including the north, can now enjoy tax exemption which serves as a buffer to adjust to the current economic situation. The graduated reduction by 5% can also attract businesses to every part of the country and specifically for the north that is more agriculture inclined, it is worthy of note that there is exemption from tax on agricultural equipment while 0% VAT applies to food, education, and healthcare services.
What the foregoing indicates is that there are a lot of positives for the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria in the Tax Reform Bills. However, it must be borne in mind that it is not all rosy with the Bill bearing in mind the hint of the government to generate revenue through the progressive rate of VAT from 2025. It must be borne in mind that businesses in the country are going through the hardest of economic times in view of forex, energy cost, high overhead cost, import duties, employee salaries in view of new minimum wage. While multiple taxation may be eliminated, these are other features that needs to be put into consideration for generation of tax especially from businesses.
That notwithstanding, it will be ideal to have the Bills go through the legislative process by ensuring a holistic debate on the provisions for the benefit of Nigerians as we eliminate the portions of the Bills that may have economic backlash.
More importantly, the general feature of the Tax Reform Bills largely meets the core characteristics of a good taxing system, hence, it is a valid basis for Nigeria to overhaul the current tax system and proceed to passage of the Tax Reform Bills into law.
Ajibola Bello is a Legal Practitioner
and Deputy Managing Partner at
Law Corridor, Abuja.
ajibola@lawcorridor.com