Legal Nigeria

By Dare Ojepe

At this significant crossroads, the future prosperity of Nigeria heavily relies on visionary reforms and active civic participation. One such critical reform, currently being pursued by President Bola Tinubu, involves the restructuring of our nation’s tax system—a move that promises to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and enhanced socio-economic equity.

Let us begin with the essence of the reform. These changes are not just about numbers and policies; they represent a transformative vision for our country; one where resources are judiciously managed, and opportunities are equitably distributed among all Nigerians, especially the youth, who are the backbone of our nation.

Driving Economic Growth

The proposed tax reform is designed to foster an economic environment where businesses can thrive and innovation is encouraged. By broadening the tax base and ensuring efficiency in collection, the government aims to create a more stable economic foundation. This stability is crucial for attracting domestic and international investments, which, in turn, translate to increased job opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians entering the workforce.

Enhancing Public Service Delivery

The link between tax reform and effective public service delivery can not be overstated. With better compliance and fairer distribution, tax revenues can significantly boost funding for essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Imagine schools with state-of-the-art facilities, hospitals with modern equipment, and roads that connect our nation seamlessly, all attainable with the right fiscal policies and when government can mobilise enough revenue to deliver on them. As it currently stands, Nigerian government is unable to mobilise tax revenue to fund our development compared to our peers in Africa like South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Egypt, Angola and Ethiopia where government tax to GDP ratio is well over 18%.

Empowering Youth and Entrepreneurs

One of the exciting aspects of these reforms is the focus on creating a supportive environment for youth entrepreneurship. The reforms include some tax exemptions for businesses with annual turnover of less than fifty million naira, which significantly benefits budding entrepreneurs. This measure encourages startups and small enterprises, enabling young Nigerians to transform their innovative ideas into flourishing businesses without the immediate pressure of financial burdens.

Furthermore, the reform proposes some tax exemptions for employees whose annual income is less than ten million naira. This initiative directly impacts young professionals entering the workforce, allowing them to save more and invest in their future, thereby enhancing their economic stability.

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

At the heart of any effective reform is transparency. The proposed changes include measures to enhance accountability in tax administration, ensuring that every naira collected is directed towards meaningful development projects. This approach aims to build public trust and foster a civic culture where contributing to national growth is seen as a collective responsibility.

A Call to Action

To the vibrant youth of our nation, your role in this transformation is indispensable. We urge you to engage in this dialogue, to understand the nuances of these policy shifts, and to advocate for transparent and equitable reforms. Your voices, your ideas, and your actions are essential in driving this change and securing a prosperous future for all.

Let us unite with purpose and determination, embracing these reforms not as mere policy adjustments but as the stepping stones to a brighter Nigeria. Together, we can create an enduring legacy of prosperity and equity for generations to come.

-Ojepe is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement_

Source: PM News

In a bid to ensure seamless night mobility for residents, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to intensify its night traffic monitoring and management efforts.

Jubril Gawat, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, tweeted about the directive. 

Gawat emphasised the administration’s commitment to addressing traffic congestion in critical areas in the tweet.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu has mandated LASTMA to deploy special traffic monitoring and oversight in strategic zones, including Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajah, and other congestion-prone areas across Lagos,” Gawat wrote.

He further revealed that the officers are equipped with traffic management tools and heavy-duty and mini-towing vehicles to ensure effective operations.

According to Gawat, the Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, spearheads the operation to improve nighttime traffic flow across Lagos.

Giwa has directed the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki, to enforce the governor’s directive by deploying officers and resources for real-time traffic management in congestion-prone areas.

In his remarks, the LASTMA General Manager, Oki, appealed to residents for cooperation.

“We urge all road users to adhere to established traffic regulations and work with our officers to ensure smooth operations,” he said.

Residents have also been encouraged to use the LASTMA toll-free hotline, 080000527862, for swift responses to traffic-related concerns.

Source: The Nation

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday presented the 2025 fiscal budget proposal, amounting to N49.7 trillion, to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The budget, titled “2025 Budget of Restoration,” seeks approval to address key national priorities and rebuild the economy.

In his address, the President disclosed that the N49.7 trillion budget deficit would be financed through a borrowing plan of N13.08 trillion.

He described the budget as “ambitious but necessary” to secure Nigeria’s future, with a focus on stability, growth, and development.

Tinubu outlined the guiding principles of the 2025 budget, which aim to restore macroeconomic stability, enhance the business environment, promote inclusive growth, and foster equitable income distribution.

He added that the allocations were aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to drive Nigeria’s developmental objectives.

The President detailed the revenue and expenditure projections for 2025, saying the government targets N34.82 trillion in revenue while overall expenditure is projected at N47.90 trillion.

Debt servicing will account for N15.81 trillion, with the budget deficit constituting 3.89% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Economic projections within the budget include reducing inflation from the current 34.6% to 15% by the end of 2025 and stabilising the naira-to-dollar exchange rate at N1,500, with Crude oil production expected to rise to 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd).

The President attributed these projections to several factors, including increased petroleum exports, improved security leading to bumper harvests, and enhanced foreign exchange inflows.

The budget prioritises critical sectors, with allocations as follows: Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion; Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion; Health: N2.48 trillion and Education: N3.52 trillion.

Source: PM News

By Philip Yatai

World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project said it has disbursed 250,000 dollars (383.25 million naira) to 10 communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as Community Revolving Fund (CRF).

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State, said during the disbursement in Abuja on Tuesday, that each of the 10 communities received 25,000 dollars (38.33 million naira).

Mahmoud explained that the 10 benefitting communities qualified for the pilot stage of the CRF through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees.

The pilot communities were Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.

She said CRF was a pivotal aspect of the ACReSAL Project provided at zero interest rates.

She urged the benefiting community to utilize the funds wisely and responsibly to enhance their socio-economic well-being, improve their livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective communities.

She explained that Component B of the project focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at community and household levels.

This, she said, was being done by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management strategies, through climate-smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.

The minister said that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in the country.

It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT,” she said.

The minister also distributed 60 solar-powered water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs) and 30 motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards.

She also distributed a water tanker and a multipurpose truck to support climate-smart irrigation framing and reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.

She expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project.

Mahmoud further affirmed that the administration’s commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city, is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Earlier, Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, had explained that CRF aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.

Geidam added that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies.

“This is crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security,y and ultimately enhancing people’s livelihoods and community growth,” he said.

He gave an assurance of the secretariat’s commitment to ensuring the effective and prudent application of the funds for the intended purposes.

He said the project in the FCT was already yielding the desired results.

He particularly said that the project had significantly led to advancements in the reforestation of degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.

Other areas of achievements, according to him, included the planting of a 160-kilometre shelter belt from Zuba to Giri junction, down to Abaji, as well as the fencing and protection of FCT forest plantations.

“The project has significantly enhanced the lives of our community members by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 stand-alone solar lights.

“Similarly, the project has strengthened support for climate-smart agriculture, especially during the dry season, with the construction of over 60 tubewells,” he added. (NAN)S

Source: PM News

By Isa Isawade

Femi Adesina, who served as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has described him as a friend of the masses who cared a lot about Nigerians throughout his term in office.

Adesina attributed this to Buhari’s decision not to remove fuel subsidies as Nigeria’s president.

In a tribute to celebrate Buhari who clocked 82 on Tuesday, Adesina described his former master as ‘Ore Mekunu’, a Yoruba phrase for a friend of the poor.

He added that Buhari “still draws the people like magnets even in retirement”.

The Big Elephant in the room (was the) removal of fuel subsidy. Did you think the Government didn’t know that the money-guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew.

“But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as they did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple.

“When oil sold for at least $100 per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as $140 per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”, Adesina maintained.

He said though Buhari might believe in fuel subsidy removal, as president he didn’t want to aggravate the people’s poverty.

Source: Daily Sun

By Seyi Babalola

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at the National Assembly to submit the national budget for 2025 to a joint session of lawmakers.

His presence brings the budget presentation to a conclusion after many postponements.

Tinubu arrived at 12:10 PM, escorted by many officials from the executive arm of government.

Earlier, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), came with members of the National Working Committee.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas welcomed Tinubu and his entourage.

Source: Daily Sun

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the increasing prevalence of slums in Abuja, highlighting the critical need to mitigate the security threats they pose.

It said this commitment is part of broader efforts to maintain order and safety within the capital, noting that unregulated settlements can harbour criminal activities and undermine community well-being.

The FCTA reiterated its commitment to implementing effective measures to address these challenges and restore the integrity of urban planning in the region.

Director of Security Services for the FCTA, Adams Gwary, stated these during a press briefing on Tuesday, asserting that the government cannot remain passive while illegal settlements contribute to insecurity in the federal capital.

Gwary stressed that, notwithstanding public outcry regarding the removal of illegal structures, the exercise will continue, describing it as an ongoing priority for the government.

He said, “The removal of illegal settlements and unplanned buildings is a continuous exercise,” adding that it was necessary to maintain law and order within the territory.

Gwary expressed alarm over the recent vandalism of the Kukuaba rail facility by individuals from unregulated settlements, highlighting the absence of profiling for these illegal settlers. He warned that such individuals could engage in criminal activities and blend into communities unnoticed, endangering the safety of law-abiding citizens. “The government will not allow that,” he asserted.

With the festive season approaching, Gwary announced enhanced security measures to combat issues like “one chance” scams and other prevalent criminal activities. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to regulate street hawking and public disturbances, which contribute to insecurity.

To strengthen security in Abuja, Gwary noted collaborative efforts with neighbouring states—Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and others—through a coalition known as G7. This group is focused on creating effective strategies to improve safety across state borders.

He urged state governors to show the same level of commitment as state commissioners of police and other security agency heads.

Additionally, Gwary revealed plans to enforce a ban on trading within FCTA offices starting next year, in a bid to maintain order and security by eliminating unauthorised hawking around government premises.

He concluded by saying that the FCTA remains dedicated to fostering a safer environment for all residents while ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld within the law.

Source: Daily Sun

By John Ogunsemore

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured that 2025 will serve to consolidate President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the president’s economic reforms are already delivering remarkable results across various sectors of the economy.

Idris stated this at the management retreat of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Abuja on Tuesday, his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim said in a statement.

The minister said public broadcasters were expected to project the success stories being recorded by the administration.

“There’s no doubt, I assure you, that the year 2025, will consolidate Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda reforms, which is already yielding good results in different facets of our socio-economic and political life.


“At a time like this, a phase in which our dear country is also undergoing a strategic socio-economic turn-around under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on their part, public broadcasters under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, are certainly expected to match the pace and expectations of government in projecting our success stories,” he said.

Idris stated that Tinubu is pursuing an ambitious fiscal reform agenda designed to allocate more resources to state and local governments, and ultimately to the Nigerian people, in line with the principles of true federalism.

The minister, specifically charged VON, as the nation’s external broadcaster, to tell the world of Nigeria’s newfound road to economic recovery and a re-emerging regional and international economic and political powerhouse.

The Voice of Nigeria must be able to tell the world that Nigeria is working again; that we are winning the war on terrorism, banditry, and ethnic warlords that seemed to define us lately; that we are re-energising our population towards sustainable productivity; that our young population has a clearer path to quality tertiary education through the National Education Loans (NEL) Fund, and importantly, that our nation is going through an energy transition phase that will guarantee more sustainable electricity and gas to power our homes and machinery.

“It is important that through the deliberate reportage of news and analysis on Nigeria to international audiences, no gaps are left in the curating of our nation’s gradual road to greatness,” he said.

The minister said the government would continue to leverage the information assets of VON to combat the threats of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation targeting the nation on the international stage.


Idris emphasised that for media organisations such as VON to remain competitive in the crowded global media landscape, they must leverage emerging digital technologies to enhance the quality and reach of their content, ensuring relevance in an ever-evolving world.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Director General of VON, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, as well as the management and staff, for their unwavering efforts and strategic vision in steering the organisation towards operational excellence.

Source: Daily Sun

The Country was Nigeria, the State was Delta State, the Local Government was Oshimili North.
On this day some 56 years ago, a little girl was born in a quiet, sleepy village, but little did the people of Ukpala Okpunor know that this was not just any other baby girl that had arrived their little village. Indeed, a star ⭐️ had been born. A global icon and a unique God’s battle axe had just arrived, even though nobody quickly realised it.

Today, over five and half decades after, that little girl has become the global giant that has now completely transformed the global landscape of leadership in Christian Ministry, taking The Synagogue Church of All Nations, one of the leading Christian Ministries in the world, from a low point of despair and despondency, deemed hope and gloom to an enviable height of rapid growth and awe-inspiring bloom, all under three years.

An epitome of unusual kindness, therapeutic warmth and charismatic Christian love, Mama Evelyn has completely redefined female power globally, exhibiting raw tenacity and strenght through rugged faith in God.
Holding God’s hands, Pastor Evelyn Joshua has continued to thread a path even giants would thread with trepidation and she is ticking all the boxes right, wreaking havoc to the kingdom of darkness, to God’s glory and to the admiration of even the natural naysayers.

Today, 56 years after the birth of that little girl, as millions of faithfuls and God’s children all over the world celebrate a great Amazon, a most beautiful daughter of Zion, an unusual leader, a caring mother to many and a Leader per excellence in whose hands the wonderful legacies of Senior Prophet T.B Joshua remains secured, I join the world to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PASTOR (MRS) EVELYN JOSHUA- LEADER OF THE SYNAGOGUE, CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS

Measures to restore Nigeria’s monetary sovereignty by prohibiting the use of foreign currencies for payments and transactions within the country have been initiated by the Senate.

Meant to ensure that all payments (salaries and transactions included) are conducted in Naira, the bill seeks to eliminate discriminatory practices and strengthen confidence in the local currency.

The above means that if passed into law, the legislation would ensure the mandatory payment for exports in Naira.

Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill is titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, No. 7, to Prohibit the Use of Foreign Currencies for Remuneration and for Other Related Matters’.

Nwoko stated that the widespread use of foreign currencies in Nigeria’s financial system undermines the value of the Naira, resulting in economic challenges.

According to the senator, the use of the Dollar, Pound Sterling, and other currencies for domestic transactions is a colonial relic that hinders Nigeria’s economic independence.


The bill:

“Prohibits salaries, transactions, and payments in foreign currencies, ensuring all workers, including expatriates, are paid in Naira.

“Requires crude oil and other exports to be sold exclusively in Naira, compelling international buyers to purchase the currency and driving its demand and value.

“Positions the Naira as the central currency for all financial operations, reinforcing its dominance in the economy.

“Seeks to abolish informal currency markets that undermine the formal economy and encourage unethical practices such as round-tripping by banks.

“Directs banks to provide loans at affordable interest rates to stimulate industrialization and economic growth

Advocates for storing Nigeria’s foreign reserves domestically to safeguard the country’s economic sovereignty and reduce exposure to external vulnerabilities.

“Reclaims monetary independence by prioritizing the Naira for both domestic and international transactions.

“Increases the currency’s value through higher demand driven by its exclusive use for exports.

“Fosters fairness in salary payments by standardizing remuneration in Naira for both local and expatriate workers.

“Supports the manufacturing sector with accessible credit facilities to encourage local production and reduce dependency on imports.

“Fosters national pride and economic self-reliance by reducing reliance on foreign currencies.


“Builds a diversified and resilient economy through coordinated monetary and fiscal policies.”

Senator Nwoko further disclosed that transitioning domiciliary account balances to Naira would be a voluntary process for account holders. This way, as the Naira is strengthened, the need to hold foreign currencies would diminish, making the transition seamless.

Nigerians were also assured that access to foreign exchange for travel and other legitimate purposes would be streamlined through banking reforms, alleviating concerns about access to Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and other forex needs.

Source: Daily Sun