NIGERIA NEWS
ADC alleges forgery in Tinubu’s tax laws, demands immediate suspension
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate suspension of the tax laws signed by President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the final versions contain forged provisions not passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued today, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said the tax laws scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, were altered after legislative passage.
The party said its demand followed findings that key provisions in the gazetted laws were substantially different from those approved by lawmakers.
Abdullahi said tampering with legislation after passage shows an attempt by the Tinubu administration to concentrate power in the executive.
The ADC demanded the suspension of the tax laws to allow the legislature determine the extent of what it described as forgery and take corrective action.
The party also called for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the alleged alterations.
According to the ADC, its forensic review of the original bills and the gazetted versions confirmed that accountability provisions were deleted and new clauses inserted.
The party alleged that some of the inserted provisions grant coercive powers to the executive without recourse to the courts.
“For example, one of the criminal insertions into the laws grants the government of Bola Tinubu the express power to arrest and take over the property of anyone who does not comply with the tax laws.
“This issue goes beyond taxation. It speaks to the criminal mindset of a government that has no ethical boundaries, has no regard for democratic institutions and will do anything to pursue its narrow selfish agenda,” it said.
The opposition party said altering laws after passage by elected representatives amounts to an assault on constitutional governance.
The ADC said the alleged action reflects “totalitarian instincts” and a disregard for the separation of powers.
“For avoidance of doubt, under our constitution, only the legislature can make laws. To accept that the executive could whimsically insert or remove even a punctuation mark from a piece of legislation after it has been passed by the legislature is to arrogate law-making powers on the executive arm of government,” it said.
The party warned that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, reiterating its call for the immediate suspension of all the 2025 tax laws signed by Tinubu.
The party said the suspension would allow for a full legislative review and protect the principle of separation of powers.
The ADC also called for the investigation and prosecution of any government official found culpable in what it described as legislative forgery.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, in Bauchi State, in honour of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
The announcement was made on Saturday during a condolence visit to the family of the revered cleric in Bauchi.
Tinubu paid tribute to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifelong dedication to God, humanity, and the Nigerian nation, describing him as a distinguished scholar and a moral compass for the country.
He added that the late cleric’s teachings on honesty, integrity, and good character positively influenced generations across Nigeria.
The President arrived at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at approximately 4:50 pm, where he was received by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, federal ministers, and other top officials.
Among those present to welcome him were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The presidential entourage also included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, among others.
.Attends wedding of son of ex-Borno gov Ali Modu Sheriff in Maiduguri
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for continuously investing in education, health, and transportation and for steadily improving the livelihoods of indigenes.
The President, who was on a three-state official tour of Borno, Bauchi and Lagos States, arrived Maiduguri at 12.30 pm, and proceeded to inaugurate the international wing of the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, a new VIP extension, Electric Vehicles, intra-state buses, tricycles, and three model primary, junior secondary and secondary schools.
“I am commissioning this primary, junior secondary school and senior secondary schools to the glory of God, and continuous education of our children,” President Tinubu said in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Saturday.
The President also participated in the marriage ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of the former Governor of the State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and his heartthrob, Hadiza Kam Salem.
President Tinubu stood in as the father of the groom, in accordance with Kanuri culture and marriage rites, while Prof. Zulum acted as the father of the bride to receive the traditional bride price in the form of gold coins.
Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi hosted the marriage ceremony at the Maiduguri Central Mosque.
The events were attended by seven state governors, Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Agbu Kefas, Taraba State; Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State; Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State; Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; senators and ministers.
The President departed Maiduguri for Bauchi State at 3.25 pm.
By Sola Ogundipe
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert over the recall of Indomie Vegetable Flavour Noodles following the discovery of undeclared milk and eggs allergens, which pose serious health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.
Announcing the recall in a Public Alert No. 041/2025, dated December 18, 2025, the agency disclosed that the recall notice was issued by Rappel Conso of France, the French food safety authority, after laboratory findings confirmed the presence of the allergens not listed on the product label.
NAFDAC said the recall affects all batches of the Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles, with a best-before date of February 6, 2026, even as the country of origin was not stated in the recall notice.
The statement reads in part: “The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is informing the public that the French Authority (Rappel Conso of France) issued a notice regarding a recall of Indomie brand Noodles Vegetable Flavour product.
“This recall is due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose a significant health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.
“Although the official risk of these products entering Nigeria is low due to the Federal Government’s ban on noodle importation, there remains a need for heightened vigilance to prevent possible illicit entry or circulation of the implicated Indomie brand.”
The agency observed that the product is a popular household food across many countries due to affordability, convenience, and versatility. However, it warned that the presence of undeclared milk and egg components could trigger severe allergic reactions in vulnerable consumers.
To address the risk, NAFDAC said it has activated nationwide vigilance measures. All zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to intensify surveillance and immediately seize and mop up the recalled product if found anywhere in Nigeria.
“NAFDAC has commenced vigilance actions to guard against possible entry of the brand into the country, as acquisition of the product through online purchase or international travel cannot be excluded.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the product if found within the zones and states.
“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and consumption of the recalled foreign brand of Indomie noodles. Consumers who come across the product are advised to discard it immediately and not consume it,” the agency said.
Further, members of the public are urged to report sightings or suspected sales of the recalled Indomie noodles to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the agency’s toll-free line 0800-162-3322.
Adverse reactions linked to the product are to be reported through NAFDAC offices or the e-reporting platforms on the agency’s website.
The post Recall alert: Avoid Indomie vegetable noodles – NAFDAC appeared first on Vanguard News.
Passengers on an Air Congo flight were forced to exit a Boeing 737-800 by jumping directly onto the tarmac at Kindu Airport after airport authorities failed to provide aircraft stairs, according to video footage and aviation reports circulating on social media.
The incident occurred after the aircraft arrived at Kindu from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
The plane remained stationary on the apron for several hours, with passengers unable to disembark through normal procedures due to the absence of mobile stairs at the terminal.
Video footage shared online showed passengers exiting through the aircraft’s forward door and leaping several metres to the ground below, while airport personnel stood on the tarmac to receive luggage and assist arrivals.
Meanwhile the height of a Boeing 737-800 door is approximately three to four metres above ground level.
Reports indicated that passengers waited inside the aircraft for an extended period before ground staff advised them to leave via the open door. No emergency evacuation slides were deployed during the process.
Local police officers and airport ground staff wearing high-visibility vests were visible near the aircraft during the disembarkation. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries linked to the incident.
Air Congo, which is the country’s national carrier, was launched in December 2024 as a joint venture between the Congolese government.
The Congolese government holds a 51 percent stake, and Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, which owns the remaining 49 percent.
The aircraft involved in the incident was one of two Boeing 737s leased from Ethiopian Airlines for the airline’s initial operations.
Emergency slides are designed for rapid evacuation during situations involving immediate danger, such as fire or smoke in the cabin.
Aviation safety procedures generally discourage their use in non-emergency situations due to cost, maintenance requirements and the operational disruption that follows deployment.
According to data published by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), replacing an escape slide assembly on a Boeing 737 can cost about 19,000 dollars, including parts and labour.
Even when a slide is not damaged, inspection and repacking can cost more than 12,000 dollars.
Unnecessary slide deployment can also result in aircraft being grounded for hours or days. In smaller or remote airports such as Kindu, where specialised maintenance facilities and spare equipment may be unavailable, this could disrupt scheduled operations and strand passengers.
Air Congo has not issued a detailed public statement on the incident. There has also been no official confirmation from airport authorities regarding why the stairs were unavailable at the time of arrival.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its impressive performance under the leadership of the Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho.
Oyetola gave this commendation at the 4th Quarter 2025 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, with the theme: “Positioning Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy for Investment, Innovation and Expansion”.
He praised the NPA for effective and efficient operations, which has brought visible boom across the nation’s ports, especially since Dantsoho took over as the agency’s Managing Director.
While delivering a goodwill message, the NPA boss enumerated some of the achievements recorded by the agency in the 2025 fiscal year under his administration, attributing the feats to the Federal Government’s export-focused economic reforms, the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu, and the strategic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola, noting that their combined interventions have strengthened efficiency and confidence across the maritime sector.
Dantsoho added that ongoing port modernisation initiatives championed by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the deployment of export processing terminals, and the expansion of digital platforms such as the electronic truck call-up system have helped reduce bottlenecks, improve turnaround time, and position Nigeria’s ports to play a more strategic role in regional and global trade.
He said that the Q3 performance underscored the growing contribution of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s non-oil export drive, as ports align more closely with the administration’s broader economic diversification and blue economy development agenda.
According to him, conontainer operations were a significant contributor to the improved performance. Total container traffic climbed by 18.9 per cent to 546,931 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in Q3 2025, compared with 460,038 TEUs in Q3 2024.
Dantsoho noted further that within this, import-laden containers rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 TEUs, from 201,839 TEUs a year earlier, while export-laden containers surged to 69,039 TEUs, from just 5,812 TEUs in the same period of 2024.
“The sharp rise in export containers also led to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling improved balance between imports and exports and stronger non-oil export activity.
“Ship traffic equally recorded notable growth during the quarter. The number of vessel calls increased by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships, from 991 vessels in Q3 2024.
At the same time, the total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) jumped by 18 per cent to 42.64 million, compared with 36.13 million recorded a year earlier, indicating that Nigerian ports are increasingly handling larger vessels,” Dantsoho stated.
A breakdown of the number of ship calls along the port locations revealed that Tin Can Port topped the chart at 22.7 per cent, followed by Apapa Port at 22.2 per cent. Onne and Lekki Ports followed with 18.9 per cent and 18.4 per cent respectively, while Calabar Port contributed the least at 2.1 per cent.
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CWAY Food and Beverages Limited, a leading FMCG company, is excited to announce the launch of its newest product Cappuccino Milk Drink.
A rich, filling and refreshing beverage, Cappuccino Milk Drink is sure to delight coffee lovers across the country.
“Our goal is to be the top-of-mind choice for coffee-flavoured beverage in Nigeria,” said Ms Ayobami Awowoyin, Brand and Marketing Manager of Cappuccino Milk Drink.
Mr Akinloye Dele, Deputy General Manager, Sales noted that this newest CWAY innovation Cappuccino Milk Drink, is evident of the company’s commitment to continue to deliver trade benefits to her trade partners and quality premium products for all.
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A pressing iron on Saturday triggered a fire outbreak in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The incident occurred at No. 4, opposite Layo Hotel, Coca-Cola Road, in the Ilorin metropolis at about 1:50 pm, in a building comprising four-bedroom flats.
According to the spokesperson of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, the pressing iron had been plugged in and left unattended in a laundry shop, leading to overheating and the ignition of nearby combustible materials.
“The incident involved a storey building comprising four flats, where one flat was affected by the fire.
“Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the remaining flats within the building.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a pressing iron that was plugged in and left unattended in a laundry shop, which led to overheating and ignition of nearby combustible materials,” he said.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, advised residents and business owners to always switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, especially heat-generating devices such as pressing irons.
He emphasised that carelessness and negligence in the handling of electrical appliances remain common causes of avoidable fire incidents and urged the public to adopt safe practices at all times, the spokesperson added.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International, has raised concerns over claims that the Presidency assented to a tax law that is different from the version passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that if the allegation is confirmed, it would represent a serious breach of the Constitution, legislative procedure, and public trust.
CISLAC said Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly set out in the Constitution and cautioned against any changes made after a bill has been passed by parliament.
According to the group, “Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly defined by the Constitution, stressing that any alteration of a bill after parliamentary passage undermines democratic governance and the principle of separation of powers.”
The organisation also pointed out that tax laws have far-reaching effects on citizens and the economy.
It stressed that “taxation has direct implications for citizens, businesses, sub-national governments, and the overall economy.”
CISLAC warned that uncertainty or lack of transparency around tax legislation could damage investor confidence and raise concerns about accountability and possible abuse of executive power.
CISLAC described the situation as especially worrying because of the extensive public consultations that took place before the law was passed.
It noted that the process involved taxpayers, civil society groups, professional bodies, the private sector, labour unions, local governments, and technical experts.
According to the organisation, any unilateral changes made outside this process would undermine public trust and violate the principle that citizens should have a voice in how they are taxed.
The group also expressed concern that doubts about the authenticity of the tax law are emerging at a time when a new tax regime is expected to begin.
It warned that introducing a disputed tax framework could worsen the hardship Nigerians already face due to rising cost of living, inflation, reduced purchasing power, and limited access to basic services. CISLAC said such a move could deepen inequality, discourage compliance, and fuel public resentment.
It stressed that tax reforms must be based on clarity, legality, fairness, and social sensitivity.
It warned that any tax system introduced without transparency, proper communication, and legislative certainty weakens voluntary compliance and damages the social contract between the government and citizens.
As part of its recommendations, the organisation called on the Presidency to immediately publish the exact version of the tax law that was assented to, alongside the authenticated copy passed by the National Assembly, to allow public verification. It also urged the National Assembly to use its oversight powers to confirm whether the assented law truly reflects the will of lawmakers.
CISLAC said any discrepancy found should be treated as unconstitutional and resolved through lawful means, including re-transmitting the correct bill or seeking judicial interpretation.
It further called for an independent review by relevant institutions, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and, if necessary, the judiciary.
The organisation added that the controversy highlights the need to strengthen safeguards between the legislative and executive arms of government.
It recommended measures such as digital tracking of bills, public access to enrolled laws, and more transparent assent procedures.
CISLAC stressed that the issue is not about partisan politics but about protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It warned that allowing one arm of government to unilaterally alter laws passed by another sets a dangerous precedent.
The group urged all parties to act with openness, restraint, and respect for the Constitution, adding that Nigerians deserve laws that reflect due process, the public interest, and the decisions of their elected representatives. CISLAC said it will continue to monitor developments and engage stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the implementation of the tax laws scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
ADC, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the call became necessary following recent findings that the final version of the law contains alteration of provisions that were not in the original bill passed by the National Assembly.
The party argued that tampering with a piece of legislation after it has been passed by the National Assembly is indication that President Tinubu desires to concentrate all powers onto himself.
“Altering legislations and gazetting same after they have been passed by 469 elected representatives of the Nigerian people is indeed a direct assault on constitutional governance.
“More fundamentally, it is indicative of the totalitarian instincts of a president desirous of concentrating all powers of government to himself, even it means violating the very constitution from which he derives his authority,” the party stated.
ADC further said its “forensic review of the original laws and the gazetted versions have also established beyond all doubts that key accountability provisions had been deleted and new provisions inserted which granted coercive powers to the executive in the enforcement of the tax laws without recourse to the court.”
It cited the provision which grants the president the power to arrest and take over the property of anyone who does not comply with the tax laws, as one of the provisions allegedly inserted after the bill was passed by the National Assembly.
The party stated that it is not in support of any tax that is likely to compound the misery and hardship already faced by citizens and businesses.
“But this issue goes beyond taxations. It speaks to the criminal mindset of a government that has no ethical boundaries, has no regard for democratic institutions and will do anything to pursue its narrow selfish agenda,” the statement added.
ADC reminded President Tinubu that under the Nigeria Constitution, only the legislature can make laws, adding that any legislation that has not been passed according to the provisions of the constitution cannot stand.
“To accept that the executive could whimsically insert or remove even a punctuation mark from a piece of legislation after it has been passed by the legislature is to arrogate law making powers on the executive arm of government. This portends great danger to our democracy,” the party warned.
It called for a public inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged alterations of a duly passed law, and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
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The US government has expanded its restrictions on Nigerians travelling to the US, including suspending legal immigration applications for Nigerians.
This means Nigerians can no longer make legal applications for green cards, naturalisation, or any other permanent residency pathways. Processing of those applications has been paused.
CBS News reported on Thursday that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding its immigration suspension cases to include countries in President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation.
PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday reported that the proclamation imposed travel restrictions on several developing countries.
The US imposed partial travel restriction on Nigerians, suspending entry into the US for nationals seeking to enter as immigrants, or on B‑1, B‑2, B‑1/B‑2, F, M, and J visas.
The latest suspension of green card and citizenship applications will also affect nationals of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. These countries had received a complete US travel ban earlier this week.
It will also impact people from Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The earlier proclamation added 15 countries to the seven countries that had been placed under partial restrictions in June.
These countries are also among those whose nationals can no longer apply for US citizenship or permanent residency.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the US said travel bans are a way to protect the country against foreign terrorists and other security threats.
US authorities also claimed they found it difficult to properly check or verify the backgrounds or security risks people from those countries pose.
The administration said the countries had a “general lack of stability and government control,” which made vetting difficult.
In a post on X, USCIS further noted that it was “conducting a comprehensive review of anyone from anywhere who poses a threat to the U.S., including those identified in the President’s latest proclamation to restore law and order in our nation’s immigration system.”
The Nigerian government has not reacted to the latest US action but had repeatedly stated its intention to partner with the US in resolving grey areas.