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Anambra, Zamfara move to harmonise taxes as states align with Tinubu’s reform

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Anambra, Zamfara move to harmonise taxes as states align with Tinubu’s reform


Anambra State has become the third state in Nigeria to adopt the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law, signalling growing momentum among sub-national governments to reform and modernise revenue administration.

This followed the signing of the law on Tuesday in Awka by Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, according to a press statement from the Joint Revenue Board.

The development comes just days after Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, signed a similar revenue reform law, reinforcing a broader alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national tax reform agenda.

The recent enactments build on the earlier passage of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, marking a coordinated shift by states toward harmonised, transparent, and people-focused revenue systems.

What they are saying 

According to the statement, Governor Soludo’s assent makes Anambra the third state to formally adopt the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law, which standardises approved taxes and levies collectible by the state.

  • In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal signed into law a comprehensive framework repealing and re-enacting the state’s consolidated revenue laws, establishing the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service, and providing for the harmonisation of tax and non-tax revenues.
  • The Zamfara law also creates a legal framework for effective tax administration, covering assessment, collection, and accounting of revenues accruing to the state government.
  • Together, the reforms are aimed at dismantling fragmented and outdated revenue practices and replacing them with coherent, technology-driven, and economically efficient systems.

“The enactment of these laws reflects a clear policy direction by State Governments to dismantle fragmented and outdated revenue practices, replacing them with a pro people, coherent and harmonised system that leverages technology, prioritises fairness and equity, certainty, and economic efficiency,” the statement read.

“By aligning approved taxes and levies within the national tax reforms framework, the States have taken a major step toward eliminating multiple and overlapping charges that had imposed undue strain on citizens and businesses alike,” it added.

Benefits for businesses and investors 

Beyond administrative efficiency, the harmonised revenue regime is expected to enhance transparency and curb arbitrary tax and levy collections at the sub-national level.

The statement said this would help restore confidence in government institutions and create a more predictable operating environment for commerce and investment.

Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), which are often most affected by informal levies and enforcement abuses, are expected to benefit significantly from the clearer and more consistent tax framework.

  • The reforms are consistent with the broader fiscal and economic agenda at the national level, which seeks to simplify governance processes and improve compliance through clarity rather than coercion.
  • According to the statement, the objective is to ensure that public revenue systems serve developmental purposes instead of being purely extractive.
  • The Board also acknowledged growing momentum across the federation, noting that several states, including Lagos, Katsina and Bauchi have advanced legislative processes toward enacting harmonised taxes and levies laws.

What you should know 

Last week, Ekiti State became the first subnational entity in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) as Governor Biodun Oyebanji signed the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025.

The 2025 Revenue Administration Law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law of 2019. It aims to modernize tax collection and eliminate systemic inefficiencies.

The law also created as centralized authority allowing the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) to hold the sole authority for revenue collection, effectively curbing the activities of unauthorized third-party collectors.

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JUST IN: Explosion causes panic at Kebbi Hospital

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JUST IN: Explosion causes panic at Kebbi Hospital


By Ahmed Baba Ahmed, Birnin Kebbi

Panic gripped the Bagudo area of Kebbi State in the early hours of Tuesday following a loud explosion at the General Hospital.

In response, a joint security team comprising police, military personnel, and vigilante groups was deployed to cordon off and secure the affected area.

The Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman Anisma, said specialist EOD-CBRN teams were on the ground conducting a detailed assessment of the situation at the hospital.

He confirmed that no casualties were recorded, although a building within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage. The occupants of the affected building were safely evacuated.

Anisma added that the Commissioner of Police has reinforced security in the area with additional tactical deployments to ensure public order, while a comprehensive investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The police also urged members of the public to remain calm and stay away from the immediate vicinity to allow security and investigative operations to proceed unhindered.



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Trump warns Hamas, Iran after Netanyahu talks

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Trump warns Hamas, Iran after Netanyahu talks



US President Donald Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes and said Hamas would have “hell to pay” if it fails to disarm in Gaza, as he presented a united front with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

Speaking at a news conference with Netanyahu in Florida, Trump threatened to “eradicate” any attempt by Tehran to rebuild its nuclear program or ballistic missile arsenal following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year.

Trump also downplayed reports of tensions with Netanyahu over the second stage of the fragile Gaza ceasefire, saying that Israel had “lived up” to its commitments and that the onus was on Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“If they don’t disarm as they agreed to do, then there will be hell to pay for them,” Trump told reporters at his lavish Mar-a-Lago resort. “They have to disarm in a fairly short period of time.”

Hamas’s armed wing reiterated earlier on Monday that it would not surrender its weapons.

A top political adviser to Iran’s supreme leader on Monday said any aggression against his country would be met with an “immediate harsh response.”

“Iran’s #Missile_Capability and defense are not containable or permission-based. Any aggression will face an immediate #Harsh_Response beyond its planners’ imagination,” Ali Shamkhani wrote on X.

– ‘Productive’ meeting –

Netanyahu said his meeting with Trump had been “very productive” and announced that Israel was awarding the US leader its highest civilian honor — the first time it has gone to a non-Israeli citizen.

Trump, the self-proclaimed “president of peace,” has been keen to move onto the next phase of the Gaza truce, which would see a Palestinian technocratic government installed and the deployment of an international stabilization force.

While some White House officials fear Netanyahu is slow-walking the process, Trump said he had “very little difference” with the Israeli premier and was “not concerned about anything that Israel’s doing.”

During their fifth meeting in the United States since Trump’s return to power this year, Netanyahu also appeared to have steered the US leader toward focusing on Israel’s concerns about Iran.

Israeli officials and media have expressed concern in recent months that Iran is rebuilding its ballistic missile arsenal after it came under attack during the 12-day war with Israel in June.

Trump said Iran “may be behaving badly” and was looking at new nuclear sites to replace those targeted by US strikes during the same conflict, as well as restoring its missiles.

“I hope they’re not trying to build up again because if they are, we’re going have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup,” Trump said, adding that the US response “may be more powerful than the last time.”

But Trump said he believed Iran was still interested in a deal with Washington on its nuclear and missile programs. Tehran denies that it is seeking nuclear weapons.

– Focus on Gaza –

Trump and Netanyahu’s talks also focused on other regional tension points, including Syria and the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Trump said he hoped Netanyahu could “get along” with Syria’s new president, a former Islamist rebel commander who toppled long-term ruler Bashar-al-Assad a year ago, despite a series of Israeli strikes along their border.

Netanyahu’s visit caps a frantic few days of international diplomacy in Palm Beach, where Trump hosted Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday for talks on ending Russia’s invasion.

The Gaza ceasefire in October is one of the major achievements of Trump’s first year back in power, and Washington and regional mediators have hoped to keep their foot on the gas.

The Axios news site said Trump seeks to make announcements as soon as January on an interim government and an international force.

But Trump gave few details beyond saying that he hoped “reconstruction” could begin soon in the Palestinian territory, devastated by Israeli attacks in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks.

The disarmament of Hamas however continued to be a sticking point, with its armed wing again saying that it would not surrender its arms.

“Our people are defending themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation remains,” the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in a video message.

The post Trump warns Hamas, Iran after Netanyahu talks appeared first on Vanguard News.



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THINGS REMEMBERED: The Bicycle: Gone Off The Road

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THINGS REMEMBERED: The Bicycle: Gone Off The Road


In the 1980s and early 1990s, bicycles were one of the major means of movement and were the way to go.

In fact, everyone, especially teachers, farmers, and traders in rural areas, had one.

For some students, parents acquired it for them to go long distances where their schools were located. To others, it was a status symbol.

They were not entirely expensive, but reliable and perfect for navigating traffic in the cities.

On worship days, fathers carry their children with bicycles to churches, women used it to transport their wares on market days. They were also used for carry farm produce home on rugged roads.

The palm wine tapper was noticed with his bottles and gallons of the product hung on it. The sharp sound of the horn heralded his arrival with fresh palm wine from the forest.

But, towards the late 1990s, something drastic happened. As the Nigeria’s economy showed signs of improvement, the bicycle became unpopular and was associated with poverty.

“You’re still riding a bicycle?” became a common taunt. Motorcycles, which were used for private purposes, were turned to commercial usage and became known as Okadas. They took over from bicycles, which were relegated to rural areas.

But let’s not forget the origin: the bicycle was invented in 1817 by German Karl Drais. It was a game-changer, revolutionising personal transport.

Why the decline? Many Nigerians point to rapid urbanisation, insecurity and lack of friendly roads. Bicycles are energy-sapping, time-consuming and move slowly, unlike cars and motorcycles. Bicycles are not fit for long-distance journeys and can’t be used for conveying bulky goods.



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Early morning explosion rocks Kebbi hospital

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Early morning explosion rocks Kebbi hospital


Police in Kebbi State have assured residents of Bagudo and surrounding communities that the security situation remains under control following an early-hour explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, on Tuesday.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about midnight on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when a loud explosion was reported within the hospital premises, causing panic among residents.

A joint security team, comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and local vigilante groups, was immediately deployed to the scene.

The area was swiftly cordoned off and secured, while Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts commenced a detailed assessment of the situation.

Police confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. Although a building within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage, all occupants had reportedly evacuated the area before the explosion and were unharmed.
The Commissioner of Police in the state has since reinforced security around the hospital with additional tactical units to ensure public safety and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion, according to the police spokesman, Bashir Usman.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and to avoid the immediate vicinity of the hospital to allow security operatives and investigators to carry out their duties effectively.

The command assured that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.

The Guardian reports that on Monday, residents in Gebbe in the Shanga Local Government Area of the state were thrown into a panic when some gunmen attacked the community, leaving residents scampering to neighbouring villages and nearby bushes.
According to reports, the assailants entered the community without warning, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents. The incident forced many to abandon their homes in search of safety.

Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said security operatives had been deployed to the area.

“We have been informed of the attack, and the command has deployed a tactical team to the area to get the real information of what happened and the number of victims,” Usman stated.

He explained that officers were assessing the situation to determine the number of lives lost and the injuries sustained, adding that a detailed statement would be issued in due course.



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EFCC set to dock ex-AGF Malami for alleged fraud at Federal High Court 

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EFCC set to dock ex-AGF Malami for alleged fraud at Federal High Court 


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to arraign a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice AGF, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in court today, December 30.

Malami, who was Justice Minister for 8 years under former president Muhammadu Buhari, would be put on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

His plea is expected to be taken by Justice Emeka Nwite on 16-count charges bothering on money laundering, among others.

At the time of this report, operatives of the EFCC have taken over security control of the court promises to ward off possible threat to the court proceedings.

Malami has been in EFCC custody for close to one month as part of investigation into alleged money laundering and corruption linked to his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, involving suspicions of mishandling government funds and other financial irregularities.



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You Will Not Be Successful If You Drop Christianity

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You Will Not Be Successful If You Drop Christianity


The wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Regina Akume has warned her husband to return to Christianity or he will not be successful.

Regina, who is the member representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, gave the warning during the wedding reception of the SGF’s son, which held on Sunday in Makurdi, Benue State.

She stated that her husband’s rise and achievements were rooted in his Christian faith.

A video of her comments, later circulated on social media, was shared by Idoma Television on Monday.

In the video, Akume prayed for her husband’s long life and good health, while advising him not to abandon Christianity.

She said, “I pray that the Lord will increase his years, good health of mind and body, and give him clarity in thinking and doing things right.

“And he should remember that he is a Christian, and it is Christianity that brought him this far. To drop Christianity now and go for anything else, he will not be successful.

“So my advice to him is to come back to Christianity and follow the line of Christ. We came all the way to the office of SGF, not through enemies but through Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ is still alive and still working for us. I wish that he would come back to Christianity.”

Her comments come amid widespread discussions following reports that the SGF recently married another wife.

Akume reportedly married Zaynab Ngohemba-George, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The marriage became public on December 26, 2025, after a Facebook post by Abraham Double-D Dajoh, a member of the Akume Dajoh family from Mbakor, Benue State, welcoming Zaynab into the family.



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Ogun NDLEA seizes over 6,000kg of illicit drugs, arrests 760 suspects

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Ogun NDLEA seizes over 6,000kg of illicit drugs, arrests 760 suspects


The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun State, Tijjani Rabe, says no fewer than 6,060.72 kilograms and 2,655.75 litres of hard drugs and liquid-based illicit substances were seized during the year 2025.

Rabe added that 760 suspects were arrested, and 316 drug users benefitted from its counseling and rehabilitation interventions.

The feat was contained in an end of the year press statement, signed by the command’s spokesperson, Haris Musa, and made available to DAILY POST on Monday.

According to the statement, 159 convictions were secured with offenders sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

It reads, “Operationally, the Command recorded significant successes in curbing illicit drug activities within the State.

“A total of 760 suspects were arrested, while 6,060.72 kilograms and 2,655.75 litres of hard drugs and liquid-based illicit substances respectively were seized. Additionally, 316 drug users benefitted from counselling and rehabilitation interventions.

“Within the same period, the Command secured 159 convictions, with offenders sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Several other cases are currently at different stages of prosecution,” he stated.

The statement added that in a bid to reduce drug demand, a total of 188 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programs were conducted, reaching over 100,000 persons across the state.

“These engagements cut across students, professional bodies, religious organisations, and community development associations; delivering clear, practical, and impactful messages on the dangers of drug abuse and the benefits of prevention,” he said.

The PRO, while acknowledging various evolving challenges in its operational landscape, asserted that through sustained operations, strengthened partnerships, and people-centred initiatives, the command has continued to uphold its mandate with professionalism and unwavering resolve.

The command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities, dismantling illicit drug networks and intensifying its operations, warning that drug traffickers and merchants will not be allowed to exploit the festive season.

“The Command will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting and decimating drug distribution chains to ensure a drug-free Yuletide season.

“Our commitment to safeguarding communities across Ogun State from the scourge of illicit drugs remains firm and uncompromised,” the statement added.



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Seven Nigerian journalists killed in road accident

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Seven Nigerian journalists killed in road accident


Seven Nigerian journalists on Monday died in a car crash along Biliri-Kumo road in Gombe State.

The victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo when the crash occurred.

In a statement issued on Monday, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he received the news with shock and a heavy heart, describing the incident as a painful tragedy for Gombe State.

“This loss is not only to the families of the deceased but also to the media community and the public service in our state,” the governor said.

Those who lost their lives include Zarah Umar, manager of News at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, and senior special assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Kwami, manager, Administration, NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a retired manager of News; Aminu Adamu, a senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, an information officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board.

Governor Yahaya described the deceased as committed professionals whose work contributed significantly to public information and governance in the state.

“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost hardworking colleagues and devoted public servants whose dedication and service will be long remembered,” he said.

The governor extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, and the media community within and outside Gombe State.

He also expressed concern for those injured in the crash and currently receiving medical care. They include Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House correspondent; Steven Doddo of the NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal of the Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA.

READ ALSO: UPDATED: Anthony Joshua injured in fatal road accident on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

Mr Yahaya assured the injured of the state government’s support and prayed for their speedy recovery.

“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together and pray that God grants eternal rest to the departed and comfort to the families they have left behind,” he said.

Authorities have yet to release full details of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Road accidents are common in many parts of Nigeria and are caused by several factors such as overspeeding, drunk driving and bad tyres. The Gombe accident occurred the same day a fatal accident occurred in Ogun State, leading to the death of two people. British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in the Ogun accident but survived with injuries.



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2027: We won’t accept stories of glitch in system – Bode George tells INEC chair

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2027: We won’t accept stories of glitch in system – Bode George tells INEC chair


A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has told the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, that Nigerians won’t accept any excuses of glitch in system.

George made this statement on Monday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.

His remarks came as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The elder statesman urged the new INEC boss not to repeat the same intentional mistake his predecessor made in the 2023 general elections.

“Remember the last election too, when Buhari bought the necessary tools. What did we do? They said there was a glitch.

“So let’s reverse back. Mr Amupitan, there should be no glitch in this system,” he said.



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Kano NNPP Sacks Party State Chairman Weeks After Re-election

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Kano NNPP Sacks Party State Chairman Weeks After Re-election


The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has been thrown into fresh turmoil following the removal of its state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa.

The action came barely two weeks after he was returned to office at a party congress.

The decision was taken by executive members of the party in Gargari Ward, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area.

Ward leaders said the move was reached during a properly convened executive meeting.

A resolution backing the action was endorsed by 27 ward executives.

The meeting was presided over by the Ward Chairman, Shuaibu Hassan.
The Ward Secretary, Yahaya Saidu Dungurawa, was also present.

According to the ward leadership, Dungurawa was accused of deepening divisions within the party.

They also alleged that he encouraged internal crises that weakened party cohesion.
Other accusations included failure to pay party dues and making abusive remarks against the Kano State Governor.

The executives said such conduct was damaging to the party’s public image.
They described the actions as a threat to unity and internal stability.

They insisted the party could not condone behaviour capable of undermining its progress in the state.

The ward leaders maintained that the removal followed provisions of the NNPP constitution.
They said discipline and order must be upheld at all levels of the party.
They added that no individual is bigger than the party structure.

Copies of the resolution were reportedly forwarded to higher party organs.
These include the local government, state, and national leaderships of the NNPP.
The ward said this was done to ensure proper documentation and further necessary action.

“The decision had been communicated to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf”.

The ward executives explained that the step was also meant as a warning.
They said party officials must not abuse their offices or ignore laid-down rules.
They stressed that leadership positions come with responsibility and restraint.

Despite the development, the ward leadership reaffirmed loyalty to the NNPP’s national leadership.

They pledged continued support for Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
They also restated their backing for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

They concluded by calling for calm among party members.
They urged supporters to remain committed to peace and unity.
They said their ultimate goal remains the growth and stability of the NNPP in Kano State.



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Northern group slams Gov Dauda Lawal over worsening insecurity in Zamfara

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Northern group slams Gov Dauda Lawal over worsening insecurity in Zamfara


The Northern Front for Peace and Accountability has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, over what it described as the deteriorating security situation in the state.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday, Musa Abdullahi Kaura, president of the group, said recent attacks, including a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru local government area, exposed what he called a collapse of governance and security coordination.

Kaura said the latest incident, which left several travellers feared dead, was part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence across highways and rural communities in Zamfara.

He said residents were increasingly vulnerable as armed groups now operate with “disturbing confidence and frequency”.

“The people of Zamfara are under siege. Daily, innocent citizens are killed, abducted, or forced to flee their homes, yet the state government appears overwhelmed and largely absent,” Kaura said.

He said leadership requires presence and decisive action, especially during crises, adding that these qualities were lacking.

The group also raised concerns over reports that Lawal had been out of the state for several weeks, describing the absence as ill-timed and indefensible.

Kaura said the governor’s absence had deepened public anxiety and reinforced perceptions of a leadership vacuum.

He said previous administrations had shown that insecurity, though complex, could be confronted with political will, local engagement and coordinated strategies.

Kaura urged Lawal to study the approach adopted by former governor and now senator, Abdul’aziz Yari, whom he said aggressively confronted armed groups through security operations, community intelligence and engagement with federal authorities.

“During the Yari years, there was a clear strategy. The governor was visible, security meetings were constant, and there was a sense that the government was actively confronting the problem,” Kaura said.

The group warned that continued inaction could embolden terrorists and erode public confidence in the state government.

It called for an immediate security summit involving traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and federal authorities.

The group also urged the federal government to closely monitor developments in Zamfara, warning that the state risks becoming a permanent stronghold for armed groups without urgent intervention.

“As citizens bury their dead and abandon their farms and roads, the question remains simple: where is the government of Zamfara state?” Kaura asked.

Residents across the state, the group said, remain fearful that without visible leadership and a clear security strategy, the violence may worsen.



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Otedola divests 77% equity in Geregu power plant

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Otedola divests 77% equity in Geregu power plant


Femi Otedola yesterday divested his 77 per cent controlling stake in Geregu Power Plc in a $750 million deal. The power plant uploaded the filing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) website.

According to the details cited, the transaction was consummated through the sale of Otedola’s 95 per cent stake in Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited to an indigenous firm, MA’AM Energy Limited, an Abuja-based integrated energy company engaged in electricity generation and supply, energy trading and marketing.

According to the NGX filing, Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, the majority shareholder of Geregu Power, has undergone a significant restructuring of its ownership.

The document confirms that “MA’AM Energy Ltd has acquired a 95 per cent equity interest” in Amperion Power, effectively making it the new controlling shareholder of Geregu Power Plc.

Consequently, the indirect controlling interest previously held by Calvados Global Services Limited and Otedola “has been transferred to MA’AM Energy.”

The transaction, which closed yesterday, was financed by a consortium of Nigerian banks led by Zenith Bank, with Blackbirch Capital acting as financial advisers.

While the sale involved Otedola’s stake in Amperion, Geregu Power clarified that this “does not involve the direct sale or transfer of shares of Geregu Power Plc,” meaning the company’s public shareholding structure on the NGX remains unchanged.

Geregu Power is currently valued at N2.85 trillion, trading at N1,140 per share and remains one of the most capitalised and profitable firms on the Nigerian Exchange.



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Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 30, 2025

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Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 30, 2025



The Nigerian Naira maintained a steady yet cautious position against the United States Dollar during early trading sessions today, Tuesday, December 30, 2025. This performance comes as the year winds down, with market participants closely monitoring the interplay between the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the unofficial parallel market.

Official Market Performance
​At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the Naira opened the day with a slight appreciation. According to real-time data from early morning trading, the exchange rate settled around N1,448.03 per dollar. This represents a marginal gain from the previous day’s opening rate of N1,455.39, reflecting a relative stabilization in the official window as corporate demand for foreign exchange typically eases during the final week of the year.
​Financial analysts attribute the relative stability in the official window to consistent interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a temporary decrease in import-related demand.

Parallel Market Trends
​In the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, the local currency continues to trade at a premium. Bureau De Change operators in major hubs like Lagos and Abuja reported rates hovering between N1,720 and N1,735 per dollar. The spread between the official and parallel markets remains a point of focus for policymakers, as retail demand for travel and personal remittances often peaks during the festive period.
​While the gap persists, the volatility observed earlier in the quarter has largely subsided, providing a more predictable environment for end-users seeking foreign exchange outside the formal banking system.

Factors Influencing the Market
​Several key factors are currently shaping the exchange rate landscape:
​End-of-Year Liquidity: The seasonal slowdown in large-scale manufacturing imports has relieved some pressure on the NFEM.
​Foreign Reserves: Market sentiment remains bolstered by recent reports regarding Nigeria’s gross external reserves, which have provided the central bank with the necessary buffer to manage currency fluctuations.
​Global Oil Prices: Stable crude oil prices have supported the inflow of foreign exchange, contributing to the current resilience of the Naira.
​As the trading day progresses, stakeholders expect the rates to remain within the current range, barring any significant economic announcements or sudden shifts in global market sentiment.

The post Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 30, 2025 appeared first on Vanguard News.



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FG can implement new tax laws despite Reps’ objections – Dandago

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FG can implement new tax laws despite Reps’ objections – Dandago


An economic expert at Bayero University, Kano, Professor Kabiru Isah Dandago, has said the Federal Government can proceed with the implementation of the newly signed tax reform laws despite objections raised by some members of the House of Representatives.

Professor Dandago in an exclusive interview with DAILYPOST said the tax laws remain valid, noting that protests by lawmakers after the passage and signing of the bills do not invalidate them.

“Despite their protest after the fact, the tax laws still stand,” he said.

Dandago’s remarks come amid ongoing controversy over the implementation of the new tax laws. The controversy began after a lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, alleged discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted and released to the public.

He argued that the gazetted laws did not reflect what lawmakers debated and approved.

Dandago explained that concerns should only arise if any provision of the laws is proven to negatively affect the livelihood of Nigerians.

“It remains unclear what these discrepancies are, where the issue lies is if there is some clause inserted in the law that will affect the livelihood of the masses negatively, but so far, nothing has been brought forth as such,” Dandago said.

The professor added that if members of the House of Representatives are convinced there are serious issues with the laws, they should present clear facts to support a review.

“If the Representatives are serious, then they should get their facts ready so that a review can be done,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has also asked the Federal Government to suspend implementation, citing alleged alterations to the versions of the bills passed by the National Assembly.

The call followed comments by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, who insisted that the January 1, 2026 implementation date for the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act remains unchanged.



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Tinubu Approves Cancellation of $1.42bn, ₦5.57trn NNPC Debts — Akelicious

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Tinubu Approves Cancellation of .42bn, ₦5.57trn NNPC Debts — Akelicious


President Bola Tinubu has approved the cancellation of debts totalling $1.42 billion and ₦5.57 trillion (about $3.85 billion) owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd to the federal government, as part of efforts to clean up the company’s finances and improve transparency in the oil sector.

The presidency disclosed the decision on Monday, noting that it comes amid growing fiscal pressures on Africa’s largest oil producer, including weak revenues and rising public debt. The move is also linked to the government’s broader plan to reform NNPC ahead of proposed divestments in oil and gas assets.

Details of the approval were provided by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which said the decision was reached during the November Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meeting held last week. The meeting followed recommendations by a reconciliation panel tasked with reviewing NNPC’s financial obligations to the government.

According to the presidency, the debt write-off covers liabilities accrued up to December 31, 2024. These include obligations arising from production-sharing contracts, domestic crude supply arrangements, repayment agreements, modified carry contracts and joint venture royalties.

However, the government said outstanding obligations incurred between January and October 2025 are still being pursued. In addition, a long-standing dispute over an alleged $42.37 billion under-remittance by NNPC between 2011 and 2017 remains unresolved. While the government continues to raise concerns over the issue, NNPC has maintained that all revenues during the period were fully and properly accounted for.

The presidency said the debt cancellation is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while resetting fiscal relations between the government and its state-owned energy company, which remains central to national revenue generation.



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