The Lagos and Ogun State Governments have confirmed that British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, has been discharged from hospital following the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two young men, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami, on December 29, 2025.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the two state governments expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and painful. They prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for strength for their families to bear the loss.

The statement was signed by Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, and Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Government.

According to the statement, Joshua was discharged from hospital late in the afternoon after doctors confirmed he was clinically fit to continue his recovery from home. It added that the boxer was “heavily hearted and full of emotions” over the loss of his two close friends.

The release further disclosed that Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos earlier in the day to pay their last respects to the deceased, whose remains were being prepared for repatriation later that evening.

Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also appreciated the outpouring of public concern, sympathy and support following the incident.

The governors equally expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what they described as his “fatherly support” throughout the period following the accident.

The statement also commended the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their professionalism and quality of care in treating Joshua and others who sustained injuries in the crash.

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Good morning Nigeria and welcome to the month of January, the first month of the year 2026. A happy new year to you, your friends and your family from Naija News Team.

Being a new day of a new year, many expect good wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.

Below are some new year prayer messages, prayer points and wishes you can send to friends, family members, and loved ones.

1. Happy New Year! I hope all your endeavours in 2026 are successful.

2. Wave goodbye to the old and embrace the new full of hope, dream, and ambition. Wishing you a happy new year full of happiness!

3. Wishing for a year filled with laughter, success, and peace my dear colleagues. May God bless each and every one of us and our families. Happy New Year.

4. New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolution, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!

5. May the 12 months of the new year be full of new achievements for you. May the days be filled with eternal happiness for you and your family!

6. Fresh HOPES, Fresh PLANS, Fresh EFFORTS, Fresh FEELINGS, Fresh COMMITMENT. Welcome, 2026 with a fresh ATTITUDE. Happy New Year.

7. Life is full of ups and downs but thanks to you guys, I can never feel down. Thanks for being my support. I love you so much, Happy New Year. May God bless you.

8. May the joys of the new year last forever in your life. May you find the light that guides you towards your desired destination. Happy new year!

9. Its time to decorate your life with the colours that this new year has brought for you. May your life shine brighter than a thousand lightning stars!

10. Happy New Year! I hope all your dreams come true in 2026 – onwards and upwards!

11. A new year is like a blank book. The pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year.

12. I hope that the new year will be full of positivity for you. Its time to embrace the joys it is bringing for you. Happy new year!

13. May this new year bring you much joy and fun. May you find peace, love, and success. Sending my heartiest new year wishes for you!

14. I hope that the new year will be the best year of your life. May all your dreams come true and all your hopes are fulfilled!

15. I hope your life will be full of surprise and joy in the new year that’s about to begin. May You be blessed with everything you want in life.

16. Remember all the good memories you have made and know that your life will be so full of wonders in the coming year. Happy New Year 2026!

17. I love you more today than I loved you yesterday. And I will love you more tomorrow than I love you today. Happy New Year 2026!

18. Another wonderful year is going to end. But don’t worry, one more year is on the way to decorate your life with unlimited colors of joy!

19. May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity. Wishing you a joyous 2026!

20. May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations in your life. Wishing you a year fully loaded with happiness.

21. I want to have a new year as bright as your eyes, as sweet as your smile and as happy as our relations are. Happy new year! Wishing you a great new year!

22. I wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope you have a great time ahead.

23. My only wish for this New Year is that I want to love you more than ever, take care of you more than ever and make you happier more than ever. Happy new year!

24. Your love filled up my heart with happiness that I have never felt. You gave me a life that I never knew existed. Wishing my love, a great new year!

25. I wish to have a year filled with happiness and strength to overcome all the dark hours. You are a true blessing. Happy New Year, love.

26. Best friendships are the ones that don’t fade away no matter what. They grow old and make life worth living when things go wrong. Thanks, mate for everything. Have a blessed new year!

27. May the new year bring all the good things in life you truly deserve. You had an amazing year already and you’re going to have another more amazing one!

28. Your presence in my life is like an open door that welcomes happiness and joy in abundance. I have never felt so alive before. Happy new year 2026!

New Year Messages

29. You came into my life to put an end to all my sufferings and bad times. Today, I am happier than the happiest man in the world. Happy new year darling!

30. You are undoubtedly the best human being that I ever met in life. There are so many things to learn from you. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

31. A New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year.

32. May the New Year start with fresh joys and a life filled with peace. May you get warmth and togetherness and prosperity too. Happy New Year!

33. As long as you are with me, I don’t need any other reason to celebrate the new year. You’re all the reasons I need to smile. Wishing you a happy new year!

34. May this upcoming year be as much glorified as you wish for it to be. Make this year more memorable than ever by accomplishing all your goals. Have a safe and happy new year.

35. Wishing you a Happy New Year with the hope that you will have many blessings in the year to come.

36. Another year has passed, another year has come. I wish for you that, with every year, you achieve all of your dreams. May God pour love and care on you. Happy New Year.

37. Life is not about possession; it is about appreciation. New hopes and aspirations. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Wishes for Friends

38. You’ve been the most amazing friend in my life throughout the past years. I hope you’ll never stop doing that. Happy new year!

39. Becoming your friend was the best thing I’ve done in last year. I would really like to keep this friendship alive for the rest of my life!

40. Thank you for holding on to me when things get hard and I get tired of life. May Lord bless our bond and you – forever and always. Have a great holiday. Happy New Year.

41. Without you, last year wouldn’t be so full of sweet memories. I can’t wait to do the same this year. Wishing you a happy new year!

42. May all your dreams come true and may you find the love of your life this new year. I have only a good wish for you. Thank you for being such a good friend to me!

43. Last year was a special year in my life because I met you. Next year will be special because I already have you as my best friend!

44. May you become a billionaire this new year so I don’t have to pay your restaurant bills anymore. Wishing you a prosperous year ahead!

45. It feels wonderful to think about how quickly we became such good friends to each other. I’m sure our friendship will last forever. Happy new year 2026!

46. I have received many blessings in life, but you will always be the best one that God has ever given me. A happy new year my friend!

47. I may not always appreciate you as a friend, but deep in my heart, I have a place for you that no one can ever take. Happy new year!

48. I enjoyed this year with you so much that I can’t wait to begin another. Thank you for showing me the true color of friendship. Happy new year dear friend!

Romantic New Year Wishes

49. It’s almost the end of one more wonderful year for us. I promise, my love for you will only be stronger with the passing of each day in the new year!

50. There is nothing in this world that can weaken my love for you. I am yours till the end of time. Wishing you a year full of love!

51. I was so busy loving you that I barely noticed one more year has been spent. A happy new year my love! Wish you all the happiness in this world!

52. As you prepare yourself to welcome a new year in life, I want you to know that I’ll always find new ways to love you! happy new year!

53. It doesn’t matter how many years come and go- I will always cherish all our beautiful moments no matter what. I love you, babe. Happy New Year.

54. My new year’s resolution is to love you more than I did in the last year. I promise to make this new year a wonderful one for you. Happy new year!

55. It’s very hard to put it in words how much you mean to me. I will choose you again and again because I am truly, madly and deeply in love with you. Happy New Year.

56. Every new year is a reason for me to fall in love with you for new reasons. Happy new year! I will never stop falling in love with you!

57. Your sweet smile can make me forget my deepest pain & my hardest sorrows. Happy new year dear. You’re the reason why new years are so amazing!

Funny New Year Messages

58. Its time of the year to make new year’s resolutions that you know you can never keep. But you’ll do it anyway. Happy new year!

59. One more year has gone and you’re still the dumb person you were always. Let’s hope you can be a better person this year!

60. Remember mate that life always gives you a second chance. What are the new years for? Grab your chances every time! Happy New Year.

61. Do you know what’s my favorite part of the new year? I always make my resolutions when I’m drunk so that I never am committed to them. Happy New Year.

62. You know you’re old and tired when you just want to have a nap instead of being drunk & have fun on New Year’s Eve. Happy new year 2026!

63. The funniest thing about the last day of a year is that you can make a bunch of unrealistic to-dos list & still everyone would say you can accomplish them!

64. I’m not making any new resolutions for the New Year. I’m really good at annoying you and I’ll simply continue on that path!

65. May all your problems vanish as quickly as your new year’s resolution does every year. I wish you a happy new year full of happiness!

66. Life is already full of good things. You just have to stop complaining and be a little bit more optimistic. Enjoy this new year with a glass-half-full of vodka!

67. New years bring you a lot of new problems. But the good thing is, they usually last just as long as your new year resolution. Happy new year!

68. Life has taught me that no matter what you say and how hard you try; you can never stop some people from making stupid new year resolutions! Happy new year!

69. I’m planning to come to your house on the 31st of December so that on the 1st of Jan, I can say – I have been living in your house for a year! Happy New Year.

70. Keep making the same old mistakes, but do it in a new way. Accept my heartfelt, warm wishes for this new year. All the best!

71. New years are like restart buttons to start things over again, except the fact that your device is long dead. Have an enjoyable new year!

Happy New Year Wishes for Girlfriend

72. Each moment I’ve spent last year with you made me realize how important you are in my life. I don’t want to lose you ever. Happy New Year!

73. Since I’ve met you, you’ve become the purpose of my life. I just want to keep you close by me and love you with all I have. A happy new year my love!

74. We share a chemistry that can create the most powerful bond in this world someday. Let’s take our relationship to a whole new level in this new year!

75. I can’t believe I am going to spend a new year with the most beautiful lady in the world. Thank you for giving me a chance to love you. Happy new year!

76. Every new year of my life can only be full of love and romance because you’re in my life. I look forward to spending one more beautiful year with you!

77. The only wish I have for the new year is that I want to make you feel happy always and forever. Your happiness will always be my priority number one!

78. Thank you for making my life less miserable and more fulfilling. You add new colors to my life. I love you so much. Happy New Year.

79. It’s not the beauty of you, it’s the beauty of your heart face that made me fall in love with you. I want a thousand new years with you in my life!

80. Your love is like a melody in my head that calms my mind and sweetens my life. Your existence is a gift I received from God. Wishing you a happy new year filled with love!

New Year Messages for Boyfriend

81. God has been too kind to send someone like you in my life. I want to make sure that this gift of god stays with me forever. Happy new year!

82. I wish to make you happy just like the way you made me happy by coming into my life. I wish to celebrate many more new years with you for the rest of my life.

83. I am looking forward to spending many more romantic moments with you throughout the next year. Thank you for blessing my life with your presence. Happy new year!

84. I felt like living in heaven in the entire last year. I never knew your love for me was so deep and so true. Happy new year!

85. If I could live a thousand years on this earth, I’d choose to live with you all of it. Your love means everything to me now. Happy new year!

86. I want to spend the new year just like the last year. It was so full of love and compassion. I hope the new year will be nothing less than that.

87. I feel lucky that I have a gem like you in my life. You make everything easier and simpler. Thank you for being such amazing support. Happy New Year.

88. You have no clue how much impact you have in my life. Thanks for choosing me over and over again. Happy New Year, honey. I love you.

89. Spending a wonderful year next to you made a better person and there’s no doubt about that. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Happy New Year.

90. This upcoming year I wish to God that he may help you with everything and bless you throughout the year. Happy New Year, Sweetheart.

Happy New Year Messages for Wife

91. Thanks for being the loveliest wife in this world. I really want to make this year very special for you. A happy new year my dear!

92. I never regret a moment for being with you. Your presence is the sweetest thing that can ever happen to me. happy new year!

93. I am so busy living the good years that I almost forgot how a bad year feels like! Thanks for making my life a piece of heaven. Happy new year darling!

94. You did not only complete me, but you also completed my home and my world. I want to spend every year of my life loving you. Wish you a happy new year!

95. You filled my life with an abundance of love, joy, and smiles. You’re the kind of wife only a fortunate one can get. Happy new year!

Happy New Year Wishes for Husband

96. You are and will always remain to be the man of my dream. I love You with all my heart and respect you for the person you are. Happy new year!

97. My life has been more like a fairy tale since you came into my life. You’ve made all sadness in my life vanish with a touch of your love. Happy new year!

98. I dreamt of a sweet husband and a happy home and god introduced me with you. You are the best achievement in my life. Happy new year!

99. I don’t think I can ever have a bad year in my life as long as you’re in it. You’re really the best life partner ever. Happy new year!

100. Thanks for making the last year of my life a collection of beautiful memories. Your presence in life is everything I ever dreamt of. Happy new year!

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According to Informed diplomatic sources, Russia and Turkey have held a series of behind-closed-doors talks, reaching an agreement on a broad blueprint for Libya’s political settlement.

The key external players are believed to have hammered out a plan to carve up spheres of influence and preserve the current balance of power between the war-torn country’s main factions.

Under the proposed scheme, Khalifa Haftar would be tasked with securing the east and south while retaining control over key oil facilities. Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the PM of the Government of National Unity, could hold on to his position in a national administration.

However, his authority would be severely curtailed, with major decisions requiring a nod from foreign patrons and powerful local militias.

In essence, the move sidelines Marshal Haftar from high-level political talks, reducing him to the role of a regional powerbroker while the nation’s fate is decided over his head – in Moscow and Ankara.

If confirmed, the deal suggests the Libyan crisis is heading not towards genuine sovereignty, but a frozen conflict managed by external powers. The interests of Libyan leaders themselves, including Haftar, appear to be taking a back seat to the geopolitical calculations of foreign states.

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The Nigerian Bar Association Anti-Corruption Committee (NBAA-CC) has warned that unresolved corruption allegations involving lawyers are undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and weakening the rule of law.

In a New Year message to mark the start of 2026 shared on Wednesday, the committee said that while the NBA recorded progress in institutionalising anti-corruption measures in 2025, prolonged silence and delays around high-profile corruption allegations posed serious risks to accountability and transparency.

The committee’s chairman, Babafemi Badejo, said a major milestone in 2025 was the approval by the NBA National Executive Committee for the establishment of Anti-Corruption Committees at branch levels nationwide.

He said the decentralised structure was intended to strengthen grassroots engagement, localise ethical oversight, and embed anti-corruption vigilance across the legal profession.

Mr Badejo also noted that the observance of World Anti-Corruption Day by several NBA branches in 2025 reflected growing professional commitment to public education and ethical conduct.

Looking ahead, he said the committee would intensify impact-driven interventions in 2026 through strategic partnerships, including collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and engagement with credible civil society organisations to deliver training, public enlightenment, and technical support programmes.

However, Mr Badejo said the committee’s reflections were tempered by deep concern over developments capable of weakening public trust in legal and anti-corruption institutions.

“However, our reflections are tempered by profound concern over developments that threaten to erode public trust in our legal and anti-corruption institutions.

“The protracted and highly publicised corruption cases involving legal practitioners have gone beyond private legal problems into a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the realisation of the rule of law,” he said.

According to Mr Badejo, prolonged and widely publicised corruption allegations involving lawyers have evolved beyond private legal disputes to become a broader test of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

He cited the 2025 case of Tali Shani v.  Mike Ozekhome, which was adjudicated outside Nigeria and involved allegations of forged documents and identity manipulation, raising concerns about implications for Nigeria’s identity management and accountability systems.

Mr Badejo said while the Attorney-General of the Federation’s public announcement of an investigation into the matter was appropriate, but that yhe absence of follow-up communication, interim findings, or a clear timeline for conclusion was “damaging” to public confidence.

He added that such opacity undermined Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, particularly provisions on transparency in public administration, civil society participation, and protection for whistleblowers.

The committee disclosed that it formally offered technical assistance to support a credible investigation into the allegations but received no response from relevant authorities, describing the lack of engagement as a missed opportunity to reinforce institutional integrity.

The NBA Anti-Corruption Committee also aligned itself with recent remarks by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on the central role of the rule of law in combating corruption, warning that the rule of law could not be sustained amid systemic corruption.

At the branch level, the committee reported modest progress in 2025. It said the Idemili Branch in Anambra State introduced awards recognising exemplary court registrars, while branches in Kaduna and Barnawa partnered with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to conduct public sensitisation programmes in English and Hausa.

READ ALSO: Reps move to curb soaring airfares as festive-season hikes hit Nigerians

The Ikorodu Branch was also cited for sustained anti-corruption advocacy.

For 2026, the committee said its priorities would include advocacy for transparent and time-bound investigations into corruption allegations involving legal practitioners, expanded ethics training for lawyers, stronger whistleblower protections, strategic litigation, and sustained policy engagement.

It also urged members of the legal profession to assess aspirants for NBA leadership positions based on integrity, policy clarity, and demonstrable commitment to combating corruption.

Mr Badejo said the committee remained committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within the legal profession as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system.

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• A devastating fire ravaged the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House plaza at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, last week, causing part of the building to collapse and trap traders inside
• One of the victims, Nze Obum, a China-based cloth merchant, was reportedly confirmed dead after being trapped beneath the rubble
• His heartbreaking final phone calls pleading for help were made from under the debris and the audio shattered the hearts of many netizens

Tragedy struck at Lagos Island’s Balogun Market last week when a fire ravaged the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House plaza, causing part of it to collapse.

The inferno, which began on the fourth floor, spread so fast, trapping traders inside.

Audio discloses the last words of a businessman who died in Lagos Great Nigeria building.
Photo credit: @Lindaikejiblog/Instagram.
Source: Instagram

Final audio of trader who died in fire accident

A heartbreaking audio of one victim, Nze Obum, emerged online where he made desperate calls for help from under the debris.

Obum, a cloth merchant based in China, had reportedly returned to Nigeria for Christmas to support his wife, who had recently given birth, and sell goods at the market.

Read also

“No ambulance for AJ”: Adetoun blasts Dapo Abiodun over Anthony Joshua’s accident

The collapse happened as Obum was retrieving remaining stock from his shop behind the plaza.

A trader Zacheaus Afolayan reportedly confirmed Obum’s death, saying his body was released to the family and taken to Anambra State for burial, Linda Ikeji reports.

Afolayan recounted Obum phoned him around 2 a.m. Thursday, trapped and pleading not to be abandoned to die, citing his children’s age. A second, weaker call came later that day.

Obum, visiting Nigeria only during holidays to trade, was helping his wife make sales when disaster struck.

Emergency responders recovered two bodies on Friday, identifying one as Obum.

The fire spread to higher floors and nearby structures, intensifying the chaos.

Audio captures the final words of a businessman who died in Lagos Great Nigeria building.
Photo credit: @The Whistler.
Source: UGC

The tragedy has left questions over response times, as Obum’s trapped calls hinted at a desperate struggle for survival.

Reactions trail trader’s last voice note

Nigerians had different things to say in the comments section.

Elora_ritz said:

“I wish he saved his life and not his goods.”

Read also

Woman dies, siblings injured after popular politician’s convoy allegedly hits tricycle in Adamawa

Onyii_pearl_ said:

“Whilst breathing his last he thought about his wife and children. This is traumatizing.”

Mercyslife_ said:

“I really wished he left those goods.”

Jorepresenter said:

“This is heart breaking and part of the reason why I echo the importance of improvement. For him to be able to make that call he would have been traced and saved at least. The cost of ordinary citizen life seems to be cheap in Nigeria than other part have visited.”

Adolnedu said:

“My heart bleeds listening to the voice crying strongly crying out for help. What kind of leaders allow their citizens to perish like chickens? Please, we are not asking for much just give us some basic amenities. If the firefighters had gone there on time, people would have been rescued.”

Innoson101 said:

“He didn’t want to come to market but the wife persuaded him to, he refused but the wife said the sells girls would steal from him so he decided to come.”

Read also

“My brother from another mother is here”: Ghanaian man fires multiple rounds in celebration of Asake

Bubbing22 reacted:

“People should never have been allowed back in the building or buildings around it.”

Firstladyxxo said:

“The fact that he was able to make a call twice shows if he was Una. Developed country they could have saved him but of course no be Nigeria human life is not valuable so painful man.”

Wallystouch said:

“We have a very looooooong way to go in this country. When we start to value human life, then we would be on the right path. Not all death is God’s will, it’s our own lack of humanity and conscience.”

Olaakinjofx added:

“RIP brother. It’s a lesson to us out there not to value material things over our lives. He shouldn’t have gone into that building to save his goods. In the process he wasn’t able to save his goods and at the same time lost his precious life. Sad.”

See the post below:

Last post of Anthony Joshua’s trainer who died in accident

Read also

Anthony Joshua: Journalist Rufai Oseni raises 2 questions over accident involving boxer, many react

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the last post of a Nigerian fitness trainer who lost his life in an accident involving Anthony Joshua went viral.

Latz was reportedly in the same car as the heavyweight boxing champion when it crashed into a stationary truck.

Source: Legit.ng

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The Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, South-East zone, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, has reacted to the defection of Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Ehiemere, who spoke to DAILY POST on the phone on Wednesday, said his party would grow stronger in Abia State and across the South-East despite Abaribe’s exit.

The APGA National Vice Chairman condemned the actions of politicians who defect to other political parties after using such platforms to realise their political ambitions.

“To me, APGA is a disciplined party and we are not perturbed by some of these chronic party defectors. APGA is a defender of principles of Democracy. The party will crow loudly and clearly in Abia and the South-East,” Rev. Ehiemere said.

According to him, many politicians who defect from parties that provided platforms for their political survival do so without contributing meaningfully to the building of those parties.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to introduce firm policies to check the abuse of defection by Nigerian politicians.

Calls and messages sent to Uchenna Awom, the media aide to Senator Abaribe, on Wednesday evening, were neither returned nor replied to.

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The national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has said that supporters of the former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, will follow him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). 

The 64 year old former Anambra State governor and some of his supporters, including serving federal lawmakers, officially joined the ADC on Wednesday at a ceremony in Enugu State. 

Tanko confirmed that mobilisation for Obi’s supporters to join the ADC has already commenced.

Speaking with The Nation, Tanko said, “We have made our position categorically clear right from the beginning that wherever Peter Obi is going we are going with him. We will make a declaration soon. 

“You can see at the declaration today that it was the Obidient Movement logo and that of the ADC. That is to tell you that we are stepping our foot where Obi steps his own foot. There is no ambiguity in that regard.”

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially unveiled a new corporate identity and name, rebranding as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in line with Nigeria’s transition to a new tax regime scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026.

The new logo and identity were unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja by the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Mr Zacch Adedeji.

The change from FIRS to NRS follows the enactment of the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2025, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025.

What NRS is saying  

With the passage of the law, the NRS formally replaced the FIRS as Nigeria’s central revenue authority, expanding its institutional mandate under the country’s comprehensive tax reform programme.

Speaking at the unveiling, Adedeji said the new identity reflects a strategic repositioning of Nigeria’s revenue administration architecture.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Executive Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, Adedeji said:

“The unveiling of the NRS identity reflects a renewed commitment to a more unified, efficient, and service-oriented revenue system, one that is aligned with Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda and global best practices.” 

Evolution of revenue administration  

He described the new logo and brand elements as a critical milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.

According to him, the rebrand: “signals continuity of purpose, strengthened institutional capacity, and a forward-looking approach to supporting taxpayers and national development.” 

Commitment to transparency and service excellence 

Adedeji further assured Nigerians that the NRS would continue to prioritise transparency, collaboration, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Revenue Service remains committed to transparency, partnership, and service excellence. The unveiling of this new identity represents not an end, but the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the revenue authority and the Nigerian public—built on trust, clarity, and shared prosperity,” the statement said. 

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to tax reforms 

The rebranding comes amid ongoing public debate over Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws.

President Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the reforms as scheduled, rejecting calls for their suspension.

The President noted that while some of the tax laws took effect on June 26, 2025, others are due to commence on January 1, 2026, adding that the reforms are central to rebuilding Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

Tinubu described the tax overhaul as a long-term intervention designed to promote fairness, competitiveness, and economic sustainability, rather than an attempt to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians.

What you should know  

• Last week, the FIRS declared that the National Identification Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has now automatically become a Tax ID for individual Nigerians.
• The Service stated this in a public sensitization video on the new tax laws seen by Nairametrics and also shared on X by the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media, Dada Olusegun.
• For registered businesses, the FIRS said their RC number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) automatically becomes their tax ID under the new tax system.

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Alex Enumah in Abuja

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has turned down a request to stop the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government from implementing the new tax regime scheduled to commence from January 1, 2026.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had few days ago vowed to proceed with the implementation of the controversial Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.

Responding, a public interest group, the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse of Public Trust, had approached the court with a motion exparte seeking an order of injunction to restrain Tinubu and the federal government from proceeding with the implementation of the new tax law, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the group.

The group predicated their legal action on alleged discrepancies in the new tax laws.

Listed as defendants in the motion marked: FCT/HC/M/17240/2025, are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Attorney General of the Federation, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and National Assembly as defendants.

The plaintiff in the motion exparte sought for an order of interim injunction pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit to stop/ restrain the federal government, FIRS, National Assembly, or any of its agencies from implementing, executing, and/or enforcing any of the provisions of the gazetted Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025 for any reasons, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

They also sought for another order of interim injunction pending the hearing and determination of the motion notice, restraining the President, either by himself or through any agency of the federal government created under the gazette Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025 from implementing the provisions of those Acts of the National Assembly in any states of the federation where applicable, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

However, delivering ruling, Justice Bello Kawu declined the request and directed the federal government to proceed with the full implementation of the tax law pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Though the ruling was delivered on December 23, the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling signed by the Registrar of the court, Hadiza Sambo Gwandu, dated December 30, 2025, was obtained on Wednesday.

The judge held that there was no concrete and strong evidence before the court to warrant the granting of the reliefs sought.

Specifically, Justice Kawu said: “I have considered the application together with the affidavit in support. I have also considered the submission of the learned counsel for the claimant/applicant together with the judicial authorities cited and I am of the strong view that the court lacks power to stop implementation of a law already signed by the appropriate authority without concrete evidence of any wrong doing.

“At this preliminary stage, it will be difficult if not impossible to prove any wrong doing because at this stage, the court should be careful not to touch on the main issue. It is my considered opinion that granting injunction at this preliminary stage will be touching the subject matter in the main suit.
It should be noted that once an Act is signed into law, it can only be repealed by the lawmakers or any offending section set aside by the court of law; be that as it may, exparte application cannot be used to set aside the coming into force any Act already signed into law or gazetted.

“In view of the above, the implementation of the Tax Act 2025 and other related Acts will commence on January 1, 2026 and continue to be in force pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion before this court, ” Justice Kawu ruled.

Meanwhile, the matter has further been adjourned to January 9, 2026 for hearing of the motion on notice.

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The new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which replaces the now defunct Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has been officially unveiled with a new brand identity.

NRS came into operation following the signing of its enabling law known as the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025.

According to a statement that was issued by the agency, the executive chairman of NRS, Zacch Adedeji, explained that the logo and other brand elements for NRS represent an important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.

The statement quoted Adedeji as saying that “the unveiling of the NRS identity reflects a renewed commitment to a more unified, efficient, and service-oriented revenue system, one that is aligned with Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda and global best practices.”

According to him, the new identity “signals continuity of purpose, strengthened institutional capacity, and a forward-looking approach to supporting taxpayers and national development.”

“The Nigeria Revenue Service remains committed to transparency, partnership, and service excellence. The unveiling of this new identity represents not an end, but the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the revenue authority and the Nigerian public—built on trust, clarity, and shared prosperity,” the statement said.

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Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has criticised the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for its decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, to a quadrennial event.

Lookman said the change is unfortunate for Africans, limiting their opportunities to enjoy the AFCON tournament.

The Atalanta player shared his thoughts with reporters following Nigeria’s 3–1 victory over Uganda in the 2025 AFCON tie on Tuesday.

“The decision has been made and you can’t really change it,” Lookman, who has won the African Footballer of the Year award in the past, said.

“It is a shame for Africans in terms of being able to get the tournament two years that we’ve been used to; it is a disappointment,” he added.

Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF, recently announced that, starting in 2028, the AFCON will be held every four years.

This change follows the 2027 edition in East Africa, marking a shift from the tournament’s long-standing biennial format, which has been in place since 1968.

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has advocated zero tolerance for economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in 2026.

He gave this charge in Abuja on Wednesday, in a New Year Message signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale.

According to the “Anti-Corruption czar”, the euphoria of the new year is gladdening but should awaken in every Nigerian deeper drives for accountable conduct in order to make the nation enviable and sustainably great.

“As we welcome the new year with excitement and renewed hopes, let us renew our commitment and channel our energy to the paths of accountability and zero tolerance for corruption”, he said.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria will surely break away from the shackles of poverty and deprivation, stressing that the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu is hinged on making Nigeria great again.

“We can make Nigeria greater. This is the pivot of the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President. Nigeria will rise again”, he said.

He wished Nigerians a happy and more fulfilling 2026.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerians not to lose hope due to the challenges in the country and said it has come to rescue Nigeria from the failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, in his New Year message to Nigerians, said the party is aware of the repeated failure of governments to deliver on past promises.

Mark noted that many are sceptical, but called on them to overcome their doubts and cynicism and join the ADC in its historic mission to rescue the country.

“We do not claim to be perfect, but do not doubt our sense of duty and our commitment to be on the good side of history,” he added.

The former President of the Senate stated that ADC as a coalition platform was born out of necessity, “to arrest Nigeria’s gradual descent into an authoritarian one-party state, and to rescue our country from a government that behaves more like an army of occupation than a government elected by the people, for the people.”

He added that the party was conscious of the responsibilities before it, adding that the legitimacy of the rescue mission will depend on the willingness of Nigerians to commit to a higher principle of politics, driven primarily by patriotism and service to the people.

“Since we announced the coalition, we have been encouraged by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm of ordinary Nigerians across the length and breadth of our country,” he said.

Mark noted that the year 2025 was a difficult year for the majority of Nigerians, stating that the renewed hope the All Progressives Congress (APC) government promised has yielded more misery and widespread hardship, as Nigerians battled with the rising cost of living.

“Food, basic drugs, and transportation were priced out of the reach of most people as a result of the government’s misguided policies, which have condemned more people to multidimensional poverty,” he added.

The ADC National Chairman, however, said, “When all hope appeared lost, when the ship of our country floundered, when it looked like Nigeria would never rise again, it would be said that some people came together, not because they were perfect, but because they recognised the significance of the moment and said Nigeria must not fail. It must rise again.”

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The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), defected to the ADC on Wednesday in Enugu.

Mr Obi, earlier in 2025, declared his intention to contest in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

‘Significant moment’

In a post on his Facebook page Wednesday evening, Atiku, a member of the ADC, said Mr Obi’s defection to the party “marks a significant moment in the history of political coalition” in Nigeria.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he said.

The former Nigerian vice-president, who is also seeking the ADC 2027 presidential ticket, described Mr Obi as “my brother and associate.”

He expressed hope that Mr Obi’s defection to the ADC in Enugu State would help inspire others to join the party in the South-east.

“And as the ADC coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the South-east region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction,” he said.

Mr Obi’s defection to the ADC is a confirmation that the former governor will seek the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

The former governor was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, running under the PDP platform.

Atiku and Mr Obi were the presidential candidates of the PDP and the LP in 2023, respectively, but lost to the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu, who is now the president.

Both politicians vigorously but unsuccessfully challenged Mr Tinubu’s victory at various courts in Nigeria, including the country’s Supreme Court.

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By Chuks Oyema-Aziken

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have neutralised several top terrorist commanders in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.

The Nigerian defence authorities disclosed that hundreds of notorious terrorist leaders—many of whom were on the military’s wanted list—have been eliminated across various theatres of operation.

Among the high-profile terrorist commanders, their lieutenants, and foot soldiers taken out are Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu).
Other notorious bandits eliminated include those known by the pseudonyms Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban, and Danja.

The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja, made the disclosure while addressing Defence Correspondents on Thursday in Abuja during a briefing on end-of-year military operations.

Maj. Gen. Onoja stated that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is aware that some terrorist factions are relocating to certain communities in response to sustained military pressure on their strongholds.

“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are actively monitoring terrorist movements across various operational theatres. Several movements have been identified and are currently being tracked,” he said.

He affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified proactive measures to prevent fleeing terrorists from infiltrating or destabilising communities.

According to him, troops have continued to conduct both kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, neutralising specific threats, protecting civilians, and creating a secure environment for economic activities to thrive.

Providing an overview of military operations conducted nationwide in 2025, Maj. Gen. Onoja highlighted significant operational achievements in the sustained effort to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, protect lives and property, and uphold national security.

He added that troops have continued to adapt to evolving security challenges.
Within the period under review, troops arrested 4,375 suspects, received the surrender of 1,616 terrorists and their family members, and successfully rescued 2,336 kidnapped victims.

He further revealed that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted oil theft valued at ₦8,918,647,206.
The Director noted that reports of an influx of armed herders into some communities are being taken seriously by defence authorities. He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, while encouraging prompt reporting of any suspicious movements or activities.

Maj. Gen. Onoja reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining national security, stressing that the AFN and other security stakeholders remain resolute in denying terrorists, insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements freedom of action across the country.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oloyede, personally commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, assuring Nigerians of the military’s continued determination to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

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