Economy
Tax Laws Will Boost Opportunities, End Poverty, Says Tinubu
Tax Laws Will Boost Opportunities, End Poverty, Says Tinubu
Mr Tinubu, who spoke at the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, assured Nigerians that the new reforms will deliver greater prosperity and inclusivity.
“On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we will move Nigerians from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. I committed to confronting structural weaknesses, restoring financial stability, and building an economy anchored in discipline, equity, and opportunity. Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric; they were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” the president said.
Despite widespread criticism, especially from stakeholders, the Tinubu-led administration implemented the re-gazetted tax laws in January.
Mr Tinubu, who stated on Tuesday that the new tax system was designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly, explained that the laws were intended to liberate the economy from the constraints of archaic laws and make it more globally competitive.
While commending the Nigeria Revenue Service chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for his exceptional performance and the successful completion of the building, Mr Tinubu said no serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system.
He added, “We are not gathered here merely to commission an edifice. We are here to mark a milestone in a larger national journey: the deliberate strengthening of our fiscal foundation and rebuilding of confidence in public institutions.
“No serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system. No government can demand trust from its citizens when taxation is opaque, inefficient or unjust. That is why this administration took the bold decision to embark on far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms.”
The president further addressed concerns about the new tax reforms, assuring Nigerians of better performance by the revenue service.
President Tinubu
“The reforms are designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions and create a fair, transparent and investment-friendly environment. Our direction is clear: to have a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth, and ensures that every contribution to the national cause is matched by feasible value for the people.
“The early results are encouraging and fantastic. Mr Adedeji, thank you very much. We are witnessing improved fiscal stability, strength, stronger foreign reserves, a more efficient trade ecosystem and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction,’’ Mr Tinubu said.
Peter Obi: Nigeria Collapsing, Divided Under Tinubu, May Drift into Anarchy If Re-Elected
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi says Nigeria is collapsing and divided under President Bola Tinubu, warning the country may drift into a more devastating situation if he is reelected in 2027.
“The country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it would be worse,” Mr Obi said during the African Democratic Congress convention in Abuja on Tuesday. “We need to work as a united Nigeria for the sake of Nigeria. The country is so divided, so we need unity. The present government has ensured that we remain more divided. Our unity is important.”
Mr Obi, who decried the high poverty rate under Mr Tinubu, further accused the All Progressives Congress-led government of excessive borrowing.
He added, “If you check your indices, when the present government came into being, our poverty rate was 41.6% and 8 million people. Today, we are 63% and 140 million people. So they have almost doubled that.
“When this government came into being, we removed the petroleum subsidy to stop borrowing for services and use the money to develop the country. Today, we are about 200 trillion in debt. Worse still, this government owes contractors; no projects of 2025 have been funded. We have a huge debt and have borrowed more.”
The former Anambra government said the country may descend into disaster, stressing the need for sacrifices among Nigerians.
“We are heading to disaster. I used these figures to show you we are drifting. We all have to work hard because anarchy consumes everybody. We must now sacrifice for the sake of our children. If we don’t do anything, what is happening will take revenge on our children and us,” Mr Obi stated.
Peter Obi
The presidency could not be reached for comment on Mr Obi’s latest allegations.
About 141 million Nigerians were projected to fall into abject poverty in 2026, as Nigeria’s poverty rate was projected to rise exponentially to 62 per cent this year, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Nigeria Economic Outlook published in January.
The report revealed that the poverty rate, which stood at 59% in 2024, rose to 61% (139 million people) in 2025 and is expected to climb to 62% (141 million) in 2026.
PWAC: NNPC Academy’s Adekeye Headlines 2026 PENGASSAN Women Convention
We are delighted to announce that Folashade Adekeye, Director, NNPC Academy, will be a Special Guest at the PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC) 2026.
With over 25 years of expertise in Strategic Human Resource Management and Human Capacity Development, Adekeye played a key role in the landmark transition to NNPC Limited under the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). She currently provides stellar leadership at the NNPC Academy, repositioning it as a strategic national and regional training hub.
NNPC
We are proud to see her excellence recognised on this important platform. Join her at the two-day convention, themed ‘The Dynamic Woman,’ on 15th and 16th April 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, commencing at 10:00 AM daily.
ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai On A Nine-Count Charge, Separates Trial From Co-Defendant
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before Honourable Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5 on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.
The arraignment, which took place on Monday, followed the amendment of the original charge by the Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, who separated the joint charge earlier filed against Mallam El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.
The amendment became necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant, Amadu Sule, who was reported to be unavailable in court on account of a medical condition.
Following the development, the court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to proceed with the arraignment of Mallam El-Rufai independent of the second defendant.
Mallam El-Rufai was subsequently arraigned on nine amended charges which allege various infractions under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, and Kaduna State Public Procurement Law, 2017.
Upon the reading of the charges, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State pleaded not guilty to all nine charges.
Counsel to the prosecution thereafter urged the court to fix a date for trial and to make appropriate orders to ensure the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings.
The defence counsel, in response, informed the court of a pending application and prayed for bail on liberal terms.
El-Rufai
After listening to both parties, the court adjourned for ruling on the bail application to Tuesday, 14th of April, 2026, and further ruled that Mallam El-Rufai should remain in the custody of the ICPC.
J. Okor Odey
Head, Media & Public Communications, ICPC.
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