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Just in: Tinubu gives fresh directive on Tax reform Bills
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Following the controversy emanating from the Tax Reforms Bills, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Justice to work closely with the National Assembly to address the concerns within and outside the legislature.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this in a statement he signed Tuesday titled ‘President Tinubu committed to accountability on tax bills, directs Ministry of Justice to work with NASS on concerns.’
Mohammed said, “In line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal Government welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.
“In this vein, President Tinubu has already directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the drafts to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns have been addressed before the bills are passed.”
Following approval of the Federal Executive Council in October, President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.
The Federal Government says the bills are aimed at overhauling the nation’s tax system.
They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to consolidate existing tax laws, establish clearer frameworks for tax administration, and create bodies like the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman.
However, they have sparked significant controversy.
Critics argue that the reforms could disrupt the balance of fiscal federalism, potentially centralising tax authority and diminishing state revenues.
Notably, at a meeting on October 28, 2024, governors of the 19 Northern States, under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, rejected the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax distribution in the tax reform bills.
They argued that the changes might adversely affect their regions’ financial autonomy.
Three days later, the National Economic Council comprising all 36 state governors asked the President to withdraw the Tax Reforms Bill from the National Assembly for more comprehensive consultations.
However, the President said there would be no need to withdraw the tax reforms bill from the National Assembly.
He insisted that, while the legislative process takes its course, inputs and changes can be made without withdrawing the bill from the NASS.
The controversy has permeated the legislative process. Some senators such as the dormer Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, are calling for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for more extensive consultations.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has also warned that while President Tinubu can deploy his executive powers to pass the tax reform bills, there would be consequences for millions of Nigerians.
Zulum added that the proposed VAT-sharing model will only benefit Lagos and Rivers states.
Nonetheless, the Senate proceeded to pass the bills for a second reading, a move that has been met with harsh criticism.
In its statement on Monday, the Presidency said most reactions from political leaders and commentators “are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills.”
It said the tax bills will not enrich Lagos or Rivers states at the expense of northern states.
Corroborating the Presidency’s stance, the Information Minister said, “The fiscal reforms will not impoverish any State or region of the country, neither will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies.”
“Similarly, it is important to be aware that there is a lot of misinformation and fake news circulating around the tax bills and the overall reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
“I call on all commentators and groups to keep up the spirit of informed engagement, and to strive to be respectful and understanding at all times despite the diversity of opinions. In the spirit of democratic engagement, there should be no room for name-calling, or for the injection of unnecessary ethnic and regional slurs into this important national conversation,” Idris added.
The FG welcomed the nationwide debate on the bills saying “This is the very essence and meaning of democracy.”
It argued that contrary to the popular notions the bills will “bring relief to tens of millions of hardworking Nigerians across the country and empower and position our States and the 774 Local Governments for sustainable growth and development.”
It said the President’s ambitious fiscal reform agenda will devolve more resources to Nigeria’s State and Local Governments, and ultimately to the Nigerian people, in the spirit of harnessing democracy that works for the people.
Idris argued that Nigerians are witnessing the most far-reaching, impactful, and beneficial set of fiscal reforms that Nigeria has seen in decades.
In addition to the four tax bills being debated and deliberated upon, there is also the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, which will significantly empower the tier of government that is closest to the Nigerian people.
The FG said these reforms will not only facilitate increased revenues (without imposing additional tax burdens on the people), they will also make it possible for citizens to demand and enjoy greater accountability in the management of public resources at all levels of government.
“President Tinubu and the administration will continue to champion policies that close the loopholes and gaps through which Nigeria’s valuable public resources have been frittered away for decades.
On top of this necessary foundation, the resources being conserved and realised from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure (healthcare, education, transportation, digital technology, etc) and in social investments that will benefit all Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind.
“This is the promise and the reality of the Renewed Hope agenda,” the statement read.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled a new system allowing candidates to upload their O’Level results from the comfort of their homes, while the Board verifies the results directly with the relevant examination bodies.
Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, who announced this in a statement on Monday, said the initiative, which begins with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is aimed at making the process of O’Level result verification and upload easier, faster, safer and more convenient for candidates.
According to him, under the new arrangement, candidates would no longer need to visit Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres solely for the purpose of uploading their O’Level results, noting that JAMB would verify their results directly against records held by the issuing examination bodies before the results are uploaded to their profiles.
Benjamin said the initiative was part of the Board’s renewed commitment to deploying technology to improve service delivery and reduce unnecessary visits to CBT centres, queues and manual processes.
He added that the new system would also address challenges associated with manual O’Level result uploads, including misplaced or mixed-up paper results, submission of unverified or fraudulent results, as well as errors in the manual entry of subjects and grades.
The Board explained that the integration of its e-Facility platform with examination bodies would enable candidates’ results to be verified directly against the records of the issuing bodies before being downloaded into their JAMB profiles.
The JAMB spokesperson explained that to use the service, candidates are required to first obtain a Result Verification Code, adding that they are to visit buyresultsverificationcode.ng, enter their National Identification Number (NIN) and verify it, after which they will select the number of sittings and the relevant examination body or bodies.
“Candidates will then provide their email address and GSM number, make payment through the available payment options and enter their examination details, including examination number, series and year.
“After successful verification, candidates will obtain a Verification Code. The second stage involves sending ‘VERIFY’ followed by the Verification Code to 55019 or 66019.
“The result will then be uploaded and the candidate will receive a notification. Candidates with two sittings will subsequently be directed to their profiles on JAMB’s e-Facility platform, where they will select 2026 UTME O’Level Upload.
“They will enter their Verification Code, after which their two verified results will be displayed. Candidates are required to select a minimum of five and a maximum of nine subjects, ensuring that no subject is selected more than once, before clicking ‘Apply the O’Level Results’ to complete the process,” the Board stated.
Benjamin further stated that the verification service would provide candidates with a convenient alternative, particularly during periods of high patronage and network challenges at CBT centres.
According to him, the initiative reflects the commitment of the Board’s sixth Registrar, Prof Segun Aina, to building a more customer-oriented and technology-driven service delivery system.
He added that the Board would continue to deploy technology and collaborate with relevant examination and government agencies to make its services simpler, safer and more accessible to candidates. (Nigerian Tribune)
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of Eid el Maulud, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet as a timeless example of compassion, tolerance, humility, and service to humanity.
“As we commemorate this sacred day, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the virtues of the Prophet and to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and progress in our dear country, Nigeria,” the President of the Senate said.
He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and called on all citizens to embrace love, forgiveness, and mutual respect regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“In these times, our nation needs the prayers of all religious leaders and faithful. Let us use this period to pray for our leaders, for security, economic prosperity, and for the unity that binds us together as one people under God,” he added.
Senator Akpabio reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Senate under his leadership to promote legislation and policies that protect religious freedom, foster national cohesion, and improve the welfare of all Nigerians.
He felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and wished the Muslim community a peaceful and joyous Eid el Maulud celebration.
Pastor Adamson Aromaegbe, the founder and General Overseer of Rock Word Church and Dominion International, has died.
Aromaegbe, who was based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reportedly died on Friday, August 21, 2026.
His death was confirmed by the leadership of the church in a statement released on Sunday.
The statement was signed by Rev. Nnamdy Echezona and shared through the ministry’s official Facebook page.
The church described the late pastor as a respected Christian leader who dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and building the ministry.
His work as a preacher, teacher, mentor and church leader reportedly influenced many people within and outside his ministry.
Following the announcement, the church called on members, friends and other supporters to pray for Aromaegbe’s family as they come to terms with his death.
Prayers were also requested for the church and members of the wider Dominion International family.
The church said arrangements for the late pastor’s funeral and other activities to mark his death would be announced later.
Aromaegbe’s death has left members of Rock Word Church and Dominion International mourning the loss of a leader who had spent years working in Christian ministry.
JAMB unveils new system, permits candidates to upload their O’Level results from homes
Eid El Maulud: Akpabio Felicitates Muslims, Seeks Prayers For Peace, Unity
SAD! Nigerian popular General Overseer is dead
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