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Tax reform bills: North restrategises as regional crisis looms
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With some northern lawmakers locked in a series of meetings on the issue, the League of Northern Democrats, LND, yesterday, inaugurated a technical committee to review contents of the bills clause-by-clause, find out provisions that are injurious to the North and suggest alternatives. The committee has one week to handle the task.
Currently, southern senators, as a bloc, are in support of the tax bills while northern senators, most of who are against the move, are consulting.
Also, while the Senate is proceeding with legislative actions on the bills, the House of Representatives has suspended actions on the matter as Northern Reps raise eye brow.
Looming fresh crisis, dichotomy
On Thursday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said that the Senate had not suspended legislative action on the four controversial bills which was contrary to the decision taken in his absence on Wednesday when Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau presided over the plenary.
On Wednesday, Barau said the lawmakers suspended public hearing and legislative work on the bills to allow for wider consultation. He raised a 10-man committee led by Senator Abba Moro to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation AGF, and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues in the bills.
However, the Akpabio-led Senate reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the tax reform bills, on Thursday, stressing that no aspect of the legislative process had been suspended or withdrawn.
A few hours later, senators from the six states of the South-South geo-political zone (where Akpabio hails from) under the aegis of South- South Senators’ Forum threw their weight behind the tax reform bills. They passed a vote confidence in Akpabio; and urged South-South governors to synergise with legislators in order to fine tune the bills and be on the same page.
Also, Southern senators on the banner of Nigerian Southern Senators Forum, NSSF, backed the tax reform, which they said “will foster a fair, equitable and more inclusive tax system and therefore deserve the support of all Nigerians.”
In a joint statement by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, chairman; Senator Victor Umeh, vice chairman; Senator Barinada Mpigi, secretary; Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, assistant secretary; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, publicity secretary; and Senator Kenneth Eze, treasurer, they said: “What is required now is for the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Tax Committee, to demonstrate, using data, that no sub-national in Nigeria will be at risk of a lower VAT revenues post reforms. This will go a long way in allaying the fears currently being expressed by some states of the federation.”
Northerners commission independent panel
Indeed, worried that the bills could harm the North if passed as they were,the League of Northern Democrats raised a technical panel to look at the proposals with a tooth comb.
This was contained in a statement signed by LND’s Spokesman, Dr. Ladan Salihu.
Although names of members of the committee who are said to be mostly lawyers, accountants and experts in related fields were not made public, the panel was given one week to turn in its report.
Salihu said: “Given the current raging concerns and controversies on the Tax Reform Bills currently before our National Assembly, the League of Northern Democrats wishes to inform the Northern public that it has inaugurated a distinguished Technical Committee tasked with reviewing the four tax reform bills clause-by-clause so as to reach an informed position on each clause therein.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that laws reflect the principles of justice, equity and prosperity for all Nigerians, with the sole intent to safeguarding the developmental interests of our peoples.
“The committee, composed of dedicated Northern experts in law, public accounting, legislation and academia, has taken to itself one week to conclude a comprehensive review of the bills.
“Their mandate includes identifying provisions that may be injurious or inequitable, proposing necessary amendments, and ensuring that each clause of the bills upholds the constitutional, religious and cultural norms of our people, while promoting national unity and fairness.
“At the conclusion of its assignment, the committee will publicly present its findings in an electronic and tabular format, effectively communicating its recommendations to policymakers, legislators, the media and the Nigerian public.
“The LND assures the public of our confidence in the committee’s ability to produce thorough and well-reasoned recommendations.
“These will aim to maximize benefits for all Nigerians, ensuring that the tax reforms support sustainable development and equitable economic growth across the nation.
“We urge Nigerians to stay tuned for LND’s public presentation, which will provide clear insights into the bills and our proposed policy position.
“The League of Northern Democrats remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for policies that foster justice, prosperity and unity in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.”
Why Reps Suspended Debate Indefinitely
The House of Representatives during the week was expected to commence debate on the tax reform bill but the debate was suspended indefinitely.
The planned debate was called off in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, as 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills.
Those who rejected the bills include 48 Reps from the North-East, 24 federal lawmakers from Kano and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District.
The memo suspending the debate dated November 30, 2024 was titled: ‘Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills.’
It read: “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to discuss all the tax reform bills, has been postponed to a later date.
“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders. A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course.”
Northern lawmakers mount pressure
A leaked video of the closed-door session of the Green Chamber obtained showed the North-East lawmakers in tense debates against the tax reform bills.
The footage shows the member representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State, saying: “On behalf of the 48 honourable members from the ravaged North-East sub-region, I want to first of all rely on the position of the three previous caucus leaders. In addition to this, the primary responsibility of every government is simply the welfare of its citizens.
“North-East, even before the insurgency, was the poorest region in Nigeria. Today, our people have been turned into beggars. Billionaires and millionaires of yesterday have to queue up in IDP camps in host communities to collect 10kg bags of rice.
“If other parts of the country were in our shoes, even this sitting would not be possible. We have concluded that we are going to make further consultations because there is nothing that is cast in stone.”
Giving an insight into the development during the closed-door session, a lawmaker from the North-West, stated: “As the representatives of the people, we have resolved to continue our consultation on the matter,” adding that “things degenerated almost to a point of rebellion against the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu who presided over the executive session.”
Like our governors, northern lawmakers are not convinced
He continued: “From what I can deduce, the Governors of the North are not yet convinced about the arguments in favour of the bills. The bills are against the interest of the North and that is why we are saying, ‘if you think this is not the case, give us more time to consult with our people.’
“The speed with which they want these bills considered and passed is suspicious. This is why our governors are not convinced and we are not convinced either,” he noted.
Last week, the Tajudeen Abbas-led 10th House spent over two hours in executive session to forge a common front on the bills only to emerge to announce the continuation of consultation ahead of the debate on the general principles of the bills, which was suspended afterwards.
Tax reform will protect poor people — NOA DG
Meanwhile the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has assured that the bills would protect the poor.
Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo at a press briefing held at the NOA office, Issa-Onilu said the bills when passed would eliminate multiple taxation which has become a problem in the country.
Represented by the agency Director, Report Coordination and Improvement, Olubukola Olorunfemi, he said the bill would enhance the ease of doing business and development.
His words: “The tax reform bills are four different bills that seek to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation. The bills are as follows: The Nigeria Tax Bill, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
“The Nigeria Tax Bill basically amalgamated all the existing laws in which provisions for taxation was made. When passed, this bill will lead to the repeal of 11 laws that contain provisions on imposition and collection of taxes.
“The government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing. Those earning very little will pay little or no taxes, helping them manage their finances better.
“New digital systems are being introduced to make tax payments easier, faster, and more accountable. Tax revenue will be used to improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure; ensuring citizens see the benefits of their contributions.”
The NOA DG spoke in like manner in Kebbi, where he was represented by the Director Documentation, Translation and Publications, Mr. John Bala Asate in Birnin Kebbi during the flag off of the nationwide sensitisation on security, HIV/AIDS, human rights, get-rich-quick syndrome and tax reform bills.
FG’s sensitisation’s late — Kebbi commissioner
However, Alhaji Abdullahi Zuru, Special Adviser, on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi Governor, told the team that the sensitisation on the tax reform bill was late as it should have been done before the presentation of the bill to the National Assembly.
Noting that the bills have generated tension across the country, he said: “Our governor and his colleagues have taken a stand on it. We can’t say anything because his stand is final and we will abide by it.”
Zuru urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from Kebbi governor, who he said usually consults widely with stakeholders before presenting any bill that has direct bearing on citizens, and not to begin sensitising after presenting it for consideration. (Saturday Vanguard)
● Institutions directed to Constitute Laureate Committees as Nigeria Begins Search for its Finest Academic Research
The Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Committee has formally announced the commencement of the 2026 National Laureate Programme, marking the inaugural edition of what is expected to become Nigeria’s foremost national platform for recognising outstanding student academic research, innovation and scholarly excellence across tertiary institutions.
The launch of the Programme signals a major milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting research excellence, strengthening the nation’s knowledge economy and placing scholarship at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda.
The National Laureate Programme, inaugurated by the Federal Government under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, CON, is designed to identify, evaluate, celebrate and reward exceptional undergraduate dissertations, master’s theses and doctoral research produced in accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Supported by an annual research prize fund of ₦365 million, the Programme ranks among Nigeria’s most prestigious academic recognition initiatives and reflects the Federal Government’s determination to encourage original research, innovation and solutions capable of addressing national and global challenges.
Beyond recognising academic excellence, the Prize is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s research ecosystem by promoting innovation, encouraging the commercialisation of research outputs, supporting industrial development, inspiring future researchers and establishing scholarship as a strategic national asset.
As part of the commencement of the 2026 edition, all accredited universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, monotechnics, military institutions and other eligible tertiary institutions are requested to immediately commence internal preparations for participation.
Every eligible institution is expected to constitute an Institutional Laureate Selection Committee made up of experienced academics with proven research records, unquestionable integrity and the capacity to conduct objective evaluations in accordance with the approved National Laureate Programme framework.
Institutions are also required to formally submit the names and designations of the Chairman, Secretary and members of the Committee, after which the Committee will coordinate the institution’s participation in the Programme.
Following the institutional evaluation process, each participating institution is expected to nominate up to eighteen outstanding research works, comprising six undergraduate dissertations, six master’s theses, and six doctoral theses in the case of universities, or their equivalents for polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions, drawn from the six approved thematic areas, such as Agriculture, Teaching Innovation, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, and Technology, Law, Arts and Social Sciences.
The Programme offers Star Prizes of ₦35 million for the undergraduate category, ₦50 million for the master’s category, and ₦100 million for the doctoral category.
In addition, 15 Thematic Laureate Awards, valued at ₦12 million each, will be presented to other outstanding winners.
Institutions are reminded that every nominated research work must first be formally submitted as required under the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and assigned a valid National Document Number (NDN) before it can be considered for the National Laureate Programme.
This requirement reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to research integrity, proper documentation and the preservation of Nigeria’s academic output within the national knowledge infrastructure.
The Committee further reminds participating institutions that the National Laureate Programme operates a rigorous three-tier evaluation system, comprising Institutional, Regional, also referred to as Zonal, and National assessments.
This multi-layered process has been designed to guarantee transparency, fairness, objectivity and merit in the selection of the country’s finest academic research.
Institutions are therefore encouraged to conduct their internal assessments with the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality, recognising that only the very best research works will progress through the successive stages of evaluation.
The management of every participating institution is responsible for constituting its Institutional Laureate Selection Committee in accordance with the approved guidelines. Once constituted, the institution’s approved NERD Focal Officer (NFO) is required to designate the Committee members through NFO dashboard on NERD.
This formal designation grants authorised members secure access to make entries, evaluate submissions and digitally manage the institution’s participation on the national Laureate Dashboard throughout the Programme.
The National Laureate Committee also calls on Nigerian professional bodies and associations to play an active role in safeguarding the integrity of the Programme by nominating distinguished scholars and subject experts for appointment into the Regional Laureate Selection Committees across the six geopolitical zones of the Federation.
Professional bodies representing agriculture, science, engineering and technology, medicine, law, arts and social sciences, teaching, and related disciplines are encouraged to submit nominations of suitably qualified experts with established records of scholarship, peer review, integrity and professional leadership.
Those appointed will participate in the independent regional evaluation of research submissions before the national assessment. All nominations will undergo rigorous screening based on merit, experience, integrity, diversity and conflict of interest requirements to ensure that the Programme maintains the highest standards of credibility and academic excellence.
Institutions and professional bodies are advised to conclude the selection of committee members and subject matter experts by 15 August 2026 while the submission of institutional entries will continue until the 31st of August 2026.
It noted that submissions would include mandatory digital transmission as provided in the guideline on the National Laureate portal.
Describing the Programme as a landmark national investment in intellectual capital, the Chairman of the National Laureate Committee, Emeritus Professor Abubakar S. Sambo (OON), said the National Laureate Programme was designed to elevate academic excellence to national prominence, encourage world-class research, inspire innovation and recognise scholars whose work has the potential to transform lives, industries and the future of Nigeria.
He encouraged every eligible institution and every relevant professional association to participate actively in ensuring the success of the inaugural edition of the Programme.
Further information, including detailed guidelines, committee manuals and application procedures, is available on the National Laureate Programme website at www.nationalaureate.ng.
Additional guidance may also be obtained through the Committee Guide and the Application Guide available on the website.
Issued by:
Ita Ekpenyong
Spokesperson
National Laureate Committee
Troops of the Nigerian Army have, in the last 24 hours, rescued 34 kidnap victims, apprehended suspected ISWAP informants and recovered arms and ammunition in coordinated operations nationwide.
This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
The report said that troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued 31 kidnap victims from terrorists along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.
It said the rescue followed a swift response after troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion detected ISWAP/JAS terrorists abducting civilians from four vehicles through CCTV surveillance.
According to the report, troops immediately deployed a quick reaction force, engaged the terrorists and forced them to abandon the victims and flee, with one motorcycle left behind.
“In another operation, troops of 145 Battalion conducted a fighting patrol to the Turoh general area of Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area.
“The terrorists reportedly fled on sighting the troops, leaving behind two motorcycles and illicit drugs recovered during exploitation of the area.
“Also, troops of 232 Battalion Tactical apprehended a suspected ISWAP informant at Garaha Market in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa,” it said.
In the North-West, the report revealed that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged terrorists moving with rustled cattle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.
It added that the troops’ superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray during the encounter.
The report also revealed that troops of Operation MESA rescued a kidnapped woman and her two children along the old Obajana-Jakura-Tajimi road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi.
According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted on July 29 from a Ruga settlement in the Gada-Biyu area of the same local government.
“In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to reports of an attack on a herder in Bassa Local Government Area.
“The assailants had fled before the troops arrived, while the deceased and recovered cattle were handed over to the victim’s family,” it added.
In the South-East, the report said the troops of Operation UDO KA recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspected terrorists linked to the ambush of troops in Imo on May 4.
It added that the operation, conducted in Delta and Imo states, followed intelligence obtained from earlier arrested suspects.
According to the report, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, a pistol, 11 AK-47 magazines, two FN magazines, 239 rounds of assorted ammunition, a fragmentation jacket and other military items from terrorist camps.
“The recovered weapons included rifles earlier carted away during the May ambush on troops, while further exploitation led to the discovery of another terrorist camp containing additional arms and ammunition,” it said.
A joint military task force has rescued a senior Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, and a civilian, Mr. Ikechukwu Onwuanra, after an intensive 10-day search-and-rescue operation across forests and communities in Enugu State.
This was contained in a military operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Abuja.
The breakthrough came in the early hours of Saturday following sustained operations by troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA (OPUK).
The search mission involved personnel of the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Rear), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NN SBS), and the 197 Special Forces Battalion, operating under the leadership of the Commander, 82 Division Garrison, with support from the Air Component.
According to the report, between 6:00 p.m. on July 31 and 6:00 a.m. on August 1, the joint troops continued search operations using actionable intelligence across Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests and adjoining communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.News
At about 2:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Inyi Division alerted the troops to the suspected location of the kidnapped victims.
The troops immediately mobilised and launched a fighting patrol into the area, where they discovered Lt. Col. Amobi and Mr. Onwuanra abandoned at the edge of a forest. The civilian was found with a gunshot wound.
The victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to Inyi before being moved to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for medical treatment and comprehensive evaluation.
During preliminary debriefing, the victims disclosed that they had been blindfolded shortly after their abduction and transported to an unknown location.
They said they were later abandoned in a forest around the Enugu–Anambra border as the kidnappers came under sustained operational pressure.
The military attributed the successful rescue to the relentless pressure mounted by the joint force, supported by the Air Component, which maintained continuous dominance of the suspected hideouts and denied the abductors freedom of movement throughout the 10-day operation.
The sustained search-and-rescue mission ultimately forced the kidnappers to abandon the captives and flee.
Further investigations and follow-up operations are ongoing to identify, track and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
Tinubu government begins 2026 Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Programme
Troops rescue 34 abductees, nab ISWAP informant, recover arms
Joint military task force rescue kidnapped Lt Col, civilian after 10-day search operation
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