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Tax Reform Bills: Northern Lawmakers Will Prioritize National Interest – Doguwa

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By Gloria Ikibah
The leader of the Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has assured Nigerians that lawmakers from the North will prioritize national interest in the consideration of the proposed tax reform bills.
Doguwa who was the Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly stated this during an interview with journalists during a Tax Reform Interaction Organized by the House in Abuja on Monday.
He emphasized that the process will not be rushed and assured Nigerians that the bills will be carefully studied to ensure they serve the best interest of the people and the nation.
He said: “These proposed bills are obviously to do with fiscal federalism as it relates to sharing of resources to federating units and key government institutions. We must, therefore, be careful to study the bills diligently and consider them clause by clause with a view to doing justice to the people and to the bills in the overall interest of the nation.
“We will certainly NOT rush the passage of these bills in order to avoid making hasty legislations or laws that would, in the end, fail to address our practical economic realities as a nation.
“National interest will be the key word. It will be the watchword, and I believe all of us will be guided by national interest. The government itself, I want to believe, has good intentions. So, we will look at those intentions and see how we can educate and enlighten our people. At the end of the day, the law will be for the good of the people.”
The caucus leader commended the House leadership for organizing the interactive session, which he said has helped members to better understand the proposed bills, even as he emphasised the importance of ongoing consultations.
“We must commend the wisdom of the House leadership for coming up with this interactive session to further enlighten and clarify the contents and intentions of the proposed tax reform bills. Building on this good initiative, we will continue to hold further consultations at the levels of state and regional caucuses to create sufficient awareness among our members and other stakeholders.
“If there’s anything, we members can now say this should be a work in progress. This consultation has to be work in progress. We will pick it up from here and go into smaller legislative groups, caucuses, and state-level meetings to ensure people understand the importance of the bills”,  Doguwa noted.
Doguwa reaffirmed the commitment of Northern lawmakers to promoting interaction, consultation, and public enlightenment about the tax reform bills.
“We, as members of the Northern Caucus, will build on the initiative of the House leadership, which promotes interaction and consultation, widening the scope of enlightenment for our people,” he stated.
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Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker House of Representatives Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, on his 51st birthday, saying the governor is a blessing to his people.
In a statement by Speaker Abbas, he commended Governor Bago who is also called the ‘Farmer Governor’ for revolutionising agriculture in Niger State, noted that the impact of the reforms is being felt across Nigeria.
The Speaker specifically hailed Governor Bago for prioritising food production at a time the country is making efforts to diversify the economy from oil.
Speaker Abbas said Governor Bago excelled as a member of the House of Representatives and is presently one of the best performing governors in the country.
He wished Governor Bago many more years on earth, in service to this fatherland, and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and wisdom to continue to manage the affairs of Niger State.
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Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51

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…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.

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Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.

Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.

He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.

“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.

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“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.

“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.

“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.

“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.

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“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”

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Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China

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…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.

The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.

Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.

She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.

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The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.

“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.

“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.

“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.

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“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.

She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.

In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.

Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.

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He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.

Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.

He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.

“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”

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He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.

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