News
Tinubu’s tax reform bill ill-timed, says Tambuwal
Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, describing its timing as inappropriate given the economic challenges being faced by Nigerians.
Tambuwal expressed his views on Sunday while distributing relief materials to flood victims and handing out starter packs to over 1,000 beneficiaries of a skills acquisition programme in his senatorial district.
Speaking at the event, he said, “Let me use the opportunity of this platform to address the issue that is raging for now, the issue of tax reform as presented by President Bola Tinubu.
“I believe this is a wrong time for any upward review of either VAT or any form of tax, the time is inauspicious, the time is very wrong.
“These are hard times for the people of Nigeria and what they are going through. What we require of the government is for it to focus on projects and programmes that will bring succour and relief to the people and not to increase their hardship.
“Already, we are facing hardship as occasioned by the devaluation of the naira and removal of fuel subsidy that was done by this regime; I believe we should focus on managing the hardship and see how we can bring our people out of hardship.
“The recent statistics of Nigerian Bureau of Statistics shows that over 30 million Nigerians are already in abject poverty ”
While in Shagari, the senator, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, distributed relief materials to over a thousand households victims of flooding and other natural disasters
Additionally, in Bodinga, the senator partnered with the National Directorate of Employment to provide skills training to over 1,000 youths in various fields.
…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.
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.
“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.
“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 !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News20 hours agoNo New States as House Committee Rejects 31 Creation Requests – Deputy Speaker
-
News22 hours agoUS Congressman- Scott Perry’s Weighty Allegations On USAID And The Need For Investigation
-
Opinion22 hours ago*ANALYSIS OF THE SENATE SEATING CONTROVERSY: A Critical Examination Of Procedural Compliance, Gender Dynamics, And Democratic Principle In The Nigerian Senate*
-
News6 hours agoBook launch: Abacha’s daughter, Gumsu derides Babangida
-
News22 hours agoAgain, naira rebounces against dollar
-
News20 hours agoNAFDAC Uncovers Loads Of Vaccines For Yellow Fever, Others Hidden Under Staircase In Lagos
-
News20 hours agoOSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
-
News5 hours agoJustice Delayed: The Imperative for Accountability in the Wake of Ibrahim Babangida’s Autobiography