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Month: January 2026

President Tinubu Hosts Olubadan Of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja At Presidential Villa

Wale busari01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, January 23, 2026. The meeting was shared on X by Bayo Onanuga, who posted photos of the president and the traditional ruler together, captioned: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu meets with Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday 23/01/2026, Photo State House.” No details of the discussions have been made public. Oba Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, maintains a longstanding relationship with President Tinubu, who attended his coronation in Ibadan last year.

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House Minority Committee Confirms Illegal Alterations In Tax Laws

Wale busari04 mins

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee has confirmed that some recently passed tax reform laws were illegally altered, with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, identified as the most affected. The committee’s interim report, released on Friday, compared the versions of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly with those published in the official gazette, confirming discrepancies raised by House member Abdulsamad Dasuki over altered documents circulating publicly. The Minority Caucus had previously warned on December 28, 2025, that any attempt to impose fake laws on Nigerians would violate the constitutional role of the National Assembly and pledged to defend legislative independence. To investigate, the caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, set up a seven-member fact-finding committee on January 2, 2026, chaired by Victor Ogene. The team includes Aliyu Garu (Bauchi), Stanley Adedeji (Oyo), Ibe Osonwa (Abia), Marie Ebikake (Bayelsa), Shehu Fagge (Kano), and Gaza Gbefwi Jonathan (Nasarawa). On January 3, 2026, the House, through spokesman Akin Rotimi, announced that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had ordered the release of four tax reform Acts signed by President Bola Tinubu for public verification. These are: Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025. According to the committee’s preliminary findings, comparisons between the certified copies and the gazetted versions revealed multiple alterations. “There were some alterations as alleged, especially in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025. There were three different versions of the documents in circulation, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025,” the report said. The report highlighted several irregularities: Section 29(1) on reporting thresholds lowered individual thresholds from N50m to N25m, contrary to the approved law. New subsections 41(8) and 41(9) imposed a mandatory 20% deposit for tax disputes to be heard in the High Court, which were not in the authentic law. Section 64 expanded enforcement powers for tax authorities, including arrests and asset seizures without court approval. Section 3(1)(b) excluded petroleum income tax and VAT from federal taxes. Section 39(3) mandated tax computation for petroleum operations in US dollars, replacing the original provision to use the currency of the transaction. The committee also flagged changes to the Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, noting the removal of Sections 30(1)(d) and 30(3), which had provided for National Assembly oversight through reports, summons, and accountability mechanisms. Describing the alterations as “anomalies, illegalities, and impunity” that undermine constitutional powers, the committee called for a deeper investigation and requested an extension to continue its work. The committee expressed gratitude to the caucus leadership for entrusting them with the assignment.

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Distillers, Labour Unions Protest Sachet Alcohol Ban At NAFDAC Office In Lagos

Wale busari02 mins

Members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria staged a protest on Friday at the Lagos State office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets. The demonstration saw distillers joined by workers from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), who marched to the agency’s office holding placards and chanting solidarity songs. Placards carried by the protesters included messages such as “Stop destroying local manufacturers,” “N2 trillion investment deserves protection,” “5.5 million Nigerians cannot be pushed to the streets,” and “The Renewed Hope Agenda must work for all Nigerians.” At the time of reporting, neither the protesters nor NAFDAC officials had addressed the media. The protest is tied to ongoing disputes surrounding the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks, which industry players say threatens local businesses and employment.

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Nigeria’s Power Grid Collapses Again, First Major Blackout Of 2026

Wale busari01 mins

Nigeria’s national electricity grid has collapsed again, throwing many parts of the country into darkness and cutting off power supply to millions of households and businesses. Checks revealed that electricity generation plunged dramatically from more than 4,500 megawatts to just about 24 megawatts as of 1:30 pm. All 23 power generation plants connected to the grid reportedly shut down during the incident, resulting in zero electricity allocation to the 11 distribution companies nationwide. As of the time of reporting, the cause of the collapse had not been confirmed, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria was yet to issue an official statement explaining the incident. The outage is the first recorded grid collapse in 2026 and comes only weeks after a similar nationwide blackout on December 29, 2025, which also disrupted electricity supply across the country.

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EFCC, NEITI Strengthen Collaboration in Tackling Extractive Fraud

Fola Badmus04 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI have resolved to strengthen their collaboration towards seeing better performance from Nigeria’s extractive industries.   This pact was made on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 when Honourable Musa Sarkin Adar, NEITI’s Executive Secretary led his management team on a courtesy visit to Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of EFCC at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.   Addressing Adar, Olukoyede stated that the extractive industry was the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and enjoined Adar to see his appointment as an opportunity to oversee and monitor transparency and accountability processes in an industry that continues to sustain the economy of Nigeria.   The EFCC’s boss recalled that the Commission has been working together with NEITI over the years, “but upon my appointment as Chairman of EF we took it to the next level. Your report is like raw materials for us to work with and with your report over the years, we have been working and making recoveries. I can also promise you that in your own time, we will collaborate with you, probably more than we did with your predecessor. We want to continue and strengthen our collaboration and take it to another level.”   Speaking further, the EFCC boss noted that the enhanced collaboration may see improvements on the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies of government.   “We have an MoU with your organization. We’re going to review it and see what we need to improve on. Your Act may not have given you teeth, but mouth and hand to work, but we will lend you our teeth to bite from time to time,” he said.   In his remarks, Adar, who was appointed in November 2025, disclosed that the visit was in line with his prioritisation of critical stakeholders’ engagement, pursuant to NEITI’s mandate and his desire to enhance the existing EFCC-NEITI collaboration.   “I prioritize engagement with key institutions whose statutory mandate align closely with NEITI’s responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s explorative sector. I’ve been extensively briefed on strategic partnership between our agencies and the commendable work being carried out over the years. I wish to commend the effort of both agencies and to use this opportunity to ensure ways of further strengthening our existing partnership.   He further stressed that the meeting provided the opportunity to reaffirm the strong institutional relationship between NEITI and the EFCC under the existing Memorandum of Understanding and to renew shared commitment to addressing systemic weaknesses that undermine the effective governance of the extractive sector, particularly as Nigeria prepares to host EITI, the global partner body.

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Ajuwale Stool: Protest Rocks Ijebu Ode Over Alleged Imposition

Wale busari02 mins

Indigenes and residents of Ijebu Ode held a protest on Friday morning, marching from the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters to oppose what they described as attempts by “powerful interests” to influence the selection of the next Awujale. The demonstration followed a circular issued by the Ogun State Government on January 20, 2026, which barred the kingmakers from advancing the selection of a candidate from the 95 nominees submitted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Leaders of the ruling house include Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman). The circular, issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, has fueled allegations that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is attempting to interfere in the traditional selection process to favor a preferred candidate. Mrs. Adenugba Obileye, who led the peaceful protest, said the march was meant to express the community’s disapproval of what she called “plots to interfere with the work of the kingmakers” and to ensure that the Awujale is selected through proper traditional procedures. “We are here to register our displeasure and demand that the kingmakers be allowed to perform their constitutional duty without interference. The people of Ijebu will not accept any attempt to impose a candidate outside the traditional process,” Mrs. Obileye said.

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Stop Calling Me “Bro” or “Blood” – 22-Year-Old Ondo Monarch Oba Akinghare II Warns Public

Wale busari04 mins

The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a stern warning to the public against addressing the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, in informal or disrespectful ways. In a statement released on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, stressed that the 22-year-old king must always be referred to as His Royal Majesty, cautioning that casual or derogatory forms of address would no longer be tolerated. The palace noted that some individuals have been calling the young monarch “bro” or “blood,” actions described as attempts to undermine the dignity of the throne. “I write on behalf of the palace to draw the attention of the general public to an issue that must be corrected immediately. Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. Any deviation from this is unacceptable,” the statement said. Prince Olorunfemi emphasized that the king’s youth does not lessen his authority, noting that age is not a measure of respect for the throne. “The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not permit any form of disrespect. Using casual or demeaning terms such as ‘bro’ or ‘blood’ is highly inappropriate and will attract firm and decisive action,” the statement added. He also highlighted that the monarch’s calm and tolerant nature should not be misinterpreted as weakness. “Our customs demand respect for constituted authority. Regardless of age, status, or social standing, respect for the king is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and honouring it preserves our cultural identity,” Prince Olorunfemi said. The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the wider public to always uphold the dignity of the monarchy, stressing that respect for the throne is central to Yoruba heritage. Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at age 16 while still in secondary school, following the death of his father. As the only son among four children, tradition required that he succeed his late father. The kingmakers promptly presented him as the new ruler, a decision later ratified by the Ondo State Government.

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Drug war: Marwa Sets 2026 Operational Targets for NDLEA Commanders

Wale busari06 mins

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has set the tone for the 2026 operational goals with a high-level strategic meeting with directors, commanders and heads of formations during which he charged them to sustain the current momentum in the war against illicit substances by going all out to dismantle drug cartels and intensify sensitization efforts across the country. Marwa gave the charge at the annual review and planning meeting that brought together, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, the top echelon of the Agency, including: members of the Management; Zonal Commanders; Commanders from the 36 states and the FCT; Commanders of Seaports and International Airports; the Marine Unit Commander; Commanders of the Strike Force and the Special Operations Units, among others. ​Addressing the Commanders, Marwa emphasized that the Agency has kicked off the year on a strong footing, building on the record-breaking successes of previous years. He noted that 2026 would be a year of unprecedented consolidation especially in the areas of Drug Supply Reduction (DSR) and Drug Demand Reduction (DDR). “The results we achieved last year were significant, but we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Our 2026 goals are clear: we are here to completely disrupt the financial lifelines of drug cartels and ensure that every community in Nigeria is sensitized against the scourge of substance abuse”, he declared. ​During the session, he directed the various Commands to ensure a seamless execution of the 2026 strategic work plan. According to him, “When I first assumed office, I made certain declarations about the direction of this Agency and the resolve to confront drug barons and kingpins. Looking back, the progress achieved is the result of your collective efforts, and all glory belongs to God. “We have now successfully concluded five years, which passed remarkably quickly. While we acknowledge the achievements recorded during this period, we must not rest on our past successes. Rather, we must consolidate these gains and aim for even greater outcomes. Today, the Agency commands increased respect, both locally and internationally, and you should be proud to identify yourselves anywhere as officers and men of this Agency. “The renewal of my tenure by the President is largely a reflection of your work. While I may issue directives, real impact comes from seizures made, arrests effected, and convictions secured in the field. Without these results, there would be nothing to communicate to the public. For this reason, I sincerely appreciate your diligence, commitment, and hard work. “This year, we are here to set clear targets. Directors have already submitted their proposed objectives, but these will only be complete with input from commanders. Discipline and professional conduct must remain central to our operations. “Operational professionalism and zero tolerance for compromise are non-negotiable. Commanders must ensure thorough surveillance and planning before any operation. Where operational capacity is insufficient, commanders must request reinforcement rather than risk avoidable casualties. Advocacy and sensitization efforts have recorded encouraging progress, particularly in schools and communities nationwide. These efforts must be intensified. “State Drug Control Committees must be strengthened across all states, with efforts extended down to local government and ward levels. This year, all states must have functional committees. I urge all commanders to remain focused, professional, and committed to the mandate of the Agency. Together, we will continue to strengthen our impact and uphold the confidence reposed in us.” The NDLEA boss reassured the public that the Agency remains more committed than ever to protecting Nigerian youths and families from the drug scourge. He said the Agency’s strong footing at the start of 2026 is a signal to drug cartels that there will be no vacuum or breathing space for their illicit trade. He encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to the Agency, reminding all that the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is a collective responsibility.

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