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Category: National

Tinubu Ends Vacation, Returns to Abuja on Tuesday

Fola Badmus01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has concluded his work vacation ahead of schedule and will return to Abuja on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to resume official duties. The President departed for France on September 4, 2025, to spend part of his annual holiday and was initially scheduled to divide the period between France and the United Kingdom. Last week in Paris, President Tinubu held a private luncheon with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, at the Élysée Palace. Both leaders reviewed key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France and agreed to deepen the partnership for mutual prosperity and global stability.

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Resident Doctors Suspend Warning Strike, Give FG Two-Week Deadline

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its five-day warning strike, effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, following talks with the Federal Government. In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by NARD Publicity Secretary, Dr. Amobi Omoha, the association said the decision was made to ease the burden on Nigerians dealing with health challenges and to allow the government a two-week window to meet its demands. “Following the commitment of the Federal Government to address the issues outlined in our strike communiqué, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 MRTF to members who were hitherto owed, the Association convened a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on the 13th of September,” the statement read. The strike, which began on September 12, was intended to press home demands including the release of Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF), welfare improvements, and implementation of previous agreements. Ultimatum to Oyo State Government NARD also issued a strong call to the Oyo State Government to resolve the ongoing issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, in line with a 15-day ultimatum already given by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo branch. “Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike,” the statement warned. State-Level Actions to Continue In addition, NARD directed members in state-owned tertiary hospitals to continue industrial action in states where governments have not shown a “genuine commitment” to resolving welfare challenges. Strike Suspended, But Not Over While the nationwide strike is being paused, NARD made it clear that this is a temporary suspension, and failure to meet the outlined demands within two weeks could result in further action. “NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all,” the statement concluded. The Federal Government is yet to issue a formal response to the doctors’ conditions or timeline as of the time of reporting.

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Tax ID not mandatory for ordinary Nigerians to open bank accounts – FG

Tax ID not mandatory for ordinary Nigerians to open bank accounts – FG

Fola Badmus04 mins

The Federal Government has moved to calm public anxiety over reports that every Nigerian must obtain a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) before opening or maintaining a bank account. Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the new policy applies only to taxable persons and businesses — not to ordinary citizens without taxable income. In a statement posted on his official X handle, Oyedele said the recently enacted Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) simply consolidates existing provisions and does not impose fresh obligations on low-income Nigerians. He stated that banks and financial institutions are required to request a Tax ID from taxable persons. However, individuals who do not earn income and are not taxable are not required to obtain one. The NTAA builds on the Finance Act of 2019, which first introduced the requirement for businesses to present a Tax Identification Number when opening accounts. According to Oyedele, the NTAA now replaces multiple identifiers with a single, harmonised Tax ID to reduce duplication and loopholes. He explained that individuals’ National Identification Number (NIN) and companies’ Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers will automatically serve as their Tax IDs. Existing TINs remain valid, while new applicants can obtain theirs online or at tax offices free of charge. Oyedele emphasised that the Tax ID is not a physical card but a unique number linked to your identity, cautioning Nigerians to avoid touts or unofficial agents claiming to issue Tax ID cards. The law also covers non-resident companies doing business in Nigeria, as well as government-owned enterprises and agencies. Nigerians in the diaspora may also obtain a Tax ID using their NIN for banking or investment purposes. From January 1, 2026, taxable persons who fail to register may find themselves unable to operate bank accounts, insurance policies, pension accounts, or investment portfolios. Penalties will also apply under the NTAA for non-compliance. He added that for most ordinary Nigerians, there is no extra burden because their NIN or CAC number will serve as their Tax ID. The goal is to ensure that those who earn taxable income contribute their fair share while low-income citizens remain protected. The committee advised citizens to rely strictly on official government channels for updates on the new tax laws to avoid misinformation and exploitation. The Federal Government hopes the new system will improve compliance and transparency, while protecting citizens outside the tax net from unnecessary bureaucracy.

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NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Ethnic Bias as Spurious and Fabricated

NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Ethnic Bias as Spurious and Fabricated

Fola Badmus05 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly denied allegations of ethnic bias in its operations, describing recent claims that the agency discriminates against the Igbo community abroad as “spurious and fabricated.” In a statement issued on Thursday, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the allegations—made by one Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who claims to be the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo—are “mere conjecture based on a calculated machinery aimed to distract the NIDCOM boss.” The statement defended the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, calling her leadership “dynamic” and her track record “unprecedented” in promoting the welfare of Nigerians abroad regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. “NIDCOM was established to engage and see to the welfare of all Nigerian citizens abroad—irrespective of sex, age, ethnic group, religion, or political affiliation,” the Commission stated. “The false and ignorant claims of selective treatment toward Ndigbo are not only misleading but dangerously divisive.” NIDO Chairman Backs Dabiri-Erewa Also reacting to the allegation, Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, described the claims as unfounded and harmful. “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is affectionately known in the diaspora community as Mama Diaspora, a name earned through her consistent care and advocacy for Nigerians abroad, regardless of tribe or state of origin,” Ubochi said. He added that the reshared post by Isiguzoro risks sowing unnecessary division within the diaspora community. “Speaking from direct experience, I can affirm that she has always championed unity, inclusion, and the empowerment of all Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said. NIDCOM’s Record of Engagement The Commission listed several instances where it had intervened on behalf of Nigerians in distress across various countries—regardless of ethnic or regional origin. These include rescue and repatriation missions in the Central African Republic, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq, South Africa, the UK, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Sudan, among others. The Commission also emphasized that it celebrates Nigerians excelling globally and does not shy away from highlighting crimes committed by Nigerians where necessary—stressing that crime “has no federal character.” Call for National Unity Quoting American writer Mark Twain—“A lie can make its way around the world before the truth can even put on its shoes”—the Commission warned against the dangers of ethnic bigotry, calling on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives. “We cannot remain trapped in archaic ethnic rivalries and divisions,” the statement read. “We are not crabs in a barrel—we are proud Nigerians, at home and abroad, with a duty to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a united and prosperous nation.” NIDCOM reiterated its commitment to serving all Nigerians in the diaspora with fairness and dignity, while urging citizens to focus on what unites the nation rather than on ethnic or regional differences. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo group has yet to issue a formal response to the statement at the time of this report.

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VP Shettima Urges National Council on Skills to Embrace Unity, End Fragmentation in Skills Development

Fola Badmus04 mins

By: Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the National Council on Skills (NCS) and all relevant stakeholders to work collectively in advancing the federal government’s skills acquisition drive, declaring that the era of working in silos is over. Speaking during the 7th meeting of the NCS held Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasised that building a future-ready workforce requires unified action across government agencies, ministries, and the private sector. He described skills development as a core pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “Let me be clear about what this means. The era of operating in silos is over. We must move towards a new streamlined workflow that embeds collaboration directly into the process of curriculum development and funding,” the Vice President stated. He noted that the ongoing “skills revolution” is a national commitment and must be driven with purpose and synergy to unlock opportunities for Nigerian youth and workers nationwide—from the aspiring artisan in Kaura Namoda to mid-career professionals in Ebute-Metta. Shettima lauded Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for establishing and chairing the state’s first Council on Skills, calling it a model for other subnational governments to emulate. “We cannot build a future-ready workforce on a foundation of division,” Shettima stressed, urging the council to enforce a unified structure and eliminate institutional friction within the country’s skills ecosystem. He further emphasized that sustainable funding and implementation of the national skills agenda depend on strong inter-agency collaboration, not isolated action. Earlier in the meeting, Governor Uba Sani revealed that over 30,000 students were recently admitted into the Kaduna Vocational and Skills Development Institute. He thanked the Vice President for his continued support and dedication to job creation and skills development. Also speaking, Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa praised the Kaduna State Government’s efforts and announced that technical colleges have been directed to focus solely on relevant, practical courses for the upcoming academic year—aligning with the administration’s skills acquisition strategy. The council meeting reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to building a coordinated and inclusive framework to equip Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy.

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IG Appoints Benjamin Hundeyin as Force PRO

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has approved the appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). CSP Hundeyin holds a BA (Hons) in English Language from Lagos State University and an MSc in Legal Criminology & Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He also obtained a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a Member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). A seasoned communicator, CSP Hundeyin previously served as the Police Public Relations Officer at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, was part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID) in 2020, and served as the Administration Officer at the Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja. Until his present appointment, he was the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command. The Inspector-General of Police has charged him to leverage on his communications and security experience to bolster the Force Public Relations activities and ensure continuous positive relations with the public. He can be reached on 07062606717 or benjamin@hundeyin.com.

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President Tinubu Departs Abuja for 10-Day Working Vacation in Europe

Fola Badmus01 mins

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Wednesday, September 4, to begin a 10-day working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave, according to an official statement from the presidency. The President is expected to spend the duration of his leave between France and the United Kingdom, before returning to Nigeria. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. President Tinubu’s trip marks his annual break from official duties, though it was noted that the vacation will also include time for official engagements, classifying it as a working vacation.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

Tinubu: Nigeria Hit Revenue Target for 2025 in August

Fola Badmus05 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Tuesday in Abuja that the revenue target for 2025 was achieved in August, following economic reforms focused on stimulating the non-oil sector. He said that the bulk of the revenue came from the non-oil sector. The President assured Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda is firmly anchored on building critical infrastructure, improving health facilities, ensuring food sovereignty, and providing security. He spoke at a meeting at the Presidential Villa with the founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and The Buhari Organisation, led by the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. President Tinubu said that the economy was heading in the right direction. “The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange (forex) anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to obtain foreign exchange or import goods. “What we need now is building the ship and the vessels for the export of our goods and creating more jobs for our people,’’ the President noted. He said the federal government will establish agricultural mechanisation centres in all regions of the country to build capacity, expand cultivation and harvest, and guarantee food sovereignty. “We are going to have trainees. That programme is our path to food sovereignty. “ Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the CPC, President Tinubu described the political journey and merger as “a sweet memory,” and expressed gratitude to the group for their support: “When I see people like you, I am determined to work harder.” President Tinubu assured the delegation that the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari would be sustained and immortalised with a Buhari House, adding that more members of the old CPC would be given opportunities to participate in the government. “Thank you for your patience until now. But first of all, we must cure the economy and bring hope to the people, which is what we stand for. Thank you for believing in me,’’ he said. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas thanked President Tinubu for his statesmanship and magnanimity towards the people and government of Katsina State. Abbas thanked the President for his vision and broadmindedness in accommodating all political stakeholders. The leader of the delegation and former Governor of Nasarawa State, Al-Makura, said members of the former Congress for Progressive Change are committed to the success of the APC government. Al-Makura thanked the President for his extensive participation in the final rites for President Buhari. “You not only buried President Buhari but also honoured him and ensured a befitting state burial with full military honours. Above all, your presence throughout the ceremony was comforting as it was reassuring,” Al-Makura stated. He assured President Tinubu of the group’s loyalty and support. “This is to assure you that we believe in your administration, and that will be our focus and commitment to ensure the success of our party and your ultimate victory in the 2027 elections,” Al-Makura stated.

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