Tinubu commends Governors for supporting tax reform

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly. President Tinubu lauded the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development. Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments. He extended special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate. He also commended the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other groups that made the bipartisan resolution of the controversy stirred by the tax bills possible. President Tinubu underscored that the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments. He said updating the country’s outdated tax laws is essential to this endeavour. The President noted that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform highlights the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences. President Tinubu regarded the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability. He also encouraged other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly. Finally, President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms.

Read More

President Tinubu priortises health care -Minister

The Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako has charged health Institutions to remain steadfast to President Bola Ahmed’s vision of ensuring qualitative healthcare for Nigerians. Dr. Salako dropped this hint during his Familiarization visits to agencies and parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare. On his entourage were top management staff of the Ministry which included the Director of Hospital Services Department, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni. At the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical & Research Development (NIPRD) at Idu Industrial layout Abuja, the Honourable Minister led by the Director General, Dr. Obi Adigwe took an assessment tour of various departments of the institute. During a round table interactive meeting with the management staff, Dr. Salako stated that the institution is very pivotal to unlocking the health care value chain agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the country. To this end, he admonished the Director General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe and his team to consider business venture partnerships that will develop some of its products, with a possibility of assessing USD1bn on the table from the AFREXIM Bank. Dr. Salako further buttressed this innovative proposition by assuring support of the Ministry towards projecting many of NIPRDs products on the table of Physicians. NIPRD, he stated, is considered by the Ministry as a very important agency in its agenda of ensuring universal health coverage for Nigerians and, commitment to reversing the direction of medical tourism. Meanwhile, at the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research & Treatment NICRAT; the Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako urged the Director- General, Dr. Usman Malami Aliyu and his team to prioritise research around prevention, services around prevention and, advocacy around prevention as a key element of its agenda. “We know that whether we prevent, people will still come under with the disease. So we must also be prepared to provide qualitative care for people with the disease. To catch them very early through screening services. “This is a very important disease or diseases that we must, all of us, sit down to frontally address. Which means that our efforts, our strategy need to be optimally tailored towards prevention and control, towards increasing awareness, towards improving the health literacy of Nigerians. Because quite a number of these cancers are preventable”; Dr. Salako pointed out. To achieve maximum advocacy and preventable strategy therefore, he strongly urged both the Cancer programme in the Ministry and NICRAT to synergize and collaborate for one World Cancer Day Celebration next month February. On federal government’s initiative for Cancer health fund, the Honourable Minister explained that it is a fund set apart to assist and support people who need cancer care but cannot afford it. “It is currently operating in some centres and, it’s targeted at specific cancers, not all cancers. “So this is an initiative to ensure that care is made available to vulnerable Nigerians who cannot afford it.We are hoping that during this budget cycle, we can expand the Cancer fund and make it more robust. “And then, if there are more resources available, we can bring on board more centres and, more cancer types”; the Minister further stated.

Read More

Tinubu commends NNPCL over re-opening of Warri Refinery

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound joy at the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, describing it as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration. Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November. With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once again expressed his administration’s determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa. The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries. President Tinubu noted with confidence that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course. He praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country. “The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition. “I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa,” President Tinubu said. President Tinubu enjoined NNPCL to accelerate repair work on Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 (bpd) second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider. WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.

Read More

Edo Guber: Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo on inauguration

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State. In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure. Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki. Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress. He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state. The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance. Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure. Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024. The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

Read More

President Tinubu mourns General Lagbaja demise

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56 years. The President has directed that National Flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army Chief. He appreciated profoundly the services of the departed to the nation and wished the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Read More

Breaking: Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja is dead 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course. Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States. An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership. Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.

Read More

EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu orders release of arrested minors 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered immediate release of all minors arrested and prosecuted by the Nigerian Police in connection to the recent #EndBadGovernance  protest. The President on Monday directed the Attorney General of the Federation to do everything possible to ensure minors regain freedom without prejudice to whatever legal processes are ongoing. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has also been directed to ensure the safe return of all the minors to their families while an investigation has been opened into the circumstances leading to their prolonged detention. Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria also advised the President Bola Tinubu to order a transparent investigation of the alleged deliberate starvation of the minors as a result of detention in a deplorable condition, with deprivation of food and other basic needs, that puts their physical and mental health at grave danger.

Read More