Tinubu Confirms New Tax Laws Will Take Effect January 1, Urges Public Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s determination to implement the newly signed tax laws, rejecting calls to halt the reforms amid public debates over certain provisions. In a statement released on Tuesday, Tinubu confirmed that the rollout will continue as planned, with some provisions effective from June 26, 2025, and others set to take effect on January 1, 2026. He described the reforms as a historic opportunity to build a fairer, more efficient, and sustainable tax system for Nigeria. Tinubu stressed that the changes are not intended to increase the tax burden on citizens, but to reform the system, improve administration, uphold the dignity of taxpayers, and strengthen trust between the government and the people. “The new tax laws are not intended to raise taxes. They are designed to reset the system structurally, promote harmonisation, protect dignity and strengthen the social contract,” he said. While acknowledging ongoing public discussions and concerns about specific sections of the laws, Tinubu stated that no critical issues had been identified that would justify suspending or reversing the reforms. He cautioned against reactionary decisions, noting that public confidence is built through steady and well-considered policies. The President urged all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, noting that the reform programme has moved decisively into the delivery stage. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to due process and respect for laws duly passed and assented to. Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the Presidency will work closely with the National Assembly to promptly address any challenges that may arise during implementation. “I want to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government will always act in the overall public interest to deliver a tax system that promotes prosperity, fairness and shared responsibility,” he said. The statement was issued in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Tinubu Offers Condolences to Anthony Joshua After Ogun Road Accident Kills Two Associates

President Bola Tinubu has reached out to Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua following a devastating road accident in Ogun State that left the boxer injured and resulted in the death of two of his associates. A statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that Tinubu personally called Joshua to express his sympathy and offer prayers after the incident. “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital”. The President also extended his concern to Joshua’s family, disclosing that he contacted the boxer’s mother to offer comfort and prayers during the difficult period. “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.” Tinubu further assured that the Federal Government was closely monitoring the situation, noting that he had spoken with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment. “Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.” PUNCH Online reports that the President, who is currently abroad, had earlier taken to his official X account to mourn the tragic loss and express solidarity with Joshua and his family following the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.” Calling for unity in times of sorrow, Tinubu added, “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.” He concluded by offering prayers for Joshua’s recovery and the deceased associates. “I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

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Tinubu Departs Lagos For Europe Ahead Of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday left Lagos for Europe as part of his end-of-year vacation, ahead of an official engagement in the United Arab Emirates. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was disclosed that the President will travel from Europe to Abu Dhabi to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), slated for early January. The global summit is scheduled to take place from January 11 to January 17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Tinubu’s participation followed an invitation from the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the statement, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week serves as a major international platform that brings together leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society to drive dialogue and action on sustainable development. The President is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the event.

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Jandor Praises Tinubu’s Economic Policies for Easing Local Government Access to Funds

Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic measures that have streamlined funding for local governments in Lagos State. The former PDP governorship candidate met with Tinubu at the president’s Lagos residence, where he discussed ways to align federal and state visions. “I had the privilege of conferring with Mr. President during his Christmas holiday in Lagos, and our discussion was highly insightful,” Adediran said. “He emphasized the need for continued alignment between the Centre and the states.” Now a member of the APC, Jandor briefed Tinubu on the 100-day achievements of Lagos State local government administrations and how federal allocations are being utilised. “During the 100-day celebrations of some local governments, I highlighted to Mr. President how these administrations are efficiently using the resources released from the federation account,” he explained. “Local governments are now completing roads, health centres, customary courts, and other developmental projects within just 100 days. I expressed my appreciation for the president’s bold economic policies and accountability measures that have made it easier for grassroots governments to access funds.”

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Ooni Of Ife Pays Christmas Day Visit To President Tinubu In Lagos

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the President’s residence in Lagos on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The visit took place on Christmas Day and was described as cordial, reflecting the close ties between the traditional ruler and the First Family. While details of their discussion were not disclosed, the meeting was seen as part of ongoing engagements between traditional institutions and the nation’s political leadership. The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual respect between cultural authorities and the federal government, particularly on issues related to unity, heritage, and national progress.

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Tinubu Calls For Unity, Tolerance And Compassion In 2025 Christmas Message

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a Christmas message to Nigerian Christians for the 2025 celebration, appealing for unity, tolerance, and compassion across the country. The message, released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Christmas as a season that reflects values capable of strengthening national cohesion. Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to show love to one another, assist the less privileged, and maintain peaceful relations across religious and ethnic divides. In his address, the President wrote, “My Fellow Nigerians, as we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.” He stressed that the season goes beyond festivities, noting, “Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.” Extending goodwill to Christians at home and abroad, Tinubu said, “On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.” The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to freedom of worship, stating, “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.” He acknowledged the impact of Christians on national development, writing, “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.” Highlighting acts of charity and service, Tinubu added, “The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society.” He also praised peace advocates, saying, “We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.” Reflecting on governance and security, the President stated, “Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.” He added that this resolve “remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Emphasizing equality and safety for all citizens, Tinubu said, “All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith.” Calling for national unity, he wrote, “The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.” The President also revealed ongoing engagement with religious leaders, noting, “Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.” He assured that the government would continue to work with faith institutions to “strengthen collaboration, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.” As Nigerians travel during the festive season, Tinubu urged caution, saying, “I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.” He added, “I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.” Concluding his message, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating, “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of.” He ended with, “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”

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Troost-Ekong Thanks President Tinubu After Receiving MFR Honour

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government after receiving his national honour certificate, describing the recognition as one of the most significant milestones of his life. Troost-Ekong captained Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles earned a silver medal following a tight 2–1 defeat to host nation Côte d’Ivoire. In honour of the team’s dedication and performance, President Tinubu awarded national honours to players and officials, with Troost-Ekong being conferred the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). The defender revealed that he received his official certificate a day after the announcement in Fez, Morocco, where the Super Eagles are preparing for the 2025 AFCON. Taking to social media, Troost-Ekong described the moment as deeply emotional and a source of immense pride for both him and his family. “I am truly honoured and grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for conferring on me the MFR national honour,” he wrote. “I received the official certificate today, following last night’s announcement. It is a moment of immense pride for me and my family.” Reflecting on his journey with the national team, he credited Nigeria for shaping his identity, values, and football career. “Nigeria gave me my identity, my purpose, and the opportunity to live my dream through football,” Troost-Ekong said. “Wearing the green and white has always been a privilege and a responsibility — a promise to give everything for the badge and for our people.” He also offered encouragement to the current Super Eagles squad as they begin their AFCON campaign, pledging his continued support. “As our Super Eagles start their AFCON journey today, I wish them the very best. As promised, I will be supporting them all the way,” he added. “I believe in this team, in our country, and in what we can achieve together.” Troost-Ekong concluded with a strong message of patriotism: “I am, and will always remain, proud to be Nigerian.”

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Makinde Rules Out Supporting Tinubu In 2027, Tells Wike To Allow Free Political Choices

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has stated that he will not back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, while calling on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to respect the right of others to make their own political decisions. Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday during a media interaction in Ibadan, where he expressed shock over reports that Wike had promised to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Tinubu ahead of 2027. “I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and others when Wike volunteered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027, and I was in shock. Wike can support the president in 2027, but I will not,” Makinde said. The PDP governor recalled making it clear to Tinubu that he could not assist in building the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. “I said, no, sir, I can never help you organise the APC in Oyo State because I am of the PDP,” he said. Makinde stressed that while Wike is entitled to support Tinubu, other party members should also be free to take independent political positions. “The real issue is that Wike would like to support the President for 2027. That’s fine; it is within his rights. But some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and that the PDP survives as well. He should allow us to make our own choices,” he said. He explained that attempts to resolve the matter quietly were unsuccessful, leading to a direct confrontation. “I tried to engage him through a mutual friend, but when he did not back off, I confronted him directly. From that day, I made it clear I would never be part of this. Wike can support him, but it is also within my right to decide who I will support or what I will do in 2027. This explains the current conflict within the PDP.” Makinde added that his immediate focus is preserving the PDP and preventing Nigeria from drifting into a one-party system. “Some of us want to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria. We don’t want to drift into a one-party state, and we want to ensure that the PDP survives,” he said. Turning to governance, Makinde said his administration is prioritising opportunity creation over direct handouts in tackling poverty. “We will not give people handouts in Oyo State. Instead, we will create a conducive environment for people to thrive,” he said. He cited the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SEFA) programme as an example, explaining that subsidies are targeted at boosting productivity. “For the 20,000 people using our state transport system, including vulnerable persons, students, the elderly, and the physically challenged, they pay half the price. That money is subsidising productivity. You don’t get on the bus just because it’s cheaper; you get on it because you’re going somewhere important, likely to result in something productive,” Makinde explained. Makinde and Wike were among PDP figures who supported Tinubu in the 2023 elections, but his comments reflect deepening divisions within the party as preparations for 2027 intensify.

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