Africa News Connect

The Federal Government has announced that the complete rollout of its new tax reform regulations will commence on January 1, 2026. Taiwo Oyedele, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, shared this information on Friday in Lagos after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Joined by the Chairman of the FIRS, Zacchaeus Adedeji, and Joseph Tegbe, who leads the Implementation Committee, Oyedele discussed the current status of four significant laws:  File: Image Already in effect (since June 2025): The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act and the Joint Revenue Service Establishment Act.  Starting January 1, 2026: The Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act. Oyedele pointed out that the past six months have been utilized for capacity development, systems enhancement, and public awareness campaigns. He stressed that these reforms aim to eliminate distorting incentives while broadening the tax base instead of merely raising tax rates...

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has described the newly implemented United States travel restrictions affecting Nigerians as a clear indication that migrants from developing countries are no longer welcome. This assessment follows the announcement of strict visa limitations by the American administration. The new policy bars Nigerian nationals from entering the United States as immigrants or through various non immigrant categories, including those for business, tourism, academic studies, vocational training, and exchange programs. Authorities cited security concerns, difficulties in vetting applicants, and high rates of visa overstays as the primary basis for the decision. The directive also pointed to activities by radical groups and persistent internal security challenges as reasons for suspending entry. Sani noted that many citizens initially misinterpreted earlier bans as targeting only government officials accused of religious persecution. He clarified that this comprehensive restrict...

The House of Representatives has decided to engage with high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs regarding the detention of a Nigerian aircraft and its personnel in Burkina Faso. This decision comes after the passage of a motion of urgent public importance aimed at resolving the diplomatic stalemate. Image credit: Facebook Lawmakers have called on the federal government to leverage frameworks offered by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union to promote collaboration and the swift release of the detained military personnel and equipment . Furthermore, the Office of the National Security Adviser has been urged to manage interagency communication to tackle national security issues without heightening tensions. The legislature also suggested that the government provide accurate public updates to counter misinformation while protecting sensitive diplomatic negotiations. The situation concerns a Nigerian Air Force C 130 aircraft t...

The Alake and Chief Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has remarked that the large-scale migration of Nigerians is starting to produce beneficial outcomes for the country, with the diaspora playing a crucial role in national progress and welfare. Image credit: The Guardian While addressing an audience on Tuesday at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a free medical outreach organized by the Yoruba Nurses of North America, the king observed that this trend has resulted in increased financial contributions and a heightened involvement in economic growth. He pointed out that remittances sent by Nigerians living abroad have surged to the point where they now rank just below oil revenue in foreign earnings. Oba Gbadebo mentioned that although the initial wave of migration raised concerns about the economy, many citizens are returning to lend their support and enhance the nation The traditional leader noted that Nigeria is second globally in remittance rankings, following India, and hig...

 Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding reported actions that suggest the politicization of the Nigerian Army. He warned that any breach of military tradition, hierarchy, and professional standards poses a significant danger to democracy and national stability. The concern arises from reports alleging the special and accelerated promotion of the President’s Aide de Camp to the rank of Brigadier General, occurring mere months after an elevation to Colonel. Such developments are described as deeply troubling and unacceptable if proven true. The Nigerian Army is a national institution governed by time tested rules and traditions rather than a personal guard unit. Senior military ranks, particularly that of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training, and competitive assessments rather than dispensed as political...

 Aliko Dangote, the head of Dangote Industries Limited, has openly accused Engr Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, of attempting to sabotage domestic refining capabilities. As a result, the businessman has called for an investigation and legal action against the agency head for alleged economic sabotage. In a press conference held on Sunday at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote claimed that the regulatory leadership is conspiring with international traders and oil importers to obstruct local production by continuing to issue import permits. This accusation comes after refinery officials claimed that international oil companies were preventing them from accessing crude oil, coupled with a denial from Ahmed that the diesel produced by the refinery was of inferior quality compared to imported products. The industrialist raised critical concerns about the integrity of regulatory practices and possible ...

 The Federal Government has prohibited the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three across all public and private secondary schools in Nigeria. This measure aims to curb examination malpractice and address concerns regarding the proliferation of unauthorized examination centers that threaten the credibility of the education system. Scheduled to take effect during the 2026 and 2027 academic session, the policy strictly limits new enrollments to Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two. Consequently, entry into the final year of secondary education is no longer permitted under any circumstances. Authorities designed this regulation to prevent students from changing institutions shortly before external assessments to gain unethical advantages. Furthermore, the restriction intends to ensure curriculum continuity and improve academic monitoring. School administrators, proprietors, and principals nationwide are required to comply fully with...

 The All Progressives Congress has called on Nigerians to maintain confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s genuine intentions for a safer, united, and prosperous country. Lagos State APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi expressed this view on Sunday evening during the third edition of the party’s Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons event held at the secretariat in Ogba. Ojelabi urged the populace to remain resilient in the face of challenges. He emphasized that the President is fully committed to national unity, economic revitalization, and the welfare of every citizen. According to the chairman, these goals inspire the party to intensify its work for the benefit of both Lagos and Nigeria. Regarding local security, Ojelabi affirmed that the state leadership under Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu remains dedicated to protecting lives and property. He assured the public that Lagos continues to be a safe haven for residents, visitors, and tourists. He concluded by charging citizens to play their part...

United States Congressman Riley Moore has stated that the US and Nigeria are nearing a strategic security agreement designed to address terrorism and sectarian violence. The congressman noted that recent discussions with Nigerian authorities have yielded progress regarding the nation’s security challenges. This development follows the conclusion of an investigative mission by a congressional delegation that arrived in Nigeria earlier this week. The team, comprising five members of Congress, visited Benue State to engage with internally displaced persons, survivors of attacks, and various religious and traditional leaders to assess the situation on the ground. Due to safety concerns, the delegation utilized armored vehicles during their travels. In addition to community visits, the group held high level meetings with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi. President Donald Trump has directed the delegation to compile a comprehensive r...

One hundred schoolchildren abducted last month from Saint Mary’s Catholic School in central Nigeria have been rescued by the government. This development marks a significant turn in one of the largest mass kidnappings in the history of the country. While officials confirmed the recovery on Monday, authorities have not yet issued a public statement regarding the specific circumstances of the release. It remains unclear whether the students were secured through negotiations, ransom payments, or a tactical security raid. Image Credit: Premium Times The nation has witnessed a persistent wave of school abductions since 2014, following the high profile kidnapping of 276 girls from Chibok in the northeast. Although families often arrange ransom payments in such cases, officials rarely address these financial exchanges publicly. Gunmen originally seized more than 300 children and 12 staff members on November 21 from the Catholic boarding school in Papiri, a remote community in Niger State. Whi...

French President Emmanuel Macron has committed to enhancing relations with Nigeria to tackle the escalating security issues in the country's northern region. Image credit: Wikipedia In response to a plea from President Bola Tinubu, Macron conveyed his support for Nigeria as it confronts declining stability. The critical nature of the situation is highlighted by the kidnapping of at least 400 people, including numerous schoolchildren, in just the past two weeks. While around 100 students abducted from a Catholic school in November were recently freed, the crisis has captured significant international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of possible military intervention, pointing to the targeted attacks on Christians; however, the violence is widespread, with Muslim communities and schools also frequently suffering from similar mass kidnappings. Must Read:  Judgment Day for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu Kindly share this story for Africa News Connect: Contact us at: afncon@gm...