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...

The Army Council has given the green light for the promotion of 105 senior officers in the Nigerian Army to the ranks of Major General and Brigadier General. This advancement includes 28 Brigadier Generals elevated to Major General and 77 Colonels promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Among those promoted to Major General are O Adegbe from the Defence Intelligence Agency, SM Uba from Defence Information, RE Hedima from Military Intelligence, and RT Utsaha from Defence Operations. The list also comprises AM Umar from the Warrant Officer Academy, S Sulaiman from the Military Secretary Office, IO Bassey from the Army Operations Centre, and CA Ekeator from the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Image credit: Premium Times Nigeria Other senior officials who have been promoted to Major General include SY Yakasai from the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, WL Nzidee from the Department of Army Logistics, SA Emmanuel from Nigerian Army Signals, SS Tilawan from Sector 3 Joint...

 The Nigerian Army has made notable progress in its counterinsurgency and general security operations over the past 24 hours. Troops have effectively rescued individuals who were kidnapped, disrupted terrorist activities, and dismantled illegal crude oil operations across multiple regions. Operational units have kept a high level of activity in all theaters while swiftly addressing new threats. Image credit: Getty Images In the Northwest, soldiers taking part in Operation FANSAN YAMMA confronted terrorists in several skirmishes. Troops from 1 Brigade responded to an assault in the Baigasuwa community of Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State. This action led to the retreat of the armed groups, enabling the rescue of residents, although four civilians suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. In the nearby Kebbi State, terrorists attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service checkpoint in Bagudo, resulting in the fatalities of three personnel and damage to operational vehic...

Fifty out of more than three hundred students taken from a Catholic school in Nigeria have managed to escape and reunite with their families. Religious leaders verified that the students broke free from captivity over the weekend. Approximately 253 children, along with several teachers and staff, are still being held by the kidnappers. The school's administrator mentioned that anxious parents flocked to the institution in Niger State upon learning about the escape. While some parents found relief, others learned that their children were not among those who returned. Families remain at the school waiting for further updates. President Bola Tinubu has responded to the crisis by ordering the recruitment of 30,000 more police officers. He also instructed that law enforcement officers currently assigned to protect dignitaries be reassigned to focus on essential security operations, especially in remote areas that are susceptible to attacks. Read Also:  More Discussions on US Military In...

 The Trump administration might also decide to intensify its pressure campaign using less overt tactics, such as implementing sanctions, according to Jonathan Pratt, a senior official in the African Affairs Bureau at the State Department, who spoke before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The White House presents its primary goal as the protection of religious freedoms. “The Trump administration is formulating a strategy to encourage and require the Nigerian government to enhance the safety of Christian communities and advance religious liberty,” Pratt mentioned on Thursday. “This strategy will take into account U.S. State and Treasury involvement with sanctions, as well as potential Department of Defense efforts in counterterrorism and additional initiatives to safeguard religious communities.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, engaged in discussions with a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuh...

 Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, a well-known business leader and former deputy governor candidate in Abia State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to utilize his constitutional power to grant a presidential pardon to Nnamdi Kanu. This request comes in light of a recent court ruling concerning the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Anyaso is aligning himself with an increasing number of regional leaders who are pushing for this decision. In a statement issued from Abia State, Anyaso expressed that this moment is the perfect opportunity for a conclusive political solution to the ongoing dilemma. He explained that he had chosen to remain silent publicly while the case was still being litigated to prevent any appearance of interference. However, he mentioned that with the latest judicial updates, the process has progressed to a point where executive judgment can now appropriately be exercised to facilitate a pardon for Kanu. Kindly share this story for Africa News Connect...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated that the verdict in Nnamdi Kanu's terrorism trial be pronounced in his absence. The court cited the defendant’s disruptive and aggressive behavior as the reason for this decision. The presiding judge stated that this action was consistent with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Additionally, the court rejected a motion from the defendant to halt proceedings. It was concluded that existing legal regulations prohibit the delay of criminal trials to avert unnecessary postponements during the appeal process. The judge pointed out that, although a defendant's presence is a constitutional right, it is not unconditional and may be waived if the individual exhibits disruptive conduct. The court referenced previous occurrences where the defendant confronted security personnel and interrupted legal counsel, asserting the need to uphold the integrity of the judicial system. This ruling came after a request from the prosecution to permi...

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have ramped up their operations nationwide, eliminating numerous terrorists, rescuing 67 individuals who were kidnapped, and apprehending 94 criminal suspects over the past two weeks. On Friday in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Olatokunbo Bello, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided an update on military operations carried out from November 3 to 14. Mr. Bello reported that troops seized a significant amount of weapons and ammunition, including automatic rifles, machine guns, RPG tubes, homemade firearms, and materials for making IEDs, as well as dismantling criminal camps and supply bases. In the North East, he noted that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai maintained aggressive actions in Borno and Adamawa States, resulting in the deaths of several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. He mentioned that troops also detained 45 informants, collaborators, and logistics providers linked to terrorists, and rescued one kidnapped individual. According to Mr. Bello, f...

Following a recent confrontation with a Nigerian Navy officer over a disputed property in the Gaduwa area of Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has addressed the incident. The minister affirmed that he will not be intimidated by the military for carrying out his duties and ensuring due diligence in the acquisition and use of land within the FCT. Speaking to journalists at the site of the altercation, he expressed dismay that an individual allegedly in the wrong would resort to using military personnel to intimidate government officials. READ ALSO:  He stated his firm resolve not to succumb to any form of blackmail or intimidation. The minister questioned the fairness of such actions, asking what recourse is available to ordinary citizens who do not have military or security connections. He described a situation where government officials performing their duties are confronted by security forces as unacceptable. Minister Wike confirmed that he has con...

 Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed confidence in Nigeria's ability to surmount its current security and socioeconomic challenges, calling on citizens to foster greater unity and collaborate towards national progress. Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday at a lecture commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the governor delivered a message of optimism. The event, held at the Arewa House Auditorium, was themed “65th Year of Nigeria Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View.” Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed that the nation would overcome its obstacles, including poverty, hunger, and terrorism, echoing sentiments expressed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He highlighted the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda as a comprehensive framework designed to drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, develop human capital, and reform governance. He explained that this national vision encourages state governments to create aligned po...

Tensions flared in the Gaduwa District of Abuja on Tuesday when military forces allegedly prevented the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from halting an unauthorized construction project on a disputed parcel of land. The armed personnel were reportedly operating under the orders of retired Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Image credit: Thisday The conflict began when officials from the FCT Administration (FCTA) sought to enforce a demolition order on what they deemed an illegal structure on Plot 1946. They faced staunch opposition from uniformed soldiers who were guarding the site. The situation intensified with the arrival of Minister Wike, who was joined by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, along with other senior officials. The military personnel initially prevented the minister from accessing the area. Despite the efforts of the commanding officer,...

 A leading figure in the House of Representatives, Honorable Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, has formally announced his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and his reinstatement to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The federal lawmaker, who has previously held the position of Director General of the Tinubu Support Groups, has also pledged his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign for reelection in 2027. Image credit: The Guardian This action signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of Kano State, occurring merely two years prior to the upcoming general elections. Honorable Jibrin proclaimed his decision on Sunday in his native Kofa, situated in the Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State. He was met with a large crowd of supporters, local residents, and religious leaders. A notable presence consisted of around 2,000 Islamic scholars who gathered to pray for his political shift and for the success of President Tinubu's government. Their pra...

 The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has stated that anyone who disregards the allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria is, in fact, complicit. The organization asserts that the murders taking place in various parts of the nation are both intentional and thoroughly documented. Image credit: TikTok In an official statement from its President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, the assembly expressed appreciation for former United States President Donald Trump. They acknowledged his decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, which he based on what he described as the systemic persecution of Christians. The IWA also supported President Trump's warning regarding the possible military action against those responsible for the violence. The assembly believes that the comments made by the former US leader have pressured the Nigerian Government to address atrocities it had previously ignored. The statement emphasized, “We thank President Donald Trump for highlighting the k...

  The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, informed troops on Friday that the next operational phase against the insurgent groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province would be decisive. This declaration follows public statements from United States President Donald Trump threatening potential military action if Nigeria does not stop violence directed at Christians. Image credit: Channels Television Addressing soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, General Shaibu emphasized that the military is entering a critical stage of its campaign where failure is not an option. He stated that the necessary combat enablers and new platforms have been provided to ensure a successful outcome, signaling a different strategic approach. General Shaibu conveyed that the responsibility for delivering a conclusive blow to the extremist factions now rests with a new generation of soldiers. He challenged them to exceed the accomplishments of previous forces wh...