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Reps Begin Sweeping Review of Nigeria’s Treaties, Foreign Agreements

By
Udehi Alambo
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The House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements has launched a nationwide review of all bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols, agreements and foreign-assisted contracts entered into by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

The initiative comes amid rising public concern over foreign-funded projects and international commitments, with growing calls for stronger oversight, transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s cross-border obligations.

 

The committee disclosed the exercise on Wednesday during a press briefing at the House of Representatives Media Centre in Abuja, noting that the review is aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring compliance with the law and protecting the country from potentially harmful financial and legal liabilities arising from poorly negotiated agreements.

 

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Rabiu Yusuf, expressed concern over what he described as weak oversight mechanisms in previous treaty arrangements.

 

“Nigeria cannot be constrained by agreements that threaten her sovereignty, destabilise her economy or impose unfair burdens on future generations,” Yusuf said. “This committee will ensure transparency, strengthen accountability and guarantee that every treaty aligns with the national interest.”

 

He explained that the review would span critical sectors including infrastructure, finance, power, transportation, ICT, aviation, ports, environment and security. Special attention, he added, would be paid to compliance with Section 12 of the Constitution on treaty domestication, procurement procedures, arbitration clauses, loan terms, collateral risks and local content requirements.

 

As part of the exercise, Yusuf said the committee would issue formal requests for documents to 53 key stakeholders, including federal ministries and agencies, regulators, state governments, foreign contractors, Chinese firms, development partners and financial institutions.

 

He also disclosed that a nationwide public sensitisation campaign has commenced, featuring full-page newspaper advertisements and televised announcements to educate Nigerians on the scope and importance of the review.

 

To ensure technical depth and credibility, the committee has engaged Technical and Strategic Consultants to conduct forensic treaty analyses, legal and financial risk assessments, stakeholder mapping, document evaluations and digital treaty-tracking.

 

The lawmaker further revealed that the committee plans to hold interrogative sessions, public hearings and field verification visits to major national project sites beginning early next year. A final report, expected by May 2026, will present legislative recommendations and a comprehensive framework for reforming Nigeria’s treaty governance system.

 

“This is not a political exercise but a constitutional and patriotic duty in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Yusuf stressed, urging all ministries, agencies, companies and international partners to cooperate fully with the committee.

 

Members of the public and the media have been encouraged to follow updates through official National Assembly communication channels.

Opposition Slams Tinubu’s Tax Plan as ‘Colonial-Era Brutality,’ Demands Immediate Halt

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

 

 

As the Federal Government prepares to roll out a new tax regime, the National Opposition Movement has strongly condemned the plan, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as “worse than colonial authority” and calling for the immediate suspension of the policy’s take-off date.

 

The opposition warned that the proposed tax regime, scheduled to commence in January, would impose severe and inhumane burdens on Nigerians who are already grappling with economic hardship and lack the fiscal capacity to absorb further financial pressure.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Movement’s spokesperson and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Hon. Chille Igbawua, said the timing and structure of the tax plan revealed what he described as the administration’s insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

 

“The situation in Nigeria today is terrible. Many Nigerians can barely afford food, transport, security, electricity bills or rent,” Igbawua said. “Yet, at a time like this, the Tinubu administration is preparing to roll out what may be the most punitive and exploitative tax regime in Nigeria’s history.”

 

He alleged that even colonial administrations did not contemplate imposing such harsh economic measures on citizens, warning that the new tax regime would take effect when Nigerians have little or no fiscal space for further sacrifices.

 

According to the opposition, the proposed tax law would compel all adults of taxable age, whether employed or unemployed, to file tax returns between January 1 and March 31, 2026, with penalties applying thereafter. Company owners, Igbawua said, would also be required to file returns for all employees, regardless of whether they earn below the taxable threshold, provided they have a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

 

Describing the policy as “mindless,” the opposition argued that the plan ignored Nigeria’s harsh realities, including widespread unemployment, limited access to internet services and weak public service delivery.

 

“In a country where over 70 million people are unemployed and small and medium-scale businesses are struggling to survive, this government is setting up an exploitative racket against innocent Nigerians,” Igbawua said, adding that the policy resembled what he called the “infamous Lagos governance strategy.”

 

The Movement further claimed that low-income earners, including those earning below the minimum wage, would be heavily affected by the tax regime, coming on the heels of subsidy removal and rising living costs.

 

“This is not tax reform; it is an assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians,” Igbawua said. “You cannot tax hunger. You cannot tax poverty. And you cannot tax people into prosperity.”

 

The opposition accused the government of demanding more sacrifices from citizens while public office holders continued to benefit from what it described as excessive privileges, warning that Nigerians were being pushed to the brink.

 

In its demands, the National Opposition Movement called for the immediate suspension of the tax plan’s implementation, nationwide consultations involving labour unions, civil society groups, professionals, small and medium enterprises and state governments, as well as explicit social protection measures tied to any tax reform.

 

It also urged the government to focus on taxing luxury, excess profits, monopolies and corruption, rather than placing additional burdens on poor and vulnerable citizens.

 

The group concluded that Nigeria’s problem was not low taxation but waste, corruption, mismanagement and policy arrogance, insisting that “government failure cannot be fixed by billing its victims.”

Reps Push Electoral Reforms, Expand INEC Powers, Put Section 51 on Hold

By
Roland Edet
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0

Reps Push Electoral Reforms, Ex

 

The House of Representatives on Wednesday intensified efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, approving far-reaching amendments to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill aimed at strengthening the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tightening electoral procedures and closing loopholes exposed in recent elections.

 

During a clause-by-clause consideration at plenary, lawmakers adopted several provisions designed to enhance transparency, improve the conduct of elections and reduce post-election disputes.

 

Clauses 3, 5 and 6, which deal with preliminary provisions and interpretations under the Act, were approved to update legal definitions in line with modern electoral practices. According to Hon. Fatima Balarabe (Kaduna), clear and updated definitions are essential to prevent ambiguities that could undermine the electoral process.

 

The House also adopted Clauses 10 and 12, which reinforce INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision and management of elections, including logistics and staff deployment. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stressed that the commission must have firm legal backing to operate efficiently and independently.

 

Amendments to Clauses 18 and 22, covering voter registration and the compilation, maintenance and display of the voters’ register, were approved to curb manipulation and enhance voter inclusion. Lawmakers said the changes would help protect eligible voters from disenfranchisement.

 

Further amendments were adopted to Clauses 23 and 29, which regulate political party nominations and the submission of candidates’ lists to INEC, with clearer timelines and compliance measures introduced to strengthen oversight of party processes.

 

Clauses 31, 32 and 34, addressing party primaries, publication of candidates’ particulars and qualifications for elective offices, were approved to tackle pre-election irregularities and promote transparency.

 

The House also approved Clauses 47, 50 and 54 relating to voting procedures, voter accreditation and the use of technology in elections, providing INEC with stronger legal support to deploy electronic systems.

 

In addition, Clauses 60 and 62, which focus on the declaration, collation, transmission and custody of election results, were adopted to minimise disputes after elections. Clauses 64 and 65 on electoral offences and penalties were also approved, signalling a tougher stance against malpractice such as vote-buying.

 

Lawmakers further adopted Clauses 71 and 73, dealing with election petitions and timelines for dispute resolution, while Clause 74 was amended to streamline post-election legal procedures.

 

However, consideration of Section 51 was deferred. Deputy Speaker Kalu explained that the provision was not included in the committee report presented to the House and could not be considered under parliamentary rules.

 

With the adoption of the committee’s report as a working document, the House paved the way for further deliberations on outstanding sections of the bill.

 

“These amendments are not mere legal technicalities,” Kalu said. “They are deliberate steps toward restoring Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process and ensuring that future elections are free, fair and credible.”

 

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is seen as a critical move toward strengthening democratic governance and rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future polls.

No Justification for Biafra Agitation, Nigeria Better United — Umahi

By
Saladin Babagana
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0

 

…Hails Tinubu’s Massive Infrastructure Drive in South-East, Other Regions

 

 

 

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that there is no justification for renewed Biafra agitation, insisting that Nigerians are better off united as one nation under the inclusive administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Umahi made the assertion on Wednesday during a press conference at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he also defended the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects and dismissed allegations of procurement violations, particularly concerning projects in the South-East.

 

According to the minister, the South-East is now visibly included in national development under the Tinubu administration, a development he said has eroded the basis for separatist agitation.

 

“There was a time the South-East was totally excluded. That has changed. Today, the president has included us, and that inclusion is real and visible,” Umahi said.

 

Responding to criticism by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe over the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, Umahi described the allegations as an attack on his integrity, stressing that all statutory requirements, including the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), were duly followed.

 

“There are three categories of procurement recognised by the Procurement Act. I want Senator Abaribe to go and study it and come back to tell Nigerians whether there was any infringement in the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway,” he said.

 

He explained that the project was openly advertised, subjected to stakeholder engagement, and certified after an internationally recognised ESIA process, adding that foreign financial institutions later adjudged it to be of high quality and even undervalued.

 

“The project was so credible that when it was presented to international financiers, it was oversubscribed by over 100 million dollars,” Umahi disclosed.

 

On project delivery, the minister said the first section of the Lagos Coastal Road has reached about 85 per cent completion and would soon be opened to traffic, while work on the second section was progressing steadily.

 

Highlighting federal presence in the South-East, Umahi listed key projects such as the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, Second Niger Bridge bypass, Abakaliki–Enugu Road, as well as several flyovers and bridges, noting that many are completed or at advanced stages.

 

He also attributed improved performance by state governments to increased federal support, citing Abia State as an example, and disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the establishment of an army training depot in Ebonyi State to strengthen security in the region.

 

Umahi maintained that sustained inclusion, infrastructure development and security interventions have removed the rationale for separatist agitation, urging Nigerians to embrace constructive criticism, national unity and transparency.

 

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo Esq, praised President Tinubu for what he described as “uncommon love” for national development through massive infrastructure investments across all regions.

 

“There is nowhere in this country where projects are not springing up. The president is deploying resources because he genuinely wants to develop this country,” Goronyo said.

 

He cited major road projects across the North-West, including corridors in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states, some of which have reached about 40 per cent completion with durable concrete pavements designed to last up to 100 years.

 

Goronyo also commended the president for reviving long-abandoned projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Road, describing it as a decades-old dream realised under the current administration.

 

While praising security agencies for protecting construction sites, he expressed concern over damage to road infrastructure caused by illegal trading, indiscriminate parking of heavy trucks and vandalism, calling on Nigerians to help safeguard public assets.

 

He urged the Inspector-General of Police to reactivate the Safer Highway Patrol and appealed to citizens to appreciate what he described as unprecedented infrastructure delivery, noting that over 1,600 projects are currently ongoing nationwide.

 

“This is a president with a big heart to unite this country. What we are showing Nigerians is a true reflection of what is on ground,” Goronyo said.

Nigeria, US Share Common Democratic Ideals — Akpabio Assures American Envoy

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

 

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday said Nigeria and the United States are united by shared democratic values, noting that Nigeria’s democratic system is largely modelled after that of America.

 

Akpabio stressed the need for both countries to continue nurturing and preserving this common democratic goal while strengthening bilateral relations.

 

The Senate President made the remarks while receiving the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jnr, who paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, Abuja.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said the engagement was timely, especially given the evolving global and bilateral challenges.

 

“These are very difficult times, but I am happy that my distinguished colleagues are here and that we are having this engagement,” Akpabio was quoted as saying. “This is a visit we have been looking forward to, and we even proposed visiting you to have an overview of the current situation between our two countries.”

 

He also recalled his recent interaction with the US envoy during America’s 249th Independence Anniversary, congratulating the United States on its long history of democratic practice.

 

“That means you have practised democracy for 249 years. We cannot say we have done the same in Nigeria,” he said. “However, the collaboration between our countries is strong, and our democracy and system of government are modelled after that of the United States of America.”

 

Akpabio further noted shared values beyond governance, pointing to faith as a unifying factor between both nations.

 

“One thing I know is that America has remained prosperous and has assisted many countries of the world because of its strong belief that ‘In God we trust.’ In Nigeria, despite our religious and ethnic diversities, we also believe that God is the greatest. So, we share something in common,” he said, welcoming the envoy to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

In his response, Ambassador Mills said his visit was aimed at deepening discussions on US–Nigeria relations and exploring ways to further strengthen cooperation between both countries.

 

He added that the United States Mission was keen on advancing shared objectives and understanding the legislative agenda of the Nigerian Senate in the year ahead.

End of an Era: Ahmed Musa Bows Out as Super Eagles’ Most Capped Star

By
Udehi Alambo
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0

 

 

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped footballer, has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a distinguished 15-year career with the Super Eagles.

 

The former national team captain made the announcement in an emotional message shared on X (formerly Twitter), where he thanked Nigerians for their steadfast support throughout his journey in the national colours.

 

“I wore this badge with pride for 15 years. From a 17-year-old boy answering every call to becoming the most capped Super Eagle with 111 appearances. AFCON champion, Nigeria’s highest World Cup goalscorer, captain, servant and believer,” Musa wrote.

“I gave everything. Thank you, Nigeria… my heart will always beat green.”

 

Musa’s rise on the international stage began unusually early, as he was simultaneously invited to the U-20, U-23 and senior national teams a rare achievement that underscored his exceptional talent and promise.

 

Over the years, the forward established himself as a mainstay of the Super Eagles, featuring in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph and etched his name in history as the country’s highest goalscorer at the World Cup.

 

Beyond his goals and records, Musa earned widespread respect for his leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment. His influence within the team saw him handed the captain’s armband, while he also played a key mentoring role for younger players.

 

As he steps away from international duty, Ahmed Musa leaves behind a rich legacy one defined by excellence, leadership and devotion to national service and will be remembered as one of Nigeria’s greatest and most enduring football icons.

 

Wike Reinstates Suspended Education, Revenue Chiefs, Stresses Discipline

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reinstated two senior officials who were previously suspended, reinforcing his stance on discipline and accountability within the administration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Wike directed the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, to resume their duties immediately.

The statement emphasized that the Minister remains intolerant of indiscipline among officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Wike reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, accountability, and effective service delivery in the governance of the nation’s capital.

The reinstatement signals a measured administrative decision, balancing corrective action with continuity in key sectors such as education and revenue generation.

CAN Condemns “A Very Dirty Christmas” Movie Title, Demands Apology

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly criticized the title of the upcoming Nollywood film A Very Dirty Christmas, calling it offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described Christmas as a sacred season commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ—one that symbolizes purity, peace, love, and redemption. The association argued that linking the word “dirty” to the celebration undermines its spiritual significance and reduces a holy observance to something “crude and sensational.”

While acknowledging creative freedom, CAN stressed that artistic expression must be exercised responsibly, especially in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. “Creativity should promote unity and understanding rather than provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” the statement read.

The association also questioned how a film with such a title cleared regulatory scrutiny. It called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain the approval process for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

Additionally, CAN urged industry bodies—including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders—to adopt clear guidelines on the respectful use of religious themes and symbols.

CAN called on the film’s producers and promoters—specifically addressing actress and producer Ini Edo—to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take steps to ensure religious seasons are treated with dignity.

The association warned that at a time of national moral and social challenges, trivializing sacred values risks deepening divisions and eroding mutual respect.

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement but vowed to continue speaking out “whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.”

PDP Signals 2027 Comeback Bid, Recounts “16 Glorious Years” in Power

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fired an early salvo ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to reclaim national power and rallying its former governors and ministers to rebuild the party’s cohesion and reconnect with voters.

The party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during a high-level interactive session with key figures from the PDP’s 16-year tenure at the federal level.

Addressing the gathering—which included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, and former Information Minister Labaran Maku, among others—Turaki painted a nostalgic picture of the PDP’s legacy, describing it as a “glorious era” whose achievements remain visible across Nigeria.

“When you speak about the 16 glorious years of PDP governance at the centre, you are also talking about the phenomenal work that our former ministers have done in terms of policy formulation, driving those policies, and executing projects that have impacted positively and profoundly on the lives of Nigerians,” Turaki stated.

He argued that despite efforts by political opponents to “malign PDP and past PDP leaders,” Nigerians remain nostalgic about the party’s time in power, citing economic growth, debt relief, and infrastructure development as enduring hallmarks of its rule.

The chairman pledged to sustain engagement with the party’s elders, whose experience he described as critical to the PDP’s revival. “We need to go back to the basics… beyond taking this party back to Nigerians, we need to look to more,” he added.

Former leaders back revival push

In his remarks, Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the Former Ministers Forum, commended the current National Working Committee (NWC) for its courage and performance within a short period, recalling their determination to reclaim the party’s headquarters despite facing tear gas and threats.

“The chairman has done far more than we expected,” Shekarau said, adding that ordinary Nigerians are now saying, “please return us to where you took over from us.” He expressed confidence that courage and commitment, not just numbers, would deliver victory in 2027.

Babangida Aliyu, Chairman of the Former PDP Governors Forum, stressed that leadership means service and respect for the people. He urged the party to reconnect with the grassroots, reminding attendees that “majority of people don’t think of the skyscrapers you build, but they will always remember the good time they enjoyed.”

Aliyu concluded with a pointed critique of the current administration: “We have been a tattered nation. Since 2015, God has given us a leadership that I believe Nigerians today are cursing.”

The meeting marks one of the PDP’s clearest signals yet of a coordinated push toward the 2027 elections—banking on legacy, renewed unity, and a narrative of past performance to fuel its quest to return to power..

Nigeria Pledges Economic Stability, Courts U.S. Investors with Reform Agenda

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA/WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nigeria has assured American investors of its commitment to macroeconomic stability and market-friendly reforms, as the country intensifies efforts to attract foreign capital amid a challenging global economic climate.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, delivered the assurance during the U.S.–Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C., on Monday, December 15. The event was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center.

Addressing top U.S. business leaders and institutional investors, Cardoso highlighted Nigeria’s strategic shift toward rules-based economic management, transparent markets, and predictable policies.

He pointed to key reforms already underway, including:

· The unification of the foreign-exchange market

· The adoption of orthodox monetary policies

· Comprehensive banking sector reforms

· Modernization of the payments system

These measures, Cardoso explained, are designed to foster sustainable, private-sector-led growth and enhance Nigeria’s appeal as an investment destination.

“What investors are responding to today is clarity, clear rules, credible reforms, and a seriousness of purpose,” said Ms. Kendra Gaither, President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center. “Nigeria’s message is increasingly one of discipline and opportunity, and that matters in a global economy seeking actively for stability and predictability.”

The roundtable focused on critical themes such as macroeconomic stabilization, regulatory clarity, and scaling bankable projects in Nigeria’s priority sectors, with the goal of strengthening commercial ties between the two nations.

Cardoso’s engagement forms part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic and economic push to build confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, even as the country grapples with domestic challenges such as inflation and currency volatility.

The outreach signals Nigeria’s intent to position itself as a disciplined and emerging market opportunity for global capital seeking stability and long-term returns.

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