News
Reps probe tax law tweaks, PDP demands suspension
This was as the Peoples Democratic Party demanded that the Federal Government further shift forward by six months the January 1, 2026 take-off of the new tax law.
The opposition party said the shift became important following an alleged illegal alteration made to the law passed by the National Assembly.
The PDP added that the six-month shift would allow for “sufficient enlightenment campaigns on the new Act.”
President Bola Tinubu recently signed four major tax reform bills into law, marking what the government has described as the most significant overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades.
The laws include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, all operating under a single authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service.
The reforms are designed to simplify tax compliance, expand the tax base, eliminate overlapping taxes and modernise revenue collection across federal, state and local governments.
The laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, following a six-month transition period for public education and system alignment.
However, the reforms have continued to attract mixed reactions nationwide.
On Wednesay, a PDP lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, drew the attention of the House of Representatives to alleged discrepancies in the tax reforms passed by the National Assembly and the copy gazetted by the Federal Government.
Dasuki warned that if not addressed, the alterations would render the new tax laws legally vulnerable as they lack legislative approval.
At the resumption of plenary on Thursday, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, underscored the seriousness of the allegations by announcing a seven-man ad hoc committee to investigate the claims and submit a report to the House for further legislative action.
He said, “On the revised tax laws, the House leadership has unanimously agreed that a committee should be set up immediately to look into the matters that were raised and many others. In that respect, I’m happy to announce to you that the following members have been appointed to the committee. They are Mukhtar Betara as Chairman, Idris Wase, James Faleke, Sada Soli, Igariwey Iduma, Fredrick Agbedi and Babajimi Benson.”
At Wednesday’s plenary, Dasuki had called on the House to revisit the gazetted version of the law and compare to what the National Assembly passed.
“I plead that all the documents should be brought before the Committee of the Whole so that we can make the relevant amendments.
“This is a breach of the Constitution and our laws, and this should not be taken by this Honorable House,” he added.
In response to the allegation, the PDP, on Thursday, commended Dasuki “for his fastidiousness and courage in the discharge of his legislative duties.”
It demanded “that the commencement date of the Tax Act be shifted from January 1, 2026, for at least six months to allow sufficient time for the investigation of this anomaly.”
The PDP warned that the disparity must be comprehensively investigated “and not treated with the customary levity this administration has shown towards serious issues of governance.
“This criminal act of inserting unenacted sections into laws can erode public trust in parliamentary enactments. Nigerians deserve assurance that the laws they obey are those validly passed by their elected representatives, not provisions foreign to lawmakers,” the PDP said.
The PDP’s call comes a date after the National Opposition Movement, on Wednesdaym demanded the immediate suspension of the tax plan’s implementation, warning that forcing it through would worsen the living conditions of Nigerians.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the NOM spokesperson, Chille Igbawua, said Nigerians were already struggling with poverty, unemployment and rising living costs, insisting the new tax regime would be punitive.
The NOM, a coalition of citizens drawn from various opposition parties, said it monitors policies affecting Nigeria’s security, economy and overall prosperity under the Tinubu administration, while advocating national liberation and transformation.
Igbawua described the planned implementation as “shocking” and “punitive,” arguing that Nigerians are already struggling to meet basic needs.
“This new tax plan must not take off now. Its implementation must be suspended immediately. This is not tax reform; it is a weapon fashioned against the economic well-being and social security of suffering Nigerians,” he said.
“You cannot tax hunger. You cannot tax poverty. And you cannot tax people into prosperity. Since coming to office, President Tinubu has shown that his priorities are not with ordinary Nigerians but with a few oligarchs tied to his economic and political interests.”
But the Federal Government, on Thursday, pushed back, alleging that some individuals were attempting to undermine the success of ongoing tax reforms, insisting that the policies are pro-poor and aimed at recalibrating national revenue generation.
The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, made the allegation on Thursday during the inauguration of a Joint Committee of the National Orientation Agency and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms in Abuja.
“We must state clearly that this is a pro-poor policy — one designed to recalibrate the revenue of this country in a way that ensures the poorest Nigerians are not harmed, except positively,” Fasua said.
He stressed that the reforms were not intended to increase the tax burden on citizens or small businesses, citing the partial opening of the Brass–Nembe Road as an example of infrastructure development made possible through improved revenue mobilisation.
“Recently, the Brass–Nembe Road was partially opened. That is the kind of progress we can expect when revenue and tax systems work better. We will also continue to draw lessons from how other countries have implemented similar reforms,” Fasua added.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.
Late Abang
“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.
The Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, has identified the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the governments of the nine Niger Delta states as development partners in building a sustainable regional investment ecosystem.
Addressing newsmen at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, Ogan reaffirmed NDCCITMA’s commitment to successfully hosting the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from September 15 to 17 in the Rivers State capital.
The NDCCITMA Chairman said the Summit was a strategic, private-sector-led platform to mobilise investment and unlock the Niger Delta region’s economic potential, anchored on the theme: “Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.”
He stated: “Our vision is to bring together the nine Niger Delta states, the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, organised private sector, domestic and international investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, project developers and other strategic partners around a common objective: To transform the Niger Delta from a predominantly resource-dependent economy into a diversified, productive, industrialised and globally competitive regional economy.”
According to Ogan, the Summit was designed not merely as another conference, but as an investment and transaction platform, stating: “I dare say that the region possesses opportunities far beyond crude oil.
“From gas and petrochemicals to agriculture and agro-processing; maritime and blue economy; manufacturing; aviation and transportation; renewable energy; tourism; digital economy; logistics; infrastructure and financial services, the Niger Delta possesses the resources and market opportunities required to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.”
We intend to showcase strategic investment opportunities capable of transforming the regional economy, including agro-industrial and oil-palm value chains, gas utilisation and gas-based industries, regional transportation and aviation, maritime infrastructure, industrial and logistics hubs, renewable energy, manufacturing, skills development, digital infrastructure and other high-impact projects.
The Counsel to the Legal Representative of NDCCITMA, Mr Sammie Somiari, SAN, affirmed that the Summit organiser was committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
He noted that in a suit filed by the founder of NDEIS, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over an alleged trademark infringement, the court restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA.
Somiari assured that the Summit would proceed as planned, as there was no legal encumbrance to the economic and investment platform.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, observed that the Summit would promote stronger economic integration among the nine Niger Delta states.
She noted that the investment forum would produce tangible outcomes: investment commitments, project partnerships, financing opportunities, policy recommendations, and clearly defined implementation frameworks.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
September 12, 2026
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