Author: Aminu Imam

FG to restrict bank accounts for Nigerians without TIN from January 

Aminu Imam
FGN on TIN

The Federal Government has announced plans to enforce a new phase of its tax reforms, targeting bank account holders across the country. From January 1, 2026, all taxable Nigerians will be required to possess a valid Tax Identification Number, (TIN), before they can operate their bank accounts. The announcement was made by Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, who explained that the requirement is anchored in Section 4 of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into effect at the start of…

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Alleged ₦2.2bn fraud: Court remands Ngige in Kuje correctional centre

Aminu Imam
Court remands Ngige

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, yesterday ordered the remand of former minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on ₦2.2 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).  Justice Maryam Hassan gave the order after Ngige was docked on an eight-count charge bordering on contract fraud, gratification and abuse of office, and directed that he remain in custody until Monday when the court will hear his bail application. Ngige, who served…

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Adelabu petitions DSS, Police, accuses Primate Ayodele of ₦150m extortion plot

Aminu Imam
Adelabu Primate Ayodele

Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has accused Primate Elijah Ayodele, has accused the Founder and Head of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, of attempted extortion, blackmail, and using false prophecies to tarnish his public image. Adelabu, who has already declared interest in contesting the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, levelled the allegations in a petition dated October 13, 2025, and addressed to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). The petition was signed by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji.…

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FG temporarily opens 47km-section of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

Aminu Imam
FG opens Lagos Calabar highway

Commuters in Lagos may have cause to smile this festive season as the Federal Government yesterday temporarily opened Section-1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. The section measures 47 kilometres, and stretches from the Ahmadu Bello Way junction to Eleko village junction. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the opening of the section at an event attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders. He told the gathering in Lagos that the opening of the highway will bring ease to commuters and is expected to end the harrowing driving…

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Many feared injured, as IED explodes on Zamfara highway

Aminu Imam
Zamfara bombing

Some travellers plying the Gurusu-Gwashi road in Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara state have been severely injured, after an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly planted by bandits, exploded on Wednesday. According to a counter-terrorism publication, Zagazola Makama, the explosion affected many passengers who were travelling in a Toyota Eagle Eye vehicle. The publication said the device detonated around 08:32am, throwing the vehicle off balance and triggering panic among commuters. The passengers were said to be travelling from Gwashi when the incident occurred. Troops of ‘Operation Fansan Yanma’, backed by tactical units…

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Kaduna extends free CNG bus scheme indefinitely

Aminu Imam
Kaduna extends CNG

Kaduna State government has extended its free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme indefinitely, citing its “overwhelming positive impact” on residents. The state Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaƙi, disclosed this in an issued statement yesterday, saying Governor Uba Sani approved the extension after reviewing an assessment report on the scheme’s performance from July to November 2025. Maiyaƙi said the 100 CNG-powered buses operating across 200 designated stops transported more than 1.4 million passengers within the five-month period, saving households an estimated ₦1.39bn in transport costs. The commissioner further said:…

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S’Court overrides Tinubu, affirms death sentence for Maryam Sanda

Aminu Imam
S'Court overrides Tinubu

The Supreme Court has overturned the pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to an Abuja-based housewife, Maryam Sanda. Recall that Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 over the death of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute. However, President Tinubu recently reduced Sanda’s sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on compassionate grounds, according to the presidency. In a judgement delivered yesterday, the Supreme Court, in a 4-to-1 split decision, affirmed the death sentence originally handed down by the Court of Appeal, Abuja. The Court of Appeal had…

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FG plans ₦17.89tr borrowing in 2026

Aminu Imam
FG plans borrowing

…Almost half of its revenue set to pay debt The Federal Government plans to borrow a staggering ₦17.89 trillion in 2026 to fund its budget as revenue projections fall sharply short of expenditure needs.  According to the 2026 Abridged Budget Call Circular from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, new borrowing will surge from ₦10.42 trillion in 2025, marking a 72% increase in fresh loans amid growing concerns over debt sustainability. The sharp rise is driven by a larger fiscal deficit, projected at ₦20.12 trillion in 2026, up from…

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Google invests $2.1m to accelerate Nigeria’s AI ambitions

Aminu Imam
Google invests

Google is investing $2.1 million to accelerate Nigeria’s artificial intelligence growth, aiming to create one million digital jobs and bolster the country’s expanding technology economy.  Aligned with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, the initiative is expected to play a meaningful role in the nation’s broader digital transformation.  Projections indicate that AI could contribute up to $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030. The Fund will support partnerships with local organisations. To achieve these aims, the funding will support partnerships with local organisations working in digital skills development and cyber security.  The…

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“Nigeria is multi-religious, not secular; Shariah not for Christians” – Sultan

Aminu Imam
Sultan on Shariah

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence  Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has restated that Nigeria is a multi-religious nation, not a secular state, and that Shariah law applies strictly to Muslims. He insists it is “totally wrong” for any Christian to be dragged before a Shariah court or compelled to adopt Islamic practices. Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called for deeper collaboration between NIREC and the Federal Government, warning that extremists were exploiting religion to fuel insecurity. He pledged legislative support for peace-building efforts. Secretary to the Government…

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