News Agency of Nigeria
NNPC Foundation trains over 3,000 farmers on climate-smart
Agriculture

NNPC Foundation trains over 3,000 farmers on climate-smart

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has trained more than 3,000 farmers in the Southern part of Nigeria in climate-smart and other model agriculture techniques.

The Foundation disclosed this at the closing session of the Southwest pilot training on Friday at Ikorodu Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the NNPC Ltd. focused on enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

It was incorporated in February 2023 to manage NNPC’s CSR initiatives.

Speaking on the focus of the training , the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said it aimed at empowering local farmers for increased agro-productivity.

“Today marks the formal conclusion of the first phase of a national journey that speaks to resilience, food security, and economic empowerment.

“What began as a bold decision to support small holder farmers has translated into tangible action across three geopolitical zones (South-East, South-South, and South-West) in Southern Nigeria.

“Across 10 locations in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, we trained over 3,860 vulnerable farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices.

“This achievement is not just a number, but a milestone in the lives of real people and real communities. We were able to strengthen farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change.

“Through the training, we were able to improve access to markets, promote inclusive agriculture and especially gender representation. We also trained them on enhancing food production through sustainable techniques,” Arukwe said.

She also assured the continuity of the training in other geopolitical zones of the country to enhance food security.

“This is only Phase One. We will now turn our focus to the North-West, North-Central, and North-East zones. What we have achieved in the South will inform and strengthen our next steps.

“The NNPC Foundation will continue this mission, to support livelihoods, build resilience, and empower the hands that feed our families and beyond.

“We have decided that most times you get a lot of requests from people asking us to give them palliatives and all kinds of things to help them.

“But we think it is much better to teach people to fish than just give them fish so they can continue,” she said.

On his part, the Chairman Ikorodu Local Government Area, Mr Wasiu Adesina, urged the trained farmers to use the opportunity to increase their productivity and profitability.

 

Adesina appreciate the NNPC Foundation for coming up with the initiative of equipping the farmers.

“As we all know, agriculture is the bedrock of any nation, without agriculture, there will not be a nation, because there will be no food to eat.

“It is the farmers that produces our food, and it is important that we train our farmers with new techniques in agriculture, and that is exactly what the NNPC Foundation is doing.

“To the farmers, you have to take advantage of this training and face the farming squarely. In some great countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, farmers are the most richest people in those countries.

“This is because they make a lot of money from farming. We need to inculcate that habit in Nigeria and develop ideas in farming.

“Even after my tenure, I am going back to farming, so, maybe I will ask the NNPC Foundation to train me so that I also join you to be a farmer,” he said.

He, however, urged the foundation to empower the farmers to start up something worthwhile after the training.

“If the farmers have land for farming, I believe the foundation will provide financial aid to keep their farms running,” Adesina said.

Also, the Lagos Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Director of Fisheries, Mrs Osunkoya Daisi, commended the foundation for its efforts in boosting food security in the country.

“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to NNPC Foundation for training our farmers and for training all the farmers all over the country.

“Definitely, the training will help improve food production, we can see the impact of climate change effects in agriculture.

“I am sure farmers have been equipped with climate-smart agriculture techniques to improve production,” Olusanya said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Access Bank partners Gate Foundation to empower 50,000 low-income women
Banking

Access Bank partners Gate Foundation to empower 50,000 low-income women

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Access Bank has partnered with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Microsave Consulting Global Consulting Pte Ltd. to improve financial services for low-income women in rural communities across the country.

 

 

 

This initiative aims to empower women economically by providing them with access to financial resources, education, and opportunities.

 

 

 

Mr Robert Giles, Senior Retail Advisor in Access Bank, on Thursday, said that the initiative would focus on scaling female agent networks in Nigeria.

 

 

 

According to Giles, this is to expand successful programmes and increase the number and quality of female Cash-In, Cash-Out (CICO) agents in Nigeria.

 

 

 

He said that the project would address challenges like limited access to finance, financial education and training on managing an agent banking business in your community.

 

 

 

“This programme specifically focuses on helping more women become agents and to be more successful as agents, and the project is looking at factors around the social norms in different parts of the country.

 

 

 

“We’re looking at how we use data to identify who will be a successful agent and then how we help develop those agents to get the best outcomes. We’re also looking at how we can lend to those agents and how we can help them also lend into the community across Nigeria.

 

 

 

“We have over 60 million customers, and many of them prefer to be supported by agents. So the closer we can situate our agents to business activity, the more we can take the friction out of banking, and we’ve been able to do this over a long period of time,” he said.

 

 

 

Mrs Chizoba Iheme, Group Head, Agency Banking and Financial Inclusion in Access Bank, said the project would help more female agents to be successful in agency banking.

 

 

 

She said, “We have just signed a partnership with MSC Global Consulting Pte Ltd. and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to impact fifty thousand female agents.

 

 

 

“These are agents that carry out cash-in, cash-out across the country.

 

 

 

“We will lend to empower them to do more transactions, get gender-based disagregated data that will help us determine the true behaviour of a female agent.

 

 

 

“We will lend to these agents and also get them to lend to their customers. There will be capacity building initiatives and customised onboarding for these agents.

 

 

 

“This will help us drive financial inclusion in Nigeria, and we have designed a duration of three years to actualise this.”

 

 

 

Mr Akshat Pathak, Associate Partner at Microsave Consulting, stated that the partnership was launched in response to the observation that banking touchpoints in rural areas were still lagging behind.

 

 

 

Pathak noted that it was important for any financial institution to have a healthy balance of male and female agents as part of their network.

 

 

 

He explained that Access Bank had put in a lot of hard work to building its retail banking business, and the company is, in turn, supporting the bank in further expanding their agent networks.

 

 

 

“We have partnered with Access Bank and on a project which looks at scaling female agent networks across Nigeria. Agent networks in any country across Africa are very critical to improving financial inclusion for that particular country.

 

 

 

“If we have more female representatives as part of a financial network, we will empower many female customers at the end of the day.

 

 

 

“So, I feel our partnership with Access Bank is very important and we are looking at northern and central Nigeria as our key focus areas now; female agents as one of the key focus areas too.

 

 

 

“We will be looking for specific areas wherein we found that the penetration of banking touch points are still behind the curve.

 

 

 

“So, the idea is that we don’t go to a place wherein there is already infrastructure present. We need to identify those places where there are gaps in the infrastructure and how can we fill those gaps,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Minister, Fayemi, others hail outgoing FMC boss’s transformative service
Health

Minister, Fayemi, others hail outgoing FMC boss’s transformative service

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

Prominent Nigerians have praised Dr Adedamola Dada, outgoing Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, for his exceptional and transformative contributions to public healthcare.

 

 

 

Among those commending him are Dr Iziak Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; ex-Ekiti Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and Prof Babatunde Salako of NIMR.

 

 

 

Prof. Chris Bode, former Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, also joined other stakeholders in acknowledging Dada’s remarkable leadership in the health sector.

 

 

 

The commendations came during a ceremony held by the hospital’s management to mark the end of Dada’s two-term tenure, concluding on Saturday, May 31.

 

 

 

Speaking on behalf of Salako, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo, LUTH CMD, expressed gratitude for Dada’s efforts in infrastructure development and quality care improvement at the hospital.

 

 

 

He said Dada’s leadership rekindled Nigerians’ faith in the public health system, delivering real improvements across board.

 

 

 

The event coincided with President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, highlighting the government’s focus on improving citizens’ health status.

 

 

 

Salako said: “Thank you for your exemplary service and for proving that Nigeria has the capacity to deliver quality healthcare.”

 

 

 

He praised Dada’s dedication and hard work, which he said changed the narrative in the country’s health sector.

 

 

 

“The government is committed to saving lives, relieving pain, removing financial barriers and ensuring universal healthcare access,” Salako added.

 

 

 

He noted the nationwide PHC upgrade aims to provide two functional Level 2 centres per ward by 2027.

 

 

 

He also highlighted the government’s expansion of tertiary facilities, including 12 new centres in the past two years.

 

 

 

On his part, Fayemi lauded Dada for his humanity-driven leadership, calling him a visionary who used teamwork to elevate service delivery.

 

 

 

“Leadership is teamwork. He proved public service isn’t rocket science. I’m proud to be associated with him,” Fayemi said.

 

 

 

He recalled Dada wrote his health policy during his gubernatorial campaign and described his work as selfless and transformative.

 

 

 

Also, Bode described Dada as an innovative leader who added value to health services where Nigerians seek care.

 

 

 

Delivering a lecture on ‘Sustaining Institutional Excellence through Innovative Leadership,’ Bode encouraged others to follow Dada’s example.

 

 

 

“When someone excels, we must acknowledge it to inspire others,” Bode said, lauding the retiring director’s legacy.

 

 

 

Salako, former NIMR DG, also hailed Dada’s visionary leadership and the transformation he brought to the hospital.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dada became Medical Director in 2017 and led remarkable institutional progress. (NAN)

 

 

Edited by Remi Koleoso / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Period poverty: UNICEF leads advocacy on menstrual health management in Oyo
Health

Period poverty: UNICEF leads advocacy on menstrual health management in Oyo

 

 

 

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

According to the the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), inadequate access to resources has continued to undermine ability of girls and women to manage their menstruation healthily and respectfully.

The UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mr Monday Johnson, stated this at a media dialogue organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation on Thursday in Ibadan.

He noted that a greater percentage of women often faced stigmatisation, isolation and other forms of rights violations while observing menstrual period.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, being observed every May 28, is dedicated to promoting better understanding about menstruation, raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene and to break down the existing social taboos associated with menstruation.

The theme for 2025 celebration is “Together for a Period Friendly World.”

The UNICEF specialist affirmed that the theme shared the vision of a world where every woman could manage their menstruation with dignity, confidence, and safety.

He called for integration of comprehensive menstrual education into school curricula and community programmes to dispel myths and normalise conversations about menstruation.

According to him, ensuring that menstrual products are accessible and affordable is a fundamental right of women and girls.

“Governments, NGOs, and private sectors must collaborate to provide free or subsidised menstrual products to those in need.

“By educating our girls and even our boys, we foster a supportive environment where menstruation is understood and respected.

“Schools, workplaces, and public spaces must be equipped with clean and adequate water supply and disposal options.

“Some schools lack adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities needed by girls and female teachers to manage menstruation,” Johnson said.

He also called on parents especially fathers to support their girl child during menstruation, noting that research had shown that voices of fathers in supporting girls during menstruation have been very low.

“We need to have voices of parents, boys, government and NGOs supporting girls during menstruation against all taboos and myths about menstruation,” he said.

Similarly, UNICEF’s Social Behavioral Specialist, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, charged community leaders and influencers to actively involved in promoting menstrual health education.

This, she said, could be achieved through supportive networks that would ensure that girl or woman did not feel isolated or ashamed because of their menstrual period.

“We need to break silence, menstruation should not be seen as a taboo topic. We need to create an open dialogue where people feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health without fear of ridicule or shame,”she said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, commended UNICEF for championing campaign for menstrual hygiene in Nigeria.

He expressed renewed commitment of Gov. Seyi Makinde’s led administration to all UNICEF activities in Oyo state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Vivian Ihechu

LASIEC pledges inclusive, credible LG polls
Politics

LASIEC pledges inclusive, credible LG polls

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

 

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has pledged to conduct an inclusive, hitch-free local government election that all would be proud of.

 

LASIEC’s Chairman, Justice Omobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, made the promise on Tuesday at a forum organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in Lagos.

 

The event was held ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12 in Lagos State.

 

The theme of the event was ‘Enhancing Credible and Inclusive Local Government Elections in Lagos State’.

 

“Democracy thrives when it is inclusive, participatory and truly reflects the diversity of society.

“At LASIEC, we firmly believe no one should be left behind—and no one will be,” Okikiolu-Ighile stated.

 

She stressed that the right to vote and be voted for is a constitutional and fundamental human right.

 

“LASIEC is the body responsible for conducting local government elections in Lagos and is fully committed to inclusivity,” she said.

 

She emphasised that all eligible citizens must have the opportunity to participate, regardless of gender, ethnicity or socio-economic background.

 

According to her, trust and public confidence are essential to achieving free, fair and credible elections.

 

She added that such trust could only be built through active involvement of stakeholders like CCD and others.

 

“It’s about removing barriers and ensuring everyone is included in the democratic process,” she reiterated.

 

Okikiolu-Ighile said LASIEC was fully prepared for the July 12 elections, expecting voters to turn out in large numbers.

 

“The commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a transparent, inclusive and conclusive election process,” she noted.

 

She revealed LASIEC distributed application forms free to women, youths and persons with disabilities (PwDs) to encourage participation.

Okikiolu-Ighile reaffirmed LASIEC’s commitment to delivering election that is free, fair, credible and conclusive.

“We will maintain strong collaboration with stakeholders and create equal access across the political field,” she assured.

 

She added LASIEC would uphold public confidence by ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process.

 

She urged stakeholders to help educate and sensitise members on their voting rights and participation.

The LASIEC chair also assured residents of maximum security for all voters and candidates during the polls.

She confirmed that assistive materials — such as magnifying glasses and braille — would be provided at all voting centres.

CCD Programme Officer, Mrs Christiana Njoku, highlighted the importance of credible, inclusive electioneering processes.

Njoku praised LASIEC’s efforts in supporting inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities.

She, however, called on LASIEC to intensify efforts by providing braille, interpreters and other assistive tools.

She stressed the need for a conducive environment to enable all PwD clusters to vote on July 12. (NAN)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Committee submits audit report on Accelerated Gas Development Projects
General News

Committee submits audit report on Accelerated Gas Development Projects

 

By Taiye Agbaje

The Legal Audit Committee on Associated Gas Development Projects and Arbitration Matters has handed its final report to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The committee, chaired by Mr Olasupo Shasore, SAN, was tasked with auditing agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) linked to Nigeria’s accelerated gas development efforts.

Shasore, the senior partner at African Law Practice (ALP) NG & Co, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the project was inaugurated in November 2024 and the committee was mandated to align existing contracts with the Nigerian Gas Master Plan and to assess the extent of commercial risk Nigeria had been exposed to in past dealings.

Speaking during the presentation at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, Shasore said that the report offered a comprehensive review of critical gas agreements and arbitration cases.

He emphasised the need for structured risk assessment in contracts involving international stakeholders, pointing to past lapses that had left Nigeria vulnerable in commercial disputes.

He said among the report’s key recommendations was the creation of a legal risk matrix to preempt disputes and enhance Nigeria’s bargaining power in high-stakes deals.

According to him, the project also calls for institutional reforms in contract management and dispute resolution, particularly in sectors involving substantial foreign investment.

“The committee’s work covered not only concluded arbitration cases but also examined how previous missteps had translated into significant financial liabilities for the country.

“By identifying legal and procedural gaps, the report aims to protect national interests in future arbitrations and gas development negotiations,” Shasore said,

Fagbemi, while receiving the report, commended the committee’s effort, describing it as a bold step towards reinforcing Nigeria’s legal and economic resilience in the global gas sector.

“This report provides a blueprint for strengthening our contractual frameworks and will guide future engagements,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee, made up of legal and commercial experts, worked intensively for over six months to produce what it was described as a “forward-looking document”.

NAN reports that on Nov. 11,2024, Fagbemi inaugurated the committee to audit agreements Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on AGDPs.

The move is part of efforts at preventing a repeat of the nation’s most unpleasant experience in the P&ID case which originated from one of such AGDPs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG to invest in 7,000 towers to expand network coverage
Science & Tech

FG to invest in 7,000 towers to expand network coverage

 

 

 

 

By Jessica Dogo

 

The Federal Government says  it plans to invest in 7,000 towers to expand network coverage to underserved communities, with a focus to bridge digital divide and promote inclusive development in the country.

 

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he unveiled a pilot project in Ibwa 2 community, situated at Gwagwalada, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

Tijani hinted that President Bola Tinubu had directed that the ministry should invest 7,000 in giving Nigerians access to network.

 

He noted that there were about 20 million rural dwellers who do not have access to benefit from such facilities.

 

“Nigeria has decided to invest 7,000 of these equipment in healthcare.

 

“There are about 20 million people who cannot benefit from what we that live in the city or those who are nearer to the city are currently enjoying.

 

“Out of that 20 million people over 80 per cent of them are from the northern part of Nigeria.

 

“This is why Mr President has demanded that we must put money into ensuring that this opportunity is not only available to those in the urban area but every part of the north must be covered with this equipment.

 

“So that we can give this opportunity to our people regardless of where they find themselves.”

 

He said that the project, in collaboration with Globacom Nigeria and Huawei Technologies Nigeria, would provide different digital services to over 12,000 residents of the community, and those within its environs.

 

He explained that the 7,000 digital hospitals and schools would provide services for 80 per cent of the 20 million unserved who were from northern states.

 

The minister in test running the digital facilities had online conversations with a medical doctor in Abuja and a teacher in Lagos.

 

He assured that the 7,000 projects would be delivered by the end of the year.

 

According to him, 125 smart phones had been provided to the community through the village Head to be used for services provided by the facility with free WiFi.

 

Earlier, the Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Nigeria, Terrens Wu expressed delight over the collaboration, saying that it would lead to rural transformation and economic empowerment of rural dwellers.

 

Mr Wu was optimistic that the project  would deepen financial inclusion and boost economic activities.

 

He also expressed the commitment of Huawei to rural and urban transformation in Nigeria.

 

“Huawei has the technology to shape the ways rural areas are carried along in the plan for digital transformation and literacy in the country,” he said.

 

The Manager Globacom Nigeria Northern Region, Mr Kassim Kaka emphasised the company’s commitment to ventures that would improve digital literacy and deepen inclusion in the country.

 

The Village Head of Ibwa 2 Community, Abubakar Bamaiyi, appreciated the government for the projects, saying in the past, government officials would visit the community and make promises, but nothing would follow.

 

“In the past government officials would come and make promises but they end up doing nothing. But this time around you people came and within this short period you have delivered.

 

“Our children can even learn from their beds. And we can access medical care through this digital hospital.

 

“The project has revived the peoples confidence in the present administration, and the villagers will take advantage of the projects to improve their living standards and businesses,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NATOP urges collaboration among stakeholders to boost local tourism
Culture & Tourism

NATOP urges collaboration among stakeholders to boost local tourism

 

By Joan Odafe

The President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, has called on government agencies, industry players and the media to increase efforts in promoting the nation’s untapped tourism potential.

 

This, she said, would attract both local and international tourists.

 

Mustapha made the call during a Roundtable Meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Travel (ANJET) on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was aimed at discussing how Nigeria’s local destinations sites can be promoted to boost tourism.

 

Mustapha, who is also the Managing Director of Grand Express Tour Centre (GET Centre), said years of grassroots advocacy by the operators was beginning to yield results.

 

According to her, NATOP has focused on identifying new tourism sites across the country that can be promoted globally.

 

“People are beginning to see those things we are trying to put out there,” she said.

 

She said the association had identified some destination sites in Ondo State.

 

Mustapha disclosed that the association planned to explore the sites, with stakeholders, during the NATOP Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will hold in July in the state.

 

Some of the sites include Idanre Hills, Araromi Beach, Nibanola Farms, a 500-acre land with a hotel overlooking a lake, and La Campagne Tropicana Hills.

 

“We went to do a familiarisation trip; we went around to see some of the venues where we are going to be using.

 

“We want to identify some products, and tell the people in charge to see how they can improve it; how they can make it very habitable for us to sell.

 

“It’s a mind-blowing thing for me that we can have this kind of thing.

 

“We had breakfast on a very beautiful hill on top of the mountain. It’s just amazing,” she said.

 

Mustapha, however noted that the operators had found some challenges while promoting tourism destinations.

 

Some of the challenges, she said, included lack of innovation, inflation, multiple taxation, security among others.

 

She urged the government to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that the products are sold.

 

She further urged Nigerians to patronise the sites, and not wait for only holidays to travel.

 

Also, the General Secretary of NATOP, Otunba Michael Balogun, said collaboration among stakeholders in the industry was very important because tourism could not thrive in isolation.

 

Balogun, who is also the Chief Operating Officer of Tour2Nigeria, said apart from collaboration, there was also a need to change the narrative put out about the nation.

 

Decrying the negative narratives about the nation, and citing countries such as U.S. and South Africa, Balogun said their crime rates was not projected in the media as it is.

 

He said Africa should no longer be regarded as just a continent but a voice, vision and heritage that needed to be sold.

 

According the him, a lot of development is ongoing in the country that is not projected to the public.

 

“If it’s about infrastructure, we travel these roads, we see these things.

 

“The last time we went to Ondo,there was no construction going on, just for us to get on it again, a new road was being built.

 

“Which is a good thing because now the government is working,” he said.

 

He urged the government, particularly the media, to collaborate with stakeholders to sell Nigeria.

 

He further urged stakeholders, including hotels and resorts owners, airlines, and logistics companies, to give discounts to tour operators in order to reduce the cost of tour packages for tourists.

 

The President of ANJET, Mr Okorie Uguru, commended NATOP for its passion, efforts and sacrifice in pushing the narrative of Nigeria’s assets and potential.

 

He pledged the support of ANJET to echo the voice of operators by pushing positive narratives, both locally and internationally.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Bold tax reforms already yielding results – Tinubu
General News

Bold tax reforms already yielding results – Tinubu

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said one of his administration’s most impactful achievements was its bold tax reform agenda, which had started yielding results.

 

The President said this in a statement to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

 

He said by the end of 2024, the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10 per cent to over 13.5 per cent, a remarkable leap in just one year.

 

He said this was a result of deliberate improvement in tax administration and policies designed to make the tax system fairer, more efficient and more growth-oriented.

 

“We are eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, making it easier for small businesses to grow and join the formal economy. The tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income.

 

“Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare will now attract 0 per cent VAT. Rent, public transportation, and renewable energy will be fully exempted from VAT to reduce household costs further.

 

“We are ending the era of wasteful and opaque tax waivers. Instead, we have introduced targeted and transparent incentives supporting high-impact manufacturing, technology, and agriculture sectors,” said Tinubu.

 

He added that these reforms were not just about revenue but about stimulating inclusive economic growth.

 

For instance, he said, there was a deliberate focus on youths, who a friendlier tax environment for digital jobs and remote work would empower.

 

He said through export incentives, Nigerian businesses would be able to compete globally.

 

Tinubu added that his administration’s National Single Window project has streamlined international trade, reduced delays, and enhanced Nigeria’s competitiveness.

 

“To promote fairness and accountability, we are establishing a Tax Ombudsman, an independent institution that will protect vulnerable taxpayers and ensure the system works for everyone, especially small businesses.

 

“Most importantly, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future by introducing a new national fiscal policy.

 

”This strategic framework will guide our approach to fair taxation, responsible borrowing, and disciplined spending.

 

“These reforms are designed to reduce the cost of living, promote economic justice, and build a business-friendly economy that attracts investment and supports every Nigerian.

 

“Together, we are creating a system where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind,” the President stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

EDited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu restates commitment to security, safety of Nigerians
General News

Tinubu restates commitment to security, safety of Nigerians

 

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to the security and safety of Nigerians.

 

The president said this in a statement on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

 

“Without a responsive and reliable national security infrastructure that can protect lives and properties, our economy will not perform optimally, and those who seek to harm us will impair and disrupt our way of life.

 

“For our government, protecting our people and their peaceful way of life is the utmost priority,” said Tinubu.

 

He stated that his administration had improved collaboration among security agencies, increased intelligence-driven operations, and better ensured the welfare of the armed forces and security personnel.

 

“I use this opportunity to salute the courage and everyday sacrifice of our service men and women.

 

“We may not always witness the tremendous efforts they make to keep us safe, but we benefit every day from the results of their dedication.

 

“Even if we do not thank them often enough, they willingly face danger so we can go about our lives freely and without fear.

 

“Our military, police, and intelligence agencies are committed to always responding to emerging security threats and new challenges because it is the patriotic duty they owe a grateful nation,” the president stated.

 

He said amid the new security challenges, he could report some successes.

 

Tinubu said in some areas of the North-West hitherto under the control of bandits, the gallant armed forces had restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods.

 

With the success achieved, he said, farmers were back tilling the land, and that highways, hitherto dangerous for travellers, had become safer.

 

“Our security agencies have succeeded many times in rescuing the abducted citizens from the hands of their tormentors.

 

“I promise you, we shall remain vigilant, as I told security chiefs during the last meeting to up their game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men.

 

“Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” the president reassured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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