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Alleged Alterations Threaten Nigeria’s January Tax Reforms, Lawmakers Call for Suspension

Published

4 days ago

December 26, 2025

Proposed tax reforms bills

Alleged Alterations Threaten Nigeria’s January Tax Reforms, Lawmakers Call for Suspension

Nigeria’s proposed January tax reforms are facing mounting uncertainty following allegations that the laws were altered after passing through the National Assembly, sparking opposition from lawmakers, civil society groups, professional bodies, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The controversy raises risks of legal challenges, taxpayer resistance, and a potential credibility crisis for the government’s fiscal agenda.

Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the tax laws and order a comprehensive investigation into claims that the versions assented to and gazetted differ materially from those approved by the National Assembly. Ndume warned that proceeding without resolving the allegations would undermine the legitimacy and credibility of the tax regime.

Opposition politicians, professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society organisations have intensified calls for suspension of the laws pending verification. NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) described the dispute as a serious threat to constitutional governance, calling for an open and transparent review to restore public confidence.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also weighed in, stressing that Nigeria’s tax system must be fair and inclusive, ensuring wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share while eliminating regressive taxes that disproportionately affect low-income earners. NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that laws formulated without workers’ input would be deemed unjust and unacceptable, urging citizens to mobilize for equitable governance.

A policy brief by the Centre for Peace Education and Community Development in Taraba State also highlighted procedural irregularities, warning that the reforms could face court challenges, suffer public distrust, and result in revenue losses if implemented amid allegations of alterations, distortions, or forgery. The brief called for a suspension of rollout, a legal and legislative review, and the establishment of an independent audit panel to examine the authenticity of the laws against official National Assembly records.

Meanwhile, Presidential Tax Reform Committee chairman Taiwo Oyedele urged Nigerians to exercise restraint, noting that speculation based on unverified claims was unhelpful. He emphasized that the National Assembly investigation would determine if any alterations were substantial or procedurally improper.

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the discrepancies, chaired by Muktar Betara, has pledged to submit its report promptly. The seven-member panel was constituted following a matter of privilege raised by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, who flagged inconsistencies between passed and gazetted tax laws. Betara assured that the committee would complete its investigation diligently, ensuring transparency and legislative integrity.

The unfolding controversy underscores the need for due process, transparency, and public trust in Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, which forms a central pillar of the Federal Government’s economic strategy to boost domestic revenue, reduce reliance on oil income, and strengthen fiscal discipline.

Alleged Alterations Threaten Nigeria’s January Tax Reforms, Lawmakers Call for Suspension

Related Topics:Alterations Featured lawmakers Suspension tax reforms

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Gunmen Attack Gebbe Community in Kebbi, Many Feared Dead

Published

15 hours ago

December 29, 2025

Trends Admin

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Muhammad Sani

Gunmen Attack Gebbe Community in Kebbi, Many Feared Dead

Suspected gunmen have launched a deadly attack on Gebbe community in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, leaving an undisclosed number of people feared dead and several others injured.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants struck suddenly, firing sporadic gunshots that threw the community into panic, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring villages and nearby bushes for safety.

Local sources disclosed that the exact number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained due to the scale of the attack and the displacement of residents. The incident has reportedly left the community, which has not experienced such violence in years, in a state of shock and trauma.

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Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said police operatives have been deployed to the area to assess the situation.

“The police are currently on ground to determine the number of casualties and injured persons. An official statement will be issued as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.

Some residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that security agencies have mobilised to restore calm in the area.

Meanwhile, community members have appealed to the Kebbi State Government and security agencies to provide urgent intervention, describing the attack as unprecedented in the history of Gebbe community.

Gunmen Attack Gebbe Community in Kebbi, Many Feared Dead

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Three Killed, NSCDC Outpost Burnt in Katsina Youths–Police Clash

Published

15 hours ago

December 29, 2025

Trends Admin

Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Katsina State Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu

Three Killed, NSCDC Outpost Burnt in Katsina Youths–Police Clash

No fewer than three persons were killed and several others injured following violent clashes between youths and security operatives in Katsina metropolis, Katsina State.

The unrest reportedly began late on Friday, December 27, around 10:00 p.m., when police operatives raided suspected criminal hideouts in Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters in an attempt to arrest a suspected drug dealer identified as Uzairu, popularly known as Kuda.

According to the Katsina State Police Command, the suspect resisted arrest and raised an alarm that attracted suspected gang members, who attacked the officers in a bid to free him. During the ensuing struggle, a firearm was discharged, hitting Uzairu. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

Tension escalated the following day during Uzairu’s funeral procession, as youths allegedly clashed again with security personnel at the graveyard. Two persons were reportedly hit by stray bullets during the confrontation.

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Police authorities confirmed that one of the victims died on arrival at the hospital, while the second is currently receiving treatment.

Amid the violence, the youths allegedly set ablaze a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) outpost and attempted to burn a nearby police outpost before security reinforcements were deployed to the area.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Katsina State Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the clashes resulted in the death of two civilians, while another injured victim is responding to treatment.

DSP Aliyu explained that during the initial raid, the police team was attacked, an operational vehicle was damaged, and several officers sustained injuries. He added that one policeman was stabbed with a knife while suspects attempted to disarm him.

“During the struggle to secure the rifle, a shot was released, hitting and injuring the suspect, who later died in the hospital,” he said.

He further disclosed that on December 28, suspected miscreants hijacked the funeral procession, attacked security personnel, burned the NSCDC outpost, inflicted a deep machete wound on a policeman, and damaged a police patrol vehicle.

The police spokesperson said calm has been restored following the deployment of additional police and NSCDC personnel to the area.

DSP Aliyu added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

Three Killed, NSCDC Outpost Burnt in Katsina Youths–Police Clash

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Two Killed, 16 Injured in Fuel Tanker Crash at Polo Roundabout in Jos

Published

15 hours ago

December 29, 2025

Trends Admin

Two Killed, 16 Injured in Fuel Tanker Crash at Polo Roundabout in Jos

At least two persons were killed and 16 others injured following a fuel tanker crash in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Sunday evening.

The accident occurred near the Polo Field Club Roundabout, close to St. Louis College, when a laden fuel tanker reportedly lost its brakes shortly after the Plateau State Specialist Hospital Roundabout and rammed into several vehicles.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Peter Longsan, said emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to prevent further casualties.

According to Longsan, 18 persons were involved in the crash. Two male adults died on the spot, while 16 injured victims were rushed to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) for medical treatment. The corpses of the deceased were deposited at BUTH.

He explained that the accident was reported to the FRSC at about 6:49pm on December 28, 2025, prompting immediate rescue operations by the FRSC in collaboration with other security and emergency agencies.

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To avert a possible fire outbreak, the area was cordoned off and traffic diverted, while security agencies prevented looting. Fortunately, Longsan said there was no spillage of petroleum products, significantly reducing the risk of explosion.

Agencies involved in the operation included the FRSC, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Federal Fire Service, NSCDC, Operation Rainbow, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Vehicle Inspection Officers, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

Following the rescue operation, the petroleum product was safely transloaded, damaged vehicles were removed, and the road was fully cleared, restoring traffic flow by Monday morning.

Commending the coordinated response, FRSC Plateau Sector Commander, Olajide E. Mogaji, praised stakeholders and community members for their cooperation and reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility.

He urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially during the festive season, and advised the public to report emergencies using the FRSC emergency number 122.