Zulum Donates N50m to Family of Slain Army Officer in Borno Attack

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has donated N50 million to the family of the late Lt. Col. OC Okolo, who was killed during a Boko Haram attack in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, which occurred on February 16, 2026, was attributed to insurgents linked to Boko Haram operations in the North-East, an area that has remained a major theatre of Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.

The donation was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, who said the support reflects Zulum’s continued commitment to families of fallen security personnel.

According to the statement, the governor reiterated that his administration would continue to stand by the families of officers and soldiers who lost their lives in defence of the country.

He also noted that the state government would maintain regular visits and support for families of personnel killed or declared missing in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the region.

On April 10, 2026, Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (retd.), presented the donation during a memorial service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

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The gesture, according to the government, forms part of broader humanitarian and welfare support programmes for families of fallen soldiers and those wounded in action during military operations in the North-East.

Zulum expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased officer, describing Lt. Col. Okolo as a “gallant, dedicated and committed officer whose sacrifices for national security will not be forgotten.”

“My heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and colleagues of Lt. Col. OC Okolo on his painful demise,” the governor said.

He prayed for the repose of the officer’s soul and asked God to grant the family strength to bear the loss.

In response, a representative of the family, Prof. Stanley Okolo, expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government for the financial support and solidarity shown during their period of grief.

The family also commended the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service on short notice, describing the gesture as deeply comforting.

The funeral was attended by senior military officers and representatives, including officials from the Nigerian Army and Operation HADIN KAI, alongside members of the local community and military welfare organisations.

Borno State remains one of the most affected regions in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency, with repeated attacks on military formations and civilian communities despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Zulum has consistently combined governance with humanitarian interventions, providing financial support, resettlement assistance, and welfare packages for both civilians and security personnel affected by the conflict.

Zulum Donates N50m to Family of Slain Army Officer in Borno Attack

INEC Denies Viral X Claim Alleging Amupitan Endorsed Partisan Post

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, endorsed a partisan post on X (formerly Twitter), describing the claim as false, misleading, and malicious.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission said the allegation is part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the credibility and neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

INEC stated that the viral claim suggesting that the Chairman previously endorsed political content on X is “entirely baseless and a fabrication designed to mislead the public.”

The Commission further clarified that Prof. Amupitan does not operate any personal account on X or any other social media platform and has never engaged in partisan political commentary in either private or official capacity.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on X. He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary or associated himself with any political activity,” the statement said.

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INEC warned that the alleged post was deliberately fabricated to impugn the integrity and neutrality of the electoral body, especially at a sensitive time when public trust in electoral institutions remains critical.

The Commission also raised concerns over the increasing use of fake social media accounts impersonating its leadership to spread false information and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

According to the statement, several impersonation accounts have already been identified and reported to security agencies for investigation and prosecution under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

“We are aware that cybercriminals have been using fake accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud Nigerians. These accounts have been reported to security agencies for appropriate action,” the Commission said.

INEC emphasized that it is working closely with relevant security agencies to track down those responsible for identity theft and the dissemination of forged statements online.

It warned that perpetrators of such acts will face prosecution, stressing that misinformation targeting the electoral body undermines democratic stability.

The Commission urged the public to rely only on official and verified communication channels for accurate information, reiterating its commitment to transparency and credible elections.

INEC added that it remains focused on its constitutional mandate and will not be distracted by what it described as “baseless online propaganda.”

INEC Denies Viral X Claim Alleging Amupitan Endorsed Partisan Post

FG Introduces 2026 Fiscal Policy, Slashes Tariffs on Vehicles, Food Items, Steel, Others

The Federal Government has released its 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures (FPM), introducing sweeping changes to import duties across multiple sectors, including vehicles, food commodities, industrial materials, and machinery, in a move aimed at boosting economic activity and easing cost pressures.

According to an official circular dated April 1, 2026, and signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the new framework replaces the 2023 fiscal policy regime and establishes a revised national tariff schedule covering 127 tariff lines.

The government said the policy is designed to stimulate trade, support industrial growth, and improve affordability of essential goods, while also encouraging investment in local production capacity.

Major Tariff Cuts Across Key Sectors

Under the new structure, import duties on fully built passenger vehicles, including SUVs and station wagons, have been reduced to a total effective rate of 40%, down from about 70% under previous regimes.

Crude palm oil now attracts an effective tariff of 28.75%, while several food and consumer items also saw reductions, including rice, sugar, and salt.

Key revised rates include:

• Rice (above 5kg packaging): 47.5%
• Broken rice: 30%
• Raw cane sugar: 55%–57.5%
• Refined salt: 55%
• Margarine: 40%

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The policy also reduces tariffs on construction and household goods such as envelopes, notebooks, ceramic tiles, and steel products, aimed at lowering input costs for manufacturers and developers.

Industrial and Infrastructure Materials

Significant reductions were also recorded in the industrial sector. Steel products such as zinc-coated sheets, steel coils, and rods now attract 35% duties, down from 45%, while certain machinery and equipment categories have been reduced to 0%–10% tariffs.

These include:

• Railway locomotives (SKD/CKD): 0%
• Cargo ships above 500 tonnes: 0%
• Agricultural machinery: 0%
• Medical and industrial equipment: 5%–10%

Officials say these changes are aimed at improving infrastructure development, manufacturing competitiveness, and healthcare access.

Transition Measures and New Tax Framework

To ease implementation, the government approved a 90-day grace period for importers who opened Form M before April 1, allowing them to clear goods at previous tariff rates.

However, authorities also announced that a new excise duty framework and green tax surcharge will take effect from July 1, 2026, as part of broader environmental and revenue reforms.

The green tax policy will target emissions-linked consumption patterns, although exemptions include:

• Electric vehicles
• Vehicles below 2000cc
• Mass transit buses
• Locally manufactured vehicles under specific tariff headings

Policy Objectives and Economic Impact

The Finance Ministry said the reforms are intended to balance revenue generation with economic relief, while aligning Nigeria’s trade policy with regional and global standards.

Analysts say the tariff cuts could help reduce import costs and ease inflationary pressure on consumers, but may also increase competitive pressure on local manufacturers who depend on protective tariffs.

The fiscal framework is part of broader reforms under the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria’s economy through tax restructuring, trade liberalisation, and industrial policy adjustments.

FG Introduces 2026 Fiscal Policy, Slashes Tariffs on Vehicles, Food Items, Steel, Others