By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu gas shown his appreciation to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development.

Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments.

He extends special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.

He also commends the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other groups that made the bipartisan resolution of the controversy stirred by the tax bills possible.

President Tinubu shows that the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments.

He said updating the country’s outdated tax laws is essential to this endeavour.

The President notes that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform shows the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences.

President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability.

He also encourages other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.

President Tinubu also urges the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWMA) enforcement team, has arrested a man seen in a viral video discharging liquid waste with an offensive odour into a stream in the Bashiri area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

A statement from the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko- was made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti. She said, “Following swift action by the Ministry’s enforcement team, the perpetrator was apprehended, and his vehicle  impounded.”

She said the suspect claimed during interrogation that he was discharging dirty water, not sewage, into the stream.

The Commissioner announced that to prevent any potential health hazards from the dumped waste, the samples from the affected site have been taken to analyze the chemical and microbiological material contained in material discharged in the stream. At the same time, the entire area will be thoroughly fumigated to safeguard the health and well-being of residents.

She said thorough investigations involving officials of her Ministry and the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority were ongoing to prevent future occurrences and maintain a cleaner, safer environment in Ekiti State.

The Commissioner emphasized that the state government has zero tolerance for illegal waste handling and disposal and stressed that the offender would soon be prosecuted. 

“The law will take its full course. Acts like this endanger public health and the environment. We must protect our communities,” she said.

Erelu Aluko-Ajisafe urged residents to remain vigilant and report any acts of environmental violation to the appropriate authorities. 

She encouraged the public to continue “blowing the whistle” on activities that threaten environmental safety.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Manchester City has announced that star striker Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2034.

The 24-year-old Norwegian international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has been instrumental in the club’s recent successes.

“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” Haaland said. “Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters, and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.”

Haaland expressed his gratitude to his teammates, manager Pep Guardiola, and the City staff.

He said, “They have made this such a special place to be, and now I am City no matter what. I want to keep developing, keep working to get better, and help us achieve more success going forward.”

City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, highlighted the significance of Haaland’s long-term commitment.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Leadership is often defined by its tangible impacts on ordinary people’s lives. In Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s transformative vision has ushered in a new era of development, safety, and economic revitalisation. His dedication to infrastructural development and human-centred governance proves his attentiveness to building a better Bauchi for all.

Governor Bala’s administration has relentlessly addressed the state’s infrastructural challenges. By constructing new roads and repairing bridges damaged by floods, the governor has significantly improved residents’ connectivity and mobility. These efforts have facilitated the smooth movement of goods and services and contributed to Bauchi State’s economic resurgence, making it an attractive destination for investors and visitors alike.

The recent inauguration of 500 officers for the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) is yet another feather in the Governor’s cap. This initiative aims to safeguard the lives of road users, enforce traffic regulations, and maintain order across the state’s bustling roads. By collaborating with other road safety institutions, these officers will play a crucial role in ensuring that drivers adhere to all protocols, thereby reducing accidents and enhancing the overall safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

While celebrating these commendable achievements, it is imperative to draw the Governor’s attention to the pressing need to rehabilitate the Bauchi-Ningi Road. This vital artery links Bauchi to numerous local government areas and neighbouring Jigawa and Kano States and has been in disrepair for years. Its current condition has deteriorated to alarming levels, with daily reports of ghastly accidents claiming lives and destroying vehicles.

The road’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, especially as it is the main route for two major markets, Gadar Maiwa Monday Market and Durun Sunday Market. During market days, reckless driving and the pothole-ridden terrain lead to frequent accidents. For traders, commuters, and other road users, navigating this stretch has become a perilous ordeal that demands urgent intervention.

Though the Bauchi-Ningi Road falls under federal jurisdiction, Gov. Bala’s track record of prioritising the welfare of his people positions him as a leader capable of championing this cause. By leveraging his influence and proactive governance style, the Governor can initiate discussions and collaborations to expedite the rehabilitation of this critical road.

Gov. Bala’s willingness to address infrastructure challenges demonstrates a rare blend of empathy and pragmatism. By extending his administration’s efforts to the Bauchi-Ningi Road, he can save countless lives, protect properties, and restore confidence among road users. A repaired Bauchi-Ningi Road would enhance safety and stimulate economic activities, further boosting the state’s economic capacity and ensuring seamless connectivity.

In Sen. Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State has a leader who listens, acts, and delivers. His strides in road construction, bridge repairs, and road safety initiatives accent his deep concern for the welfare of his people. As we commend him for these remarkable achievements, we also urge our national representatives—including our Senator, House of Representatives members, and the Speaker of the State Assembly—to collaborate with the Governor and prioritise the rehabilitation of the Bauchi-Ningi Road.

This collective effort will address the urgent needs of this critical infrastructure and strengthen the legacy of progress and safety that Gov. Bala Mohammed’s administration has established. We can look forward to a safer and more prosperous Bauchi State.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Sulaiman Ibrahim Lala

The Pandora Awards is an annual event organised by Mama’s Boy Entertainment that aims to recognise outstanding contributions from public figures in northern Nigeria across various fields. The latest edition, held in Kano on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, honoured several notable figures, including footballer Abdullahi Shehu, celebrated Kannywood scriptwriters Fauziyya D. Sulaiman (Uwar Marayu) and Yakubu M. Kumo, social media personality Abba Pantami, among others.

Upon closer examination of the awards ceremony, it becomes apparent that the Kannywood/entertainment industry categories, encompassing music and film, favour familiarity and personal connections over genuine merit. This raises concerns that deserving artists may have been overlooked in favour of those with closer ties to the organisers.

I wholeheartedly agree with some awards, particularly MANYAN MATA, as Best Web Series. Similarly, DJ AB as Best Hip-hop Artist and Sadiq Sani Sadiq’s honour as Best Actor of the Year are also well-deserved.

However, I have reservations about the remaining awards. Some other projects and individuals demonstrated exceptional work and dedication, making them more deserving of recognition.

I am surprised by some of the award outcomes. For instance, Hamisu Breaker took home an award despite not releasing any notable hits in 2024. Meanwhile, Sadiq Saleh’s impressive ‘Da Ransu’ album featuring the standout track ‘Mai Kishina,’ arguably one of the most impactful Hausa songs of 2024, was overlooked.

I also believe the Best Music Video award should have gone to ‘BANI’ by Ado Gwanja, skillfully directed by Jafs, rather than ‘Zuciya’ by Auta Waziri.

The award results were met with surprise and disappointment. NGULDE took home the Best Comedian of the Year award despite Jok3r (Anty Maina) having a more impactful year. Abale’s win for Best Villain Artist over Sultan Abdurrazak, who consistently delivered strong performances last year, was also unexpected.

DEEZELL’s Best Collaboration win raised eyebrows given their lack of notable collaborations in 2024 since the release of ‘NAMIJI’ in 2023. Other nominees like ‘TAWAN’ by Nazifi Asnanic ft Naziru Sarki Waka, ‘Daga Ke’ by Lilin Baba, and ‘Aure remix’ by Boyskiddo seemed more deserving.

Additionally, Mummy Gombe’s Best Female Artist win over Firdausi Yahaya, who excelled in ‘Garwashi’ and ‘Labarina,’ was also surprising. MAISHADDA’s Producer of the Year win for ‘Gidan Sarauta’ over Umar Uk’s outstanding work on ‘Garwashi’ felt like a missed opportunity.

The Queen of the North award went to Fati Kinal despite intense competition from Hadiza Gabon, Rahama Sadau, and Nafisa Abdullahi, leaving some questioning the award’s credibility.

The Pandora Awards’ geographical bias is concerning due to a disproportionate focus on artists from Kano and Kaduna. Despite their significant contributions to the northern entertainment scene, talented artists from Jos, Kogi, and Benue were overlooked.

This regional disparity raises questions about the awards’ inclusivity and representation. The fact that the organisers are primarily from the North-West may have contributed to this bias, undermining the credibility of the awards and their ability to showcase the diversity of northern talent.

Note: These are my personal views as a dedicated fan and keen observer of the Arewa film and music industry.

Sulaiman Ibrahim Lala wrote via sulaimanibrahimlala@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has given its seal of approval to the Tax Reform Bills, recommending no increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate.

This decision was reached after a thorough examination of the bills, with the forum proposing a revised VAT sharing formula to ensure resources are distributed fairly.

According to the communique issued by the forum today, the revised VAT sharing formula will allocate 50% of resources based on equality, 30% based on derivation, and 20% based on population.

The governors also agreed that there should be no reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, to maintain economic stability.

The forum advocated for maintaining the current VAT rate to safeguard citizens’ welfare and promote economic growth.

Also, essential goods and agricultural produce will remain exempt from VAT to support agricultural productivity and citizens’ welfare.

The meeting also recommended removing the terminal clause for TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing of development levies in the bills.The forum expressed its support for the continuation of the legislative process at the National Assembly, which will ultimately lead to the passage of the Tax Reform Bills.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, noted the importance of these recommendations, stating that they will ensure economic stability and promote the welfare of citizens.

By Uzair Adam

The federal government has expressed disappointment over recent remarks by Emir Sanusi II, describing his statements as counterproductive to the nation’s efforts to address economic challenges.

In a strongly-worded statement, the presidency criticized the Emir for what it described as a failure to prioritize national interests over personal grievances.

The statement reiterated that Nigeria is at a critical juncture requiring bold and decisive reforms to overcome deeply rooted economic problems.

The administration stated that the reforms being implemented are difficult but essential for ensuring the country’s long-term stability and growth, aligning with positions the Emir had previously supported.

“It is noteworthy that these reforms, including the unification of exchange rates and the removal of the fuel subsidy, have started yielding measurable progress.

“Investor confidence has improved, foreign reserves are increasing, and resources freed from the subsidy removal are being redirected to critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare,” the statement read.

The government further quoted Emir Sanusi, who recently acknowledged that the hardships Nigerians are currently facing are a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.”

However, the statement expressed dismay at what it perceived as a shift in the Emir’s stance due to personal and partisan considerations.

“His Highness, given his expertise in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine these reforms.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders,” the statement added.

The government noted that these reforms have also contributed to reducing the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year.

The Nigerian leader invited him Wednesday night during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week, a forum for exchanging ideas to support sustainable development worldwide and encourage collective action to address global challenges, such as climate change, water and energy crises.

He delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event.

During the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked the Nigerian leader for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country.

The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria.

President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms are yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy.

He said the reforms had stabilised and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signalling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation.

President Tinubu thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu accompanied President Tinubu to the meeting at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanied the UAE President.

Other UAE officials at the meeting were Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

The Harmattan season, marked by cold temperatures, dry air, and dusty winds, is a distinctive weather phenomenon in Nigeria. It brings relief from the relentless heat of the dry season but comes with challenges that affect health, agriculture, transportation, and the economy. This fascinating yet demanding season requires careful management to minimise its effects on individuals and communities.

Health Woes in Harmattan

Harmattan has a significant impact on public health. The dusty winds carry fine particles that irritate the respiratory system, causing a surge in asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory ailments. Those with pre-existing conditions often experience aggravated symptoms, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

Cold temperatures exacerbate the situation, aggravating conditions such as arthritis and causing widespread skin dryness, flaking, and cracking. Chapped lips and eye irritation are common, while the prevalence of colds, flu, and other viral infections increases as the body struggles to adjust to sudden temperature drops.

To address these health challenges, individuals are advised to:

Dress warmly, especially during the mornings and evenings.

Wear protective masks to minimise exposure to dust-laden air.

Moisturise regularly and stay hydrated to maintain skin health.

Health facilities should prepare adequately, stock essential medications, and run public education campaigns to help people stay safe.

Transportation in Crisis

Harmattan haze, thick with dust, reduces visibility and disrupts transportation. It increases the risk of road accidents and causes delays or cancellations of air travel. These disruptions have far-reaching economic implications, hindering logistics, delaying goods, and frustrating travellers and businesses.

Agriculture and Environmental Risks

For farmers, Harmattan is both a blessing and a curse. While the dry conditions benefit certain crops, they also heighten the risk of bushfires, which can devastate farmlands and forests and worsen food security concerns.

To mitigate these risks:

Farmers should adopt sustainable practices, such as cultivating cold-resistant crops and implementing irrigation systems.

Communities must engage in bushfire prevention by practising responsible land clearing and safely disposing of flammable materials.

Economic Pressures

The economic burden of Harmattan is heaviest on low-income households. The increased demand for warm clothing, blankets, and heating appliances often leads to price hikes. Due to the harsh weather, outdoor workers, such as farmers and street vendors, experience reduced productivity, which impacts their earnings.

To alleviate these challenges, governments and non-governmental organisations can:

Provide subsidised or free warm clothing and healthcare services.

Launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about coping strategies.

Navigating Harmattan’s Challenges

Harmattan is a paradoxical season of relief and struggle—a vivid reminder of nature’s duality. Its challenges across health, transportation, agriculture, and the economy demand resilience and adaptability. With proactive planning, community support, and individual vigilance, Nigerians can turn this season into an opportunity to strengthen preparedness for future seasonal changes.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a fellow of PRNigeria. He sent this article via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has stated that Kano State must have only one king, following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of this stance.

He noted that despite opposition from some quarters, the 16th Emir of Kano remains firmly in his position.

Falana made the statement during the 21st memorial of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, held in Lagos.

He was quoted as saying, “However, as lawyers, when we gather, we must speak the truth. Your Majesty, we congratulate you on your victory in the Court of Appeal.

“Opponents of your rule have claimed they will take the matter to the Supreme Court, but as a lawyer, I am confident that the law has already clarified that traditional matters are not within the realm of human rights. Therefore, one cannot claim human rights as the reason for challenging a traditional title.

“Additionally, the court has clarified that the federal courts do not have jurisdiction over traditional matters. Thus, if some of our colleagues are deceiving their clients and causing confusion in the country, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has the right to intervene and caution them.

“Your Majesty, wherever they may go – to the Supreme Court or elsewhere – remain steadfast in your position. We must have only one king in Kano. We cannot have two Emirs in Kano, nor two monarchs in Rivers State. This confusion must end.”