Nigeria

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, advanced on Thursday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted detailed bank records as evidence in the alleged N110.4 billion fraud case.

Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the FCT High Court, Abuja, facing 16 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

Prosecution led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, continued the cross-examination of a Zenith Bank compliance officer, Mashelia Arhyel Bata (PW6).

The witness clarified entries in bank statements, confirming transactions including a cheque of N10 million for Abdulsalami Hudu and a N2.45 million payment to Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja.

He stated he did not know the purpose of these payments.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness confirmed a N74.3 million credit from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service on December 6, 2016, followed by a N10 million cheque payment to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau, with no stated purpose in the narration.

Counsel for the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, established that his client made withdrawals via duly signed cheques as an accountant and listed signatory to the Government House account.

The witness detailed several large inflows into the account, often described as “security fund” or “His Excellency Special Sec Vote,” followed by withdrawals.

The prosecution then called three more bank officials. A Keystone Bank executive trainee (PW7) presented records showing ten transfers of N10 million each, totalling N100 million, into the account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction in February 2021 from individuals named Maigari Murtala and Yusuf Mubarak.

A compliance officer from FCMB (PW8) testified about transactions for Kunfayakun Global Limited, including a N30 million debit for school fees at the American International School for one Abdul Bashir in November 2021.

Finally, a Sterling Bank official (PW9) presented statements for Bespoke Business Solutions Limited, showing massive inflows from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in 2019, including sums of N138.4 million, N136.8 million, and N183.6 million described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission.”

Defence counsel for the third defendant objected to the admissibility of some documents, reserving reasons for later.

Justice Anineh adjourned the case until Friday, January 16, 2026, for the trial to continue.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has issued a statement to correct what it calls misleading reports about the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on banking services.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the NRS categorically denied that the Nigeria Tax Act had newly imposed VAT on banking fees, commissions, or electronic transfer charges.

The Service clarified that VAT has always been applicable to fees for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under the country’s longstanding VAT regulations.

It stated there is no new tax obligation for customers arising from recent legislation.

The NRS urged the public and all stakeholders to disregard the misinformation and to depend only on its official channels for accurate tax information.

By Aminu Babayo Shehu

Nigeria is entering a period where technology is no longer optional for national development. Around the world, countries that once depended on natural resources are rapidly transforming their economies through innovation, high-tech manufacturing and knowledge-driven industries. Nigeria’s long-term plan, Nigeria Agenda 2050, recognises this reality. One of its key policy directions is to accelerate technology development across all sectors to increase the production of high-technology products. This policy is not simply aspirational. It is urgent, practical and necessary for economic survival.

For decades, crude oil has dominated Nigeria’s revenue base. Yet oil is a finite resource, prone to global price shocks and increasingly less attractive as the world shifts to renewable energy. Technology products, on the other hand, are expanding at a scale that dwarfs resource-based industries. The global tech market is projected to exceed $10 trillion over the next decade. Nations that embrace high-tech production are generating new wealth, attracting investment, and creating jobs at a pace unimaginable under traditional economies.

Countries such as South Korea, Singapore, India, and China were once struggling nations with limited natural resources. South Korea transformed from poverty to a top global economy by investing in electronics, telecommunications, robotics and semiconductors. Today, companies like Samsung contribute more to South Korea’s GDP than the entire oil sector contributes to Nigeria.

China shifted from low-wage manufacturing to high-tech dominance in areas such as electric vehicles, drones, AI, and telecommunications. Its tech exports now reshape global markets. India invested heavily in its tech talent, building the world’s largest IT outsourcing industry and becoming a leading hub for software engineering, fintech, and space technology. These countries show that consistent investment in research, innovation, and human capital produces national transformation.

Nigeria has the potential to make similar progress, but time is not on our side. The world will not wait for us. If we continue to rely on crude oil as our primary revenue source, we will fall even further behind. Our young population, one of the largest in Africa, is an asset only if it is empowered with digital skills, research opportunities, and innovative platforms. Otherwise, it becomes a liability.

High-technology production can reshape Nigeria’s economy in several ways. First, it will diversify national revenue and reduce the need for excessive borrowing. Countries with strong technology sectors generate significant income from intellectual property, digital services, hardware production, and global tech partnerships. Nigeria can do the same by promoting local manufacturing of electronics, renewable energy components, agri-tech equipment, medical devices, cybersecurity solutions, and AI-powered tools.

Second, investment in technology drives innovation across all sectors. Agriculture can be transformed through agri-drones, smart irrigation and data-driven farm management. Healthcare can be strengthened through telemedicine, diagnostic tools and biotechnology research. Security agencies can rely on surveillance drones, satellite imaging and digital intelligence rather than outdated methods. Education can be improved through digital learning platforms, simulation labs and computing infrastructure. These are the kinds of advancements that lift entire nations.

Third, high-tech development creates high-quality jobs. Instead of exporting raw materials, Nigeria can export advanced products and services. Instead of depending on foreign technology, we can build our own solutions. Instead of losing talented youth to migration, we can build an economy that retains and rewards them.

However, none of this will happen by accident. Nigeria must deliberately invest in research and development, strengthen universities and technical institutions, build innovation hubs, support local manufacturing, and fund STEM programs from primary school through postgraduate level. Policies must be consistent, leadership must be committed, and institutions must have the resources needed to produce world-class results.

If Nigeria takes the Nigeria Agenda 2050 technology policy seriously, we can transition from a raw-material exporter to a high-tech producer within a generation. But if we continue to postpone action, the cost will be grave. Nations that invest early in technology win the future. Nations that delay are left behind.

Nigeria has the talent, the population and the potential. What we need now is the political will and the investment to match our ambition. High-technology production is not just an economic option. It is the pathway to sovereignty, prosperity and long-term stability.

Aminu Babayo Shehu is a Software Engineer, Mobile Developer, and Technology Advocate. He can be reached at absheikhone@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian bank and fintech users are bracing for a sudden increase in everyday banking costs as the government mandates a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain financial services starting Monday, 19 January 2026.

In a notice to its customers, Moniepoint, one of the country’s leading fintech platforms, revealed that the tax will apply to services such as POS transactions, mobile banking transfers, USSD fees, card issuance, loan processing fees, and Moniebook subscriptions.

The company reassured customers that the change is not a price hike by Moniepoint, but a government requirement to remit VAT to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“The NRS has communicated a deadline of 19th January for all financial institutions – including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and electronic money operators – to start collecting and remitting VAT,” Moniepoint said in its announcement.

Services such as interest on loans and deposits, however, will remain exempt from the tax.

For the average Nigerian, this seemingly small tax could add up. A ₦50 transfer fee, for example, will now attract an additional ₦3.75, which will go straight to the government rather than the bank.

Analysts say the VAT could stir public frustration as Nigerians grapple with rising costs, especially for digital financial services which have become a lifeline for many in the country.

Financial experts warn that the new rule is just the beginning, urging citizens to review all banking charges carefully to avoid being caught off guard by the added government levy.

I watched with dismay a video circulating on social media in which an officer in uniform—possibly a cadet working with the Bauchi-Road Traffic-Agency (BAROTA)—was being chased by some youths at the Bakaro/Karofi/Shagari Roundabout. They were stoning him as he unconsciously ran across the road for his dear life.

The scenario is both frightening and disturbing. How can an officer on official duty be chased, possibly by a mob, simply for trying to discharge his responsibility of enforcing safety regulations? Unfortunately, some people now consider this a crime. For this reason, I am appealing to His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to issue a marching order to address this unruly behaviour.

I have often written about BAROTA, particularly its operations and engagement. On many occasions, as a spectator and observer, I have suggested ways they can improve their work to enhance the safety of motorists and other road users. This is a pledge I made with honesty and sincerity of purpose, and I will continue until the desired objectives are achieved. I am glad to see other concerned individuals involved in this advocacy. Let us maintain the tempo, please.

In his speech during the inauguration of the officers, His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) made it clear that the agency was established, among other things, to address widespread road traffic violations and enhance road safety across the state.

Other responsibilities of the agency include removing and impounding vehicles obstructing highways, arresting road traffic violators, ensuring smooth traffic flow in urban centres and major towns, and promoting road safety awareness among residents. He urged the cadets to work closely with conventional security agencies to maintain order and safety on the roads.

Given the purpose of their work, these officers should be supported in discharging their duties to save lives and property, ensure safer roads, and instil discipline among motorists and other road users.

What went wrong?

Since its inception, the agency’s officers have faced numerous public challenges during official assignments. Passersby who are supposed to support them in carrying out their duties often end up creating hostile and chaotic situations.

This will not be unconnected to the poor perception and limited understanding of the essence of their work in securing people’s lives and property, perhaps resulting from their engagement and operational practices.

Way Forward. 

Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Agency to introduce workshops for its personnel on the rules of engagement in accordance with best practices, and to embark on rigorous awareness and sensitisation campaigns through stakeholder engagements with relevant groups, including NURTW, Achaba, and Keke Napep riders’ unions, as well as other road users.

There is a need for town hall meetings, street rallies, and sustained radio programmes, including phone-in segments, dramas, and jingles, to promote buy-in and public acceptance. The Agency should also involve religious and traditional institutions and encourage them to use their platforms for these campaigns. These and many more initiatives will help in addressing the growing resentment.

The leadership of NURTW and Achaba should educate their members on the importance of complying with all rules and regulations and ensure they possess all necessary documents to operate legally. The general public, on the other hand, should understand that these officers are legally engaged and work in strict adherence to the law establishing the Agency. Any attempt to obstruct or prevent them from performing their lawful duties will be treated as sabotage and will attract the full wrath of the law.

These and other similar initiatives will help bring sanity to road operations while creating an enabling environment for peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationships between the Agency and road users.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is at No. 555, Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi. He can be reached at makwalla82@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian troops and suspected terrorists were involved in a gun duel in Obajana town, Kogi State, where the Dangote Cement plant, reputed as Africa’s largest cement factory with a capacity of 16.25 million metric tonnes per annum, is located.

The incident was said to have occurred on Saturday night.Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development on Sunday through his X handle.

He stated that the exchange of fire followed an attempt by suspected terrorists to gain access into the community.

“There was an exchange of gunfire between Nigerian troops and suspected terrorists in Obajana town, Kogi State, on Saturday night, as security forces sustained ongoing clearance operations in the area.

“Troops are engaging the terrorists who were reportedly attempting to infiltrate the community,” he wrote on X.

As at the time of filing this report, the Defence Headquarters had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

It will be recalled that scores of terrorists were recently neutralised during a joint operation carried out by the Nigeria Police and the military in Kogi forests.

By Uzair Adam

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for N55.9 billion earmarked for election materials used in the 2019 general elections.

The suit follows damning revelations contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025, which raised concerns that the funds may have been missing or diverted.

In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/38/2026 and filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling INEC to provide a full account of how the N55.9 billion was spent.

The money was reportedly meant for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive election materials.

SERAP is also urging the court to direct INEC to disclose the identities of all contractors paid from the funds, including details of their directors and shareholders.

According to the organisation, transparency and accountability are essential if INEC is to regain public trust and effectively discharge its constitutional duty of conducting free and fair elections.

SERAP argued that unresolved allegations of corruption would undermine the commission’s ability to administer future elections impartially.

The group further stated that failure to address the issues, prosecute those allegedly involved and recover the funds would amount to a breach of Nigerians’ right to participate in credible elections, adding that the allegations point to abuse of public office and a disregard for the rule of law.

The suit, filed on SERAP’s behalf by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, described the findings of the Auditor-General as a serious violation of public trust, the 1999 Constitution and international anti-corruption standards.

SERAP cited portions of the Auditor-General’s report which alleged that INEC irregularly paid over N5.3 billion to a contractor for the supply of smart card readers without approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) or the Federal Executive Council, and without evidence that the items were supplied.

Although INEC reportedly claimed the procurement was exempted on national security grounds, the Auditor-General dismissed the explanation as inconsistent with the Procurement Act.

The report also raised concerns over payments of more than N4.5 billion to six contractors for ballot papers and result sheets without documentation, as well as other alleged infractions involving stamp duties, unretired cash advances, questionable contract awards and inflated vehicle purchases.

In several instances, the Auditor-General reportedly expressed concern that public funds “may have been diverted” and recommended their recovery and remittance to the treasury.

No hearing date has been fixed for the suit.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu has announced substantial financial incentives for the Super Eagles following their impressive victory over Algeria, a win that has lifted national morale and secured Nigeria a place in the semi-finals.

In a congratulatory message released on Friday, Rabiu praised the team for making the nation proud and pledged USD $500,000 to the players should they win the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored in that match.

He further stated that if the Super Eagles go on to win the final, he would reward the team with USD $1,000,000, alongside a bonus of USD $100,000 per goal scored in the final.

Rabiu described the players as symbols of national pride and unity, expressing confidence in their ability to carry Nigeria forward in the tournament.

He ended his message with a call for continued excellence, reaffirming his pride in the team and the country.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by fans, adding extra motivation as the Super Eagles prepare for the decisive stages of the competition.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has instructed its members across federal health institutions to commence an indefinite withdrawal of services following a new directive from the Federal Ministry of Health that enforces a “No Work, No Pay” policy.

Reports on Saturday indicated that the directive prompted the union’s latest decision, which affects workers in federal hospitals and other government-owned medical facilities nationwide.

In a statement circulated to members, a JOHESU leader, Comrade Abubakar Sani Aminu, said the policy was introduced without prior consultation with the union. He described the action as a unilateral step that violates workers’ rights and undermines the principles of collective bargaining.

According to the statement, Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions have received instructions to enforce the policy. JOHESU said the move represents an attempt to weaken the union while industrial action continues.

“This decision was made without prior consultation or dialogue with the union, showing a disregard for the collective voice of health workers,” Aminu said.

He cautioned members to remain calm and firm, noting that the policy was designed to weaken the unity of the union. He described the directive as “the final weapon” that the government intends to use to undermine JOHESU’s resolve.

Following the development, the union directed all members to vacate their duty posts with immediate effect. It ruled out the provision of skeleton services or any form of compromise.

“There should be no skeleton services, no attempt to help out, or compromise in any way,” the statement read. “Our collective action is the key to securing our rights.

”The leadership of the union said unity among members remains critical. It warned that allowing the policy to stand would create what it described as a dangerous precedent for future labour disputes in the health sector.

“This is the time for us to stand together, strong and united, until our demands are met,” Aminu said. He added that solidarity among members would shape the outcome of the ongoing dispute.

JOHESU restated its commitment to a campaign for fair treatment of health workers and urged members across the country to remain resolute while discussions with the federal government continue.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Health had not released an official response to the union’s directive.

The possible effect of the strike on public health services remains uncertain. Past JOHESU actions have led to major disruptions in federal hospitals across the country.

By Uzair Adam

Former United States President Donald Trump has acknowledged for the first time that Muslims are also victims of ongoing killings in Nigeria, marking a shift from his earlier narrative that focused almost exclusively on Christians.

Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that Christians are being targeted in attacks across the country, made the admission during an interview with The New York Times.

Despite this, he maintained that Christians remain the primary victims of the violence.“I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians,” Trump was quoted as saying.

Speaking on a Christmas Day attack on what he described as terror targets in Nigeria, Trump warned that the United States could carry out additional military strikes if the violence continues.

“I’d love to make it a one-time strike … But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” he said.

When reminded that his own Africa adviser had previously stated that groups such as Islamic State and Boko Haram have killed more Muslims than Christians, Trump repeated his position, insisting that while Muslims are affected, Christians suffer the most.

In late October, Trump began warning that Christianity was facing what he described as an “existential threat” in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to protect Christian communities.

He subsequently redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and criticised authorities for what he called a weak response to insecurity.

The Nigerian government later dispatched a high-powered delegation to the United States to brief officials on the country’s security challenges.

Following the visit, senior American officials also travelled to Nigeria to assess the situation firsthand.