News
Federal Government Denies Plans to Introduce New Telecoms or Fuel Taxes
The Federal Government has firmly rejected recent media reports and public speculation suggesting that new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products are being planned or have been adopted following the release of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government described the claims as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that they do not reflect its official position.
“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement read.
The government clarified that the IMF report contains only the Fund’s assessments and policy recommendations, which are not binding on Nigeria. Policy decisions, it emphasised, are made through Nigeria’s constitutional, legislative, and institutional processes, guided by national priorities and economic realities.
On petroleum products, the statement confirmed that the current Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel remains fully in effect and has not been withdrawn. It added that implementing the fuel surcharge provided for in existing law would require a specific ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette — steps that are not being contemplated at this time.
The suspended taxes, according to the government, have helped keep domestic fuel prices below international averages and those in neighbouring countries, providing relief to Nigerian households and businesses amid global energy market volatility.
Regarding telecommunications, the government noted that the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under the new tax laws and is no longer applicable.
The public, media organisations, businesses, and other stakeholders have been advised to disregard any reports claiming the government intends to introduce these new taxes.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent, growth-oriented tax policy framework focused on improving revenue administration, expanding economic activity, eliminating inefficiencies, and fostering a competitive environment for investment and job creation.
“Any future tax policy changes, where necessary, will be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly in accordance with the law and due process,” it added.
The statement was signed by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications & Press Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
News
ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
News
Meta removes 3.7 million accounts in West Africa scam crackdown
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has removed more than 3.7 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, pages and groups linked to suspected scam networks operating in West Africa.
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
The company announced the crackdown in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. It involved 14 technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency coordinated the operation with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. Nigerian authorities were involved.
Other countries included Ghana, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India.Tech companies that took part included Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, Starlink and Adobe.
Meta said the partnership let participants share intelligence across digital platforms, countries and financial systems to identify criminal networks.
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