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House softens stance on Tax Reform Bills

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The House of Representatives has softened its stance on the Tax Reform Bills.

Yesterday, after a three-hour generally positive debate by members, the Bills scaled second reading and passed for public hearing.

This is unlike the situation when the Bills were sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Green Chamber in October.

Following opposition from a section of the ruling class, the House exploded in uproar over the Bills, forcing Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to dissolve the House into and Executive session after which all issues on the Bills were kept in ambiance to allow for consultations.

But at the Senate, the Bills were quickly debated and moved to the public hearing stage.

The Bills are the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

The bills were consolidated into one at the House for a seamless debate.

The proposed laws were read for the first time on October 8 but debate by the House was put on hold due to disagreement on the content of the bill, especially by Northern leaders and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Although the House engaged government officials on the benefits of the bills, Speaker Tajudeen asked members to engage in wide consultations with their constituents to pave the way for a robust debate.

Apart from some observations on certain areas of the bills that appeared not in tandem with some sections of the 1999 Constitution and a few other clauses, members unanimously okayed the bills for a second reading.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda said while opposition members supported the spirit behind the bills, some had issues with certain aspects.

Chinda noted that the bills seek to rejig the nation’s tax system for effective revenue generation. He pointed out that for every law, there must be the spirit of the letters.

He said: “We have all agreed that the spirit behind the four bills is good.‘’

But we have issues with some of the letters of the bills. Why we oppose some letters of the bills, we support the spirit and want to assure Nigerians that we will watch those letters and at the appropriate time, we will ensure that the letters are corrected in the interest of Nigerians.

“He advocated a reduction in the Value Added Tax(VAT), saying ‘’It is possible to reduce tax, while efforts should be made to tidy up all areas of conflicts..’’

House Leader Julius Ihonvbere thereafter set the tone for the debate by explaining that the bills were intended to overhaul the country’s outdated tax laws.

Ihonvbere reassured the public that the reforms would benefit ordinary Nigerians without imposing tax burdens on the poor.

While appreciating those who hold opposing views to the bills, he said their views helped strengthen the bills.

The House leader charged members to “be part of history in reforming the tax system to promote revenue growth, increase employment and better the life of ordinary Nigerians.

Minority Whip, Ali Isa commended Speaker Abass for creating an opportunity for members to engage and consult widely on the contentious parts of the bills.

Isa however expressed concern about clause 146 which encourages a gradual increase in VAT from 7.5 percent to 10 percent and later 15 percent.

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LASEMA releases update regarding fire outbreak at Computer Village Ikeja

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Following distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 0155hours, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION:
Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene by 0215hours, it was observed that a fire outbreak occurred in a one-storey commercial building that accommodates dealers in computers and accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja.

Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure.
The one-storey commercial building is primarily used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories.
The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire.

CAUSE OF FIRE:
Cause of the fire is yet-to-be ascertained and is currently under investigation.

CASUALTIES/INJURIES

  • No fatalities were recorded.
  • One Lagos State Firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site by LASAMBUS.

DAMAGE REPORT:

  • The entire top floor of the one-storey commercial building was completely razed by the fire.
  • All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration.
  • Physical examination of the one-storey commercial building reveals partial compromise and requires immediate structural assessment.

ACTION TAKEN:

  • Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area.
  • LRT activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damages to adjoining buildings and immediate environs of the incident scene.
  • Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT, and other responders, to forestall escalation of fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it.
  • LRT co-ordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation.

CURRENT STATUS:

  • Firefighting operations have successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building.
  • The fire was prevented from escalating to neighbouring structures.
  • Continuous damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
  • Rescue and Recovery Operation has been concluded.

RECOMMENDATIONS/NEXT STEPS

  • Conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire
  • Carry out a structural assessment of the building to evaluate safety
  • Review fire safety measures and storage protocols for commercial accessory buildings in the entire area.
  • Ensure continued monitoring of the incident scene to prevent re-ignition of the fire.

RESPONDERS:

  • LASEMA Response Team – Command and Control Centre.
  • LASG Fire & Rescue Service.
  • LASAMBUS
  • Nigeria Police Force – NPF.
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Major Fire Engulfs Section of Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos

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A devastating fire broke out at the bustling Computer Village market in Ikeja on Monday, January 19, 2026, raging through parts of the popular electronics and IT hub and continuing into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The blaze, which reportedly started in the afternoon or evening of January 19, affected multiple shops and commercial buildings in the densely packed market known as West Africa’s largest hub for computers, smartphones, accessories, and related gadgets.

Thick smoke billowed over the area as flames consumed valuable stock, including electronics and other merchandise worth potentially millions of naira.

Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene, working through the night to bring the inferno under control. By Tuesday morning, January 20, the fire had been largely contained or extinguished, though pockets of smoldering remained in some structures.

No immediate reports of casualties have emerged from the incident, but traders and shop owners are said to have suffered heavy losses, with destroyed goods, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted business operations.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary indications pointing to possible electrical faults—a common risk in the area’s overcrowded and often makeshift wiring setups—though officials have not yet confirmed this.

Computer Village, located in the heart of Ikeja, is a vital economic center employing thousands and serving customers from across Nigeria and beyond. Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns about fire safety, building regulations, and emergency response in such high-density commercial zones.

Authorities, including the Lagos State Police Command and fire service, are expected to provide further updates as assessments of the damage continue and support measures for affected traders are discussed.

Traders have begun tallying losses, and calls for better prevention measures are already circulating among market associations.

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Governor Soludo Congratulates Chief Emeka Anyaoku on 93rd Birthday

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Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has extended warm congratulations to renowned diplomat and elder statesman Chief Emeka Anyaoku on the occasion of his 93rd birthday.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on January 18, 2026, Governor Soludo described Chief Anyaoku as a towering figure in global diplomacy, a national treasure, and a source of immense pride for Anambra State and Nigeria.

The Governor hailed Chief Anyaoku’s distinguished service as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General, praising it as a model of international leadership, conflict resolution, and unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

He noted that Chief Anyaoku has consistently represented the best of Nigerian values—wisdom, integrity, and dedication to the common good—on the world stage, while at home he continues to inspire through intellectual depth, principled leadership, and patriotic service.

Governor Soludo described the elder statesman’s counsel as an invaluable resource in the pursuit of a progressive Anambra State and a united Nigeria.

The Governor wished Chief Emeka Anyaoku continued good health, lasting fulfilment, and peace in the years ahead, celebrating not only his longevity but the enduring legacy he has built for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

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