News
House softens stance on Tax Reform Bills
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.
News
LAAF Honors Sanwo-Olu, 41 Others for Advancing Men’s Mental Health
The Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) has honored Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and 41 other distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to men’s mental health advocacy, policy reform, and support for male survivors of abuse and trauma.

The awards were announced as part of LAAF’s Father’s Week appreciation initiative. The recognition celebrates 42 “fathers, leaders, and global allies” who have used their platforms to champion emotional well-being, healthy masculinity, family values, and social transformation.
LAAF, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free psychosocial support, counseling, and advocacy for boys and men affected by abuse and trauma, emphasized the honorees’ role in breaking the silence around male victimization.
“These men have shown up for our work in ways that go far beyond a title,” said Halima Layeni, Executive Director and Founder of LAAF. “Their belief in this mission, and their willingness to stand publicly for boys and men who have suffered in silence, is the reason we have been able to grow our reach and impact. We honor them not just as supporters, but as fathers in every sense of the word.”

Prominent Honorees
The list of honorees spans governance, mental health, media, law, faith, and international advocacy:
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State leads the Nigerian honorees.
- Other state figures include Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development) and Hon. Abiodun Orekoya (Lagos State House of Assembly).
- Faith and community leaders: Late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya (Founding Senior Pastor, The Fountain of Life Church) and Oba Sulaiman Owolabi (Olu of Iwaya).
- Health and media professionals: Dr. Chinonso Fidelis (Aproko Doctor), Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Prof. Fatai Adesina Badru, Joshua Morakinyo, Ohi Odiah, and Mayowa Adeniran.
- International allies: Mark Brooks OBE (UK Senior Policy Adviser on Men’s Health), Larry DeMarco (International Council for Men and Boys), Tony Nikolic (Australian civil rights solicitor), Sivam Valeutham (Malaysia), and Will Baptiste (USA).
Additional honorees include grassroots advocates, psychologists, family strategists, business leaders, and policy influencers such as Solomon Dalung, Taiwo Akinlami, Jide Ogunleye, and many others.
LAAF stressed that sustainable progress in abuse prevention and mental health requires collective action. The foundation noted that by stepping forward, these honorees demonstrate the importance of male participation in creating safer homes, resilient families, and healthier communities. They also reinforced the message that seeking help is a sign of strength.
The initiative aligns with LAAF’s broader mission to advance health equity, challenge stigma, and create safe spaces for men and boys to heal and thrive.
News
Tinubu Extends Tenure of Customs Boss Adeniyi by Six Months
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The extension, announced on Friday, comes as Adeniyi’s current tenure was set to expire. It allows the Customs chief to continue leading ongoing reforms, complete key modernization projects such as the National Single Window platform, and ensure a smooth transition for senior officers through promotions and retirements.
Adeniyi, who has helmed the NCS since his appointment in 2023, has been credited with significant revenue generation — including over N1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 — and strengthened anti-smuggling operations. The decision reflects the administration’s confidence in his leadership to sustain these gains.
This marks the latest in a series of tenure adjustments for the Customs boss, following a previous one-year extension approved in 2025.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement, emphasizing that the move will further strengthen the NCS in achieving its strategic mandates in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and national security.
News
IGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, strategic communication, intelligence analysis, and human rights-based policing.
Before his latest appointment, CSP Iniedu served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
The new Force spokesperson has also served in several strategic positions.
The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in CSP Iniedu’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional competence will strengthen the Force’s strategic communication efforts, deepen public engagement, and support ongoing policing reforms.
-
News3 days agoFire Service Put Out Polaris Bank’s Broad Street fire
-
Crime2 days agoCourt Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 40 Years
-
Business2 days agoUPDATE : Polaris Bank Debunks Reports of 34 Deaths in Lagos Branch Fire
-
News3 days agoIPOB Directorate Suspends Nnamdi Kanu as Leader and Director of Radio Biafra Indefinitely
-
Crime2 days agoEFCC Arrests Nigerian-American Over N434m Vehicle Import Fraud
-
News2 days agoIGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: FG to Embed Journalists with Troops During Military Operations
-
International2 days agoRussia Receives Nigeria’s New Ambassador, Pledges Stronger Bilateral Ties
