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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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FG Stops NAFDAC From Enforcing Sachet Alcohol Ban

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• Sachet alcohols; credit: Leadership

The Federal Government has directed an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive.

The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.

In a statement released on Monday by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the OSGF confirmed receipt of an official correspondence from the House Committee dated November 13, 2025.

The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter and urged caution in the proposed enforcement.

“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban are to be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.

The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement action taken by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or any other agency without due clearance and resolution from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be deemed invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated.

The office assured Nigerians that it is conducting a comprehensive review of all relevant considerations, including legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and the broader national interest, to arrive at a balanced and lawful outcome.

It added that the public would be formally informed once a final position on the proposed ban has been reached.

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City FM 105.1 Unveils Plans for Praise in the City 2025

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City FM 105.1, Lagos’ leading lifestyle radio station, has announced the official press conference for its flagship annual event.

Praise in the City 2025 (PITC 2025) – a premier gospel music concert, worship experience, and family funfair.

The press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Since launching in 2015, Praise in the City has evolved into the largest Christmas concert on the Lagos Mainland, attracting over 4,000 families each year for an uplifting atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, and community bonding. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26), the free event has become a beloved tradition for families seeking a meaningful and joyous end-of-year celebration.

As a key pillar of City FM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Praise in the City extends beyond music to embody the spirit of giving. The event includes sharing gifts, meals, and joy with the less privileged, fostering unforgettable memories and social impact across Lagos.

“Praise in the City 2025: Celebrating its 10th anniversary as the largest annual praise concert and family funfair on the Lagos mainland.”

The 2025 edition promises an exciting lineup of renowned gospel artists, including:

Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Testimony Jaga, Yinka Alaseyori, BJ Sax, Laurence and the Covenant, Lilian Nneji, Tosin Alao, Tony Adoki, and many more.

Music curation will be led by DJ Gosporella, joined by City FM’s resident DJs DJ OMG and DJ Gee Lincon, delivering a dynamic mix of praise, worship, and celebratory gospel vibes.

The press conference will reveal detailed program highlights, the full ministerial lineup, family-oriented activities, and City FM’s long-term vision for Praise in the City as a platform promoting faith, unity, and community outreach – especially meaningful as this marks the event’s 10th anniversary.

City FM extends a warm invitation to media representatives, partners, stakeholders, and the public to join the press conference and contribute to the excitement leading up to this milestone celebration.

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Supreme Court rules Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency

The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.

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The Supreme Court, on Monday,upheld that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos and anarchy.

The judgment delivered today, December 15, 2025, by Justice Mohammed Idris; held that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to adopt extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where a state of emergency has been declared.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.

In a ruling of six to one, the apex court upheld the President’s authority under the Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency.

The court further held that, during such a period, the President may suspend elected officials, provided any such suspension is for a limited duration.

He noted that the provision does not specify the exact nature of those extraordinary measures, thereby vesting the President with discretion on how to act in such circumstances.

The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter in October.

The plaintiffs were the Attorneys-General of PDP-controlled states, while the defendants were the Federal Government and the National Assembly.

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