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
Ex -Chief Justice Muhammad Tanko is dead
Muhammed died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks to his 72 birthday on December 31.
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, is dead. He was aged 71.
Muhammed died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks to his 72 birthday on December 31.
Born on 31 December 1953 in Doguwa, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Justice Muhammad was a Fulani and a native of Bauchi State.
His judicial career spanned more than four decades, during which he served at various levels of Nigeria’s judicial system.
Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed Muhammad’s passing in a condolence message issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
“Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation.
His passing is a significant loss, not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement reads.
News
Aircraft crashes in Owerri with four persons onboard
According to the NSIB, the aircraft crashed on the approach area of Runway 17, but no fatalities have been recorded so far.
Aircraft crashes in Owerri with four persons onboardBy : Olusegun KoikiDate: 17 December 2025 12:11am WATShare :Mars AviationMars AviationA Cessna 172 aircraft with registration number 5N-ASR, operated by Skypower Express, has crashed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft had departed Kaduna International Airport en route to Port Harcourt International Airport before diverting to Owerri after the crew declared an emergency.
The crash occurred at about 8:00 pm on the airport premises, with four passengers and crew members onboard.Confirming the incident, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said the agency had been notified of the crash.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft crashed on the approach area of Runway 17, but no fatalities have been recorded so far.
The statement said: “Following the occurrence, airport emergency services were successfully activated and arrived on site promptly.
Reports indicate that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remains active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination.”
(The Guardian)
Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality arm of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) and operator of the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, has announced the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Awele Vivien Elumelu, OFR, as Chairperson of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026.
The appointment follows the scheduled retirement of the current Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom, on the same date.
Dr. Elumelu, a qualified medical doctor with an MBBS from the University of Benin and clinical experience in Nigeria and the UK, brings extensive expertise in healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy. She currently chairs Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), Nigeria’s leading health management organization, Avon Medical Practice, and Heirs Insurance Brokers. She is also a founding director of Heirs Holdings Limited.
Her executive education includes programs at Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.
Beyond business, Dr. Elumelu is a Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s premier philanthropy focused on empowering young entrepreneurs.
She has played a key role in promoting gender inclusion and supporting over 24,000 African youth with seed funding, training, and mentorship.In a statement, Transcorp Group Chairman Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR — who is married to Dr. Elumelu — expressed enthusiasm about the appointment:
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Awele Elumelu as the Board Chair of Transcorp Hotels. Her distinguished track record perfectly aligns with our ambition to redefine hospitality through innovation, wellness integration, and responsible business practices. Her strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders.”
Transcorp Hotels Plc, listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX: TRANSCOHOT), is known for setting hospitality benchmarks in Africa, managing flagship properties like the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the newly launched 5,000-capacity Transcorp Centre.
The leadership transition comes as the company pursues growth in innovation and wellness-focused hospitality, amid Transcorp Group’s broader investments in power, energy, and hospitality sectors.
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