News
Nigerians groan over effects of 7.5% VAT on petrol prices
Nigerians have begun to lament the effects of the introduction of a 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax on the price of premium motor spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
This comes barely a month after President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidy on petrol during his inaugural speech on May 29, raising the price of PMS from N188 to about N580 in different states of the federation.
Recall that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced that the Finance Act 2020 raised the previous 5 per cent VAT of the country to 7.5 per cent on commodities including automobile gas oil and it was implemented on February 20, 2020.
But the VAT-exempt items include honey, bread, cereals, cooking oils, culinary herbs, fish, flour, starch, fruits, meat, poultry, milk, nuts, pulses, roots, salt, vegetables, water, sanitary pads, tampons, tertiary, secondary, primary and nursery tuition.
While other commodities have been VAT-compliant, PMS was not until recently because it was being subsidised by the Federal Government.
However, the new development has hit Nigerians hard, as many have called for an utmost review of it, especially because of the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
See reactions below:
A user, Ingawa said, “That means for every litre of AGO you will buy, you have to pay 7.5% Consumer Tax (VAT) of the Pump Price. For example; If 1 litre of AGO is N650 at the filling station, then you have to pay an additional N48.75 being payment for 7.5% VAT. The total price per litre will be N698.75 per litre.”
Another user, Angry Non-Nigerian, said, “When Tinubu said ‘widen the tax net, you people thought he was joking. The only thing that man knows is tax, tax and tax. As Lagosians.”
One Oyo said, “The Citizens will be the main IGR for this government. There is no single move to cut the cost of government from the Senate to the House to other departments. They went to education first by trying to add tuition fees, now 7.5% VAT on PMS. Everything directly to the common man.”
Akwa Ibom 1st son opined, “So after the removal of subsidy and the price of fuel jumped to 530, they’ve now decided to add 7.5%. VAT on AGO. In all of these, what are the politicians losing, and what are they sacrificing?”
“7.5% VAT on diesel after subsidy on petrol was removed? They will show you people shege banza pro max air 2. The government is after our lives bro!.
“Even those that were shouting ‘Akanbi’ will not be left out. They might even end up being the most affected. The evil will go round. I swear!
“Good governance is not attained by wishful thoughts, things don’t work that way. Now, Tinubu is going for a check-up after ruining the economy with senseless policies.
“His supporters have been crying since last week because the pressure is going around. We must all learn a lesson,” Madu Obi wrote.
News
JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.
The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.
Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.
A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.
The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.
He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.
The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.
News
UTME 2026: System Glitch Disrupts Exam at Abuja CBT Center
A technical glitch has disrupted the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME), at the Good Success Computer-Based Test centre in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The system failure, which occurred at the commencement of the examination, led to a shutdown of operations at the centre, leaving several candidates unable to sit for the test.
Officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education were on ground to address the situation. However, their efforts did little to ease tensions, as affected candidates expressed frustration over the disruption.
Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, Mohammed Mucktar Dantuse, alongside JAMB spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, assured that all affected candidates will be rescheduled to write the examination.
They also pledged to strengthen technical systems to prevent similar occurrences in other centres nationwide.
Authorities say the affected CBT centre will be delisted from future examinations, as efforts continue to ensure a smooth exercise across the country.
News
FG Graduates 774 Former Terrorists From Defence Hqt ‘s Training Camp
The Federal Government of Nigeria has graduated 744 individuals previously linked to terrorist groups after successfully completing its Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.
The graduation followed the conclusion of a 24-week intensive course organised by the Defence Headquarters under Operation Safe Corridor at the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the programme is designed to encourage defections from terrorist groups by offering a “corridor of opportunities” through structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts as part of the government’s strategy to end the long-running insurgency.
While at the camp, the participants underwent vocational training in skills such as carpentry, barbing, tailoring, welding, bakery operations, vulcanising, and various agricultural programmes.
These trainings aim to prepare them for productive lives after reintegration into society.
The graduates will also receive starter packs to support their self-sufficiency and smooth transition back into civilian life.
Operation Safe Corridor is a non-kinetic component of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, primarily targeting low-risk defectors who voluntarily surrender.
Participants undergo rigorous screening, psycho-social support, and skills acquisition to reduce the risk of recidivism and weaken terrorist organisations from within.
This latest batch adds to thousands of individuals who have passed through similar rehabilitation initiatives in recent years, according to updates from the Defence Headquarters.
The Federal Government has maintained that the programme is not an amnesty but a targeted intervention that complements ongoing military operations in the North-East and other affected areas.
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