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Nigerians groan over effects of 7.5% VAT on petrol prices

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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.

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JUST IN: Nigeria Police Force Removes Benjamin Hundeyin as Force PRO

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has relieved Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin of his duties as Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), effective Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The removal comes exactly six months after Hundeyin assumed the high-profile national spokesperson role in September 2025.

He was appointed by then-Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), succeeding DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and was later promoted to ACP during his tenure in recognition of his performance in police communications and public engagement.

The decision, approved by the current Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, follows closely on the heels of Disu’s recent assumption of leadership.

Multiple reports indicate the move is part of a broader administrative shake-up and routine restructuring common during transitions to new IGP leadership, aimed at aligning key positions with the incoming administration’s priorities.

A senior police source confirmed the development, stating, “The Force Public Relations Officer has been removed this morning.” Details surrounding the exact reasons remain unclear, with no official statement from the NPF headquarters specifying whether the change is punitive or purely administrative.

Sources familiar with police protocols note that such redeployments often occur to refresh communications strategies and ensure alignment with new leadership directives focused on professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

Hundeyin, previously the Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command, was widely regarded for his effective media handling and efforts to enhance the police’s public image. His short but impactful stint as FPRO included handling national security communications during various incidents.

As of now, the identity of Hundeyin’s successor has not been officially announced, though speculation points to an imminent appointment to maintain continuity in the force’s public-facing operations amid heightened national security demands.

This development aligns with recent senior-level adjustments in the NPF, including retirements and promotions tied to the leadership change. The force continues its transition under Acting IGP Disu, emphasizing operational stability and reforms in policing.

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JUST IN: DIG Frank Mba Retires from Nigeria Police Force

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Mba’s retirement comes after 34 Years of Service, alongside other Senior Officers; seven AIGs Poised for Promotion

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba, a prominent figure in the Nigeria Police Force known for his roles as a three-time national spokesman and his contributions to training and public engagement, has retired after a distinguished 34-year career.

The retirement follows the recent appointment of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Olatunji (Tunji) Disu as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In line with longstanding traditions and protocols within the Nigeria Police Force, the elevation of a junior officer to the top position typically necessitates the retirement of senior officers, including DIGs, to maintain the force’s strict hierarchy, seniority structure, and operational stability.

DIG Mba, who joined the force on May 18, 1992—the same enlistment date as the new Acting IGP Disu—had served with notable professionalism, integrity, and reform-minded dedication. Civil society groups, including the Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA), have lauded him as a “scholar-practitioner” whose career set a benchmark for ethical policing and effective communication.

Mba’s service included a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia (2006–2007), where he earned a UN Medal, and various strategic roles across investigations, operations, and administration.

His statutory retirement was originally projected for April 2027 after completing 35 years of service, but the leadership transition accelerated his exit.

Tributes from colleagues and observers highlight his charisma, composure, exceptional public relations skills, and ability to humanize the police image, inspiring many young Nigerians to view the profession positively.

The transition has broader implications for the force’s senior ranks. Reports indicate that multiple DIGs (potentially up to eight, including Mba) have been affected by the customary retirements tied to the new IGP’s appointment.

Meanwhile, the shake-up is expected to open opportunities for promotions, with at least seven Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) set to advance to fill the resulting vacancies at the DIG level and support the restructuring of the force’s leadership.

This development comes amid discussions on police hierarchy conventions, federal character considerations in promotions, and the need to preserve institutional knowledge during transitions.

President Tinubu’s administration has reportedly intervened to moderate the scale of retirements, avoiding a mass exit of around 30 senior officers as initially anticipated in some internal projections.

The Nigeria Police Force continues its leadership transition under Acting IGP Disu, with focus on maintaining stability and effectiveness in national security duties.

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BREAKING: Kano House of Assembly Commences Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor

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The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo (also referred to as Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo).

The move, announced during plenary on Thursday, March 5, 2026, follows allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial impropriety.

These reportedly include claims of receiving kickbacks from the state’s 44 local government councils during his earlier tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024, with some reports citing sums exceeding ₦1.6 billion.

Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala presented and read the impeachment notice on the floor of the House, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs the removal of a governor or deputy governor for gross misconduct.

The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, confirmed that the notice has been formally served on the deputy governor, granting him a two-week period to respond to the allegations before further steps are taken.

This development comes amid political tensions in the state, where the deputy governor has remained in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and has not aligned with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports indicate he has been absent from government house activities and interactions with the governor.

The Assembly has emphasized that the process will follow constitutional procedures, and the deputy governor has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.

BELOW ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE KANO STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR:

The petition lists the following allegations:Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million over seven months.

Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

Abuse of Office: Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.

Gross Misconduct: These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.

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