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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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Lagos urges residents to prepare for 64 days traffic from Lekki Phase 1–Ajah Bridge as reconstruction begins

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said that the rehabilitation works on Sections 2 and 3 of the expressway will commence on Sunday, 25 January 2026, and last for an estimated 64 days.

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Sangotedo – Bogije section of Lekki -Epe expressway / Ohibaba.com

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday announced a 64-day traffic diversion for the reconstruction of the Ajah Bridge to Admiralty section (inbound Lagos) of the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said that the rehabilitation works on Sections 2 and 3 of the expressway will commence on Sunday, 25 January 2026, and last for an estimated 64 days.

Daramola said that the project will follow a traffic management plan, with work carried out intersection by intersection rather than along the entire corridor at once.

Construction will be carried out both day and night to accelerate completion.

He explained that though a stakeholder meeting had been held late last year with plans to begin work, the project was postponed due to the yuletide festivities.

The festivities are over, and the state government has instructed the contractor to move to site to commence work on Sunday,” he said.

Intersections will be worked on at night to maintain better traffic flow.

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LASEMA releases update regarding fire outbreak at Computer Village Ikeja

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Following distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 0155hours, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION:
Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene by 0215hours, it was observed that a fire outbreak occurred in a one-storey commercial building that accommodates dealers in computers and accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja.

Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure.
The one-storey commercial building is primarily used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories.
The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire.

CAUSE OF FIRE:
Cause of the fire is yet-to-be ascertained and is currently under investigation.

CASUALTIES/INJURIES

  • No fatalities were recorded.
  • One Lagos State Firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site by LASAMBUS.

DAMAGE REPORT:

  • The entire top floor of the one-storey commercial building was completely razed by the fire.
  • All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration.
  • Physical examination of the one-storey commercial building reveals partial compromise and requires immediate structural assessment.

ACTION TAKEN:

  • Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area.
  • LRT activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damages to adjoining buildings and immediate environs of the incident scene.
  • Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT, and other responders, to forestall escalation of fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it.
  • LRT co-ordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation.

CURRENT STATUS:

  • Firefighting operations have successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building.
  • The fire was prevented from escalating to neighbouring structures.
  • Continuous damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
  • Rescue and Recovery Operation has been concluded.

RECOMMENDATIONS/NEXT STEPS

  • Conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire
  • Carry out a structural assessment of the building to evaluate safety
  • Review fire safety measures and storage protocols for commercial accessory buildings in the entire area.
  • Ensure continued monitoring of the incident scene to prevent re-ignition of the fire.

RESPONDERS:

  • LASEMA Response Team – Command and Control Centre.
  • LASG Fire & Rescue Service.
  • LASAMBUS
  • Nigeria Police Force – NPF.
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Major Fire Engulfs Section of Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos

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A devastating fire broke out at the bustling Computer Village market in Ikeja on Monday, January 19, 2026, raging through parts of the popular electronics and IT hub and continuing into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The blaze, which reportedly started in the afternoon or evening of January 19, affected multiple shops and commercial buildings in the densely packed market known as West Africa’s largest hub for computers, smartphones, accessories, and related gadgets.

Thick smoke billowed over the area as flames consumed valuable stock, including electronics and other merchandise worth potentially millions of naira.

Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene, working through the night to bring the inferno under control. By Tuesday morning, January 20, the fire had been largely contained or extinguished, though pockets of smoldering remained in some structures.

No immediate reports of casualties have emerged from the incident, but traders and shop owners are said to have suffered heavy losses, with destroyed goods, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted business operations.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary indications pointing to possible electrical faults—a common risk in the area’s overcrowded and often makeshift wiring setups—though officials have not yet confirmed this.

Computer Village, located in the heart of Ikeja, is a vital economic center employing thousands and serving customers from across Nigeria and beyond. Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns about fire safety, building regulations, and emergency response in such high-density commercial zones.

Authorities, including the Lagos State Police Command and fire service, are expected to provide further updates as assessments of the damage continue and support measures for affected traders are discussed.

Traders have begun tallying losses, and calls for better prevention measures are already circulating among market associations.

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