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Presidency Clarifies Tax Reform Bills, Denies Plans to Scrap Key Agencies

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The State House has issued a statement clarifying the contents of the transformative tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, denying claims that the bills recommend scrapping key agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that no provision in the bills would impoverish the North.

The statement addressed the misinformation and deliberate attempts to mislead the public by various political actors and commentators. “Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills,” Onanuga stated. He criticized those who have polarized the country and incited people against lawmakers.

Onanuga clarified that the tax reform bills aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, and will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent at the expense of other parts of the country. “The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country,” he asserted.

Contrary to the lies being peddled, the statement emphasized that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will not cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills. “Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes,” Onanuga explained.

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President Bola Tinubu’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms aim to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and create a conducive environment for businesses. “For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies,” the statement noted. The multiple taxes have made Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and have forced some companies to relocate to other countries.

The proposal in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030. This time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations.

Onanuga stressed that changing an agency’s funding source does not amount to scrapping it. “None of the countries leading globally in education, science, engineering, or information technology have similar earmarked taxes,” he pointed out. The tax bill seeks to address the problem of overburdening businesses with multiple taxes.

The statement called on relevant stakeholders and public analysts to educate themselves about the bills’ contents and avoid misleading the public. “We may be entitled to our opinions, but such views must be informed and based on facts, not emotions targeted at inflaming passions,” Onanuga urged.

President Tinubu welcomed the public interest in the bills and encouraged leaders across the country to participate in the Public Hearings organized by the National Assembly to present their views on tax and fiscal reforms. “What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete and unhelpful in achieving the growth and development we desire for our country,” the statement concluded.

 

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Group asks Governor Yusuf to appoint Ganduje’s daughter as Kano Deputy Governor

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A group has called on the Governor of Kano State to appoint the daughter of former Governor of Kano, Dr. Asiya Balaraba Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Deputy Governor.

The group, known as Haɗin Kan Jam’iyyar APC ‘Yan Dangole from Kano State, expressed its support for Dr. Asiya Ganduje to become the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

According to the group, Dr. Asiya Ganduje is a woman committed to serving the people, especially the youth, through various programs that have improved their lives.

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They stated that she has demonstrated competence and dedication in politics, contributing to opportunities for youth and women in areas such as education, skills acquisition, and self-reliance.

The group also emphasized that Dr. Asiya Ganduje possesses compassion and vision for improving the lives of citizens, while encouraging women to participate in politics and economic activities.

Furthermore, they praised her cooperative character and loyalty to party principles, saying this has made her a role model for women and youth.

In conclusion, the group declared that her appointment as Deputy Governor would help bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the people of Kano State.

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UTME 2026: JAMB to Release Day 1 Exam Results Today Before Midnight

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the results of all candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, will be released on Friday, April 17.

Spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, announced this in a post on X, noting that an announcement would be made when the results are available.

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“This is to inform all candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16th April 2026, that their results will be released today before midnight. An official announcement will be made to the public and posted on this page as soon as the results are available. Thank you,” he wrote.

Scheduled to run through April 22, the examination is structured into four daily sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., a framework designed to manage the large volume of candidates and reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

This year, nearly 2.2 million candidates are participating across 966 accredited centres, each expected to meet operational benchmarks such as functional computer systems, stable internet connectivity and electricity as well as adequately trained personnel.

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Anambra Workers Under Scrutiny for Lateness and Absenteeism after Soludo’s Visit

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Anambra State Government has commenced a probe of civil servants accused of reporting late to duty and absenteeism in the state public service.

Some of the affected workers appeared before the Special Disciplinary Committee on Violation of Public Service Rules, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s unscheduled visit to the State Secretariat in March, where it was discovered that over 90 per cent of the workforce were absent from their duty posts.

The committee, constituted in line with the Public Service Rules 2021, sat at the Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat Complex, Awka, on Friday, and examined several workers over alleged lateness and absenteeism.

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Speaking during the exercise, the Chairperson of the panel and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Nkiru Nwankwo, said lateness and absenteeism violate public service rules and amount to a breach of employment terms.

She warned that such offences are punishable under the rules, stressing that the current administration is committed to repositioning the public service for efficiency and effectiveness.

“This exercise is set up to probe lateness and absenteeism, which violate public service rules and constitute a breach of contract of employment. Workers should have a change of attitude toward work,” she said.

Nwankwo advised workers with genuine reasons for absence or lateness to follow due process by formally notifying appropriate authorities in writing and in good time.

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