The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has endorsed the Tax Reform Bills, recommending that there should be no increase in the VAT rate and offering significant recommendations.

”The Forum endorsed a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula to ensure equitable distribution of resources:

50% based on equality,
30% based on derivation, and
20% based on population.

”Members agreed that there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, to maintain economic stability. The Forum advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity.

”The meeting recommended that there should be no terminal clause for TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing of development levies in the bills.

“The meeting supports the continuation of the legislative process at the National Assembly that will culminate in. the eventual passage of the Tax Reform Bills.”
– AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum

Amid growing concerns about a rumored outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, the Kano State Government has urged residents to remain calm and report any suspected cases to the relevant authorities. This appeal was made following a recent incident involving the disease.

The rumors began after a report surfaced that in December 2024, a young man from Gwale LGA purchased a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his stock, which included hens, guinea fowls, and chickens. The man noticed that his birds were showing respiratory distress, and subsequently, 35 out of his 50 birds died. He then took samples to the Gwale veterinary clinic for diagnosis, and in the first week of January 2025, the bird flu virus was confirmed in the samples.

Upon receiving the results, the State Ministry of Agriculture took immediate action by sealing the affected area, depopulating the remaining chickens, and decontaminating the compound. The ministry also decontaminated the premises selling live birds in Janguza market and sensitized sellers on the effects of bird flu.

In a press release from the Ministry of Health’s public relations unit, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, urged residents to remain calm, stating that the situation was not severe enough to be declared an outbreak. “The ministry is on top of the issue and taking proactive measures to confront the disease to contain its negative effect before it becomes deadly,” Dr. Yusuf said.

Due to the fact that bird flu can infect humans and cause significant health issues, Dr. Yusuf convened a meeting with the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health committees, which include representatives from the ministries of agriculture, environment, and water resources, as well as partners, to discuss and strategize ways to address the situation.

“For now, this is what we have been doing. Meetings will be held every week with the stakeholders, and the public will be regularly informed about the issue,” Dr. Yusuf stated. He emphasized that surveillance would be intensified in every LGA, especially among poultry and other bird rearers, with reports being sent to the committees on a daily basis to inform Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the situation.

The commissioner explained that symptoms of bird flu include fever, mucus, and redness of the eyes. He urged poultry rearers to be vigilant and act as the first line of surveillance to safeguard their flocks and report any unhealthy conditions of their birds to relevant authorities for timely action.

The Peoples Daily Newspaper has announced the death of its Katsina State Correspondent, Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, who passed away after a brief illness. The announcement has deeply saddened the journalistic community and the people of Katsina State, where Funtua was well-known and respected for his work.

Lawal Sa’idu Funtua’s passing occurred in Katsina State, and his remains are set to be conveyed to his hometown of Funtua for burial at 3pm today. Colleagues, friends, and family members are expected to gather to pay their final respects and honor his memory.

Funtua’s work as a correspondent for Peoples Daily Newspaper was marked by his dedication to reporting on issues affecting Katsina State and its residents. He was known for his commitment to truthful and unbiased journalism, which earned him the respect and admiration of both his peers and the public.

In a statement, Peoples Daily Newspaper expressed its condolences and paid tribute to Funtua’s contributions to the field of journalism. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Katsina State Correspondent, Lawal Sa’idu Funtua. He was a dedicated journalist who served the people of Katsina with integrity and professionalism. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” the statement read.

The announcement also included a heartfelt prayer for Funtua, asking for Allah’s forgiveness and that Jannatul Firdaus be his final abode. “May Allah forgive him and make Jannatul Firdaus his final abode,” the statement concluded.

The loss of Lawal Sa’idu Funtua is a significant blow to the journalistic community in Katsina State and beyond. His contributions to the profession and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice will be remembered and cherished by those who knew him and followed his work.