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Tegbe Highlights Benefits of New Tax Regime to Workers, Small Businesses

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Tegbe Highlights Benefits of New Tax Regime to Workers, Small Businesses

The Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, NTPIC, Joseph Tegbe, says Nigeria’s newly introduced tax regime is designed to reduce the financial burden on workers and small businesses while strengthening the country’s fiscal sustainability and economic competitiveness.

Tegbe made the remarks at the BusinessDay Tax Reform Conference 2026, themed “Navigating the New Tax Regime: What It Means for Your Wallet.” He described the reforms as one of the most comprehensive overhauls of Nigeria’s tax architecture in decades.

According to him, the reforms are anchored on four key legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025.

He explained that the new framework introduces targeted reliefs for individuals and businesses to simplify taxation and promote economic growth.

Under the new regime, individuals earning less than ₦800,000 annually will be exempt from personal income tax. Workers will also be able to claim rent relief of up to 20 per cent, capped at ₦500,000.

Small businesses are also expected to benefit significantly from the reforms. Companies earning below ₦100 million annually and with assets under ₦250 million will be exempt from Company Income Tax, while nano-enterprises earning less than ₦12 million per year will not pay income tax.

Tegbe, however, emphasised the importance of proper documentation and tax filing, even for individuals and businesses that fall within the tax-exempt threshold.

“These reforms are designed to make taxation simpler, fairer and more predictable for Nigerians,” he said. “For most workers and small businesses, the new regime means paying the same or even lower taxes while operating within a more transparent system.”

He added that the reforms would strengthen tax administration through improved coordination among institutions such as the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombud, while also accelerating the digitalisation of tax processes.

According to Tegbe, the ultimate goal of the reforms is to build a tax system that supports enterprise, encourages investment and promotes long-term economic growth.

Other dignitaries present at the conference included Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board; Michael Ango, Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service; Uche Uwaleke; and Sam Amadi, among others.

Customs Controller Seeks Traditional Support Against Smuggling in Oyo, Osun

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Customs Controller Seeks Traditional Support Against Smuggling in Oyo, Osun

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adewole, has called for the support of traditional institutions in the fight against smuggling and the promotion of legitimate trade.

Adewole made the appeal during courtesy visits to the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, in Iseyin and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Ghandi Olaoye, in Ogbomosho.

The visits formed part of the command’s stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities whose influence is considered critical in mobilising community support for government policies and initiatives.

Speaking during the visit to the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Adewole appreciated the monarch for the warm reception and acknowledged the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and order within communities.

He noted that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade, while seeking the support of community leaders in sensitising residents on the negative impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

Responding, the Aseyin of Iseyin, commended the Customs Service for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s economy and assured the command of the support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling and promoting lawful trade within the community.

Similarly, during the visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Adewole reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to enhance operational effectiveness.

In his remarks, the Soun of Ogbomosho described the visit as timely and commendable, assuring the Customs leadership of the support of the people of Ogbomosho in assisting the service in its efforts to combat smuggling and promote legitimate trade.

Experts Raise Alarm over Food Environments, Health Risks for Nigerian Women, Girls

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Experts Raise Alarm over Food Environments, Health Risks for Nigerian Women, Girls

Nigerian women and girls are increasingly facing health risks linked to poor food environments, experts say, as access to nutritious options remains limited and ultra-processed foods dominate urban and rural markets.

During International Women’s Month, nutrition specialists highlighted that food environments, the physical, economic, and social factors determining what is available, affordable, and promoted, play a crucial role in shaping women’s diets and overall health.

“Healthy eating is not simply a matter of personal choice,” said Bukola Olukemi-Odele, a food and nutrition scientist and Programme Officer at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA. “For millions of women and girls, the concept of choice is often an illusion.”

Experts warn that ultra-processed foods, UPFs, such as packaged snacks, frozen meals, sugary drinks, and reconstituted meats, are increasingly filling supermarket shelves. These products are engineered to encourage repeat consumption and are often high in sugar, salt, fats, and flavour enhancers, contributing to poor dietary habits.

Health consequences are already evident. The Global Nutrition Report indicates that 15.7 percent of Nigerian women are living with obesity.

UPF consumption has also been linked to early puberty in young girls, increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers later in life. Among pregnant women, diets rich in UPFs are associated with gestational hypertension, diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and complications affecting reproductive health.

Marketing strategies that target women as primary household food providers exacerbate the problem. Instant meals and packaged snacks are presented as convenient and affordable options for busy women, often making unhealthy choices the default in many households.

Experts say the effects extend beyond health. Diet-related illnesses lead to lost workdays, higher medical costs, and reduced economic participation, particularly affecting women already navigating income disparities.

Nutrition advocates are calling on the government to adopt policies that regulate food environments, including fiscal measures to discourage unhealthy products, front-of-package warning labels, salt limits in processed foods, and restrictions on aggressive marketing targeted at women and children.

“Food justice is a key feminist issue,” Olukemi-Odele said. “Ensuring women and girls have access to nutritious food is essential for their health, empowerment, and the wellbeing of future generations.”

Civic Literacy Workshop Organised to Empower Ojo Youths

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Civic Literacy Workshop Organised to Empower Ojo Youths

Springwell Development Initiative, in partnership with Yiaga Africa, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy has organized a Civic Literacy Workshop aimed at promoting voter education and participation ahead of the 2027 Nigerian General Elections.

The workshop, themed “Youth Power, Our Voice: Enhancing Civic Literacy and Voter Participation in Lagos State,” brought together government officials, community leaders, and young people to discuss the importance of civic engagement and responsible electoral participation.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Ogundare Omolara, Electoral Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Ojo, described the initiative as timely, highlighting voter apathy as a growing concern in Nigeria’s democracy.

She urged residents, especially youths, to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise by registering and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that the PVC remains a critical tool for selecting credible leaders.

Also speaking, Aiyedun Abidemi Oluwakemi, Assistant Director of the National Orientation Agency in Ojo, emphasized the role of civic education in strengthening democracy.

She noted that such initiatives help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, encouraging young people to embrace responsible citizenship and contribute positively to national development.

Mrs. Esther Emeh, Head of Public Affairs at INEC Lagos State, highlighted the role of civic leaders in mobilizing citizens for electoral participation.

She urged community influencers, religious leaders, and social media users to raise awareness about voter registration and the importance of peaceful participation in elections, stressing that tackling voter apathy is a shared responsibility between the commission and citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Feyikemi Idowu Omoniyi, Founder and Executive Director of Springwell Development Initiative, said the programme was designed to empower young people in Ojo to register, participate in elections, and vote for leaders committed to transparency and accountability.

Similarly, Ogunsola Micheal, Lagos State Focal Representative for Yiaga Africa, explained that the workshop aims to sensitize young voters on safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that every vote counts.

Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the ongoing voter registration exercise and contribute to the strengthening of democracy through peaceful, responsible civic involvement.

West Africa Infrastructure Expo to Spotlight Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Regional Development

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West Africa Infrastructure Expo to Spotlight Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Regional Development

The inaugural West Africa Infrastructure Expo is set to take place from April 7 to 9, 2026, at Landmark Centre in Lagos, highlighting Nigeria’s growing significance in regional infrastructure development.

Organised by dmg events and co-located with HVACR Nigeria, the exhibition will bring together public and private sector stakeholders engaged in planning, financing, and delivering infrastructure projects across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

The event comes at a time when Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions are increasingly moving from planning into tangible project delivery, spanning transport networks, power systems, digital infrastructure, water management, urban development, and waste management.

By creating a platform for collaboration, the Expo aims to support national development priorities and provide a comprehensive space for knowledge sharing, strategic discussions, and project evaluation.

With over 35 exhibiting companies from countries including Austria, China, Ghana, India, and the UAE, and an expected 2,000 attendees, the Expo will showcase solutions across six core sectors: digital infrastructure, power, smart cities, transport, waste management, and water infrastructure.

Participating firms include PERI, B5 Plus Group, Linsinger, Ban Ngai, KBS Pumps & Valves, Ovaman Pumps, KELM Engineering, and Sewatech, combining international expertise with regional capabilities in engineering, consulting, and technical services.

Commenting on the Expo, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President at dmg events, said:
“Nigeria plays a central role in West Africa’s economic landscape, and its infrastructure development has significant regional implications.

”West Africa Infrastructure Expo creates a focused environment where stakeholders involved in planning, financing, and delivering infrastructure projects can engage directly, exchange knowledge, and examine opportunities supporting long-term delivery across the region.”

The event will also host the one-day Nigeria Infrastructure Summit, which will convene senior representatives from government institutions, regulators, development banks, EPC contractors, and private sector organisations.

The Summit provides a forum for discussion on power system modernisation, urban development, infrastructure financing, programme management, and strategies to enhance project delivery across Nigeria.

The Summit will be headlined by Hon Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu, Minister of Power, who will deliver a ministerial keynote outlining Nigeria’s next decade of infrastructure growth.

It will also be chaired by Engr Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who will guide discussions on the country’s infrastructure progress, challenges, and priorities.

Other notable speakers include Dr Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank; Zafira Magoro, Manager at the Transmission Company of Nigeria; Engr Olufemi Fayombo, Deputy Director at LAMATA; Dr Abba Aliyu, MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency; Engr Abimbola Akinajo, MD of LAMATA.

Dr Emeka Henry Inegbu, Executive Director of Family Homes Funds Limited; Kazeem Sanusi, Chief Responsibility Officer at Development Facilitation and Strategic Planning Africa; and Patrick Ogunleye, Architect at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Complementing the leadership summit, the Infra360 programme offers workshops and professional development sessions covering topics such as Women in Infrastructure: Breaking Barriers and Building Skills, Digital Tools for Infrastructure Careers, Housing Development Insights, and Future Skills for Infrastructure Delivery.


Gerald Madondo, West Africa and Nigeria Country Director at Turner & Townsend, Silver Sponsor of the Expo, said: “Nigeria’s infrastructure sector is evolving rapidly, with significant opportunities in energy, transport, and urban development.

”Delivering projects that are investable, commercially resilient, and capable of creating long-term value is essential. This platform ensures government, policymakers, and delivery partners can align priorities and achieve meaningful outcomes.”

The West Africa Infrastructure Expo represents a strategic meeting ground for investors, engineers, consultants, regulators, and policymakers, reflecting Nigeria’s growing position as a regional infrastructure leader.

For more information or to register, visit www.westafricainfrastructureexpo.com.

Port Modernisation, National Single Window Drive Nigeria’s Maritime Trade Reforms

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blacktalker
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Port Modernisation, National Single Window Drive Nigeria’s Maritime Trade Reforms

Nigeria’s maritime sector is undergoing a major transformation as the Federal Government pushes reforms aimed at modernising port infrastructure and digitising trade processes to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

At the centre of the reforms are the modernisation of the nation’s seaports and the rollout of the National Single Window, NSW platform, initiatives being coordinated by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA under its Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho.

The reforms are designed to reposition Nigeria’s ports as competitive trade hubs within the global shipping ecosystem by improving cargo handling capacity, reducing administrative bottlenecks and facilitating seamless trade documentation.

Recent operational data released by the NPA indicates that the reforms may already be yielding results. According to the authority’s 2025 operational performance report, Nigeria recorded a 24.8 percent increase in total cargo throughput, rising from about 103.6 million metric tonnes in 2024 to more than 129.3 million metric tonnes in 2025.

Dantsoho described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in the country’s maritime history, noting that the improvement reflects the impact of policy reforms introduced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The reform programme is being driven through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, headed by Adegboyega Oyetola, with the NPA responsible for operational implementation across the country’s port network.

For decades, Nigeria’s ports have struggled with challenges such as infrastructure decay, congestion, bureaucratic delays and limited cargo-handling capacity, factors that increased logistics costs and diverted cargo traffic to neighbouring ports in countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic.

Industry experts estimate that Nigeria has historically lost more than ₦1 trillion annually due to inefficient port operations and limited automation.

To address these challenges, the government has initiated a large-scale infrastructure renewal programme targeting major ports including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar.

The modernisation programme involves upgrading quay walls, deepening channels, deploying modern cargo-handling equipment and expanding terminal capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased cargo volumes.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, digital trade reforms are also being implemented through the National Single Window system, an integrated electronic platform designed to streamline trade documentation.

The platform allows importers and exporters to submit documentation through a single digital interface instead of processing paperwork with multiple government agencies.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, recently announced that the National Single Window platform will be officially launched on March 27.

According to him, the initiative represents a major fiscal and administrative reform aimed at improving trade efficiency, transparency and Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce.

Analysts say the digital platform could significantly reduce cargo clearance time, improve coordination among regulatory agencies and minimise revenue leakages.

Projections indicate that a fully operational National Single Window system could increase customs revenue by between 10 and 20 percent annually, potentially generating between ₦600 billion and ₦1.2 trillion in additional government revenue.

Beyond revenue generation, the reforms are also expected to reduce cargo dwell time by up to 45 percent and lower overall trade transaction costs by about 25 percent.

The NPA has also been strengthening digital infrastructure within the port system through automation initiatives such as port community systems, vessel traffic management systems and digital cargo tracking platforms to support the new trade ecosystem.

These reforms are part of a broader strategy to position Nigeria as a maritime logistics hub in West and Central Africa, leveraging its strategic location along major international shipping routes.

Officials say efficient ports will not only boost trade but also stimulate economic activity across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and international commerce.

Analysts also project that the expansion of digital maritime systems and port infrastructure could generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across logistics, technology and maritime services.

With policy coordination from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and operational execution by the NPA, stakeholders believe the ongoing reforms could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional and global trade if fully implemented.

Moniepoint’s General Counsel, Okechukwu Eke Makes Legal 500 GC Powerlist Nigeria 2026

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Moniepoint’s General Counsel, Okechukwu Eke Makes Legal 500 GC Powerlist Nigeria 2026

The General Counsel of Moniepoint, Okechukwu Eke, has been named to the GC Powerlist: Nigeria 2026 by The Legal 500, marking his second appearance on the prestigious list.

Eke was previously recognised in the inaugural 2024 edition of the GC Powerlist, which highlights influential and innovative in-house counsel driving significant transformation within Nigeria’s leading organisations.

Now in its third year, the GC Powerlist Nigeria recognises legal professionals who are navigating complex regulatory environments, advancing technological transformation and shaping the commercial direction of their organisations.

According to The Legal 500, nominations for the list are submitted annually by law firm partners and in-house counsel who identify lawyers that have played critical roles in advancing their organisations through innovative legal solutions, strategic business advice and the development of effective governance structures.

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, Global Business Development Manager at The Legal 500, David Freeman, noted that the role of in-house counsel continues to evolve beyond traditional legal functions.

He said general counsel are increasingly becoming strategic leaders influencing governance, regulatory engagement and overall business transformation within organisations.

Eke’s inclusion on the 2026 list reflects continued progress within Moniepoint’s legal function since he joined the company in 2022. He currently leads the firm’s legal team in delivering proactive and commercially aligned legal support across its banking, payments, credit and remittance operations.

Under his leadership, the legal team has coordinated multi-jurisdictional due diligence and documentation reviews across Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom, facilitating transactions that have supported the company’s expansion and product innovation.

The team has also developed standardised agreements across Moniepoint’s product and service lines, contributing to the company’s reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech firms.

Reacting to the recognition, Eke described the honour as a reflection of the efforts of the entire legal team.

He said the legal function within the organisation has evolved from handling complex cross-border transactions to becoming deeply embedded in the company’s commercial and product operations, while helping to set higher standards for in-house legal practice within Africa’s fintech sector.

Other legal professionals named on the 2026 GC Powerlist include Tochukwu Okezie of Interswitch Group, Erhi Obebeduo of Guaranty Trust Bank, Abisola Oshin-Gbadamosi of Afya Care, and Felix Chidozie Obiamalu of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, among others.

The Legal 500 has analysed the capabilities of law firms and in-house lawyers worldwide for more than three decades through a research programme that evaluates legal expertise across over 150 jurisdictions. The organisation’s research is based on client feedback, law firm submissions and interviews with leading legal practitioners globally.

Ogun Police Launch Cybercrime Awareness Campaign “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face”

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blacktalker
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Ogun Police Launch Cybercrime Awareness Campaign “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face”

The Ogun State Police Command has introduced a cybercrime awareness campaign aimed at protecting residents from growing digital threats.

The initiative, tagged “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face,” is part of a nationwide programme by the Nigeria Police Force through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC to promote safe online practices.

The campaign was flagged off by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who was represented by the Director of the NPF-NCCC, Ifeanyi Uche Henry.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the campaign is being rolled out across the state to address the increasing and borderless nature of cybercrime, including identity theft, romance scams, phishing, and business email compromise.

As part of the sensitisation drive, Babaseyi said the police is installing campaign banners in strategic locations to educate residents on the importance of protecting their digital identities just as they would safeguard physical valuables.

The command also advised members of the public to protect sensitive financial information such as ATM PINs, One-Time Passwords, and Bank Verification Numbers. They were further encouraged to enable multi-factor authentication on their digital accounts and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safer digital environment and urged citizens to remain vigilant while using online platforms.

DANGOTE REFINERY CUTS PETROL PRICE, DECLARES FUEL SCARCITY GONE FOR GOOD

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Dangote Refinery Recalls Redeployed Engineers After Disciplinary Review

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a major reduction in fuel prices, cutting Premium Motor Spirit, PMS by ₦100 per litre and Automotive Gas Oil, AGO by ₦190.

The gantry price of PMS has been lowered from ₦1,175 to ₦1,075 per litre, while coastal PMS prices dropped from ₦1,150 to ₦1,028 per litre. Diesel prices have also been adjusted downward from ₦1,620 to ₦1,430 per litre.

Managing Director of the refinery, David Bird, said the pricing review aligns with global crude oil market trends and reflects the company’s commitment to economic fairness and transparency.

Bird noted that all crude processed at the refinery is purchased at international benchmark prices with a small premium and paid for in foreign exchange at prevailing market rates, ensuring pricing remains market-driven without subsidies.

“While global oil prices have surged dramatically, from around $60 to nearly $120 per barrel within a week—Nigeria is insulated from fuel scarcity because of our domestic refining capacity,” Bird said.

He noted that fuel-import-dependent nations are facing panic buying, rationing, and price spikes, challenges that Nigeria can avoid thanks to the refinery’s consistent supply.

Bird described the price adjustment as part of the refinery’s long-standing effort to pass cost advantages directly to consumers. “In 2025 alone, we reduced our gantry prices on eight occasions and only increased prices twice,” he said, emphasising the refinery’s commitment to national economic stability and consumer welfare.

The Managing Director also highlighted that the refinery continues to meet national fuel demand even amid global supply shocks, rising freight charges, and increasing insurance costs caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

“What would be worse than $120 oil is no oil. Many countries are now rationing fuel due to total dependence on imports, but Nigeria now enjoys a secure and uninterrupted supply,” he explained.

Bird assured Nigerians that the refinery will maintain uninterrupted fuel supply as long as it continues to receive crude from the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“With continued support from the government and access to local crude supply, Dangote Refinery will consistently meet all of Nigeria’s refined fuel requirements,” he said.

The refinery’s announcement is expected to reduce pressure on consumers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reinforce confidence in domestic refining capacity, and further stabilise Nigeria’s fuel market amid global energy volatility.

TPT INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES FEMALE WORKFORCE ON WOMEN’S DAY

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TPT INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES FEMALE WORKFORCE ON WOMEN’S DAY

TPT International has marked International Women’s Day 2026 by celebrating its female workforce in recognition of their contributions to the organisation.

The agency organised a special outing for its women employees, including a movie and lunch, while also granting them a work-free day on March 9 to appreciate their dedication and impact within the organisation.

Chairman and Chief Consultant of the firm, Adetokunbo Modupe, said the initiative was aimed at acknowledging the role women play in the growth and success of the company.

He noted that the agency remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where women are recognised, supported and empowered to thrive.

Speaking on behalf of the female staff, Client Service Director, Ify Yvonne Odita, expressed appreciation to the management for the gesture, describing it as a reflection of a workplace culture that values balance, recognition and wellbeing.

The company said the celebration also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women’s growth and leadership within the organisation.

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