The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Bauchi State has urged Governor Bala Mohammed to change his mind about opposing President Bola Tinubu’s suggested tax reforms. According to the party, the Tax Reform Bills that are presently being considered by the National Assembly are a move in the right direction toward strengthening Nigeria’s economy and promoting resource distribution equity among the states.

Adamu Aliyu Jallah, the APC’s publicity secretary, stated during a news conference in Bauchi that if the laws were enacted, they would increase economic productivity, improve tax generation, and put the nation in a position for sustained growth.

Jallah responded to Governor Mohammed’s criticism of the reforms by saying, “Nigeria must adopt progressive taxation policies in order to compete favorably with developing nations.” The idea of tax reform is not new; it is a widely accepted strategy for increasing government revenue and addressing the demands of the populace. The governor ought to have studied the bills and, if he saw any problems, actively engaged the appropriate authorities rather than criticizing them directly.

Additionally, the APC charged Governor Mohammed with misusing federal monies given to Bauchi State during the Tinubu administration. Jallah asserted that there is no evidence of concrete development projects even after receiving N144 billion in Federation Account Allocations, in addition to other statutory money and palliatives.

Jallah insisted, “Let the governor account for all the funds received during this administration,” adding that the state’s lack of discernible improvement raises questions regarding financial responsibility and transparency.

The governor’s privatization plan was also challenged by the APC spokesperson, who claimed that the strategy was created to favor a small number of people.

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In order to increase efficiency and production, the state administration declared its intention to privatize a number of businesses. However, these businesses were given to the governor’s associates rather than being revitalized to produce jobs and income for the state. Salary delays in the state have been ongoing for months, and some employees have not received their money for up to three years, according to Jallah.

The APC encouraged Governor Mohammed to prioritize accountability in administration and fix persistent salary difficulties in order to concentrate on projects that will actually benefit the people of Bauchi State.

In order to settle outstanding obligations to wholesale gas-producing businesses for gas delivery, which almost resulted in a nationwide blackout in December of last year, the federal government has put in place a feasible payment plan.

The Power This was revealed by Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, at the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum’s first meeting, which took place in Abuja on Thursday.

Ahmed clarified that the solution, led by Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, had released gas amounts that had previously been constrained.

A huge dispute between wholesale gas producers and power production companies over unpaid legacy obligations nearly led to a statewide blackout last year, but the president’s last-minute intervention prevented it. Given that gas-fired power plants generate over 70% of Nigeria’s energy, this would have seriously affected the country’s power generation.

“The initiative to adopt a workable payment solution, along with other policies, has improved natural gas supply for both domestic and export markets, revitalized midstream and downstream infrastructure, and encouraged the use of domestically produced LPG,” Ahmed said in a statement that our correspondent was able to obtain.

More than $400 million has been invested in the construction of 86 new “daughter” stations and 65 “mother” stations as a result of these initiatives, he continued.

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We value the outstanding leadership of the Honourable Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas) in meeting the administration’s energy goals,” Ahmed said.

In order to promote economic prosperity, these initiatives have improved energy security, improved natural gas supply for both domestic and export markets, revitalized midstream and downstream infrastructure, guaranteed crude oil supply to domestic refineries, and encouraged the domestication of LPG production.

“Through Mr. President’s Executive Orders, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy has also been instrumental in settling legacy debts, establishing a practical gas supply payment plan, and putting innovative policies into place to improve ease of doing business.”

He added that a lot of work has been done in promoting compressed natural gas as a fuel substitute.

Nigeria’s conversion capacity has increased by more than 2,500% in the last year thanks to the PCNGI (Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative), which has been sponsored by the NMDPRA. Due to these conversions and fresh acquisitions, Nigeria now possesses between 30,000 and 50,000 gas-powered cars and trucks, and the number is rising every day.

86 new daughter stations and 65 new mother stations are being built with investments totaling more than $400 million. The number of refueling stations in Nigeria has increased from 20 to 56. The Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, which is presently in its pilot phase and is anticipated to launch in 2025, and safety standards have also been developed as a consequence of cooperative efforts with PCNGI, NMDPRA, and SON.

Ahmed also emphasized the advantages of deregulating the petroleum products market at full pricing.

“A level playing field has been established by the reform, encouraging healthy competition and drawing in investment prospects. Value-added services and competitive pricing are now available to consumers. The nation celebrated the end of the year and the beginning of the next year without any gasoline shortages or supply interruptions for the first time in many years.

He pointed out that while other oil marketing organizations’ involvement has improved product availability, domestic refineries have made a substantial contribution to the country’s energy supply needs. Additionally, the naira’s appreciation, the emergence of a competitive market environment, and a variety of supply sources have stabilized the pump price of petroleum products across the country.

Ahmed came to the conclusion that by assisting in the prompt resolution of issues, the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum would help avoid disagreements that may otherwise result in expensive litigation or alternative dispute resolution.

Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of the families of courageous officers who died while performing their duties.
In support of the 2025 Remembrance Emblem unveiling, the governor gave N20 million to the state’s Nigeria Legion chapter while attending the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event on Wednesday at the Gusau trade fair complex.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokeswoman, said in a statement that Lawal examined a guard of honor that was raised by the Nigerian Legion and the Armed Forces.
“Governor Lawal also led the wreath-laying ritual and a one-minute silence in honor of the fallen heroes,” the statement reads.Every year on the fifteenth of January, the nation celebrates Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honor and remember the brave veterans who sacrificed their lives to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and allowed us to live in peace.We are grateful for their dedication and selflessness, which have impacted our lives to this day.We promise to remember them and help the loved ones they left behind with appreciation and a sense of obligation.”It is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those brave individuals and to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and principles they fought and died for.” This day honors our fallen heroes and serves as a call to action for everyone in Zamfara State and the nation as a whole.Our warriors’ legacy ought to motivate us to value the relative calm we currently have and to work toward a brighter future.In order for us to sleep at night, we must remember how important it is to support the families of these fallen heroes and the veterans who still carry the scars from their service to the country.Their tenacity and commitment must serve as a reminder to us of our duty to protect their welfare. We honor their sacrifices and show our appreciation for their steadfast dedication to our country by doing this.We have to be on the lookout for sporadic attacks on soft targets. In addition to providing necessary resources and logistical support, this administration has made sure that the families of policemen killed while performing their duties are taken care of.We are dedicated to helping our heroes and their families by paying for the medical care of those hurt during security operations.We have given security personnel motorcycles and vehicles outfitted with cutting-edge technology as part of my administration’s attempts to compressively solve the security issues.By improving their access to challenging terrain, our program makes sure that no area of our state is at risk.Since cooperation is essential to establishing long-term peace and stability, we are still dedicated to fortifying our strategic partnerships with neighboring governments, security organizations, and other interested parties in order to effectively address the security issues confronting our beloved state,” the governor stated.

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He pointed out that despite having few resources, the state is making great strides in resolving its internal security problems through a number of initiatives.

According to Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Government’s commendable policies that improve the lives of Nigerians do not require the endorsement of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano.

The minister made this announcement in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister asserts that Sanusi, like every other Nigerian, has the unalienable right to voice their thoughts about the way the country is being run, whether they be praise or criticism.

However, we think it’s funny that a leader—especially one from a company that values honesty, equity, and justice—would openly acknowledge that they have backed off from speaking the truth due to self-interest based on fictitious hostility.

It is important to note that Nigeria is at a turning point in its history where strong and decisive measures are required to address long-standing economic issues.

As he, Sanusi, had always argued, “this administration has implemented transformative reforms, not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth.”

More than anything else, Sanusi himself admitted that the short-term suffering brought on by these unavoidable choices is a necessary byproduct of decades of careless economic management.

“Notable progress is already being made as a result of these reforms. Nigeria’s ability to protect itself from external economic shocks has been reinforced by the unification of currency rates, which has also increased foreign reserves and boosted investor confidence.

“The elimination of the fuel subsidy has resulted in a substantial increase in funding for vital areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.”

The minister voiced dissatisfaction that reforms, which are universally acknowledged as necessary by international experts, including Sanusi himself, are now being tacitly denounced due to a change in allegiance.

According to Idris, Sanusi has a special obligation to support reforms that advance society rather than thwart them.

“We implore the Emir to put the welfare of Nigerians above his own interests and partisan overtones.

“All stakeholders must be united, focused, and willing to make sacrifices in order to rebuild Nigeria.” As a government, we implore respected leaders to abstain from statements that erode public confidence.

Rather, they have an obligation to support the shared objective of a successful Nigeria. This is a crucial moment for our nation; cooperation is required, not pointless diversions.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is unwavering in its resolve to guide Nigeria toward shared prosperity, sustainability, and economic inclusion.

“While remaining resolute in prioritizing the interests of Nigerians above all else, this administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders,” Idris stated.

Flights to and from Warri, Ibadan, Akure, Ilorin, Calabar, and Uyo have been formally suspended by Air Peace owing to unanticipated maintenance needs.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications for Air Peace, said that these cancellations will impact flight operations on Wednesday and Thursday, January 15 and 16, 2025.
In an effort to minimize any inconvenience, the airline made sure that all impacted passengers were promptly informed via a variety of communication channels.

Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and sincerely apologized for any inconveniences caused. For more assistance, travelers are advised to contact customer service or consult flight schedules.

“Dear Valued Client, We would like to notify you that owing to unforeseen maintenance, flights to and from Warri and Ibadan have been canceled. For the same reason, flights have also been canceled to Akure, Ilorin, Calabar, and Uyo.

According to the statement, “these cancellations will affect operations today and tomorrow.”

Remember how Chris Najomo, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), asked for a meeting with all of Nigeria’s domestic airline CEOs on December 27, 2024?

This is because throughout the holiday season, there are frequent flight cancellations and delays.

On Thursday, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu revealed this on his X handle.

Achimugu described a situation he encountered while attempting to board his aircraft.

This evening, while I was attempting to board a flight, I entered the scene. The passengers were furious and threatening to use violence.

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“I spoke with them directly for roughly twenty minutes, stressing that if the weather was really terrible, I would check with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, or NiMET. I further clarified that in the event of a force majeure situation, the airline is not liable,” he stated.

In spite of this, he claims that he took some action to allay passenger worries.