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Opposition Lawmakers in Reps Set Up Special Committee to Probe Tax Reforms Act Scandal*
*Opposition Lawmakers in Reps Set Up Special Committee to Probe Tax Reforms Act Scandal
The leadership of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has constituted a seven-man fact-finding committee to independently investigate allegations of unlawful alterations to Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws by elements within the executive arm of government.
In a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by Minority Leader Rep. O.K. Chinda, Minority Whip Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C., PhD, Deputy Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, the caucus described the move as expedient amid the lingering controversy over claims that the versions of the tax laws gazetted and set for implementation differ materially from those passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
The opposition lawmakers expressed concern over the federal government’s determination to commence implementation of the laws from January 1, 2026, despite widespread demands for suspension pending resolution of the discrepancies.
They stressed that, as the opposition bloc, they owe Nigerians an independent and unbiased probe to establish the facts and protect citizens—especially the poor and vulnerable—from the consequences of enforcing an allegedly altered statute.
The four tax reform bills—the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025—were signed into law in June 2025 after months of legislative scrutiny.
While the executive has defended the reforms as critical for streamlining revenue administration and easing the tax burden on low-income earners, critics have accused the process of post-assent tampering, with specific allegations pointing to the insertion of draconian enforcement clauses absent from the legislatively approved texts.
The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by Hon. Afam Ogene, has been given seven days to conclude its assignment and submit findings to the caucus leadership.
Its members include Hon. Gaza Gbefwi Jonathan, Hon. MB Shehu Fagge, Hon. Aliyu Garu, Hon. Stanley Adedeji, Hon. Ibe Okwara, and Hon. Marie Ebikake.
The panel’s mandate covers obtaining authenticated copies of the laws as passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and signed by the President, securing the gazetted versions circulated by the executive, conducting a line-by-line comparison to identify any disparities, and recommending appropriate responses should infractions be established.
Acknowledging that members of the House are currently on recess, the caucus leadership urged colleagues to treat the inquiry as a matter of urgent national importance, regretting any inconvenience caused while extending new year greetings.
FirstBank Hosts Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026, Leads Conversation on Economic Growth
Lagos, 2 January 2026 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion service provider is pleased to announce the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 6 January 2025. The theme of the session is “The Great Calibration: Mastering Resilience in an Era of Asynchronous Growth”
Nigeria Economic Outlook is an annual customer-facing session which sets the tone on prevailing economic realities, equipping FirstBank customers with insights to navigate the economy effectively at the start of the year. The 2026 edition will review Nigeria’s economic landscape over the past year, provide an outlook for 2026, and deliver expert perspectives on global and domestic trends and their implications for the nation’s economy in the year ahead.
Commenting ahead of the event, the Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi said, “FirstBank remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Nigerian businesses and individuals, and this event is a testament to that commitment. As we welcome the new year, the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2025 will serve as a platform for our customers and stakeholders to learn how to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s economic landscape in 2026. This initiative aims to help them make informed decisions based on expert recommendations and insights garnered from the session to drive giant transformative progress, allowing both businesses and individuals to thrive in the new year.”
The session will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers including economic analysts and industry leaders. The keynote address will be delivered by Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist & Managing Director of Research & Trade Intelligence, Afrexim Bank.
Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion will feature Olusegun Zaccheaus, Chief Economist, PwC; Francis Anatogu, Chief Executive Transaharan; Professor Bongo Adi, Professor of Economics & Data Analytics, Lagos Business School; Niyi Yusuf, Managing Partner, Verraki; Cheta Nwanze, Lead Partner at SBM Intelligence; Osahon Ogieva, Deputy Managing Director, FirstBank Ghana; Ayokunle Ojo, Head, Treasury Sales & Derivatives Marketing, FirstBank; and Laura Fisayo-Kolawole, Head, Equities and Alternative Solutions, First Asset Management. The panel discussion will be moderated by Chike Uzoma, Head, Strategy & Corporate Development, FirstBank.
To be a part of the session, interested participants can register and participate via https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PvQyniM4Rpmp1HqQoqbPvQ
As the partner of first choice for personal, business and corporate financial decisions, FirstBank will continue to support Nigerians in achieving their financial aspirations, driving growth and prosperity across the nation, and shaping a brighter economic future for all.
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Nigerians Will Decide Who Leads In 2027, Not Incumbency Power – Ajadi
A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has emphasised that Nigeria’s leadership in 2027 will be determined by the will of the people, not by the advantage of incumbency.
Ajadi was reacting to reports by 9ja News Tv, concerning remarks allegedly made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the 2027 presidential election.
The platform had reported that President Tinubu boasted that no opposition can remove him.
While reacting, Ajadi stated that any suggestion that electoral outcomes are predetermined risks weakening public confidence in the democratic process.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is founded on the constitutional right of citizens to choose their leaders through the ballot, regardless of who currently holds office.
The strength of our democracy lies in the power of the electorate,” Ajadi said. “Elections provide citizens with a peaceful and legitimate means of expressing their collective will.”
“The PDP aspirant, who has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election, stated that political history in Nigeria and across Africa demonstrates that leadership can change when citizens actively participate in the electoral process.
He urged Nigerians, particularly youths and first-time voters, to remain engaged in civic activities such as voter registration, peaceful mobilisation, and participation in elections.
“Democracy thrives when citizens believe in and utilise the instruments provided by the constitution,” he said.
He also noted that elections remain the appropriate avenue for leaders to be held accountable, especially at a time when many Nigerians are concerned about economic conditions, security challenges, and the cost of living.
He added that holding public office does not automatically guarantee future electoral success, stressing that performance and public trust remain key factors in democratic contests.
Reaffirming his party’s commitment to peaceful political competition, Ajadi called for increased civic engagement and adherence to democratic values as political activities gradually build toward 2027.
He concluded that the future of Nigeria’s leadership will ultimately be shaped through lawful, peaceful, and participatory democratic processes.
A New Year Message from Arems Entertainment – 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
As the curtain rises on a new year, all of us at Arems Entertainment take a moment to reflect—on the journey so far, the lessons learned, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
The year behind us tested resolve and rewarded resilience. It challenged creatives to think deeper, work smarter, and stay true to their purpose in a fast-evolving industry. Through it all, music, storytelling, and culture remained powerful tools for connection, healing, and expression. We are grateful to every artist, partner, collaborator, and supporter who trusted the Arems vision and walked this path with us.
At Arems Entertainment, we believe the future of entertainment belongs to those who are bold enough to innovate and disciplined enough to build sustainably. The new year represents more than a fresh calendar—it is a renewed commitment to growth, integrity, and excellence. We remain focused on creating opportunities that empower talent, amplify authentic voices, and deliver value beyond the spotlight.
This year, our mission is clear: to deepen our impact across artist development, creative management, and entertainment solutions, while adapting to the realities of a global digital audience. We will continue to champion originality, professionalism, and strategic thinking—because talent deserves structure, and creativity deserves direction.
To the artists chasing their dreams, the creatives refining their craft, and the partners building with purpose: this is your year to step forward with clarity and confidence. Progress may be quiet, but it is always powerful when it is intentional.
As we move ahead, Arems Entertainment looks forward to new collaborations, stronger relationships, and meaningful projects that shape culture and inspire excellence.
From all of us at Arems Entertainment, we wish you a year filled with growth, breakthroughs, and lasting success.
Happy New Year.
Here’s to building the future—together.
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