Nigeria News (Standard)
Tax Ombud Launches in Abuja to Address Taxpayer Grievances, Boosts Confidence in Tax System
Office of Tax Ombud pledges transparency and fairness as Nigerians get new avenue to report alleged unfair treatment
Office of Tax Ombud pledges transparency and fairness as Nigerians get new avenue to report alleged unfair treatment
The Office of the Tax Ombud was formally introduced in Abuja on Tuesday, with Chief Executive Dr John Nwabueze stating that the initiative will tackle cases of unfair treatment faced by taxpayers across Nigeria. The announcement came during a media briefing, where Nwabueze emphasised that many citizens have suffered at the hands of tax authorities due to lack of an independent body to air their grievances.
Dr Nwabueze explained that the establishment of the Tax Ombud under the updated Nigerian tax administration framework marks a significant step towards ensuring fairness, accountability and transparency within the system. He said, “The Office provides an independent mechanism for addressing taxpayers’ rights, and promoting trust between tax authorities and citizens. We are here to listen to the grievances of taxpayers.”
According to him, past experiences have shown that taxpayers often feel powerless when confronted with disputes or perceived injustices from revenue agencies. The launch of this office is expected to serve as a bridge between tax authorities and Nigerians, aiming to restore confidence in government’s fiscal policies and procedures.
The development has been welcomed by several stakeholders who see it as a move that could improve voluntary compliance and reduce tension between individuals, businesses and tax officials. However, some analysts have cautioned that the real test will lie in how complaints are handled and whether outcomes will lead to meaningful change.
With its doors now open, the Office of the Tax Ombud is expected to receive complaints from aggrieved taxpayers nationwide. Experts say this could encourage more Nigerians to engage with the formal tax system, knowing there is now a channel for redress if they feel mistreated by authorities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/tax-ombud-will-address-unfair-treatment-of-taxpayers/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo State Authority Seizes Livestock Over Illegal Grazing in Iseyin LGA
Move follows farmers’ complaints of crop destruction as Rule of Law Enforcement intensifies clampdown on open grazing
Move follows farmers’ complaints of crop destruction as Rule of Law Enforcement intensifies clampdown on open grazing
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has confiscated livestock found grazing illegally in Apata Olomo, along Ado-Awaye Road, Iseyin Local Government Area (LGA), following a series of petitions from local farmers. The enforcement action was carried out on Thursday after farmers alleged that herders’ animals had encroached on farmlands, destroyed crops, and threatened their means of livelihood.
According to a statement issued by Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), Chairperson of OYRLEA, the operation was prompted by mounting complaints from the affected community. The enforcement team—led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojoomo and accompanied by Kofoworola Akinbode, Chief of Staff to the chairperson, as well as security personnel—visited the area to verify the allegations before impounding animals found in violation of state regulations.
Justice Aderemi explained that the team confirmed reports of open grazing contrary to Oyo State’s livestock management laws. She stated that such activities undermine local food security and threaten peace between farmers and herders in the region. “The enforcement operation was initiated following petitions received from farmers within the community, who alleged that the activities of some herders had led to the destruction of farmlands and the consumption of agricultural produce,” Aderemi said.
The crackdown forms part of wider efforts by Oyo State authorities to enforce legislation banning open grazing and promote sustainable livestock management. While affected herders were not immediately available for comment, OYRLEA reiterated its commitment to protecting agricultural livelihoods and maintaining order in rural communities.
Justice Aderemi emphasised that further operations would continue across Oyo State as at when necessary, urging all livestock owners to comply with relevant regulations or face similar sanctions. The authority also encouraged residents to report violations promptly for swift intervention.
Nigeria News (Standard)
258 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive Lagos Amid Xenophobia Fears
Returnees land at Murtala Muhammed Airport as federal government pledges support, following renewed attacks on foreigners
Returnees land at Murtala Muhammed Airport as federal government pledges support, following renewed attacks on foreigners
A total of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa touched down at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday, following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country. The returnees arrived as part of an emergency repatriation exercise coordinated by federal authorities in response to growing safety concerns for Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
According to officials involved in the operation, the evacuation was carried out after several reports of violence and harassment against Nigerians and other African migrants in major South African cities. The repatriated citizens were received by immigration and health officials on arrival, who conducted routine screening before facilitating their onward movement to temporary shelters arranged by government agencies.
Xenophobic incidents have persisted over the years in South Africa, with Nigerians among those frequently affected by targeted attacks. The latest evacuation comes as Nigerian authorities face mounting pressure to protect their nationals abroad and strengthen diplomatic engagement with the South African government. Families and advocacy groups had earlier called for urgent action, citing rising insecurity for Nigerians living in Johannesburg and other urban centres.
Officials said the government would provide immediate support to the returnees, including accommodation and counselling services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also reiterated its commitment to securing the welfare of Nigerians in diaspora. “We are working closely with our South African counterparts to ensure safety of all our citizens,” a representative stated during the reception ceremony.
Further evacuations may be considered if violence persists, government sources indicated, while urging South Africans and Nigerians alike to foster peaceful coexistence. Diplomatic discussions between both countries are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
XENOPHOBIA: Returnees receive N100,000 from MTN, N1m from Imo Govt
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Miss UNIJOS Queen’s Fiancé in Kaduna, Spark Security Concerns
Recent attack in Kaduna North-West leaves one dead; residents call for urgent government intervention to stem rising violence
Recent attack in Kaduna North-West leaves one dead; residents call for urgent government intervention to stem rising violence
A young man has been killed by bandits in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria, in an incident that has drawn renewed attention to the region’s persistent security challenges. The victim, identified as the fiancé of a reigning beauty queen from the University of Jos (UNIJOS), was reportedly shot dead during an attack on Thursday.
According to local sources, the attack occurred at night when armed men invaded a community in Kaduna. Eyewitnesses said the bandits opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the tragic death of the man who had recently become engaged to the Miss UNIJOS queen. The identity of the deceased has not been released by authorities as at press time.
The killing highlights ongoing security concerns across many parts of Kaduna State and neighbouring areas, where armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on residents, commuters and rural communities. Kidnappings for ransom and violent assaults remain a major challenge for state and federal security agencies, with victims often including students, civil servants and private citizens.
Security officials in Kaduna have yet to issue a formal statement on the latest incident. However, community leaders are urging both state government and law enforcement agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence operations in vulnerable areas. “We are pleading with government to act fast before more lives are lost,” one resident said.
The death of the UNIJOS queen’s fiancé has sparked widespread condolences online and among student communities in Plateau and Kaduna States. Many Nigerians are calling for stronger action from authorities to safeguard lives and property, as families continue to live under fear of further attacks.
Oyo State Authority Seizes Livestock Over Illegal Grazing in Iseyin LGA
258 Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Arrive Lagos Amid Xenophobia Fears
New York Honours Thierry Henry and Pele With Street Renaming Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Quinones Strikes Early as Mexico Edge Ahead of South Africa in 2026 World Cup Opener at Azteca
Bandits Kill Miss UNIJOS Queen’s Fiancé in Kaduna, Spark Security Concerns
House of Representatives Approves State Police Bill with 289 Votes Amid North-West Security Concerns
INEC Chair Declares Ekiti Governorship Election Will Set Standard for 2027 Polls’ Credibility
Jose Mourinho Returns as Real Madrid Head Coach — What This Shock Comeback Means for Los Blancos
Oyo Government Faces Backlash as Abducted School Victims Deny ₦1bn, Sharia Demands
Senate in Abuja Extends 2025 Federal Budget Implementation Timeline
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Chelsea Set for Blockbuster FA Cup Fifth Round as Manchester City Await at Stamford Bridge
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
