Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Defend Democracy on June 12, Marks Democracy Day in Abuja
President calls for unity and vigilance, highlights sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes during nationwide address commemorating June 12
President calls for unity and vigilance, highlights sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes during nationwide address commemorating June 12
President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to uphold the nation’s democratic values and remain vigilant against threats to freedom, as the country marked Democracy Day in Abuja and across all states. The president delivered his address on June 12, a date set aside to honour Nigeria’s return to civilian rule and the memory of pro-democracy activists.
The president’s message was broadcast nationwide from the Presidential Villa, urging citizens to defend the democratic system hard-won through years of struggle. He emphasised that June 12 symbolises not only the victory of democracy but also the sacrifices made by countless Nigerians for justice and free choice at the ballot box.
June 12 was officially recognised as Democracy Day in 2018, replacing May 29, in honour of late Chief MKO Abiola and other democracy advocates. The day holds particular significance for many Nigerians who recall the annulled presidential election of 1993 and subsequent agitation for civilian rule. President Tinubu acknowledged these historical struggles and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
In his speech, Tinubu said: “We must never take our democracy for granted. The price paid by our heroes—many of whom lost their lives or liberty—reminds us that we have a duty to preserve these freedoms for future generations.” He called on citizens across party lines and regions to set aside differences in pursuit of national unity and progress.
As part of the commemorative activities, government offices in Abuja observed a public holiday, with civil society groups holding events in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and other cities. Security agencies were deployed to ensure peaceful observance nationwide. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the president’s address.
With persistent challenges facing Nigeria—including insecurity, economic hardship and political divisions—analysts say this year’s Democracy Day speech places renewed focus on national reconciliation and the responsibility of both leaders and citizens to guard against anti-democratic tendencies.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Rights Groups Demand Tougher Sanctions After General Rabe Dies in Kidnappers’ Custody in Kaduna
NCAMKI calls for urgent arrest and prosecution as incident highlights worsening insecurity across North-West Nigeria
NCAMKI calls for urgent arrest and prosecution as incident highlights worsening insecurity across North-West Nigeria
Human rights organisations have intensified calls for stricter punishment against kidnappers following the death of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe while in captivity in Kaduna State. The incident, which occurred after several weeks of abduction, has reignited concerns over the persistent threat of violent crimes in the North-West.
According to the National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI), General Rabe’s death represents not just a personal tragedy but a national setback that questions the security of all citizens. In a statement released on Saturday, NCAMKI described the development as another painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening security challenges. “If a senior military officer can be abducted and die in custody, then every Nigerian is at risk,” the group said.
The organisation further noted that farmers, traders, students, workers, women, children and the elderly are now living with constant fear due to the daily realities of kidnapping and violent attacks. Rights groups argued that the situation has become intolerable and called on security agencies to intensify efforts towards dismantling kidnap syndicates operating within Kaduna and neighbouring states.
NCAMKI insisted that no Nigerian should have to live under threat of abduction or violence. The coalition urged government to prioritise swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for General Rabe’s death as well as other perpetrators involved in similar crimes. “A country where citizens are not safe cannot progress,” NCAMKI stated.
Stakeholders believe this latest incident could prompt renewed pressure on government and security agencies to review current counter-kidnapping strategies. As at press time, there was no official response from Kaduna State Police Command regarding progress on investigations into General Rabe’s abduction and subsequent death.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Commissioner Omosehin Urges Nigerian Insurers to Target 500 Million Mobile Users After Cairo AIO Summit
Industry leaders say digital adoption and new regulatory reforms could unlock multi-billion-dollar insurance growth across Nigeria and Africa
Industry leaders say digital adoption and new regulatory reforms could unlock multi-billion-dollar insurance growth across Nigeria and Africa
The Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Omosehin, has called on Nigerian insurers to leverage Africa’s 500 million mobile phone subscribers as a pathway to deepening insurance penetration and boosting premium income. He made this call on Monday during the 52nd African Insurance Organisation (AIO) Conference and Annual General Assembly held in Cairo, Egypt.
Industry experts at the Cairo summit noted that the event offered a clear roadmap for operators seeking renewed growth in Nigeria’s insurance sector, which has long struggled with low uptake. They pointed out that the recent implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 has created a more enabling regulatory environment, making it easier for companies to expand their reach through digital platforms.
Omosehin, while addressing participants at the conference, argued that Africa’s low insurance penetration should be seen as a significant business opportunity rather than a weakness. He cited an existing insurance premium pool of about $68 billion across the continent, emphasising that Nigeria stands to benefit greatly if insurers harness technology and mobile connectivity.
“Digital adoption is now key to our industry’s future. With over 500 million mobile users in Africa, insurers must move quickly to provide affordable, accessible products,” Omosehin said. Industry executives at the event identified weak distribution channels and limited consumer awareness as major challenges but expressed optimism that reforms like NIIRA 2025 would help address these barriers.
The conference concluded with a consensus among stakeholders that accelerating digital transformation and leveraging mobile technology would drive new growth for Nigerian insurers. Participants said they expect stronger collaboration between regulators and operators going forward, as well as targeted campaigns aimed at informal sector workers who remain largely uninsured.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Telecom Subscribers Reject IMF Call for New Taxes on Calls and Fuel
NATCOMs President Ogunbanjo says sector faces over 40 levies as IMF urges VAT extension to petrol, diesel
NATCOMs President Ogunbanjo says sector faces over 40 levies as IMF urges VAT extension to petrol, diesel
Telecom subscribers in Lagos have strongly rejected a recommendation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for government to introduce new excise duties on telecommunications services and extend value-added tax (VAT) to fuel products. The pushback came on Friday, following the IMF’s recent Article IV report on Nigeria’s fiscal reforms.
According to the IMF, Nigeria needs further tax policy measures in the medium term to generate revenue for development and social programmes, warning that current capital spending may not be sustainable without boosting government income. The proposed reforms include imposing excise taxes on calls and data as well as applying VAT to petrol and diesel sales.
However, President of the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMs), Deolu Ogunbanjo, criticised the advice during a phone interview. He argued that the telecoms sector is already overburdened by what he described as more than 40 different types of taxes and levies nationwide. Ogunbanjo stated: “The IMF does not understand the level of taxation in our sector. Introducing fresh taxes will only discourage investment and make life harder for ordinary Nigerians.”
Ogunbanjo urged government to consider reducing existing telecom levies rather than adding new ones, warning that higher costs could be passed on to subscribers through increased call tariffs or data prices. He also noted that any extension of VAT to fuel would further strain households already dealing with high inflation and rising transport costs.
While the IMF maintains that stronger revenue mobilisation is key for Nigeria’s economic stability, industry stakeholders insist that adding more taxes will worsen hardship for consumers and undermine growth in digital and energy sectors. Government has not issued an official response to the recommendations as at press time.
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