Nigeria News (Standard)
Finance Ministry Dismisses New Fuel, Telecom Taxes Amid IMF Recommendations
Federal Government says VAT waiver on petroleum products and repeal of telecom excise duty remain in effect
Federal Government says VAT waiver on petroleum products and repeal of telecom excise duty remain in effect
The Federal Ministry of Finance on Tuesday in Abuja clarified that there will be no new taxes on fuel or telecommunications services, following public anxiety over recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report. The ministry assured Nigerians that the current VAT waiver on petroleum products remains active, and the excise duty on telecom services has already been repealed under the nation’s fiscal laws.
Concerns surfaced last week after the IMF advised Nigeria to broaden its tax base by extending Value Added Tax (VAT) to petrol and introducing an excise levy on telecoms. The recommendations, contained in the Fund’s annual review of Nigeria’s economy, sparked debate about possible increases in fuel pump prices and network service charges at a time when cost of living pressures are mounting nationwide.
However, the Ministry of Finance stated in an official release that policy decisions on taxation rest solely with government and must follow constitutional and legislative procedures. “The recommendations contained in the IMF Article IV Consultation Report are advisory and not binding. They do not automatically translate into government policy or fiscal measures,” the ministry said. It further explained that although existing law allows for a potential fuel surcharge, such a measure would require a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette—a process not currently underway. On telecommunications, officials stressed that any proposed 5% excise duty had already been revoked under recent tax reforms.
Rather than introducing new levies, government said it is focusing on improving tax administration, boosting compliance and plugging leakages to increase revenue collection without burdening ordinary Nigerians. The ministry pledged that any future changes to tax policy would be communicated transparently through official channels and enacted only according to due process.
The clarification comes as many Nigerians worry about rising household expenses driven by high petrol prices—now above ₦1,500 per litre—and elevated costs for basic services. Labour groups have previously warned that additional taxes could worsen hardship for millions. While opposition leaders did not immediately comment on Tuesday’s announcement, analysts say clear communication from government will be crucial to avoid panic buying or speculation in key sectors. The Federal Ministry of Finance reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers while ensuring fiscal stability.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/fg-denies-new-taxes-fuel-telecom-nigeria-2026061813380322269
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Senate President David Mark Presents ADC Flag to Bejide in Ekiti Ahead of Governorship Election
Former Senate leader urges party supporters to mobilise for Bejide as ADC intensifies campaign in South-West state
Former Senate leader urges party supporters to mobilise for Bejide as ADC intensifies campaign in South-West state
Former Senate President David Mark has presented the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) flag to Wale Bejide, the party’s governorship candidate in Ekiti State, as part of efforts to rally support ahead of the upcoming election. The event took place in Ekiti on Thursday, marking a key moment in the ADC’s campaign push for the South-West state.
The flag presentation ceremony drew party faithful and supporters who gathered to witness Mark’s endorsement of Bejide as ADC’s standard-bearer. The former Senate president called on members and stakeholders to intensify mobilisation across all local government areas, stressing the importance of unity within the party ranks as election day approaches.
With Ekiti’s governorship election drawing closer, political parties have been stepping up their activities. The ADC hopes that Mark’s involvement will boost Bejide’s profile and energise the base, as the party seeks to challenge dominant players like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Historically, Ekiti elections have been tightly contested among major parties, making every endorsement significant for candidates outside APC and PDP.
Although Mark did not address specific policy issues at the event, his presence was seen by observers as a signal of growing support for Bejide within national opposition circles. Party leaders expressed optimism that increased grassroots engagement would improve their chances at the polls. The APC and PDP did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding ADC’s mobilisation strategy.
As campaigns intensify, attention is now focused on how effectively each party can turn out voters across Ekiti State’s sixteen local government areas. Analysts say endorsements from high-profile figures may play a role in shaping public perception ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested race.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna Appeal Court Dismisses Sha’aban’s Attempt to Stop Auction of Properties Over Loan Dispute
Judges uphold lower court order for auction to settle debt owed to Abdullahi; ex-lawmaker’s counsel cites missed timelines
Judges uphold lower court order for auction to settle debt owed to Abdullahi; ex-lawmaker’s counsel cites missed timelines
The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has rejected an application by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Sani Sha’aban, seeking to halt the auction of his properties following a loan dispute. The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, after Sha’aban’s legal team asked the appellate court to stay the execution of a Kaduna State High Court judgement ordering the sale of specific assets.
According to court proceedings, counsel to Sha’aban, Halima Fumilola Olodo, requested both a stay of execution and an extension of time to challenge the original judgement. She argued that her client should be allowed more time to repay the outstanding debt rather than have his assets auctioned immediately. The debt in question is owed to Alhaji Umar Faruk Abdullahi and stems from an alleged breach of a loan agreement.
The respondent’s counsel, Abdullahi Yahya (SAN), countered that Sha’aban had failed to comply with procedural rules governing appeal filings. Yahya also told the court that the appellant did not obey previous directives from the High Court regarding deadlines for repayment of the debt. He maintained that these failures made Sha’aban’s application unsustainable under Nigerian law.
After listening to both parties, the panel of justices upheld the position of Abdullahi’s counsel and ruled against granting a stay or extension. The judgement effectively clears the way for Abdullahi to proceed with auctioning Sha’aban’s properties in accordance with the earlier High Court order.
Legal analysts say this decision underscores the importance of adhering strictly to court procedures and timelines in debt recovery cases across Nigeria. The outcome could influence other ongoing property disputes involving high-profile individuals in Kaduna State and beyond.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/appeal-court-rejects-shaabans-bid-to-halt-property-auction/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Aregbesola Dismisses Tinubu Support Song, Backs ADC for Victory in Ekiti Governorship Race
Former minister says President Tinubu’s campaign tune is ‘obsolete’, expresses confidence in ADC’s prospects for 2026 poll
Former minister says President Tinubu’s campaign tune is ‘obsolete’, expresses confidence in ADC’s prospects for 2026 poll
Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed strong optimism about the chances of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, while dismissing a recent campaign song supporting President Bola Tinubu as outdated. Aregbesola made these remarks in Ekiti on Thursday, June 18, during a meeting with party supporters and stakeholders ahead of the state’s critical poll.
Aregbesola told ADC members that the party is well-positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other major parties in Ekiti State come 2026. He argued that the political landscape has shifted significantly since the last election, and urged party loyalists to remain united and focused on grassroots mobilisation. “The era when songs or slogans alone determined victory is gone. What we need now is real engagement with the people,” Aregbesola said.
His comments followed a widely circulated support song praising President Tinubu and his administration, which some APC stalwarts had used to rally voters. Aregbesola dismissed this approach as ‘obsolete,’ insisting that voters now demand substance over rhetoric. The former minister maintained that ADC’s message would resonate more with ordinary citizens seeking change from established political blocs.
Aregbesola further called on ADC members to intensify their efforts in reaching out to communities across all sixteen local government areas of Ekiti State. He emphasised unity among party ranks as key to breaking what he described as “the dominance of old parties” in the South-West zone.
With campaign activities expected to intensify in the coming months, political observers say Aregbesola’s open support for ADC could reshape alliances ahead of the 2026 governorship race. As at press time, APC officials had not responded publicly to his comments.
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