Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Lawyer Flags Regulatory Gaps in Nigeria’s Surrogacy Practice, Calls for Urgent Reform
Legal expert warns lack of clear guidelines exposes intended parents and surrogate mothers to disputes, urges lawmakers’ intervention
Legal expert warns lack of clear guidelines exposes intended parents and surrogate mothers to disputes, urges lawmakers’ intervention
A legal practitioner in Lagos has raised alarm over the absence of comprehensive regulations guiding surrogacy arrangements in Nigeria, warning that the current legal vacuum exposes both surrogate mothers and intended parents to significant risks. The concern was expressed on Friday, 26 June, during a public discussion on reproductive rights held in Lagos.
According to the lawyer, while surrogacy is increasingly sought after by Nigerian couples facing infertility challenges, the practice remains largely unregulated by existing national laws or health sector policies. This gap, the expert argued, leaves room for potential exploitation, misunderstandings, and protracted disputes over parental rights. “There are many families turning to surrogacy as an option but without proper legislation or oversight, everyone involved is vulnerable to legal and emotional hardship,” the lawyer stated.
The growing popularity of assisted reproduction methods in urban centres like Lagos and Abuja has highlighted the need for clearer frameworks. In the absence of a dedicated law, parties must rely on informal agreements or court interventions when disagreements arise—an approach experts say is inadequate and can lead to conflicting outcomes. Many Nigerians are unaware of their rights or obligations under such arrangements due to the lack of public information and official guidance.
The legal practitioner urged federal lawmakers and regulatory bodies to prioritise drafting a comprehensive surrogacy law that defines roles, responsibilities, and protections for all parties involved. “If Parliament does not act quickly, more families will suffer unnecessary trauma from avoidable legal battles,” the lawyer emphasised. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have echoed these calls in recent months as cases involving contested parental rights become more common.
As at now, there is no clear timeline for legislative action on surrogacy regulation at the National Assembly. Observers say without urgent reform, Nigeria risks falling behind other African countries that have already established legal frameworks to protect families pursuing assisted reproduction.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN, Trade Ministry Outline AfCFTA Reforms at Lagos Citibank Forum
Officials highlight Nigeria’s strategy to boost regional trade and address business barriers under AfCFTA framework
Officials highlight Nigeria’s strategy to boost regional trade and address business barriers under AfCFTA framework
Senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have presented fresh perspectives on Nigeria’s trade reforms under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement during a stakeholders’ forum hosted by Citibank in Lagos on Friday, 26 June 2026.
The event brought together financial sector leaders and government representatives to discuss ongoing regulatory changes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position in intra-African trade. According to presentations delivered at the forum, both CBN and the ministry are prioritising policies that encourage Nigerian businesses to tap into AfCFTA’s expanded market access, while also addressing long-standing challenges such as cross-border payment systems and non-tariff barriers.
The discussions come at a time when many Nigerian manufacturers and exporters are seeking clarity on how new trade protocols will affect their operations. Stakeholders emphasised that effective implementation of AfCFTA could unlock significant economic opportunities for local firms, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors. Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that regulatory reforms align with the realities faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs.
“Government is committed to reducing bottlenecks and supporting businesses so they can compete favourably across Africa,” an official from the trade ministry said during the session. Representatives of Citibank added that banking sector innovation would be key to easing transactions under the new regime. Some participants, however, noted concerns over customs procedures and infrastructure gaps that may limit Nigeria’s competitiveness if left unaddressed.
As discussions continue between regulators and industry players, authorities say further policy guidelines will be issued in coming months to support seamless participation of Nigerian businesses under AfCFTA. The outcome of these reforms is expected to shape Nigeria’s export drive and regional economic integration in years ahead.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Finance Minister Oyedele Backs Expansion of Nigeria’s Tax Net Over Rate Hike in Abuja Meeting
Minister urges Chartered Institute of Taxation to intensify public awareness as government targets more eligible taxpayers
Minister urges Chartered Institute of Taxation to intensify public awareness as government targets more eligible taxpayers
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has reiterated that government is focused on expanding the country’s tax net rather than raising tax rates, as part of ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at boosting revenue. Oyedele made this position clear on Thursday during a meeting with leadership of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Oyedele stated that government’s priority is to bring more eligible Nigerians and businesses into the formal tax system to ensure fairness and improve funding for public services. He emphasised that increasing tax rates was not under consideration, noting that those already complying should not be burdened further. “It is not about increasing taxes but making sure that those who are supposed to pay taxes do so. We want to promote fairness in tax administration,” the minister said.
Oyedele highlighted that despite several reforms over the years, Nigeria still struggles with low tax revenue collection, limiting funds available for critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He pointed out that a significant number of eligible taxpayers remain outside the tax bracket, which constrains economic development efforts. According to Oyedele, “We are still not getting enough revenue from taxes,” urging a shift towards broadening compliance rather than imposing higher levies.
The minister commended CITN for launching a National Tax Awareness Day and supporting government reforms. He called on the institute to step up public enlightenment campaigns to address misconceptions about taxation among Nigerians. Oyedele stressed that many citizens continue to see taxation merely as a means for government to collect money, rather than a tool for national development.
Additionally, Oyedele challenged CITN to establish annual awards recognising individuals and organisations who demonstrate exemplary tax compliance. He believes such recognition would encourage voluntary compliance across the country and help build trust in the system. The Federal Government has consistently maintained that its current reform agenda seeks to simplify Nigeria’s tax structure by reducing multiple taxation and improving administration while broadening participation, instead of raising rates for those already paying.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Port Harcourt’s Beekay Bassey Champions Afro Soul, Advocates Hope Through Live Music
Emerging singer credits city’s insecurity for shaping his sound, calls for deeper recognition of soul genre in Nigeria
Emerging singer credits city’s insecurity for shaping his sound, calls for deeper recognition of soul genre in Nigeria
Beekay Bassey, a fast-rising Afro soul musician from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has highlighted how growing up amid insecurity in the city influenced his passion for music and commitment to spreading hope. Speaking on Wednesday, Bassey described choir rehearsals as a safe haven during tense periods, which eventually inspired him to pursue a career rooted in soul and live performance.
According to the singer-songwriter, Port Harcourt’s environment played a crucial role in shaping his artistic journey. He explained that music served as both an escape and a tool for self-expression during challenging times. “Music became a kind of rescue for me,” Bassey said, reflecting on his formative years. He noted that the experience fuelled his drive to deliver messages of hope and resilience through every performance.
The Nigerian music scene has long been dominated by pop and adjacent genres, often pushing soul musicians to the background. However, Bassey believes there is growing space for artists who prioritise depth and authenticity. “There are still troubadours making a case for the genre with profound releases,” he stated, urging more support for live music platforms and opportunities for emerging talents.
Industry watchers say Bassey’s emergence signals renewed interest in Afro soul at a time when many young Nigerians are seeking more meaningful musical experiences. Some stakeholders have called on event organisers and promoters to invest in live showcases that highlight diverse genres beyond mainstream hits.
As Beekay Bassey continues to perform across major cities, he remains focused on using his craft to uplift audiences. “My goal is to spread hope with every song,” he said. Observers expect his advocacy will encourage both listeners and industry players to embrace the healing power of soul music within Nigeria’s evolving cultural landscape.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/beekay-basseyon-afro-soul-live-music-and-spreading-hope-with-soul/
CBN, Trade Ministry Outline AfCFTA Reforms at Lagos Citibank Forum
Finance Minister Oyedele Backs Expansion of Nigeria’s Tax Net Over Rate Hike in Abuja Meeting
Port Harcourt’s Beekay Bassey Champions Afro Soul, Advocates Hope Through Live Music
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