Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Engages Banks to Boost Revenue Collection via Digital Platform
Finance ministry seeks banking sector collaboration for improved tax compliance and transparency in federal remittances
Finance ministry seeks banking sector collaboration for improved tax compliance and transparency in federal remittances
The Federal Government has called on commercial banks across Nigeria to support its efforts at strengthening revenue collection through a digital platform, as part of ongoing reforms to enhance fiscal transparency. The move was disclosed in Abuja on Friday, June 19, by officials from the Ministry of Finance, who stressed the need for effective collaboration with the banking sector.
According to the ministry, integrating banks into the digital revenue collection system will help reduce leakages and promote real-time tracking of payments made by individuals and businesses into government accounts. The initiative is expected to address longstanding concerns around accountability in federal revenue mobilisation and ensure that more funds are available for public services.
Revenue collection has remained a critical challenge for successive administrations in Nigeria, with experts blaming inefficient processes and cash-based transactions for significant losses to the national purse. The push for a fully digital system is part of broader economic reforms aimed at improving non-oil revenue amid fluctuating crude oil prices and persistent budget deficits.
A finance ministry spokesperson said the new digital approach would “bring greater efficiency and transparency” to how government funds are collected. The official urged banks to leverage their existing infrastructure to support seamless adoption of electronic channels. Bank representatives present at the meeting welcomed the proposal but highlighted the need for further engagement on technical requirements and security measures.
With this renewed focus on technology-driven revenue collection, government aims to improve tax compliance rates and curb underreporting by businesses. The finance ministry is expected to roll out pilot programmes in select states before expanding nationwide, while ongoing discussions with stakeholders will continue over coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti NSCDC Deploys 5,500 Officers Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election, Warns Against Partisanship
Security agency cautions personnel on neutrality as Ekiti State prepares for high-stakes poll in South-West zone
Security agency cautions personnel on neutrality as Ekiti State prepares for high-stakes poll in South-West zone
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed a total of 5,500 personnel across Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming 2026 governorship election. The deployment, which was announced on Friday, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process throughout the South-West state.
According to the NSCDC, officers have been strategically stationed in all local government areas to provide security at polling units, collation centres, and other critical locations. The agency also emphasised that its operatives are under strict instructions to maintain professionalism and avoid any form of partisanship or involvement in political activities during the exercise.
The move comes amid growing concerns about electoral violence and allegations of bias by security agencies in previous elections. Stakeholders in Ekiti have repeatedly called for credible and transparent polls, while political parties continue to mobilise support across the state ahead of the contest.
The NSCDC noted that any officer found engaging in partisan acts or collaborating with politicians would face disciplinary measures. “We will not tolerate any compromise from our personnel; our mandate is to safeguard lives, property, and the integrity of the electoral process,” an official statement from the Corps read.
With Ekiti’s governorship race typically attracting significant attention from both national parties and local power brokers, observers say the level of security presence may help to deter disruptions on election day. The NSCDC said it will continue to monitor developments closely as preparations intensify towards the polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Jails Bandit Leader’s Mother, Sister for 40 Years Each Over Terrorism Support
Federal High Court rules against relatives of Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo as government intensifies mass trial of terrorism suspects nationwide
Federal High Court rules against relatives of Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo as government intensifies mass trial of terrorism suspects nationwide
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister of notorious bandit leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to 40 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks aiding insecurity across Nigeria.
According to court proceedings, both women were convicted for aiding Battujo’s terrorist activities by sharing sensitive information with him through phone calls and failing to report his operations to law enforcement agencies. Justice Hauwa Yilwa stated that their actions violated Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates strict penalties for anyone found supporting or concealing terrorist activity.
The conviction comes amid a broader crackdown by the Federal Government targeting not just armed groups but also those who provide logistical, financial or informational support. In recent months, courts have handed down prison sentences ranging from 20 to 40 years to several individuals accused of assisting terrorist organisations. Some have received death sentences for more severe offences such as arms trafficking and direct involvement in attacks.
Security agencies welcomed the judgment, describing it as a warning to those who help sustain criminal operations regardless of family ties. “This ruling sends a strong message that no one is above the law when it comes to terrorism,” said a senior security official in Abuja who spoke on condition of anonymity. The government has indicated that prosecutions will continue until all collaborators are brought to justice.
With over 500 suspects currently facing trial in what officials describe as Nigeria’s largest counter-terrorism prosecution exercise, authorities say they are determined to ensure accountability and deter would-be accomplices. The conviction of Battujo’s relatives is seen as reinforcing government’s resolve that anyone found aiding terrorist networks will face severe consequences, regardless of their relationship with the perpetrators.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Ex-Governors Endorse Oyebanji for 2026, Boosting Second Term Ambition
Political heavyweights in Ekiti rally behind APC incumbent, as opposition strategises for upcoming governorship election
Political heavyweights in Ekiti rally behind APC incumbent, as opposition strategises for upcoming governorship election
Former Governors of Ekiti State have publicly endorsed incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, setting the stage for a heated contest ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The endorsements, which came during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, signal increased backing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and could influence voter sentiment across the South-West state.
The event saw major APC stalwarts and key political actors pledging support for Oyebanji, as party leaders emphasised unity and continuity. Although details of the meeting’s resolutions were not disclosed, observers noted that open support from former governors could sway undecided party members and neutral voters. However, some party insiders cautioned that endorsements alone may not guarantee victory, citing the state’s history of competitive elections.
Ekiti has often witnessed intense political rivalry between APC and opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With the next poll approaching, analysts say Oyebanji’s endorsement by his predecessors may strengthen his campaign machinery but will also attract heightened scrutiny from both aggrieved APC factions and PDP strategists preparing their own candidates. The last governorship election in Ekiti was closely contested, reflecting deep political divisions within the state.
In response to the endorsements, some opposition figures insisted that only performance and popular support can secure electoral success. “What matters is not just who is backing you but what you have done for Ekiti people,” one PDP chieftain said. APC officials maintained that continuity would allow ongoing programmes to reach completion, while opposition voices called for greater focus on governance outcomes rather than political alliances.
As party primaries draw near, all eyes are on how Oyebanji will consolidate his base amid changing alliances. Political observers predict a lively campaign season with high stakes for all sides. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release detailed guidelines for the 2026 election.
Ekiti NSCDC Deploys 5,500 Officers Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election, Warns Against Partisanship
Abuja Court Jails Bandit Leader’s Mother, Sister for 40 Years Each Over Terrorism Support
Ekiti Ex-Governors Endorse Oyebanji for 2026, Boosting Second Term Ambition
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