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Nigeria News (Standard)

House of Representatives Debates State Police, Minority Leadership Amid Public Safety Concerns in Abuja

Lawmakers clash over decentralised policing, as calls for improved security and new minority leadership shape legislative agenda

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Lawmakers clash over decentralised policing, as calls for improved security and new minority leadership shape legislative agenda

The House of Representatives in Abuja on Monday placed the issues of state police, minority leadership tussle, and public safety at the forefront of its deliberations, reflecting heightened concerns over insecurity and governance reforms nationwide. The session witnessed robust debates as lawmakers from different geopolitical zones argued the merits and challenges of decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure.

Debate on the establishment of state police dominated the floor, with several members highlighting rising insecurity in states such as Zamfara, Benue, and Plateau. Proponents argued that local police would respond faster to threats, while opponents warned about possible abuse by state governments. The discussion followed recent attacks in North-Central communities and renewed calls from state governors for more autonomy in law enforcement.

The push for state police comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria. With kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence on the rise, many Nigerians are demanding a system that allows states to tailor security solutions to their unique problems. The House’s consideration of this proposal signals growing momentum for constitutional amendments that could reshape Nigeria’s policing model.

On minority leadership, tensions surfaced within opposition benches as factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) contested nominations for key positions. Lawmakers stressed the importance of inclusive representation to maintain legislative balance. “We must ensure that every region has a voice in this chamber,” one PDP member said during Monday’s plenary.

The House is expected to set up an ad hoc committee to further review the state police bill before it proceeds to a second reading. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged lawmakers to prioritise transparency and national interest above party divisions as legislative sessions continue this week.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887753-nass-roundup-state-police-minority-leadership-public-safety-others-top-stories-from-the-house-of-reps.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Simy Nwankwo Returns to Nigeria After Prolific Season in Saudi Arabia

Super Eagles striker set for homecoming following impressive goal-scoring run in Saudi Pro League

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June 15, 2026

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Super Eagles striker set for homecoming following impressive goal-scoring run in Saudi Pro League

Super Eagles forward Simy Nwankwo is expected back in Nigeria after a successful football season in Saudi Arabia, sources confirmed on Monday. The striker, who has been plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, is returning home following a campaign marked by remarkable scoring form.

Nwankwo’s return comes after completing his commitments with his Saudi club, where he registered a standout performance throughout the just-concluded season. While details of his next move remain unannounced, his arrival in Nigeria has generated anticipation among local fans and observers of the national team.

The experienced striker has been a regular feature for the Super Eagles, contributing to Nigeria’s recent international fixtures. His prolific run abroad underlines the growing impact of Nigerian players in Middle Eastern leagues, a trend that continues to draw attention from football stakeholders at home and abroad.

Though neither Nwankwo nor officials from the Nigeria Football Federation have issued a formal statement regarding his return or future plans, expectations are high that he may be involved in upcoming national assignments. Supporters hope his form will boost the Super Eagles’ attacking options ahead of continental qualifiers and major tournaments.

Nwankwo’s homecoming is seen as an opportunity for both player and country to reassess prospects as he remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent strikers on the international scene.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/887776-nigerian-international-simy-nwankwo-set-for-homecoming-after-prolific-saudi-season.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Rivers Police Begin Statewide Clampdown on Vehicles With Obscured Number Plates

Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

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June 15, 2026

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Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a major enforcement operation against vehicles with covered, defaced, unauthorised or missing number plates across the state, effective Monday, 15 June 2026. The crackdown follows a directive from Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at curbing criminal activities by ensuring all vehicles on public roads are easily identifiable.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the operation is being coordinated by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. All Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Rivers have been directed to begin immediate implementation of the order. The police warned that vehicles found with covered or non-standard number plates risk being impounded and their owners prosecuted under existing laws.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the use of obscured number plates by individuals seeking to evade law enforcement or engage in unlawful acts within Rivers State and neighbouring South-South states. Authorities believe that proper vehicle identification is essential for effective policing and crime prevention in the region.

“This exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve security surveillance and deny criminals opportunity to conceal their identities while operating,” Kaborlo said in the statement. The command stressed that no vehicle would be exempted from the checks, and called on residents to cooperate with officers during the period of heightened enforcement.

The police assured that normal traffic flow would be maintained as much as possible, but urged motorists to regularise their vehicle documentation immediately. As at press time, opposition parties and civil society groups had not issued formal statements on the measure.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rivers-police-launch-crackdown-on-obscured-number-plates/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

IMF Urges Abuja to Extend VAT to Petrol, Propose Telecom Tax Amid Rising Inflation

Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

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16 minutes ago

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June 15, 2026

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Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of measures to boost revenue, according to its latest economic assessment released this week. The proposals, which include extending Value Added Tax (VAT) to petrol and imposing excise duties on mobile calls and data, have sparked debate nationwide as at Friday.

According to the IMF’s report, Nigeria’s government revenue remains among the lowest globally relative to GDP. The global lender recommended several steps: applying VAT on petrol and other petroleum products, introducing excise taxes on telecom services such as calls and data, gradually increasing VAT rates over time, and reducing certain tax exemptions and customs waivers. The IMF said these measures would help fund critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education while reducing government borrowing.

The recommendations come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with high inflation, rising food prices, and reduced purchasing power following the removal of fuel subsidy and recent currency reforms. Any new tax on fuel is expected to drive up transportation costs for both commuters and businesses across states like Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and beyond. Experts warn this could lead to a further spike in prices of essential goods due to higher logistics costs.

Millions also depend on mobile phones for communication, business, and education. Additional excise duties on telecom services could increase the cost of airtime, voice calls, SMS, and data plans—an issue that has drawn concern from civil society groups and economists alike. Dr. Aisha Yusuf of the Nigerian Economic Society said during a phone interview that “any new tax regime must consider the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens before implementation.” As at Friday evening, the Federal Ministry of Finance had not issued an official statement on whether it would adopt any of the IMF’s advice.

While the IMF recommendations remain non-binding advice for now—the final decision rests with the Federal Government and National Assembly—public debate continues amid fears that such measures may worsen living conditions for many Nigerians already affected by economic reforms. Whether policymakers will adopt all or part of these proposals remains uncertain.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-nigeria-tax-recommendations-fuel-telecom-2026061511165832725

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