FG BEGINS GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN TO SELL TAX REFORMS TO NIGERIANS
The Federal Government is shifting gears on its ambitious tax reform agenda by taking the conversation directly to the people. In Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, senior presidential aide Abiodun Essiet led a community engagement session aimed at demystifying the controversial tax reform bill and garnering honest feedback from diverse local stakeholders.
Essiet, who is the President’s Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), explained that the reform is not just a technocratic exercise, but a people-centered attempt to simplify tax compliance, foster entrepreneurship, and ease the burden on low-income earners. Speaking to an audience of youths, business leaders, and religious heads, she highlighted the bill’s plan to eliminate multiple taxation — a major grievance for Nigerian businesses — while exempting individuals earning ₦800,000 or less annually from any income tax.
“This reform is bold and compassionate,” she said. “It is designed to give breathing space to small businesses and protect the vulnerable.”
Stakeholders were urged to treat the session not as a lecture but a dialogue. All contributions, Essiet assured, would be forwarded to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and other implementing agencies.
The community engagement strategy signals the Tinubu administration’s effort to build legitimacy and consensus around economic reforms that could otherwise spark resistance, especially in a country where mistrust in government policy is high. By prioritizing grassroots inclusion, the administration hopes to preempt political backlash and make a strong case for progressive taxation as a catalyst for job creation and enterprise growth.
FG ORDERS FULL PROBE INTO NSCDC OFFICERS IN EKITI OVER EXTORTION
The Federal Government has launched a full investigation into allegations that officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) extorted ₦5.2 million from a group of young men traveling from Ado-Ekiti to Akure.
The incident, which went viral on social media, has triggered widespread outrage. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered an immediate inquiry, vowing that justice will be served.
“We are building a disciplined paramilitary. Any officer found guilty will face the law. We will not tolerate misconduct,” the Minister said through his spokesperson.
The NSCDC, which operates under the Ministry of Interior, has recently faced scrutiny for unchecked behavior among its ranks. This incident risks further eroding public trust in security institutions. Tunji-Ojo’s swift response is an attempt to reassure Nigerians that the era of impunity is over and that internal accountability structures are now being taken seriously.
