Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 2nd December, 2024
1. After France Visit, President Tinubu Jets Out To South Africa
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, is set to travel to South Africa to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The President’s journey comes on the backheel of his recent state visit to France.
According to a statement on Sunday, December 1, by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader, would leave France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa.
He added that the presidential BNC, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.
During the visit, the two leaders will discuss topics bordering on political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments between Nigeria and South Africa.
2. What National Assembly Should Do About Tax Reform Bills – Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for objectivity and transparency in the conduct of the public hearing being organised by the National Assembly over the controversial Tax Reform Bills.
Naturenex reports that the proposed Tax Reform Bills by President Bola Tinubu have sparked widespread anger in Northern Nigeria, with regional groups and clerics demanding their suspension.
The four bills—Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.583), Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.584), Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 (SB.585), and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 (SB.586)—have already passed second reading in the Senate, despite mounting opposition.
The bills, presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, passed second reading on Thursday under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This came a day after Taiwo Oyedele, chairperson of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, appeared before the Senate to explain the bills’ objectives.
Reacting in a post on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku said transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making.
He called on the NASS to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council.
3. Abacha: ‘I Did Not Know You Wrote A Letter For My Release From Prison’ – Obasanjo Replies Gowon
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to a revelation by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), that he pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life during Abacha’s regime.
The Abacha government imprisoned Obasanjo over an alleged coup plot to overthrow the regime.
Over the weekend, at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South LGA, Gowon disclosed his behind-the-scenes efforts to save Obasanjo.
Gowon expressed joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal after spending three years in prison but also became Nigeria’s president in 1999, following Abacha’s death in June 1998.
In his reaction, Obasanjo acknowledged that many people had worked for his release then and said he made efforts to thank them afterwards. However, he was not aware of Gowon’s involvement.
4. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Backs Tinubu’s Tax Reforms, Says North Is Jittery Of Losing Illicit Gains
The Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared total support for the proposed tax reforms by President Bola Tinubu, adding that the proposals are in the interest of the Igbo nation.
The group, in a statement on Sunday by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said they declared support for the proposed tax reforms after a deep study of the contents and consultations with stakeholders.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the reforms will rejuvenate the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enhance the fortunes of Nigerian workers, and eliminate the scourge of double taxation.
The group also expressed concerns about the antagonism against the proposed reforms, alleging specifically that the Northern region is jittery of losing illicit gains if the bill is approved by the National Assembly.
Ohanaeze, therefore appealed to all southern federal lawmakers in the National Assembly to work together towards ensuring the tax reform bills are approved by the legislators.
The group added that the decision to support the tax reforms aligns with an earlier decision to ignore the planned protests against the policies of the Tinubu government.
5. Minimum Wage: Stop Deliberate Falsification, Baseless Lies – Obaseki Tackles Okpebholo, APC
Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has accused his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo of carrying out a feeble attempt at discrediting him (Obaseki), stressing that his plan is not only crumbling like a pack of cards but also exposing him as a shallow politician.
In a statement to Naija News on Sunday, Obaseki’s Media Adviser, Crusoe Osagie, stated that the attempt by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) acting chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman, accusing Obaseki of not implementing the N70,000 minimum wage is mischievous and utterly ridiculous.
He called on Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop resorting to deliberate falsification of facts, baseless allegations, lies, and skewed narratives to discredit the former governor.
Osagie said civil servants expect Governor Okpebholo to further increase the minimum wage to 100,000 monthly, considering that the inflation challenge has worsened since Obaseki last increased it to 70,000 monthly.
6. NAFDAC Denies Involvement In Sachet Water Crackdown In Lagos
A viral video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs at factories and public buses has created uncertainty, with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) denying involvement in the incident.
The agency stated on its social media platforms that the actions shown did not align with its enforcement protocols.
The agency clarified: “The videos circulating of individuals engaging in enforcement activities are NOT NAFDAC officials or part of our Investigation & Enforcement team.
“Furthermore, stopping vehicles to destroy products is unprofessional and does not align with any NAFDAC Standard Operating Procedure.”
7. Wike: ‘You Are Becoming A General In Politics’ – Jonathan Tells Fubara
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has admonished Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to remain strong despite the political challenges confronting him in the state.
Jonathan noted that the challenges Governor Fubara is facing at the moment, are part of the experiences that will turn him into a “General” in politics.
The former President made the submission amidst the political faceoff between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Jonathan charged Fubara to remain strong and committed to the people of Rivers State, adding that he may still face greater challenges in office as such happenings are not uncommon in the political landscape.
Naturenex reports the former President made the submission on Sunday at a chieftaincy installation ceremony in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also called on the people to continue to support Governor Fubara.
Jonathan however, appealed for stakeholders to allow peace to reign in Rivers as the state is central to happenings in the region and the entire country.
8. Subsidy Removal: I Am Aware Of the Consequences Of My Tough Decisions – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has stated that despite the hardship brought on by the removal of the oil subsidy, there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
He insisted that the removal of the oil subsidy was not to torment Nigerians but to save the country from collapse.
Tinubu stated this in his address at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology Akure Ondo State on Saturday.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole, the president said he took over power when the economy was nose-diving.
Stressing that the policy has been fruitful, Tinubu stated, “The macro-economy of our dear country is improving by the day and beyond expectations. The micro-economy, which directly affects our citizens, is also taking shape gradually with positive results. We are now graduating from consumption to production economy in every facet of our human endeavours. By the grace of the Almighty God, every household will experience a better life and have brighter hope for the future.”
9. Zulum Reveals Real Reason Behind Rejection Of Tinubu’s Tax Reform By Northern Governors
Governor Babagana Zulum has revealed that the northern Governors need more time for consultations on the tax reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The Borno State Governor explained that this is why they advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills.
Governor Zulum made the disclosure on Sunday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, adding that contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, the Governors are not against the administration of President Tinubu.
According to him, the north gave Tinubu over sixty percent of votes during the 2023 elections which is a clear indication of their support for him.
He, however maintained that he won’t withdraw his earlier statement on the proposed tax reforms in which he maintained that the bill will only be beneficial to Lagos State and would make other regions suffer.
10. Nigerian Govt Cracks Down On GTB, Air Peace, MTN Over Consumer Complaints
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.
The FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, disclosed the development via a statement on Sunday.
In the banking sector, the Commission disclosed that it will be investigating Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.
In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.
According to Ijagwu, the inquisitions, which will begin on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.
Also, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.
According to Ijagwu, the inquisitions, which will begin on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.
The Commission noted that these inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.
It added that its engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.
