Good morning, Nigeria, and welcome to the Naturenex summary of the top headlines making waves across the country this Friday, 9th May, 2025.
1. Senate Approves All Of President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Proposals
On Thursday, the Senate concluded its consideration of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, approving all that had been submitted for legislative processing. It’s worth noting that two out of four bills received approval on Wednesday, with the remaining two passed the following day.
According to Naturenex, the next step involves harmonizing the versions from both the Senate and the House of Representatives before presenting them to President Tinubu for assent. The four executive proposals aim to restructure Nigeria’s tax framework and include the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and Nigeria Tax Bill.
2. US Elects First-Ever American Pope
History was made on Thursday evening as the Catholic Church elected its 267th leader, succeeding the late Pope Francis. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the selection of a new pontiff on the second day of deliberations.
As reported by Naturenex, during the papal conclave, cardinals remained secluded without external contact as they voted for the new global head of the church’s 1.4 billion faithful. The announcement came from Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, a 73-year-old Moroccan-born Frenchman.
Mamberti declared, “I announce to you a great joy, We have a Pope. The most eminent and the reverend Robert Francis.” Cardinal Robert Prevost now assumes the papacy, adopting the title “Pope Leo XIV.”
3. INEC Disclaims Reports Of Reinstating Labour Party And PDP Officials
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied confirming any individuals as the recognized leaders of the Labour Party (LP) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid ongoing party leadership disputes.
A report from Naturenex highlighted that INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, released a statement on Thursday clarifying that no official recognition had been granted to Julius Abure or Umar Farouk Ibrahim as LP’s National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, nor to Samuel Anyanwu as PDP’s National Secretary.
Oyekanmi explained that names appearing on INEC’s website predated the recent Supreme Court verdict, and the commission is still reviewing the implications of that ruling.
4. Akpabio To Obi: Fix Labour Party Crisis Before Tackling National Issues
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, to address internal crises within his party before commenting on broader national matters.
In response to Obi’s lament about how “the labour of our heroes past is all in vain” during a memorial event for Edwin Clark, Akpabio questioned how Obi could resolve challenges like Boko Haram if he cannot settle issues within his own party.
Speaking at a valedictory session, Akpabio emphasized the double-edged nature of social media and called on politicians to manage party affairs responsibly before focusing on national debates.
5. Nigeria Clears Its IMF Debt, Presidency Confirms
Nigeria has officially cleared its outstanding debt obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), removing the country from the list of the fund’s debtor nations.
As noted by Naturenex, by January 2025, Nigeria had reduced its IMF debt from $1.61 billion in 2023 to $472 million. As of May 2025, it has fully repaid its obligations.
O’tega Ogra, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement and Strategy, confirmed this development on 𝕏, describing it as a testament to financial discipline and reforms by the current administration.
6. FG Explains Delay In Extraditing Simon Ekpa
The Federal Government has disclosed the reasons behind the delayed extradition of Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland. According to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Ekpa’s alleged offenses breach both Finnish and Nigerian laws.
In a statement cited by Naturenex, Fagbemi explained that Finnish authorities are legally obligated to prosecute Ekpa locally for violating their laws before any extradition proceedings to Nigeria can commence. He assured that Ekpa would be extradited after the conclusion of legal processes in Finland.
7. Tiwa Savage And Usher Stir Dating Rumors
Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage and American R&B icon Usher Raymond have set social media abuzz with speculations about a possible romantic link.
Naturenex reports that during Usher’s London O2 Arena performance, Savage appeared as a surprise guest to perform her hit track, ‘Somebody’s Son’. Later at an afterparty, both artists participated in the viral “30-second challenge.”
In her freestyle, Savage teased: “I’m a little drunk! But it’s alright. I think I’m drunk enough, I think I’m drunk enough. Are you drunk enough? Usher, are you drunk enough? Listen, he loves me,” thrilling the audience.
8. Kollington Clears Air On Relationship With Kwam1
Fuji music legend General Ayinla Kollington has dismissed rumors of animosity between himself and Kwam1, officially known as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal.
In an interview referenced by Naturenex, Kollington clarified that despite their differences, Kwam1 remains “his son,” regardless of his wealth or status.
He also recalled how Kwam1 once encouraged him to reconcile with the late Fuji pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, following a family bereavement.
9. Flying Eagles Set To Face Senegal In AFCON U-20 Quarterfinal
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up for a tough battle against Senegal’s national under-20 side in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Senegal advanced after defeating DR Congo 2-0 in their final group match, securing second place behind Ghana in Group C. As Naturenex reports, the quarterfinal will be played at Egypt’s Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday at 1 p.m. Nigerian time.
The stakes are significant, as victory will guarantee a semifinal slot and qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
10. Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Reach European Finals
Three English football giants — Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur — have secured places in the finals of European competitions.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defeated Sweden’s Djurgården 1-0, sealing a 5-1 aggregate triumph, while Manchester United secured a commanding 4-1 win over Spain’s Athletic Club at Old Trafford to book a Europa League final spot.
Naturenex reports that Tottenham also qualified with a 2-0 victory against Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt, completing a 5-1 aggregate win courtesy of goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro.
That wraps up today’s roundup of leading Nigerian headlines. Stay tuned for more updates on Naturenex tomorrow.
