This roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines highlights some pressing issues and the urgent advocacy calls they warrant.
1. ‘Tax Reform: Governors’ Forum meets Tinubu’s committee, makes recommendations’ – Premium Times
President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to comprehensively reform Nigeria’s tax system got a major boost on Thursday when the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) declared “strong support” for it.
In a plot twist many did not see coming, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has thrown its ‘strong support’ behind President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform plans. It is heartwarming to see leaders united, especially when the reforms do not seem to tax their own privileges.
Our Take: President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform plans are bold, but Nigerians need assurances that this is not just another way to squeeze the struggling majority. We call for publishing a transparent roadmap detailing how these reforms will benefit ordinary citizens, not just line government coffers.
And for our governors, the support is great, but action is better. They should commit to enforcing fair tax collection practices in their states.
2. ‘Families of Zamfara airstrike victims demand compensation’ – Daily Trust
Grieving families from Zamfara’s Zurmi and Maradun areas, reeling from an airstrike that tragically ‘missed the memo’ on targeting bandits, are now demanding compensation.
After losing 15 innocent lives and nursing nine others back to health, they are politely asking the government to trade its usual ‘thoughts and prayers’ for something a little more tangible.
Our Take: These families deserve more than silence or the usual investigative committee that investigates nothing. We call on the Nigerian Air Force to ensure accountability, transparent investigations, and compensation, because no one should have to fear the very force meant to protect them.
3. ‘How hardship drives some Nigerians to look for food in garbage’ – Vanguard
In the ever-thriving markets of Lagos, where ‘economic growth’ is supposedly on the rise, a new trend has emerged – dumpster dining, as once self-sufficient mothers and wives, now unofficial food inspectors, are forced to sift through the day’s leftovers, proving that in Tinubu’s Nigeria, waste bins have become the latest budget-friendly supermarkets.
Our Take: President Bola Tinubu needs to prioritise policies that ensure affordable food for all Nigerians, so mothers do not have to compete with rats for scraps.
To the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, enough talk about food security. We need the implementation of policies that ensure affordable food for all Nigerians, so mothers do not have to compete with rats for scraps.
As a matter of urgency, the ministry should roll out emergency subsidies for basic food items and support local farmers to lower production costs.
And to state governments, particularly Lagos State, your streets are bustling with innovation, but ‘dumpster dining’ is not a badge of honour. Implement community-based feeding programmes and work with NGOs to address immediate food shortages in vulnerable areas.
As for business owners, how about redirecting those leftovers to community kitchens instead of dumpsters? Partner with charities to turn waste into a second chance for struggling families.
4. ‘Defence Headquarters blames foreigners for renewed terror attacks’ – Punch
The Defence Headquarters has revealed that the recent spike in terrorist activities across the northeast and northwest regions of the country is due to an influx of foreign fighters serving as reinforcements for the terrorists.
Our Take: So, foreign fighters are now the guest stars in Nigeria’s terror series? Maybe it’s time to upgrade our border security from ‘Welcome All’ to ‘Keep Out’. The Nigerian military should prioritise securing borders with advanced technology, more personnel, and collaboration with neighbouring countries.
To the Ministry of Interior, instead of hosting endless immigration seminars, how about revoking the VIP access for terrorists? Strengthen visa vetting processes and crack down on illegal entry points.
