Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Daily Trust: VAT Remains 7.5 Percent, CIT 30 Percent as Tinubu Signs Tax Reform Bills
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday signed the four tax reform bills recently passed by the National Assembly, retaining Value Added Tax (VAT) at 7.5 percent and the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at 30 percent without any increment.
Our Take: Nigerians deserve to see the results of their tax contributions in the form of better roads, quality healthcare, improved education, and economic opportunities. We therefore call on the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Joint Tax Board to ensure that the outcomes of these tax reforms translate into visible improvements in public services and infrastructure that directly impact citizens’ lives.
2. The Guardian: How Erratic Supply Shortchanges Band A Households, Industries
The Guardian reports that since the introduction of the new electricity service band based on the assured minimum daily electricity supply, policy contradictions, systemic inefficiencies, crumbling substations, and a dilapidated transmission system have contributed to a regime of poor supply amid very high tariffs.
Our Take: It is critical that the government prioritises consumer protection by addressing systemic failures and clearly communicating the criteria and implications of Band A categorisation to rebuild public trust and prevent further hardship for households and industries. We call on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to urgently review the Band A reclassification process, ensure transparency in implementation, and invest in strengthening grid infrastructure to guarantee consistent power supply.
3. Vanguard: Drug Abuse Worsening Insecurity – Tinubu, Marwa
The president has said that drug abuse is worsening insecurity in the country, warning against its devastating impact on public health and development.
The president spoke as chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (retired) stated that a percentage of terrorism, kidnapping and other violent acts in the country were linked to drug abuse.
Our Take: To effectively tackle the link between substance abuse and rising insecurity, all relevant authorities must prioritise investment in prevention strategies, strengthen enforcement, and collaborate with civil society and international partners to address the root causes of drug abuse and its devastating impact on lives and national security. We call on the NDLEA, the ministries of health and education, and security agencies to intensify coordinated efforts in drug abuse prevention through nationwide awareness campaigns, early intervention programmes in schools and communities, and expanded access to rehabilitation and reintegration services.
