Welcome to Wednesday’s roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-focused calls on issues that impact citizens.

1. Daily Trust: ICPC to Probe Allegations against NMDPRA Boss

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it will commence immediate investigation into the allegations of corruption against Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Our Take: The ICPC should turn this investigation into more than a ceremonial announcement by moving swiftly, publishing updates, and following the evidence wherever it leads, because the country already has enough ‘investigations’ that start with bold vows, trend for 48 hours, and quietly retire without a single charge sheet.

2. The Guardian: Anxiety, Mistrust Cloud Nigeria’s Tax Reform Policies, Benefits

The Guardian reports that Nigeria’s tax reform has triggered widespread anxiety, driven less by its actual provisions than by deeper structural failures such as weak revenue generation, elite tax evasion, inequality, and longstanding public mistrust.

Our Take: To earn citizens’ trust, President Bola Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, NRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, and Presidential Tax Reform Committee chair Taiwo Oyedele must replace press conferences with proof, clearly explain the reforms, tax the powerful with the same enthusiasm shown to the informal sector, and publicly show where the money goes.

3. Punch: Insecurity: Police deploy special forces ahead of NLC protest today

Ahead of today’s nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress, the police have mobilised special forces and tactical teams to ensure a violence-free demonstration.

Our Take: The police must ensure that their deployment protects Nigerians’ right to protest peacefully, focusing on preventing real troublemakers without turning peaceful demonstrators into suspects.