Nigerians to stop paying five common bank charges from January 2026 — Oyedele

From January 2026, millions of Nigerians will enjoy major financial relief as the Federal Government removes five common bank charges under its new tax reform laws.

Signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025, the reform aims to ease business costs, support households, and grow the economy. These changes are contained in four new laws: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act.

According to Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, the new system will simplify taxes and remove unnecessary financial pressure on citizens.

Bank charges to be scrapped in 2026 include:
1. ₦50 Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) on transfers above ₦10,000.
2. Stamp duty on salary payments for both employees and employers.
3. Stamp duties on investments such as treasury bills, bonds, and shares.
4. Stamp fees on documents for stock and share transfers.
5. ₦50 intra-bank transfer charges for moving money within the same bank.

These reforms, introduced through the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, overturn earlier stamp duty rules and make financial transactions cheaper and easier for Nigerians.

ASUU Threatens Strike November 21 Over Unmet Demands.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Owerri Zone, has issued a stern warning that it will resume its suspended strike from November 21, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address the union’s long-standing demands.

The declaration was made by Prof. Dennis Aribodor, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri, during a press briefing at the ASUU Secretariat in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Thursday.

ASUU Owerri Zone represents academics from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State University, Owerri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Prof. Aribodor, joined by other union officials, stressed that the eight-day window before the proposed strike must be used by the Federal Government for meaningful negotiations.

Southeast Leaders Split Over Ekweremadu’s Proposed Transfer to Nigeria

Regional leaders in Nigeria’s Southeast are sharply divided over the Federal Government’s plan to transfer former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from a UK prison to a Nigerian correctional facility, Punch reported on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

While some see the move as a positive humanitarian gesture, others believe it is politically motivated and unnecessary.

° “Let Him Finish His Sentence in the UK” — INC President

Chilos Godsent, President of the Igbo National Council (INC), strongly criticized the transfer proposal.
He questioned the timing and suggested the initiative may be linked to political strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the Federal Government showed little interest during Ekweremadu’s trial but is suddenly eager to intervene, raising suspicions.

According to Godsent:

“It is better to allow him to serve his term in the UK, where he was found guilty.”


He also feared that Ekweremadu might face harsher conditions or renewed legal battles if brought back to Nigeria.

Some Southeast voices compared the government’s urgency in Ekweremadu’s case to its refusal to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, despite repeated demands.

This contrast, they argue, shows inconsistency and bias in handling issues affecting the Igbo people.


Meanwhile, influential leaders have applauded the move.
The Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo praised the initiative as sincere and welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention.

Similarly, the Abia State PDP Chairman urged Nigerians to judge the move based on national interest, not speculation.

"Ponmo consumption costs Nigeria’s leather industry $5bn" — FG cries out, warns citizens against consumption.

The Federal Government has raised fresh concerns over the widespread consumption of hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, warning that the practice is harming Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar leather industry.

Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, issued the warning on Thursday during the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo in Abuja.

He explained that diverting hides and skins for food deprives local manufacturers of essential raw materials needed to sustain and grow the leather sector. 

According to him, the Nigerian leather goods market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.96 billion by 2033, but this growth could be derailed if ponmo consumption continues unchecked.

“From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials.

Our nation possesses a vibrant leather industry with enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and contributions to GDP,” he said.

Prof. Ikemounso added: “Sadly, the continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption denies our industries access to quality raw materials, weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.”

He noted that the global leather value chain is valued between $420 billion and $1 trillion, stressing that with the right policies, infrastructure, and access to raw materials, Nigeria can significantly expand its share.

Ikemounso clarified that the campaign is not targeted at cultural or dietary practices but aims to ensure hides and skins are channelled into more productive industrial use for national economic benefit.

ASUU issues fresh warning, accuses Federal Government of selective implementation.

FG Bans Teaching in Indigenous Languages, Declares English-Only Policy in Nigerian Schools.

The Federal Government has abolished the use of indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, making English the sole language of teaching from early childhood to tertiary level.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the new directive on Wednesday at the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organised by the British Council in Abuja.

The two-day conference, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” brought together policymakers, educators, and experts from across Africa, South Asia, and the UK to discuss strategies for improving learning outcomes through language.

Dr. Alausa explained that while preserving Nigeria’s local languages remains important for cultural identity, English offers a more effective and globally competitive medium for learning.

“The English language should be used to teach our students at all levels as a means of instruction,” he said. “Over the years, the use of mother tongues in schools has contributed to poor performance in national examinations. The national policy on language has therefore been cancelled.”

He described English as a “unifying tool” for Nigeria’s diverse population, noting that research showed students taught primarily in English perform better in exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

According to him, the decision marks a shift from emotional attachment to local language identity toward evidence-based education policy.

Meanwhile, the British Council reaffirmed its support for inclusive and equitable learning across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for the region, said language can serve as “a bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity.”

Also speaking, Chikodi Onyemerela, the British Council’s Director of Programmes in Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s Pan-Ethnic Classrooms Programme, launched in 2015, which helps teachers apply inclusive and language-responsive teaching practices.

World Cup Qualifiers: Peter Obi slams FG over unpaid Super Eagles allowances.

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the federal government over the reported boycott of training by the Super Eagles ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.

Obi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, expressed disappointment that players representing Nigeria were being owed allowances despite their consistent service to the nation.

“It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” he wrote.

“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a now disgraced country.”

JUST IN: Federal Government begins consultations with UK authorities to get Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s released to serve his remaining jail term in Nigeria.

Thoughts on this ?

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened diplomatic talks with the United States following President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military action over alleged killings of Christians. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said communication channels with Washington are active and that the situation is being clarified. He dismissed claims of religious persecution, insisting Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation and that the conflict is not religiously driven. Idris also accused US-based lobby groups linked to a proscribed separatist organisation of spreading misinformation. Trump had ordered the Pentagon to draft an attack plan after warning that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Nigeria.

“Soludo Will Soon Join APC”, Orji Kalu Declares, Hints at Major Political Realignment in South East

According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) has disclosed that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is expected to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) soon.

Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Kalu revealed that there have been ongoing interactions between the APC and Governor Soludo as part of strategic political discussions in the South East.

The former Abia governor noted that Soludo shares similar political and developmental ideologies with leading figures in the APC, adding that his policies and governance style in Anambra align closely with the federal government’s reform agenda.

“Soludo is a progressive. He will come to APC. In fact, it is confirmed that he will join APC. He has no other alternative,” Kalu confidently stated.

According to him, the discussions are part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation and unity within the South East, as regional leaders seek greater participation in national decision-making.

Kalu also praised Soludo’s track record in public service and economic planning, describing him as a technocrat capable of fostering partnerships across party lines.

The senator added that the APC remains open to visionary leaders from all parts of Nigeria who share its development-driven philosophy and are willing to contribute to good governance.

He explained that political realignment is an ongoing process in democracy, noting that leaders continuously assess opportunities that align with their governance goals and state interests.

While he did not announce a formal date for Soludo’s defection, Kalu said stakeholders’ meetings and consultations are ongoing, hinting that a major political shift could unfold ahead of future elections.

Senator Orji Kalu Backs Trump’s Statement on Killings in Nigeria, Calls for Urgent National Action

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), has supported former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on the killings in Nigeria, describing them as “factual and deeply concerning.”

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Kalu said the scale of violence across the country demands urgent and coordinated action from all levels of government, dismissing claims that such reports were exaggerated or biased.

“Nigerians are being killed, whether they are Christians or Muslims,” he stated. “The violence affects everyone, and it’s time to act decisively.”


The senator identified extremist and militant groups as major perpetrators of the violence, warning that their growing influence threatens Nigeria’s national stability and unity.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven operations and adopt strong legal and administrative measures—including sanctions, blacklisting, and targeted crackdowns—to disrupt extremist networks and stop militants from exploiting local grievances.

While acknowledging international concern over the crisis, Kalu stressed that security remains Nigeria’s responsibility, adding that foreign warnings should inspire domestic resolve.

“External partners can advise, but it’s up to us as Nigerians to restore peace and protect our people,” he said.


Kalu called for unity across religious and ethnic lines, emphasizing that lasting peace will come only when Nigerians stand together against those sowing division and bloodshed.

'Under My Watch, America Couldn’t Act in Africa Without Informing Nigeria’ — Fmr. Pres. Obasanjo.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says that during his time as Nigeria’s Head of State, the United States under late President Jimmy Carter did not take any major action in Africa without informing Nigeria.

Obasanjo made the statement on Monday in Abeokuta during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat organized by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

His remarks come amid ongoing reactions to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that America could deploy troops to Nigeria if the Federal Government fails to stop killing linked to jihadist groups. 

The Federal Government has since rejected Trump’s comments, insisting insecurity affects all groups and is being addressed.

While Obasanjo did not mention the controversy directly, he recalled a period when Nigeria was regarded as Africa’s clear leader. He said Nigeria once commanded strong international respect, noting that Carter would always notify Nigeria before any U.S. move in Africa.

“They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us,” he said.

Obasanjo added that his administration and that of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed restored Nigeria’s global standing after what he described as a loss of confidence following independence.

“At independence, the world saw Nigeria as a giant. Soon after, we lost that. When Muritala and I came in, we brought it back,” he said.

Addressing the youths at the retreat, Obasanjo urged them to be “positively disruptive” to take up leadership roles rather than waiting indefinitely. He cited examples of sit-tight leaders across Africa and cautioned that if youths leave the future to current leaders, “there may be no tomorrow left to inherit.”

“You have the numbers,” he said, “but the number only matters when you use it.”

Trump’s threat: America couldn’t do anything without our knowledge under my watch – Obasanjo.

In a veiled remark on the ongoing controversy over President Donald Trump’s military invasion threat on Nigeria, the former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday disclosed that under his watch as the Nigeria’s Head of State, late United States President Jimmy Carter would not do anything in Africa without his knowledge.

It would be recalled Trump, in a series of posts on X between October 31 and November 1, condemned continued killings in Nigeria, declaring America’s readiness to send its military to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to stop the killings by jihadist groups, the remarks which has sparked divergent reactions from both the Federal Government and prominent Nigerian leaders and religious organizations in past weeks.

The federal government particularly rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the country’s insecurity affects all religious groups.

Speaking on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0) organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Obasanjo did not make a direct remark to the ongoing controversy, but he tactfully recalled how the US under Carter held Nigeria in high esteem.

Obasanjo and Cater, who died recently in December 2024, were regarded as best of friends.

In January this year, Obasanjo held a memorial service in Abeokuta in honour of Carter, where he paid glowing tributes to the late US President who died at age 100.

According to Obasanjo, right from independence, the world and indeed America saw Nigeria as Africa’s leader, saying the country lost the confidence at some point before the Muritala-Obasanjo military regime “brought it back. “

Going down memory lane, Obasanjo said Cater as the US President would not do anything on African soil without informing the Nigerian government when he was Head of State.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has accused the Federal Government of failing to tackle the security challenges in the country.

ASUU blames FG’s neglect for deepening education crisis.

The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has accused the Federal Government of neglecting the education sector, warning that such indifference is at the root of Nigeria’s prolonged academic and development crisis.

Speaking during The Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, in a virtual session titled “A Conversation with the ASUU President,” Piwuna said federal officials do not view the challenges facing the education system as national problems requiring collective responsibility. Instead, he said, ministers and government executives often dismiss education-related matters as “the Education Minister’s problem.”

“Members of the government, the ministers, and chief executives do not see the problem of education as a problem that affects them.
When ASUU declares a strike, the Minister of Finance sees it as the Minister of Education’s problem; the Minister of Science and Technology sees it the same way,” Piwuna said.

“But if the Minister of Finance understood that the country’s economic growth depends on a knowledgeable workforce, he would take the Minister of Education’s problem as his own.”

Piwuna argued that the Federal Government’s inconsistent policy direction, corruption, and capitalist ideology continue to weaken public education. He lamented that while ASUU views education as a public good, many government officials treat it as a profit-driven enterprise.

“We in ASUU see education as a public good, but those in government treat it as a capitalist venture. Many of them now suggest that TETFund should begin funding private universities… Self-interest and contract inflation have replaced public service. That is why TETFund has become a marketplace,” he added.

The ASUU leader further revealed that discussions between the union and the government are ongoing at the National Executive Council meeting in Taraba State, but warned that the salary offers currently on the table remain “unacceptable.”

“The terms of the agreement are shaping up, and in the next week or two, we’ll make a definite statement. But what the government is offering us as salaries is unacceptable, and we are ready to go to any length to fight it,” he said.

Nigeria not Iraq, our mosquitoes waiting for your soldiers – Ex-security expert tells Trump.

An ex-security expert, Comrade Mohammed Ali, has warned the US President Donald Trump against invading Nigeria with his military.

Mohammed, in a viral video, could be heard saying that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria as claimed by the US President and some of his lawmakers.

Recall that Trump recently designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns over alleged killing of unsuspecting Christians.

Trump also said that the US department of war has been informed to prepare for possible action in Nigeria if the federal government fails to address the highly disputed claim.

But in the viral video, the ex-Security expert said Nigerians have been living together in peace despite their religious differences.

He warned that mosquitoes in Nigeria will infect the US soldiers and kill them instantly if they try invading Nigeria.

He said, “Trump should be aware that we are not suffering from regionalism, tribalism, we are not persecuting Christians, we are all living together as with the Christians and other religions. We are only suffering from humanitarianism.

“Mr Donald Trump, be aware that Nigeria is not Afghanistan, Nigeria is not Iraq. if you try to enter Nigeria with your armed forces, our mosquitos are waiting for your soldiers to bite and infect them with malaria fever and they will die instantly”.

Trump’s threat: Whoever wrote your October 1 speech doesn’t like you, Pastor Adeboye tells Tinubu.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has criticised a section of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech on security, saying whoever wrote the speech for the president “does not like him.”

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Campground, Adeboye said, “I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law (Tinubu), particularly that section that spoke about security. I heard him saying all is well now, that displaced people have returned to their villages. I almost said the one who wrote that speech does not like him. Somebody wrote it, but it was the President who read it. There are several people around Tinubu who are not telling him the truth. The following day, we read that a traditional ruler was killed in Kwara or Kogi.”

Adeboye noted that while the President inherited Nigeria’s security challenges, the focus should now be on taking decisive action to resolve them.

“Our President inherited this problem. I am an applied mathematician; I am only interested in getting the problem solved.”

He also urged the Federal Government to move wisely, diplomatically, and decisively in addressing insecurity and the alleged killings of Christians in some parts of the country.

“If I am asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to the governments to move wisely, diplomatically. I have cousins. There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims were living together. I have families that are Muslims till date. When I was little, I ate sari with them, and I still eat my breakfast, but the issue of religion started when politics came into religion.”

The cleric said he had privately advised past presidents on the security crisis but noted that his role was limited to offering counsel.

“All the presidents who were around when this trouble started, whatever I discussed is top privacy. I have done my best behind the scenes, but as I have always told you, you can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. But I have tried. God is my witness.”

FG to Attempt Guinness World Record for Longest Dining Table.

The Federal Government has announced plans to attempt a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest dining table during this year’s Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival taking place in December in Abuja.

The initiative was revealed on Thursday at a joint world press briefing featuring the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.

This year’s festival, themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture,” will spotlight Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions while creating visibility for opportunities in hospitality and the broader creative sector, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dr. Fagade disclosed that the centrepiece of the event will be a 3.6-kilometre dining table, designed to accommodate between 2,000 and 3,000 guests.

According to him, the record attempt will be conducted on the morning of December 6, after which the same table will be transformed into a communal dining area for evening festivities.

He explained that the event will blend food, music, culture, and comedy, adding that the initiative aims to showcase Abuja as a capable host for major December cultural events. He also emphasized that the festival forms part of NIHOTOUR’s mission to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism value chain through capacity building, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.

The DG noted that the project is expected to attract investments and unlock opportunities in hospitality, food, and agribusiness.

Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa described the festival as a strong avenue for economic inclusion and youth engagement in the creative economy. She highlighted the increasing global recognition of Nigerian cuisine and praised the innovation Nigerians bring to promoting local dishes abroad.

The festival along with the Guinness World Record attempt will be officially launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.

Pretty Mike Granted N50m Bail Over Alleged Drug-Related Offences.

Popular Lagos socialite and nightclub owner, Mike Nwalie, popularly known as Pretty Mike, has been granted N50 million bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being arraigned on alleged drug-related offences.

Nwalie, who owns Proxy Lagos Night Club, was arraigned alongside the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary (32), by the Federal Government through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). They were charged with conspiracy, unlawful possession, and allowing the nightclub premises to be used for illegal drug activities.

According to NDLEA prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi, the alleged offences occurred on October 26, 2025, at the club located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The agency claimed the duo conspired to organize a drug party at the venue.

During a follow-up raid, officers reportedly recovered 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), weighing 364.662 kg. Hillary was further accused of possessing 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa on October 25, 2025.

Pretty Mike, 45, was accused of permitting his premises to be used for drug-related activities, contrary to Sections 14(b) and 20(1)(c) of the NDLEA Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel, Dr. B.S. Awosika (SAN), urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the men had no prior cr+minal record and would appear for trial. The prosecution opposed the application, saying the defendants had not provided enough supporting facts.

In his ruling, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa held that the prosecution failed to show sufficient grounds to deny bail, noting that the defendants remain presumed innocent. He granted each N50 million bail with two sureties in the same sum and ordered the sureties to swear to an affidavit of means. The defendants were released to their counsel pending completion of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to January 14, 2026, for trial.

Retired Police Officer Collapses as Aggrieved Ex-Police Personnel Protest Unpaid Pensions at National Assembly.

A retired police officer collapsed on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, as hundreds of former Nigeria Police Force personnel staged a mass protest over the non-payment of their pensions and entitlements.

The retirees many frail and elderly gathered at the main gate with placards reading “We Are Dying in Silence,” “Pay Us Our Pensions,” and “35 Years of Service, Nothing to Show.” Their demonstration briefly disrupted movement around the complex as they chanted solidarity songs and accused the Federal Government of abandoning them.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that a retiree in his late 70s suddenly slumped while chanting. He was revived after first aid was administered by security personnel.

Operating under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Police Retirees Association, the protesters said they had been reduced to hardship despite serving the country for over three decades. They demanded to be removed from the CPS which they described as exploitative and reinstated into the old Defined Benefits Scheme that guaranteed stable post-service welfare.

Their action follows a similar protest in October, which saw human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore join them in solidarity. Sowore had called the CPS a “fraudulent arrangement” and criticised the government for subjecting retirees to poverty.

“I’m not just fighting for the police; I’m fighting with retired police officers,” Sowore told the crowd. “Those holding your destinies must know Nigerians will not continue to suffer in silence.”

He also urged retirees across all security agencies and the civil service to unite, saying the struggle affects everyone.