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Multiple Taxation: FIRS Partners With MATAN For VAT Remittance From Informal Sector

Photo 1: Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Nami, delivers his remarks at the stakeholder engagement meeting with Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) in Lagos. 21st June 2023.

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has partnered with the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) to collect and remit Value Added Tax (VAT) to the FIRS from the country’s markets, especially in the informal sector.

The Association which has a membership of well over 40 million traders across the country’s 774 local governments, and 36 States plus the Federal Capital Territory is the biggest player in Nigeria’s market space.

Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Nami, unveils MATAN identity card at the stakeholder engagement meeting with Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) in Lagos. 21st June 2023.

The details of the FIRS’ partnership with MATAN was disclosed yesterday at a Stakeholders Engagement Programme on the VAT DIRECT Initiative, held in Lagos State. The partnership will see the FIRS collaborating with the association to deploy technology to enumerate traders for collecting and remitting VAT to the Service, consequently leading to an expansion of the tax net and increased revenue for the Federation.

FIRS

The VAT DIRECT Initiative (VDI) is a program designed to foster collaboration between the FIRS and the market place, especially the informal sector, in the collection and remittance of the Value Added Tax (VAT) using technology.

Speaking during the Stakeholder Engagement, Mr. Muhammad Nami, Executive Chairman FIRS highlighted that the initiative was the first of its kind, and that it was crucial to revenue generation and also to eliminating multiple taxation, especially from the informal sector.

The Executive Chairman, FIRS who is also the Chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) further stated that the government is worried about the multiplicity of taxes, and that the Service and JTB were working on various modalities of addressing this challenge and that this partnership has laid a very good foundation for the government to address the issue of multiple taxation and extortion by tax officials, tax agents and touts in the market place.

He further noted that the Service would collaborate with security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, to deal with illegal tax collection by touts in markets.

“One important area of our collaboration is the issue of providing adequate security in the markets. We are aware of the challenges that you have faced in the past with miscreants, self-imposed tax collection agents, and touts.

Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Nami along side Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Obomegie Nana-Aisha; Director, VAT, FIRS, Dr Lovette Ononuga; MATAN, BOT Chairman, Comr. Muhammad Labaran; in a group photo with MATAN vendors under the VAT Direct Initiative at the stakeholder meeting between the FIRS and Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) in Lagos. 21st June 2023.

“I want to assure you that as part of this initiative, we will be collaborating with the relevant security agencies particularly the Nigeria Police Force to tackle all forms of touting and illegal tax collection by miscreants and keep them away from your markets.”

Mr. Nami further noted that the success of this collaboration would lead to increased revenue for the country, and in turn provide government the needed resources to fund infrastructure and other social amenities.

“The successful outcome of this collaboration and additional revenue accruable will have multiplier effects on all sectors of the economy as the government will have more revenue to provide the needed social amenities and infrastructure in critical sectors.

“An improved VAT collection will improve the revenue base of the States and Local Governments at the sub-national level and the citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries.

“This initiative is very important to the government, particularly at this moment of dwindling revenues from the petroleum sector and therefore, requires that we put all hands on deck and optimally explore all available opportunities.

“The administration of VAT in the informal sector is characterized mainly by a low level of compliance and a lack of awareness in terms of obligation and liability. It, therefore, becomes necessary to leverage the MATAN platform to positively change the status quo,” Mr. Nami stated.

He also noted that to ensure transparency and accountability of the project operations, a combined monitoring and evaluation team comprising both organisations would be formed.

During the Stakeholder Engagement, the Executive Chairman, FIRS also unveiled an Identity Card that is to be given to each trader upon enumeration; the card contains their tax identification number and other personal details.

Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammad Nami, surrounded by Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) enumeration vendors at the stakeholder engagement meeting between the FIRS and Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) in Lagos. 21st June 2023.

The VAT Direct Initiative Stakeholder Engagement was attended by the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, representatives from Deposit Money Banks, Iyalojas of Markets across the country, members of various trade clusters, representatives from all major markets across the country, as well as officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.


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Suspect Dies During EFCC Sting Operation at Lekki Estate

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Endurance Udeke, a resident of Periwinkle Estate, Lekki, died after allegedly jumping from a four-storey building to evade EFCC arrest during a sting operation. Four suspects were arrested as the EFCC reports the case to the police.
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A resident of Periwinkle Estate in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, identified as Endurance Udeke, has died following an alleged failed attempt to evade arrest during a sting operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, noting that the operation took place on November 4, 2025, and was targeted at suspected internet fraudsters within the estate.

According to the anti-graft agency, four suspects were arrested during the exercise. However, Udeke and another resident of apartment W6a reportedly attempted to escape by jumping from a four-storey building after becoming aware of the operation.

The commission said Udeke sustained fatal injuries from the fall and later died despite medical efforts to save him, while the other individual survived after receiving hospital treatment.

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“Operatives of the Commission were in the estate to carry out a sting operation on November 4, 2025. The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments, and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested,” the EFCC statement read.

“However, Udeke and one other resident of apartment W6a got wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the four-storey building.

Udeke did not survive the suicidal efforts, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him. The other resident, however, survived after being stabilised and treated at the hospital.”

The EFCC added that there was no direct contact between its operatives and the deceased before the incident occurred. It further disclosed that the matter has been reported to the police for investigation.

“The commission is shocked at the suicidal action of the deceased. There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the deceased before the unfortunate incident. The incident has been reported to the police, which has begun an investigation,” the EFCC stated.

The agency urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies during such operations, stressing that no one with nothing to hide should fear EFCC sting operations.

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Kano Residents Protest Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Action Over Christian Killings

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Thousands Protest in Kano Over Trump’s Threats of U.S. Military Action in Nigeria
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Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Kano State on Saturday, rallying against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning of possible military action in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians by Islamic extremists.

The mass demonstration, organized primarily by followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky under the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), saw crowds chanting anti-American slogans, waving placards, and burning U.S. flags to express outrage over what they described as a foreign attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

Trump, in his November 1, 2025 speech, had vowed that the United States would “take action” if the Nigerian government failed to stop what he termed the “ongoing Christian genocide” in parts of the country.

Protesters in Kano, however, accused the American leader of bias and misinformation, arguing that Nigeria’s security crisis affects all citizens Muslims and Christians alike.

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“We reject Trump’s threats. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and we will not allow any foreign army to invade our land under the guise of religion,” said one demonstrator who joined the rally near the Kofar Nassarawa Gate in central Kano.

Security operatives were deployed to monitor the demonstration, which remained largely peaceful despite the tense rhetoric.

Nigeria’s federal government has also condemned Trump’s comments, describing his framing of the crisis as “unhelpful and misleading.” Officials maintained that ongoing military operations in the North-East and North-West are targeting all extremist elements, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits, without regard to religious identity.

The protest in Kano adds to growing domestic and international tensions following Trump’s remarks, which have drawn mixed reactions from religious groups and human rights organizations around the world.


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Adeboye to Tinubu: Give Security Chiefs 90 Days to End Terrorism or Sack Them

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Pastor Adeboye Speaks on Alleged Christian Genocide, Advises Tinubu to Act Within 90 Days
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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has finally spoken on the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged genocidal attacks against Christians in Nigeria and the reported plans by the United States to take military action against the country.

For weeks, Christian leaders had faced public criticism for their perceived silence amid the global outcry following US President Donald Trump’s warning and the subsequent revelation of a possible military intervention.

In a newly released video clip from one of the church’s recent programmes, Pastor Adeboye urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to act swiftly, diplomatically, and strategically to prevent escalation.

He said:

FIRS

“My children, if I were asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to our government, move fast, move diplomatically, move wisely.

Find a way to convince the president of America to please delay his actions for about 100 days. And then come home and say to our security chiefs: get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign.”

Adeboye further advised the President to give firm directives to the nation’s security heads to eliminate not only terrorists but also their sponsors, regardless of their influence.

“Make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists, they should eliminate their sponsors no matter how influential,” he added.

The respected cleric also warned that Nigeria must not rely on foreign allies should a conflict erupt, stressing that “if the US should attack us, China is not coming to defend us, Russia won’t defend us.”

Adeboye’s statement comes amid intensifying diplomatic discussions between Abuja and Washington following reports of a contingency military plan by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Watch video here

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Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid Lead Nigeria’s Charge in 2026 Grammy Nominations

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Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid Lead 2026 Grammy Nominations | Full List
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The Recording Academy has unveiled the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations, spotlighting a rich mix of international superstars, breakthrough talents, and African heavyweights with Nigeria once again making a strong showing on the world stage.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in global music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025.

This year’s awards also introduce two new categories Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover marking another evolution in the prestigious ceremony.

Leading the pack is Kendrick Lamar with nine nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, who scored seven nods, including her fifth Album of the Year nomination for “MAYHEM.”

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Nigerian Stars Shine Bright

Nigeria continues to dominate the African and Global Music categories, with Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid earning nominations alongside continental legends like Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Tyla (South Africa) and Youssou N’Dour (Senegal).

Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations:

  • Best African Music Performance (“Love”)
  • Best Global Music Album (“No Sign of Weakness”)

Davido also earned a nod for Best African Music Performance with “With You” featuring Omah Lay, while Ayra Starr and Wizkid scored a joint nomination for “Gimme Dat.”

Other contenders in the category include Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”) and Tyla (“Push 2 Start”).

In the Best Global Music Album category, Burna Boy faces stiff competition from Youssou N’Dour (“Éclairer le Monde – Light the World”), Angélique Kidjo, and India’s Anoushka Shankar (“Chapter III: We Return to Light”).

Highlights From the 2026 Grammy Nominations

Album of the Year

  • Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
  • Justin Bieber – Swag
  • Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
  • Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
  • Lady Gaga – Mayhem
  • Kendrick Lamar – GNX
  • Leon Thomas – Mutt
  • Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia

Record of the Year

  • Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
  • Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”
  • Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
  • Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
  • Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”

Song of the Year

  • Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
  • Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
  • Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
  • Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”

Best African Music Performance

  • Burna Boy – “Love”
  • Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You”
  • Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
  • Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – “Hope & Love”
  • Tyla – “Push 2 Start”

Best Global Music Album

  • Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
  • Youssou N’Dour – Éclairer le Monde – Light the World
  • Anoushka Shankar – Chapter III: We Return to Light
  • Shakti – Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)
  • Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia – Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo

African Excellence on the World Stage

The 2026 Grammys reaffirm Africa’s growing global influence in music, especially as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion sounds continue to dominate charts and playlists worldwide.

With Burna Boy eyeing another Grammy victory and Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid securing key nominations, Nigerian music’s global momentum remains unstoppable.

The 68th Grammy Awards will air live worldwide on February 1, 2026, promising electrifying performances and unforgettable moments from the biggest names in global music.

2026 GRAMMYS: See The Full Nominations List


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Full List: FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria

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FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria, Including Lagos–Ibadan and East–West Highways
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FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria, Including Lagos–Ibadan and East–West Highways

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Thursday, November 6, 2025, approved several major road projects across the country aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing economic activity.

According to a list shared by the Special Assistant to Presiden Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media.

Below are the key road projects approved during the meeting:

FIRS
  1. Lagos–Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section II – Lagos to Ibadan):
    Approval granted for repairs of failed sections, completion of underpasses, ramps, and adjoining roads.
  2. Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa–Oshodi Expressway (Lagos):
    Dualisation of the expressway approved, with cost revisions to reflect inflation and updated design specifications.
  3. Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (Section III: Badagry–Ogun–Oyo border):
    New contract approved for the 162.97-kilometre stretch, linking the Southwest and Northwest corridors.
  4. Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (Kwara/Egba region):
    A 216-kilometre road project divided into phases; Phase I received approval under the current budget.
  5. East–West Road (Federal corridor):
    Redesign approved to improve traffic flow and pavement strength, with dual carriageways and additional bridges included.
  6. Ota–Idi-Iroko Road (Ogun State):
    Approval for review and redesign; the road will now use rigid concrete pavement and include a new bridge to address challenging terrain and high water-table conditions.
  7. Jos–Turunku–Maraban–Jama’a Road (Kaduna State):
    Rehabilitation works approved to enhance inter-state connectivity in the North-Central region.
  8. Ijebu–Ibu Ete–Egba–Owena Road (Ogun & Ondo States):
    Reconstruction approved for this inter-state route linking Ogun and Ondo, with upgraded design standards.

The approved projects reflect the federal government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s road infrastructure to boost trade, logistics, and regional integration.

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