News
Muhammad Nami: Double honour for the nation’s tax czar
By Nkem Precious Esq
The aphorism that there is no hiding place for the golden fish was practically manifested last week when the Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Mamman Nami deservedly bagged double awards from reputable organisations. The nation’s number one tax collector at separate events was named winner of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Merit Award and the winner of the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award.
Since his assumption of office as the Executive Chairman of the FIRS in 2019, Mr Muhammad Nami has been going about his duty with uncommon zest, focus and vigour. Within the relatively little years of his stewardship as the helmsman of the nation’s biggest tax agency, he has raised the bar of leadership at FIRS by posting many remarkable strides in office.
The FIRS Executive Chairman’s latest meritorious garland was bestowed on him at the 2023 annual awards of ICAN which took place at the Monarch Event Centre, Lagos, on Saturday 6 May, 2023. Muhammad Nami who was honoured in the non-members category at the event, was described by the President of ICAN, Mr Tijani Musa Isa, as a self-effacing and humble achiever who has steered the FIRS to excel in the national and international tax circle despite global economic downturns.
While eulogising the nation’s number one tax chief for achieving several milestones in revenue collection, the ICAN President said the Merit Award is in recognition of Muhammad Nami’s positive impact in the society stressing that he has made significant contribution to the institute and to Nigeria. “The governing board deemed it fit to acknowledge the role you (Nami) have played and your outstanding achievements,” Isa emphasised.
Muhammad Nami’s virtues as a leader imbued with exemplary and rare professional moral fibre were further captured in the citation read at the ICAN event, in which he was aptly described as “a go-getter and an ingenious leader.”
The impactful reforms which he is implementing at FIRS did not escape the attention of the Institute as they were acknowledged as eloquent attestations to his dexterity, visionary leadership and patriotism. The citation took cognitive note of the fact that under his visionary leadership, the FIRS in 2022 achieved an unprecedented revenue collection of N10.1 trillion, the highest tax collection ever made in the annals of the country.
At a similar event two days earlier in the same week, the FIRS boss was named the winner of the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award 2022. The event took place on Thursday 4 May, 2023 at the BusinessDay States Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards.
BusinessDay Newspaper explained that it named him the winner of the award for his “visionary and leadership qualities [that] have brought tremendous change to the FIRS.”
It underscored Muhammad Nami’s landmark achievements by transforming the tax administration and compliance landscape in Nigeria. Prominent on the checklist of his strides in the transformative aspect is the introduction of the revolutionary TaxPro Max which is FIRS’ home-grown digital platform for tax administration. The hugely successful digital platform allows taxpayers to register, file returns and pay their taxes easily from any location other than their respective tax offices. TaxPro Max has proved an effective antidote of the delays and frustrations usually associated with the labyrinthine wholly manual process of the past that often lent itself to leakages, delays and frustrations.
BusinessDay commended Muhammad Nami for repositioning the operations and staff of the FIRS, as well as introducing technological tools to institute more transparency, accountability, and effectiveness, which in turn has translated into increased capacity to deliver on the mandate with outstanding results.
The Executive Chairman’s response after receiving the ICAN Merit Award captured his professional trajectory from a humble beginning through the rungs to the higher rungs of professional excellence. He summed his professional odyssey this way: ”Since I left the university, over 32 years ago, I have had the privilege and luck to be directly and indirectly associated with ICAN members: from the PKF, to Manam Professional Services, and now I am working directly with well over 3,000 members of this Institute as the Executive Chairman of the FIRS.”
He went on to dedicate the award to his alma maters (from primary to tertiary levels), his former colleagues at the Presidential Committee on Audit of Stolen Recovered Stolen Assets, members of the Tax Advisory Committee of the FIRS, all taxpayers, FIRS board members, management and staff of the FIRS plus his family members.
A rundown of Muhammad Nami’s rich profile reveals a man who is properly trained and horned in the fields of tax, accounting and management. He is a thoroughbred professional with highly rated qualifications and practicing licenses from relevant professional bodies.
An accountant, management professional, tax administrator and public officer, Muhammad Nami has more than three decades of practical working experience in auditing, tax management and advisory as well as management services to clients in the banking, manufacturing services and public sectors in addition to non- profit organisations.
He is an expert in rendering advisory support services to investors in respect of new businesses. He has also continuously rendered outsourced services to clients in both trading, service and manufacturing sectors of the nation’s economy.
A fellow of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, the FIRS boss is also an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) as well as a graduate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Like the great oak that grew from little acorns, Muhammad Nami started his career with PKF in 1993 and rose to the position of a senior consultant in charge of tax management and advisory services. From October, 2018 to December, 2019, he also served as the Managing Consultant of Manam Professional Services, a Chartered Tax Practitioners and Advisers firm that had offices in Kaduna, Abuja and Minna.
He is the current President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA). He is the Chairman of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), a statutory position he holds as the Executive Chairman of the FIRS. He is the immediate past Chairman of the African Tax Administrators Forum (ATAF). These roles have invariably conferred on him the need to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria, Africa and the commonwealth nations.
As a proactive and innovative leader, he has since proved bookmakers right that he is more than equal to the task. The reforms he is implementing at FIRS attest to his dexterity, visionary leadership and patriotism. Under his visionary leadership, the FIRS in 2022 achieved an unprecedented revenue collection of N10.1 trillion, which is the highest tax collection ever made in the history of the country.
Recently, he earned accolades for audacious deployment of technology as well as the introduction of unprecedented reforms in Nigeria’s tax administration including data mining and strategic intelligence gathering for improved revenue generation.
His sterling leadership and impressive scorecard have earned him and the FIRS several other awards. For instance, in October 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the Excellence in Public Service Award for Fiscal reforms at the FIRS while he also received the Leadership Newspaper Public Servant of the Year Award for 2022.
Muhammad Nami’s exemplary leadership style has greatly helped to galvanise and motivate the management and entire workforce of the FIRS to be disciplined and amenable to basic etiquette of the Service.
The fact that he is a man driven by ideas and positive results is attested to by the regular on-the-job trainings and brainstorming sessions he organises at the FIRS. He is a modern era leader that is never weary of updating and introducing result-yielding innovative ideas and techniques.
Among other contributory factors to the astounding success of Muhammad Nami at the FIRS are his humble and honest attributes. Beneath the veneer of his gentle mien is the steely quality of a leader who does not compromise integrity and value in the discharge of duty. Certainly, the FIRS under the clear-headed, confident and chivalrous leadership of Muhammad Nami is primed for more plumage of honours and awards in future.
- Nkem Precious is an Abuja based lawyer
News
Suspect Dies During EFCC Sting Operation at Lekki Estate
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.
“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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News
Kano Residents Protest Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Action Over Christian Killings
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.
“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.
News
Adeboye to Tinubu: Give Security Chiefs 90 Days to End Terrorism or Sack Them
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:
“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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Music News
Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid Lead Nigeria’s Charge in 2026 Grammy Nominations
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.”
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
News
Full List: FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria
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.
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Below are the key road projects approved during the meeting:
- Lagos–Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section II – Lagos to Ibadan):
Approval granted for repairs of failed sections, completion of underpasses, ramps, and adjoining roads. - Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa–Oshodi Expressway (Lagos):
Dualisation of the expressway approved, with cost revisions to reflect inflation and updated design specifications. - Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (Section III: Badagry–Ogun–Oyo border):
New contract approved for the 162.97-kilometre stretch, linking the Southwest and Northwest corridors. - Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (Kwara/Egba region):
A 216-kilometre road project divided into phases; Phase I received approval under the current budget. - East–West Road (Federal corridor):
Redesign approved to improve traffic flow and pavement strength, with dual carriageways and additional bridges included. - 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. - Jos–Turunku–Maraban–Jama’a Road (Kaduna State):
Rehabilitation works approved to enhance inter-state connectivity in the North-Central region. - 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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