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Taxation: A two-way social contract

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By Dapo Okubanjo

It is the norm in every society, for the authorities and the people to have what is loosely referred to as a social contract or an implicit agreement.

It is a theory that is as old as humanity itself and it presupposes that a people’s moral and political obligation depends on an agreement among them.

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Taxation is seen as one of those obligations that the citizenry in every country is expected to abide by, but in Nigeria this is one social contract that has for years been difficult to keep.

We are a country with the largest economy in Africa in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and at the last count, the size of Nigeria’s economy is way ahead of South Africa and even Egypt.

But in terms of GDP to tax revenue, the country is not among the performing countries of the world and does not even compare with the two African countries mentioned above. In fact the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been concerned to the extent that it recently urged Nigeria to improve on its tax revenue which stood at 6% of its GDP as at 2022.

That has been the highest the country has done in recent years but the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on the watch of Muhammad Nami, the Executive Chairman, said it plans to raise the tax revenue to GDP ratio to 17% this year.

On paper, this looks ambitious but the FIRS has in the last few years consistently surpassed old records and broken new grounds, so it may not be ideal to bet against the FIRS achieving a quantum increase in the country’s tax revenue.

Chicken or egg dilemma

Paying tax is a chicken and egg situation in many parts of Nigeria. It is usual to hear arguments among Nigerians revolving around inadequate infrastructure or outright lack of it in their immediate communities.

But the truth is funds need to be in public coffers before these things could be done so the question of what comes first between citizens paying the necessary taxes as at when due or government putting up infrastructure and providing social amenities does not even arise.

An aspect of the argument that vexed citizens make against payment of taxes is that not much is visible in terms of social amenities and infrastructure after citizens have done their side of the social contract.

This may be true considering the President Muhammadu Buhari administration had in the past raised posers on what previous administrations had done with public funds based on what it met on ground.

But this is not enough to kick against tax payment especially at a time of dwindling revenue from crude oil. It is ideal for the chicken to be well fed before it could lay eggs.

And to put the issue in proper perspective, it is at a time of a global oil slump that the Buhari administration has been able to depend on other revenue sources and chief amongst these is tax revenue, to deliver so much.

It is through these taxes that government is able to fund road construction, bridges including but not limited to the Loko – Oweto Bridge and Second Niger Bridge, provide medical care (Primary Health Care Centres across the country), build schools and equip them with the necessary infrastructure.

It is pertinent to me to also note that the interventionist fund TETFUND was able to disburse over N2 trillion in about 10 years to several tertiary institutions and this was made possible from the Tertiary Education Tax, which is 2.5% of the assessable profit of companies operating in Nigeria,

When the FIRS made its record breaking tax collection of N10.1 trillion in 2022, it attributed the feat to its internal revamp, its data-centric reforms, and its improved collaboration with all stakeholders including tax payers—emphasising that it recognizes the role that the citizenry plays in achieving its set goal.

And now that the agency has raised the bar in tax collection, the good job that the President Buhari administration is doing in ensuring that Nigerians see where their tax is going would be a further boost to FIRS target for 2023.

So it is absolutely necessary that Nigerians continue to keep their side of the social contract which taxation represents and government, whether the incumbent or the incoming, will have little or no reason to ensure that the people reap the necessary benefits in terms of provision of social amenities.


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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.”

FIRS

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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Biafra

Court Forecloses Defence, Fixes November 20 for Nnamdi Kanu Judgment

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Nnamdi Kanu Refuses to Enter Defence, Says “No Case” Exists Against Him
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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges bordering on alleged terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, set the date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s right to present his defence, following his repeated refusal to proceed under a law he claimed had been repealed.

“This court has given the defendant every opportunity required under Section 36 of the Constitution, and I will not allow this to continue. It is on this basis, without hesitation, that I hold that the defendant has waived his right,” the judge ruled.

Kanu had consistently declined to open his defence, insisting there was no valid charge against him and that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was illegal.

FIRS

The court had, on October 24, adjourned the matter to October 27 to allow Kanu commence his defence after he disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself. On November 4, Justice Omotosho gave the defendant a final opportunity to open his defence or risk forfeiting his right to do so.

Despite the judge’s persuasion for him to engage legal counsel, Kanu maintained that the terrorism charges were unconstitutional, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution to argue that there was “no written law establishing terrorism as an offence in Nigeria.”

At Friday’s proceedings, Kanu complained that he had been prevented from filing an important process. The judge subsequently directed that the court’s registry be temporarily relocated to the courtroom to enable the defendant file the document. Proceedings were stood down for one hour to complete the process.

Upon reconvening, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government, informed the court that he would rely on the exhibits already attached to the defendant’s motions rather than file a new response.

In one of his motions, Kanu asked the court to expunge his “not guilty” plea from the record, alleging that he was “deceptively arraigned” in violation of his constitutional rights. He also sought an order nullifying all proceedings in the case and demanding his immediate release.

Justice Omotosho, however, held that the defendant’s refusal to present his case amounted to a waiver of his right to fair hearing, having been given several opportunities to do so.

The court then adjourned the matter to November 20 for judgment.

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Abia State

Governor Alex Otti Raises NYSC Allowance by 1,150%, Implements CONHESS for Health Workers in Abia

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Governor Alex Otti has signed into effect the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation Framework, a first-of-its-kind policy at the sub-national level in Nigeria.
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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved a massive increase in monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state from a long-standing ₦4,000 to as high as ₦50,000.

This landmark decision represents a 1,150% increment, marking the first major review in nearly 27 years and further cementing Governor Otti’s reputation as a leader committed to youth empowerment and human capital development.

According to the new structure, all Corps Members serving in Abia State will now receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000, in addition to the Federal Government’s ₦77,000 monthly stipend. Those serving in State Government establishments and Teaching/Medical roles will earn an additional ₦10,000 and ₦30,000, respectively.

Governor Otti explained that the differential allowances were introduced to attract Corps Members to critical sectors like health and education, addressing the human resource gaps created by years of neglect and attrition.

FIRS

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Transforming the NYSC Experience in Abia

The “New Abia” is rapidly becoming a model for inclusive governance and practical reforms. Beyond financial incentives, Governor Otti’s administration has continued to upgrade the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, breathing new life into facilities that had been abandoned for decades.

The improvements include renovation of internal roads, provision of reliable electricity, installation of power equipment, and rehabilitation of dilapidated hostels and administrative buildings. Despite the camp being a Federal Government facility, the Governor maintains that every institution within Abia whether state or federal deserves attention because “it is Abians who benefit the most.”

A New Deal for Health Workers

In a related development, Governor Otti has also approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers across Abia State. The long-awaited wage adjustment aligns the state’s healthcare workforce with national standards, ensuring fair compensation, improved morale, and enhanced service delivery.

This decision underscores the administration’s resolve to rebuild the state’s healthcare sector, retain skilled professionals, and restore public confidence in government institutions.

Building a Future That Works

Governor Otti’s reforms reflect his core philosophy: taxation is the government’s share of the prosperity it has created, and investing in people is the surest path to sustainable development.

For years, Corps Members have played pivotal roles in Abia’s progress from education and healthcare to law, engineering, and public administration. The Governor’s gesture, therefore, is both a reward and an investment in the future.

With his signature blend of vision and action, Governor Otti continues to inspire a new era of hope, opportunity, and excellence for Abia State and its people.

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