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 Tax Reforms Strengthen Economic Competitiveness: What you need to know about Nigeria's Tax Administration Act that goes into force in January 2026.  Dr Tope Fasua In recent weeks, a wave of commentary has suggested that Nigeria’s new tax regime may scare away investors, trigger capital flight, or damage business competitiveness. These concerns, although understandable in an environment where fiscal reforms attract intense public scrutiny, are largely misplaced. The 2025 tax reforms, anchored by the new Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) and Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), represent one of Nigeria’s most pro-investment, pro-market, and modernising tax policy updates in decades. Far from undermining growth and competitiveness, the reforms simplify the tax landscape, align Nigeria with global best practices, reduce compliance burdens, and protect both businesses and individuals from outdated rules. More importantly, the reforms are fundamentally progressive, in line with Mr President'...

 Côte d'Ivoire president Ouattara sworn in fourth term, vows to defend constitution President Alassane Ouattara, 83, was on Monday sworn in for a fourth term as leader of Côte d'Ivoire, after elections in which his two main opponents were excluded from the ballot. Ouattara was reelected with nearly 90 percent of the vote in the October 25 election -- though turnout in the West African nation was a relatively low 50.1 percent. The president, who has led Côte d'Ivoire since a disputed election in 2010, vowed to "loyally defend the constitution" at his inauguration, AFP reported. Leaders from 11 African countries attended the ceremony, as well as former leaders such as Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou. Opposition excluded Ouattara's two main opponents, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, were excluded from the ballot -- Gbagbo due to a criminal conviction and Thiam over nationality issues. Neither politician attended the ceremony. Ouattara won 89.7% of the vote, Elec...

 ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND RECEIVES AND AUGMENTS IGP’S MONITORING UNIT OPERATIVES ON ENFORCEMENT OF POLICE PERSONNEL WITHDRAWAL FROM VIP ESCORT DUTIES IN THE STATE The Anambra State Police Command today 8th December 2025 formally received operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)’s Monitoring Unit deployed to the state to ensure full implementation of the IGP’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP escort and guard duties. The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the IGP’s reform efforts targeted at enhancing professionalism, discipline, and optimal deployment of police manpower nationwide. The CP noted that the withdrawal of these officers will help to strengthen public policing, improve response capacity, and ensure that more personnel are available for core policing duties across the state. He further assured the Monitoring Unit operatives of the Command’s full cooperation throughout th...

 Lagos Demolition Victim Begs Govt: “We’re Not Animals” A 63-year-old victim of the Oworonshoki demolition has appealed to the Lagos State Government for urgent help, saying many displaced residents are stranded without shelter. Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, she said residents received no notice before the demolition and that the N200,000–N300,000 given to some indigenes was insufficient to secure new housing. “We are not goats; we are not animals. Please help us,” she said, noting that many now sleep in water tanks and on the streets, including elderly and sick residents.

 Nigeria’s World Bank Loans to Reach $9.65bn in 2025 Nigeria’s World Bank debt is set to hit $9.65bn by year-end, with total support including grants at $9.77bn, funding projects in health, education, power, and digital infrastructure. Loans rose from $2.7bn in 2023 to $4.25bn in 2024, before easing to $2.7bn in 2025, with IDA loans totaling $7.3bn and IBRD loans $2.35bn. Grants over three years reached $122m. Economists warn rising debt could strain finances if not paired with stronger revenue mobilisation. The World Bank accounts for 41% of Nigeria’s $46.98bn external debt.

 We are not officially aware of 100 students release — CAN The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said it has not been officially notified of the newly released 100 students following their abduction recently. In a statement on Monday, the Chairman of the Association, Niger State Chapter, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, noted that it would have been cheery news to learn of the abductees’ freedom; however, no news of their current whereabouts has been delivered to the grieving communities. “It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return, if it is true then it is a cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. ‘We hope and pray it’s true and will looking forward to when the remaining will be released”, the statement read. Bandits on 21 November 2025, attacked the St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, in the remote community of Papiri, abducting 315 people—303 ...

 Defection Rumours Swirl Around Rivers Governor Fubara Speculation mounts that Governor Siminalayi Fubara may join the APC after 17 PDP lawmakers loyal to ex-governor Wike defected.  Only three Fubara-aligned legislators remain inactive, while the Assembly continues meeting outside its official complex amid delays in commissioner appointments. Officials insist Fubara has shown no signs of leaving the PDP.