Author: Naija Daily News

By Imarievwe Osakwe, Guest Writer A frightening number can win more attention than a thousand correct words. That is why former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s claim, that Nigeria’s new tax law will automatically seize 25 percent of private payments, gained instant traction. It is simple, alarming, and politically useful. It is also wrong. Not slightly wrong, but structurally and factually wrong. To understand why, you have to look at what the new tax framework actually contains. When you do, the claim collapses. Amaechi said that if someone pays ₦100 million for materials, ₦25 million will automatically leave the recipient’s account…

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticised the immigration enforcement approach associated with President Donald Trump, warning that sweeping crackdowns and expanded executive powers risk pushing governance toward what he described as autocratic-style practices. Obama made the remarks during an interview with a liberal podcaster, Brian Tyler Cohen, on Saturday. The former US President argued that border enforcement must be balanced with constitutional safeguards and due process protections. He said democracies are tested by their ability to maintain civil liberties while addressing security concerns, cautioning against policies that rely heavily on executive force and institutional pressure. His comments came amid…

Photo: Chinese President, Xi Jinping Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will eliminate tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries starting May 1, expanding zero-duty access to the Chinese market in a move aimed at deepening trade ties with the continent. Xi announced the measure during remarks linked to the African Union summit in Ethiopia, describing it as a step toward a new stage of China–Africa economic cooperation and market integration. Under the new policy, zero-tariff treatment will apply to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, according to Chinese state media. The only exception is Eswatini,…

Suspected bandits killed at least six people and abducted several others in attacks on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger state, police said on Saturday, as residents reported a higher toll and the burning of public buildings including a police outpost. The Niger State Police Command said the assailants struck Tunga-Makeri village in the early hours of Saturday, Valentine’s Day, setting houses on fire and taking an unspecified number of residents away. “On 14/2/2026 at about 6 a.m., a report was received indicating that at about 3 a.m., suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi district, Borgu LGA,”…

….Presidency calls for probe Effervescent former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is known for his verbosity andn overreach, which critics say is attention-seeking, but his recent claim suggesting that the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, may have been tapped by someone known to him, may have put him on the sport. Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, has called for probe and possible prosecution of El-rufai over the claim. The claim has raised legal, political, and security concerns, particularly in the context of the country’s counter-terrorism operations, and suspicions that the recent spike in insecurity across…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Federal Government has teamed up with global telecom technology firm Ericsson to launch the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon, a nationwide digital skills and innovation programme targeted at young Nigerians, startups, and emerging tech professionals. The initiative is structured as a four-month hackathon and acceleration programme designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills while supporting the development of technology solutions that address real-world challenges across key sectors of the economy. According to programme coordinators, the hackathon is part of a broader digital capacity push aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for opportunities in next-generation technologies while strengthening…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will consult the National Assembly over the controversy surrounding the 2027 general election timetable, following concerns that the scheduled dates coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. INEC had fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls. The announcement has attracted criticism from Muslim groups and political stakeholders who argue that holding elections during Ramadan could negatively affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim states. Among those…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Presidency has called for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as an open confession of illegal wire-tapping of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The call was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956. Onanuga said El-Rufai’s televised remarks suggested that he and unnamed collaborators might have access to wire-tapping facilities, warning that such a capability in private hands poses serious national security risks. “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping…

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has paid glowing tribute to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, acknowledging his role in shaping his political journey. Fubara made the remarks while receiving the “Man of the Year” award presented by New Telegraph. He said Wike discovered his potential and brought him to national prominence. “I dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation — the Honourable Minister of FCT. He discovered me, and it is his discovery that gave me this loudness,” the governor stated. Fubara described the recognition as both a personal…

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of five persons by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in Doro Baga community, Kukawa Local Government Area of the state. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, reportedly took place at about 7:00 a.m. while the victims were purchasing fresh fish at a local market in the community. A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, had earlier disclosed that those abducted were identified as Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu. Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Police…