Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including the Senate’s passage of key tax and budget bills, a tragic building collapse in Lagos, and Wike’s push for higher ground rent in Abuja.
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1. Senate adopts harmonised tax reform bills
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday approved the harmonised version of four tax reform bills after considering the report of the joint conference committee with the House of Representatives. The bills are part of ongoing efforts to streamline Nigeria’s tax system and improve revenue generation.
2. Senate approves N1.8trn FCT budget for 2025
Lawmakers passed the N1.8 trillion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) statutory appropriation bill for 2025. The budget approval followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on FCT and Area Councils, which was adopted during plenary.
3. Wike vows to raise Abuja ground rent over poor compliance
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has announced plans to increase ground rent charges in Abuja due to widespread default by property owners. He made the disclosure during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, describing tax evasion as a major obstacle to development in the capital.
4. Three bodies recovered from collapsed Ikorodu building
Emergency workers on Tuesday pulled three bodies from the rubble of a collapsed two-storey building in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. The victims, including a teenage girl, were trapped under debris after the building gave way. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
5. Rivers pastor arrested for allegedly defiling 10-year-old girl
A 45-year-old pastor identified as Lucky has been arrested in Rivers State for allegedly sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in Ihuaje community, Ahoada East. He was apprehended by local vigilantes under the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee, OSPAC.
6. Naira gains in parallel market, weakens officially
The naira appreciated slightly to N1,610 per dollar in the parallel market on Wednesday, up from N1,620 the previous day. However, it depreciated in the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), dropping to N1,592 per dollar, highlighting ongoing instability.
7. NEMA confirms 25 flood-related deaths in Enugu
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported 25 deaths and 166 injuries due to flooding in Enugu State in 2024. Over 9,000 households have been affected. The agency disclosed the figures during a disaster preparedness event held in Enugu.
8. NDLEA arrests two fake Hajj pilgrims over cocaine smuggling
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa on Wednesday revealed that two suspects posing as pilgrims were caught trying to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia. The agency said the arrests highlight the lengths traffickers go to exploit religious events for illegal activities.
9. Emefiele challenges court seizure of Abuja housing estate
Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele has appealed a ruling that granted the federal government control of an estate with 753 housing units in Abuja. The EFCC earlier obtained a court order to confiscate the property located in Lokogoma over corruption allegations.
10. Two die, 15 injured in Osun road accident
Two people were killed and 15 others injured in a lone truck accident along the Osogbo-Gbongan road in Osun State. The vehicle, traveling from Kebbi to Ikire, reportedly crashed near Iwo Junction on Wednesday, according to the FRSC.
