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  This shakeup at FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest bank, reflects a bold transformation strategy aimed at revitalizing its operations and aligning with new leadership under Femi Otedola's chairmanship of FBN Holdings. The exit of about 100 senior executives signals a significant restructuring process, marking an effort to infuse fresh talent into the bank’s leadership. The ongoing shakeup signals a clear intent to modernize and strengthen FirstBank’s structure. While such transitions can initially create uncertainty, they are also opportunities for innovation, operational efficiency, and enhanced market competitiveness. This move places FirstBank on a strong footing for its ambitious 2025 repositioning plans, setting the stage for sustained growth in a competitive banking sector.

  Dr. Mustapha Ghali, representing Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has expressed opposition to the proposed tax reform bills, emphasizing that Nigeria is not yet prepared for their implementation. Speaking to journalists in Kano, he highlighted the lack of a conducive environment and necessary development as key reasons for his stance. Dr. Ghali revealed that a fellow lawmaker from the South had attempted to lobby him to support the bills, citing potential benefits for Kano and Lagos. However, he declined, advocating for equitable benefits for neighboring northern states such as Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi. He criticized the perceived regional bias and called for unity among northern lawmakers to resist the move. Drawing comparisons with countries like England, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, where tax reforms have succeeded, Dr. Ghali pointed out that those governments had already established robust social ameniti...

  The chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) , Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, has called for an urgent review of service tariffs to address rising operational challenges threatening the sustainability of the telecom sector. Speaking at an industry stakeholders' event in Lagos, Adebayo highlighted that the sector is grappling with skyrocketing energy costs, inflation, volatile exchange rates, and stagnant tariffs, all of which are endangering the industry's viability. In his speech titled “Before the Final Call: Telecom as Sector Under Siege,” Adebayo warned that without immediate reforms, the sector's future and its ability to provide quality services are at grave risk. He emphasized that delayed action could derail the hope for a better 2025 and urged all stakeholders to act decisively to prevent a collapse. He stated, “The survival of the telecom sector demands immediate and bold reforms. Tariffs must be reviewed to reflect the e...

    The accidental bombing of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Sokoto State by the Nigerian Air Force during an operation against the Lakurawa terrorist group is a tragic incident that has raised significant concerns. This situation highlights the complexities and risks associated with military operations in areas where civilian populations are in close proximity to terrorist hideouts. Civilian Casualties : At least 10 villagers were reported killed, and several others were injured in the airstrike, which disrupted Christmas celebrations. The affected c.ommunities are located near Surame Forest, a known hub for the Lakurawa sect and bandits Residents, including eyewitnesses, have expressed shock and grief over the loss of innocent lives. Silame LGA Chairman Abubakar Daftarana confirmed the attack and lamented the tragedy, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the victims. The Nigerian Air Force stated that the airstrikes were based on "credible intelligence" but promised a ...

  The death of Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, an 18-year-old suspect accused of murdering retired Permanent Secretary Adamu Jagaba in Niger State, raises critical questions about the circumstances surrounding his death while in police custody. According to reliable sources, Abdulhakeem died on Thursday, December 19, 2024, after complaining of severe stomach pains and a cough. He was reportedly taken to the general hospital in Minna for treatment but passed away during care. The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, stating that the cause of death remains unknown pending a postmortem examination. Abdulhakeem had previously been paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmama, as the main suspect in the killing of Jagaba, who was stabbed to death at his block industry near the PDP Secretariat in Minna.

 The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, marking a significant milestone for the state with an over ₦1.558 trillion budget. The budget, termed the “Budget of Hope for Food Security and Sustainability,” was passed by the State House of Assembly just hours before the governor's assent. Governor Bago lauded the State Assembly for its unprecedented efficiency in scrutinizing and passing the bill, emphasizing the synergy between the legislative and executive branches. He encouraged legislators to exercise their oversight responsibilities to ensure proper implementation of the budget provisions. The swift passage and enactment of the budget signal a proactive approach to addressing food security, sustainability, and other critical development priorities in Niger State.

  Senator Ali Ndume S enator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has dismissed claims suggesting that Northern Nigeria is economically dependent on other regions of the country.  Addressing the issue in a statement, Ndume affirmed the North's self-sufficiency and its significant contributions to the nation's development, stressing that no state or region can thrive in isolation. He stated, “The North will never be a parasite or dependent on any region or even the country. We are assets, not liabilities, to Nigeria.” Ndume's remarks came in response to accusations that the North cannot sustain itself without support and that its residents are unwilling to contribute through taxation. He countered these claims by advocating for increased transparency and accountability in tax collection processes and encouraged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to widen the tax base instead of disproportionately burdening low and middle-income citizens. Ndume further clar...