Reform Myths, Politics & Economic Opportunity Misinformation as a National Security Risk TAXATION became a trending crisis on 1 January 2026, not because of new levies, but new lies. Viral claims that banks would freeze personal accounts or unilaterally debit 25 per cent of deposits were false. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform […]
By OBIOMA TORI AfCFTA as Nigeria’s Economic Re-Orientation NIGERIA did not enter the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by accident or political impulse. Its accession followed a deliberate pause, stakeholder consultations, and a late-stage review of national interests. After initially suspending the process, Nigeria eventually ratified the pact on 4 November 2020 and deposited […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH Import Surge to Boost Supply Chains NIGERIA’S major seaports are gearing up for a significant influx of import traffic at the start of the year, with no fewer than 41 ships laden with petroleum products, foodstuffs and assorted cargoes expected to dock at the Apapa, Tin-Can Island and Lekki Deep Sea […]
By OBI DAVIES NIGERIA is stepping into 2026 with improving macroeconomic signals that contrast sharply with the turbulence of the previous two years. Analysts at Coronation Group say the economy is showing cautious resilience, driven by sustained policy reforms, rising foreign exchange (FX) liquidity, and stronger capital flows — but warn that the gains remain […]
Politics, Elite Anxiety, and the Tax Net Controversy vs Context AERMP has dismissed public controversies around the new tax laws as politicised narratives amplified by vested interests. Speaking Thursday, Director-General Dr Olayinka Odutola argued that the loudest objections are not from citizens but from segments of the elite who fear exposure to a more comprehensive […]
By OBIOMA TORI Liquidity Surge Meets Regulatory Pressure An Economy Awash with Capital NIGERIA’S financial system is not suffering from a lack of liquidity. If anything, it has too much. Institutional investors, pension administrators, private equity players, and foreign portfolio funds are holding capital reserves seeking entry points into regulated, high-yield sectors. Recapitalisation has opened […]
By ANITA KNIGHT THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its insistence on implementing the Tax Reform Laws starting 1 January 2026, arguing that unresolved legal inconsistencies and transparency concerns make the policy premature. In a statement issued by National President Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS said […]
By OBI DAVIES A Tax Reform With a Bigger Thesis FIRS and fiscal policymakers argue that stamp duties will help Nigeria capture revenue from digital velocity, strengthen tax administration, and broaden the government’s take from formal electronic financial flows. The reform comes as Nigeria battles chronic fiscal pressures — infrastructure financing gaps, subsidy-removal shocks, and […]
By FIDELUS ZWANSON The Refining Factor: From Inflow Dependency to FX Savings NIGERIA’S path to the projected $51.04 billion reserves in 2026 introduces a strategic shift: reserve growth by lowering FX demand, rather than relying solely on inflows. The CBN ties this to domestic refining expansion, especially the Dangote Refinery, expected to scale to 700,000 […]
Rising Debt Amid Recovery EffortsTHE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) projects that the nation’s public debt will reach 34.68% of GDP by the end of 2026, according to its Macroeconomic Outlook for Nigeria, 2026. While only a slight uptick from the 33.98% recorded in mid-2025, the forecast highlights persistent fiscal deficits and continued reliance on […]