Compilations of top 10 key latest happenings that you might have missed this Tuesday evening, 30th December, 2025
No going back on January 1 tax law commencement — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said the implementation of the new tax laws, including those enacted on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will take effect as planned.
In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said the reforms represent “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation” for the country.
The President clarified that the new laws are not intended to increase taxes, but to support a structural reset, drive harmonization, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract.
He urged all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which he said is now “firmly in the delivery stage,” adding that no substantial issue has been identified that warrants a disruption of the reform process.
AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Uganda 3-1 to finish group stage unbeaten
Nigeria maintained their perfect record at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Uganda in their final Group C match at the Fez Stadium in Morocco on Tuesday.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute, poking home from close range after meeting a low cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to give the Super Eagles a deserved first-half lead.
Nigeria dominated much of the opening period, creating several chances while Uganda struggled to cope with the three-time champion pace and movement.
The Eagles stepped up their intensity after the break and doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute.
Samuel Chukwueze squared the ball into the box for Raphael Onyedika, who took a fine first touch before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.
Five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, firing into the bottom right corner from about 15 yards after latching onto another Chukwueze cut-back following a swift attacking move involving Onuachu.
Court orders remand of ex-AGF Malami, son, wife in Kuje prison
The Federal High Court In Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, also ordered the remand of his co-defendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives Bashir Asabe.
Justice Nwite made the order after taking arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).
Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities running into several billions of naira.
According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and include the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.
The commission further alleges that some of the offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Fubara approves minor cabinet reshuffle, redeploys Green as justice commissioner
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council with immediate effect.
Under the new arrangement, Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo.
According to the statement, “Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner to oversee the ministry.
Edo workers get 13th-month salary, commend Okpebholo
The Edo State Government on Tuesday paid civil servants their 13th-month salary.
This was confirmed to The PUNCH by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Mr Patrick Ebojele.
Ebojele said the gesture was proof of the governor’s workers-friendly policy, noting that it would bring relief to civil servants.
He explained that the governor introduced the policy a few weeks after he was sworn in last year and had sustained it this year to boost workers’ morale.
Meanwhile, civil servants in the state have expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo over the payment, describing it as timely and morale-boosting.
Speaking to journalists, the Director of Orientation at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Rose Imonikhe, said the alert came as a pleasant surprise.
She said, “I woke up this morning, it was the alert that woke me up — the 13th-month salary.
I’m grateful to the governor for what he has done. You can see me smiling, and that is how other officers in the Edo State civil service are smiling.”
Imonikhe noted that the payment would ease financial pressure on workers during the festive season and beyond.
NUC okays 17 degree programmes for Fortune varsity
The National Universities Commission has approved the commencement of 17 undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State.
The approval is to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 29, 2025, signed by the Acting Director of Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu.
According to the commission, the university met all stipulated requirements for the establishment of the programmes and was granted a total admission quota of 800 students.
“I am directed to convey the Executive Secretary’s approval for the establishment of the following programmes in the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, having satisfied the requirements for their establishment with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The admission quota is put at 800,” the letter read in part.
The NUC stated that the approved programmes are spread across four faculties.
Under the Faculty of Science and Computing, the university will offer B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology, B.Sc. Computer Science and B.Sc. Cyber Security.
GNI House Fire: Obi commends Sanwo-Olu, calls for improved emergency response
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and emergency responders for their efforts following the fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House in Balogun Market, Lagos Island.
Obi made the remarks in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, while reacting to the incident that engulfed the 25-storey commercial building.
I commend Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for their efforts so far in coordinating rescue operations,” Obi said.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Obi said he had received news of the fire that gutted the building, which houses warehouses, corporate offices and retail shops.
“I have just received the heartbreaking news of the fire that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance House in Balogun Market, Lagos Island.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.
He extended condolences to families of victims who reportedly lost their lives in the incident.
Rivers Politics: ‘No victory without Wike,” APC national V/Chair tells Fubara
The National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC for the South-South zone, Hon. Victor Giadom, has declared that no political ambition, including that of the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, can succeed in Rivers State without the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Giadom made the assertion on Tuesday during Wike’s appreciation visit to Gokana Local Government Area, describing the former Rivers governor as the undisputed political rallying point in the state.
According to him, Wike remains the most influential political figure in Gokana, insisting that there is no alternative power bloc in the area.
He said;
“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana.
Tinubu congratulates Wale Edun on Royal Victorian Order honour
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, on his appointment to the Royal Victorian Order by His Majesty, King Charles III.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential spokesperson on Tuesday in Abuja.
King Charles III appointed Edun as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global youth development programme that supports young people in building character, skills and leadership, including in Nigeria, where thousands of youths currently benefit from the initiative.
Tinubu welcomed the honour, describing it as a recognition that reflects Edun’s commitment to youth development and public service.
Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Public Prosecutions Director
President Bola Tinubu has approved the transfer of service of Mr Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, SAN, from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to the mainstream Federal Civil Service as the Director of Public Prosecutions, in the Federal Ministry of Justice.
A letter dated December 23, signed by Omolabake Mafe on behalf of the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, stated that Oyedepo’s appointment was made in the public interest.
A statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations, State House, stated that Mr Oyedepo, as DPP, will fill the vacancy occasioned by the retirement of Mr Abubakar Babadoko, who will attain the mandatory eight years as a director on December 31, 2025.
Mr Oyedepo is a 2007 Law graduate from the University of Ilorin and attended the Law School in 2008
