News
RMAFC Not Opposed To President Tinubu’s Tax Reform
Joel Ajayi
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has refuted recent media reports alleging its opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, today, Tuesday 10th December, 2024, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, described the reports as “grossly misleading, false, and malicious.”
Dr. Shehu clarified that the RMAFC has been fully engaged in the reform process and is aligned with President Tinubu’s vision for an equitable and sustainable fiscal framework. He also highlighted the importance of the proposed tax reform bills in addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.
“We applaud President Tinubu’s strong commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s revenue base through bold initiatives. The proposed tax reform bills are a significant step towards integrating untapped revenue sources, enhancing Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio, and positioning the country favorably among nations with high fiscal performance,” Dr. Shehu stated.
While acknowledging that the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation and derivation has sparked intense debate, Dr. Shehu reassured Nigerians of the Commission’s proactive involvement in ensuring that global best practices guide the reform process.
“As a responsible and patriotic institution, we have submitted a comprehensive memorandum that emphasizes adherence to global best practices. This position aligns seamlessly with Mr. President’s vision,” he added.
Dr. Shehu condemned the spread of misinformation, emphasizing that the RMAFC has never opposed the bills but has instead provided professional advice to support their refinement.
He called on Nigerians to disregard baseless reports and urged the media to uphold ethical standards in their reportage.
“It is disheartening to note that, despite our explicit support for the proposed legislation, some individuals have chosen to peddle falsehoods for reasons best known to them,” he said.
“These inaccurate statements can undermine the ongoing efforts of patriotic Nigerians tirelessly working to support the President’s vision for the country.”
The Chairman further explained that the proposed tax reform bills are currently undergoing consultations, with inputs being sought from expert bodies. He cautioned against misinterpretation or misrepresentation of professional advice during this process.
“The Commission is a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, and we take our responsibility to provide expert advice seriously. We have been working closely with the National Assembly to ensure the proposed legislation is robust, effective, and aligned with global best practices,” Dr. Shehu emphasized.
He noted that the proposed bills aim to promote fiscal equity, reduce tax evasion, and increase revenue generation—objectives that align with the RMAFC’s mandate.
However, he acknowledged concerns about potential impacts on businesses and individuals, assuring stakeholders that the Commission remains committed to addressing these through constructive engagement.
Dr. Shehu stressed the importance of relying on factual information to avoid unnecessary controversies and called on all Nigerians to support the President’s bold fiscal reforms.
“At this critical juncture, the President needs the support of all Nigerians. Let us work together to support his vision for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.
The RMAFC urged the media to avoid the spread of fake news and focus on promoting factual and constructive dialogue for the collective good of the nation.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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