Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 26th June, 2025
1. Presidency Reveals Date Tinubu Will Sign Tax Reform Bills Into Law
The Presidency has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will, on Thursday, sign into law four tax reform bills.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The four bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, were passed by the National Assembly after extensive consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
According to the Presidency, when the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments.
The statement disclosed that the presidential assent to the bills at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will be witnessed by the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate Majority Leader, House Majority Leader, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and his House counterpart.
The Chairman of the Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the Minister of Finance and Coordination Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation will also attend the ceremony.
2. Confusion As PDP NWC Knocks Damagum, Insists NEC Not Cancelled, Anyanwu Not Reinstated
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed an earlier press briefing by it’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Naija News reports that Damagum had announced the reinstatement of Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the party.
He made the announcement on Wednesday during a press briefing attended by top party leaders, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Damagum acknowledged that the decision to bring back Anyanwu into the National Working Committee (NWC) was not an easy one but said it was broadly supported by the party’s leadership.
But in a swift response, some members of the PDP NWC rejected Anyanwu’s reinstatement and the reported cancellation or postponement of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
3. 17 Soldiers, Several Terrorists Killed In Fierce Gun Battle
The Nigerian Army has confirmed a fierce battle between its troops and some terrorists in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, troops foiled a deadly attack by terrorists in Niger State and engaged the criminals in a fierce battle.
Anele said the encounter occurred on Tuesday in the Bangi community, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
He explained that the terrorists had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro forest, but their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
The Army statement disclosed that, unfortunately, seventeen soldiers lost their lives during the encounter, while ten others sustained various degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment in a medical facility.
Naija News reports that, according to the statement, the troops also inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, though the exact number of terrorists killed could not be ascertained.
4. INEC Confirms Receipt Of 110 Applications For New Political Parties
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has obtained letters of intent from 110 associations seeking registration as political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this information during the second regular consultative meeting with media executives held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Yakubu stated that INEC is carefully processing the applications in accordance with the procedures established by law, as well as its own regulations and guidelines.
He mentioned that the commission has acknowledged all requests received to date, with the exception of six recent submissions, which will be addressed before the end of the week.
5. ‘Produce Proof’ – Nigerian Army Speaks On Receiving Intelligence On Benue Attacks
The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that it received prior intelligence warning about the June 13, 2025 attacks in Benue State but failed to act.
Reacting to media reports referencing a purported leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS), Major General Moses Gara, Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), described the claims as false, misleading, and a form of cyberbullying intended to discredit the military.
The DSS memo, dated May 13, allegedly warned of planned attacks by suspected “Fulani militias” targeting Tiv communities and settlements in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State and several areas across Benue State, reportedly in retaliation for the seizure of cows by the state government.
The document named several at-risk communities, including Mararaba, Gidan Antonny, Vandikya, Gwer West, Makurdi, and others, and claimed the militias held strategic meetings and positioned armed men in forests near Doma and Keana LGAs in Nasarawa.
Despite the specific warnings detailed in the alleged memo, Major General Gara firmly denied receiving such intelligence.
6. They Are Political IDPs – Tinubu Hits Atiku, El-Rufai, Others In Coalition
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, described politicians in the opposition coalition targeted at unseating him in 2027 as Internally Displaced Politicians.
Naija News reports that President Tinubu made the declaration while speaking during a working visit to Nasarawa State.
The President said the politicians in the coalition should not be given any attention as they are only trying to unseat themselves.
“Just don’t pay them any attention. They are the political IDPs. Don’t give them a home. The hope is here,” he said.
7. FG Fulfils 30-Year Housing Promise To 1994 Super Eagles Heroes
The Federal Government has finally honoured its 30-year-old promise to members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad by allocating houses to the players in recognition of their historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in Tunisia.
This milestone was confirmed in a statement published on the official website of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday.
Among the beneficiaries is former Super Eagles striker, Efan Ekoku, who was presented with an allocation letter for a house in Abuja. Ekoku was represented at the brief handover ceremony by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun.
The letter was formally presented by Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of the Department of Public Building and Housing Development, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Temitope described the gesture as part of the government’s commitment to recognising the patriotic service and national glory brought by the 1994 squad.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Stay, Arsenal Begin Partey Replacement Talks
Cristiano Ronaldo has committed his future to Al Nassr, putting an end to speculation over his next move as his previous deal approached expiration.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, who joined the Saudi Pro League outfit in January 2023 after parting ways with Manchester United, was due to become a free agent on June 30. However, he has now agreed to sign a new contract that could keep him at the club until 2027.
This development was revealed on Wednesday by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, via his official 𝕏 account.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Arsenal are already making moves to reinforce their midfield amid reports that Thomas Partey will leave the club as a free agent.
Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Partey is not expected to renew his contract with the Gunners, which expires this summer.
In response, Arsenal have initiated talks with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as a potential replacement.
9. Nigerian Police Launch Investigation Into Viral Video Of Angela Okorie Jogging With Armed Escort
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an investigation into a viral video that captures actress Angela Okorie jogging while being escorted by armed police officers.
The Force, in a statement on Wednesday, posted on its X handle and signed by spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the incident does not align with its professional standards.
Adejobi described the officers’ conduct as falling short of the discipline and decorum expected of personnel.
Adejobi said that although the video appeared to have been shot on or near a movie set, it had sparked public concern and criticism.
10. ‘I Could Not Pay Hospital Bills’ – Ibrahim Chatta Opens Up On Death Of First Child In Lagos Hospital
Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has recounted how his first child died in a Lagos hospital over his inability to pay the hospital bills.
Naija News reports that the thespian made this known while speaking during a video conversation with crew members on a movie set.
In the video shared online, Ibrahim Chetta explained that all efforts to raise money when the child was admitted to a hospital in the Iddo area of Lagos State proved abortive.
The film star said his late child was buried in a wooden Coca-Cola crate.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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