₦airaland Forum

The International Monetary Fund has recommended introducing taxes on fuel products and telecommunications services in Nigeria as part of broader measures to increase government revenue and create fiscal space for development spending and social interventions.

The recommendation was contained in the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Consultation report on Nigeria, where the Fund argued that additional tax measures would be needed over the medium term despite the recent overhaul of the country’s tax system.

“Further tax policy changes will likely be needed—such as increasing the VAT rate, extending VAT to fuel products, rationalising tax expenditures in particular VAT exemptions on extractive industries and some customs duties, and introducing telecom excises—to complement administrative gains,” the IMF said.

The Washington-based institution, however, cautioned that the timing of any new taxes must take into account Nigeria’s rising poverty levels and worsening food insecurity.



Civil Society Groups March Against Insecurity and Economic Hardship in Lagos0:00 / 0:00

“The timing of reforms must consider the poverty and food insecurity situation and ensure that the cash transfer system is in place and funded,” the Fund added.

The recommendation is likely to trigger fresh debate across the country, given the sensitivity surrounding fuel prices and telecommunications costs.

A previous attempt by the Federal Government to introduce a five per cent excise duty on telecom services faced widespread opposition from operators, subscribers and consumer advocacy groups before it was eventually suspended and later scrapped.

Telecommunications companies had argued that the sector was already burdened by multiple taxes, rising energy costs, foreign exchange pressures and infrastructure challenges, warning that any additional levy would ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher call and data charges.

Similarly, proposals linked to fuel taxation have generated opposition from labour unions and private sector groups amid concerns over rising living costs following the removal of petrol subsidies and increases in transport and food prices.

The IMF’s latest recommendation comes as it projects that Nigeria will need stronger revenue mobilisation efforts to sustain planned increases in public spending and support vulnerable households.

According to the report, revenue-enhancing tax policies could generate additional revenues equivalent to 3.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product within three years of implementation. The Fund identified a two-percentage-point increase in the Value Added Tax rate as the single largest contributor, with an estimated revenue gain of 0.8 per cent of GDP.

It also projected that removing pioneer status incentives and revising free zone regulations would generate another 0.7 per cent of GDP, while reforms to capital gains taxation and adjustments to personal income tax bands, allowances and rates would each contribute 0.6 per cent of GDP.

The IMF further estimated that a top-up tax on multinationals and large firms could raise 0.5 per cent of GDP, while rationalising investment allowances would add another 0.4 per cent.

Notably, the category labelled “others”, which includes telecom excise duties and other measures such as a carbon tax on fuel, was projected to contribute an additional 0.4 per cent of GDP in revenue gains.

Beyond new tax measures, the Fund said Nigeria could generate even larger gains through stronger tax administration.

It projected that administrative reforms would yield an additional 3.1 per cent of GDP through improved compliance, enforcement and efforts to reduce informality in the economy.

According to the report, measures such as fiscalisation, electronic invoicing and cross-validation of tax deductions could generate 1.5 per cent of GDP, while expanded tax identification registration and consolidation of taxpayer databases could contribute another 1.6 per cent of GDP.

The IMF acknowledged that some of Nigeria’s recently enacted tax reforms would reduce government revenue in the short term because they were designed to support households and small businesses.

It estimated that revenue-reducing measures would lower revenues by 2.4 per cent of GDP, with expanded VAT input credits, additional zero-rated items and broader exemptions on basic consumption goods accounting for 1.7 percentage points.

Lower corporate income tax obligations for smaller firms would reduce revenues by 0.4 per cent of GDP, while lower personal income tax rates and expanded exemptions for low-income earners would account for another 0.3 percentage point reduction.

Overall, the IMF projected that the combined impact of revenue-enhancing measures, administrative reforms and revenue-reducing policies would result in a net increase in government revenue equivalent to 4.6 per cent of GDP over the medium term.

The Fund argued that stronger revenue mobilisation had become increasingly important because Nigeria’s fiscal position remained under pressure despite recent reforms.

A lot of people tend to forget that Peter Obi like most Governors during his time had to deal with a global recession.

Many governments, states, and companies borrowed money to maintain infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic activity. During that period, borrowing was often a tool of fiscal management rather than a sign of failure.

Obi governed through part of that difficult economic period. If Anambra carried debt, the relevant question is whether the debt was excessive and whether the state’s finances remained healthy.

"Obedient movement exists beyond Obi, we are open to support Tinubu’s gov't"

Watch Full Interview on https://t.co/xiv5legRt3#trusttvnews pic.twitter.com/TXmKHRQn5j

— Trust TV News (@trusttv_news) June 11, 2026

Brian Dennis, NDC spokesperson, posted a video outlining the party's version of events with activist Aisha Yesufu, claiming she joined after Amanda Pam had already secured a promise for the FCT Senate ticket through extensive grassroots mobilisation.

Peter Obi intervened on Aisha's behalf, but party leader Seriake Dickson upheld his word to Pam; the party offered Aisha an unopposed House of Representatives seat in AMAC/Bwari instead, which she rejected in favour of Senate.

This is the entire truth of what transpired between the NDC and @AishaYesufu

If anything I’ve said here is a lie, Aisha can quote this tweet and tell us her version of events.

Thank you. pic.twitter.com/nnuCZ2xgFv

— Hydra (@XBrianDennis) June 11, 2026

Dear Senator Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson
While I take my time to properly address your allusion of me not playing by the rules which I consider very disingenuous seeing how I followed the process and even when you had insisted there would be no primaries for senate I let things go and asked my teeming supporters to focus on the bigger picture, I toured the FCT pacifying my supporters and party people who rightfully felt disrespected as they were all waiting at their respective headquarters for primaries that never happened.  (I played field politics, I never waited for anyone to give me ticket), I would like you as the National leader to watch this video again!

This part of the interview was so painfully appalling to watch. It looked as if you were insecure and in competition with your Presidential Candidate. Your first one on one interview after primaries and instead of selling your candidates and giving confidence to people on how set the road to winning the 2027 election was, you made it about yourself.

With all due respect sir, it looks as if you consider the NDC a Special Purpose Vehicle whose aim has been achieved just by being registered instead of a Political Party whose aim is to win the 2027 General election decisively!!!! The registration of NDC should be a means to an end and not an end in itself.

As a leader of a Political party, your number one job in that interview was to pacify aspirants many of whom are rightfully aggrieved and secondly to call on supporters to bear with the party and support it but you ended up antagonising the very people you would need to win election. Every vote counts! A leader must stoop to conquer!

No one can take away your leadership of NDC, no one is interested in that! The focus is on Nigeria is winning the 2027 election!
It looked as if you are fighting a war no one is waging with you. You don't have anything to prove to anyone, just lead! It is also interesting how as a leader i see you shifting the blame with any process that doesn't go well or is called out. Even in this statement below, you did! Take all responsibility! The party is young. It was overwhelmed. Mistakes will be made. Accepting the mistakes and being accountable is how the party will get better.

There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from the current state it is in, should be the main focus not people's fragile ego!

Let me round up with some words from Jim Rohn: IF WHAT YOU DID YESTERDAY IS STILL LOOKING BIG TO YOU TODAY, THEN YOU ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH!!!

Dear Senator Henry Seriake Dickson @iamHSDickson
While I take my time to properly address your allusion of me not playing by the rules which I consider very disingenuous seeing how I followed the process and even when you had insisted there would be no primaries for senate I let… https://t.co/dyNUg4Ktnw pic.twitter.com/43TEKoL2o9

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) June 11, 2026

Statement on My Appointment as New Media and Strategic Communications Director of the NDC.

Thanks be to the God of my Covenant, my help in ages past and my hope for years to come.

I wish to express my sincere and profound gratitude to my leader, boss, and father, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for the confidence reposed in me to lead the digital communications efforts of our great party.

For many years, I have been an ardent supporter of Senator Dickson and the core values he espouses. What particularly endeared him to me is his principled and consistent advocacy for restructuring and the devolution of powers, two ideological positions I firmly believe can fundamentally transform Nigeria’s governance trajectory. Consequently, when he conceived the idea of founding a political party anchored on these ideals, it was a natural and straightforward decision for me to align with him and the NDC.

Those familiar with my public positions know that I have always maintained radical conviction, intellectual independence, and consistent commitment to my beliefs. I do not follow the crowd, nor do I retreat from what I consider right.

I began supporting the NDC from the very moment our National Leader conceived the vision of an ideologically driven political party. I was a foundational member who actively mobilised support and contributed to building the party from its inception, long before it gained national prominence through the influx of other leaders and their supporters.

It is therefore a misrepresentation to suggest that I opportunistically sought an appointment only after the party attained visibility. By the special grace of God, I am not in need of the party for personal financial gain or prominence. As a young man raising a beautiful family while pursuing a career in public service, I have been blessed with stability and fulfilment.

Like most Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, I believe our country deserves better and that our numerous challenges can be effectively addressed through purposeful, visionary leadership. It is on this conviction that I have offered myself for service, beginning at the foundational level of governance ( the political party) which serves as the platform for grooming and presenting leaders for public office.

Drawing from my years of experience in civil society and media, where I have managed communications for various brands, institutions, and personalities, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to position the NDC as a credible, viable alternative for Nigerians seeking genuine change.

I acknowledge the mixed reactions that greeted my appointment. However, I assure all genuine supporters of the NDC that I have the best interests of the party and its candidates at heart.

I will channel the same passion and energy that has sparked debate into promoting our candidates, combating misinformation, setting the national agenda, and advancing the ideals of the party and its National Leader.

At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, we share a common goal. We must therefore rise above trivial distractions and minor differences to remain focused on our collective vision for a better Nigeria.

Finally, I extend heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support, kind wishes and prayers. I never knew I was loved this much. To those who, despite our differences in affiliation, defended me fiercely and passionately, I will never forget your solidarity.

NDC is my party.
Sen. Seriake Dickson is my National Leader and with His Excellency Peter Obi and HE Rabiu Kwankwaso as our party’s presidential nominees, we are fully committed to ensuring their victory in 2027.

Information is power. We will deploy it strategically and tactfully to deliver our message to the electorate. This battle is not won through empty rhetoric but through deliberate strategy, discipline, and tact.

Imagine Theo becoming spokesperson for Obidient and PO 😭
WTF is that?
PO greatest Political mistake is entering Dickson party
Obidients movement and PO is bigger than NDC

You must not lose everything because you want to be President
President we no see, Vice we see! 😭

Okonkwo should have his time in court or apologies to Peter Obi, what he presented as evidence of payment to Obi is just payment for party nomination.

I learn he is a lawyer too but I heard the law he read was as an adult education may be the knowledge did not assimilate well.

Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, says he remains willing to forgive Governor Abba Yusuf and reconcile with him despite their political differences, insisting that his affection for his former protégé has not diminished.

Relationship between the two politicians soured after Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party, under which he won the 2023 governorship election, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, a move that drew sharp criticism from members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Speaking in an interview in a video posted by BBC Hausa on Monday, Kwankwaso, who has also defected from NNPP to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, said the door to reconciliation remains open.

He stressed that Yusuf was the one who chose to leave their political fold and that he would not turn him away if he decided to return.

“I still love Abba and I didn’t reject him, he is the one that left. So not just Abba, if anyone who left comes back, I won’t be unforgiving. Look at Ganduje, in the many years we worked together, we fell out several times and got back together. That is how politics works,” he said.

Kwankwaso argued that Yusuf’s electoral victory was made possible by the strength of the movement.

“We picked Abba to contest under the NNPP and we won, but he left to join the people we defeated. Some say he did so because he feared losing his position, but he knows there was no way we would have been defeated in Kano. If that were the case, we would have lost when he contested under our party,” he stated.

The former governor further explained that the movement intentionally fielded Yusuf in 2023 to demonstrate its political influence.

“We did not choose him because he was the most senior or the most educated. We chose him because we wanted to test the strength and calibre of the Kwankwasiyya movement at that time,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of tolerance in leadership, Kwankwaso said leaders must accept differing opinions and embrace forgiveness.

“As a leader, you need to have an open heart. You cannot force people to think the way you do because we all come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives. Without forgiveness, we would not have come this far,” he added.

I am only supporting Governor Uba Sani. I will not vote for President Bola Tinubu because of how he treats the North and how his government has caused hardships. VP Shettima also lacks the fear of God in his heart; what did he even do for his own state, Borno? — A frustrated APC member

This is the reality for the majority of APC members in the North. They will vote against Bola Tinubu in 2027.

I am only supporting Governor Uba Sani. I will not vote for President Bola Tinubu because of how he treats the North and how his government has caused hardships. VP Shettima also lacks the fear of God in his heart; what did he even do for his own state, Borno? — A frustrated APC… pic.twitter.com/rOR0yDunU8

— Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) June 9, 2026

While some Atikulates may be happy with such malicious allegations coming from an uncontrollable mouth like Kenneth Okonkwo.

Certainly such malicious allegations are unsubstantiated and should not be coming from someone lurking around the ADC presidential candidate this days

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, is set to dump the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the African Democratic Congress following ongoing negotiations between both parties, The PUNCH has learnt.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that discussions between Gawuna’s camp and the ADC leadership in Kano had reached an advanced stage, with both sides expected to hold a final meeting on Monday to conclude the arrangement.

The Kano State chairman of the ADC, Musa Ungogo, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday, saying Gawuna initiated the talks through emissaries who met with the party leadership over the weekend.

Ungogo dismissed claims circulating on social media that the ADC was courting the former deputy governor, insisting that the move came from Gawuna and his associates.

“The story being circulated that the ADC approached Gawuna is not correct. It was Gawuna who approached us. He sent a delegation to meet us, and discussions have been ongoing since then,” he said.

According to the ADC chairman, Gawuna’s delegation included a former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Alhaji Sagir Fanshekara, and Hon Kadawa.

He said the delegation met with him and the party’s state secretary on Saturday as part of efforts to negotiate the terms of Gawuna’s entry into the party.

Ungogo disclosed that among the demands presented by Gawuna’s camp was the ADC governorship ticket for the 2027 election.

He added that the former APC governorship candidate was also seeking political accommodation for some of his loyalists interested in contesting state assembly and National Assembly seats.

“They came with a number of requests. One of their major demands is that Dr Gawuna should emerge as the party’s governorship candidate. They also requested opportunities for some of their supporters who are interested in the state assembly and National Assembly tickets,” he said.

The chairman further revealed that Gawuna’s camp had proposed a consensus arrangement under which other governorship aspirants in the party would withdraw from the race.

“They told us that even if the party decides to conduct primary elections, aspirants should step down for him because, according to them, he has political strength in several local government areas and possesses the capacity to lead the party to victory.

“They specifically requested a consensus arrangement and asked that the other aspirants support him,” Ungogo said.

According to him, the ADC leadership had requested a formal written submission detailing all the demands and political interests of Gawuna’s camp.

“We asked them to provide a written document outlining all their requests. We also asked them to indicate the positions they are seeking and the local government areas where they have interests.

“We are expected to hold another meeting today. After receiving the document, we will study it carefully and make our position known,” he said.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Ungogo stressed that no final agreement had been reached.

“Consultations are still ongoing. Nothing has been concluded yet. We want a solution that will be acceptable to all stakeholders and beneficial to the party,” he added.

A close associate of Gawuna also confirmed the talks to The PUNCH but declined to comment further.

“I am not his spokesperson, and I am not authorised to speak on the matter. What I can confirm is that consultations are ongoing,” the source said.

The latest development comes barely three months after Gawuna resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress and stepped down as chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Following his exit from the APC in March, Gawuna briefly joined the ADC alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement before defecting to the Nigeria Democratic Congress in May alongside the National Leader of the movement, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, and a large number of their supporters.

Upon joining the NDC, the former Kano governorship candidate accepted the party’s Kano Central senatorial ticket, while the party settled for the immediate past deputy governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The development is expected to further reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major parties intensifying consultations and political realignments across the state.

“I’m very happy for Peter Obi, but the way I treat him is different. Kwakwaso walks in front of Obi, I never did that.” — Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed

pic.twitter.com/GlwzR1JCwj

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 3, 2026

See as the mumu dey look as RMK dey drag card/cap from am; mumu carry hand to collect card,RMK collect,dummy drop hand.He collect cap,RMK drag am comot for ode hand.RMK go dey knack this mumu akpako for closed doors.He'll be a willing tool in the hands of Hausa/fulani if elected pic.twitter.com/97plKpQ29x

— AGM (@agm_1172) June 3, 2026

Peter Obi has appealed for sacrifice from aspirants who were unable to secure tickets in the NDC primaries. He assured them that although they may have lost this time, they will have another opportunity to win in the future.

He said, “Let us not be preoccupied with today. It is… pic.twitter.com/DIMRtVlxuX

— Dejii™ (@_Dejii) June 3, 2026

Lol.. At least we stood on the right thing and fought a good fight. I think that’s what counts for me. As for my support, no one has it yet but Peter Obi surely has my vote even though I don’t see a pathway for him. I wish him good luck this time 🫶🏽

REJOINDER TO BD LAWAL ON HIS RACIST ATTACK AGAINST OUR FATHER, THE WAZIRI OF ADAMAWA

I have been on a month‑long vacation, taking time to work on some important issues, but upon reading Babachir David Lawal’s recent attack against the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, I could not believe how racist, sour, and provoking it was, delivered with such a dastardly tone.

Many people may see this as political, but I see far beyond that. BD Lawal went against the entire Fulani race by tagging the Waziri of Adamawa with the condescending title of Kachalla, an appellation commonly associated with bandits operating in Nigeria today.

He went further to describe Atiku’s entire team, family, and people as “Fulani hegemonists” with the sole intention of dominating the country.

BD Lawal was not attacking Atiku Abubakar on political grounds; he was attacking him for the singular reason that he is a Fulani man. That is hugely unacceptable, provoking, inciting, and dangerous.

If there is anyone who owes the Fulani race his entire life journey throughout his 71 years, it is BD Lawal.

Since he chose to use Kachalla as a prefix to condemn—albeit clandestinely— all Fulanis as bandits, then let me remind him that:

1. It was Kachalla late President Muhammadu Buhari (may Allah have mercy upon him), a Fulani man, who gave him his first major breakthrough in the PTF, where he served as a consultant under Afri‑Project Consortium.
2. It was Kachalla late Ahmed Salihijo (may Allah have mercy on him) who supported him throughout his half‑baked ICT career in the same consortium.
3. It was also Kachalla Engr. Aishatu Dahiru Binani who further backed him in that consortium.
4. It was Kachalla Amina J. Mohammed (current UN Deputy Secretary‑General) who strengthened him further in the same consortium.

When life turned sour, he clung to the same Kachalla Buhari and his team for survival.

It was the same Kachalla Buhari who provided him the opportunity of a lifetime by appointing him Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

When he left the APC after being neglected and rejected by the party due to his intransigence, it was the same Kachalla Atiku who picked him up, whitewashed him, and offered him another opportunity to shine on a national party platform.

It was the same Kachalla Atiku who supported him throughout, even against the wishes of many others, just for peace to reign.

And now, due to his high tendency for betrayal, it is the same Atiku he has chosen to condemn as Kachalla.

To be clear, I do not belong to the same political party as the Waziri of Adamawa, but he is my father, my leader, and my elder statesman—someone I respect, value, and honour deeply.

The level of democratic principles Atiku demonstrates, combined with his patience, tolerance, and gentlemanliness, often results in those he supports turning against him—just as BD Lawal has done.

I cannot insult BD Lawal because he is an elder, old enough to be my father. It is not in our culture, as Kachallas, to insult grey‑haired men. But BD Lawal should be mindful of utterances that promote division and incite racial attacks capable of harming the peaceful society of Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.

The Fulani people, whom BD Lawal now condemns wholesale while hiding behind political differences with Waziri Atiku Abubakar, have done so much for him. And for the rest of his life, he cannot repay them.

May God continue to provide peaceful solutions to all the issues affecting the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Now I can go back to my work.

Yours sincerely,
Kachalla Adamu Garba II

Drama in Kano: LGA Vice Chairman Narrowly Escapes, Shouting “Bamayi! Bamayi!” 💥

Drama in Kano: LGA Vice Chairman Narrowly Escapes, Shouting “Bamayi! Bamayi!” 💥 pic.twitter.com/LGA7S6nUeP

— Sulaiman Uwaisu Idris (@KafinHausaa) June 1, 2026

Pls someone should draw the attention of that dwarf journalist card carrying member of NDC in Arise Tv @ruffydfire to his party counting in Enugu pic.twitter.com/DyLeXvO3qZ

— ADENIYI B. WAZIRI (@waziri_adeniyi) May 29, 2026

Aisha Yesufu should let it go.

In 2011, when Abiola Ajimobi returned to the ACN from the ANPP, he was the only one granted ticket by Alhaji Lam Adesina, while many of his loyalists who moved with him were denied tickets.

Ajimobi told them not to worry and urged them to respect the decisions of the ACN leadership.

After Ajimobi won the governorship in 2011, his loyalists (SENACO) became major players in the administration, while many of the LAMISTS who controlled the structure before then became mere onlookers.

Aisha Yesufu should stay focused on Peter Obi and pray he wins. Once power is secured, being denied a ticket today may become insignificant tomorrow, and those currently calling the shots could end up as spectators.

Sir @MikeArnoldTruth to my little sense of reasoning, I suggest let the both fly the ticket since it's PeterObi is the main man and later the USA can do their job on Kwankwosia for nobody is above the law. My candid opinion 🙏.

To Mr bayo onanuga the spokesperson to President bola Ahmed tunubu(the worst Nigerian president ever)

@aonanuga1956 sir, VDM never posted this. The person who posted this video must be held responsible for doctoring the original video, not VDM. While I may not fully agree with VDM I believe this is a direct attack on him and if justice is real, we want to see him vindicated. pic.twitter.com/2QVQOdItez

— Ruona (@0xRonano) May 27, 2026

Happy Birthday to my brother and fellow patriot, H.E. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, @ChibuikeAmaechi.

Your courage, conviction, and years of service to Rivers State and Nigeria continue to inspire many across the nation. I wish you good health, strength, and many more years of impactful service to our dear country. -AA