Category: News

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have killed a notorious armed robbery gang leader, Imoh Akpan, from Ikot Uboh village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, during a gun battle.

…As EEDC blames “code coverage conflicts and related glitches”

The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, says it is taking steps to resolve the sudden electricity supply shortages that have plunged parts of the state into an acute power shortage.

Recall that MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited had last week issued a statement where it blamed the development on the drastic reduction of power being supplied it by the parent company, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, following EERC’s decision to slash electricity tariff for Band A from N209 per kWh to N160 per kWh.

But EERC in a Public Notice it issued on Sunday evening, said it met with both EEDC and MainpPower, assuring that it was taking the necessary steps to restore normalcy.

The statement read:

“Sequel to the public announcement from MainPower which stated that EEDC, its parent company, directed the curtailing of power supply to Bands B to E Feeders, and the challenges in vending being experienced by the customers in Enugu State, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (the Commission) invited MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MainPower) to a meeting on Thursday 7th August, 2025 to ascertain the reasons for the decision to curtail power supply in Enugu State and vending challenges being experienced by customers.

“During the meeting, MainPower explained that they (MainPower and EEDC) were having difficulties separating Enugu State from the rest of the States in the coverage area of EEDC, which challenge was termed ‘code coverage conflicts and related glitches,’ but gave assurance that the issue would be sorted out very soon.

“The Commission, however, mandated MainPower to formally communicate with the customers on vending challenges and efforts being made to resolve it.

“As regards the curtailing of power supply in Enugu, and their dissatisfaction with the Tariff Order from the Commission, thereby plunging parts of the state into darkness, the Commission reminded MainPower of the provisions of the Commission’s Business Rules, which require that they make a formal petition within thirty (30) days of the Commission’s Order if they were not satisfied with the Order, instead of resulting in curtailing of supply. The petition will enable a public hearing on the Tariff Order to which the outcome will be implemented. The Business Rules is accessible to all stakeholders on the Commission’s website (www.eerc.en.gov.ng).

“The Commission is consulting with relevant stakeholders at the state and federal level and will endeavour to apply appropriate regulatory approach in dealing with this issue to ensure that developers, service providers, customers and Ndi Enugu get the full benefit of the evolving subnational electricity market in the State.

“We will also ensure that MainPower recovers sufficientrevenue that covers their efficient costs of doing business in Enugu State plus a fair return on capital invested, as provided in section 34 (2)(b) of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023.“

…Commissions roads reconstructed by Nsukka LG Council

The historical city of Nsukka was agog on Saturday as Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, laid the foundation for the construction of a 5,000 shop-capacity Nsukka International Market, vowing that his administration would always take into account persons affected by development projects in the state.

Governor Mbah, who dismissed the allegation of targeting the former occupants of Ogige Market in Nsukka, explained that his inclusive development model made it imperative for him to ensure that the modern transport terminal projects cut across the state, hence the Nsukka Transport Terminal.

He cited Ogbete Holy Ghost, Abakpa Nike, and Gariki as other places where government had to move shop owners to be able to construct the transport terminals.

Mbah said, “This is beyond groundbreaking for me because this is something that has provoked emotions and sometimes even attempts to mislead and frame a false narrative. Sometimes, it is not about misunderstanding government’s intentions, but a sheer evil agenda of enemies of public good.

“Just to put on record that our intention to construct the Nsukka Modern Transport Terminal is in the overriding public interest. Many months ago, we took a decision to revamp our transportation sector by building a world-class modern bus terminal. And there were people, who were located in these different areas that were originally mapped out as transport terminals.

“We cannot be talking about development and only be thinking about a section of our state, which was why we could not have been constructing world-class terminals in the state without constructing one in Nsukka. It is a one-stop shop for everything.”

He said his target was to have the market construction completed by the end of 2025 and assured traders at the former Ogige market that they would be been given priority.

“We know that development always take into account the stakeholders that are affected. So, in four months, we will be ready with these shops. But we will make sure that those people, who were affected as a result of the development we carried out will be given right of first refusal. Those of you who were affected by the new bus terminals at Ogige will be given priority here”, he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of his people, the Council Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa, said the market and other numerous development projects by the Mbah Administration would translate to huge succour and economic growth and empowerment for the people of Nsukka in particular and Enugu North Zone in general.

According to him, “We have been joyful over the world-class transport terminal that you built for us. While we were still celebrating it, we are here today to lay foundation for the Nsukka International Market. We do not know how to describe you and your good works. It is inexplicable, to say the least.

“I have told the people of Nsukka whose shops were affected to come and have their names registered with us,” he concluded.

Other speakers, including Member Nsukka/Igbo Eze South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta; Member representing Nsukka West State Constituency, Hon. Malachy Onyechi; Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu; and Enugu North Zonal Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mrs. Ngozi Ezeja, thanked the governor for his many projects in the zone.

Prof. Ugwu highlighted the federal government-supported oxygen production plant valued at over N1 billion at the state General Hospital, Nsukka, facilitated by the governor recently.

They assured him of Enugu North Zone’s total support come 2027 general election.

Earlier, Governor Mbah paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, at his Edem Ani community in Nsukka LGA where he was also received and commended by other traditional rulers and leaders of thought.

Igwe Asadu as well as the traditional ruler of Obimo, Igwe Tony Ezema, additionally thanked Mbah for facilitating Prof. Simon Ortuanya’s appointment as the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Another highpoint of Mbah’s working visit to Nsukka was the commissioning of the School of Health-Stadium-GRA-Secretariat-Prisons Ring Road reconstructed by the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Asogwa.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released corrected results for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, showing that more than 1.2 million candidates passed with five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody after nearly two days in detention.

…Revenue Chief Dispels Tax Myths

Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Emmanuel Nnamani, has debunked what he described as “false and misleading claims” circulating on social media regarding the state’s tax regime.

In a detailed media briefing held in their Enugu office, Nnamani clarified the government’s tax policies, reaffirmed its commitment to legality and transparency, and laid out a roadmap for future fiscal administration in the state.

Dispelling Misinformation

Nnamani began by addressing allegations that the state was imposing arbitrary levies, stating unequivocally that “taxes and revenues in Enugu State remain within the limits of the law. We do not impose any levies outside what the law permits.”

He explained that tax administration in the state is guided primarily by the Personal Income Tax Act (as amended), which empowers the ESIRS to collect personal income tax through two principal means: Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) for individuals in formal employment, and Direct Assessment for those outside the formal sector.

While compliance is generally seamless among those in formal employment, Nnamani admitted that enforcement mechanisms—including legal action—are sometimes necessary to ensure compliance from others.

Formalising the Informal Sector

One of the most critical challenges, the Chairman noted, has been “transitioning the informal sector—particularly market traders and transport operators—into the formal tax net. Upon assumption of office, it was discovered that 99% of informal sector players were not remitting taxes to the state, largely due to the interference of non-state actors who collected revenues informally.

“In response, the state introduced a consolidated ₦36,000 annual levy for market traders. This fee covers various charges, including environmental sanitation (ESWAMA), Signage fee, LG Stollage, and Business Premises levies.

“Once this amount is paid between January and March, the trader owes nothing else for that year,” Nnamani emphasised. After March 31st, defaulters become subject to enforcement action.

“Street-based vendors, who operate outside formal market structures, are expected to pay ₦30,000 annually, with ESWAMA charges handled separately. Transport operators—Okada riders, Keke drivers, minibuses, tankers, and trucks—operate under a daily ticketing system.”

A Soft-Handed Approach on Penalties

Although the law prescribes penalties of 10% and interest at MPR 27.5%, Nnamani noted that “the state has deliberately not enforced these punitive measures strictly on the informal sector, opting instead for a flat ₦3,000 sanction to encourage ease of doing business.”

Rents and Taxation: No Direct Correlation

On the rising cost of rent, Nnamani dismissed claims linking it to taxation. He described the trend as “a nationwide challenge driven by demand and supply, not state tax policies.” He cited his personal experience with housing inflation dating back to 2015, long before the current administration began enforcing tax laws.

The shift from rental developments to private, gated residences, he said, has reduced housing stock, increasing rental pressure. “If we had more high-rise residential buildings, rent would drop. Government can’t regulate rent prices, but it can build to increase supply,” he noted.

“Plans are already underway, through the Ministry of Housing and Housing Development Authority to construct mass housing and student hostels near institutions like ESUT and IMT, thereby freeing up city accommodation for the general public.

Ensuring Transparency in Tax Administration

To foster trust and eliminate guesswork, Enugu’s tax portal, www.irs.en.gov.ng, now includes a “Tax Calculator” tool that allows residents to compute their obligations based on income, with full transparency. Nnamani encouraged comparisons with similar tools in other states, such as Lagos.

On Claims That Enugu Is Expensive

Responding to reports labelling Enugu as one of the most expensive states in Nigeria, Nnamani acknowledged the perception but attributed it to demand-pushed inflation, particularly in construction materials. He explained that Enugu sources granite from Ebonyi and rods from other states, and that the multiple infrastructural projects ongoing simultaneously—such as 270 Smart Schools, 260 T2 Health Centres, and hospitality infrastructure—have temporarily inflated demand.

“Once these projects are completed, demand for materials will fall and prices will stabilise,” he assured.

Nnamani concluded by noting that Enugu’s tax regime is not an outlier, but consistent with federal laws implemented across all states.

“We’re not here to compete with other states. Our duty is to apply the law fairly and ensure that our people prosper,” he said.

With clarity, candour, and a call for public understanding, Nnamani’s briefing painted a picture of a state working to formalise its revenue base, ease the burden on its citizens, and chart a path to sustainable growth.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party,  Peter Obi, has reacted to the arrest of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore.

Counsel to the detained human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, have raised an alarm over the activist’s life, saying he is in danger following the alleged release of noxious gas into the cell where the Nigerian police are detaining him.

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has stated that genetically modified organisms known as GMOs, particularly in food, are not harmful to human health, provided that safety protocols are followed.

Speaking on the safety of GMOs in an interview on Channels on Thursday, Adeyeye explained, “GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us. They’re not. They are not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether these safety considerations have been taken.”

She, however, emphasised that the type of food and the safety considerations taken are critical factors in determining their safety.

Adeyeye noted that the National Biosafety Management Agency is the primary body responsible for ensuring the safety of GMO foods in Nigeria, and that NAFDAC works closely with them.

“We have an MoU with them. They are mandated to ensure that the foods that have GMO are of quality, they are safe,” she said.

An advocate for transparency in food choices, Adeyeye described herself as a “food freak,” saying, “I want to know that what I’m eating is going to give me a good health outcome. I look at the label. I want to be sure that the NAFDAC label is on it.”

She added that even before her time at NAFDAC, she made it a practice to check food labels for GMO information.

“It’s supposed to have genetically modified food written on it,” she explained.

While consumers have a choice between organic and non-organic foods, Adeyeye stressed that NAFDAC’s mandate remains to ensure food products in the Nigerian market are safe, of good quality, and properly vetted.

“But for NAFDAC, our goal… we are mandated to ensure that the foods that we approve for the market are safe, they are of quality, of course, and they are efficacious.

“So that is the reason why the collaboration between us and NBMA is very, very solid. Without them certifying that they have done their due diligence in their laboratory or for death review or whatever, we cannot approve. So it is a joint collaboration between us and Biosafety,” she stated. Punch