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Anti-Kidnapping Fight: Wike Urges Army, Police Synergy …Donates 20 Vehicles, Land To Ease Operations
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on the Nigerian Army to support the Nigeria Police in tackling the rising wave of kidnapping in the country.
He also urged the Army to work with the police to fight cultism in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan-Ali, yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said that the support will help in promoting security across the country.
He assured the security agencies that his administration will continue to provide logistics and financial support for them to discharge their responsibilities.
The governor said: “I want to urge the Nigerian Army to support the police tackle kidnapping and enhance security.
“It is also necessary that you assist the police to weed out cultists as they are beginning to rear their ugly heads and trouble peace-loving residents of the state”.
He said that Rivers State has not witnessed any major vandalism of oil pipelines because of the security programmes being executed by the state government.
The governor maintained that the state government will improve areas of partnership with the Nigerian Army for better security in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan-Ali commended Wike for his support to the security agencies.
He assured that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will continue to invest in the improvement of security across the country.
The minister of defence noted that the investments in security have led to the reduction of crime in the Niger Delta.
Dan-Ali was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj-Gen Okon Udoh and senior Army officers.
However, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, yesterday, formally launched into operation, the newly-established 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
The division was set up on December 7, 2016, as part of the measures adopted by the Army to address the security challenges in the Niger Delta.
The division covers the four coastal states in the region – Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom.
The minister said: “the division was established out of the desire of the present administration to protect lives and property in the region.’’
He enumerated the security challenges in the area as cultism, illegal oil bunkering, political violence, as well as the activities of militants.
Dan-Ali explained that other threats that informed the division’s establishment was the activities of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), communal clashes and conflict between oil giants and communities.
“All these heighten the state of insecurity in the region, and negatively affect gas and oil production, as well as other economic activities,’’ he said.
According to Dan-Ali, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the establishment of the division in order to prevent further destruction of lives and property, as well as to improve the security situation in the region.
He thanked the governors of the four states for their support, and urged other stakeholders in the area to support government efforts at combating all forms of criminality in the region.
Also speaking, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the facility was one of the ways the Army could immediately respond to security issues in the Niger Delta.
He thanked the governors for their support and assured that the army would not relent in providing security in the area.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj-Gen Okon Udoh said that Wike has made critical investments in the provision of logistics to the new division.
However, in line with the commitment of the Rivers State Government to improve security across the state, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, announced the donation of land to the Nigerian Army in Omuma Local Government Area.
Speaking during the operationalisation of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike also donated 20 operational vehicles to the Army.
A breakdown shows that the state government donated 10 Hilux vans and 10 buses to the new division.
While making the donation, Wike said: “As a responsible government, we appreciate the contributions of the Nigerian Army in the development of the country.
“We appreciate the contributions of the Nigerian Army in dislodging criminals in our state. That is why we will continue to support you. These operational vehicles will help the new division fight crime.”
He stated that the state government will construct a park for the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association in Port Harcourt, which will be used by Army children and other children in the state.
The governor added that the state government will assist the Army set up a standard Command Secondary School in Port Harcourt to promote education.
In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel pledged to work with the Army to achieve set goals in the region, and presented to the Army Chief the Certificate of Occupancy of the land for the construction of the permanent site of the newly-established 2 Brigade in the state.
The governor had earlier donated the land to the army.
Also speaking, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his Deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, said that the state government would soon complete the process of allocating land to the Army to build a brigade.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), who represented Governor Seriake Dickson, thanked the Army for the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
Highlight of the event was the commissioning of the 6 Division Quarter Guard and 6 Division Monument by Wike.
The event also witnessed the flag-off of the 6 Division Anti-Kidnapping Squad, 6 Division Anti-Bunkering Squad, 6 Division Strike Force and 6 Division Operation Checkmate.
There was also a multi-agency show of force to indicate the readiness of the division to fight crime.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“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,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) said over 17 million Nigerians travelled out between 2023 and 2024.
This is as the association announced that it would be organising a maiden edition of Eastern Travel Market 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital from 27th to 30th August, 2025.
Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone, Hope Ehiogie, disclosed this during a news briefing in Port Harcourt.
Ehiogie explained that the event aims to bring together over 1,000 travel professionals to discuss the future of the industry in the nation and give visibility to airlines, hospitality firms, hospitals and institutions in the South-South and South-East, tagged Eastern Zone.
He stated that the 17 million number marks a significant increase in overseas travel and tours.
According to him, “Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with 17 million people traveling out of the country in 2023”.
Ehiogie further said the potential of tourism and travel would bring in over $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026, saying it would be a major spike in the sector, as 2024 recorded about $4 million.
“The potential of tourism and travel is that it can generate about $12 million for the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million.
“In the area of travels, over 17 million Nigerians traveled out of the country two years ago for different purposes. This included, health, religious purposes, visit, education and others,” Ehiogie said.
While highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s tourism, he said the hospitality industry in Nigeria has come of age, saying it is now second to none.
The Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone further said, “We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.”
He said the country has a lot of tourism potential, especially as the government is now showing interest in and supporting the sector.
Ehiogie emphasized that NANTA has been working to support the industry with initiatives such as training schools and platforms for airlines and hotels to sell their products.
He added, “We now have about four to five training schools in the region, and within two years, the first set of students will graduate. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms.”
Also speaking, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NANTA, Stephen Isokariari of Dial Travels, called for more support from the industry.
Isokariari stated, “We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy.”