Good morning, Nigeria. Here is the roundup of major newspaper headlines for today, Saturday, 23rd August 2025.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has dismissed allegations that he exploits political connections to eliminate competition. The billionaire industrialist asserted that his wealth stems from strategic investments and entrepreneurship rather than special privileges or restrictive trade policies. The claims, recently revisited in a Bloomberg feature, alleged that Dangote’s successes align with sectors where imports are restricted. Recalling past criticisms, former U.S. Consul General Brian Browne once described him as a businessman who tilts markets in his favor. Dangote countered that no such bans existed when he entered those markets, arguing he merely seized opportunities others ignored.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced a new Personal Income Tax Calculator designed to help citizens assess the impact of his administration’s tax reforms, which take effect in January 2026. Tinubu assured Nigerians that the new tax regime is intended to ease the burden on low-income earners while fostering fairness and equitable wealth distribution. He emphasized that the calculator would allow taxpayers to compare current liabilities with future projections under the reformed system.
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has disclosed that the party is poised to take firm action against Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike at its next leadership meeting. George noted that previous efforts to address Wike’s defiance were delayed to allow for further engagement, but stressed that the party’s patience has now run out, warning that indecision could damage its credibility.
In Benue State, the House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months over an alleged plot to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh. The leadership described the attempt as an affront to the Assembly’s authority and vowed to enforce discipline to maintain internal order.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sharply criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, of undermining Nigeria’s electoral process since 2015. In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo alleged that judicial corruption has further eroded public trust, turning courts into “markets for justice” and destabilizing governance.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Reports indicate that Haske, previously detained with his passport confiscated, escaped Nigeria using an alternative travel document. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact security agencies.
Senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force have resolved to push for the Force’s withdrawal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), calling it inadequate for police welfare. A high-level meeting of senior officers reportedly concluded that legislative backing from the National Assembly is needed to implement the exit plan, while urging personnel to remain patient as efforts continue to secure better benefits.
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of attempting to kill him during the 2021 raid on his residence. Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Igboho claimed that security agents fired multiple shots at him, but divine intervention spared his life.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a provisional 31-man squad ahead of next month’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa. The list includes captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and several emerging talents, as Nigeria seeks to revive its campaign from fourth place in Group C.
On a lighter note, Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy has responded to bizarre rumors that his unshaven armpits are tied to voodoo powers. In an interview, the singer laughed off the claims, stating he simply dislikes shaving and joking about the “crazy myths” surrounding his personal style.
That concludes today’s roundup of top stories from across Nigeria.
