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Cost of Living Relief: Tinubu Slashes Import Duties On Rice, Cars, And Essential Goods In Massive Economic Overhaul!.

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To address Nigeria’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the Federal Government has introduced a major overhaul of its tariff regime, effective July 2026. Approved by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures apply to 127 tariff lines, specifically targeting essential food items, passenger vehicles, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and manufacturing machinery.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Impact on Food and Industry

The policy aims to alleviate high food prices and reduce input costs for commercial producers through revised duty rates on key staples:

  • Bulk Rice: Reduced from 70% to 47.5%.

  • Broken Rice: Now attracts a 30% duty.

  • Raw Cane Sugar: Duties compressed to between 55% and 57.5%.

  • Crude Palm Oil: Reduced from 35% to 28.75%.

  • Manufacturing Machinery: Now set at 0% duty to revitalize the industrial sector and lower production costs.

Transportation and Vehicle Relief

To lower transport costs and encourage the use of cleaner energy, the government has implemented significant changes for the transport sector:

  • Passenger Vehicles: Duty reduced from 70% to 40%.

  • Mass Transit and Electric Vehicles: Fully exempted from import duties.

  • Logistics: While lower vehicle acquisition costs may improve transport efficiency, stakeholders note that the impact on retail food prices will likely be gradual rather than immediate.

Critical Perspectives and Challenges

Despite the potential relief, experts and stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the policy’s overall effectiveness:

  • Economic Pressures: Analysts warn that benefits may be mitigated by persistent exchange rate volatility (hovering between ₦1,400–₦1,500 per dollar), high fuel prices, and various port-related charges.

  • Shifting Tax Burden: Commentator Kehinde Aluko noted that the government is shifting the tax burden from imports to consumption. To balance the budget, new excise duties on tobacco, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside a “green tax” on high-engine vehicles, take effect from July 1, 2026.

  • Protectionism Concerns: Critics worry that lowering tariffs on items like rice may undermine domestic farmers and investor confidence.

  • Automotive Industry Impact: There is debate regarding local manufacturing; while some dealers welcome the increased vehicle availability, industry experts like Luqman Mamudu warn that zero tariffs on commercial vehicles could damage the domestic assembly industry and lead to the collapse of local plants.

  • Implementation Doubts: Freight forwarders and importers emphasize that without addressing non-tariff bottlenecks—such as terminal handling fees and cargo clearance delays—the policy may only provide relief “on paper,” similar to past failed attempts under previous administrations.

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Justice on Trial: Emeka Ike Fights Back With N10 Billion Lawsuit After Alleged Database Breach By Wike’s Aide!.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 22 for the continued mention of a ₦10 billion fundamental rights lawsuit initiated by actor Emeka Ike against INEC and Lere Olayinka, a media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. During Wednesday’s session, presided over by Justice S.O. Ibrahim, the court granted an adjournment to ensure INEC receives proper notice and the opportunity for a fair hearing, following the electoral body’s absence. The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1272/2026, stems from Emeka Ike’s claims that his private voter registration data was unlawfully exposed on social media. While Ike’s legal team is seeking damages, a public apology, and the removal of the contentious post, Olayinka’s counsel maintains that the information published was already public and argues there is no valid case against his client.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice S.O. Ibrahim of the Abuja Federal High Court has pushed back the ₦10 billion privacy lawsuit brought by Nollywood star Emeka Ike to July 22. The litigation targets both INEC and Lere Olayinka, an aide to Nyesom Wike, regarding the alleged unauthorized disclosure of Ike’s voter registration details on the platform . Emeka Ike’s counsel, L.T. Adeh, noted that while the first respondent has responded, INEC’s failure to appear necessitated the short adjournment to guarantee procedural fairness. Representing the defense, Akpama Ekwe dismissed the allegations as meritless, asserting that the content in question did not compromise private information. Conversely, Adeh expressed confidence in the suit, arguing that it serves as a critical test case for the protection of voter data in Nigeria.

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The Real Deal? Why Tinubu REFUSES Teleprompters According To His Former Right-Hand Man!.

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Professor Dapo Thomas, a former Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu during his governorship in Lagos State, has disclosed that the President has a strong aversion to reading prepared speeches. This revelation comes from excerpts of Thomas’s upcoming autobiography, Lagos Boys and Lagos Politics, set to launch on July 9, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Thomas detailed that despite collaborating with Tinubu to meticulously proofread, edit, and agree upon the key points of a speech prior to an event, Tinubu would frequently discard the script once at the podium.

In his book, Thomas recounts a direct conversation he had with the then-governor, questioning why he wasn’t delivering the agreed-upon texts. Tinubu explained his rationale is rooted in direct audience engagement and political strategy.

When we go through the speeches here in my office, I always pick most of the salient points I will discuss at the events. As a politician, I must allow the drummers and the singers to play a part in every event. Every event is a campaign platform for the politician,” Tinubu stated. He emphasized his ability to read the crowd, noting that when he hits specific, exciting points, the crowd’s singers and drummers respond in appreciation, creating a symbiotic political atmosphere.

Tinubu further clarified the distinct roles of different forms of communication, asserting, “The prepared speeches are for the press, not for the people. I talk to the people. I do not like reading speeches when addressing the people. I prefer talking to them.

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Drama in Court: Judge Sets Bail At ₦5 Million For Man Accused Of Attacking Akpabio’s Reputation!.

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On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to social media critic and politician Garus Gololo, who is facing trial on a seven-count charge of cyberstalking, defamation, and incitement.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gololo was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with one surety in the like sum who must be a Grade Level 12 officer in the Federal Civil Service. The trial has been adjourned until September 22, 2026.

The charges stem from a viral video and Facebook posts in which Gololo allegedly claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated northerners must support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid or face expulsion from the country. Gololo also allegedly attributed the quote, “With or without the North, Tinubu would win,” to Akpabio.

The Office of the Senate President has vehemently denied the remarks, labeling them as “completely false, malicious, and deliberately intended to mislead the public and incite tension,” while urging Nigerians to disregard the claims. Gololo has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Additionally, in May, the Nigerian Army explicitly stated that Gololo is not a retired Major General, contrary to some reports. The Army clarified that he has never been a serving or retired officer and has no affiliation with the military, following initial reports that incorrectly identified him as a retired General arrested in Abuja after criticising Akpabio.

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