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The Federal Government has rolled out a fresh set of fiscal reforms under its 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, reducing tariffs on vehicle imports while introducing new excise duties on beverages and tobacco products.

The reforms, approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, took effect from April 1 and are aimed at aligning Nigeria’s trade structure with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework while boosting key sectors of the economy.

Central to the policy is a significant reduction in import duties on fully built vehicles. According to the document, tariffs on passenger cars, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and station wagons have been cut to an effective 40 per cent, down from 70 per cent.

The policy also introduces Supplementary Protection Measures, including an Import Adjustment Tax affecting 192 tariff lines, alongside an import prohibition list covering 17 items from non-ECOWAS countries. In addition, a national list of 127 items now enjoys reduced import duties.

Similarly, crude palm oil imports will now attract a 28.75 per cent effective tariff rate, reflecting a downward review from previous levels.

Beyond tariffs, the government approved new excise duties targeting non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco products. A Green Tax Surcharge is also scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026.

The document stated, “A grace period of 90 days commencing from the date of this circular is hereby granted to all importers, manufacturers, and service providers before the implementation of the new excise duty rates.”

It added, “The new excise duty rates shall therefore take effect from July 1, 2026, while the rates for 2027 and 2028 shall take effect on January 1 of each year.”

As part of broader trade controls, the policy includes an updated import prohibition list for certain goods from outside ECOWAS and adds waste polyethylene terephthalate to the export prohibition list.

To ease the transition, importers with existing Form ‘M’ and irrevocable trade agreements concluded before April 1 will be allowed to clear goods under the old tariff regime within a 90-day window. However, all new transactions will be subject to the revised rates.

Looking ahead, the government signalled a phased reduction of Import Adjustment Taxes starting from January 2027, excluding items under the AfCFTA three per cent list, with full elimination expected by 2036.

“However, with effect from January 2027, all Import Adjustment Taxes, except for products on the AfCFTA three per cent list, shall be gradually reduced annually until full elimination by 2036,” the document added.

The Federal Government said the reforms, to be published in the official gazette, are expected to improve trade compliance, protect domestic industries, and support long-term economic growth.

FG Cuts Vehicle Import Tariffs, Impose New Duties On Tobacco is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Anthony Joshua has refused to agree to a fight with rival Tyson Fury following Saturday night’s bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fury had cruised to a comfortable victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in a one-sided contest that failed to ignite the crowd.

Anthony Joshua just DECLINED to face off with Tyson Fury in the ring

“You’re a clout chaser. You ain’t gonna tell me what to do. I’m the boss. You work for me.” pic.twitter.com/fx3Jo07GuR

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 11, 2026

With Joshua watching from ringside, Fury seized the moment to call out his long-time rival and urged him to step into the ring.

He said: “Next I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for; I want you AJ, Anthony Joshua

“Let’s give the fight fans what they want, a battle of Britain. I challenge you AJ to fight me, The Gypsy King, next. Say yes or no now.”

Joshua, however, declined the invitation and chose not to enter the ring, drawing jeers from sections of the crowd. He later fired back at Fury, saying: “Tyson… you’re a clout chaser. Tyson I’ve never had no problem getting in the ring with you, I punched you out when we were kids, and after seeing you in the ring tonight I’d punch you up again.”

“With all due respect tonight is your night and you I’ll sit across the ring from you in due time. You ain’t gonna tell me what to do. I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord remember that, you work for me.”

Joshua insisted he remains open to the fight but stressed that proper negotiations must take place before any agreement is reached.

“There are negotiations that you go through. I have been at this table with him many times. In my heart, I’d fight Fury tomorrow, especially after watching that. There is not a problem fighting him.

“I am not here to get clout. I am here to fight. The contract will be sent over, we will go through the nitty gritty, and you will probably see us in the ring next, more than likely – but I am not here to get in the ring, shouting in someone’s face. If you look at my track record, I have never done that. I came to watch the fight, I saw what I saw, and I know what I need to do.”

When asked about a possible interim bout, Joshua added: “Good question. There is both options. We’ll see. I was in a serious incident maybe four months ago. I need to really check out what is going on with my return to the ring. But I’m here, keeping my eye on the game. I am not ducking anyone, there is just things in my life I need to tend to.

“I am sorting some things out. My brothers, their parents, the brotherhood of taking care of things. That is the priority right now.”

The long-anticipated clash between the two British heavyweights has been in the works for over a decade but has repeatedly fallen through, leaving fans still waiting for a definitive showdown.

Vanguard News

The post Video: ‘You’re a clout chaser’ – Anthony Joshua declines to fight Tyson Fury appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has adopted a set of strategic and actionable measures aimed at strengthening protection for children living in street situations and curbing child exploitation across the region. The resolutions were reached at the conclusion of a five-day Parliamentary Joint Committee meeting held in Freetown from April 7 to 11, […]

The forum of Local Government Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of deepening economic hardship, failing on security, and pursuing policies that undermine democratic pluralism. Speaking on behalf of members of the forum, comprising PDP chairmen from each of the 20 […]

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Saturday launched a fierce attack on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the federal government of undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations and worsening the socio-economic hardships faced by millions of citizens.

Tambuwal made the remarks shortly after the state congress of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto, where party leaders and supporters gathered to consolidate the party’s structures ahead of future political contests.

The former governor warned that Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system was increasingly under pressure, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was systematically weakening opposition parties to entrench political dominance.

“The APC-led government has destroyed opposition in this country,” Tambuwal declared.

“They have infected the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party. There is now a push for all parties to endorse President Tinubu as the sole candidate. That is not democracy.”

Addressing party faithful, Tambuwal described the ADC as an emerging political force capable of restoring balance to Nigeria’s political landscape, stressing that the party was gaining traction nationwide, with Sokoto playing a central role in its expansion.

“Sokoto remains the home of the ADC,” he said. “From here we will continue to mobilise, strengthen our structures and build unity that will propel the party to greater national relevance.”

He commended party stakeholders for successfully conducting what he described as transparent and orderly congresses from the grassroots to the state level, noting that the process demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

“We have conducted successful congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels,” Tambuwal said. “I commend our leaders and members for their dedication and discipline throughout the process.”

Turning to national governance, the former governor accused the federal government of failing to confront Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity, economic instability, and unemployment.

“The federal government has failed Nigerians in virtually all ramifications,” he stated. “What we see today is rising insecurity, deepening poverty, hunger, and increasing unemployment across the country.”

Tambuwal further alleged that the ruling party was already preparing to deploy financial resources to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning Nigerians against trading their future for short-term inducements.

“They plan to deploy resources during the campaigns to buy votes,” he said. “But Nigerians must ask themselves if they are ready to sell their future and mortgage the destiny of the next generation.”

He also accused the administration of attempting to weaken dissenting voices and manipulate democratic institutions in ways that could disadvantage opposition parties.

“He presented himself as a democrat, but he is acting like a pseudo-democrat,” Tambuwal asserted.

“There are clear efforts to muzzle the opposition and influence key institutions, including the judiciary.”

Despite the challenges confronting opposition politics, Tambuwal insisted that democratic forces across the country would remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s plural political system.

“We are standing firm, no shaking,” he declared. “We will continue to defend and sustain multiparty democracy in Nigeria.”

He expressed optimism that the ADC would consolidate its growing support base and emerge as a formidable alternative in the next electoral cycle.

“By the grace of God, we will win,” Tambuwal said confidently. “This time, no one will rig us out. We are determined to rescue Nigeria and restore hope to our people.”

The post Tambuwal blasts Tinubu’s govt, warns of ‘dangerous drift’ toward one-party state appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, GAFDAN, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has insisted that Fulani herdsmen should not be held responsible for the deadly attack on Mbwelle village in Kwatas district of the council where over 20 people were killed including eight members of one family.

While there have been accusations and speculations that the perpetrators of the attack were members of a Fulani militia gang, the GAFDAN body has come out to exonerate its members, saying the attack was not carried out by them as there is no evidence pointing towards that to substantiate the allegations.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Bokkos Chairman of GAFDAN, Saleh Adamu, the group stated that it had, over the years, educated its members on the need to live peacefully with their host communities and resist any attempt to be drawn into conflicts, no matter the provocation.

While condemning the attack which he said was unfortunate and unwarranted, Adamu wondered why Fulani people should be accused when no one could prove with certainty that the attackers were Fulanis.

“I was surprised to hear about the attack, especially as the community had been enjoying relative peace. There had been no incidents to justify this,” Adamu said in the statement.

“But the allegations now are that the attackers were Fulani people and I wonder how they quickly arrived at such a conclusion even when there is no evidence to back it up.

“I will categorically say here that our people are not responsible for the attack in Mbwelle and in other parts of Plateau State.

“We have been holding meetings, and peace was gradually returning. This development is both unfortunate and condemnable.

“We do not yet know those responsible. We urge security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Adamu insisted.

We are not responsible for attacks in Plateau communities – Fulani group insists

The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has elected Kalu Agu as its new State Chairman.

Agu emerged at the party’s state congress held in Umuahia, the State capital, on Saturday.

Other elected officials include Obinna Okey as Deputy State Chairman; Mrs Uwaoma Olenwengwa, Secretary, Mrs Francess Ogbonnaya as State Publicity Secretary among others.

The election was conducted through a voice vote following a motion moved by Longman Nwachukwu, and seconded by Uchenna Okogbue.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, the new ADC Chairman, Agu said the party was determined to win elections in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying that aggrieved members would be unified and reconciled.

“We will bring all members back to the drawing board and seek genuine peace and forgiveness. We will apologise to those we may have offended because a house divided against itself cannot stand,” he said.

Chairman of the Congress Committee, Fredrick Onwe, said the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines. He expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in Abia State.

He condemned the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC against ADC national leadership, maintaining that the opposition party would forge ahead with its constitutional activities.

ADC elects new executives in Abia, promises to reconcile aggrieved members

Many have been killed in Bunkasau village under Zarummai ward of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident happened on Friday night by when armed bandits stormed the village.

A source told DAILY POST that the attackers invaded the village in large number of about 80 on motorcycles, sporadically shot at residents and abducted several people, mostly women. They also left with livestock belonging to villagers.

One of the villagers who pleaded not to be mentioned for security reasons said the attack occurred late night.

He explained that residents are still searching for missing persons after the attack.

He said, “l call on the federal and Zamfara governments to come to intervene by deploying security personnel to our area to restore peace.”

Zamfara state police spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar confirmed the incident, saying he could not ascertain the number of casualties.

He stated that the command has deployed adequate personnel to the area to restore normalcy and urged the communities to always cooperate by providing accurate information on the movement of bandits for prompt response.

Armed bandits kill many, abduct others in Zamfara village

The Abdulrahaman Mohammed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is back in control of the national secretariat of the party in Abuja,almost five months after it was sealed by the police.

Wadata House, as the building is popularly called,was unsealed yesterday for the resumption of party activities therein.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed,who confirmed the development  said the Legacy House also owned by the PDP was similarly unsealed and handed over to the leadership of the party.

The two buildings were sealed in November following a clash over the leadership of the party between the Tanimu Turaki led group and the Wike backed Caretaker Committee.

A Federal High Court in Abuja recently declared the Ibadan national convention that produced the Turaki-led national executive committee illegal.

The court also asked the police to unseal the properties  and hand them over to the Abdulrahaman Mohammed led-NWC.

Jungudo Mohammed  said the properties were handed over to Alhaji  Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara and the national secretary Senator Samuel Anyawu in “full compliance with court orders.”

He commended the police for their ” professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.”

He, however, warned that the PDP would “ not condone any act capable of causing obstruction, disruption, or breach of peace at the secretariat again.”

He advised individuals and groups to “conduct themselves within the bounds of the law, as security agencies have been duly alerted to take necessary action against violators.”

The reopening of the properties did not go down well with the  Turaki led faction of the party.

It accused the police of   aiding the takeover of the party secretariat by the Wike backed National Working Committee by reopening the building.

National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Comrade Ini Ememobong said in a statement that reopening the secretariat was contemptuous as the court order relied upon by the police for their action is already before the Court of Appeal.

He said:”It is on record that the judgment by Justice Abdulmalik that the police force is allegedly acting under has been appealed, and the police, as a party in that matter, is fully aware and has been served. “By their action, they have tampered with the res and that can render the judgment of the Court of Appeal nugatory, when it is eventually given. It is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are those disobeying the law.

“While it is not surprising that the Police is acting in a clearly partisan manner, we were hopeful that they would act differently under the command of the new Inspector General of Police.

“From the inception of this imbroglio, the officers of the police force have consistently acted in a manner that leaves no one in doubt as to their support for the Wike-backed APC apologists and have continued to double down on their partisan interventions.

“As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and not undertake any activity capable of breaching public peace, while we promise to take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to protect the rights and privileges of the genuine members of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The public should be assured that we are hopeful that soon this dark cloud of state-sponsored persecution and one-party compulsory drive will end and true democratic experience will return, in the interest of preserving the republic.

“Though pains may tarry in the night, joy and liberation will certainly come in the morning. Let us therefore bear this night with the hope that surely the morning is en route.”

The African Democratic Congress in Ogun State, ADC, has insisted that it remains united, structured, and committed to democratic principles.

This was contained in a statement by the party’s factional chairman, Femi Soluade, on Saturday.

DAILY POST reports that Soluade during the party’s state executive congress chaired by Moshood Salvador, at its secretariat was returned as chairman with Babatunde Adedeji as his Deputy and Agbebiyi Olusoji as the secretary, alongside other members of the State Executive Committee.

The party during the swearing-in ceremony administered by the state legal adviser, Femi Aina, asserted that it has come to stay and will continue to grow stronger across all levels in the state.

However, DAILY POST reports that there was another state congress held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential library on Saturday.

The congress which also claimed to be the David Mark-led faction of the party, elected Emmanuel Famojuro as the new chairman.

Addressing the gathering, the chairman of the congress committee, Olatunji Soyinka, presented an harmonized list of the new executives, which he said reflected the agreement and decisions of all party leaders and sections of the ADC.

Reacting to this, Soluade described it as a kangaroo election, opining that it did not follow the constitutional procedure of the party, screened aspirants nor adhere to established guidelines.

“As such, the outcome of that assembly is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever” he added.

Meanwhile, the party implored all aggrieved members and stakeholders to sheath their swords and join hands with the duly recognized leadership to build a formidable and progressive party for the benefit of all.

Ogun ADC remains united, structured – Chairman, Soluade