ABUJA – The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced its intention to fill 80% of its roles with internal staff by the end of the Executive Chairman’s tenure, aiming to reduce its dependence on external contractors.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy, Collins Omokaro, the agency stated that the initiative is designed to enhance institutional capacity, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Excessive outsourcing has led to knowledge gaps and inefficiencies. By focusing on internal talent, FIRS aims to improve service delivery and reduce costs,” Omokaro explained.
He noted that the ongoing recruitment drive is strategic, targeting skilled professionals while also promoting career development within the agency. Senior officials are overseeing the process to ensure transparency and a merit-based selection system.
Omokaro further stated that FIRS is investing in staff training, performance management, and leadership development. New recruits will benefit from structured onboarding, mentorship, and regular evaluations.
This initiative aligns with the FIRS 2025 Strategic Roadmap, which prioritises people, innovation, and operational excellence,” he added.
To keep the public informed, the statement also announced the launch of the ‘Work With Us’ Recruitment Updates video series, in which senior officials share insights into the recruitment process and its objectives.
“The 80% target demonstrates our commitment to self-reliance and national development. By investing in people, we are building a stronger, future-ready FIRS,” Omokaro stated.
Prominent leader of the APC in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, has welcomed the momentous decision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP structure in Delta State to join the APC.
In a statement issued today, Okumagba stated that this development marks a significant milestone in the political landscape of Delta state and the nation.
According to Olorogun Okumagba, “Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to the progress and development of Delta State, and indeed Nigeria, will undoubtedly be enhanced by his membership of the APC.”
Restating his warm welcome to Governor Oborevwori to the APC, Okumagba noted that his decision will facilitate the building of a stronger and more prosperous Delta State and Nigeria, and noted that his wealth of experience, leadership skills, and passion for public service will undoubtedly be valuable assets.
Okumagba recounted some of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s notable accomplishments in Delta State over the past two years in the areas of infrastructure development; making education more accessible to Deltans; workers’ welfare; peace and security; and investment promotion.
These accomplishments have earned Governor Oborevwori outstanding commendation across the Nation.
Olorogun Okumagba affirmed that “Governor Oborevwori’s new positioning will facilitate greater accomplishments and success for Delta State” stressing that “I have no doubt that his vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence will inspire and motivate all Deltans to work towards achieving great things for our state and nation.”
Olorogun Okumagba urged all party members and all Deltans to rally behind Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and work together towards building a stronger, more united, and more prosperous Delta State and Nigeria.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered 54 banks to immediately return a total of N9,329,322,870 fraudulently transferred by hackers from an unnamed old generation bank.
The judgment, delivered on April 15, 2025, follows an ex parte motion filed in suit number FHC/L/CS/629/2025.
The court directed the financial institutions to place a Post No Debit restriction on all accounts that received the stolen funds and to begin the immediate return of all available funds to the originating bank.
The plaintiff bank reported that on March 23, 2025, a breach in its core banking system resulted in unauthorised debits from multiple customer accounts.
The stolen funds—amounting to over N9.3bn—were then dispersed across accounts in 54 financial institutions.
Upon detection of the incident, the bank said it promptly alerted the institutions involved and began tracking the disbursements.
The investigation revealed that the funds were transferred in multiple tranches from the bank into primary accounts and subsequently rerouted to other accounts held by secondary and tertiary beneficiaries.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that the affected banks must provide details of the implicated accounts, including balances and amounts already transferred.
The judge further ordered the immediate return of all recoverable funds to the plaintiff bank.
The financial institutions are also to share comprehensive customer data related to the transactions, including names and destination accounts.
Restrictions are to be maintained on all accounts that received any portion of the funds until full recovery is made, limited to the amount each received.
The judge clarified that the ruling applies strictly to erroneously transferred funds and does not infringe on other customer deposits.
“For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity, the order is only in respect of funds erroneously transferred and sums salvaged,” the ruling emphasised.
Justice Dipeolu concluded that the stolen funds “belong to the plaintiff and not the customers of the respondent banks,” affirming the court’s authority to direct full restitution.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, will be investigated in response to growing public demand.
This assurance was delivered on Wednesday by Winifred Adekunle, a Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, while addressing a group of protesting lawyers who marched to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja to submit a petition calling for Kyari’s immediate investigation and arrest.
The demonstration marked the second consecutive day of protests at the AGF’s office over alleged corruption involving Kyari and the NNPCL.
On Tuesday, a civil society group under the banner of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption staged a protest, demanding a full investigation into Kyari’s financial dealings during his tenure.
Addressing the Wednesday’s protesters, Adekunle stated, “Your petition will receive immediate attention. There will be a response, and the issues raised will be addressed appropriately. Rest assured, the Attorney General and the Solicitor General are people you can count on. Your demands will not be ignored.”
On Wednesday, members of the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, a coalition of legal professionals, submitted a detailed petition dated April 23, 2025 against Kyari.
Signed by the group’s Convener, Emmanuel Agada, and National Secretary, Jonathan Uchendu, the petitioners alleged that Kyari’s leadership of the NNPCL was plagued by corruption and shrouded in secrecy.
They described Kyari’s tenure as “a racket run in favour of friends and associates,” and criticizes the Federal Government for failing to investigate him thoroughly after his removal—an action taken only after widespread public pressure.
The group expressed outrage over alleged financial irregularities in the rehabilitation and re-streaming of government-owned refineries, claiming that funds expended do not reflect tangible results.
One example cited is the claim that Matrix Energy Limited invested $400m in the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite an earlier $1.5bn approval by the Federal Executive Council for the same project.
The petition also raises concerns over the NNPCL’s reported $2m billion debt to Matrix Energy, allegedly serviced through daily crude oil allocations of 80,000 barrels.
The lawyers questioned why the Federal Government is indebted to Matrix Energy, why the debt is being serviced with crude oil, who negotiated these transactions, and why the public has been kept uninformed.
They urged the Attorney General to review all agreements entered into by the NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership, investigate the transactions in order to recover misappropriated funds, and identify those responsible for the financial discrepancies.
They also called for a fact-finding probe to quantify the financial losses and recommend concrete recovery steps.
Additionally, the group requested the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the NNPCL’s handling of refinery rehabilitation projects under Kyari and the sacked board.
They emphasised that a thorough and transparent probe would promote accountability, deter future misconduct, and help prevent the recurrence of similar financial mismanagement.
The group reaffirmed its willingness to support the AGF in conducting an exhaustive investigation.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said that polio transmission is still active in Nigeria, adding that all necessary measures were needed to stop the disease.
This came as a total of 17 cases of circulating poliovirus type 2, otherwise known as cVPV2, have been recorded so far this year.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, who stated this at the agency’s first quarter news conference in Abuja, said the number was as of April 10, 2025.
The cases, he explained, were across 15 local government areas in eight states across the country.
“Let me use this opportunity to reassure all Nigerians that we have remained WPV-free.
However, since 2021, we have been contending with the challenge of the cVPV2 – another form of the virus that has mutated over time and started spreading.
As of April 10, 2025, we have recorded 17 CVPV2 cases across 15 LGAs in 8 states. 12 of the 17 cases are Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases, while 5 were found in Environmental Sites (ES). This shows that there is still active transmission of the virus in the country, which we need to stop.
“We have therefore embarked on a strategic shift in critical components of the polio campaign, including vaccination team selection, demand generation, supervision, and accountability,” he said.
He said the agency’s next polio campaign is scheduled to commence this Saturday, 26th April, in batches with the northern states, while the southern states will commence on May 3rd, also in batches.
The northern states will synchronise with our neighbouring countries in the Lake Basin.
Our Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, joined his colleagues from the Lake Chad Basin countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and Niger) last week in N’Djamena, Chad, to launch the synchronised polio vaccination campaign.
“The goal is to reach about 83 million children across these Lake Chad Basin countries,” he added
Recall that in 2020, Nigeria was declared WPV free following the country’s successful eradication of the wild polio virus (WPV).
Amid rising insecurity across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday ordered the immediate deployment of a special squad to tackle the growing wave of violence.
The police chief also directed all Police Mobile Force squadrons to keep at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby.
Egbetokun issued the directive during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, as fresh attacks by bandits claimed 21 lives in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto States.
In recent weeks, several states, including Plateau, Benue, and Enugu, have witnessed increased violence, with multiple attacks reported on defenceless citizens.
Egbetokun said, “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready. Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.
“These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter.
“These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.”
He also announced that squadrons will undergo size reviews and reorganisation to boost efficiency and agility.
Egbetokun said, “Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel.
“You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.”
Restating the decision to withdraw mobile police officers from escort duties, Egbetokun expressed concern that such assignments have weakened the tactical effectiveness of the Police Mobile Force.
He also warned that acts of indiscipline among mobile police personnel will no longer be tolerated.
“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.
“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence.
“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined.
As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing monthly, quarterly, and yearly rent payments, limited to a maximum of one year.
Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Commissioner for Housing, revealed this in a statement he jointly signed with Mr Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, on Wednesday.
Akinderu-Fatai spoke during a recent exploratory meeting with executives of the Estate, Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAN).
He said that the government was actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for the benefit of those seeking accommodation.
He noted that the government had advised professionals and trade groups within the real estate sector to address public concerns regarding the persistent and alarming increases in rent, as well as the imposition of unwarranted fees.
These practices, he said, were currently being carried out in violation of the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Law.
He expressed the government’s apprehension over unethical practices among estate agents, which had led to a rise in rent defaults.
He reminded practitioners to adhere to the provisions of the law.
Akinderu-Fatai stated that the existing law recognised their roles and specified a percentage of chargeable fees of not more than 10 per cent on real estate transactions.
He encouraged estate agents and related bodies to actively denounce unqualified individuals who advise property owners to inflate rents arbitrarily and introduce fees not recognised by the state’s real estate transaction law.
He also urged ERCAN members to promote the monthly, quarterly, and yearly rent system among their members.
The commissioner affirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance the rent payment structure.
According to him, this structure will halt the indiscriminate practices, make rent affordable, guarantee the interest of property owners, and ensure consistent rent payments by tenants.
Responding, the President of the ERCAN, Mr Godwin Aleke, pledged the support of his members to promoting the state government’s monthly, quarterly and yearly rent system.
He pledged to work collaboratively with other professional bodies and stakeholders to sanitise real estate practices in the state moving forward. (NAN)
Mr Dele Oye, the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has said the current economic situation of Nigeria has brought the country to a crossroad, where strategy is required for success.
Oye, who is the Chairman of Vanguard 2025 Economic Discourse said it is possible for Nigeria to reshape its economic challenges and turned the adversity to opportunity.
In his speech, the chairman of the event said, “Nigeria must succeed and be strategic; we are at crossroads where we can reshape our current destiny, where adversity can give rise to opportunity.”
Oye had earlier offered insights to Vanguard on Nigeria’s economic outlook 2025.
His words: “As we navigate today’s economic landscape, we face significant headwinds, including persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions in global supply chains.
However, we also have promising tailwinds: advancements in technology, emerging trade
partnerships, and a vibrant, entrepreneurial youth.
The balance between these challenges and
opportunities will shape Nigeria’s future, highlighting the need for thoughtful policies that harness our potential while addressing the risks ahead.”
Oye who is doubling as the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and also the Chairman of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), further hinted on the economic and socio-political implications of the current global landscape which would also be deliberated upon at the event.
He stated: “We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history, with profound global changes redefining relationships and power dynamics.
The current U.S. administration’s focus on isolationism and trade wars has led to a reevaluation of America’s long-standing alliances, leaving many nations, including Nigeria, to grapple with the complexities of a shifting world order.
The resurgence of Russia from a backdrop of U.S. policy shifts reminds us of the importance of adaptability in diplomacy.
For Nigeria, these developments underscore the necessity of prioritizing economic sovereignty and a shift to a homegrown democracy that is both viable and affordable. We need a political structure that can withstand external pressures and remain resilient in the face of global shifts.”
ASABA—The Delta State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chief Love Shimite, Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Trade and Export.
Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness over the sudden passing of Chief Shimite Love, describing her as an accomplished, intelligent and charismatic political figure.
She died in the early hours of Easter Monday.
Though the circumstances surrounding her death were hazy at press time, it was gathered that it occurred after a brief illness.
Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Mr. Bright Edafe, said she was confirmed dead “when they arrived at a hospital” she was taken to.
He, however, said the husband of the deceased was in protective custody, adding: “We didn’t arrest him. He is in protective custody,” Edafe emphasised.
“He (the husband) was the one who called that his wife died early this morning and that he is receiving threats from the wife’s family, and that there is fear that they want to attack him. It was for that reason that we went to to his house and got him out.
“However, the family came this morning to lodge an official complaint against the husband that they are suspecting that it was the husband who killed her. So, on that ground, we are still investigating.
In cases like this, it is only autopsy that will determine whether it was natural or if there was sometime else.”
Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the loss of an exceptional professional and elegant politician who passed away in Asaba on Easter Monday.
“She served Delta State with distinction, and until her death, and was diligently leading our export initiatives as Special Adviser on Trade and Export.”
The governor lamented that her demise came at a time her expertise was most needed, noting that her absence would be deeply felt by the government and people of the state.
He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul and urged God to comfort her family.
Tension has gripped the Ogwashi-Uku community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State following the reported abduction of four children on Sunday, allegedly by suspected child traffickers.
Among the abducted children are two siblings identified as Ebube and Miracle.
The incident reportedly took place in the Umuokwe quarters of the community, where three unidentified women had recently secured emergency accommodation.
According to community sources, the women allegedly lured the children out of their homes under the pretext of buying them biscuits from a nearby shop.
It was when the children could not be seen around the compound that neighbours expressed concern,” a source said.
“By the time the neighbours visited the ladies’ apartment, the room was empty as neither the occupants nor the children could be found.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the landlady of the house where the suspects stayed has been arrested and is currently in detention.
He said, “The children were abducted three days after the women rented the apartment.
It is true; the problem is that there is no link. They just came and said they wanted to rent an apartment and the landlady gave it to them with no details, no name, no phone number, no agreement, and after three days they carried four children.
“The landlady has been arrested because her actions are suspicious.”
The community remains on edge as authorities continue investigations and efforts to locate the missing children and apprehend the culprits.
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