AfriPulse
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 1st January, 2026
1. Abuja Court Gives Order On Implementation Of Tinubu’s Tax Law
A High Court, sitting in Abuja, the country’s capital city, has dismissed a suit seeking to stop the commencement of the implementation of the new tax laws by January 1, 2026.
The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse Public Trustees against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and others, challenges alleged discrepancies in the tax laws and their proposed January 1, 2026, implementation date.
Justice Bello Kawu, while delivering judgment on the suit, ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show legal grounds or irreparable harm to stop the implementation of the new tax laws.
Based on the ruling, the federal government, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Assembly can proceed with the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 from January 1, 2026.
Naija News recalls that President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared that the new tax laws would take effect from January 1, 2026, as planned, despite objections from some quarters.
The President made the declaration in a statement on Tuesday in which he explained that the new laws are not designed to raise taxes but to drive harmonization.
President Tinubu noted that his administration is aware of agitations in some quarters over the new tax laws, but added that no substantial issue has been raised to warrant a suspension of the implementation process.
2. Peter Obi Officially Defects From Labour Party To ADC
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially dumped the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Naija News reports that Obi, along with some other political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone, officially declared for the ADC on Wednesday in Enugu State.
Giving reasons for their choice, the leaders explained that they took the decision to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.
According to Obi, it is time for the opposition leaders to join hands and work together in rescuing Nigeria in the 2027 election.
He called on the opposition members to come together under the umbrella of the ADC led by David Mark to rescue Nigeria.
Obi described Nigeria as a country in distress and in need of real leadership. He argued that people with the country’s interest at heart can no longer take the back seat and watch things continue to deteriorate.
3. I Am Not A Coward, I Have Kept Quiet For Too Long – Bauchi Gov Fires Back At Terrorism Allegation
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed claims that he is linked to terrorism or any criminal activity.
The governor spoke on Wednesday at the Executive Chambers at the Bauchi State Government House while receiving an Award of Excellence as a Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria.
He expressed shock over claims against him, saying, “I was just waking up to the realisation that I was told that I’ve been accused of terrorism as a Governor.”
While accepting the award, Mohammed said, “I’ve been an ambassador of safety. I didn’t know it was a big thing until the eloquent presenter spoke. I am so delighted that I am receiving this on behalf of the people of Bauchi State.”
He added that the recognition belonged to the people of the state.
The governor also complained about what he described as unfair treatment by federal institutions.
4. ‘You Are Clever By Half’ – Wike Accuses Fubara Of Breaking Agreement Brokered By Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of reneging on an agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in the state.
Naija News recalls that the agreement followed a closed-door meeting convened by Tinubu at the State House in Abuja in June 2025, involving Wike and Fubara, as part of efforts to end the prolonged power struggle that plunged Rivers into a political crisis, leading to a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
However, Wike, speaking during a thank-you visit to the people of the Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday, said Governor Fubara had failed to honour parts of the agreement.
The Minister, therefore, vowed to make public the details of the deal reached before the President very soon.
5. FG Unveils Nigeria Revenue Service Logo, Retires FIRS
The Federal Government has officially unveiled the new brand identity of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which replaces the defunct Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Naija News reports that the NRS became operational following the signing of its enabling law, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June.
In a statement issued by the agency, the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the unveiling of the logo and other brand elements marked a significant milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.
According to Adedeji, the new identity reflects a renewed commitment to building a more unified, efficient and service-driven revenue system in line with Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and global best practices.
He added that the new brand signals continuity of purpose, stronger institutional capacity and a forward-looking approach to supporting taxpayers and national development.
6. FG Goes Fully Digital As All Federal Ministries Dump Paper Correspondence
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has stated that all federal ministries in the country have now gone paperless.
Speaking on Wednesday while addressing newsmen, she disclosed that every ministry has been digitalised and would no longer be needing papers to carry out any government activities.
According to her, over 100,000 email accounts have been created for civil servants on the GovMail platform, adding that all civil servants now have official government email addresses, ensuring they operate with official email identities for secure, professional and auditable government
The HCSF explained that henceforth, no federal ministry would accept any paper correspondence but only scanned letters sent through the appropriate email addresses.
She added that the Federal Civil Service has now expanded its digital efforts to include 38 Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments, MEMDs, comprising 33 Ministries and five Extra-Ministerial Departments, including the State House, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
7. Anthony Joshua Discharged From Hospital
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following the road accident in which two young men, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami, lost their lives on December 29, 2025.
Naija News reports that the governments of Lagos State and Ogun State, in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, again commiserated with the families of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and painful.
According to the statement, Joshua was discharged late Wednesday afternoon after doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
Although discharged, the statement noted that the boxer was “heavy-hearted and full of emotions” over the loss of the two men, described as his close friends.
It added that Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon to pay his last respects as the bodies of the deceased were being prepared for repatriation later in the evening.
8. AFCON 2025 Knockout Round Fixtures: Super Eagles Of Nigeria To Face Mozambique
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles and the Mambas will lock horns on Monday, 5 January, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès. The stadium has already become familiar territory for Nigeria, having hosted all three of their Group C matches.
Nigeria arrive in the last 16 brimming with confidence after a flawless group campaign. The three-time African champions swept aside all opposition, winning their three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding four.
Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika have each found the net twice, while Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu have also contributed goals.
Mozambique’s route to the knockout phase has been far more rugged. The Mambas opened their campaign with defeat against reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, steadied themselves with a hard-earned win over Gabon, and then narrowly lost 2-1 to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions on Wednesday evening.
9. Yul Edochie Shuts Down Breakup Rumours With Judy Austin
Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has dismissed rumours of a breakup with his second wife, Judy Austin.
Naija News reports that for many months, there have been speculations that the Nollywood stars are having cracks in their union and are no longer together.
The couple also fuelled the rumours after they stopped posting their lovey-dovey moments on social media.
However, Yul, in a post via Instagram on Wednesday, dropped a shocker, declaring his love for Judy on her birthday.
The thespian also shared a video pouring encomiums on Judy with a caption.
10. Survival Can Only Happen If You Are Alive – Oxlade Sends Strong Mental Health Message
Afrobeats singer Oxlade has urged individuals to seek help if they are dealing with overwhelming mental health issues.
Speaking via his 𝕏 account, the singer emphasised the importance of reaching out for support, highlighting that survival is only possible if one is alive to tell their story.
He addressed the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged open conversations.
The singer stressed that taking one’s life would be selfish and would hurt loved ones.
Oxlade assured fans that difficult times are temporary and that support is available, adding that only those who survive would get help.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News . See you again tomorrow.
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
