In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims made by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi regarding a purported plan to implement a 25% tax increase following the next general election. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga labeled the allegations as “egregious lies” intended to incite public fear and create political instability. The government insists there are no such provisions in the current or proposed tax laws.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed the former minister warning citizens that an APC victory would lead to a significant tax burden on business transactions and rent. Amaechi had suggested that the government was delaying the implementation of these taxes to avoid voter backlash, urging the public to verify the “new tax law” with legal experts.
In its rebuttal, the Presidency clarified that the ongoing tax reforms are focused on simplification and efficiency rather than arbitrary increases. The administration reiterated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and cautioned political actors against spreading misinformation that could disrupt the economy.
The Nation corroborated the Presidency’s stance, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance has no such 25% levy in its 2026 projections. A legal expert quoted in ThisDay stated, “There is no legislative record of a post-dated tax law of this magnitude; such claims appear to be purely speculative.” Additionally, Channels TV reported that the viral video has sparked intense debate on social media, with one analyst noting, “Political rhetoric regarding taxation must be grounded in documented policy to avoid unnecessary market panic.”
Echotitbits take: This exchange highlights the heightening political tension as the 2027 election cycle begins to loom. Expect taxation to remain a central, albeit contentious, campaign issue as both sides scramble to define the economic narrative.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/presidency-rebuts-kpmgs-claims-on-new-tax-laws-defends-reform-choices-2/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
Tag: Rotimi Amaechi
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Presidency Rebuts Allegations of Looming 25% Post-Election Tax Hike
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Opinion: Nation Building Over Party Politics – Nigeria’s Path for the Next 24 Years
Opinion: Nation Building Over Party Politics – Nigeria’s Path for the Next 24 Years
Nigeria stands at a crossroads where the choice between perpetual political brinkmanship and purposeful nation building will determine the fate of over 200 million people. For decades, our politics has revolved around personalities, ethnic arithmetic, and empty party slogans, rather than coherent ideologies or long-term visions. Today, no major political party in Nigeria sincerely advances a consistent political philosophy; instead, parties often serve as shifting platforms for elites to capture power, switch allegiances, and share spoils.
Given this reality, it is neither radical nor undemocratic to argue that the country’s focus over the next generation must shift decisively from party-centered politics to nation-centered governance. If those entrusted with leadership — regardless of partisan labels — dedicate themselves to genuine social and economic transformation, it should matter less whether they belong to one party or a hundred. What matters is progress, stability, and prosperity.
Critics may call this a drift toward a de facto one-party state, but it is better understood as a call for ideological unity on nation building. Nigeria desperately needs leaders who see beyond election cycles and prioritize industrialization, quality education, universal healthcare, modern infrastructure, and social justice. We need continuity in policies that work, not endless resets every four or eight years just because a new party wants to mark its territory.
History shows us that countries like Singapore and Rwanda achieved rapid development not by fetishizing partisan competition but by forging a national consensus on discipline, economic planning, and inclusive growth. In these contexts, the energy spent on political bickering was redirected into building systems, attracting investment, and delivering results.
Of course, the danger of unchecked power is real; accountability must never be sacrificed. But accountability can come through institutions — independent courts, vibrant civil society, free media — rather than the illusion of multiparty rivalry that offers no ideological choice. When opposition parties simply mirror ruling parties in opportunism, democracy becomes a hollow ritual.
For Nigeria, the question is simple: if a government is genuinely transforming the economy, empowering citizens, and entrenching good governance, why should the nation interrupt that trajectory in the name of an election that merely swaps one set of self-interested politicians for another? Why not build a broad coalition of stakeholders — across regions, ethnicities, faiths — around a shared developmental agenda and hold leaders accountable to that, rather than to party colors?
Over the next 24 years, what Nigeria needs is not a rotating door of politicians but a sustained national project: one that creates jobs, ends poverty, secures lives and property, modernizes agriculture, and raises Nigeria’s human capital. We should champion policies, not parties; performance, not propaganda; and unity, not division.
The time has come for Nigerians to reject the empty spectacle of party politics without ideology and embrace a renewed, patriotic commitment to nation building — for the sake of today’s citizens and generations yet unborn.
Bunmi Adebayo, writes from Abeokuta
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Nigerian Government signs Kano-Maradi $1.9bn Railway Line
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mota- Engil Group for the construction of $1.959billion dollars Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Railway lines.
In a statement by Eric Ojiekwe, Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the project was aimed at linking the whole country by rail.
The MoU was signed by Amaechi on behalf of the Federal Government while the Managing Director, Mota- Engil, Antonio Gvoea signed on behalf of the contracting firm.
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The Minister stated that the new railway corridor which is to be located in northern Nigeria will run through Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and through Niger Republic territory as far as Maradi.
According to the Minister, other cities such as Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya would also be affected by the rail line in Nigeria.
Speaking on the impact of the transport project, Amaechi said the 283.750 kilometre rail line would help develop freight and passenger transport as it would be integrated with road transport adding that it would contribute greatly to the local economy as well as the nation’s social sector.
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Nigeria Hasn’t Received $5.3bn Chinese Loan for Ibadan-Kano rail – Transport Minister
The signing ceremony of the multi-billion dollar rail project, whose construction duration would last for 36 months, was witnessed by the Ministry’s Permanent, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Director, Legal Services, Pius Oteh, the Managing Director, Mota-Engil Group, Antonio Gvoea and Head of Legal, Mota- Engil Group, Cameron Beverley.
Also in attendance were Magajin Garin Kano, Muhammad Wada; Director, Mota-Engil Group, Kola Abdulkarim; Vice President, Mota-Engil Group, Mohammed Abdul-Razaq, among others.
Others at the event include the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala-Usman among other diginitaries also witnessed the signing.
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Nigeria Hasn’t Received $5.3bn Chinese Loan for Ibadan-Kano rail – Transport Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has revealed that the sum of $5.3 billion loan request by the Federal Government is yet to be approved by the Chinese Government.
The Minister, who disclosed this during an interview on a television programme in Abuja on Saturday clarified that contrary to the claim that the government had gotten the loan, what was approved by the government was the approval for the contract.
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Ameachi however noted that the construction of the Ibadan to Kano rail project will commence once the loan which was requested for a year ago is approved.
He said: “We are waiting for the Chinese government and bank to approve the $5.3bn to construct the Ibadan-Kano. What was approved a year ago was the contract. The moment I announced that federal government has awarded a contract of $5.3bn to CCECC to construct Ibadan-Kano, they assumed the money has come in, but not so. Up till now, we have not gotten the money and it is a year after we applied for the loan. We have almost finished the project of Lagos-Ibadan. If we don’t get the loan now, we can’t commence.”
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On the route the project will take, he said: “The Ibadan-Kano rail would link six areas which are Kaduna-Kano-Abuja-Minna-Ilorin-Osogbo and Ibadan which will make it easy for cargoes to be moved to Kano from Lagos. On the funding of the rail projects, Amaechi stated that his ministry has presidential approval to borrow money to fund projects.
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After 30 Years, President Buhari Inaugurates 326KM Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Line
After more than three decades delay, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday inaugurated the 326 KM Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line for commercial operation as well as the ancillary facilities yard, at the recently named Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta State.
At the virtual opening of the rail line linking Itakpe to Warri, President Buhari directed the Federal Ministry of Transportation to link all the nation’s ports of origin and destination – Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, Onne, Calabar Ports- to the rail network in order to significantly improve overall transportation and economic capacities.
The President declared that his administration recognised the importance of the railway mode of transportation as a vital backbone to support industrialization and economic development.
”Accordingly, I have approved the prioritization of viable railway routes for either new rail lines or the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some, to achieve effective and efficient train services supporting the country’s trade and commerce.
”The Railway Infrastructure that I have the honour to commission today is the rail line from Itakpe via the steel town complex of Ajaokuta to Warri, and is an important link for the country’s economy as the central rail line.
”This Government has also approved to link this line further from Itakpe to Abuja, thereby, connecting the Northern Zone of the country and also extending southwards to link the Warri Ports,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that the project, which serves as a vital link of South-South geopolitical zones of the country to the Northern zones, would be completed during the tenure of this administration.
”It will link people across the cultural divides and expand the frontier of trade and commerce, which will lead to better standards of living for our citizens,” he said.
President Buhari recalled that to further give recognition to Nigerian sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves at nation building and development , 11 railway stations and railway village were named after some deserving citizens.
He listed them as follows: Adamu Attah Station, Itakpe; Abubakar Olusola Saraki Station, Ajaokuta; Augustus Aikhomu Station, Itogbo; George Innih Station, Agenebode; Anthony Enahoro Station, Uromi; Tom Ikimi Station, Ekehen and Samuel Ogbemudia Station, Igbanke.
Others are Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex, Agbor, Owa-Oyibu; David Ejoor Station, Abraka; Michael Ibru Station, Opara; Alfred Rewane Station, Ujevwu; and Michael Akhigbe Railway Village, Agbor
The President enjoined all Nigerians in the transportation industry, especially the railway sub-sector, to continue to support Government in its stride to achieve other railway infrastructure projects.
He also enlisted the support of all at realizing this milestone of a functional and full-fledged central railway, after more than 30 years during which the project has suffered several setbacks and false starts.
”I implore those who work on this line to uphold maintenance and safety culture necessary for long-lasting service in this difficult terrain.
”By the same token, I urge other sectors who will be primary beneficiaries of this transportation backbone, including, the iron and steel sector, stakeholders in agricultural and mining sectors on this corridor, as well as the host communities to protect and sustain this infrastructure and maximize the benefits that could be derived from it and which is readily available at their doorsteps.
”This project will increase the volume of their trade and kickstart and resuscitate the iron and steel complexes.
”All these, I hope will improve our industrial potentials and capacities as well as boost employment,’’ he said.
President Buhari said projections indicate that the commencement of operation of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail line will account for close to one million passengers annually and also unleash approximately 3.5 million tonnes capacity of freight annually that will service all off-takers on the corridor and beyond.
Congratulating the Minister of Transportation Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and his team on successfully completing the project, the President recognized the host communities on this corridor for their patience during the long wait of over 30 years for the realization of the project.
He also commended the host communities for their cooperation during the completion works by the Federal Government.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue, within available resources, to judiciously connect commercial and industrial hubs to boost trade, generate wealth and create employment.
In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa commended President Buhari’s bi-partisan approach to governance, saying ‘‘it is a thing of pride and joy that this rail line was completed under your watch.’’
“Deltansare excited that this day has come,’’ he said, adding that the Ika nation is glad of the recognition accorded former President Goodluck Jonathan, in naming the railway complex in Agbor after him.
Okowa urged the private sector to take advantage of the historic corridor by establishing investments that will create jobs for locals, curb youth restiveness and stem the tide of criminality.
”It is imperative that the Federal Government in collaboration with the States provide adequate security cover for this rail line corridor,” he said.
In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki congratulated the President on the feat of completing the project, saying it is quite fortuitous that few days to the country’s 60th independence celebration, the President has achieved the completion of this critical infrastructure.
”For us in Edo State we are excited that we have a few stops that have been completed and we are going to be working with you to utilise this infrastructure,” he said.
The Edo Governor appealed to the minister of transportation to extend the rail line to the industrial park in Benin City to facilitate the movement of goods to the northern part of the country.
In his remarks, Minister Amaechi said the project was fully funded by the Nigerian government, adding that 8 of the 10 stations are in the Niger-Delta/ South South region of the country.
”There is no loan on this project, it was funded from the budget and I had the directive of the President to go and revive it and complete it as soon as possible,’’ he said.
According to the Transportation Minister, the project started under the military era in 1987 but ‘‘underwent protracted hiccups, prolonged abandonment and massive vandalisation,’’ before it was resuscitated by the Buhari administration.
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Amaechi reacts to calls for cancellation of rail station named after Tinubu
Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has reacted to criticisms from Nigerians who expressed discontent over the exclusion of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-Chairman, Nigerian Railway Board late, Alhaji Waziri Mohammed and other notable Nigerians from the naming of rail stations.
The Minister in a statement Friday night, said more prominent Nigerians will still benefit from the Federal Government’s naming of railway stations across the country.
Ameachi, in the statement specifically reacted to the demand by rail workers union, that the late Alhaji Waziri Mohammed, chairman of the board, be honoured with a big railway station.
READ ALSO: Buhari names train stations after prominent Nigerians, Awolowo, Soyinka, Ekweume, others
The Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR) actually wanted Amaechi to cancel the naming of the Apapa Railway Station after Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Instead, the union wanted it named after Mohammed.
According to the statement by Amaechi’s Media Assistant, Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni, Amaechi attempted to assuage ill-feelings.
Amaechi said: “We are naming a bigger station after Waziri Mohammed.”
The General Secretary of the (NUR), Mr Segun Esan, demanded the immediate reversal of the naming of the Apapa Railway Station to late Mohammed.
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According to him, Mohammed, until his death was the Chairman of Nigerian Railway Board.
He said it would be proper to name the Apapa Station after Mohammed, who died while in active service, as a mark of his sterling contributions to nation building.
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Amaechi appeals to Reps to stop probe of Chinese $500m
Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has appealed to the National Assembly to halt its probe of the 500 million dollars loan from the Chinese government.
The Minister made the appeal during an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties and Protocols on Wednesday.
According to the Amaechi, the loan which is meant for the completion of the Federal Government’s rail projects may be truncated by the Chinese government if it suspects that there is a disagreement between the executive and the legislature.
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APC Crisis: How Amaechi’s intervention made Buhari to recognise Giadom’s faction
Idowu Sowunmi
It’s no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari has recognised Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman, with a promise to attending the virtual meeting called by Giadom tomorrow afternoon.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari admitted that he has been well schooled and legally advised accordingly on the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Because he will always act in accordance with the law, the President will be attending the virtual meeting Giadom called for tomorrow afternoon.
“We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter.
“In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” said a statement by Shehu, in response to enquiry by some journalists.
Sources at the Presidency said Buhari’s new position was made possible by the intervention of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi’s singular effort has made some political analysts to describe him as the new kid on the block of Nigerian politics.
“He (Amaechi) understands the game of power. He practises politics with so much dexterity and sagacity. His influence looms larger than life in the Presidency. When he speaks and analyses politics, every one is often taken awe.
“That’s how he succeeded in winning President Buhari and other key people in Presidency to accept the candidacy of Victor Giadom as the Acting National Chairman of APC. The deal is done. Welcome to a new era in the ruling party,” said the source.
Amaechi’s intervention was coming after Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and Giadom made unsuccessful frantic efforts to meet Buhari over the APC crisis.
Though the duo visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday night, they could not see the President. Instead, the President’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, attended to them.
Earlier, Amaechi claimed he had decided to keep out of the crisis rocking APC because he did not want to get involved in politics, noting that he’s not sure what the cause of the crisis was.
He had said: “What is happening in APC, I don’t know; what is happening in Rivers State, I don’t know. What I’ve done is to keep away from politics. Even if I’m bothered, it’ll be internally.
“There’s nobody there (in the party) who is a child; we’re all adults. I don’t want to get involved in politics.
“Nigerians know me for being blunt and honest. Some see it as arrogance, some see it as being brash, whatever it is. What do I need to say that I have not said before? It’s internal dynamics of politics, it’s internal struggle.
“So, I have said it several times. When we fought in 2015, I said this country cannot continue the way it is going. I’m not helpless, but I’m doing what they call ‘siddon look (sit down and look).”
But, on Wednesday his politics of “siddon look” took flight to unknown destination as he moved in to save the party from further crisis.
With Giadom’s recognition, it may be politically difficult for Adams Oshiomhole and his sympathisers to return to the leadership mantle of APC.
As APC supporters and Nigerians await the official statements of Mr. President tomorrow afternoon during the party’s virtual meeting called by Giadom, one thing seems to be certain for now: there’s a new sheriff in town and the ruling party may not be the same again.