The Senate has advanced President Bola Tinubu’s four proposed tax reform bills, approving them for second reading on Thursday.
The bills were debated and passed after Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented them before the Senate.
The development follows widespread opposition from political leaders and stakeholders who had earlier criticized the proposed reforms.
It was noted that Wednesday’s Senate plenary witnessed heated exchanges and uproar when the tax reform bills were brought up for debate despite not being listed on the Order Paper, which typically outlines the day's legislative agenda.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has shut down multiple establishments, including churches, hotels, bars, and other businesses, for failing to comply with the state's environmental regulations.
The enforcement operation targeted areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, as part of ongoing efforts to curb noise pollution and other environmental infractions across Lagos. This development was disclosed in a statement shared on LASEPA's verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
According to the statement, the affected establishments were closed due to persistent non-compliance with environmental standards despite receiving prior warnings from the agency.
"In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed several establishments across the state," the statement read.
It listed the sealed facilities, which include Daily Bakery, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gak Universal Allied Limited, Ideal Standard, Franjane Royal Suites, Golden Haven Resort & Suites, Festival Hotel Conference Centre & SPA, FS Service Centre, and Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall.
Lagos Closes Churches, Hotels, and Others Over Noise Pollution
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of LASEPA, emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on activities that endanger public health and disrupt community peace.
"Environmental protection is a shared responsibility," Ajayi stated. "As a government agency, we are committed to enforcing all necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Noise pollution, improper siting of hazardous facilities, and other violations significantly impact public health and quality of life. We call on businesses and individuals to prioritize compliance and adopt sustainable practices."
Dr. Ajayi further urged Lagos residents to report environmental violations through LASEPA’s official channels, stressing the importance of collective action in safeguarding the environment.
Lagos Closes Churches, Hotels, and Others Over Noise PollutionLagos Closes Churches, Hotels, and Others Over Noise Pollution
The United Kingdom has officially inaugurated Africa’s largest visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos, Nigeria. This state-of-the-art facility, launched in partnership with VFS Global, aims to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians traveling to the UK.
From November 19, 2024, residents can now book appointments to submit their visa applications at three new VFS Global centres located in Ikeja (Lagos), Victoria Island (Lagos), and Abuja.
Speaking at the opening, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter expressed his delight: “I am thrilled to witness the launch of the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most valued partners, and we hope VFS Global continues to enhance the visa application experience for travelers to the UK.”
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), highlighted the significance of the new centre: “The opening of our VAC in Ikeja is a milestone for UKVI and VFS Global, reflecting our commitment to providing world-class visa services across Africa. In the year ending June 2024, we processed over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals. This new partnership reinforces our dedication to efficiency and accessibility for all applicants.”
Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, emphasized the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship: “We are proud to embark on this new chapter with UKVI in Nigeria. Since 2003, our partnership has grown, and we are excited to offer Nigerians top-tier services as they travel to the UK.”
The enhanced visa centres reflect the UK’s focus on improving travel and cultural ties with Nigeria, one of its most significant partners in Africa.
Pleased to attend the opening of the biggest UK Visa Application Centre in Africa - here in Ikeja, Lagos. Looking forward to the efficient services that will be provided by @VFSGlobal to meet the needs of all UK visa applicants.@UKVIgovuk#UKVisaspic.twitter.com/SGxnocQ0ex
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, is scheduled to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja this morning for arraignment on fresh charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to dock Bello on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering before Justice Emeka Nwite, where he is expected to take his plea.
Originally slated for January 27 next year, the arraignment has been rescheduled at the request of the EFCC, following Bello’s recent appearance before the anti-graft agency.
Sources confirm that hearing notices have been served to the legal teams of both the EFCC and the former governor to ensure a smooth legal process.
This marks the second time the EFCC has taken Bello to court. On November 27, he was arraigned before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on a 16-count charge of alleged breach of trust.
Bello pleaded not guilty to those charges and applied for bail to prepare for his defense. Justice Anenih adjourned the bail ruling to December 10, ordering Bello and two co-defendants to remain in EFCC custody pending the decision.
Today’s arraignment adds another chapter to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the former governor as he battles allegations of financial misconduct.
