Here are the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today, January 17, 2025:
1. Foreign Fighters Fuel Boko Haram Resurgence
The military high command has attributed the recent surge in terrorist activities across the North-East and North-West to the arrival of foreign fighters bolstering Boko Haram. Major-General Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja, underscoring the ongoing challenges in counterterrorism efforts.
2. Governors Reject VAT Increase
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has firmly opposed the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), describing it as ill-timed. Following a meeting in Abuja, the governors endorsed the ongoing legislative push for Tax Reform Bills as part of a broader economic reform agenda.
3. OPEC Predicts Steady Oil Demand Growth
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) projects a global oil demand growth rate of 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government aims to ramp up crude oil production beyond 2 million barrels daily, signaling optimism in the energy sector.
4. EFCC to Arraign Honeywell Chairman, Former First Bank MD
The Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled January 20 for the arraignment of Honeywell Group Chairman, Chief Oba Otudeko, and ex-First Bank Managing Director, Stephen Onasanya. They face charges of allegedly defrauding the bank of N12.3 billion.
5. Southern Governors Strengthen Regional Security
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, announced new security measures to combat terrorism in the region. Abiodun revealed that southern governors are sharing intelligence and building operational synergy to ensure regional safety.
6. INEC Removes 7,746 Deceased Voters from Register
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has delisted 7,746 deceased voters from the national register across Nigeria. Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi, disclosed the update, reflecting efforts to enhance voter data accuracy.
7. ICPC to Arraign Former Kaduna Officials Over N64m Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign three former appointees of ex-Kaduna Governor Nasiru El-Rufai. The officials face allegations of laundering N64 million in state funds.
8. Truck Crash Claims Nine in Benue
A tragic accident in Okete, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, left nine family members dead when a truck plowed into their home at dawn. Witnesses reported that the crash occurred around 5 am, leaving the community in mourning.
9. LCCI Criticizes Duty-Free Policy Delay
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has faulted the Federal Government over delays in implementing the duty-free food import policy. A 32,000-tonne shipment of brown rice from Thailand recently arrived in Lagos after the policy’s 180-day window expired, raising questions about its execution.
10. EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Mercy Chinwo’s Manager
A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an arrest warrant for Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the motion filed by the EFCC over an undisclosed case involving the manager.
