The Ibibio proverb says "Ọkpọk akebo ke owo mmitooroke imọ, imọ iyaitooro idem", which directly translates to, "The lizard said that if nobody praises him, he will praise himself."
It explains that true happiness begins with self-appreciation. Cultivate the habit of celebrating your efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Don't wait for others to acknowledge your hard work - be your own biggest fan. Take ownership of your joy and celebrate your small wins.
Do you know you can now check your HIV status from the comfort of your home using a simple self-test kit? It’s private, convenient, and puts your health in your hands.
This message is brought to you by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA). Take charge—know your status today.
FG Set to Link Credit Scores to NIN in Major Credit Reform
In an apparent bid to build a unified, transparent, and accountable credit system that leaves no citizen out of financial scrutiny, the Federal Government is set to implement a sweeping reform that will link Nigerians' credit scores to their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
At a "Meet the Press" engagement hosted by the Presidential Media Team at the State House in Abuja, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Uzoma Nwagba, announced that the initiative aims to consolidate credit information across all financial institutions, including banks, FinTechs and microfinance outfits, into a centralised national credit bureau.
According to Nwagba, the initiative will also create a robust database of every Nigerian's credit history, ensuring that every citizen is accurately scored based on their borrowing and repayment behaviour.
The director noted that days of loan evasion are fast drawing to a close, as the new system will enforce strict accountability, adding that, " If you default on your loan, it could affect your ability to renew your passport, your driver's license, or even rent a house. There will be no hiding place."
Do you know?
Nigerian archaeologist Dr. Abidemi Babatunde Babalola has made history by winning the 2025 Dan David Prize, a prestigious award in historical disciplines where he received a $300,000 cash prize at a ceremony held in Italy recently.
Dr Babalola's pioneering work proves that glass bead production in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, is indigenous, challenging the long-held belief that Africa lacked this technology. His research has reshaped the narrative on Africa's contributions to early human civilisation.
With over two decades of experience, Dr Babalola's interdisciplinary approach combines scientific, ethnographic, and historical methods to show how glass beads were central to Yoruba culture, touching on class, gender, power, and religion. His work is a testament to his dedication and expertise.
This achievement is a proud moment for Nigerian academia, affirming African scholars' contributions to global historical knowledge. Dr. Babalola's win is an inspiration to future generations of researchers and historians, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Africa's rich cultural heritage.
NOA/WEMA Continue to Harness Strategies for Youth Development
In furtherance of a shared commitment to youth development, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Tuesday received delegates from WEMA Bank headquarters at National Orientation Agency Headquarters Abuja. The delegation was led by Mr Tunde Mabawonku, Executive Director, who represented the Managing Director/CEO of WEMA Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni.
The Director General congratulated WEMA Bank on its 80th anniversary, noting that as Nigeria’s first indigenous bank, its longevity is a testament to the country’s viability as a thriving business environment. He called on both local and international stakeholders to take advantage of the abundant opportunities that a developing nation like Nigeria offers.
Commending WEMA Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Issa-Onilu discussed the ongoing collaboration talks between the two organisations. He highlighted the NOA Campus Debate initiative, which offers a platform for young students to actively participate in nation-building. Following the success of the pilot edition, he announced that the 2025 edition’s grand finale will be hosted at the State House in Abuja by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later in the year.
He also mentioned other NOA youth-focused engagement platforms, such as the Hackathon, where Nigerians—particularly the youth—can learn about government policies while winning airtime for correct answers. Other initiatives include the upcoming NOA Sports Communication Strategy, the “Nigeria Happened to Me” short documentary series, Projecting Nigeria in the right perspective, NOA cartoon content, grassroots outreach activities, the NOA Explainer newsletter, and more.
Issa-Onilu added that the Agency’s partnerships with major television stations including MultiChoice (Africa Magic), over 100 radio stations, and hundreds of social media influencers would ensure the success and wide reach of the collaboration.
In his response, Mr Moruf Oseni, represented by Mr Tunde Mabawonku, expressed enthusiasm about the proposed partnership. He noted: “At WEMA Bank, we already have existing channels through which we champion youth-focused projects.” He emphasised that a collaboration with the NOA would further enhance youth engagement and development across Nigeria leveraging on NOA’s 774 local government reach.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Tolu Meduna, TA media NOA, Mr Chioma Onuaguluchi, WEMA Bank’s Regional Manger Abuja, and Mr Timileyin Obisesan, Head of Partnerships and Payment at WEMA Bank, accompanied by other staff members.
Welcome to NOA explainer brief. The 47th edition of the Explainer. Federal Government’s interest-free consumer credit scheme, set to begin in July 2025. Managed by Credicorp, the initiative offers up to ₦2 million in interest-free or low-interest loans to help Nigerians access essential goods and services.
Aimed at boosting financial inclusion and building a credit-driven economy, the scheme partners with financial institutions and fintechs to reduce lending risks and expand access.
This edition also features other key policy updates from the Tinubu administration. For more, visit https://t.co/nuga5RoTMQ or ask CLHEEAN, the NOA’s Voice/Chat Assistant.
@FMINONigeria@LanreIssaOnilu@CrediCorpNG
FG Unveils Website for National Youth Confab
The Federal Government has launched the official website for the upcoming National Youth Conference, taking a major step toward inclusive youth engagement and policy development in Nigeria. The portal (https://t.co/oZmfjFMFk0) is designed to serve as the central hub for information, registration, updates, and participation in the multi-phase event scheduled for later this year.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the participatory structure of the conference, which will span diaspora engagements, constituency-level consultations, zonal meetings, and a culminating national gathering in Abuja. He noted that the process is aimed at co-creating youth-led solutions across six key thematic areas, including governance, economic empowerment, education, innovation, climate change, and inclusion.
“The Confab is a chance for young Nigerians to shift from protest to policy, from problems to solutions,” Olawande said.
Olubunmi Olusanya, Chairman of the National Planning Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the website as a “digital gateway” to the conference, enabling seamless delegate registration and inclusive participation across all 360 federal constituencies and the diaspora.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the conference and praised the Minister’s visionary leadership in driving youth development forward.
The National Youth Conference represents a renewed government commitment to transparency, innovation, and youth-driven progress.
The 48th edition of The Explainer focuses on President Bola Tinubu administration’s giant strides in revolutionising Nigeria’s agriculture sector through a four-pillar approach: mechanisation and tech adoption, rural infrastructure development, youth engagement, and international partnerships.
This aims to address challenges like low productivity, food inflation, and post-harvest losses, promoting food security and economic growth, ultimately empowering farmers and ensuring food security.
The edition also contains many more reports on policies of the Tinubu-led government. You can always rely on CLHEEAN, the NOA’s Voice/Chat Assistant, for information on these and any other policies. Visit https://t.co/nuga5RprCo . Enjoy it.
The 48th edition of The Explainer focuses on President Bola Tinubu administration’s giant strides in revolutionising Nigeria’s agriculture sector through a four-pillar approach: mechanisation and tech adoption, rural infrastructure development, youth engagement, and international partnerships.
This aims to address challenges like low productivity, food inflation, and post-harvest losses, promoting food security and economic growth, ultimately empowering farmers and ensuring food security.
The edition also contains many more reports on policies of the Tinubu-led government. You can always rely on CLHEEAN, the NOA’s Voice/Chat Assistant, for information on these and any other policies. Visit https://t.co/nuga5RprCo . Enjoy it.
The 48th edition of The Explainer focuses on President Bola Tinubu administration’s giant strides in revolutionising Nigeria’s agriculture sector through a four-pillar approach: mechanisation and tech adoption, rural infrastructure development, youth engagement, and international partnerships.
This aims to address challenges like low productivity, food inflation, and post-harvest losses, promoting food security and economic growth, ultimately empowering farmers and ensuring food security.
The edition also contains many more reports on policies of the Tinubu-led government. You can always rely on CLHEEAN, the NOA’s Voice/Chat Assistant, for information on these and any other policies. Visit https://t.co/nuga5RprCo . Enjoy it.
Nigerian-British trailblazer and youngest Mayor, Princess Opeyemi Bright—Mayor of Barking and Dagenham—has urged Nigerian youths to harness their talents for personal growth, wherever they may be. She also pledged to strengthen the bridge of opportunity and access between Nigeria and the UK. She made this statement while hosting Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at a vibrant town hall meeting in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
It was a proud and truly inspirational moment, aligning perfectly with the National Orientation Agency’s National Identity Project. As Nigerians, we share a collective identity, one we must guard jealously. The projection and protection of our national identity is a responsibility we all share.
@FMINONigeria@LanreIssaOnilu@abikedabiri
Update on #DemocracyDashQuiz
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🧾 Key Tax Reform Highlights (Effective 2026)
1.Reduces tax burden on low-income earners
• Individuals earning up to ₦800,000/year (₦66,667/month) are now tax-exempt (previously ₦500,000).
2.Introduces mandatory reporting of high-value transactions
• Banks must report accounts with monthly transactions of ₦5 million and above to tax authorities (Section 30).
3.Exempts capital gains on specific personal income
• No tax on proceeds from selling one’s primary residence (Section 31).
• Compensation for injury, job loss, or libel up to ₦10 million is also exempt (Section 50).
💸 New VAT Revenue-Sharing Formula (2026)
Sets up a new VAT sharing structure among governments:
• federal government: 10%
• state governments: 55%
→ shared 50% equally, 20% by population, 30% by consumption
• local governments: 35% (unchanged)
🔁 Previous vs. New Formula
• federal: 15% → now 10%
• states: 50% → now 55%
• local governments: 35% (same)
• Shift from derivation-based to consumption-based allocation
⚖️ Why It Matters
• Harmonises national revenue allocation with actual economic activity
• Rewards high-consumption states like Lagos and Rivers
• Encourages states to grow local economies
Quick Summary
• Tax-free income threshold raised to ₦800,000
• CGT exemptions on home sales and compensation ≤ ₦10m
• Mandatory bank reporting on ₦5m+ monthly transactions
• VAT sharing: federal 10%, states 55%, local governments 35%
🧾 Key Tax Reform Highlights (Effective 2026)
1.Reduces tax burden on low-income earners
• Individuals earning up to ₦800,000/year (₦66,667/month) are now tax-exempt (previously ₦500,000).
2.Introduces mandatory reporting of high-value transactions
• Banks must report accounts with monthly transactions of ₦5 million and above to tax authorities (Section 30).
3.Exempts capital gains on specific personal income
• No tax on proceeds from selling one’s primary residence (Section 31).
• Compensation for injury, job loss, or libel up to ₦10 million is also exempt (Section 50).
💸 New VAT Revenue-Sharing Formula (2026)
Sets up a new VAT sharing structure among governments:
• federal government: 10%
• state governments: 55%
→ shared 50% equally, 20% by population, 30% by consumption
• local governments: 35% (unchanged)
🔁 Previous vs. New Formula
• federal: 15% → now 10%
• states: 50% → now 55%
• local governments: 35% (same)
• Shift from derivation-based to consumption-based allocation
⚖ Why It Matters
• Harmonises national revenue allocation with actual economic activity
• Rewards high-consumption states like Lagos and Rivers
• Encourages states to grow local economies
Quick Summary
• Tax-free income threshold raised to ₦800,000
• CGT exemptions on home sales and compensation ≤ ₦10m
• Mandatory bank reporting on ₦5m+ monthly transactions
• VAT sharing: federal 10%, states 55%, local governments 35%
@FMINONigeria@LanreIssaOnilu
Nigerian of the Week: Saheed Ahmed
Meet Saheed Ahmed, the University of Ibadan's Veterinary Student, who has just been crowned the World's Best Veterinary Student by the World Veterinary Association (WVA). This exceptional final-year student has proven that Nigerian talent knows no bounds, showcasing a winning blend of academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Ahmed's prize package includes a €5,000 cash award and an exclusive trip to the 2025 World Veterinary Congress in Washington D.C. As a former National President of the International Veterinary Students' Association (Nigeria), Ahmed is no stranger to leadership. Now, he is set to make a global impact, focusing on critical issues like global health, One Health, and antimicrobial resistance. With a passion for mentorship, Ahmed is poised to inspire a new generation of African professionals.
His outstanding achievement makes him our Nigerian of the Week.
FG Asks Foreigners Who Overstay to Regularise Status Before August 1, 2025
The federal government has asked foreigners who have overstayed their visas to regularise their statuses before August 1, 2025 or face strict penalties.
The federal government, by this new policy, is not forcing those concerned to naturalise, but only giving them a temporary offer to regularise their immigration statuses through a new online portal.
This offer is part of federal government's broader immigration reforms conceived to address issues of overstay without resorting to immediate deportation.
When this grace period expires on July 31, 2025, the government will immediately enforce stricter penalties, including daily fines and potential bans from re-entering Nigeria, against culprits.
“I’m A Real Nigeria”
A Song of National Pride Taking Over Screens and Hearts
The National Orientation Agency’s theme song, “I’m Real Nigeria,” is fast becoming a cultural phenomenon, taking over screens and airwaves across the country. Young children are not just singing along—they’re making it their own rhythm, reciting its lyrics in proudly echoing its message of Citizen Codes.
More than just a melody, “I’m a Real Nigeria” is stirring a renewed sense of national pride. As the tune becomes a regular feature in schools, homes, and public gatherings, it is shaping a new generation of Nigerians who believe in the power of values and the promise of a better tomorrow, one lyric at a time.
Carrying a Nigerian passport is more than a right—it’s a symbol of our identity, culture, and resilience. It reflects the pride of a nation rich in heritage and strength, and every holder becomes a representative of Nigeria’s vibrant spirit.
With pride comes responsibility. By honouring our passport through lawful and respectful conduct, we showcase the best of Nigeria to the world and help shape a positive global image, in line with the global reputational management, a component of the NOA National identity project-one citizen at a time.
On June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed four landmark tax reform bills into law. The laws seek to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal landscape by simplifying tax compliance, improving revenue generation, and fostering an investor-friendly environment. The laws form the focus of the 49th edition of The Explainer.
The reforms consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws into a harmonized statute, reducing multiplicity of taxes and eliminating duplication to enhance ease of doing business.
The reforms will boost Nigeria’s economy, attract investments, and improve the lives of everyday Nigerians by reducing tax burdens and increasing government revenue.
The edition also contains many more reports on policies of the Tinubu-led government. You can always rely on CLHEEAN, the NOA’s Voice/Chat Assistant, for information on these and any other policies. Visit https://t.co/nuga5RoTMQ. Enjoy.