• Lagos to face power disruptions as TCN begins 25-day maintenance
• FG retains 30% corporate tax, exempts small businesses
• ASUU laments government inaction on education reforms
• Dangote urges ban on fuel imports under ‘Nigeria First’ policy
• ADC slams Tinubu’s government over $21bn loan, calls it “fiscal vandalism”

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Lagos to face power disruptions as TCN begins 25-day maintenance

Electricity users in Lagos State should expect temporary power outages as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) begins a 25-day maintenance on the Omotosho–Ikeja West 330kV power line. The maintenance work will run daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting July 28 through August 21.

According to a statement posted on TCN’s official ‘X’ handle, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the National Independent System Operator (NISO) have both approved the infrastructure upgrade.

The upgrade includes installing an Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre cable to enhance system reliability. TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, emphasized that the project is crucial for strengthening transmission efficiency.

FG retains 30% corporate tax, exempts small businesses

The Federal Government has maintained the corporate income tax (CIT) at 30% for all companies except small businesses, as outlined in the updated Nigerian Tax Act (NTA), which takes effect in January 2026.

According to the new law, businesses with an annual turnover below ₦25 million will continue to enjoy a zero percent tax rate. This is aimed at encouraging the growth of small enterprises and easing their financial burden.

The document states that the 30% tax will apply to all other companies, reaffirming the government’s position on progressive taxation while supporting smaller firms.

ASUU laments government inaction on education reforms

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced deep frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding concerns affecting university lecturers and the education sector.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union was tired of endless promises and delays, insisting that the government had failed to act on previous agreements. He stated that patience had run out after years of unproductive dialogue.

Piwuna pointed to the 2009 agreement with the government, which includes demands like improved working conditions, university autonomy, academic freedom, better funding, and the payment of earned allowances.

Dangote urges ban on fuel imports under ‘Nigeria First’ policy

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has urged President Bola Tinubu to expand the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy to include refined petroleum products like petrol and diesel. He argued that continued fuel importation hinders local refining efforts and discourages investment in the sector.

The ‘Nigeria First’ policy prohibits government agencies from importing goods or services that are locally available, unless approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement. Dangote believes adding refined fuel to the list will help boost domestic refining and support the Nigerian economy.

However, oil marketers and industry experts strongly opposed the proposal, expressing concerns that such a ban could disrupt supply and lead to further challenges in the petroleum sector.

ADC slams Tinubu’s government over $21bn loan, calls it “fiscal vandalism”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Tinubu administration’s borrowing practices, calling them reckless and a threat to Nigeria’s future. The party warned that the country’s debt could surpass ₦200 trillion by year’s end, with little to show in terms of development.

ADC spokesperson, Bola Abdullahi, expressed concern over the recent National Assembly approval of a $21 billion foreign loan, describing the move as “fiscal vandalism.” He argued that the borrowing spree lacks transparency and long-term benefits for the nation.

The ADC accused President Tinubu of using excessive borrowing to mask current governance failures. The coalition urged the government to prioritize economic revival and accountability instead of plunging Nigeria deeper into debt.