• States fine Google and Meta for tax evasion
• Tinubu airs opinion on democracy and shuns violent protest
• Muslims advocate for removal of Nancy Isime robbery scene wearing hijab in new movie
• Singapore becomes holder of world’s most powerful passport
• Minister of Finance claims Nigeria’s economy is fast improving on reform gains

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

States fine Google and Meta for tax evasion

Two Nigerian states, namely Delta and Osun, have fined Google Nigeria and Meta Platforms Inc. for $150m and $200m in tax evasion, respectively.

The tax authorities claim that the two global companies were accused of non-remittance of the Withholding Tax, allegedly removed from content creators and entertainers within the two states from 2020 to date.

According to reports, both companies were issued a 14-day notice of compliance and, if ignored, would be forced to face the consequences for non-compliance.

Tinubu airs opinion on democracy and shuns violent protest

President Bola Tinubu affirmed yet again that he supports democratic values and the rule of law, which also supports the rights of Nigerians to protest.

The President shared his past with Nigerians, stating that he, too, was once involved in protesting against the government; however, he drew the line at a violent protest that would lead to the destruction of lives and property.

“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy, and I will continue to maintain this democracy. In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” he said.

Muslims advocate for the removal of Nancy Isime’s robbery scene wearing hijab in new movie

Since the clips from a new movie showing Nigerian actress Nancy Isime wearing a hijab and carrying guns surfaced on the internet, Muslims have been vocal about the misrepresentation of their religion and have clamoured for the ban of the movie before it is even released.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Public Affairs Centres (MPAC) have both written to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), demanding that the movie be banned for its derogation of all Muslim women.

They claimed the behind-the-scenes was a mockery and defamation of Muslim women. The scene involved Nancy Isime in a sleeveless top and cargo pants with a gun in hand and covered with a hijab over her head.

Singapore becomes the holder of the world’s most powerful passport

Singapore has claimed the title of the most powerful passport in the world, beating the US, UK, France, Spain, Germany, and more.

According to the latest report, Singapore passport holders can now travel to 195 countries without requiring a visa.

A year ago, France, Japan, Germany, and Spain once held the first position as the world’s most powerful passport, but they have since shifted to number two on the list.

Minister of Finance claims Nigeria’s economy is fast improving on reform gains

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has revealed that the Nigerian economy is growing fast as the country’s reforms continue to address and fix significant issues leading to sustainable growth.

The minister gave an overview of the national economic data, showing significant development in fiscal monetary positions.

“Our debt has fallen in dollar terms from $108 billion to $91 billion. Additionally, the government has diligently serviced all its loans and obligations with no recourse to ways and means of financing. The government has met all its obligations,” he said.