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Niger Delta’s Stance on Tax Reform: Support with Caution – INC President
By Perez Bibaikefie
The ongoing debate over Nigeria’s new tax reform has sparked diverse opinions, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has weighed in on the issue. Speaking at Gatwick Airport, London, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, INC President, highlighted the benefits and risks of the reform for the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta as a whole.
Prof. Okaba described the reforms as significant, particularly within the context of longstanding calls for resource control and management. He noted that the reform’s implications extend beyond tax policy, addressing “core demands for equity, justice, and prosperity for a people who have endured deplorable conditions despite being the primary source of Nigeria’s oil and gas wealth.”
The Niger Delta, he emphasized, is rich in more than just hydrocarbons. “Our region also boasts of agricultural and eco-tourism resources that have supported industrial development globally,” Okaba said. He praised the reform’s objectives, which include improving tax collection, reducing evasion, offering tax relief to small businesses, simplifying VAT with exemptions for basic food and healthcare, and curbing illicit financial flows. “These measures have the potential to transform the nation,” he stated.
Okaba argued that the reform, if implemented effectively, could reshape revenue allocation from natural resources among federal, state, and local governments. “For fiscal federalism to be truly impactful, states must control their resources while paying appropriate taxes to the central government,” he explained. This arrangement, he asserted, would empower local communities to invest in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and environmental management.
Such reforms, he added, could address longstanding issues of poverty, inequality, and marginalization in the Niger Delta. “This approach ensures that our people directly benefit from the wealth generated by oil and gas extraction,” he noted.
However, Okaba warned against potential challenges, emphasizing the need for fairness in implementation. “Balancing the divergent interests across regions is crucial. Equity, justice, and transparency must guide this reform to ensure its success,” he cautioned.
While Prof. Okaba acknowledged the reform’s transformative potential, he stressed the importance of vigilance. The Niger Delta’s support for the reform, he concluded, hinges on its fair and equitable application, ensuring that the region’s interests are protected in the spirit of national progress.
IduwiniVoice Adds
Ambassador Tom Ebiakpo Willy has extended warm Yuletide greetings to his family, friends, and the entire Ijaw Nation, urging unity, peace, and renewed commitment to shared values as the year draws to a close.
In his Christmas message, Amb. Willy expressed gratitude to God for life, preservation, and the bonds that hold families and communities together. He described the Yuletide as a season that reflects love, sacrifice, and togetherness, calling on everyone to uphold these virtues in their daily lives.
He also commended the Ijaw people for their resilience and cultural pride, encouraging them to remain united and peaceful in the pursuit of progress and development. Amb. Willy concluded by wishing all a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater opportunities.
By: Divine Perezide
Amatu-1&2 communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State will come alive on December 29, 2025, as top entertainer Chief Kingsley A. Takemebo (DJ Leader Marrow) headlines the Amatu Unit end-of-year party organised by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The event, according to the programme sighted by Iduwini Ibe Reporters, will be coordinated by Comrade Ebi O. Rames, former Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Iduwini Clan Central Zone, who chairs the Planning Committee.
Renowned Niger Delta philanthropist Chief (Hon.) Berry Negerese will serve as Chairman of the Occasion, while the Royal Fathers of the Day are HRH Dr. Decca E. Keredei, Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community, and HRH Eric Ebifiegbenne, representing Amatu 2 Community as Special Guest of Honour.
The celebration will feature rich side attractions, including inter-quarters canoe races, female football clashes-Agge vs. Ezetu and Ogbotobo vs. Ekeremor-and cultural dance competitions for both male and female groups. Chief hosts of the occasion are the Amatu Unit coordinators of Tantita, Mr. Man Job and Mr. Firstboy Job.
This is coming in the wake of many other events to mark the yuletide as Amatu will also play host National Union of Ekeremor Local Government Students Worldwide (NUES) holds its 22nd Annual Elective Convention from December 28-30, 2025, themed “Empowering Minds Through Education, Shaping the Future.”
Organisers are using this medium to invite the general public to join both celebrations, with activities peaking on December 29.
IduwiniVoice Social
The Indorowei family of Liomoni Quarters, Okunwei family of Ewodeware Quarters, Donye of Azina-ware Quarters, all of Ofougbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA announce the burial ceremony of their illustrious son and father, Late Capt. Edward Olayerinmene Forcados, who passed at the age of 84.
Service of Songs:
4pm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at his residence, Efosa Street, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun
Funeral Rites:
10am, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary for his hometown, Ofougbene via MillarJetty, for funeral rites and Interment.
An All-night Social Wake-keeping follows from 7pm till dawn.
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