Landlords, developers to reap big on FG’s tax reform | Rising poverty mutes Tinubu reform gains

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:20 +0000

An episode of the BDTV Breakfast Show where hosts Elizabeth Musa and Muhammad Akoji review the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers. The discussion spans current events, including international conflicts, entertainment news, economic reforms within Nigeria, and national security concerns.

International Relations & Conflict:

India-Pakistan Tensions: The show opens with the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, described as reaching a "war level" [00:29]. The core issue is a terrorist attack in the Kashmir region [00:42]. The discussion emphasizes the critical nature of the situation, given both nations are nuclear powers [01:23].

Entertainment, Fashion & Culture:

Nigerian Representation at Met Gala: The hosts celebrate the growing presence and recognition of Nigerians in global entertainment and fashion, specifically mentioning appearances by Nigerian celebrities and designers at the Met Gala [02:14], [03:11].

Sports Commentary:

UEFA Champions League: The UEFA Champions League semi-final is a point of excitement, referred to as a "gold rush" [04:16]. The discussion highlights high-scoring matches and intense competition among European football giants [04:41].

Nigerian Economy - Reforms & Poverty:

Impact of Tinubu's Reforms: A significant portion of the discussion centers on Nigeria's economic situation, referencing a Business Day headline: "Rising poverty mutes Tinubu's reform gains" [06:15]. Despite government reforms like unifying the exchange rate and removing subsidies [11:05], increasing poverty levels are overshadowing positive outcomes [11:20]. The Senate President's acknowledgment of widespread suffering and hunger is noted [10:54].

Nigerian Governance & Taxation:

Tax Reform Bill: The potential passage of a new tax reform bill by the Senate is analyzed [07:07]. This reform is aimed at benefiting landlords and developers by exempting dividends and rentals from real estate investments from taxes [07:40].

National Security in Nigeria:

Rising Insecurity: The Punch newspaper's front page highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria [16:09]. Retired military generals are calling for the urgent rearmament of the Nigerian Armed Forces [16:17] to combat terrorists who are reportedly using sophisticated weaponry [18:20]. The Senate is also moving to address the killings [17:44].

Financial Crimes & Law Enforcement:

Arrest of VeryDarkMan (VDM): The arrest of the online personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) by the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) is discussed [21:13], with conflicting reports circulating about the reasons for his detention [24:01].