News
@55: United Nigeria, Telecommunications Considered Top Most Achievements- Survey
The yearly Independence Day Special Edition Poll results released by NOIPolls Limited have revealed that Nigerians consider ‘unity of the nation’ (20 percent) as the most important achievement of the nation since independence; alongside Telecommunications (15 percent) and Democracy (13 percent).
These have remained consistent in the top three greatest achievements of Nigeria as perceived by Nigerians over the past three years. Moreover, security topped the list of the most important issues Nigeria as a nation should address in the next one year as reported by majority of Nigerians (22 percent each).
More findings revealed that most Nigerians (84 percent) believe the Nigerian Independence day is worth celebrating because it signifies ‘the day Nigeria was liberated from colonial rule’ (26 percent) and some say ‘it fosters Peace and unity’ (13 percent) in the country amongst other positive reasons.
On the other hand, some Nigerians (16 percent) think the Independence day is not worth celebrating, mainly due to ‘poor development’ (23 percent) in the country, hence no need to celebrate the Nigerian Independence Day.
Finally, as Nigeria celebrates 55 years of independence, Nigerians have declared they love being Nigerians and this is mostly due to the perceived ‘peace and unity’ (22 percent) that exist in the country, as well as the ‘cultural diversity’ (16 percent) as one of the key characteristics of the nation.
In addition, ‘Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’ (13 percent), ‘Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’ (12 percent) and Muhammadu Buhari (12 percent) topped the list of Nigeria’s founding fathers/leaders who have inspired Nigerians the most.
These are the key findings from the 55th Independence Day Special Edition Poll conducted in the week of September 21st 2015.
NOIPolls’ Survey Findings
Respondents to the poll were asked six specific questions.
Respondents to the first question were asked: In your opinion, do you think Nigeria Independence is worth celebrating?
The outcome revealed that majority of adult Nigerians (84 percent) surveyed believe that the Nigeria Independence day is worth celebrating and this cuts across gender, geo-political zone and age-group.
Respondents were further asked: What is the reason for your response above? a larger proportion of Nigerians (26 percent) think the independence Day is worth celebrating because it signifies ‘the day Nigeria was liberated from colonial rule’ and that ‘it fosters Peace and unity’ (13 percent) in the country amongst other positive reasons.
On the other hand, most respondents who think the Independence Day is not worth celebrating believe there has ‘poor development’ (23 percent) ‘nothing to show for it’ (14 percent) and that the ‘economy is declining’ (13 percent), hence no need to celebrate the Nigeria Independence Day.
Thirdly, respondents were asked: What do you love most about being a Nigerian? The survey revealed that most Nigerians love being Nigerians because of the perceived ‘peace and unity’ (22 percent) that exist in the country. 16 percent say it is because of the ‘cultural diversity’ in Nigeria amongst other reasons.
It is worth noting that Nigeria has over 250 cultural heritages.
From East to West, North to South, Nigeria’s rich heritage speak volumes of the adaptability and diligence of her people.
Subsequently, to ascertain which Nigeria’s leader inspire Nigerians the most, respondents were asked: In your opinion, which Nigeria’s founding father/past leaders inspire you the most?
The findings revealed that most Nigerians (13 percent) are ordinarily inspired by Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He was one of the leading figures of modern Nigerian nationalism and the head of state of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966.
This is closely followed by respondents (12 percent each) who are inspired by Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Muhammadu Buhari.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria\’s independence movement, the First and Second Republics and the Civil War.
With the aim of ascertaining the most significant issues Nigeria as a nation should address, respondents were asked: What is the single most important issue Nigeria as a nation should address in the next one year?
The 2015 responses showed that majority of Nigerians consider ‘corruption’ (22 percent) and ‘security’ (22 percent) as high priority issues Nigeria as a nation should address within the next one year.
This could also be tied to the present anti-corruption campaign by the president and the lingering security issues in the North-East region.
This is closely followed by ‘job creation’ (21 percent) amongst other issues.
In 2014, Security and corruption were considered the top most issues to be addressed. Security in 2014 was at its least and that was the same year over 200 school girls were adopted from a secondary school in chibok town of Borno state.
In 2013, ‘job creation’ (22 percent), and in 2012, ‘electricity’ (18 percent) was considered to be the most important issues Nigeria as nation should address.
Finally, to evaluate Nigeria’s greatest achievement since independence, respondents were asked: At 55 years what do you consider to be the greatest achievement of Nigeria?
The responses in 2015 revealed that majority of Nigerians (20 percent) believe that ‘unity of the nation’ has been the most important achievement since independence.
It was slightly rumoured that the nation Nigeria would divided in 2015, hence the reason for this result.
Trend analysis shows that ‘democracy’ was the greatest achievement in Nigeria in 2014 (19 percent) and in 2013 (22 percent).
However, ‘unity of the nation’ and ‘telecommunications’ has remained consistent in the top three greatest achievement Nigeria as a nation has achieved since independence as reported by Nigerians.
In conclusion, 84 percent of Nigerians believe that the Nigeria Independence day is worth celebrating because it signifies ‘the day Nigeria was free from colonial rule’ while, most respondents who think the Independence Day is not worth celebrating because of ‘poor development’ (23 percent) in the country.
Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will automatically serve as the Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for all Nigerian citizens, while registered businesses will use their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers.
FIRS
The disclosure was made during a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
According to the Service, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into force in January 2026, mandates the use of Tax IDs for certain financial and commercial transactions, including bank account ownership.
FIRS explained that the measure is part of efforts to unify all previously issued Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) by both the federal and state revenue services into a single identifier.
“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card; the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity,” the Service stated.
The agency noted that the requirement has been in place since the Finance Act of 2019 but has now been strengthened under the NTAA to ensure compliance and ease of administration.
Officials emphasized that the reform would simplify tax processes, reduce duplication, and improve transparency in Nigeria’s tax system.
The Service added that the integration of NIN and CAC numbers into the tax framework would also enhance data accuracy, curb tax evasion, and streamline the monitoring of taxable activities across the country.
Tax experts have described the development as a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s revenue administration, noting that it aligns with global best practices where national identity systems are linked to tax compliance.
The FIRS urged Nigerians to ensure that their NINs and CAC registration details are up-to-date, stressing that the identifiers would be required for transactions such as property purchases, contract awards, and access to certain financial services once the NTAA takes effect
The United States will begin a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians from January 1, 2026, following a new presidential proclamation aimed at strengthening border and national security.
The US Mission in Nigeria announced on Monday that the restriction will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled ‘Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.’
According to the mission, Nigeria is one of 19 countries affected by the measure.
Others listed are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The proclamation provides for a partial suspension of visa issuance covering nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas.
It also applies to immigrant visas, though with limited exceptions.
The statement read in part, “Effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries – Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas with limited exceptions.”
US officials clarified that the policy does not apply to all travellers. Exemptions include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the suspension, and Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees.
Other exempted categories include lawful permanent residents of the United States and participants in certain major international sporting events.
The US government emphasised that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026.
“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement added.
Visa applicants from affected countries may continue to submit applications and attend interviews. However, the US Mission noted that such applicants “may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the US” under the new rules.
The announcement comes amid a series of recent US policy decisions that have raised concerns among Nigerians seeking to travel, study or migrate to the country.
In October, the United States added Nigeria back to its list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, citing persistent insecurity and attacks on Christian communities. This was followed by Nigeria’s inclusion on a revised US travel ban list that imposed partial entry restrictions on Nigerians.
The US has also tightened immigration and visa policies affecting Nigerians. Earlier this year, the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry visas with a three-month duration.
The pre-action notice was signed by Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., Litigation and Compliance Director, and Mus’ab Awwal Mu’az, Esq., secretary of the Association’s Steering Committee.
The dispute stemmed from a consent judgment delivered on November 3, 2025, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CC/355/2025 between Meta Platforms, Inc. and the NDPC.
Following investigations conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, the NDPC had issued a Final Order against Meta Platforms, Inc., finding “widespread violations of the data protection and privacy rights of approximately 61 million Nigerians,” and imposing a remedial fine of USD 32,800,000.
The pre-action notice was signed by Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., Litigation and Compliance Director, and Mus’ab Awwal Mu’az, Esq., Secretary of the Association’s Steering Committee.
The dispute stemmed from a consent judgment delivered on November 3, 2025, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CC/355/2025 between Meta Platforms, Inc. and the NDPC.
Following investigations conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, the NDPC had issued a Final Order against Meta Platforms, Inc., finding “widespread violations of the data protection and privacy rights of approximately 61 million Nigerians,” and imposing a remedial fine of USD 32,800,000.
The NDPC investigation stemmed from a petition filed at the commission on August 14, 2023, against Meta Platforms Inc. by the convener of Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative, Ozoemena Nwogbo, regarding violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
After its investigation, NDPC found Meta Platforms Inc. wanting and, on February 18, 2025, issued nine Final Orders against Meta Platforms Inc.
NDPC’s Order
The NDPC’s order nine reads, “Meta shall pay the naira equivalent of 32,800,000 USD (Thirty-two million, eight-hundred thousand United States Dollars) as a remedial fee. The naira equivalent shall be at the rate determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The details of the account for payment of the remedial fee are as follows: Account Name: Nigeria Data Protection Commission Fund Account. Account Number: 0020331265048 (300131267). Use RTGS for payment.”
The NDPC added, “Note that Meta has a right to seek a judicial review of this decision. The Commission will closely monitor Meta’s remediation process and its impact on data subjects for upwards of six months.”
However, the Final Order was subsequently set aside through Terms of Settlement, which were adopted by the court as a consent judgment on November 3, 2025, following a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025, filed by Meta Platforms Inc. against the NDPC.
Part of the Terms of Settlement entered between NDPC and Meta Platforms Inc. reads, “The applicant (Meta Platforms Inc.) and the respondent (NDPC) have come to a mutual settlement agreement that resolves the dispute underlying the applicant’s originating Summons.
“Pursuant to this agreement: (I) the applicant has agreed to provide specific remedial consideration to the respondent in support of protecting the rights of data subjects in Nigeria; and (II) the respondent has inter alia agreed to set aside and waive any rights to enforce or take steps to enforce the Final Orders against the applicant.”
The settlement terms specifically read, “In the light of the foregoing: The applicant wholly and completely terminates, abandons, withdraws, and discontinues the Originating Summons as well as any and all claims against the respondent connected to or arising from the matters or the subject matter thereof, except as the parties have otherwise agreed.
“The respondent: (I) sets aside the Final Orders against Meta; and (II) save and except as the parties have otherwise agreed, fully and firmly releases and discharges Meta from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, contracts, obligations, suits, debts, costs, liabilities, which the respondent ever had, may now have, or May hereafter claim to have against Meta in respect of the matters.”
Association Alleges Illegality In Settlement
But the Data Privacy Lawyers Association contended that the consent judgment was entered into unlawfully, arguing that it was done without lawful statutory authority, in violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and in derogation of the constitutional right to privacy guaranteed under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The Association further said the action was taken “to the grave prejudice of millions of affected Nigerians and the public interest, as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
In the notice, the Association warned that unless the issues raised are urgently addressed within the statutory notice period, it would approach the Federal High Court to seek multiple reliefs.
These include an order setting aside, vacating, and nullifying the consent judgment on grounds of fraud, collusion, material non-disclosure, lack of statutory authority, and violation of the NDPA, 2023.
It is also seeking a declaration that the consent judgment is “null, void, unconstitutional, and of no legal effect,” as well as a declaration that the NDPC lacks statutory authority to waive, compro
Other reliefs sought include an order restoring and reviving the Final Order against Meta Platforms, including the $32.8 million fine, and an order restraining any further reliance on or enforcement of the consent judgment.
The Association also asked the court for other orders the Court may deem fit in the interest of justice, public accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights.
In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Association urged the NDPC to provide a written explanation of the legal basis for entering into the Terms of Settlement, clarify the statutory authority relied upon to waive the remedial fine and set aside the Final Order, and take steps to remedy the issues raised.
The letter, the Association said, constitutes the requisite pre-action notice under applicable law.
It warned that unless the concerns are satisfactorily addressed within 30 days of receipt of the notice, it will proceed to institute legal proceedings without further recourse.
mise, or extinguish liabilities, sanctions, or remedial fines arising from established violations of the Act.
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