Nigeria has launched one of its most ambitious tax reforms in decades, aimed at broadening the tax base, streamlining collections, and boosting government revenue. The policy, introduced following a costly fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms that increased the cost of living, has generated both hope and concern across Africa’s largest economy.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Video - Nigeria implements reform aimed at widening tax net
Nigeria has launched one of its most ambitious tax reforms in decades, aimed at broadening the tax base, streamlining collections, and boosting government revenue. The policy, introduced following a costly fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms that increased the cost of living, has generated both hope and concern across Africa’s largest economy.
Video - Nigeria businesses look to shift trade to Asia, Europe in response to Trump "America First" policy
In Nigeria, some business owners say they are being pushed to look beyond the United States as the Trump administration tightens anti-migrant policies and visa restrictions. Many say they are now exploring opportunities in other parts of the world.
Video - Northern Nigeria village mourns after deadly weekend attack
Residents of a village in Nigeria’s northern Niger State are grappling with the aftermath of a deadly attack by an armed group over the weekend. At least 30 people were killed, while an unknown number were abducted. Locals have condemned the government’s handling of security, warning that such attacks will continue unless serious action is taken.
US introduces $15,000 visa bond for Nigerians
The United States has introduced new travel restrictions that could require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas to post bonds of up to $15,000.
According to information published on the US Department of State’s website, Travel.State.Gov, the payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, adding that fees paid without the direction of a consular officer will not be refunded.
Of the listed Nations, African countries accounted for 24 of the 38, including Nigeria, in the updated list released by the US State Department on Tuesday.
Visa bonds are financial guarantees required by the US State Department for certain foreign nationals from countries classified as high-risk, who are applying for B1/B2 visas for business or tourism purposes.
The implementation dates vary by country, with Nigeria’s date set for January 21, 2026.
The Department of State said nationals from the listed countries have been identified as requiring visa bonds, with implementation dates shown in parentheses.
Countries affected include Algeria (21 January 2026), Angola (21 January 2026), Antigua and Barbuda (21 January 2026), Bangladesh (21 January 2026), Benin (21 January 2026), Bhutan (1 January 2026), Botswana (1 January 2026), Burundi (21 January 2026), Cabo Verde (21 January 2026), Central African Republic (1 January 2026), Côte d’Ivoire (21 January 2026), Cuba (21 January 2026), Djibouti (21 January 2026), Dominica (21 January 2026).
Others are; Fiji (21 January 2026), Gabon (21 January 2026), The Gambia (11 October 2025), Guinea (1 January 2026), Guinea-Bissau (1 January 2026), Kyrgyzstan (21 January 2026), Malawi (20 August 2025), Mauritania (23 October 2025), Namibia (1 January 2026), Nepal (21 January 2026).
The rest are; Nigeria (21 January 2026), São Tomé and Príncipe (23 October 2025), Senegal (21 January 2026), Tajikistan (21 January 2026), Tanzania (23 October 2025), Togo (21 January 2026), Tonga (21 January 2026), Turkmenistan (1 January 2026), Tuvalu (21 January 2026), Uganda (21 January 2026), Vanuatu (21 January 2026), Venezuela (21 January 2026), Zambia (20 August 2025), and Zimbabwe (21 January 2026).
The directive states that, “Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined during the visa interview.
“Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352. Applicants must also agree to the terms of the bond through the US Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of the place of application.”
It added that Visa holders who post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, including Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
Bonds will only be refunded when the Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder’s departure from the United States on or before the expiration of their authorised stay, when the applicant does not travel before the visa expires, or when a traveller applies for and is denied admission at a US port of entry.
This development follows the introduction of partial US travel restrictions on Nigeria a week earlier. Nigeria was among 15 mostly African countries, including Angola, Antigua, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia and others that were placed under partial travel suspensions by the US government on 16 December.
In Nigeria’s case, the US cited the presence and operations of radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in certain parts of the country, resulting in “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.”
An overstay rate of 5.56 per cent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M, and J visas was also cited as a justification for Nigeria’s inclusion. As a result, the travel suspension covered immigrant visas as well as non-immigrant categories, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
By Deborah Musa, Punch
According to information published on the US Department of State’s website, Travel.State.Gov, the payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, adding that fees paid without the direction of a consular officer will not be refunded.
Of the listed Nations, African countries accounted for 24 of the 38, including Nigeria, in the updated list released by the US State Department on Tuesday.
Visa bonds are financial guarantees required by the US State Department for certain foreign nationals from countries classified as high-risk, who are applying for B1/B2 visas for business or tourism purposes.
The implementation dates vary by country, with Nigeria’s date set for January 21, 2026.
The Department of State said nationals from the listed countries have been identified as requiring visa bonds, with implementation dates shown in parentheses.
Countries affected include Algeria (21 January 2026), Angola (21 January 2026), Antigua and Barbuda (21 January 2026), Bangladesh (21 January 2026), Benin (21 January 2026), Bhutan (1 January 2026), Botswana (1 January 2026), Burundi (21 January 2026), Cabo Verde (21 January 2026), Central African Republic (1 January 2026), Côte d’Ivoire (21 January 2026), Cuba (21 January 2026), Djibouti (21 January 2026), Dominica (21 January 2026).
Others are; Fiji (21 January 2026), Gabon (21 January 2026), The Gambia (11 October 2025), Guinea (1 January 2026), Guinea-Bissau (1 January 2026), Kyrgyzstan (21 January 2026), Malawi (20 August 2025), Mauritania (23 October 2025), Namibia (1 January 2026), Nepal (21 January 2026).
The rest are; Nigeria (21 January 2026), São Tomé and Príncipe (23 October 2025), Senegal (21 January 2026), Tajikistan (21 January 2026), Tanzania (23 October 2025), Togo (21 January 2026), Tonga (21 January 2026), Turkmenistan (1 January 2026), Tuvalu (21 January 2026), Uganda (21 January 2026), Vanuatu (21 January 2026), Venezuela (21 January 2026), Zambia (20 August 2025), and Zimbabwe (21 January 2026).
The directive states that, “Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined during the visa interview.
“Applicants must also submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352. Applicants must also agree to the terms of the bond through the US Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of the place of application.”
It added that Visa holders who post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, including Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
Bonds will only be refunded when the Department of Homeland Security records the visa holder’s departure from the United States on or before the expiration of their authorised stay, when the applicant does not travel before the visa expires, or when a traveller applies for and is denied admission at a US port of entry.
This development follows the introduction of partial US travel restrictions on Nigeria a week earlier. Nigeria was among 15 mostly African countries, including Angola, Antigua, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia and others that were placed under partial travel suspensions by the US government on 16 December.
In Nigeria’s case, the US cited the presence and operations of radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in certain parts of the country, resulting in “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.”
An overstay rate of 5.56 per cent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M, and J visas was also cited as a justification for Nigeria’s inclusion. As a result, the travel suspension covered immigrant visas as well as non-immigrant categories, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
By Deborah Musa, Punch
Akor Adams Forced To Leave Nigeria Camp At AFCON 2025 Due To Off-Field Reasons
Just as his name was starting to gain weight inside Nigeria’s attack, an off-the-field situation forces an unexpected pause at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Nigeria continue their strong run at the AFCON 2025, but football sometimes takes a back seat. At a key moment of the competition, the Super Eagles were hit by unexpected news: one of their most in-form attackers had to step away from the squad just as his influence was beginning to grow.
In a tournament where momentum, focus and emotional balance are everything, any off-field disruption is felt deeply. Even more so when it involves a player who was delivering on the pitch and earning his place among Nigeria’s most trusted attacking options.
A Personal Situation That Changes The Picture
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that Akor Adams has temporarily left the national team camp. The reason is personal: his mother was hospitalized, and the striker was granted permission to travel and be with her.
The decision was made with full support from the coaching staff. Nigeria made it clear that Adams’ absence is temporary, with the expectation that he will rejoin the squad once the situation allows. For now, the priority goes beyond football.
Performances That Made Him Stand Out
What makes this absence particularly notable is the form Akor Adams was showing at the AFCON. The forward has already recorded 1 goal and 2 assists, numbers that underline his growing importance within the Nigerian setup.
His standout performance came in the emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique, where he found the net with a powerful strike and played a key role in Nigeria’s attacking flow. The Super Eagles currently boast the most productive attack of the tournament, and Adams has been a central part of that success.
Matching Nigeria’s Biggest Stars
In a squad filled with elite talent, breaking through is never easy. Yet Akor Adams has managed to perform at the level of established stars like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Beyond goals and assists, his movement, physical presence and ability to combine with teammates have given Nigeria more attacking variety. His rise has added another layer to a frontline that already strikes fear across the continent.
Nigeria Await His Return For The Knockout Stage
Nigeria now turn their attention to the quarterfinal clash against Angola, scheduled for Saturday the 10th at 17:00. While preparations continue, the squad remains hopeful that Akor Adams will be able to return in time for the decisive stages.
As the AFCON enters its most demanding phase, Nigeria know that regaining a player in rhythm and full confidence could make all the difference. And based on what he had shown so far, Adams was ready to play a major role.
Nigeria now turn their attention to the quarterfinal clash against Angola, scheduled for Saturday the 10th at 17:00. While preparations continue, the squad remains hopeful that Akor Adams will be able to return in time for the decisive stages.
As the AFCON enters its most demanding phase, Nigeria know that regaining a player in rhythm and full confidence could make all the difference. And based on what he had shown so far, Adams was ready to play a major role.
By Antonio Medina, beinSPORTS
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