News on the Go: 5 things that should matter to you today

• IMF urges Nigeria to widen tax base, curb evasion
• MTN reports cyberattack, assures customers core systems are safe
• NFF warns referees over corruption, threatens 10-year ban

We have highlighted the five most important developments in the news today, Friday, April 25, and present them below.

5 issues in the news that should matter to you today

1. IMF urges Nigeria to widen tax base, curb evasion: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Nigeria and other African nations to boost their tax revenue by broadening the tax base and tackling tax evasion.

Speaking at a press briefing during the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasised that these steps are essential for navigating the current global economic challenges affecting the region.

2. MTN reports cyberattack, assures customers core systems are safe: MTN Group, Africa's biggest telecom operator, confirmed it experienced a cyberattack that exposed the personal data of some customers in select markets.

In a statement released on its website on Thursday, April 24, the company noted that while the breach is still under investigation, its core network, billing systems, and financial platforms remain uncompromised.

An unknown third party has claimed responsibility for accessing parts of MTN’s systems, but the company assured that there is no evidence that digital wallets or customer accounts were directly affected.

3. Atiku, Saraki lead PDP fightback amid defections: The opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki has downplayed recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that they were anticipated.

In response to the exit of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP leaders, the group insisted the development wouldn’t derail its revival efforts.

4. NFF warns referees over corruption, threatens 10-year ban: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared a zero-tolerance policy against corruption among referees, warning that those found guilty of match-fixing could face a ban of up to 10 years.

In a memo signed by Mohammed Ameenu, Secretary of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee, referees across all national leagues, including the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and Nationwide League One, have been urged to maintain integrity and fairness as the season reaches its critical stages.

5. EFCC gets court order to arrest CBEX promoters: A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) approval to arrest six individuals linked to a major cryptocurrency fraud involving over $1 billion.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Thursday, April 24, after reviewing an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Fadila Yusuf.

The suspects, Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim, are accused of operating a fraudulent investment scheme through a platform known as Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).