No fewer than 76 teenagers appeared in a court in Abuja, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for arraignment on alleged treason charges for participating in the August #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest. Some of them collapsed inside the court as their trial commenced today, November 1.
The Nigerian Army, under 1 Division and defunct Operation WHIRL PUNCH (now Sector 1 Operation GANSAN YAMMA) has narrated how its men and offers mounted several pressures on bandits for the release of Dr. Ganiyat Nurudeen Popoola who was kidnapped along with her husband, Sqn Ldr Nurudeen Abiodun Popoola and teenage nephew, Master Folaranmi Abdul Mugniy on December 27, 2023, at their official residential home (Doctors’ Quarters at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna).
The Army said in a statement today, November 1, that since her abduction, several kinetic and non-kinetic operations were undertaken to secure her release from the terrorists captivity, adding that the efforts yielded partial positive result with the release of her husband Sqn Ldr Popoola on March 8, 2024.
“The terrorists had made several demands for ransome money amounting to more than one hundred million naira and some logistics items including motorcycles from the family members before the commencement of intense military kinetic operations that denied them freedom of movements out of their enclaves in the forests and access to basic logistics such as food. “The combined effects of this operation mounted so much pressure on the terrorists that eventually led to a plea by the terrorists for amnesty to enable them to surrender. Their plea was subsequently considered on some given conditions, including the immediate release of Dr. Ganiyat and her nephew among others.
“The terrorists finally accepted the given conditions but also requested for the return or payment of compensation for their cattle killed or recovered during various kinetic operations which were handed over to Kaduna State Livestock Agency for custody and further necessary actions.
“The prolonged ordeal had inflicted immense emotional and psychological trauma on Dr Ganiyat’s immediate family and friends particularly her husband and five children including an infant who was being catered for by her extended family members.
“Accordingly, Sqn Ldr Popoola and their three daughters; Muadha, Mazeeda and Mariam who are all pupils of Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School Kaduna have visited to see Dr Ganiyyat at 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Dalet Barracks Kaduna on 31 Oct 24 where she is presently being medically examined but in high spirits. She will thereafter be taken for debriefing and further psycho-social support by appropriate authorities.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it clear to the north and members of the National Economic Council (NEC), that he would not withdraw the Tax Reform Bills presently before the National Assembly.
The National Economic Council, which made the recommendation to the President to withdraw the bills to allow for wider consultations, is made up of the Vice President as chairman, governors of the 36 states and other key officers. The Northern leaders, including the governors, traditional rulers and others had earlier raised eyebrows over, and rejected the contents of the bills.
In a statement today, November 1, by Presidential Media Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President insisted that the bills would go through the necessary legislative processes.
The President enjoined the State Governors who are members of the NEC chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to make inputs during public hearing rather than asking him to withdraw the bills.
President Tinubu commended the National Economic Council members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their advice, saying however that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.
He advised the governors and others to allow the process to take its full course, even as he said that he is ready for further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the National Assembly considers them for passage.
Parts of Onanuga’s statement go thus:
“President Bola Tinubu has received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the tax reform bills already sent to the National Assembly be withdrawn for further consultation.
“When President Tinubu set up the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023, he had only one objective: to reposition the economy for better productivity and efficiency and make the operating environment for investment and businesses more conducive. This objective remains more critical even today than ever before.
“The Committee worked for over a year and received inputs from various segments of society across the geopolitical zones, including trade associations, professional bodies, different Ministries and Government Agencies, Governors, traders, students, business owners, and the organised private sector.
“The tax reform bills that emerged were distilled from the extensive work of the Presidential Committee.
“The tax bills before the National Assembly aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, completely overhaul the nation’s tax operations, and align them with global best practices.
“Below are the major highlights of the four Bills.
1. The Nigeria Tax Bill: This Bill seeks to eliminate multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.
2. The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB): This Bill proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions to ease taxpayers’ compliance and enhance the revenue for all tiers of government.
3. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill: The Bill seeks to re-establish the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect its mandate as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.
4. The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill: This Bill proposes creating a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all state tax authorities. The fourth bill will also establish the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, protecting taxpayers’ interests and facilitating dispute resolution.
“The bills’ overarching objective is to effectively coordinate federal, state, and local tax authorities, thereby eliminating the overlapping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency that have plagued tax administration in Nigeria for decades.
“Under existing laws, taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Tertiary Education Tax (TET), Value-Added Tax (VAT), and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.
“The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these numerous taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation.
“While there may be differences in approach or specific provisions of the new tax bills, what is not in contention is the need to review our tax laws and how we administer them to serve our overall national development agenda.
“President Tinubu will continue to respect and welcome the advice and recommendations of the National Economic Council, an essential constitutional organ of government on economic matters.”
The Niger State House of Assembly has called on the military to take decisive action against bandit groups reportedly operating on the grounds near the Kontagora Army Barracks.
The call came following the recent abduction of over 20 passengers traveling along the Mariga-Kontagora road on Thursday, October 31.
According to Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker of the Niger Assembly and Mariga Constituency representative, bandits blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri, seizing passengers from five vehicles and moving them to a forest near the military training ground.
Sarkin-Daji highlighted that victims previously held in the same area, after their families paid ransom, confirmed they were held in a forest within sight of the army barracks.
Despite military denials, the Speaker insists that the assembly’s findings reveal the bandits have been using the vicinity as a hideout to launch attacks and detain captives. He urged the military to thoroughly investigate local complaints and prevent the forest from being used as a “safe haven” for bandits.
“Dismissing these reports endangers our communities,” Sarkin-Daji stated, emphasizing the Assembly’s determination to seek federal intervention for the safety of their constituents.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has sought the withdrawal of the controversial Tax Reforms Bill from the National Assembly to allow for wider consultations.
The Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, who made this known to Journalists at the end of the 145th NEC meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja today, October 31, said this decision formed part of resolutions reached at the meeting.
Governor Makinde said that Council members agreed that it was necessary to allow for consensus building and understanding of the bill among Nigerians.
“NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment on the proposed reforms and recommended the withdrawal of the tax reform bill.”
Governor Makinde said that this decision is for the benefit of the country and emphasised the need for further consultations regarding the bill.
NEC’s decision is coming about a week after the Northern Governors, traditional rulers and other leaders against the reforms bill, though the presidency took time today to explain the position of the bill which emanated from President Bola Tinubu
At a meeting on October 28, the Northern Governors’ Forum and leaders rejected the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax distribution in the new tax reforms bill before the National Assembly.
Nigeria’s Presidency has assuaged the fear of the leaders of the Northern parts of the country, who rose from a crucial meeting last week, calling for the stoppage of the new tax bills currently before the National Assembly.
In a statement today, October 31, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described the position of the northern leaders as “misunderstandings and misgivings around the tax reform.”
Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently endorsed new policy initiatives but that they are aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s tax administration processes, enhancing efficiency and eliminating redundancies across the nation’s tax operations.
He said that the reforms emerged after an extensive review of existing tax laws, saying that the National Assembly is considering four executive bills designed to transform and modernise Nigeria’s tax landscape.
“First is the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate unintended multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.
“Second, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions for ease of compliance for taxpayers in all parts of the country.
“Third, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill seeks to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect the mandate of the Service as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.
“Fourth, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all states’ tax authorities.”
Onanuga said that the fourth bill is aimed at establishing the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, which would serve as a complaint resolution body for taxpayers.
According to him, the proposed laws would not increase the number of taxes currently in operation, but that they are designed to optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.
He explained that tax rates or percentages would remain the same under the reforms, as they focus on ensuring a more equitable distribution of tax obligations without adding to the burden on Nigerians.
“The reforms will not lead to job losses. On the contrary, they are structured to stimulate new avenues for job creation by supporting a dynamic, growth-oriented economy.”
Read the full text of Onanuga’s statement:
Governors of 19 Northern States of Nigeria, under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, at their meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, expressed their opposition to the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the new tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
Chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, read the communiqué.
The Northern Governors’ Forum meeting also had traditional rulers from the region, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, in attendance.
While we commend the Governors and traditional rulers for supporting President Bola Tinubu over the success recorded in addressing the country’s security challenges, we consider it necessary to address the misunderstandings and misgivings around the tax reform already embarked upon by the administration.
President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently endorsed new policy initiatives aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s tax administration processes, enhancing efficiency and eliminating redundancies across the nation’s tax operations.
These reforms emerged after an extensive review of existing tax laws. The National Assembly is considering four executive bills designed to transform and modernise Nigeria’s tax landscape.
First is the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate unintended multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.
Second, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions for ease of compliance for taxpayers in all parts of the country.
Third, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill seeks to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect the mandate of the Service as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.
Fourth, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all states’ tax authorities.
The fourth bill also suggests establishing the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, which would serve as a complaint resolution body for taxpayers.
It is instructive to note that these proposed laws will not increase the number of taxes currently in operation. Instead, they are designed to optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.
The tax rates or percentages will remain the same under these reforms, as they focus on ensuring a more equitable distribution of tax obligations without adding to the burden on Nigerians.
The reforms will not lead to job losses. On the contrary, they are structured to stimulate new avenues for job creation by supporting a dynamic, growth-oriented economy.
Importantly, these laws will not absorb or eliminate the duties of any existing department, agency, or ministry. Instead, they aim to harmonise revenue collection and administration across the federation to ensure efficiency and cooperation.
At the moment, tax administration lacks coordination among federal, state, and local tax authorities, often resulting in overlapping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency. Without reform, this inefficiency will persist.
The proposed laws aim to coordinate efforts between different tiers of government, resulting in better tax resource management and greater clarity for taxpayers.
Under existing laws, taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Tertiary Education Tax (TET), Value-Added Tax (VAT), and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.
The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these multiple taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation.
On the proposed derivation-based VAT distribution model, which the Northern Governors oppose, it must be stressed that the new proposal, as enunciated in the Bill, is designed to create a fairer system.
The current model for distributing VAT is based on where the tax is remitted rather than where goods and services are supplied or consumed. The ongoing tax reform seeks to correct the inherent inequity in the current derivation model as a basis for distributing VAT revenue.
The new proposal before the National Assembly outlines a different form of derivation which considers the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services. This means that states in the Northern region that produce the food we eat should not lose out just because their products are VAT-exempt or consumed in other states.
These reforms are critical to improving the lives of Nigerians and were not put forward by President Tinubu to undermine any part of the country. There is no better time than now for the National Assembly to give due consideration to these bills that will overhaul our tax systems and create the revenue all the tiers of government require to fund the development our country and people urgently need.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he has not come as a minister for selling and allocating lands in Abuja.
He stressed that the only reason he accepted to be Minister in the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu not to join “traders or land grabbers.”
Wike, who spoke during the flag off of the construction of the 15.4-kilometer Pai-Gomani road project in Kwali Area Council yesterday, October 29, said that the government of Tinubu would allow everybody to benefit from the dividends of democracy. “That is what I have told our people. Mr. President has promised you, give me time, be patient, I will get to all of you.
“All the Area Councils must have the impact of the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the President and Commander in Chief.
“I want to say clearly let everybody hear me; I did not become a Minister to come and sell land. I took this position to support Mr. President to improve the infrastructure of the FCT. That is why every day, our concern is infrastructure and infrastructure, be it in the city or rural areas.
“Whether you are in PDP, whether you are in APC, whether you don’t even believe in any party, you must use this road.
“So, this road is very important. No matter how far it is, we will make out from time to time to see that we come here and see if the contractor is doing what he is supposed to do.”
Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan has lamented what he called “poor state of affairs” of the Northern parts of Nigeria inspite of potentials for greatness.
“I think we must face the reality that the way northern Nigeria is today is not what we can be proud of. All the various indices of good governance and standard of living, we have a very poor record. If Nigeria is poor, the epicentre of the poor is the north.”
Onaiyekan, who spoke during a meeting with the League of Northern Democrats, stressed the urgent need for the northern elite to address pressing issues of poverty and insecurity in the region.
He also advocated collaborative efforts across regions and faiths to enhance governance and foster stability in the country.
“Let’s face it, if the north does not move well, Nigeria cannot move well. It’s the same discourse. If Nigeria does move well, Africa cannot move well.
He wondered why things are not moving as they should in the North when there is a league of northern democrats who are interested in addressing the issues and finding out.
“I think things will move because a league of elite northern democrats should be able to engage those who call themselves political leaders, especially as some of you have had good experience in government.
“So, you can tell them, listen, look around you, are you proud of what you see? Out-of-school children all over the place, and it is not an excuse to say we are poor because if we continue about being poor, the issue will remain.
“We are in a federal government and federal resources are being distributed, so what has happened?
“There is no room for one section of the country to be lagging behind. What it does mean is that the entire nation should be interested in what you people are doing. If for no other reason but for what they normally call enlightened self-interest.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has made it mandatory for all fuel station owners across the country to commence the installation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) pumps.
This is aimed at making CNG more accessible to Nigerians, and allowing them to refuel their vehicles at a much lower cost: about N200 per unit, as against the rising prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, gave the directive at the 2024 OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos.
Farouk said that the NMDPRA is partnering with stakeholders to expedite action on the installation of CNG pumps at retail outlets across Nigeria, in line with the government’s broader goal of advancing energy transition.
He said that most fuel stations will be expected to incorporate CNG dispensers to support the growing number of CNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria.
This is coming at the time President Bola Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to consider CNG as a cleaner, more affordable alternative, saying that petrol prices could reach N1,000 per liter, whereas CNG remains at N200 per Standard Cubic Meter.
The federal government has already introduced incentives for commercial drivers to convert from petrol to gas at no cost.
The Biting Hunger And Rising Cost Of Living In Nigeria, By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
In the heart of West Africa, Nigeria stands as a nation rich in cultural diversity, natural resources, and potential. Yet, despite these advantages, the country grapples with a paradoxical reality: a growing population faced with biting hunger and an escalating cost of living. The interplay of these two phenomena not only threatens the livelihoods of millions but also poses a significant challenge to national stability and development.
Hunger in Nigeria is not merely a consequence of food scarcity; it is a multifaceted issue exacerbated by economic, social, and political factors. According to the World Food Programme, approximately 25 million Nigerians are classified as food insecure, a statistic that underscores the gravity of the situation. The roots of this crisis can be traced to a combination of agricultural inefficiencies, climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
Agriculture, which employs over 70% of the Nigerian population, is plagued by outdated farming techniques, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient access to markets. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the backbone of food production, often struggle to secure financing and resources necessary for sustainable farming. Additionally, climate change has led to erratic weather patterns, resulting in droughts and floods that devastate crops and reduce yields. The ongoing insurgency in the northeastern regions further complicates matters, displacing farmers and disrupting supply chains.
Concurrently, the cost of living in Nigeria has surged, driven by inflation, currency depreciation, and a lack of economic diversification. The Nigerian economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, has been vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. When oil prices plummeted, the naira weakened, leading to increased costs for imported goods, including food staples. This situation has been exacerbated by government policies that often fail to address the underlying issues of economic inequality and poverty.
As prices rise, essential commodities such as rice, beans, and cooking oil have become increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian. The inflation rate, which reached over 20% recently, has eroded purchasing power, pushing many families into poverty. The World Bank estimates that over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, a statistic that paints a stark picture of the economic challenges facing the nation.
The relationship between hunger and the rising cost of living is cyclical and self-perpetuating. As food prices soar, families are forced to make difficult choices, often sacrificing quality and nutrition for quantity. This phenomenon has led to a rise in malnutrition, particularly among children, with detrimental effects on their physical and cognitive development. The consequences of malnutrition extend beyond the individual, impacting the workforce and the economy as a whole.
Moreover, the stress of financial strain can exacerbate social tensions, leading to increased crime rates and civil unrest. In a country where the youth constitute a significant demographic, the lack of opportunities and rising discontent can result in a volatile environment, with potential implications for national security.
The social fabric of Nigeria is also at risk as hunger and economic strain take a toll on communities. Families, once able to rely on local support networks, find themselves isolated as resources dwindle. The traditional roles within households shift, with women often bearing the brunt of the crisis as they strive to provide for their families. This situation can lead to increased domestic tensions and a rise in mental health issues, as individuals struggle to cope with the stress of their circumstances.
Education, too, suffers in the face of hunger and economic hardship. Many children are forced to drop out of school to support their families or due to the inability to afford school fees and supplies. This loss of educational opportunities perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as the next generation is ill-equipped to break free from the constraints of their environment.
Addressing the dual crises of hunger and rising living costs in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses agricultural reform, economic diversification, and social support systems.
Investing in modern agricultural techniques, infrastructure, and access to financing can empower smallholder farmers and increase food production. Initiatives that promote sustainable farming practices and climate resilience can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Reducing reliance on oil by promoting other sectors, such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism, can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. A diversified economy is less vulnerable to external shocks and can provide a more stable environment for citizens.
Implementing robust social safety nets, such as cash transfer programs and food assistance, can provide immediate relief to vulnerable populations. These programs should be designed to empower recipients, helping them to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Investing in education and raising awareness about nutrition and health can equip communities with the knowledge they need to make informed choices. Programs that promote vocational training can also provide youth with the skills necessary for employment in a changing economy.
The biting hunger and rising cost of living in Nigeria represent a profound challenge that requires urgent attention and collective action. As the country navigates these turbulent waters, it is imperative to recognize the interconnectedness of these issues and to adopt holistic solutions. By investing in agriculture, diversifying the economy, and strengthening social support systems, Nigeria can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. The resilience of the Nigerian people, coupled with targeted interventions, holds the promise of overcoming these challenges and unlocking the nation’s potential for sustainable growth and development.