VAT Collection: FIRS Floors Rivers, Lagos In Appeal Court

September 10, 2021

The Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS) has won the second round of the legal battle with both Rivers and Lagos State governments over who has the right to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) in states.

The Court of Appeal today, September 11 in Abuja, stopped the two state governments from going ahead to be collecting VAT until all legal disputes relating to the matter are resolved. The lower court had earlier ruled in favour of Rivers state government collecting the tax.

But the Appeal court ordered that the judgment of the State high court from which the states drew authorities to collect the tax must not be implemented.

Justice Haruna Simon Tsanami, who issued the order in Abuja today also directed that the law passed by Rivers State House of Assembly and assented to by governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike must not be implemented pending the determination of the appeal before it.

The appellate court held that since parties have submitted themselves to the authorities of the court for adjudication of the matter, they must not do anything that will destroy the res (subject matter) of the appeal.

In specific terms, the 3-man panel of Justices led by Justice Tsanami granted status quo ante bellum in favour of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and against the respondents.

The appellate court said the order was to preserve the ‘Res’ (subject matter) of the appeal before it.

The matter has been slated for September 16, 2021 for hearing of motion for joinder by Lagos State.

Lagos State had through its Attorney-General, Moyosore Onibanjo (SAN), protested against the issuance of an order for the maintainance of status quo, insisting that such order could not be binding on it, since it had yet to be joined as a party in the appeal by FIRS.

FIRS, in an appeal marked CA/PH/282/2021, is praying the court to set aside the judgment of a Rivers State High Court which granted power to the state to collect Value Added Tax, VAT.

The tax collection agency is also asking the appellate court to stay the execution of Rivers’ judgment.

FCT Minister Celebrates As ICPC Scored Administration High In Integrity Compliance

Editorial staff

September 9, 2021

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has rolled out drum to celebrate as the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) scored his Administration’s performance high in the Integrity Compliance.

Malam Musa Bello who was speaking at a sensitization workshop organized by the Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the FCTA today, September 9, commended workers in the ministry for the feat.

“I’m proud to say that as reflected in the comments of the representative of the ICPC, with respect to the ICPC and integrity compliance scorecard and how the FCT was rated, it is all reflective of the collective efforts done by all of you.”

The Minister however advised the staff to strive to remain on top, saying: “the greatest difficulty is to be at the top because you have nowhere to go from there.

“The feeling of moving from a lower position on a scorecard or on a chart is very nice, very beautiful. But opposite is very traumatic. Once you are rated high and then you fall below, the psychological impact can be best imagined.”

Malam Musa Bello therefore called on the staff to live by the established standard and only aim to surpass it, stressing the need for them not to be a part of a conspiracy of silence as this will only encourage the entrenchment of corruption.

He quoted President Muhammad Buhari’s ‘If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us’, to remind the workers that corruption has many facets.

“The reality is even if you are not corrupt, you should not be an observer because if you do not fight corruption, then it’s going to negatively affect you.

“Take a typical example: if you allow corruption in the medical system to happen and you say well it doesn’t affect me, you don’t know tomorrow you will be the victim that need attention in the outpatient department or in the emergency room and you will be surprised.”

Earlier the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola said that the workshop was the beginning of a series of conversations and engagements on anti-corruption activities and commended the ICPC for its support for activities by the FCTA to stamp corruption out of the system.

He stressed that the fight against corruption is not a one person’s fight.

In his remarks, the representative of ICPC Chairman, Barrister Abia Udofia commended the FCT for coming first in the Ethics, Integrity and Compliance Scorecard that was administered last year, attributing the success to active part ACTU is playing in driving the way of anti-corruption for Administration.

Igbos To Buhari: We’re Committed To Nigerian Unity, We Ain’t Going Nowhere

Editorial staff

September 9, 2021

The Igbo speaking people in the Southeast of Nigeria have vowed to remain in the country and contribute to its unity.

The President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor made this declaration today, September 9 on behalf of the entire Igbo speaking people when President Muhammadu Buhari paid a one-day official visit to Imo State.

Professor Obiozor assured the President of the continuous support of his government by the Ndigbo.

‘‘Ndigbo are committed to Nigerian unity,” he emphasized noting that that is a bad news “for those trying to push us out of Nigeria.

‘‘Ndigbo in Nigeria are like fish in the ocean and no matter how rough the storm is, it cannot drive the fish out of the ocean.

‘‘Mr President, it is in this context, that we see a new dawn in your distinguished presence in Igbo land and believe that on your return to Abuja the significance and substance of this visit will form new foundation of a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical issues of concern to the Igbo nation.”

What I Want To Be Remembered For Long After I’m Gone – President Buhari

Editorial staff

September 9, 2021

Present Buhari waves crowd in Imo State | Photo credit: presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his desire to be remembered for after his second term when he would have left office is for the fact that it’s his presidency that stabilised Nigeria in the area of security, economic prosperity and triumph over corruption.

The President, who spoke at a town hall meeting in Owerri today, September 9, with South East leaders during his one-day official visit to Imo State, acknowledged that with less than two years to the end of his two terms of either years, security still remains a major priority for his administration.

‘‘If there is no security, there is nothing anyone can do no matter how much you try or the initiative you have. Security is number one priority and then the economy. When people feel secure they will mind their own businesses.”

The President said that while fighting corruption in Nigeria had become very sophisticated and difficult, he would continue to strive to leave a lasting legacy of integrity and accountability in the system.

‘‘Nobody can accuse me of having companies or mansions anywhere in the country and I thank God that I try to keep myself as clean as possible, so that I cannot be taken hostage.

On the 2023 elections, the President reaffirmed his commitment to free, fair and credible polls, even as he called on the leaders to honestly educate their constituencies on the need to hold their elected representatives accountable.

He acknowledged the resourcefulness and enterprising spirit of Igbo people, saying: “the fundamental thing about the Igbo people is that there is no town you will visit in Nigeria without seeing the Igbos being in-charge of either infrastructure or pharmaceutical industry.

‘‘Therefore, it is unthinkable for me that any Igbo man would consider himself not to be a part of Nigeria.

‘‘The evidence is there for everyone to see that Igbos are in charge of Nigeria’s economy.’’

Buhari observed that no country can make any meaningful progress without the development of infrastructure, expressing regret that successive governments at the Federal level contributed to the decay of critical infrastructure in the country.

He promised that the Federal Government would complete ongoing key projects in the South East, including the second Niger Bridge as well as the railway lines and routes linking the region with other parts of the country.

‘‘I firmly believe that when you get infrastructure right, Nigerians will mind their own businesses.”

He said that as a group, the Igbos stand to benefit more from the ongoing development of infrastructure in the country because ‘‘they are more enterprising.’’

President Buhari had earlier commissioned four projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma, including the Naze/Ihiagwa/Nekede/Obinze link road, the Balloon Driven/Flood Control drainage at Dick Tiger Road, the Egbeada Bypass road and the New Exco-Chambers, Government House, Owerri.

Addressing Imo residents at the commissioning of Egbeada bypass named after a prominent son of the State, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President said that he was very impressed with the level of work done by the State government.

‘‘I am very pleased with what I have seen and I assure you that I will support Imo State within the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In his remarks at the town hall meeting, Governor Uzodinma said that Ndigbo people believe in a united Nigeria predicated on ‘‘justice, equity and fairness.’’

He thanked the President for addressing the interests of Ndi Igbo through deliberate policy initiatives designed to give the people a true sense of belonging, including the ongoing construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, among others.

Governor Uzodinma said that the people of South East would remain grateful to the President for approving the establishment of a Naval Base in Oguta Local Government Area of the State, adding that as time unfolds, the economic benefits of the base would manifest.

The Governor also commended the President for strongly supporting the appointment of two prominent Igbos into two key international organisations-Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General of Health Emergency Intelligence, World Health Organisation (WHO).

Naira Tumbles Badly To N535 Per Dollar

Greenbarge Reporters

September 9, 2021

The Nigerian currency, the naira has continued on a free fall against the dollar yesterday, September 8, dropping to a new all-time low at the parallel market in Lagos.
The naira has been falling steadily since the start of this month amid the lingering scarcity of foreign exchange in the country, despite the rise in forex reserves.
The value of the naira fell against the US currency at both the parallel market and the Investors’ and Exporters’ forex window, coming down to 535/$1 at the parallel market.
It has lost 5.73 per cent of its value since August 4, when it closed at 506/$1.
The naira dipped to 730 against the British pound sterling at the parallel market from 727/£1 on Tuesday, while the euro rose to N629 from N626.

NNPC Marches On Gallantly, Publishes 2020 Audited Financial Statements

Greenbarge Reporters

September 9, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Corporation has consolidated on the recent declaration of N287 Billion profit after tax as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari, by publishing the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) on its official website.

A statement today, September 9, by

Group General Manager, Group

Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Garba Deen Muhammad recalled that while announcing the feat recently, president Buhari, also the Minister of Petroleum Resources,

had said: “I have further directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to timely publish the Audited Financial Statements in line with the requirements of the law and as follow up to our commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability by public institutions.”

The statement said that in compliance with the President’s directive, the NNPC has fulfilled this important statutory requirement by publishing its Audited Financial Statements today.

According to the statement, among the highlights of the 2020 AFS is the Corporation’s group profit which rose from a loss position of N1.7 billion in 2019 to a profit of N287bn in 2020, for the first time in 44 years.

It said that the bGroup Managing Director of the NNPC Malam Mele Kyari, had at various times since the President’s declaration of profit, attributed the turnaround to aggressive cost cutting, automation of the system and renegotiation of contracts downwards by about 30 per cent, among other tough measures.

“Further highlights of the AFS revealed that while the Corporation’s group financial position increased in total current assets by 18.7% compared to that of 2019, its total current liabilities increased by 11.4% within the same period.

“The group’s working capital remained below the line at N4.56trillion in 2020 as

against N4.44trillion in 2019, the AFS further revealed.

“Similarly, the Corporation’s group revenue for the 2020 financial year stood at N3.718trillion as against N4.634trillion in 2019, a decrease that could be attributed to the decline in the production and price of crude oil due to the global impact of the

Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is the third consecutive year that the NNPC is publishing its AFS, having done so for 2018 and 2019.

“The full document of the NNPC 2020 AFS is available on the Corporation’s website.https://www.nnpcgroup.com/Pages/Home.aspx.”

Federal Government Okays 5G Policy For Nigeria

Editorial staff

September 8, 2021

The Federal Government has approved the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy.

The 5G Policy was approved today, September 8, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, at the presidential villa, Abuja following the presentation by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami).

A statement by the spokesman of the ministry of Communications, Dr Femi Adeluyi said that the implementation of the National Policy is with immediate effect.

The statement said that the National Policy has been developed over a period of two years, due to the need for extensive stakeholder engagement and the need to ensure adequate public awareness and sensitization.

It said the stakeholder engagement was thorough and multi-sectoral in nature, adding it also took into account the report of the 3-month 5G trials that commenced on the 25th of November 2019. The report critically reviewed and studied the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

“Leading international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an organ of the United Nations, have confirmed that the deployment of 5G networks leave no adverse health effect and are safe.

“5G networks offer significant advantages over the current technologies. Some of its advantages include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes and greater network flexibility. Several countries have already commenced the deployment of 5G and are enjoying its benefits.

“These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Lesotho, to mention but a few.

“The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), chaired by Minister Pantami, will soon release spectrum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that meet all the required conditions.

“The NCC, as the regulator of the telecommunications sector, will continue engaging stakeholders with a view to developing the regulatory instruments required for the successful deployment of the technology in Nigeria.”

Nigerian Communications Commission Launches 5-Year Strategic Vision, Book

Greenbarge Reporters

September 8, 2021

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a new Strategic Vision (SVP Implementation) Plan (2021-2025) which will define the country’s telecommunications industry.
The commission also unveiled a book written by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Garba Umar Danbatta, entitled catalyzing: Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Transformation through Broadband Infrastructure, as well as the launch of NCC Global Connect Podcast.
The new strategic vision was officially unveiled by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who also launched the two other projects as the Special Guest of Honour in Abuja.
According to NCC, the new strategic vision underscores the centrality of broadband in the nations journey to a modern digital economy,
Danbatta, in his remarks said the new SVP, no doubt, embodies several innovative elements deliberately designed to re-invent and transform the telecom ecosystem within the context of regulation.
The New SVP is anchored on five items namely; Organizational Renewal for Operational Efficiency and Regulatory Excellence; Facilitating the Provision of Infrastructure for Digital Economy which fosters National Development; Promoting Fair Competition, Inclusive Growth, Increased Investment and Innovative Services; Improve Quality of Service(QoS) for Enhanced Consumer Quality of Excellence (QoE) and Facilitating Strategic Collaboration and Partnership.
The New Strategic Vision Plan is a successor to the SVP (2015-2020) aligned to the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020-2025), the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS2020-2030), the Strategic Management Plan(SMP 2020-2024), the International Telecommunications Union(ITU) and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan(ERGP) of the Federal Government.
Speaking on the book, which is an official compendium that represents a collection of his various speeches and presentations, Dambatta, noted that it will give readers the historical background and authoritative context to the growth in the ICT sector, adding that establishing the Podcast channel was to boost its corporate image and visibility via the adoption of innovative channel of communication.
In his remarks, by Prof. Pantami commended the NCC and its board, stressing that the ICT sector has made tremendous contributions of 17.92 per cent to the GDP in Q2 of 2021, even as he emphasized the importance of the private sector in the industry.
“Our main function is to provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, our aim is to come up with policies that will make the sector more profitable, more secured to support development and not jeopardize it.
If you look at our national aggregate demand in Nigeria, you will discover that the entire budget in Nigeria is less than 9% of our national aggregate demand while the private sector controls more than 91 per cent.
“So, we have to support the private sector and make it more effective for our country to be successful economically and otherwise because the private sector controls the economy.”
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include; Majority Leader of the Senate Dr. Abdullahi Yahaya; Chairman of Senate Committee on ICT, Yakubu Hussaini, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Prince Hakeem Adeyemi; Chairman of the NCC Board, Prof. Adeolu Akande; and heads of parastatals and agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Nobody, Not Even EFCC Can Stop Me From Being President In 2023, Gov Yahaya Bello Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

September 8, 2021

“Whoever wants to probably attack my towering name and integrity, because of 2023 is making a mistake. Because fighting corruption should ordinarily have nothing to do with political affiliation or political interest. So I wouldn’t want to say that because of 2023 I am being targeted. If you are targeting me because of 2023, it is a big mistake. You will not be able to get me.”
These are the response of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to a question by newsmen at the Presidential villa, Abuja, as to the possible damage to his acclaimed presidential ambition for the 2023 election, by recent freezing of state government account by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over issue of alleged financial mishaps.
The governor said: “for 2023, I still say it is in the hands of God Almighty. Nigerians: millions, men, women, youth are all yearning that I should contest for 2023. There are still time to give an appropriate answer when the time comes. And I believe that when the time comes, we are going to give a very wonderful response that will satisfy Nigerians.”
Responding to a question on his present opinion about the EFCC chairman, Bawa, who he had earlier congratulated when he was appointed by President Buhari, Yahaya Bello said that it is too early now to say that he is disappointed in him (Bawa).
He said the EFCC’s claim of N20 billion bail-out in deposit account in the state is an allegation which the state government had responded to.
We are waiting for their own reaction to our response so far.
“But I want to believe that those who may have orchestrated that phantom lie should be brought to justice as soon as possible, so that the good name that EFCC has earned will continue to tower high. “So, I will continue to urge him, that is Bawa, to continue to do very wonderful job he has started. He shouldn’t allow anybody to use him, for whatever reason, and I don’t think he will allow anybody to use him for political vendetta.
“He is a young man and has a very long way to go.”

Air Peace Gives N20 Million To Super Eagles For Defeating Cape Verde 2-1

Editorial staff

September 7, 2021

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated Cape Verde 2-1 in the second Group C game of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.

With this result today, September 7, the players have N20 million ($48,733) promised them by their official partners, Air Peace. Prior to the match, the Chairman of the airlines, Allen Oyema, had pledged N20 millionm if they defeat Cape Verde.

“If you win this match, I am going to give the team 20 million naira on arrival. I’ll bring the cash and hand it over. Go there and die for the country,” he added.

But the Eagles who are ranked 34 in the world by FIFA conceded the first goal as Dylan Tavares found the back of the net in the 20th minute.

In the 30th minute, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen levelled the score to seal the game 1-1 in the first half.

The game changed in favour of the national team after pressure forced Kenny Santos to put the ball at the back of his net.

The Super Eagles are 6 points top of Group C.

1...613614615...2,495 Page 614 of 2,495