Author: Friday Omosola

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has called on the National Assembly to suspend ongoing debates on the tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024. Pantami in a statement on his Facebook page Tuesday asked the lawmakers to allow for wider consultations with relevant stakeholders. The four tax reform bills successfully passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa of Niger East, for further legislative action, including a public hearing. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also directed the committee to…

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s resolve to drive digital transformation in the state, underscoring its potential to improve governance, economic growth, and inclusivity. The governor made this known during an inspection of facilities at Galaxy Backbone Limited, a leading information and communication technology (ICT) service provider in Abuja. The visit was part of the state government’s efforts to introduce e-governance initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. Describing Galaxy Backbone as a national asset, Governor Mutfwang praised its role in fostering good governance and digital inclusivity. “This visit has been both enlightening…

On 1 December, the Nigerian government began deducting a ₦50 electronic levy (E-Levy) from transactions conducted through financial technology platforms like Opay and Moniepoint. In September, The New Daily Prime reported that Opay and other fintech companies had announced plans to impose a ₦50 charge on customer transfers of ₦10,000 and above. The companies clarified that these charges are not a source of revenue for the payment platforms but are mandated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as part of government policy. The electronic levy (E-Levy) is a tax imposed on digital financial transactions. Its purpose is typically to generate revenue…

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, inaugurated a Technical Committee on Monday to oversee the establishment of a Youth Bank.   Announcing the initiative on his X page, Olawande highlighted the committee’s vital role in providing young Nigerians with access to financial support, resources, and mentorship. He noted that the Youth Bank is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to empower the nation’s youth and harness their full potential. “I was pleased to see representatives from the Bank of Industry, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Ministry of Youth Development come…

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting fish farmers in the state, emphasising the sector’s role in job creation, food security, and nutrition.  This declaration came as the state celebrated World Fisheries Day under the theme, “The Economic Significance of Fishery to the Development of Kwara State.” Speaking at the event, which was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, highlighted Kwara’s leading role in catfish production in Nigeria. He assured fish farmers of continuous government support, including access to…

The Kwara State Ministry of Finance has clarified why some government workers have yet to receive their November salary and bonus.  In a statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Finance, Hauwa Nuru, explained that payments are linked to workers’ compliance with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA) registration directive. Nuru revealed that many state government workers have already received their salaries, with others still being credited. Nuru added that workers who have not completed their KWSRRA registration remain unpaid. The Commissioner said the registration process was mandated more than six months ago, and the government had earlier announced…

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has renewed calls for intensified efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030. Speaking on Monday during an awareness walk organized by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), the governor urged stakeholders to sustain the fight against the epidemic while supporting people living with the virus. The awareness walk, part of the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration, began at the Government House, Alagbaka, and concluded at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure. This year’s theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV among children to end AIDS in Nigeria…

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has called for robust public engagement and transparency in the ongoing discussions about tax reform in Nigeria.  In a statement posted to the public, Obi emphasised the critical need for a participatory approach to policymaking, particularly for reforms of this magnitude. “Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it,” Obi stated. “However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. “A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is…

The Presidency has dismissed widespread misinformation surrounding the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly, assuring Nigerians that no provisions within the proposed legislation will lead to the scrapping of key government agencies or impoverish any region.   In a statement released on December 2 by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency described the rumours as politically motivated attempts to mislead the public and polarize the nation. Onanuga emphasised that the reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration, ease the financial burden on businesses, and create a more competitive economic environment. …

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army, emphasising its pivotal role in ensuring a safe and secure environment. In a statement issued by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, Mutfwang, represented by Ziphion Chrysanthus, Liaison Director for MDAs and Security Agencies, conveyed this assurance during the Centenary Celebration of the Nigerian Army Depot. The event, which marked 100 years of excellence in training Nigeria’s finest soldiers, took place at the RSM Hama Kim Parade Ground in Zaria, Kaduna State. The ceremony also featured the Passing Out…