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South-East Lawmakers To Consult Governors, Constituents Before Final Decision On Tax Reform Bills
AFOLABI
Senators from Nigeria’s South-East region have resolved to consult with their state governments, constituents, and other stakeholders before making a final decision on the contentious tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
Under the umbrella of the South-East Senators’ Forum, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of seeking input from the zone to ensure their position reflects the collective interests of their people.
Leader of the caucus, Senator Eyinanaya Abaribe, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The tax reform bills—Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—were transmitted to the National Assembly on October 3 by President Bola Tinubu.
While the bills aim to overhaul the country’s tax system, they have faced significant criticism, with some of the opposition taking ethnic and sectional dimensions.
To address these concerns, the Senate constituted a committee to liaise with a federal government delegation led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
However, the committee’s scheduled meeting last Thursday was postponed due to Fagbemi’s absence.
Abaribe clarified that while South-East senators are generally supportive of the proposed tax reforms, they believe wider consultations are necessary to address the peculiar concerns of their zone.
“As much as the entire senators from South-east are not against the Tax Reform Bills before both chambers of the National Assembly for consideration, we want wider consultations to be carried out on them.
“Specifically, we need to consult with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts in the zone with our state governments and other critical stakeholders,” he said.
Abaribe, the senator for Abia South Senatorial District, noted that he and other senators from the South-east region have read the bill and are willing to share its benefits when passed to different stakeholders in their area.
“We have read through the bills and want to share our knowledge with other stakeholders from the South-east Zone for a much more equitable framework in the bills that would eventually be passed.
“We are not against the bills but need to consult with our people,” he stressed.
Last Thursday, senators from South-south said they supported the tax reforms regardless of the criticisms because they aimed to strengthen revenue and foster economic stability.
They also warned people opposing the tax reform bills to refrain from expressing regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments when criticising them.
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has accused his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki of hoarding books and instructional materials donated to school children in the state.
Okpebholo made the allegation during the distribution of notebooks, textbooks, and other instructional materials to schools across the three senatorial districts in the state.
The Governor alleged that Obaseki failed to distribute the books which were donated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark his one year in office.
He argued that Obaseki’s act of keeping the books from the schoolchildren was nothing short of wickedness.
He said, “These books you see here were donated by the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for use by Edo children, but Obaseki refused to distribute the books to our children because the President’s face is affixed.
“I want to thank the President for his kind gesture, and for me, the action of the former governor, Godwin Obaseki, is an act of wickedness.
“This warehouse is filled with books donated by the President of Nigeria but because of wickedness, he prevented the books from being distributed to the children. Today, we are here to distribute the books to our children.
“Keeping these books away from our children is wickedness, and his actions were wrong. He said he has developed the education system using Edobest, but what we see here today is not best for our children.
“Obaseki deprived Edo children of using these books provided by the President of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and was stored away from the reach of Edo children.”
Nigerians yesterday got an assurance of a better economy next year from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The minister expressed optimism that the country was gradually moving away from factors that has impacted negatively on its economy and the citizenry.
Edun gave the assurance at a meeting with the House of Representatives Joint Committee on National Planning and Economic Development and Finance on the proposed N47.9 trillion 2025 Budget.
The minister gave an overview of next year’s Appropriation Bill.
He said that going by the projection on increased revenue next year and as other measures being taken by the government, there are indications that the country was moving away from factors that had in the past impacted negatively on the Nigerian economy and affected its people.
Edun said the signs show positive indications of a positive performance of the country’s economy in 2025.
He said: “We do have market pricing and foreign exchange that has resulted in a situation whereby upwards of five per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been lost to plurality of factors benefiting just a few and created long-sighted incentives against growth and investment.”
The minister assured that as government revenue goes up, it will help lower debt servicing and borrowing because as the economy improves, it will become more competitive.
He said: “The deficit of that increase which we hope to achieve less but right now we are assuming is about 9.3 trillion naira in new borrowings and the debt service of about two trillion naira.
“In a nutshell, that backdrop gives you the optimism that the 2025 budget estimates, particularly the one on revenue, will be achieved and the economy will be strong. It will fast up to an inclusive and sustainable growth”.
Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Ibrahim Ayokunle (APC, Ogun) asked the minister to give an appraisal of the economy.
Ayokunle said: “But briefly, as we have said, what is the state of our economy, number one, as in our finances. Then number two, in terms of our revenue so far with the projections we have for 2025.
“Let us have an insight into the previous, into whether we are looking good, especially in terms of our GDP and in terms of inflation rates as submitted. So that we can note all this down and we’ll be able to submit our report.”
The committee chair urged the minister to uphold sense of patriotism and continue with the giant strides aimed at ensuring results from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s efforts at putting a smile on the faces of Nigerians.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke said the committees are looking at the revenue performances of the MDAs as regards the 2024 Budget ahead of the implementation of the proposed 2025 Budget in January.
Faleke said: “We are now in December. By now, the agencies should be able to provide to us with what revenue we have generated between last year and November.
“At least, for 11 months, we should be able to have that. We are just interested in the revenue we have been able to get.
“Apart from that, we also want to see the expenditures as it works. Apart from those who have some levels of percentage collection. We are interested in whether agencies are able to do that.”
The Committee has directed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho to appear before it today.
Faleke gave the order when he turned back Dantsoho’s representative, Sabiu Musa Danbatta who informed the committee that, the MD/CEO was on a special assignment, hence his absence.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has countered the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume on his admonishment to the North to stay off the 2027 presidential election.
Akume had, in an interview with Television Continental (TVC) on Sunday, declared that northerners seeking election to Aso Rock should wait till 2031 and allow President Bola Tinubu re-contest in 2027.
“Today, it’s what I said at the convocation of Nile University, where I was given an honorary doctorate. I appealed to my brothers in the north to wait till 2031 to run for presidential election.
“It is not yet the time for the north to throw in the hat in the ring. It’s not yet the time.
“This has been my appeal to them. Let us not destroy our country because of personal ambition.
“Tinubu, as a southerner, should be allowed to have a second term, meaning that those eyeing the presidency from the north in 2027 should look beyond that year by waiting till 2031.
“If it is the will of God for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be president of Nigeria, even at the age of 90 years, he can get it, but he and other northerners, eyeing the office now, should look beyond 2027.
“But my advice, and this has been consistent, is that let us not rock the boat.
“Let us allow this power to reside in the south for eight years, and from there it will come to the north. To do otherwise, honestly, is to destroy this country.”
However, Atiku, in a reaction on Monday, queried the grounds of equity and fairness in Akume’s admonishment.
In a statement by his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, he pointed out that the South has had more years on the presidential seat than the North, counting from 1999.
Atiku said, “Where, then, does true equity and fairness reside? By the year 2027, the South will have enjoyed 17 years of leadership — eight years under Obasanjo, five years under Jonathan, and four years under Tinubu — while the North will have experienced only 11 years, with Yar’Adua serving three and Buhari eight. This results in a disparity of six years between the North and South, casting a shadow over the balance of power.
“In any case, the power to elect and vote out their government lies firmly with the Nigerian people, entrusted to them upon the government’s ability to prove itself worthy of the people’s ballot. But has the Tinubu government demonstrated that it deserves to be re-elected? The answer, alas, is as clear as the heavens themselves — God forbid!”
Tinubu had defeated Atiku in the 2023 presidential election, even as the latter challenged the president’s electoral victory up to the Supreme Court which eventually affirmed Tinubu’s victory.
Atiku’s response may have confirmed his widely perceived desire to contest again in 2027, a contest he lost in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the Presidency for stating that President Bola Tinubu would stay in power till 2031.
Recall that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had asked northern political leaders preparing to run for the 2027 Presidency to shelve their ambition and wait till 2031 when President Tinubu would have finished his second term.
Reacting to the AGF’s submission, Arewa admonished the incumbent adminstration for obsessing over the 2027 election instead of focusing on delivering good governance to Nigerians.
Speaking to Punch, the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, insisted that the talk about the 2027 Presidency was a distraction from the more pressing issues facing the country.
Mohammad-Baba emphasised that the ACF won’t take a partisan stance on who should be voted for or against, noting that its primary concern was the wellbeing of the electorate.
He said, “So far, we have not issued any stand one way or the other on the issue. We thought concentration should be on good governance and delivery of services to the electorate.
“Our position is that it’s too early to debate the 2027 Presidency. We think the focus should be on good governance and the delivery of good dividends of democracy to the people.
“This talk of 2027 is too early, and it’s a distraction to the dialogue that should be taking place. Is democracy paying off for the people? Should the government do something for the people? This is what should preoccupy the minds of Nigerians, not the 2027 Presidency.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called upon landlords and property owners in Lagos State to avoid raising their rents and property values.
Sanwo-Olu’s message to the landlords and property owners comes following the recent inauguration of major infrastructure projects in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.
In his address during the launch of the Abiola-Ajayi-Ogba and Obawole-Iju-Ishaga road projects on Monday, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that these developments are designed to address the difficulties faced by residents rather than to worsen them.
The newly inaugurated 643-meter road, which includes a bridge and slip roads, provides connectivity to areas that were previously accessible only through temporary wooden bridges that required a crossing fee.
“I appeal to landlords and landowners: do not increase your rents and property prices. The essence of the infrastructure built is to bring relief to the people and not burden residents,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Lagos State Governor added: “I am committed to addressing the long-standing problems of communities, including flooding and commuting. These projects symbolise our dedication to improving Lagosians’ daily lives.”
2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has met with Nigerian Senior Advocate, Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The former governor of Anambra State met with the Nigerian legal luminary on Monday concerning human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, currently at the Ekiti prison.
Social activist, Moses Paul, who shared video and photos of the visit via his X handle, said Peter Obi and Afe Babalola reportedly had in-depth discussions, including on Farotimi’s matter.
Moses wrote, “Today, Mr. @PeterObi travelled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements. He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within the Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of activists and lawyer @DeleFarotimi.
“Following this, Mr. @PeterObi proceeded to the prison facility where @DeleFarotimi is being held. In a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”
According to SaharaReporters, sources at the meeting confirmed that Peter Obi begged Afe Babalola on behalf of Farotimi.
Recall that Farotimi was remanded following allegations of defaming a prominent legal figure and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
Naija News reports that the activist is accused of damaging the reputation of Afe Babalola through statements made in his recently released book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’
Farotimi, who was arraigned last Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to all sixteen charges against him.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that the defendant be held in custody while further investigations are conducted, citing the need for maintaining public safety.
In response, the defendant’s attorney, Dayo Akeredolu, contested this request, urging the court to grant bail under lenient conditions and based on self-recognition.
He emphasized that the case is eligible for bail and that the defendant is a well-known individual who does not pose a threat.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has blamed the frequent occurrence of conflicting court decisions on the lack of conferencing by various panels of the appellate courts.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who stated this while declaring open the 2024 Justices Annual Conference of the Court of Appeal in Abuja Monday, expressed concern over the menace of conflicting decisions and specifically called on presiding justices of the Court of Appeal to imbibe the practice.
According to the CJN, conferencing is an essential tool that promotes mutual respect, deepens understanding and enhances the quality of the court’s decisions.
“Now, the issue of conflicting decisions is one of great concern in our community at present time, and one of the reasons that we have conflicting decisions is because many panels do not hold conferences to discuss all reserve judgments.
“It is strongly recommended that conferences be held. I cannot overemphasize this point. We are an appellate court for a reason, and the reason is that several heads are better than one.
“So holding conferences, exchanging opinions and ideas on matters that come before us is extremely essential. We have presiding justices here, and if it has not been your practice, I want to appeal to you that you start making it a practice. It is a very, very essential tool in the work that we do,” she said.
Besides, the CJN admonished that these conferences be held in good time so that where there are conflicting opinions, they can be discussed before judgments are given, adding that the justices thoroughly examine judgments of the trial courts in order to see the reasons for those judgments before they were appealed.
“We have recent decision or a case where a wrong interpretation was given to the decision of this court that informed the decision of the trial court. So some of these things will probably be brought to light in the process of holding conference. So that is my singular message here, that conference is a safe place,” the CJN stressed.
Meanwhile, the CJN has tasked judges and justices of various courts to be introspective in order to turn around the negative perceptions of the judiciary.
She stated that through introspection, justices can examine how their collective processes can be improved, ascertain whether their judgments are addressing the root issues brought before them, as well as whether they are sufficiently attuned to the broader societal implications of their decisions.
Kekere-Ekun further stated that through introspection, the judiciary can surmount some of its challenges such as case backlogs and funding constraints.
In a goodwill, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), noted that the theme of the conference, ‘Judicial Introspection’ is particularly instructive and indicates the intention of the organizers to use the conference as a barometer to gauge the accomplishments of the court and also provide a compass to guide optimal performance in the future.
While remarking that the Nigerian judiciary has a long and proud history of dispensing justice without fear or favour, the AGF maintained that the Court of Appeal, in particular, has to a great extent demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equity and fairness.
“Your judgments have set precedents, shaped legal discourse, shaped the course of several aspect of our national life, and your commitment to upholding the constitution and established principles of law and natural justice has provided a beacon of hope for countless individuals and entities seeking justice,” he said.
Fagbemi, who observed that issues such as political interference, public opinion (especially perpetrated on social media), and even well-intentioned efforts to improve the justice system pose as challenge to judicial independence, urged the justices to remain vigilant and steadfast in the defence of judicial independence.
He however pledged to uphold the principle of judicial independence as the chief law officer of the country.
Earlier in her welcome, the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, observed that the ever-evolving nature of our landscape demands that we engage in regular self-reflection, evaluation and strategic planning.
“This conference offers a unique opportunity for introspection, knowledge-sharing and growth among stakeholders. We are deeply grateful for the participation of our distinguished resource persons, whose expertise and experiential knowledge will undoubtedly enrich our deliberations.
“Justices occupy a position of paramount importance in the administration of justice with their decisions exerting a profound impact on individuals, communities and society at large. Nevertheless, despite their expertise and experience, justices are not immune to the limitations inherent in human decision-making, including errors, biases, and prejudices.
“To address these limitations and ensure the delivery of justices, judicial introspection offers a mechanism for self-reflection, in-depth analysis, and ongoing improvement,” she said.
While acknowledging the benefits of social media, the PCA observed that the technological shift has also generated a range of challenges for the judiciary, including the management of online reputation, cyber-bullying and harassment.
“The preservation of the integrity of digital evidence in the context of legal proceedings is now a thing of concern. To effectively navigate these complexities, it is only appropriate for the judiciary to engage in a process of regular intellectual upliftment.
“A regular examination of existing practices, procedures and policies to ensure their efficacy, efficiency and fairness in the digital age is imperative.
“The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the judiciary has the potential to revolutionize the administration of justice, enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making, and expanding access to justice. However, the deployment of AI in judicial contexts also raises profound questions regarding bias, transparency and accountability. To address these issues, the judiciary must carefully examine its own utilization of AI and ensure that adoption is as an adjudicatory tool and not a replacement of the judge,” she said.
[ThisDay]
Ondo AG, Ajulo Returns to AAUA After Over a Decade, Delivers 25th Founder's Day Anniversary Lecture
Admin
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, will on Wednesday, December 11th make a remarkable return to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) after more than a decade to deliver the 25th Founder's Day Anniversary Lecture titled Democracy, Rule of Law, and Good Governance.
The event, which the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Olugbenga Ige described as part of the event’s lineup for this year’s convocation holds special significance as it coincides with the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of AAUA, stressing that the celebration goes beyond festivities as it is marked by a historic milestone and it will be held at the university's multipurpose hall will celebrate AAUA's transformation and growth into a respected institution of higher learning.
During the administration of former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Dr. Ajulo, who was then Board Chairman of Ondo State Radio-Vision Corporation, served pro bono as a lecturer in the Law Faculty, imparting knowledge and shaping the careers of many aspiring lawyers. His dedication and mentorship left a lasting impact, with several of his former students, now practising lawyers, voluntarily supporting him in his current role as the Attorney General of Ondo State.
In the 25th Founder's Day Anniversary Lecture, Dr. Ajulo is expected to highlight and analyze the critical roles of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance in societal development. He will also emphasize the commitment of the Ondo State government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to advancing both the institution's and the State's status on the global stage.
Ajulo's return to the institution as a guest lecturer will not only reaffirm his connection to AAUA but also inspire current students and faculties. It will also emphasize the importance of integrity and service.
Some Nigerians have expressed anger after human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, appeared at the Ekiti State High Court in handcuffs.
Men of the Nigeria Police Force had escorted Farotimi to the court on Monday in handcuffs.
Last week, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos State by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command.
Farotimi’s arrest followed a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The 95-year-old senior lawyer accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.
During his appearance in court on Monday, Farotimi was granted bail under strict conditions.
The court granted the rights activist bail in the sum of N50 million with a surety with the same amount.
Reacting to the Farotimi’s court appearance, activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju posted on X: “Shame on everyone involved in this embarrassment to the legal profession.
“A lawyer in handcuffs over defamation, not armed robbery, kidnapping or any crime.
“No wonder they abducted Dele Farotimi and took him to where Baba Afe Babalola is king, Ekiti.”
Another human rights activist, Inibehe Effiong, also a lawyer, said, “Can @CorrectionsNg explain why they had to handcuff @DeleFarotimi while taking him to the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti this morning for arraignment?
“This is preposterous. He did not pose any threat, and did not resist being taken to court.
“Dele Farotimi is a political prisoner and will come out stronger.”
Also commenting on the development, Rinu Oduala wrote: “Dele Farotimi is put in handcuffs for an offence that doesn’t even exist in the laws. Is he a criminal or a political prisoner?
“The Nigeria Government should let us know. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”
A Twitter user, Darey, said: “Afe Babalola put Dele Farotimi in handcuffs for Defamation which is a CIVIL MATTER. Nigeria and its CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.”
[DailyPost]
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Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has listed ways Tax Reforms will benefit Nigerians.
Through a post on his X account on Monday, December 9, Oyedele highlighted ways households and individuals including the youth, small businesses, businesses and investments, high income earners and HNIs and subnational governments can benefit from the reforms.
According to Oyedele, there is something in the tax bills for everyone.
Here are ways you can benefit from tax reforms:
A. Households and individuals including the youth:
1. Complete exemption of low-income earners up to N1m p.a. (about N83k per month) from PAYE
2. Reduced PAYE tax for those earning a monthly salary of N1.7m or less
3. Zero (0%) VAT on food, healthcare, education, electricity generation and transmission
4. VAT exemption on transportation, renewable energy, CNG, baby products, sanitary towels, rent and fuel products
5. Tax break for wage award and transport subsidy to low-income earners
6. Tax incentives for employers to hire more people incrementally than in the previous 3 years
7. Exemption of stamp duties on rent below N10m
8. PAYE tax exemption for other rank and armed forces fighting insecurity
9. Friendly tax rules for remote workers and digital nomads
10. Clarity on taxation of digital assets to avoid double taxation and allow deduction for losses
B. Small Businesses:
1. Increase in tax exemption threshold for small businesses from annual turnover of N25m to N50m
2. Exemption from company income tax for small businesses (tax at 0%)
3. No withholding tax deduction on business income of small businesses
4. Exemption from the requirement to deduct and account for tax on payments to vendors
5. Simplified statement of accounts attested to by small business owner for tax returns in place of audited financial statements
6. Introduction of the Office of Tax Ombud to protect taxpayers against arbitrary tax assessments
7. Tax disputes affecting businesses to be resolved within 14 days by the Tax Ombud
8. Harmonisation of taxes and repeal of multiple levies
9. Outlaw cash payment and physical roadblocks imposing burden on businesses
10 Attractive tax regime to encourage formalisation of business and facilitate growth
C. Businesses and investments:
1. Reduction of corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25% and harmonisation of earmarked taxes at a reduced rate
2. Unilateral tax credit for income earned abroad to avoid double taxation and input VAT credit on assets and services to reduce cost of production.
3. Introduction of economic development incentive for priority sectors
4. Friendly tax regime for business restructuring and reorganisation to improve efficiency
5. Clarity on 6-years statute of limitation and resolution of objections in favour of taxpayer if tax authority fails to respond within 90 days
6. Option to pay taxes and levies on foreign currency denominated transactions in Naira
7. Faster tax refunds within 90 days (30 days for VAT refunds) with the option of set-off against any tax liability of the taxpayer.
8. Request for advance ruling by taxpayer to be provided by tax authority within 21 days
9. Expense incurred by a start-up within 6 years pre commencement of business to be tax deductible
10. Restriction of interest deduction will only apply to related party loans in order to reduce cost of finance for businesses
D. High Income Earners and HNIs:
1. Tax exemption on personal effects not exceeding N5m, sale of dwelling house, and up to two private vehicles
2. VAT exemption on purchase of real estate
3. Clarity on taxation of benefit in kind and limit of taxable accommodation benefit to 20% of annual income
4. Exemption of tax on sale of shares up to N150m and gains not exceeding N10m
5. Progressive personal income tax rate up to 25% for HNIs
6. Tax exemption on compensation for loss of employment not exceeding N50m
7. Progressive VAT rate on items mostly consumed by high income earners to partly compensate for exemption on essential consumptions
8. Tax exemption for income earned on bonds issued by states in addition to federal government bonds
9. Reduction in corporate tax rate for businesses and tax break for hiring more people
10. Exemption of tax on bonus shares for investors in Nigerian companies
E. Subnational government:
1. Federal government to cede 5% of VAT revenue to states
2. Transfer of income from Electronic Money Transfer levy exclusively to states as part of stamp duties
3. Repeal of the obsolete stamp duties law and re-enactment of a simplified law to enhance the revenue for states
4. States to be entitled to the tax of Limited Liability Partnerships
5. Tax exemption for state government bonds to be at par with federal government bonds
6. More equitable model for VAT attribution and distribution
7. Integrated tax administration to provide tax intelligence to states, strengthen capacity development and collaboration, and scope of Tax Appeal Tribunal to cover taxpayer disputes on state taxes
8. Powers for AGF to deduct taxes unremitted by a government or MDA and pay to the beneficiary government
9. Framework to grant autonomy for states internal revenue service and enhanced Joint Revenue Board to promote collaborative fiscal federalism
10. Legal framework for taxation of lottery and gaming, and introduction of withholding tax for the benefit of states
[TheNation]
The United Kingdom has issued 300,000 new visas to Nigerians in the past few years, according to British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.
Despite criticisms of the UK’s immigration policies, Montgomery stated that Nigeria has greatly benefited from these policies, especially following Brexit.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, he explained that Nigeria now holds a leading position in terms of the number of visas granted by the UK.
“I have to contest this picture because the UK in the last couple of years has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians which far exceeds any other visa relationship which Nigeria has with any other country.
“The trends have been really positive post-Brexit. Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the post-Brexit migration visa rules,” Montgomery said.
He emphasized that Nigeria accounts for about 10% of all UK visas granted in the last two years, surpassing any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with other countries.
In addition, Montgomery praised the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in vital sectors like social care, where they play a crucial role.
“And if you look at say the number of people getting work visas in the UK, these people play an incredibly important role in certain sectors, particularly our social care sector.
“So, I would like to emphasize how huge the relationship is. It outstrips any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other single country in my understanding,” Montgomery said on the breakfast show.
The High Commissioner also addressed the high approval rate for UK visas, emphasizing that applications with proper documentation have a high chance of success.
“If you apply with the right documentation and the right evidence, the approval rate is very high,” Montgomery added.
He also pointed out that the number of Nigerians granted work visas has significantly increased, from around 10,000-20,000 six or seven years ago to nearly 80,000-90,000 annually in recent years.
However, Montgomery acknowledged a decline in student visa applications compared to previous years.
A United Kingdom upper tribunal has reversed a previous ruling that stopped the deportation of 43-year-old Nigerian Olutobi Ogunbawo.
The decision comes after his wife, Maria Adesanya, claimed that in vitro fertilisation treatment was unavailable in Nigeria, a key argument in their defence.
Ogunbawo, convicted in 2019 for immigration offences related to conspiring with a British citizen to claim paternity falsely, had served a three-year prison sentence.
Following his release, he faced deportation proceedings. In January 2023, a first-tier tribunal judge ruled in his favour, citing the impact of deportation on his wife’s ability to conceive a child through IVF.
Maria testified that IVF, essential to their efforts to start a family, was not an option in Nigeria.
However, the secretary of state for the Home Department challenged this claim, arguing that the tribunal’s reliance on her testimony lacked supporting evidence.
The upper tribunal reviewed the case and, on November 4, 2024, ruled that the initial decision was flawed.
It was found that the first-tier tribunal judge failed to seek objective evidence to verify Maria’s assertion.
The upper tribunal noted that a simple internet search could confirm the availability of IVF services in Nigeria, undermining the couple’s argument.
The judgment criticized the earlier ruling, stating: “We conclude that the judge erred in exclusively relying upon Ms A’s (referring to Maria) personal evidence when finding as a fact that IVF treatment is unavailable in Nigeria,” the upper tribunal ruled, according to Daily Mail on Sunday.
The tribunal set aside the earlier decision and ordered the case to be reheard by a different judge.
“We observe the Secretary of State’s unchallenged assertion before us that even the most basic Google search reveals the existence of IVF treatment in Nigeria.
“The Secretary of State’s appeal is allowed to the extent that the decision of the First-tier Tribunal is set aside in its entirety.
“The appeal is to be remitted to the First-tier Tribunal to be heard by any judge other than First-tier Tribunal Judge Malone,” it added.