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A recent survey by SBM Intelligence alleges that the federal government’s proposed tax reforms fail to account for the unique characteristics of certain Nigerian regions.
The report, however, admits that the reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, as outlined by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
The survey, conducted across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reveals that failing to address regional issues could exacerbate existing economic disparities in the country, potentially requiring intervention by the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment.
The report is part of the broader conversation about Nigeria’s current tax system and the proposed tax reform bills, which have sparked intense debate, especially from northern elites, particularly regarding the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) among Nigeria’s 36 states.
Much Ado About Tax
- The report states that only five of the country’s 36 states—Anambra, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers—could fulfil their financial obligations if the federally distributed revenue pool did not exist.
- Based on this, the report notes that comparing how much VAT each state generates versus how much VAT revenue they receive at the end of each month has become a common and contentious issue.
“Between January and October 2024, Imo State received 1,715.9% of what it contributed to the VAT pool as its VAT allocation. Abia, Cross River, and Kebbi all received allocations above 700% of what they contributed.
“Lagos and Rivers received the lowest allocations, receiving 16.76% and 22%, respectively. Lagos contributes around 55% of local VAT.
“The proposed reforms, while aiming to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, fail to account for the uniqueness of certain regions.
“In the northeast, states received 244.46% of their VAT contributions. The highest was Bauchi, which received 384.94% of its VAT contributions, and the lowest was Adamawa, which received 165.69% of its VAT contributions. This could exacerbate existing economic disparities,” it added.
- The report further states that Nigeria’s VAT system remains a pivotal yet contentious aspect of the country’s fiscal framework and has often attracted litigation over the years.
- The report predicts that the Supreme Court may once again be called upon to intervene, particularly regarding the fiscal powers of the states and regions.
“The historical development of VAT, replacing the Sales Tax Decree of 1986, reflects the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s tax system, driven by attempts to balance efficiency, equity, and state autonomy.
“Legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court’s affirmation of VAT’s precedence over state sales and consumption taxes, underscore the complexities of aligning federal and state interests.
“However, recent litigation from states like Rivers and Lagos highlights growing demands for greater control over the revenue generated within their territories and calls for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula.
“Proposed tax reforms aim to address some of these issues by revising VAT rates and exemptions, simplifying tax structures, and increasing derivation-based allocations.
“While these measures hold promise, the ultimate resolution of the VAT issue will likely require either a definitive Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional amendment to clarify the division of fiscal powers,” the report added.
The report also highlighted that the VAT discourse sheds light on the persistent North-South divide in Nigeria’s fiscal and political landscape, reflecting broader disparities in economic activity and development.
The report advises that resolving these tensions will require careful negotiation and reforms that balance the principles of derivation, equity, and national cohesion, ensuring that the tax system fosters regional development and unity.
What you should know
The tax reform bills have become controversial since their introduction, with different interests opposing various provisions.
- For instance, the Northern Governors Forum expressed opposition to the bill, urging legislators from the region to resist any legislation that undermines the interests of Northerners nationwide.
- Additionally, the National Economic Council (NEC), which comprises the 36 state governors and is chaired by the Vice President, called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for proper consultations before proceeding to the National Assembly.
- However, President Tinubu disregarded the recommendations from both the Northern Governors Forum and the NEC, stating that the process is legislative and that inputs can be incorporated during public hearings.
- Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate on December 4 suspended hearings on the bills until the new year, providing time for essential political engagements and negotiations to secure their passage.
[Nairametrics]
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue demolishing properties in the nation’s capital despite pressure.
Wike has been criticised for embarking on widespread demolition of houses in Abuja.
A construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, had recently raised the alarm over a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.
The General Manager of the Estate, Mr Vincent Enoghase, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claimed the FCDA had demanded N10 million, for a Right of Occupancy, which it had paid but was yet to get receive before the issuance of the quit notice.
In a viral video on Wednesday, social media commentator, Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that the FCT Minister, had revoked the land titles to the Estate, and issued the same to a Saravera Nigeria Limited, and the Minority Leader and member of the House of Representatives representing Obio/Akpor Constituency, Kingsley Chinda.
VeryDarkMan called on security agencies to intervene, noting that the original owner of the land was the first cadet of the Nigerian Army who passed on four years ago.
The senate had set up a panel to probe the issue, while asking Wike to halt demolitions.
But speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA secretariat on Thursday, Wike said the structures being demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are properties illegally built on government lands.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed particularly as regards this Abuja. There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.
“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason without formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like be a civil rights activist or a television personality. No amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”
[DailyTrust]
Legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has taken a step further in the expression of his anger against Lagos-based legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi over the alleged defamation of his character.
The elder statesman, through his law firm, has written a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, asking that Farotimi’s name be removed from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
According to the petitioner, as Channels Television reported, Farotimi had allegedly violated certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.
A partner in Babalola’s law firm, Ola Faro, who was also mentioned in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its criminal justice system,” signed the 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024.
The petition is titled “Petition against Tomilola Titus Farotimi also known as Dele Farotimi Esq, a Nigerian lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar with his name on the roll of legal practitioners kept by the Supreme Court for violation of extant rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners rules 1, 15(1), 15(2B), 15(3A), 15(3G), 15(3I), 15(3J),26(1), 27(1), 30, 31(1), (2) and (4) of the rules of professional conduct 2023 by bringing the entire judiciary in Nigeria into dispute with his unfounded allegations of corruption against eminent justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, judges of High Court of Lagos State, Aare Afe babalola, SAN, Olu Daramola SAN, Ola Faro Esq., and the entire chambers of Aare Afe babalola & Co in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’
Faro said that the petition was written both in his personal capacity “and for and on behalf of the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co.”
He gave a background of the facts of the case and detailed the alleged contraventions of the rules of professional conduct by the respondent, Farotimi.
The petitioner highlighted that Farotimi “engaged in conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession.”
The petitioners also stated that Farotimi “Participated in conduct that he believes to be unlawful by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to a judicial officer.
“Joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer.
“Gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer.
“Knowingly made false statements of law and facts in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.
“Assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent.
“Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.
“Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill feeling between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.
“Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.
“Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.
“Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court.
“Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.
“Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer.”
The petitioners stated that “The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice and to uphold the standards of the legal profession.”
They also noted that some of the statements made in Farotimi’s book are likely to set the legal profession and society ablaze and that those statements were made to discredit the entire Nigerian judiciary, Justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the High Court of Lagos State, their law firm and to ridicule them within the legal profession and injure their hard-earned reputation and financial credit.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, is the regulatory body that investigates and addresses misconduct among Nigerian lawyers.
The LPDC ensures that legal practitioners adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct.
DAILY POST reported that Farotimi was recently sent back to jail after the ruling on his bail application was adjourned till December 20, 2024.
The FCT High Court had also barred human rights lawyer from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising or distributing the hard or soft copies of the controversial book.
[DailyPost]
Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has opened up about her perspective on infidelity in romantic relationships, revealing that cheating has never been a reason for her to end a relationship.
During a candid interview on The Receipts Podcast, the 44-year-old singer disclosed that every man she has been involved with has cheated on her, yet she has always chosen to forgive.
“I have been cheated on before. I found out and forgave every time,” Savage said. “Every man I have ever been with has cheated, and I’ve never left them because of it. I’ve left for other reasons, but not because they cheated. Cheating is not my hill.”
Savage, however, emphasised that disrespect is her ultimate deal-breaker.
She explained that lies surrounding infidelity, especially when others are aware of the betrayal, have caused her pain.
“What hurts is the lies about it though. Maybe other people had known and then I kind of felt stupid about it, or they’ve known for a long time or if it’s close to home. The disrespect of it is why I could leave, but the actual act of it? I’ve never left a man cause of it,” she said.
The award-winning singer revealed that her reasons for ending relationships have been varied, citing drug abuse, emotional neglect, ghosting, financial issues, and emotional abuse.
“I’ve left for so many other reasons like drug abuse or emotional abuse or being emotionally abused, being ghosted, stealing, and financial things. But that cheating thing, nah,” Tiwa Savage added.
Ajax Amsterdam FC have announced a crowdfunding campaign to support Tijjani Babangida following the tragic loss of his family in a car accident.
On May 9, Babangida, who was in the books of Ajax for seven years, was involved in a car crash along the Kaduna-Zaria highway.
The ex-footballer was with Ibrahim, his younger brother, alongside his wife, son, and maid when the accident happened.
Ibrahim was said to have died on the spot. Fadil, Babangida’s one-year son, succumbed to the injuries from the crash a few days later. The wife lost an eye and had to undergo face reconstruction surgery, and the maid also fractured a leg.
Babangida has moved to the Netherlands since the incident with his wife getting medical care in the country.
In a documentary released on Thursday, Ajax revealed that Babangida’s “many good friends from football” had launched a crowdfunding campaign.
The fund is aimed at helping Babangida navigate the trauma of the accident.
“Six months ago, Tijani Babangida’s world collapsed. In a serious car accident, he lost his one-and-a-half-year-old son and his younger brother, while his wife was seriously injured,” the documentary caption read.
“‘Baba’ can count on the support of many good friends from football. They are helping him with everything and have started a crowdfunding campaign.”
Babangida was contracted to Ajax for seven years. He won an Eredivisie title in 1998 and two Dutch Cup trophies, scoring 20 goals in 77 appearances for the club.
[TheCable]
…Bonds Oversubscribed By Over 441% From Investors
The Securities and Exchange Commission has said that the Federal Government issued six Sovereign Sukuk worth N1.1trn ($657.6m), to finance 124 Federal road projects covering over 5,820 kilometers across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this during the ongoing 2nd International Islamic Capital Market Conference in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, said the success rate makes the Islamic Capital Market, ICM stand out as a resilient and innovative tool for mobilizing resources.
Agama described the issuance of sovereign Sukuk since 2017 as a key pillar responsible for growth of the ICM in Nigeria, adding that these issuances have consistently been oversubscribed, with subscription rates reaching as high as 441 per cent.
He disclosed that sub-national and corporate Sukuk issuances are also growing in Nigeria. Notable examples include Osun and Lagos states, Family Homes Ltd, and TAJ Bank Plc, along with private Sukuk issuances by three other sub-nationals saying that these instruments have been instrumental in funding school infrastructure.
“Beyond Sukuk, the ICM segment in Nigeria offers diverse investment opportunities. From one registered fund in 2008, the segment currently boasts of 14 registered Halal mutual funds with a net asset value exceeding N105bn as of November 2024. The NGX Lotus Islamic Index tracks 11 Shariah-compliant equities, while Nigeria’s first Islamic Real Estate Investment Trust – ChapelHill N-REIT – highlights the potential of real estate investments.
“The prospects for Nigeria’s Islamic finance industry are underpinned by key growth drivers, both global and domestic. Globally, demographic trends, economic diversification efforts in oil-dependent economies, and regulatory support have spurred demand for Shariah-compliant products.
“Locally, Nigeria’s large Muslim population, government-backed Sukuk initiatives, and growing investor awareness are driving market expansion. Emerging innovations in fintech also present further opportunities for market development. In that regard, the SEC registered the first Robo advisory firm in the Nigerian Capital Market in 2022. This Robo Advisor is focused on Shari’ah-compliant investments,” he said.
Agama said the success of the ICM in Nigeria is deeply rooted in its strategic focus on infrastructure financing, financial inclusion, and sustainability as the SEC’s engagement with the ICM dates back to 2004, when the SEC joined the Islamic Finance Task Force of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
The SEC Boss said this commitment was followed by the issuance of Islamic fund and Sukuk Rules in 2010 and 2013, respectively and later solidified in the Non-Interest Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025), which outlines a 10-year roadmap for expanding the market’s depth and diversity.
According to him, “Adopted in 2015 as part of the broader Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025), the Non-Interest Capital Market Master Plan (NICMMP) has been central to the development of the ICM segment in Nigeria.
The document sets out a vision for the Islamic Capital Market – otherwise known as the Non-Interest Capital Market (NICM) in Nigeria – to contribute 25 per cent of total market capitalization by 2025, with Sukuk accounting for 15 per cent.
“The masterplan was further reviewed in 2021, to provide a renewed focus on deepening the ICM, through targeting 50 listings of sharia-compliant products with market capitalization of at least N5trn ($11bn) by 2025.
“The performance of the NICM Masterplan has been remarkable. Of the 15 initiatives outlined in the roadmap, nine had been fully implemented as of 2022, representing a 70 per cent success rate.
“Key achievements include improved public awareness, increased retail participation in Sukuk, and the introduction of the Non-Interest Pension Fund (Fund VI) through collaboration with the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
“Another key achievement was the release of guidelines for taxation of Non-Interest transactions, in collaboration with the FIRS. This solved the challenge of double taxation hindering such transactions,” he said.
The SEC DG however said the growth of the ICM segment within a decade and half, has come with some challenges including limited public awareness of Islamic finance principles, paucity of tradable instruments, and regulatory alignment across institutions.
He said, “Capacity-building efforts, particularly in Shariah governance and compliance, remain critical to sustaining growth. These, of course, are critical areas the SEC is currently implementing strategies to address, with relevant stakeholders particularly in the public and private sector, providing targeted and effective solutions.
“Of particular interest is our ongoing effort to engage relevant stakeholders in the mortgage sector to develop Shariah-compliant housing finance solutions.
“This will create the needed impetus for developing Shariah-compliant Asset backed instruments to deepen our capital Market further”.
As the world looks into the future, Agama stated that the opportunities are endless as Islamic Finance is solving some practical challenges and needs of the Nigerian economy such as critical infrastructure deficit, financial exclusion, low mortgage penetration and disinterest in commercial financing opportunities due to faith-based and/or ethical concerns.
“This is the time to stake positions that will no doubt produce competitive returns and satisfy ethical and sustainability concerns.
“The table is set for investing. Foreign participants should take positions and increase stakes in tandem with domestic trends.
“This offers a significant opportunity to contribute to sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion in Nigeria and by extension the African continent” he added.
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has reaffirmed his commitment to the installation of the newly appointed District Head of Bichi, Munir Sanusi, and his assumption of office at the Bichi palace.
Speaking on Wednesday during a solidarity visit by a delegation from Bichi, Emir Sanusi stated that despite recent disruptions, the installation would proceed as planned.
It can be recalled that last Friday, heavy security operatives, including personnel from the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly blocked the Kofar Kudu Emir’s palace to prevent Emir Sanusi from accompanying the new Wambai of Kano and District Head of Bichi to assume his seat. The action led to restrictions on movement in and out of the palace.
Addressing the delegation, Emir Sanusi described the incident as a temporary setback.
“This incident is only a distraction. We do not know why it happened, and those involved have not provided any explanations. However, it will not stop anything.
I assure you that another date will be fixed for the installation, and your District Head will be brought to you peacefully.
Inform the public to remain peaceful and prayerful. Whatever the situation, peace and prayers will guide us through to the end.
With the respect the people of Bichi hold for Khalifa and Wambai Abubakar, there is no way a son of the Khalifa will be presented as Wambai, and they would turn their backs on him,” he said.
Leading the Bichi delegation, the Chairman of Bichi Local Government, Hamza Sule, expressed solidarity and dismissed rumors of opposition to the appointment.
He stated: “We are here to show our support and allegiance to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. There were rumors suggesting unrest in Bichi, but we are here to make it clear that we are fully supportive.
We are one hundred percent behind the appointment of Munir Sanusi as District Head of Bichi. We were in Bichi, waiting for the Wambai’s arrival, when we heard these unfounded rumors. As far as we are concerned, there is no violence or opposition, only celebration.”
The Bichi Emirate was one of the four new emirates created by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje after the division of the old Kano Emirate. However, the emirates were later dissolved by the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Dr Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who wrote the West Africa School Senior Certificate Education 17 times, has earned a distinction from the prestigious London Graduate School in the UK.
Ahmadu, a Nigerian mental health advocate and accomplished professional based in the U.S., disclosed this in an interview in Lagos.
He said that he was also inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) in Lagos.
Ahmadu said that the formal induction ceremony and certification workshop took place in Lagos and UK on Nov. 26, where he was lauded for his exceptional contributions.
According to him, this dual honour highlights his inspiring journey from writing O’level examinations 17 times, due to family instability, to becoming a globally recognised figure in mental health advocacy and consultancy.
Ahmadu said his new accolades would significantly amplify his global impact, which would enable him to contribute further to addressing mental health challenges, particularly among Gen Z, teenagers, and adolescents.
“My Fellowship, the highest grade of membership in the Institute of Management Consultants, will position me as a thought leader equipped to provide innovative strategies in tackling depression and suicide.
“This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a step forward in the global fight against mental health crises.
“It’s a call to action to innovate solutions that inspire hope and resilience”.
The Institute of Management Consultants, in its nomination statement, praised Ahmadu’s “outstanding academic and professional standing and demonstrated commitment to creating, maintaining, extending, and promoting the highest world standards of management consulting practice.”
Ahmadu said: “My certification as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) will further enhance my credentials, making me to offer my expertise across over 50 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom,” he said.
He said that his personal story had resonated globally, inspiring millions.
“A childhood marked by instability saw me attend 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools, yet I persevered, ultimately earning two honorary doctorates and publishing in mental health journals”.
On Instagram (@mr.voiceover), Ahmadu shared, “Nothing is impossible with God.
“I’m forever grateful for this life-changing moment and determined to keep pushing forward in this journey to make a positive difference in the world. Glory be to God almighty,” he said.
He said that Prof. David Iornem, Director-General of IMC Nigeria, during the induction, remarked that he (Ahmadu) exemplified the transformative power of resilience.
“His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly elevate global efforts in mental health advocacy and management consultancy,” said Iornem. (NAN)
A former governor of Edo State and current senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that his son, Cyril, is qualified to serve as the commissioner for health in the state.
Oshiomhole stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.
Cyril, a medical doctor, was nominated as the commissioner of health by Monday Okpebholo, the state governor and close ally of Oshiomhole, and was subsequently sworn in on November 19 at the Government House in Benin City.
When asked if he supported his son’s appointment as commissioner, former labour leader Oshiomhole revealed that he had expressed his concerns to the governor at the time the decision was made.
His words: “He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him. When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Reps. I said no and supported another guy. The second time he wanted to try, I said no. This time the governor decided to pick him. He is qualified.
“I did express my concerns when I heard. I called him and expressed my concerns. I expressed those concerns to the governor that people might say this and that.
“Those were the reasons why I stopped him from contesting elections when I was in office but then I have to accept that in the world that we live in, you can only do so much to control your son but not when he is already of adult age.
“But the point must be made: I invested in my children’s education. I didn’t want them to go through what I went through. So, Dr Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), he went to do post-graduate in two universities in the US including Harvard and another university in Louisiana. He does something about public health.
“So, he is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having in spite of being Oshiomhole.”
Udengs Eradiri, governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections in Bayelsa state, has resigned his membership of the Labour Party (LP).
He disclosed his intention to resign in a letter dated December 8 and addressed to the party’s state chairman.
Eradiri said he “couldn’t scale through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership”.
Eradiri added that he resigned to pursue his political career on a platform equipped to provide Bayelsa with the leadership it deserves.
“I wish to formally notify the party of my withdrawal as a member of the Labour Party,” the letter reads.
“I have come to this conclusion in order to pursue my political career with a platform that is ready and prepared to provide the kind of leadership that Bayelsa state earnestly deserve.
“I wish to appreciate the members of the party who believed in the vision for a better Bayelsa state and gave me the opportunity to be flag bearer as governorship candidate but unfortunately, we couldn’t scale through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership.
“It was a great moment working together politically and transversing the nooks and crannies of the state in the quest for leadership and I wish the Party and its leaders well in their future endeavours.”
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The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over reports that its officers aid and abet smuggling.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Sesi Whingan, a lawmaker representing Badagry federal constituency in Lagos, during plenary on Wednesday.
Whingan said the allegations against officers of the service were “deeply troubling”.
“Recent reports by Sahara Reporters on 18 November 2024 exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying six million kilogrammes of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers,” he said.
“Videos published by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities.”
He added that the allegations contravene the law establishing the NCS, noting that the agency is mandated to “prevent smuggling” and not enable it.
The lawmaker said some military officers seconded to the NCS have also been accused of complicity in the smuggling ring.
“Reports of brutality have emerged, including an incident along the Badagry-Seme Expressway on 1 December 2024, where officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik,” he said.
“The victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats against their lives and a standoff that required intervention from residents and the police.
“The actions of some officers within the Nigeria Customs Service contravene its core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.
“The complicity of customs officers in smuggling operations and the use of violence to intimidate civilians pose significant risks to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law.”
Subsequently, the house directed its committees on defence and customs to conduct a probe into the allegations against the officers.
The house resolved that the NCS officers and the attached military officials should be investigated, with the committees given six weeks to conclude their inquiry.
Earlier this year, an undercover investigation by Soyombo detailed how officers of the NCS allegedly update smugglers on the itinerary of their colleagues in a bid to facilitate the movement of smuggled goods.
The Edo State Assets Verification Committee, set up by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, says it has uncovered how the contract sum for a road project in the state was inflated from N8 billion to N16 billion by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.
DAILY POST reports that the contract sum for the 17.5-kilometer road project was inflated thrice within a year.
The Sub-committee on Physical Assets and Infrastructure of the Verification Committee discovered the inflation during an inspection of the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road Phase 1C.
The contract was awarded to Nsik Engineering Company Limited on May 16, 2023, while work commenced in September 2023.
The project manager of the construction firm, Engr. Ifiokebong Ekong, who spoke to members of the committee during the inspection, said the company was mobilized with the sum of N2.9 billion, representing 25 percent of the contract sum of N8 billion.
Ekong said after the mobilization, the contract sum was varied, and some amount was added to the initial cost of the project.
He added that the completion period of the job, which was initially three and a half years, was, however, reviewed downward to 18 months (one year and six months).
The project manager said the contract sum was initially N8 billion when it was awarded in September 2023, but it was reviewed upward to N12 billion in 2024 and later to the current sum of N16.4 billion in June 2024.
Speaking on the revelation, a member of the subcommittee, Engr. Abass Braimah, who frowned at the development, said the increment was 100 percent.
According to him, “I don’t think there is anywhere in Nigeria or outside that a project can be awarded for N8 billion, reviewed to N12 billion, and further reviewed to N16 billion.
“Why not just review it and take the entire purse of Edo State? If we can review from N8 billion to upward of between N12 billion and N16 billion in one year?
“What has substantially changed for you to have a 100 percent increment from N8 billion to N16 billion? Meanwhile, the job specification or contents have not changed. It is still the same thing.
“And all of these went through the Tenders Board processes. The Board must have sat down to peruse, and it was not only you who submitted documents and bid for the contract.
“Against the backdrop of several other companies that tendered, they gave you this job at N8 billion. After the job was awarded at N8 billion, they reviewed it with a 50 percent increment. Fifty percent of N8 billion is N4 billion, which increased the sum to N12 billion, and they further reviewed it to N16 billion.
“What type of games are we playing here? These are games,” he said.
Earlier, the chairman of the subcommittee, Patrick Obahiagbon, said the explanation by the project manager of the company confirmed the content of a petition the committee received from some citizens of the state on the alleged inflation of the contract sum for the road project.
Obahiagbon, who said the inflation took place within one year, alleged that it must have been done by the immediate past government to use the funds to finance the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
“The reason we have to take pains to particularly visit this site is based on a petition from Edo State citizens that we have just received.
“And the narrations of the construction firm’s project manager seem to justify the reasons and the nitty-gritty of that petition. The content of that petition was to the effect that there were massive reviews of contracts on this project because of the election.
“That the contract was colossally inflated because the outgoing governor needed money urgently and desperately to fund the September 21 governorship election.
“It makes no sense that within one year, a road contract sum would be varied from N8 billion to N12 billion and, in June, some few months to the election — maybe for election purposes— the contract sum again was varied from N12 billion to N16 billion.
“Maybe the petitioners were correct after all. If they were correct, this is an unfair deal to the people of Edo State,” he said.
Obahiagbon, who described the development as sad, added that the committee would urge the main committee to recommend to the state government that further investigation be carried out on the petition and the statement of the company’s project manager.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has asserted that his principal is making efforts to make life much easier for Nigerians in all areas.
According to Bwala, the Renewed Hope agenda of the incumbent government aims to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Bwala expressed this sentiment while highlighting the recent introduction of electronic gates by the Immigration Service at international airports, which seeks to enhance the travel experience and minimize issues related to human interaction in Nigeria.
The presidential aide emphasized that this progressive initiative by Tinubu’s administration represents a crucial advancement in the modernization of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
“As part of @officialABAT renewed Hope promise to Nigerians, the administration’s Immigration Service launches electronic gates at international airports, all in a bid to enhance the travel experience and reduce challenges associated with human contact.
“This innovative move by this government marks a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience of passengers.
“The idea of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope is to make life easier for Nigerians in all areas of their endeavours.
“The reforms are yielding some positives already and will only get better on a long run. Let’s keep the hope alive!” [sic],” Bwala wrote on his X handle.
The leader of the United Kingdom, UK, Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has replied to Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, saying she stands by her remarks about Nigeria despite criticism that she is denigrating the country.
Badenoch has allegedly described her upbringing in Nigeria as being overshadowed by fear and insecurity in a country plagued by corruption.
Born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents, she married a Scottish banker, Hamish Badenoch, and took her husband’s surname.
Before she was elected leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.
“This is my country. I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.
“I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.
“I grew up in a place where fear was everywhere. You cannot understand it unless you’ve lived it. Triple-checking that all the doors and windows are locked, waking up in the night at every sound, listening as you hear your neighbours scream as they are being burgled and beaten, wondering if your home would be next,” she said.
DAILY POST reports that Vice President Shettima on Monday responded, accusing Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria.
Shettima had asked Badenoch to remove the “Kemi” from her name if she was not proud of her nation of origin.
Asked about Shettima’s comments, Badenoch, through her spokesperson, said she stands by her statements and is not interested in doing public relations for Nigeria.
“She is the leader of the opposition, and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country.
“She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says,” the spokesperson said.