The sex-for-favour tango between the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, and another senator, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is the latest scandal in town. Nigeria is a country of one scandal, one moment. So, expect the wind to blow over this scandal quickly. The heat generated may soon get too much for the members of the ruling class to bear and they - all of them, both the victim and the villain, since they both share the same class interest - may conclude that it is in their class interest to sheathe the sword, reach some accommodation and find an excuse to sweep the scandal under Nigeria’s bourgeoning carpet of iniquity.

Another thing that can happen is that another scandal will break before we say “Jack Robinson” and the media will move on to the new scandal and Nigerians will tag along. We are sprinters here and not long-distance runners. We quickly lose steam and our follow-up is miserable. Yet, the wisdom of our people is that the hunter who neglects to trace the game he shoots in the forest often fails to cart it home.

When members of the ruling class fight, it makes no sense to take sides because none of the fights, most times, concern the poor. It is usually intra-class squabbles over privileges and the sharing or allocation of resources amongst themselves that have little or no bearing on the welfare and well-being of the suffering masses. When things are okay among them, when they are all busy “eating”, we hardly hear grumblings. You would think they all belong to the same political party, the same ethnicity, the same religion, and the same sex! It is only when disagreements arise over sharing formulas that allegations begin to fly all over the place!

In the spat between Akpabio and Natasha, both fighters have their past, which has further compounded issues. In “Cockcrow at dawn”, popular artiste, Bongos Ikwue, described how futile it is to look for a virgin in a maternity ward. Searching for a saint in Nigeria's National Assembly is no less elusive. It is a place notorious for turning fire-eating radicals into despicable rascals.

To make sense out of the senseless in-fighting in the Senate, I will act upon four sources; the first being the statement made by the Senate Leader, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, on why the senate suspended Natasha for six months, in which he “clarified” that the senator was suspended for gross misconduct and not because of the sexual harassment allegation she made against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Opeyemi stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 and gross indiscipline. He listed the “persistent acts of misconduct”, “blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023” and “gross misconduct” as refusal to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February, 2025; speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer; engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings; making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate; and defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.

My second source is the intervention by a doyen of the media, Mr. Tony Iredia. Titled “Senate shouldn’t have suspended Natasha Uduaghan”, Iredia argued thus: “… The senate relied heavily on the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2018 which, among other things, regulates the conduct of members and other persons connected with the proceedings of the Legislative House. Of particular importance is Section 21(2) of the Act which provides that ‘where any member is guilty of contempt of a Legislative House, the House may, by resolution, reprimand such member or suspend him from the service of the House for such period as it may determine’…

“A body such as the senate which does not have the power to make a senator, cannot give itself the power to unmake any senator. There are only two authorities that our constitution empowers to remove a legislator from office. These are: an election tribunal and the people that elected the legislator to represent them in the legislature. If an authority has no legal powers to remove a person from office, such an authority cannot validly exercise the illegal power by making the removal a short-term matter. Removal by one day in the name of suspension is a removal, it is irrelevant that the length of time of the removal is long or short because, as the saying goes, no person, group or authority can give what it does not have.

“The senate or any group or organization is no doubt entitled to making its own rules for the smooth running of the body. It is, therefore, in order for the senate to make rules to penalize its members for any infraction, but such punishment must be within its powers. If the senate is satisfied that Senator Natasha Uduaghan breached any of its rules, it can remove her from a chairmanship position of a committee or any other privileges hitherto bestowed on her by the senate. It can, however, not extend the punishment beyond its own power. This point has been repeatedly made and one wonders why our Legislative Houses have continued with the illegality of purporting to have the power to suspend one of its own.

“If they really don’t know, the courts have since severally said so. First, Femi Okurounmu, (Ogun Central) was suspended in 1999. This was followed by Joseph Waku, a senator from Benue State who was suspended in 2000. Senator Arthur Nzeribe from Imo state was suspended in 2002. Senator Ali Ndume, a former Senate leader, was suspended in 2017. Next was Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta state who was suspended in 2018… Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi state was suspended in 2024. Interestingly, the Judiciary quashed all the suspensions, declaring them as illegal and unconstitutional...

“The House of Representatives has also had its own string of illegal suspensions that have similarly been quashed by the Judiciary. One would have thought that the National Assembly should have by now realized that it has no powers to suspend its legislators. But that has not been so. Instead, there have been reports of how some State Houses of Assembly have also followed the same line as their federal colleagues… (One such) celebrated case involved Rifkatu Samson Dannas who was suspended in 2012 by the Bauchi State House of Assembly.

“The offence of Dannas, the then only female and Christian member of the House, was her objection to the proposed relocation of Tafawa Balewa Local Government headquarters from Tafawa Balewa to Bununu - a location heavily populated by Muslims… She went to court to challenge her suspension, which the court declared as illegal and unconstitutional… Aptly put, therefore, the state of the law in Nigeria today is that it is illegal for a legislative House to suspend any member…

“Again, the posture that the legislature cannot be stopped from doing its job appears misconstrued because legislative functions are, in the words of our constitution, subject to judicial review (according to) the relevant provisions of Section 4(8) of our constitution... For this reason, the courts have continued to insist that “access to court is a fundamental right in the Constitution, which cannot be taken away by force or intimidation from any organ… it is unimaginable, as one lawyer suggested the other day, that although Order 67(4) of its own rules limits the suspension of a member of the upper chamber to a maximum of 14 days, the senate went ahead to violate such rules by suspending Uduaghan not for 14 days but for 6 months!”

My third source said “the real reason” Natasha was suspended was her insistence to have the moribund Ajaokuta steel complex investigated. Ajaokuta and the refineries are projects that have gulped, and are still gulping, billions of dollars without any respite or solution in sight. Natasha is said to have a motion crying for investigations. When will the motion see the light of day?

My fourth and final source is a social media post which showed Akpabio as a senator committing the same offence that Natasha is being punished for, against Bukola Saraki as senate president, and he was not given the Natasha treatment! Social media, they say, never forgets! What goes around comes around! He who comes to equity must come with clean hands! And if you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones!

To conclude: Was it the importance of this dog-fight that made the Senate Leader, and not the senate spokesperson, to address the media on the matter while the Senate President himself acted as the accuser and judge in his own case? Why was the latter's incongruity lost on a senate brimming with lawyers?

I believe, with the above, you are able to form your own reasonable opinion on the Akpabio-Natasha face-off!

Veteran Journalist and Presenter, Reuben Abati said on Tuesday that leadership in Nigeria must evolve to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Speaking at Baze University’s Founders Day celebration in Abuja, Mr Abati noted that Nigeria’s governance challenges have changed with digital transformation and so must governance.

Mr Abati, the keynote speaker at the event, spoke on the topic: “Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria”.

He noted that the digital transformation despite its pros has also introduced challenges such as misinformation, cyber-attacks and data breaches.

He explained that governance must also evolve with the transformations in the digital era.
“In a disruptive era, leadership transcends traditional authority and requires a proactive, visionary, and ethical approach,” he said.

“Navigating governance in a disruptive era demands leaders who are ethical, accountable, and forward-thinking.
“Given Nigeria’s history of political instability, economic volatility, and social unrest, adaptive leadership is essential for ensuring resilience in governance.”

He said leadership today requires leaders who can address political instability, economic fluctuations, security threats, and technological disruptions through ethical decision-making and strategic governance.
Mr Abati noted that a successful government must build public trust which he said can be done through accountability and ensuring sustainable national development.

“The future of governance depends on the ability of leaders to rise above personal interest and prioritise collective good,” he said.

Institutional reforms

Mr Abati explained that ethical lapses in governance like corruption, nepotism and abuse of power are undermining national development.

He said institutional reforms are essential to build strong institutions for sustainable governance.

He listed the reforms to include the strengthening of independence for anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission.

“Weak institutions have historically hindered Nigeria’s development, allowing corruption and inefficiency to thrive,” he said.

He also said policy makers must embrace evidence-based decision-making and continuity of policies to ensure developmental programmes are not abandoned due to political transitions.

“Policy frameworks should be aligned with long-term national development goals, while legislative processes must incorporate public participation to ensure that governance reflects the needs of citizens,” he said.

Founder’s Day Significance

Earlier in her welcome address, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Jamila Shu’ara, a professor, said the event was to celebrate the vision of the founder of the institution, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed.

Ms Shu’ara said “Founder’s Day is a time to reflect on our journey, which is firmly rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service.”

She noted that the institution commenced operations in March 2011, with 17 students in three faculties —Business Studies, Computing and Information Technology and Law.

Today, she said the institution has nine faculties, 102 academic programmes approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), over 6,000 students and 911 members of staff.

The faculties are Management and Social Sciences, Law, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Computing and Information Technology, Allied and Health Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Clinical Sciences.

Ms Shu’ara added that the university has produced 3,300 undergraduate students and 668 post graduate students.

“As we celebrate our robust growth, we are grateful to God, and we pay tribute to our Founder’s unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives and communities,” she said.

Speaking, the Founder and Chancellor of the university, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, emphasised the institution’s founding principles.

He said the university, which he founded 14 years ago, is based on the vision that “education is the most powerful tool for national transformation.”

“Today, we celebrate this institution’s remarkable journey, a journey marked by relentless dedication to knowledge, cutting-edge research, and character-driven leadership,” he said.

He said the university has consistently demonstrated a commitment to shaping minds, nurturing talents, and producing graduates ready to impact society.

[premiumtimesng]

The former Senior Special Assistant on Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, has advocated for a total shift from the mode of preparing Nigeria’s future leaders to modern trends that prioritize leadership education and capacity-building.

Abati noted that it is imperative to equip leaders with formal education programs, one that integrate leadership training, policy analysis, and crisis management skills as part of the key requirements in preparing Nigeria’s leaders for the future.

He gave the recommendations on Tuesday in Abuja as a guest speaker at Baze University’s 14th anniversary and first founder’s lecture.

His lecture was titled “Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria.”

Like many developing nations, Abati said Nigeria was grappling with continuous disruptions, which affect its progress, the well-being of its people, and its overall level of growth and development.

“The clearest indication is that political instability, economic fluctuations, security challenges, technological advancements and evolving social dynamics have created an environment that demands adaptive and ethical leadership, which is for the most part lacking, creating much alienation between the people and those who lead them.

“In such a context, for corrective purposes, governance requires resilience, foresight, and integrity to address emerging crises while maintaining public trust”

He noted that in a disruptive era, leadership transcends traditional authority and requires a proactive, visionary, and ethical approach.

“Nigeria’s governance challenges necessitate leaders who can anticipate potential disruptions and devise adaptive strategies to mitigate their impact. Leadership in this context should be transformative, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration with key stakeholders.”

To navigate governance challenges, Abati said leaders must be equipped with modern educational skills.

“Institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) play a crucial role in fostering strategic leadership development, but their curricula must be continuously updated to reflect contemporary governance challenges.

“Institutional reforms are essential for sustainable governance. Weak institutions have historically hindered Nigeria’s development, allowing corruption and inefficiency to thrive,” he said.

Speaking of the importance of the lecture theme to the students in an interview with the media, Vice-Chancellor of the institution,  Jamila Shu’ara, said the university is a ground for preparing Nigeria’s future leaders.

“We have to teach our students to be leaders of tomorrow, and you can see the quality of the questions and observations that they asked. They have hope in us, they have hope in our country, and they have hope in tomorrow.

“We are convinced that the tutoring they go through in our university prepares them well enough to face the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.

Shu’ara was optimistic that, though Baze University is fourteen years old, it has emerged as one of the leading universities in Nigeria.

“We see Baze University being the best university in Nigeria. The significance of today’s Founders Day is to celebrate, first, the vision of the visionary and the vision of the dreamer, and also to celebrate the faculty and the staff that have supported this vision, to celebrate the products that are the graduates that we produce, and to celebrate our alumni.

“All this we put together today to remind ourselves that for us as an institution, we still hope and feel that the most potent tool to change the world is education.”

[newtelegraphng]

The central bank of any country is a uniquely influential institution. Due to its mandate of maintaining monetary and financial stability in line with the economic vision of the government, everything it does can impact everyone. That is why PhD. economists and experienced bankers are the top picks for heading the banks.

This is why appointments at the central banks are always of interest to institutions, groups, and individuals. In Nigeria of today, the Central Bank of Nigeria is an institution of utmost public interest due to the state of the economy and the ongoing economic and financial reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

But sadly, in Nigeria, appointments into the CBN are not seen as part of the building block for the country’s economic rejuvenation. The CBN is seen only as a juicy institution where the elites scramble for a seat at the table and where politicians invoke Federal Character provisions of the Nigerian Constitution to put their cronies in positions to access the wealth of the nation.

Whereas, in other times, where economic engineering is taken seriously, only the most talented look forward to a career in the institution. A statement about recruitment into the Bank of England (similar to that of the US Federal Reserve) describes the bank as an “intellectually stimulating” environment that is “highly professional.”

It further states that “While organisations in the private sector are focused primarily on profits, the ultimate objectives for us are always the quality of our thinking, the rigour of our analysis and the overall deliverables in line with our vision of promoting the good of the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining monetary and financial stability.”

Emphasising the importance of competence and professionalism for the bank, it says, “The issues we deal with on a daily basis have implications for everyone in the country.” This statement is as true for the United Kingdom as it is true for Nigeria today.

This is why the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso has broken with past tradition. Cardoso, like his counterpart at the US Federal Reserve, Jerome H. Powell is confronted by an economic reform that has brought financial hardship to the majority of citizens due to rising inflation.

But Cardoso’s reforms at the CBN portray a governor who takes his job seriously and is determined to deliver for the good of the country.

Aside from the monetary policy reforms of the CBN, many will welcome the thrilling news that the CBN recently recruited 16 new directors through a highly competitive process and not through arbitrary promotion. These appointments, which was more of internal promotion exercise, took effect from March 3, and it affects critical departments of the apex bank such as Monetary Policy; Trade and Exchange; Banking Supervision; Payment Systems and Consumer Protection among others.

The CBN reportedly engaged the global consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct the selection process for the directors from among top officials of the bank  who applied, following an internal advertisement, to ensure only the most competent are elevated. It is highly commendable and in line with global best practices for central banks. It is certainly the type of promotion process needed by the CBN at this time. 

Reports indicate that the PwC conducted a two-phase appointment process designed to eliminate bias in the recruitment and ensure the process is transparent. Many would wish that all critical national institutions in the country can also conduct their recruitments in this manner to ensure the right persons, no matter their ethnicity or religion, are put in charge.

Usually, for central banks, the recruitment process will include competency-based interviews, ability testing, occupational or motivational questionnaires, written assessments, case studies, and/or presentations. Anyone who scales through all these is an asset to the institution and must not be denied the chance to help the country because of their religion or where they come from as long as they’re Nigerians.

No one will be surprised by reports that staff of the bank commended the selection process as objective, transparent, and merit based. It is a far cry from past tradition where directors are arbitrarily selected because of their connections with VIPs or they’re favored by the CBN governor.

This break with tradition is widely seen in economic and financial circles as a step towards strengthening governance and operational efficiency of the apex bank. It signals a significant internal restructuring aimed at enhancing the bank’s operational efficiency and regulatory oversight. An internal memo quoted by Premium Times said the appointments were aimed at “achieving the Bank’s vision and mission for long-term success.”

A look at some of the new appointees also shows that diversity was one of the selection criteria – a point that can never be over-emphasise in a diverse country as Nigeria. While economic policy should be driven by capacity rather than regional or ethnic consideration, inclusivity is essential in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria,

Mallam Abdullahi Hamisu, the newly appointed director of Banking Services, is from the north of the country. Before his appointment, he served as coordinator, banking services under the Operations Directorate. He now occupies a position that is pivotal to ensuring smooth banking operations across the nation.

Sike Rita Ijeoma, one of the appointees from the South East, is the director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department. She was formerly the director of the Banking Supervision of CBN. Her expertise and leadership earned her the new position where she is expected to significantly push the CBN’s mission of maintaining a stable and efficient financial system in Nigeria.

Akinwunmi Olubukola Akinniyi, from the southwest, is the director, Banking Supervision Department. He was an assistant director in the Payments System Management Department of the CBN before his new appointment. He is credited with leading the team responsible for formulation of payment system policies and facilitating stakeholder consensus on payments system development strategy in Nigeria. He also participated in major reforms in the Nigerian Payments System, including the implementation of the Nigeria Central Switch, Cash-less Policy, and the Payments System Vision 2020.

Oboh Victor Ugbem, a senior development economist, is the new director, Monetary Policy Department. Victor, who is from the South-south of the country, has over 20 years experience in the areas of monetary, financial, and agricultural policies as well as private sector development.

He was formerly an assistant director in the CBN, providing technical support to the design and implementation of the Bank’s policies.

In what appears a reflection of the prominent role women now play in the board rooms of commercial banks in the country, the CBN has promoted six women to the position of directors in charge of crucial departments. They are:  Yusuf Rakiya Opeyemi – Director, Payment System Supervision: Mrs. Jide-Samuel Omoyemen Avbasowamen – Director, Information Technology: Aisha Isa-Olatinwo – Director, Consumer Protection: Mrs. Sike Rita Ijeoma – Director, Financial Policy and Regulation: Mrs. Monsurat Vincent (Strategy Management and Innovation and Dr. Adenike Olubunmi Ojumu (Medical Services).

Other directors named in the appointment are Dr. Usman Moses Okpanachi (Statistics), Mr. Farouk Mujtaba Muhammad (Reserve Management), Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji, (Currency Operation and Branch Management Department), Mr. Mohammed-Jamiu Olayemi Solaja,(Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department) and Mr. Musa Nakorji  (Trade and Exchange Department).

Analysts of the CBN reforms have commended the inclusivity of the appointments despite being merit based as proof of its objectivity and transparency. It kudos to the CBN Governor for navigating the vexing challenge of federal character while searching for the brightest minds within the system.

 It is only when we put people in position where their skills and qualifications are best suited that we can get positive results. This is what the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and other central banks do to be at the top of their game.

It is hoped that the processes leading to the appointments of these 16 directors would become a tradition to ensure that only bright minds are put in charge of executing the mandates of the apex bank. For the sake of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Cardoso has raised the bar and blazed the trail. He would be judged by the success or failure of his reforms and innovations. On the economic horizon, the weather is getting brighter, and there are reasons to be optimistic.

Nigeria’s economy is recovering faster than anticipated. Inflation eased to 24.5% in January, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows are rising, and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expanding.

The BusinessDay reported over the weekend that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to maintain interest rates at its last meeting has fuelled a rally in Nigeria’s Eurobond market, reinforcing foreign investors’ confidence in the domestic economy.

The paper wrote that the investment report shows that Nigeria’s Eurobond market closed the month of February in positive territory, signaling sustained foreign investor confidence. Quoting data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), it said the average yield on Nigeria’s Eurobonds closed at 8.80 per cent, 41 basis points down from 9.21 per cent at the beginning of February, signalling “strong investor appetite.”

The CBN is proving doubters of its reforms wrong. Cardoso and his team of brilliant deputy governors are doing a good job of brainstorming for the public good. They are showing that the central bank is a laboratory of ideas and not a casino for sleazy men in suit. They deserve the support of all Nigerians to rescue the country from economic abyss that years of thoughtless leadership have plunged it.

But no doubt critics would continue to analyse every action of the CBN because of what the organisation represents. So, just as several economic analysts have done, this purpose of this write-up is to urge the team not to rest on its oars.                

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said 19 states in the North Central zone, Southeast, and coastal areas are at risk of impending heat stress.

The states that would be mostly affected are Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, and FCT.

Other vulnerable regions are the southwest and northern states including Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

The NiMet alert issued yesterday shows rising temperatures and high humidity over the next three to four days, which may cause thermal discomfort across several regions.

According to the agency, the potential health risks include fatigue and irritability, reduced focus and motor skills, and lower productivity.

NiMet, however, advised residents of the affected areas to

“Stay cool by using fans, air conditioning, or shaded spaces and dress light by wearing breathable clothing.

“Drink plenty of water, avoid peak sun hours (12 PM – 3 PM). Use sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.”

 [Leadership]

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has proposed major changes in the tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Daily Trust reports that the committee modified a number of the clauses, expunged some, retained many and introduced some new clauses in the bills.

The chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Rep James Abiodun Faleke, yesterday presented the reports on the consolidated tax reform bills to the House at the resumption of plenary.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in October 2024 transmitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

The presentation of the reports followed the conclusion of a three-day public hearing on the bills and the subsequent review of the memoranda presented to the committee as well as inputs made by various stakeholders during the hearing.

The reports presented to the House include that on a “Bill for an Act to Provide for the Assessment, Collection of, and Accounting for Revenue Accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Governments; Prescribe the Powers and Functions of Tax Authorities, and for Related Matters (HB.1756) ” (Referred: 12/2/2025).

“A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No.13, 2007 and Enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment)  Bill to Establish Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with Powers of Assessment, Collection of, and Accounting for Revenue Accruable to the Government of the Federation and for Related Matters (HB.1757)” (Referred: 12/2/2025).

“A Bill for an Act to Establish Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombud, for the Harmonisation, Coordination and Settlement of Disputes arising from Revenue Administration in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1758) and a “Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide For Taxation of Income, Transactions and Instruments, and for Related Matters (HB.1759).”

Daily Trust reports that barring any last minute change, the House of Representatives will begin the clause-to-clause consideration of the bills on Thursday.

Drops VAT increase, modifies inheritance tax

Meanwhile, the committee has recommended a number of changes to the proposed bills and recommended to the House for clause-by-clause consideration and passage.

The changes made to the bills addressed some of the contentious clauses such as increase in VAT rate, scrapping of TETFUND, NITDA and NASENI, modification of inheritance tax; VAT derivation and distribution formula, among others.

While it was proposed in section 146 that VAT should be increased from the current 7.5% to 10% by 31st December, 2025; 12.5% from January 2026 to December 31st 2029 and to 15% from January 2030 upwards, the committee recommended that the current 7.5% VAT rate be retained.

The committee also modified the contentious clause on inheritance tax. While it was proposed that an estate left by a deceased would be taxed, it has been modified to say that whoever inherits such estate or part of it as an heir and invests it in business yielding returns will now be taxed.

TETFUND, NITDA, NASENI to remain

The Section 59 of the Nigerian Tax Bill which proposed to stop the funding of TETFUND, NITDA and NASENI by 2030 has been modified by the committee, which proposed that the funding should continue, while recommending additional agencies to benefit from the 4 % development levy fund.

The committee recommends that the fund accruing from the 4% development levies imposed on the assessable profits of all companies shall be distributed as follows — (a) Tertiary Education Trust Fund — 50%; (b) Nigerian Education Loan — 3%; (c)National Information Technology Development Fund — 5%; (d) National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure — 10%;

Others include Social Security Fund – 10;  Defence Infrastructure Fund, 10%; Nigeria Police Trust Fund – 5%; National Sports Development Fund– 3%; National Board for Technological Incubation – 3% and National Cybersecurity Fund – 1%.

The committee further recommended that for the purpose of this section, every beneficiary Agency and Fund in subsection (3) shall be required to prepare and submit their income and expenditure to the National Assembly for appropriation

While Section 22 of the bill proposed that “a taxable person shall, in respect of Value Added Tax (VAT), with or without a notice and whether or not an economic activity has taken place, submit a return to the Service in the prescribed form, by the date specified in subsection of this section or in a regulation issued by the Service for that purpose, the committee recommended that a taxable person shall, in respect of Value Added Tax (VAT), with or without a notice and whether or not an economic activity has taken place, submit a return to the Service in the prescribed form, on or before the 21st day of the following month.

Attribution irrespective of location

While the Section 22 (12) proposed that “For the purpose of attribution, any return under this section shall provide details of derivation of taxable supplies by location in a manner prescribed by the Service”, the committee recommended “For the purpose of attribution, any return under this section shall provide details of consumption of taxable supplies, irrespective of where the return is filed.”

Section 7(2) of the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill proposed that “Where a relevant tax authority refuses to register or issue a Tax ID upon request under subsection (1) of this section, the relevant tax authority shall, within two working days of the decision, notify that person of the refusal. However, the committee recommended that “Where a relevant tax authority refuses to register or issue a Tax ID upon request under subsection (1) of this section, the relevant tax authority shall, within five working days of the decision, notify that person of the refusal with reasons.

On fiscalisation

Section 23 of the bill proposed that where the Service deploys an Electronic Fiscal System (EFS) any person making a taxable supply shall use the EFS for recording and reporting all supplies. It also proposed that the Service may prescribe technical specifications and security standards for using the EFS to record and report supplies. It further added that taxable persons shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all transactions passing through the EFS.

However, the committee recommended that, “The Service shall specify the fiscalisation system to be adopted and a transition arrangement for its implementation.”

It also recommended that (1) “Where the Service deploys an Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), any person making a taxable supply shall use the EFS for recording and reporting.”

The committee further added that “Taxable persons shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all transactions passing through the EFS and that the Service shall specify the fiscalisation system to be adopted and a transition arrangement for its implementation.”

Section 27 proposed that, “Every person who has an obligation to deduct and remit tax under this Act or any other tax legislation shall render monthly returns as specified in the regulation issued for that purpose.

“Every person who has an obligation to deduct and remit tax under this Act or any other tax legislation shall render monthly returns to the appropriate tax authority, as specified in the regulation issued for that purpose.

Company tax rates

Section 56 of the Nigerian Tax Bill proposed that  “Companies shall be levied, for each year of assessment in respect of total profits of every company, in the case of— (a) a small company, at zero per cent; and (b) any other company, at the rate of– (i) 27.5% in 2025 year of assessment, and (ii) 25% from 2026 year of assessment.”

However, the committee recommended that tax shall be levied, for each year of assessment in respect of total profits of every company, in the case of— (a) a small company, at zero percent; and (b) any other company, save for companies in subsection (2) of this section, at the rate of 30 per cent. It further recommended that companies operating in priority sectors as contained in the Eleventh Schedule of this Act shall be subject to income tax at the rate of 25 per cent, during the priority period.

90% of contentious areas addressed – Lawmaker

Speaking to our reporter yesterday, Rep. Bappah Aliyu Misau (PDP, Bauchi) said he had gone through the contentious issues and noticed that over 90 per cent of the concerns raised had been addressed.

He said: “I had the privilege to be at the public hearing in order to feel the pulse of the nation as regards the bills. So, what I read first when I saw the report were the contentious and controversial issues. That was the first thing I did to see how the diverse opinions and suggestions by Nigerians as groups and individuals have been considered.

“The issue of VAT increase has been addressed; the issue of TETFUND, NITDA and NASENI scrapping has been removed. The proposed VAT increase from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent and subsequently to a higher percentage has been removed.

“Inheritance Tax was the most critical aspect in the Tax reform bills which affects all Muslims. The issue has been addressed squarely. Initially, it was proposed that the estate left by a deceased would be taxed. That aspect has been removed. What is now contained in bill is that whoever inherits the estate or part of it as an heir and invests it in business, the business or the property yielding returns to him will be taxed.

“The other issue we raised about the Southern part getting more share of the VAT has also been addressed. Now we have 30 per cent derivation rather than 60 per cent. The derivation is also not as it was before; it will be based on consumption, not based on where a company or entity is headquartered.

“So, it is 30 per cent on consumption. And again, we said, this 30 per cent because of fiscalisation. What needs to be done now is to provide the technology that can track the consumption and provide the needed data for computation.

“The other issue addressed is the composition of the board of the proposed Joint Tax Board. After the chairman, it was now agreed in the bill that persons will be appointed to the board from all the 36 states and six executive directors will be appointed with one each representing each of the political zones.

“So, the executive directors will serve as heads of operations. Before, the provision was to have only non-executive directors who almost have no power, but will act on what the chairman directs them to do. What is in the bill now is that the zones will bring one person each and the president will be the one to appoint the executive directors for a tenure of four years, renewable. So, all the grey areas have been taken care of.

“The excessive powers given in the initial bill have been toned down with the proposed appointment of one person from the 36 states as members and the appointment of the executive directors from the zones.

“So, the fear of the chairman wielding excessive powers has been allayed and addressed,” he said.

Fear in the North

Daily Trust reports that before the public hearing was held, there was a lot of push back on the bills especially from the North.

Governors and members of the National Assembly from the region had noted serious concerns on some provisions in the presidential bills.

However, after serious debates and interventions, a consensus was reached between the governors and tax reform team, a development that paved the way for public hearing at the two chambers of the national assembly.

Some legislators told the Daily Trust after the public hearing, senators and members of the House of Representatives from the North had commissioned the services of some consultants who helped in bringing out serious defence on why some provisions in the original bills must be expunged.

“We succeeded in proving our fears and gladly, Rep Faleke, who is the chairman of the finance committee agreed,” one of the sources said.

But another Rep member said they are still entertaining some fears.

“Of course, most of the issues we corrected at the House committee have been relayed to the Senate Committee on Finance led by Senator Sani Musa from Niger State. We are hopeful that during the clause by clause consideration, the issues would be taken seriously.

“We want to believe that some of our colleagues both in the Senate and the House of Representatives would not be compromised,” the source said.

Red flags

Our correspondents report that outside the National Assembly, still there are concerns that several contentious and “potentially dangerous” provisions in the Bills have not been dealt with despite the recent public hearing on the Bills.

A new research conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) highlighted these provisions, saying key issues that directly impact citizens were neglected.

The publication, authored by Abubakar Siddique Mohammed and Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi was the second to be released by the group of intellectuals since the debate on the tax reform bills began.

In the earlier publication released in December, the group had highlighted how some of the provisions could threaten the Nigeria’s federal system

And in the latest document released in February, CEDDERT highlighted “potentially dangerous” provisions which can be abused.

The scholars explained that the consensus emerging from the several political bargains by the elites over the bills “would have serious economic and social consequences because it has neglected the many aspects of these bills that are important for the people’s welfare.”

According to CEDDERT, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to “snatch” some compromises from the governors “using all forms of subterranean means.”

For instance, Section 75(1) of the proposed Tax Administration Bill grants the President unrestricted authority to exempt any company or group of companies and any of their profits, regardless of the source, from income tax on any grounds deemed adequate.

It also pointed out that under Section 75(2), the President is empowered “to amend, add, or repeal any tax exemption by issuing an executive order.”

The group stated that “there is no democratic country in the world where a president has such powers! Not in the US, the UK or even Russia.”

According to the researchers, this section of the bill, which gives significant power to the President, if passed “will deepen centralisation of authority, increase unproductive lobbies, reduce revenue and increase corruption in ways similar to import duty waivers given in the past.”

The report also highlighted Section 60 of the NTAB which empowers the authority to seize assets of a person whose assessment is finalised and conclusive.

“They do not need further approval of the court (section 60(b)(3)) to distrain any property. They can use police with reasonable force to break and enter the property (Section 61). The authority may sell the seized property after 14 days (section 60 (b)(4)) with court approval.”

According to the report, this practice is now restricted to require court approval or abolished in many jurisdictions because of abuse.

“This section is all the more dangerous due to weak state institutions. With this provision, citizens can be targeted and crippled financially. Indeed, it is in violation of the constitution and of the law of natural justice,” the scholars stated.

According to the group, in line with the global best practice, and the provision of the Joint Revenue Board that establishes the Tax Appeal Tribunal, all tax disputes should be settled in courts.

It also queried the introduction of special purpose tax officers, saying it would only add to the retinue of law enforcement officers “who have continued to complicate law enforcement itself” as the officers were given the powers of police officers.

The publication also examined Section 63 which empowers the authority to investigate or cause an investigation to be conducted on any person, whether or not it is reported, based on suspicion arising from lifestyle (Section 60 (3)). The authority can use any law enforcement agency for the purpose (Section 63(2)).

It opined that this can be used to hound political opponents given “the dictatorial tendency of our leaders.”

“These complex and excessive powers are not only dangerous to the citizens, but also to the politicians themselves. The danger of these provisions reminds us of the attempt to use tax laws to prevent Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Mallam Aminu Kano from contesting election,” it added.

Technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Eguavoen has debunked reports of interference in Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle squad selection for the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Eric pruned his large provisional squad for both games to 23 on Tuesday.

Notable omissions include Ahmed Musa, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and Zaidu Sanusi.

Eguavoen said that Chelle is in total control of the team and have the responsibility of picking his players.

The former defender further declared that the Malian took his time before coming up with the list.

“I want Nigerians to get clarity on something, I’ve been technical director for a few years and I have attended FIFA workshops where I ask questions a lot and they made it clear to me that a senior national team coach anywhere in the world has a final say on who he wants on his list.

“We can interact, we cannot interfere. If he says no, it’s no. That is why they can fire a senior national team coach at any time. So I will say Eric Chelle took his time to prepare this list and he has the final say,” Eguavoen told SuperSport.

The Super Eagles will open camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda on Sunday.

The three-time African champions will face Adel Amrouche’s side at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali next week Friday.

They will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.

[DailyPost]

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, ‘accidental’ civil servant, vocal politician and former governor of Kaduna State, has carried out his threat to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The defector is not an ideologue, and his defection was not based on ideological consideration. He is rich, but his wealth cannot match the quantum of human and material resources available to his former party. He left a big party for a smaller and struggling platform with limited prospects.

His departure from the ruling party was not beyond expectation. He had complained about some policies of the party on the pages of newspapers. “APC has left me,” he declared a month ago, hinting about his next move.” Apart from arrogating an exclusive numerical voting power and strength to the North during elections, he also tried to pose as the leader of an impending northern onslaught, warning that in two years time, the North will not vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

But, other nothern leading lights from the region disagreed, saying that he only expressed a personal opinion. APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje rejected El-Rufai’s allegation that the North was neglected, describing it as a figment of imagination. He said the president, through his inclusive policies, have given northerners a sense of belonging.

Having been left in the cold during the inauguration of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by President  Tinubu, the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister has not adjusted to life outside power.

As a founding member of APC, the turn of events is worrisome to some of his supporters, who are not likely to jump ship like him. El-Rufai had blamed his exclusion, more from the government, but less from the party, to the alleged plot hatched by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, his Fulani kinsman from Adamawa State, who arguably became more influential than him after the 2023 polls.

When it was evident that he had lost the nomination for a ministerial slot in the administration,  he was worried. His ego was deflated. He attracted public sympathy. The feeling was that after he had said that he was not interested in serving as a minister, he was persuaded to accept nomination by the party leader and he actually showed up for screening at the Senate. Many thought the Power portfolio was for him.

However, 24 days is a long time in politics. The table turned against him on the slippery political field. Sources said El-Rufai was consequently asked to nominate another person for the slot. Yet, in his diminishing camp of supporters in Kaduna and other places, the missed opportunity was a big blow and a sort of dashed hope for cronies who had wished to make an in-road into the administration.

Mixed reactions have trailed his defection to the SDP, a party that came fourth in the last presidential election. It could not be ascertained whether he discussed his move with his former leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and colleagues in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Analysts have pointed out that he left APC to galvanise the opposition and align interest with previous political foes who are united by the motive to work against President Tinubu in 2027.

El-Rufai has been described as a clever and controversial actor, whose political life had reflected a focus and resolve to succeed as an exponent of conditional loyalty and symbol of ethnic bullying.

To the SDP, El-Rufai is a big catch. He is a household name in political circles associated with some past political battles. But his new party is not a formidable platform, although it has two senators who borrowed it during the 2023 polls.

 SDP presidential candidate in the last general election, Adebayo Adewole, who once castigated him as a symbol of ethnic and religious bigotry in a plural country thirsty for unity in diversity, acknowledged his strengths and weaknesses. He said El-Rufai would need to work on those weaknesses.

Adewole, a lawyer and businessman, described the former governor as a competent and hardworking public servant, whose skills, experience and energy are needed for effective governance. He said the defection has met the expectation of the SDP, whose strategy is to woo popular politicians into the fold as it prepares to tackle Tinubu in the next election. To him, El-Rufai is an asset to the opposition.

Some politicians and commentators do not share these views. Sheu Sani, a human rights activist and a senator from Kaduna in the first term of El-Rufai as governor, described the defection as a good radiance to a bad rubbish. He described the venerable defector as a civilian dictator, who is guilty of his allegations against the APC.

Sani said El-Rufai has no respect for internal democracy, recalling that when he was governor, the party chairman, secretary, elected local government chairmen and most of the elected public officials were handpicked by him.

“I left APC because of him. If he returns to the APC, I will leave again,” he added.

Sani predicted that El-Rufai will become a divisive factor in his new abode because of his domineering nature.

Kaduna APC welcomed the defection with a sense of relief. Its Secretary, Yahaya Pate, said: “We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani come 2027.”

A political scientist, Prof. Jideofor Adibe of Nasarawa State University, Nasarawa, said El-Rufai has achieved a motive, adding that his goal is relevance, which he believes SDP can guarantee. But he pointed out that many percieved him as a polarising force in the polity.

Critics also doubted if his defection would have much negative impact on the APC, which is waxing strong. He condemned transactional ambition. The Professor contented that instead of solo efforts, mergers are better.

To many observers, El-Rufai is a complex personality; in a breath very principled, and in another dimension politically unstable. He is an arrogant, clever and an aggressive operator, blessed with persuasive talents and organisational ability crucial for mobilisation under a virile leadership.

Eminent scholar, the late Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe,  who sighted El-Rufai at a function in Lagos, said he suspected that the first class graduate of Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was one of his troublesome students on rampange when he was ‘stoned’ as vice chancellor with pure water. He insisted that El-Rufai was at the forefront. The claim could not be ascertained. At the event, El-Rufai just smiled.

Outside school, El-Rufai has not been dumb. In public life, he has really excelled.

El-Rufai first tasted power when former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar appointed him as as an economic advisor in 1998.

His successor, President Olusegun Obasanjo later appointed El-Rufai as the inaugural director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and Secretary of the National Council of Privatisation where he spearheaded the privatisation of  government owned corporations under the supervision of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In July 2003, he was appointed the FCT Minister. He insisted on the implementation of the original masterplan. With the establishment of the Abuja Geographic Information System, the federal capital became the first municipality in Nigeria with a computerised land register and information system.

After El-Rufai’s appointment was approved by the Senate, he alleged that former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu and Senator Jonathan Zwingina asked for $414,000 bribe before his nomination as a minister was approved. Both senators denied the accusation.

The Senate Public Accounts Committee accused him of paying exorbitant salaries to staff without proper approval. El-Rufai retorted: “Silence is the best answer to a fool.” The Senate was enraged. Obasanjo apologised on his behalf. When it was rejected, he had to go to the Senate to tender a personal apology.

As FCT Minister, El-Rufai demolished 945 buildings and settlements in a bid to sanitise the territory. The residence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)National Chairman, Senator Ahmadu Ali, in Asokoro, built over a water trunk line, was not spared.

At the twilight of the administration  El-Rufai presided over a ministerial/administrative panel which indicted his former boss, Atiku.

In 2008, he travelled abroad. When he came back, he enlisted in the CPC, serving as its secretary. When CPC fused with other parties to form APC, he became a legacy member. In 2015, he became governor, defeating former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of the PDP. He was reelected in 2019.

As governor, he embarked on the reforms of the civil service, reduced the number of ministries and departments, implemented free education at primary and secondary school levels, and blocked financial leakages. His decision to confuct test for teachers sparked a row between him and the teachers’ union.

El-Rufai rendered a vital service to APC and Nigeria when the committee he chaired recommended the restructuring of the polity. The report was dumped into the dustbin.

As governor, he often stormed Lagos to fire salvos at the APC National Leader, who he accused of domineering influence. He decried what he described as monopolisation of power and lack of internal democracy. Party loyalists and other Lagosians ignored the partisan incitement.

Those who decribed him as a Fulani irredentist loathed his statement in defence of tribal interest, when he warned soldiers in the line of duty to know their limitations.

“We will write this for all to read. Anyone, soldier or not that kills the Fulani takes a loan payable one day no matter how long it takes,” he tweeted.

His remarks on religion were also labelled by christian bodies as a “divisive, bigoted, hateful and completely unstatesmanlike declaration of Islamic political supremacism in Kaduna State and Nigeria.”

Around 2017, El-Rufai, accompanied by Rotimi Amaechi, former Transportation minister, held a parley with reporters at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, to collate facts on Buhari’s popularity in the Southwest. To their surprise, they found out that the key and gate to the Southwest remained Asiwaju Tinubu. In fact, a reporter retorted: “Why are you coming to us to ask questions about the strength of Buhari in the Southwest,or whether the people of the zone will vote for him in 2019? In 2014/15, you people went to Bourdillion to see Asiwaju. Why are you coming to us instead of going to meet your National Leader?” Amaechi kicked at the comment. But, El-Rufai was jotting down the observations. During the Tinubu birthday that followed in 2018, Buhari stormed Lagos, proclaiming Tinubu as master strategist.

There was no evidence to suggest that El-Rufai was rooting for Tinubu ahead of the presidential primary. But, when certain elements in the party claimed that Buhari had anointed Senator Ahmed Lawan, El-Rufai led some governors to the former president to affirm support for zoning.

A predecessor-successor crisis broke out in Kaduna, shortly after El-Rufai left office. Today, he and his sucessor do not see eye to eye.

What difference can he now make in SDP, having left APC, his natural habitat, which he would be attacking as the polity warms up for 2027?

SDP is a small party, and it is wrong to describe the current SDP as the  incarnate of the Moshood Abiola’s SDP of the Third Republic.

The party has limited tentacles, being majorly a borrowed platform, like the Labour Party (LP), and place of temporary refuge for aggrieved chieftains from the APC and PDP. In the National Assembly and across the states, SDP is a minority of minorities.

What is El-Rufai’s future ambition? President or Vice president?