AFOLABI
Youths Who Reject Taxi Driving In Nigeria Embrace It Abroad — Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says taxi driving is a noble means of livelihood and should be embraced to make a decent income.
Wike stated this at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in the Garki area of Abuja on Thursday when he handed over 80 new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis.
“They are not paying a dime. No; the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” said the minister.
He encouraged the beneficiaries not to be ashamed that they are being empowered to be taxi drivers, saying that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad.
“What you will see in the social media is that he wants them to be taxi drivers. We travel and see Nigerians who stay abroad and work as taxi drivers,” the former Rivers State governor said.
“Nigerians at home will say our uncle is in London, my uncle is in Houston, my uncle is in Paris, my uncle has sent us $200 but he (the uncle abroad) makes his money as a taxi driver, feeds his family and pays his taxes.
“Instead of encouraging how to feed our families, the next thing we will see in social media is that they are giving them jobs as taxi drivers.
“We can’t be taxi drivers here but we prefer taxi driving in London. That is the country you are in.”
To curtail kidnapping and cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery, the minister said effective January 2025, any commercial bus not duly profiled by security agencies won’t be allowed to operate within the nation’s capital.
Wike said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here that is a beneficiary is being profiled by the security.
“And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour.
“Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. From January, we won’t allow that.
“We will take the vehicle number, name of the drivers and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens.”
Tax Reform Bill Not Against The North – Tinubu
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has stated that the proposed tax reform bills is not against the north, adding that the bill will benefit all states.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Recall that Governors of 19 Northern States of Nigeria, under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, at their meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, expressed their opposition to the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the new tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
Chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, read the communiqué.
The Northern Governors’ Forum meeting also had traditional rulers from the region, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, in attendance.
Reacting, Tinubu’s spokesperson said: “While we commend the Governors and traditional rulers for supporting President Bola Tinubu over the success recorded in addressing the country’s security challenges, we consider it necessary to address the misunderstandings and misgivings around the tax reform already embarked upon by the administration.
“President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently endorsed new policy initiatives aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s tax administration processes, enhancing efficiency and eliminating redundancies across the nation’s tax operations.
“These reforms emerged after an extensive review of existing tax laws. The National Assembly is considering four executive bills designed to transform and modernise Nigeria’s tax landscape.
“First is the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate unintended multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide.
“Second, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions for ease of compliance for taxpayers in all parts of the country.
“Third, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill seeks to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect the mandate of the Service as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.
“Fourth, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all states’ tax authorities.
“The fourth bill also suggests establishing the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, which would serve as a complaint resolution body for taxpayers.
“It is instructive to note that these proposed laws will not increase the number of taxes currently in operation. Instead, they are designed to optimise and simplify existing tax frameworks.
“The tax rates or percentages will remain the same under these reforms, as they focus on ensuring a more equitable distribution of tax obligations without adding to the burden on Nigerians.
“The reforms will not lead to job losses. On the contrary, they are structured to stimulate new avenues for job creation by supporting a dynamic, growth-oriented economy.
“Importantly, these laws will not absorb or eliminate the duties of any existing department, agency, or ministry. Instead, they aim to harmonise revenue collection and administration across the federation to ensure efficiency and cooperation.
“At the moment, tax administration lacks coordination among federal, state, and local tax authorities, often resulting in overlapping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency. Without reform, this inefficiency will persist.
“The proposed laws aim to coordinate efforts between different tiers of government, resulting in better tax resource management and greater clarity for taxpayers.
“Under existing laws, taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Tertiary Education Tax (TET), Value-Added Tax (VAT), and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.
“The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these multiple taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation.
“On the proposed derivation-based VAT distribution model, which the Northern Governors oppose, it must be stressed that the new proposal, as enunciated in the Bill, is designed to create a fairer system.
“The current model for distributing VAT is based on where the tax is remitted rather than where goods and services are supplied or consumed. The ongoing tax reform seeks to correct the inherent inequity in the current derivation model as a basis for distributing VAT revenue.
“The new proposal before the National Assembly outlines a different form of derivation which considers the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services. This means that states in the Northern region that produce the food we eat should not lose out just because their products are VAT-exempt or consumed in other states.
“These reforms are critical to improving the lives of Nigerians and were not put forward by President Tinubu to undermine any part of the country. There is no better time than now for the National Assembly to give due consideration to these bills that will overhaul our tax systems and create the revenue all the tiers of government require to fund the development our country and people urgently need.”
Former Kwara Deputy Speaker, CT Ayeni Dies In Road Accident
Former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Christopher Tunji Ayeni, popularly known as CT Ayeni, tragically lost his life in a fatal road accident early Thursday near Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
Ayeni, a notable figure in Kwara politics and recently the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was reportedly driving a Hilux vehicle with an unidentified passenger en route to Ilorin when the accident occurred.
Known for his active role in the state’s political landscape, Ayeni had recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also held the esteemed title of Akogun of Isapa Land in Ekiti Local Government Area.
News of Ayeni’s passing has sent shockwaves through Kwara State, with many residents and political figures expressing condolences for the loss of a respected leader.
In other news, veteran Nollywood actor, Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo and Agbako, is dead.
Naija News reports that his colleague, Jide Kosoko, announced Agbako’s demise in a post on his Instagram page on Thursday.
However, Kosoko failed to reveal the circumstances surrounding Agbako’s death.
The movie star wrote, “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 102 years, ba wasa ba. R I P”
Agbako was born on February 19, 1923, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Ex-Minister Urges Nigerians To Protest Amid Hunger And Blackouts
Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has called on Nigerians to return to the streets in protest amid rising hunger, poverty, and power outages affecting parts of the country.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Dalung urged citizens to “speak the language the government understands,” stressing that they should not passively endure the hardships imposed by poor governance.
The former minister highlighted the worsening situation in northern states, where widespread blackouts have compounded issues of food insecurity and financial hardship.
“Northern states have blackouts added to their predicaments; hunger, poverty & misery has taken citizens hostage. While @officialABAT lavishly lives big with his officials imposing taxes for their comfort while calling Nigerians to sacrifice for renewed hopelessness. Have Nigerians been abandoned by voices of conscience? Where are @Tunde_52882, @WoleSoyink58747, @femifalana_SAN, @ShehuSani, @_dinomelaye’ @YeleSowore, @AishaYesufu, @SolomonDalung, @elrufai, @Akin_Malaolu, @adeyanjudeji, @kfayemi, @ruffydfire, @abati1990, etc?.
“The country is navigating seriously into the abyss. We cannot surrender to the ignorance of a few, while watching Nigeria fall. We must return to the street and speak the languages they understand. What are we scared of death or jail?”, Dalung said
Meanwhile, Electricity has been restored in Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue states under the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) franchise, bringing relief to residents after a 10-day blackout.
Power was restored around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, sparking celebrations in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
House Of Reps Steps Down Motion To Reverse Renaming Of Niger Delta Ministry
The House of Representatives recently declined to advance a motion urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the decision to rename the Ministry of Niger Delta Development as the Ministry for Regional Development.
The motion, introduced by Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), was set aside after the House concluded it had been “overtaken by events.”
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen informed members that, following his recent meeting with President Tinubu, there were indications that the President was open to receiving a South-South Development Commission Bill, specifically designed to address the needs of the Niger Delta region.
In light of this discussion, Speaker Tajudeen suggested stepping down the motion, explaining that recent developments had addressed many of the concerns raised.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) acknowledged the relevance of the issues presented but clarified that the rebranding of the Niger Delta Ministry as a broader Ministry of Regional Development would not reduce the attention to the Niger Delta region’s needs. Instead, the change aims to extend developmental efforts to other regions as well.
When initially moving the motion, Oforji reminded the House of the Ministry’s creation by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on September 10, 2008.
According to Oforji, Yar’Adua envisioned the Ministry as a vehicle for promoting peace, unity, and development in the Niger Delta, coordinating initiatives among agencies, communities, donors, and stakeholders.
He emphasized that Yar’Adua’s intentions for the Ministry stemmed from a desire to address long-standing neglect in a region that generates a significant portion of the nation’s economic wealth but suffers from poverty and environmental degradation.
Oforji pointed to years of oil spillage, poor agricultural conditions, and inadequate infrastructure as factors that fueled unrest in the area.
He highlighted that Yar’Adua’s administration, though brief, fostered dialogue with Niger Delta stakeholders and militants, culminating in the Amnesty Program, which helped to secure relative peace in the region.
“It was in the short term of late President Yar’Adua ‘s leadership from Katsina State that dialogue was initiated with major stakeholders in the region and militants culminating in the Amnesty Progam that has brought relative peace to the oil rich Niger Delta Region.
“These were prelude to the creation of the ministry which was aimed at infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of the youths in the oil rich Niger Delta Region.
“Are we there yet? The answer is no,but the people of the Niger Delta believe that the lofty dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the region will be actualized someday, hence their embrace of the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development,” Oforji stated.
Expressing further concern, he added, “On the 24th of October 2024, the oil rich region witnessed palpable tension following the announcement of the scrapping of the ministry of Niger Delta Development, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is not a good omen for a region that has contributed immensely to the economy development of our their country and has enjoyed some relative peace.”
Oforji’s motion underscored the importance of honoring the Ministry’s founding purpose and urged reconsideration of the change, which many in the Niger Delta see as dismissive of their contributions and aspirations.
Seven Things To Know About Late Veteran Actor, Agbako
Veteran actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako is dead.
He reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday after taking a nap and complaining of slight tiredness.
President of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr Latin announced Agbako’s passing on Instagram.
“TAMPAN Global announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO,” Amusan wrote.
He also stated that details of the burial arrangements will be shared later.
Here are things to know about veteran actor Agbako:
1. He was Born in 1923.
2. He celebrated 100 on July 20, 2023 in Abeokuta, Ogun State
3. He is affectionately called Agbako by movie lovers
4. He was one of the pioneers of the Yoruba film industry, which later evolved into Nollywood.
5. He was the oldest actor in the Nigerian film sector
6. His action roles in Yoruba films, include: Taxi Driver, Jagun, Amin Orun, Aiye, Jayesinmi, Saworo Ide, and Igbo Dudu
7. His roles in classic films such as ‘Ogbori Elemosho’ and ‘Atorunmo’ cemented his status as a legend in the industry.
How 25-Year-Old Katsina Man Conspired With Three Others To Kidnap And Kill His Uncle After Collecting N8m Ransom
Nasiru Sanusi, a 25-year-old man, has been arrested by the Katsina State Police Command for the kidnap and m8rder of his uncle, a ward head in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman of the command, Abubakar Sadiq, paraded the suspect alongside other criminals at the police headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
According to the PPRO, the suspect conspired with three others, kidnapped his uncle and subsequently k!lled him after receiving N8m and six bags of fertilizer as ransoms.
“On the 23rd of October 2024, the command, in collaboration with the Gombe state police command, successfully arrested Nasiru Sanusi, m., age 25, of Gidan Daudu village, Kankara LGA, in connection with a suspected case of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide," the PPRO stated.
“The suspect criminally conspired with three (3) others now at large and kidnapped his uncle, a ward head, and subsequently k!lled him after receiving eight million naira and six (6) bags of fertilizer as ransoms.
“The suspect confessed to having fled to Lagos, Taraba, and Gombe states, where he engaged in several criminal activities until his arrest in Gombe state
“In the course of the investigation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the offence.
“Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds.”
You Must Sell Fuel Cheaper – Marketers Tell Dangote
Popular Nollywood actor, Charles Olumo, is dead
Veteran actor, Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo and Agbako, is dead.
This was made known in a statement by the president of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) , Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin on Instagram on Thursday.
He wrote, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”
Nollywood actor, Jide Kosoko, also confirmed Agbako’s demise as he wrote: “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.”
Agbako clocked 101th this year.
Insecurity: Allow Nigerians To Carry Guns – Ned Nwoko Tells FG Again
Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has reiterated his call for the federal government to allow Nigerians to bear arms and defend themselves.
The lawmaker made the fresh call while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
Senator Nwoko explained that if Nigerians are allowed to bear arms, it will curb the challenges of insecurity in the country as the citizens would be able to defend themselves.
He argued that with the plethora of security challenges in the country, the masses resorting to self-defence wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Asked during the programme if carrying guns would solve the nation’s security problems, the lawmaker said: “Yes, it will.”
He also recalled how his Senior Legislative Aide was killed by gunmen who attacked his home in Abuja last year, with the man unable to defend himself.
Nwoko submitted that if the late SLA had a gun, such wouldn’t have happened.
“My SLA was killed in November last year and the wife said the estate was attacked by kidnappers. When they got to their door, they wanted to knock down the door, the wife and kids went to hide under the bed in one of the rooms.
“When he want to open the door, he was taken and nobody saw him again. As a matter of fact, those people who took him away have been arrested. If he had a gun or members of that estate had guns, you think the kidnappers would have the audacity to knock from house to house knowing that people are armed? That wouldn’t happen,” Nwoko said.