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NO PART OF TAX REFORM BILLS RECOMMENDS SCRAPPING TETFUND, NASENI, AND NITDA…NO PROVISION WILL IMPOVERISH THE NORTH
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
NO PART OF TAX REFORM BILLS RECOMMENDS SCRAPPING TETFUND, NASENI, AND NITDA…NO PROVISION WILL IMPOVERISH THE NORTH
By: Bayo Onanuga
Since the public debate around the transformative tax bills before the National Assembly began in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public.
Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills. While some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarized one section of the country against another.
The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.
Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.
Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes.
One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.
For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives.
The multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations. Some companies have had to make the rational decision to relocate to other countries. We can not continue on this path or wait for 20 years if this country is to deliver the prosperity we need for our people.
The proposal, as contained in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill, only seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with the key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030.
The time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations in line with the constitution and international best practices.
It is a misrepresentation of facts to conclude that changing an agency’s funding source amounts to scrapping it. None of the countries leading globally in education, science, engineering, or information technology have similar earmarked taxes.
The government imposes major taxes, be it income tax, consumption tax, or other taxes, to channel resources to its areas of priority at the time. Imposing a separate tax to fund an agency is an aberration that has yet to yield results despite the huge burden on businesses. The tax bill seeks to address this problem.
Relevant stakeholders and public analysts owe it a duty to properly educate themselves about the bills’ contents and avoid misleading the public for any reason. We may be entitled to our opinions, but such views must be informed and based on facts, not emotions targeted at inflaming passions.
In a period like this, when our people across the country look up to leaders for guidance and direction on matters of public importance, such as the Tax Reform Bills, leaders should be more measured in their public utterances to avoid heating the polity and polarising the country unduly.
President Tinubu welcomes the public interest these bills have generated. He encourages leaders across the country, including Governors, Traditional rulers, Civil Society Activists, Students, trade associations, professional associations, and the general public, to take advantage of the Public Hearings that the National Assembly will organise to present their views on how best to reform our taxes and fiscal regime.
What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete and unhelpful in achieving the growth and development we desire for our country.
NO PART OF TAX REFORM BILLS RECOMMENDS SCRAPPING TETFUND, NASENI, AND NITDA…NO PROVISION WILL IMPOVERISH THE NORTH
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum with its prestigious media friendly award.
The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.
Zulum had won multiple award in the past owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership. Some of the earlier awards were the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among others.
In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.
He said: “This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish.”
He remarked that the NUJ, for decades has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.
“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.
Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.
“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.
The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.
“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.
The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.
The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
By: Michael Mike
Thousands of people trooped to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja to celebrate the 11th Edition of the International Yoga Day.
The first celebration of the Yoga Day took place In 2015 and since then the day has grown into a global movement promoting health, harmony and peace.
Speaking at the occasion at the weekend in Abuja, the acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat said this year we come together under the theme: “Yoga for one Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply I our current era, where health of our planet and our personal wellbeing are intricately intertwined.
She added that: “By practicing Yoga, we not only nurture our bodies and minds but also contribute to the well-being of the Earth and a sustainable future.”
She noted that Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to unite’, teaches the importance of balance and harmony. “It encourages us to live in alignment with nature, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Yoga is more than just physical postures; it is a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
“In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle diseases are rampant, yoga offers a sanctuary of peace and healing,” noting that regular practice of yoga enhances flexibility,strength, and balance. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity, and aids in the management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Moreover, yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness and mediation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of inner peace and emotional stability.”
She advised the government of Nigeria to ensure that the benefits of yoga are accessible to all.”
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of six kidnapped farmers following a foiled banditry attack at Kwari Manaja Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred on June 21 at about 5:41 p.m. when armed men suspected to be bandits attacked farmers working on their respective farmlands.
The sources said that upon receiving the distress report, the DPO swiftly mobilised police tactical teams and led a convoy of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol vehicles to the scene.
The police operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
As a result of the operation, the following victims were rescued unhurt: Ayuba, 51; Mubarak, 23; Garba, 25; Ibrahim, 21; Bala, 28; and Nura, 25 all males from Tashar Nadaya Village.
The police sources said no casualties were recorded among the rescued victims, and efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers
Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
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