Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has clarified that the proposed tax reform bills are designed to benefit all states, addressing concerns raised by Northern governors. The statement was made on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

At a recent meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, the Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, expressed opposition to a new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution, as outlined in the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. The meeting also included prominent traditional rulers from the North, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.

In response, Onanuga clarified that the Tinubu administration’s tax reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration, boost efficiency, and reduce redundancies. The reforms are part of four bills under review by the National Assembly, which were crafted following an extensive evaluation of existing tax laws.

The bills include:

1. Nigeria Tax Bill – This bill seeks to reduce instances of multiple taxation, making Nigeria’s economy more competitive and simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals.
2. Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) – NTAB proposes uniform tax administration rules across federal, state, and local jurisdictions to enhance compliance.
3. Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill – This bill would rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service, highlighting its role as the revenue agency for the entire federation.
4. Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill – The bill proposes creating a Joint Revenue Board to coordinate federal and state tax authorities and establish an Office of Tax Ombudsman to address taxpayer complaints.

Onanuga emphasized that these reforms would not increase tax rates but are intended to optimize existing frameworks and reduce the administrative burden. The reforms, he added, would not lead to job losses but could stimulate job creation by fostering economic growth.

Addressing the contentious derivation-based VAT distribution model, Onanuga explained that the proposal aims for a fairer system. Under the current model, VAT distribution is based on where the tax is remitted, rather than where goods and services are consumed. The new proposal would base VAT revenue distribution on the location of supply or consumption, ensuring states, particularly in the North, receive fair returns on VAT-exempt products consumed outside their borders.

The administration highlighted that these reforms are critical for modernizing Nigeria’s tax system, promoting equitable revenue distribution, and supporting national development.

Over a year into the Gaza war, Israel’s military reservists are experiencing exhaustion, and the army faces challenges in recruitment as it opens a new front in Lebanon.

Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has mobilized approximately 300,000 reservists, with 18 percent of them being men over the age of 40 who would typically qualify for exemption. Mandatory military service begins at 18 for Israeli men and women, though certain exemptions apply.

Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front conflict, targeting Hamas in Gaza and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Since the launch of its ground offensive in Gaza on October 27 last year, Israel has lost 367 soldiers in Gaza and 37 in Lebanon, where it began ground operations on September 30.

Reserve duty periods have been extended, with some reservists voicing frustration over prolonged absences from their normal lives—up to six consecutive months in some cases. Reservist Ariel Seri-Levy expressed the strain in a widely shared social media post, saying, “We’re drowning.”

Having been called up four times since the October 7 attack, Seri-Levy also spoke out against those pushing for Israel to remain in Lebanon and Gaza. “We have to end this war because we are out of soldiers,” he said, adding that while he still believes in national service, “the concessions have become too great.”

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, in his capacity as head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), was seen visiting polling stations across Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, on Wednesday to observe the country’s general elections.

Jonathan shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), where he confirmed his early start on Election Day alongside other AUEOM members. In his message, he expressed optimism for the elections, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process in Botswana.

“Out early on Election Day in Botswana, we, as members of the African Union Election Observation Mission, visited some polling stations in Gaborone, the nation’s capital city,” Jonathan wrote, underscoring the mission’s role in supporting fair and transparent elections on the continent.

The October 30, 2024, elections mark Botswana’s 13th general election since the country gained independence in 1965. With a legacy of political stability and peaceful transitions, Botswana’s elections are viewed as a key event in reinforcing its democratic principles. Jonathan extended his best wishes to the people of Botswana, or Batswana, as they take this step toward furthering their nation’s democratic tradition.

“We wish Batswana a successful outing as they seek to further consolidate the nation’s vibrant democracy,” he added.

The Nigerian Senate has begun screening seven newly nominated ministerial candidates following a recent reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu.

The nominees include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Others are Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Idi Muktar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing; and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

At 12:57 p.m. on Wednesday, the Senate suspended its rule, following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, to allow the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, to introduce the nominees to the plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had previously read the President’s letter nominating the ministers on Thursday.

This screening follows President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of five ministers: Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, over a new mandatory accommodation fee of N100,000 imposed on students seeking on-campus housing.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NANS National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, described the policy as “unacceptable” and “insensitive,” highlighting the financial strain it could place on students and their families amid challenging economic conditions.

Emonefe noted that, traditionally, only medical and dental students are required to pay for compulsory accommodation in line with course-specific needs. However, he argued that applying a fee of this magnitude to all students is unreasonable and risks excluding students from access to affordable housing.

The statement further emphasized the importance of making education accessible and affordable, warning that such fees only compound the financial pressures on students already facing high living costs.

NANS has called on the university to reconsider its decision, urging it to make on-campus accommodation optional and to set affordable pricing for students who choose to live there.

“It is essential for the university to understand the diverse financial realities faced by its students and to establish supportive policies that aid, rather than obstruct, their academic goals,” the association said.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting students’ rights, NANS cautioned that it would not hesitate to organize further actions if the university fails to address the issue promptly.

The Imo State Police Command celebrated a significant success in its crime-fighting initiatives on Tuesday by effectively thwarting an attack from suspected IPOB/ESN militants and gathering critical evidence.

Gists9ja reports that Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed that officers from the Counter-Terrorism Unit were conducting a routine patrol along Owerri/Aba Road near Owerri Airport when they were ambushed by ten attackers in two vehicles.

The officers quickly retaliated, engaging in a firefight that led to the elimination of one assailant, while the others fled, sustaining injuries and leaving behind an ash-colored Mercedes Jeep with a Lagos State registration number AAA 101 GR.

The statement indicated, “On October 29, 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM, the Counter Terrorism Unit successfully averted an assault by suspected IPOB/ESN militants during a routine patrol near Owerri Airport. About ten attackers struck from two vehicles but were driven off.

In the ensuing clash, one assailant was neutralized, while the rest escaped with injuries, abandoning their getaway vehicle—a Mercedes Jeep with Lagos registration number AAA 101 GR.”

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, an IPOB/ESN flag, and the abandoned vehicle. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the police officers.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, urged the public, especially medical professionals, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest police station, as efforts continue to locate the fleeing suspects in the surrounding area.

Isaiah Edegbo, the Deputy Director of the Organization Department at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat, has passed away.

Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday.

Edegbo, originally from Kogi State, died at the age of 48 on Monday, October 28, in Abuja. Morka expressed that he will be deeply missed by the party.

Edegbo was a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he obtained a Diploma in Civil Law in 1997, an LL.B (Hons) in 2003, and an LL.M in Public Law in 2016.

He was also in the process of completing his PhD in Commercial Law. Known for his brilliance, thoroughness, and reliability, Edegbo made significant contributions to the APC’s congresses, conventions, and election activities.

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has appointed Prince Kenneth Okwuchukwu Emeakayi as his Special Adviser on Community Security.

He made this appointment in a move to address the recent violence in Anambra state. Emeakayi’s inauguration took place at the Anambra State Government House executive chambers in Awka.

Before this appointment, Emeakayi served as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State and President-General of the Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area. Notably, under his leadership, the Okija community has remained peaceful, despite Ihiala LGA’s history of insecurity and associations with secessionist groups.

Also, Governor Soludo confirmed that the minimum wage for workers in the state will remain at ₦70,000. After deductions for union dues and taxes, workers may receive between ₦78,000 and ₦84,000 monthly. However, Soludo did not disclose this figure, emphasizing that the take-home pay will still be more than ₦70,000. He assured that no worker in Anambra State will earn less than ₦70,000.

A shocking incident in Nigeria has gone viral after a man was spotted eating a roadside sacrifice amidst the country’s economic challenges.

A trending TikTok video captured the moment a driver stumbled upon the man consuming the sacrificial offering on the side of the road.

The driver, taken aback by the unusual sight, began recording the incident to document it. As he drew closer, he jokingly encouraged the man to “keep enjoying” his meal.

The video footage shows the man sitting beside the sacrifice, rummaging through it with his hands to extract edible portions.

The clip swiftly spread across social media platforms, sparking a flurry of reactions from concerned individuals who flooded the comments section with their thoughts on the bizarre occurrence.