Nelson Ugwuagbo

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that foreign digital companies, including X (formerly Twitter), Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to Nigeria during the first half of 2024.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, the agency cited data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to highlight the tax contributions.

According to the agency, the revenue generated by these technology companies has significantly boosted the country’s digital economy. NITDA also praised the companies for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, which was developed jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA.

The regulatory code outlines measures for ensuring online safety and addressing harmful content on digital platforms.

“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024,” the statement read.

NITDA added that the substantial increase in tax revenue reflects the impact of strong regulatory frameworks in fostering compliance and driving growth within the digital economy.

The Kwara State Government has demoted a school teacher, Mrs. Fatimoh Hamzat, following an investigation into an assault on a youth corps member serving at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin.

The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between Mrs. Hamzat and the corps member, escalating into physical violence. Witnesses at the school described the teacher’s behavior as unprofessional and alarming, given the critical role NYSC members play in supporting understaffed schools.

In response to a formal complaint filed by staff, the Kwara State Ministry of Education launched a thorough investigation. The inquiry, which included interviews with witnesses, confirmed that Mrs. Hamzat had violated professional and ethical standards governing educators’ conduct.

Following the findings, the state government demoted Mrs. Hamzat as a disciplinary measure. While the specifics of her new role were not disclosed, the decision underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and decorum in the education sector.

The ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, emphasizing the need for teachers to uphold high standards of professionalism in their interactions with colleagues and corps members.

Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has been declared the winner of last week’s elections, paving the way for Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to become the country’s first female president.

The Electoral Commission announced that Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, secured just over 57% of the votes, while her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the main opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 25.5%.

This victory extends the South West Africa People’s Organisation’s (SWAPO) uninterrupted rule since Namibia’s independence in 1990.

The November 27 elections were marked by logistical and technical issues, including ballot paper shortages, which resulted in long delays. Voting was extended twice to accommodate voters, some of whom waited up to 12 hours to cast their ballots.

The IPC, however, has rejected the results, alleging irregularities. Its presidential candidate, Itula, 67, described the process as fraught with a “multitude of irregularities” and accused authorities of deliberately frustrating voters.

“No matter the result, the IPC shall not recognise the outcome of that election,” Itula said on the final day of the extended vote.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a historic moment for the mineral-rich southern African nation but has left a cloud of contention over the electoral process.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Lagos Electricity Bill into law, signaling a major step toward achieving a stable power supply for residents.

The signing ceremony was held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, and was attended by Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, members of the State House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill, emphasizing its potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Lagos. “This bill has been in the works for some years, and now Lagosians can be sure of a steady power supply,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, stated that the new law would provide an additional electricity grid for Lagos State and eliminate power outages.

“There will now be regular power supply. Host community development trust funds, which will provide opportunities for communities to develop power plants,” he said.

Ogunleye described the development as a “beacon of progress” that would ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state.

The Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 represents a comprehensive strategy to address persistent challenges in the energy sector.

The law seeks to establish a Lagos Electricity Market that is technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated. It aims to provide access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all residents while promoting the use of diverse energy sources, including renewable energy.

It also focuses on fostering energy efficiency, attracting investments, encouraging competition and innovation, and ensuring electricity access to underserved areas, contributing to the sustainable development of Lagos State.

Former House of Representatives member Hon. Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu was abducted on Tuesday evening by suspected bandits while traveling to Jos.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. along the Nunku-Gwantu road, spanning Akwanga Local Government Area in Nasarawa State and Sanga Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

During the attack, the bandits engaged in a gun battle with the police escort assigned to Dr. Kigbu. The officer was fatally shot while attempting to resist the abduction. Witnesses reported that the assailants fired indiscriminately, creating panic among motorists in the vicinity.

Local villagers described the area as a known hotspot for criminal activities, raising concerns about the persistent insecurity in the region.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Nasarawa State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer went unanswered at the time of this report.

The abduction of Dr. Kigbu and the killing of his police escort highlight the ongoing security challenges in the area, prompting residents to call for enhanced security measures along the troubled route.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to construct an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its surrounding areas, marking the first such initiative by a northern Nigerian state government.

The project will begin with 12 designated terminals within Maiduguri, connecting major markets, schools, public facilities, and economically strategic locations. The first phase is expected to facilitate efficient passenger and goods movement while opening new economic opportunities across the state.

During an inspection of the proposed terminals and routes, Borno’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, highlighted the ongoing feasibility studies, environmental risk assessments, and community consultations to ensure smooth project execution.

“The rail network will ease transportation, revitalise the economy, create jobs, and modernise Maiduguri’s transport system,” Bamanga stated.

The rail project, which could extend to local government areas in the future, is designed to be a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation alternative. It will complement ongoing infrastructure projects, including the 113-kilometre Maiduguri ring road expansion linking key communities such as Auno, Molai, Polo, and Shagari low-cost areas.

Governor Zulum’s administration has previously introduced electric and gas-powered taxis and buses at subsidised rates to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs following fuel subsidy removal. Additionally, the government has embarked on various urban and rural development projects aimed at rebuilding the state after years of insurgency.

Zulum’s commitment to infrastructure development is seen as a significant step towards restoring peace and prosperity to Borno State.

Bishop Mathew Kukah, founder of the Kukah Centre, has expressed optimism that the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration could address financial mismanagement among Nigeria’s elites.

Speaking on the controversial reforms, which have drawn criticism nationwide, Kukah urged the Federal Government to ensure the measures drive the country’s development.

The proposed tax bills, currently before the National Assembly, have faced backlash, with some alleging they disproportionately target the northern region and could overburden Nigerians.

Addressing the issue, Kukah described the reforms as an opportunity to address systemic inefficiencies. “Nigeria is a country with immense talent and energy, but the inability of states to harness this potential often results in violence. The tax reforms excite me because they could end the financial recklessness of the elites and bring fiscal efficiency to a richly endowed nation,” he said.

Kukah highlighted the importance of communication in the government’s reform agenda. He noted that effective engagement with Nigerians is essential, particularly as the populace grapples with widespread poverty.

“This government must urgently address issues of massive impoverishment. While I believe it has lofty ideas, there’s a lack of a constructive engagement strategy. Communication is key—Nigerians need to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Kukah stated.

He also advised the government to avoid blame-shifting and focus on informing citizens about its plans, such as the tax reforms, local government autonomy, and the revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

“Government spokespersons must go beyond insults and differing views; their role is to clearly articulate and communicate the government’s ideas to the people,” Kukah added.

The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the unfreezing of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) accounts within 72 hours.

The resolution, passed on Tuesday, followed a motion sponsored by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and 32 other lawmakers.

President Tinubu had earlier suspended all social intervention programmes in January due to corruption scandals within the sector. NSIPA, which oversees initiatives such as N-Power, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), was affected by the directive.

Speaking on the motion, Kalu emphasized the need to restore NSIPA’s operations to support the administration’s poverty alleviation agenda. “Restoring NSIPA’s account aligns with the president’s vision, ensuring that poverty alleviation efforts remain effective, efficient, and impactful. It is essential to act swiftly to resolve this issue to maintain momentum toward the administration’s poverty eradication goals,” he said.

The House further resolved that the government should ensure all frozen accounts of NSIPA are unfrozen within 72 hours to facilitate the agency’s programmes. Additionally, lawmakers urged the immediate release of funds for the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries nationwide.

The Finnish Police have confirmed that Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran separatist movement, is being held for an offence that is not bailable under Finnish law. The arrest has drawn reactions from the global Biafran community and international observers.

Ekpa, known for his advocacy for an independent Biafran state, has faced criticism for his alleged involvement in inciting violence in Nigeria’s Southeast region. While Finnish authorities have not disclosed full details of the charges, they are reportedly linked to activities breaching Finnish laws, possibly with international ramifications.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Finnish Police described the alleged offence as severe. “The nature of the case goes beyond minor infractions and falls under categories deemed serious in our jurisdiction,” a spokesperson said.

The development has caused divisions within the Biafran movement. Some supporters have labeled Ekpa’s detention as persecution and demanded his immediate release, while others advocate for a peaceful and organized approach to their separatist goals.

The case has attracted significant international attention, raising concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria-Finland relations. Analysts predict further tensions within the Biafran diaspora as the situation unfolds.