₦airaland Forum

Two years after it was slammed with a $9m claim for breaching contract by a US Court, Greenville LNG company is on the brink of another lawsuit in its supply dealings with Nigerian-based manufacturing giant, BUA Group.



Owned by Eddy Van Den Broeke, a Belgian cement magnate, Greenville is the pioneer Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production and distribution company in Nigeria with three liquefaction trains and a total capacity to produce 2250 MT of LNG per day.



The company, which was incorporated in 2013, prides itself for producing and marketing Liquefied Natural Gas to customers across Nigeria since April 2019.



It should be noted that the company is a Nigerian subsidiary of the International Engineering & Construction (IEC), a Luxembourg-based construction company.



However, in 2018, there are reports of how Broeke was struggling to get his LNG project off the ground in Nigeria and also facing a $9m claim from his subcontractor Baker Hughes.



How it started



In 2014, IEC through Greenville LNG entered into an agreement with Baker Hughes Energy Services LLC, formerly known as GE Oil & Gas (GEOG), for the purchase and installation of two small-scale liquified natural gas plants in Rumuji, Rivers State, Nigeria.



According to the documents obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, GEOG agreed to supply IEC with two small-scale liquified natural gas production plants — the first by June 24, 2015, and the second by September 24, 2015— for use at the Rumuji Site.



In exchange, IEC agreed to pay GEOG $95 million. Both parties also agreed on a payment schedule, which would require IEC to pay various percentages of the $95 million at specific milestones.



It was stated that the agreement would be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York.



Unfortunately, GEOG failed to deliver the gas plants by their contractual delivery deadlines and this stalled installation, commissioning, and start-up of the Plants.



Arbitration



On July 31, 2018, IEC filed a Notice of Demand for and Commencement of Arbitration under the Contracts on behalf of itself and Greenville.



IEC initially sought approximately $75 million in damages but its demand increased to $700 million by the end of the arbitration.



The $700m claims included the liquidated damages for delayed delivery and damages associated with the delayed entry into operation of the gas plants.



But GEOG also filed counterclaims against IEC for breach of the contracts, asking for damages up to $40.1 million.



In 2020, the American Tribunal gave its verdict, ordering IEC and Greenville to pay GEOG over $9.5m for breaching contracts.



The Tribunal held that IEC had breached the Equipment Contract by failing to make two Milestone payments.



Dissatisfied with the judgement, On January 27, 2021, IEC filed a petition to vacate the Award in New York state court but the court rejected IEC’s arguments.



“In short, due to the strong deference owed to the decisions of arbitrators, the Court is compelled to reject IEC’s arguments and confirm the Award,” the court ruled.



Poor Ethics/Underhand Business Practices



It is believed that the posture of the company and record of breaching contract is owing to its owner’s secretive and shady business activities. Prior to setting up Greenville, Eddy Van Den Broeke ran ASCA bitumen from 1996 and grew the company into becoming a giant monopoly with over 90% of the Nigerian market by 2015.



Through this position, he was famed to hold everyone to ransom through alleged arbitrary price increases, artificial scarcity, amongst others. Eddy Broeke’s families were one of six of Belgium’s wealthiest families that featured on the Panama Papers, a cross-border investigation that revealed a list of thousands of people who channelled funds to tax havens.



“The family of Eddy Van Den Broeke, who turned the Eres company into an international player, is also mentioned. Eddy Van Den Broeke is identified as the sole beneficiary of at least five offshore companies in the BVI,” the ICIJ report read.



Eddy was named in the Panama Papers having had an extensive network of shell companies to hide his funds and avoid government oversight.



Another multi-million dollar breach of contract suit looming



Our investigations also revealed that recently, BUA, which is one of Greenville’s largest clients, is set to allegedly sue Greenville for 50 billion Naira for a possible breach in contract and reneging on its obligation to supply gas to its businesses in the far north.



According to sources, this uj is as a result of Greenville LNG reneging on their contract with BUA to supply gas and also increasing prices arbitrarily despite the contractually agreed oil-indexed pricing for any changes in price.



Industry watchers have claimed that Greenville is trying to take advantage of its near monopoly in the domestic trucked LNG market hence their habit of entering into contracts and reneging on it after starting.



With Eddy and his companies’ history of reneging on contracts entered into with the Federal Government, partners, suppliers, communities and clients, it is unlikely that Greenville LNG or its billionaire owner Eddy and Managing Director Ritu Sahajwalla would stop such behaviour anytime soon.



Experts familiar with BUA’s history of ensuring its rights are enforced, believe BUA will pursue this issue to a logical conclusion at the courts and till their rights are enforced.

By Adeyemi Obadimu


The Cherubim and Seraphim movement Church, Amazing Grace District, held its Annual Harvest on Sunday 27th November, 2022, with the theme, " Harvest Of Fruitfulness".

The auditorium was filled to capacity as People from far and wide graced the occasion to celebrate God’s Faithfulness in the lives of the member of the Church.

The Shepherd of the Church, Snr. Apostle Michael Olumide Sotonwa said that the Harvest was targeted at celebrating God’s faithfulness in the lives of the Church and the members.

He said it was necessary to appreciate the Almighty God for his benevolence on the Church and the members, and it was also a way of bringing to play God’s commandment that we should multiply and fruitful in all our endeavours in life.

He however urged Nigerians and Christians to embrace peace and unity in the church of God and for Nigeria at large.

Resident Pastor of the church, Snr Apostle Gbolahan Lawanson als urged the church of God to pray for peace and unity.

He said this year Harvest will see the Church and all its invited guests experience a great turnaround, increase and enlargement in all their endeavours in life.

According to him, “We have been praying to God to change peoples status and people will testify to the glory of God, and God has been faithful to the Church”.

He however advised the church of God to stand tall for God and Represent God well anywhere they find themselves and everyone should be helpful to one another.

In the same vein, the Harvest Chairman, Apostle john Aderibigbe Adekorede said this year harvest of fruitfulness will change peoples life because God of Amazing Grace has been wonderful and has changed peoples status positively.

Aderibigbe added that God of Cherubim and Seraphim will bless every church members both home and abroad and they will be fruitful in everything they laid their hands on.

He said this 22nd Harvest Celebration is one of it's kind, as they are also bent on putting Nigeria in their prayers as the 2023 Election draws closer as the Church is praying that God should choose a better candidate for the country that will better the life of the citizens.

He urged the youths to shun violence and be more focus in there dealings.

In the same vein, the President of the Youth Fellowship, Evang. Adeleke Adeyemi, said that the Church is grateful to God for his grace and mercy thus far, stressing that it was necessary to appreciate God’s magnanimity that has kept the Church of God going.

He prayed that this Year’s Harvest of Fruitfulness will make the Church experience supernatural turnaround in their businesses, marriages, finance and all facet of life.

By Adeyemi Obadimu

A former House of Assembly aspirant in the last shadow election who contested under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for Ojomu/Balogun constituency, Otunba Yinka Ilufoye, has stated reasons why the incumbent Governor of Kwara state, Mallam AbdulRazaq Abdulraman, should be returned for a second term in office.

Otunba Ilufoye who stated this over the weekend in Offa while addressing his followers stressed that, "we all need to work hard and be committed in ensuring that His Excellence wins a re-election, so that he can continue the good work he has started in Kwara state and Offa in particular.

"It is an open secret that Education is the bed rock of every society and this Governor has passionately opened new vistas for the education sector to florish in this State."

Ilufoye who reminded his teeming followers of the present administration in all sectors stressed that, "Gov AbdulRahman has ensured dramatic improvements in learning outcomes for public school children across the state through numerous interventions that his administration has embarked upon. These include, but not limited, to comprehensive renovation of schools, rehabilitation of dilapidated classrooms, training and retraining of teachers, digitalization of teaching and learning through KwaraLEARN, among others".

"His Excellence made sure the KwaraLEARN programme cut across 365 primary schools in Baruten, Offa, Ilorin East, and Ilorin West local governments all in its commitment towards the realization of sound and quality education that would be of international standard"

Speaking further, Ilufoye who is a business man, philanthropist cum politican, explained that Gov AbdulRahman's massive infrastructural development within the last three years calls for applause.

"Kwara is gradually becoming one big construction site as Gov AbdulRahman's magic wand is waved across the length and breath of the state. The construction of an information communication technology (ICT) innovation hub and Ilorin Visual Art Centre —both of which are certain to create jobs, expand revenue base, and make the state the go-to place for great things.

"Let us not forget the Tunde Idiagbon bridge in Tanke, the international conference center and a host of other infrastructural development across the length and breath of the state."

Ilufoye who described Gov AbdulRahman as a prudent manager of resources commended him for not abandoning the projects of his predecessors. He specifically mentioned the N3.7billion Geri Alimi underpass which was poorly constructed under former Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed pointing out that Gov AbdulRahman's prompt response to the fast deteriorating project is commendable and called on his followers to wholeheartedly work for his reelection.

Barely days after a liquidity-related issue regarding the inability ofHeritage Bank Plc to pay its customers surfaced, the bank is being trailed by yet another scandal.

This is as an Account Officer with the Bank named Omosanyin Eniola, has been convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment over a N21.8 million fraud.

Omosanyin was sentenced by the Chief Magistrate Linda Yetunde Balogun, of a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, Yaba, last Friday, after pronouncing him guilty of two out of seven counts charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing of cheques made against him by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Ikoyi, Lagos.

Convicting and sentencing the 40 years old banker, Chief Magistrate Balogun held that the prosecution, has successfully proved the charges of conspiracy and N21.8 million fraud against the banker beyond every reasonable doubt.

Chief Magistrate Balogun however freed the banker of four counts charge of forging Spring Bank cheques, which he used in perpetrating the criminal acts.

In her final judgment, the Chief Magistrate sentenced the banker to a year imprisonment on count one without an option of fine, and seven years on count two, but with an option of paying the sum of N21.8 million, as restitution to the fraud victim.

The PSFU through it’s prosecutor, Daniel Apochi, had dragged the convict before the court on a seven count charge of conspiracy, fraud, and forging of Spring Bank’s cheques.

The prosecutor had told the court that the convict committed the offences between 2011 and 2014, while working at theHeritage Bank’s headquarters, Lagos, as an Account Officer.

During the trial, the prosecutor called three witnesses, who included the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) Mr. Jim Omoruyi, the fraud victim, one Adeleke and official of the bank.


The prosecutor also tendered several exhibits which includes; copy of petition by Heritage Bank to the police, convict’s confessional statement, victim’s statement of account, some of the Spring Bank’s cheques used in withdrawing the money and others, which were admitted by the court.

The two counts which the banker was jailed reads: “That you, OMOSANYIN ENIOLA ‘M’ while working with Heritage Bank Ltd; with Headquarters in Lagos and charge with the responsibility as an Account Officer, between 2011 and 2014, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst with other persons, now at large, to commit a felony to wit; stealing and forgery; and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

“That you, OMOSANYIN ENIOLA ‘M’ while working with Heritage Bank Ltd; with Headquarters in Lagos and charged with the responsibility of an Account Officer, between 2011 and 2014, with intent to defraud, fraudulently withdrew the sum of N21, 800, 000.00 (Twenty-One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) from Heritage Bank Ltd. and converted the money to your “own use; and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 278 (1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011 and punishable under Section 285 (7) the same law.”

By Adeyemi Obadimu


The leading house of Assembly candidate in Abeokuta South Constinuecy II in Ogun State, honorable Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele Popularly known as (IWA) who is contesting under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) has again contributed to the growth of his community.



In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by his media Adviser, Adeyemi Obadimu said IWA kind gesture is second to none as he donated Borehole to ward 11, Oke-Bode area in Abeokuta South.



The water project is located very close to the community Baale's house and it was delacared open today 22nd of November 2022 for the residence to have free water.



He noted that, i don't want people to only see my efforts when i am elected, I want them to start seeing my impact from now. I have started contributing to the growth of my community since 2017 and i will not stop, i know what my people are facing based on the scarcity of water and this is just a tip of the iceberg, I prayed to do more in my constituents.



"IWA stressed that he embarked on this project in a bid to ensure that access water is available to my Constituents


The importance of the project to the community, noting that water was one of the most important God-given natural resources.


IWA, however, reiterated his commitment and dedication to the improvement of the welfare of communities in the Abeokuta South Constinuecy II through the provisions of basic and social infrastructure.


The people of the community prayed for honorable Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele and wish him best of luck as 2023 election gathers momentum.

A Opera, the premier multi-dimensional entertainment platform, is back, bigger and better than ever with FUJI Vibrations. On December 8th, FUJI Vibrations will provide a one-of-a-kind live music experience showcasing exceptional talent from the FUJI world for one night only.

10 acts will perform on 1 single stage at Muri Okunola Park, one of Lagos' most iconic music venues.The live music concert will feature a fantastic line-up of Fuji artistes, including Alhaji Sefiu Alao, KS1 Malaika, Taye Currency, King Saheed Osupa, and the Mayegun of Egbaland, K1 De Ultimate, paired with emerging Fuji talents to create dynamic sounds.Fuji: A Opera premiered in December 2020 at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos. Over 20,000 people attended, ranging from schoolchildren to culture custodians and other corporate and social Nigerians.FUJI: A Opera curated a series of activations in 2021, beginning with a two-phased art exhibition in November in collaboration with one of Nigeria's rising artists, Bidemi Tata, inspired by the Fuji Music subculture.

These works were first shown in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Parks and Recreational Agency.

Over 2 (two) million people viewed the exhibition over the course of three weeks.In December 2021, we held the first edition of Fuji Vibrations, which featured General Ayinla Kollington, Alhaji Rasheed Merenge, Saheed Osupa, Adio Atawewe, Remi Aluko, Kolade Onanuga, also known as KWAM 2, and many other upcoming acts. These events drew over 15,000 concertgoers and had over 1 million online streamers.

If you missed last year's shows, make plans to join us this December and experience live music like never before. To attend, simply follow us on social media @fujiopera for more information or go to Tix.africa: https://tix.africa/discover/fujiopera now to register. Admission is free.Fuji Vibrations is proudly supported by the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, FUMAN, GoldBerg Beer, Supa Komando, and Regal Dry Gin, among others

Notes:About Fuji: A OperaFuji: A Opera is a multi-dimensional entertainment platform that deconstructs the Fuji genre from its enigmatic past and reimagines it for a new generation of music fans.For more information, exclusive interviews and images, contact media@3101media.com.

Officially launches, Micro and Small Tax Office, Epe, Lagos …
 
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has announced the opening of 25 new Tax Offices across the country.
 
These new Tax Offices, approved by the Muhammad Nami led management, are part of the Service’s goal to bring tax services nearer to the tax paying public while bringing FIRS nearer to the public.
 
These new Tax Offices would help bring many taxpayers into the tax net, help filling of Companies Income Tax, and Value Added Tax as well as monitor compliance with other Taxes.
 
Speaking at the launch of one of these new Tax Offices—the Micro and Small Tax Office, Epe, Lagos—last week, the Group Lead, General Tax Operations Group at FIRS, Kabir Abba, stated that the FIRS Management holds these offices as important, and expects them to spearhead tax collection activities in the area.
 
He noted that the Executive Chairman, FIRS, Muhammed Nami, had directed that staff at these offices were expected to take the assignment very serious while working tenaciously towards bringing more taxpayers into the tax net.
 
Mr. Nami had noted that the deployment of technology had made their work easy, especially that the taxpayers could work from the comfort of their offices and homes, to register for tax, file returns and pay their taxes in a quick and seamless manner, including applying for their Tax Clearance Certificate.
 
Also addressing the Tax Officers at Epe, the Director Technical of the Service, who also serves as the Chairman of the New Satellite Tax Offices Implementation Committee, Barr. Iro Ukpai urged the office to reciprocate the confidence entrusted to them by the management by ensuring that they go all out to the field to bring all the Taxpayers who have not been paying their taxes into the tax net.
 
The Tax Controller, Chinedu Adirije in his comments promised the Group Lead that the Tax Office is ready to do its best to bring in all the leaking tax revenues from Epe into the government purse and contribute towards realizing the N10.4 trillion target given to the FIRS by the government.

The House of Assembly candidate in Abeokuta South Constituency II, under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC), Honourable Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele, popularly known as IWA, has again put a smile on the faces of the people of Itori Ward 13, as he rebuilt the abandoned dilapidated bridge in the area.

The news of the bridge was made known to newsmen today 7th of November 2022 in Abeokuta; the Ogun State capital by his Media Adviser, Adeyemi Obadimu, who stated that IWA has completed another fantastic project for his constituents.

He explained that the bridge as been abandoned for years, however, due to the impact on the livelihood of the people, honourable Igbaleye, swigged into action immediately; he got a clear picture of the suffering and agony of the people, which was the reason why the project was completed less than one week.

According to IWA, this is a necessary thing that anybody can do to his or her community if God gives you the power and the resources to do so, I did this out of the love I have for my people and this will ease the stress of the people living in that area.

While appreciating IWA for his kind gesture, Olu of Itori Oke, Oba Musiliu Onipede (Olojoru 1) prayed powerfully for IWA and described his decision to rebuild this bridge as something he will forever appreciate, because this project is a laudable one and I am happy this happened in my community, it is long overdue.

In the same vein, the youth leader of the Itori Oke community, Bisiriyu Adekunle on behalf of his people showers prayers on the house of Assembly candidate, who has relentlessly made life better for the people of his constituency, and particularly what he has done for the people of Itori Oke community.


In his words: "We are here to show our gratitude to IWA because, we have written several letters to people of timber and caliber that we thought they can help us to fix it, but they never for once yield to our cry. However, God in His infinite mercy used IWA to put a stop to our agony. I pray God will continue to bless honourable IWA and his household.”

Tax dialogues, which provide a platform for exchange of diverse ideas on taxation, have been described as a tool for engendering tax compliance through collective ownership of the tax system, as well as a means to strengthening tax systems.



Speaking at the 2022 Kaduna State Tax Dialogue, held in Kaduna State today, Mr. Muhammad Nami, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) stated that dialoguing on tax was very necessary for inclusivity, fairness and pooling expert ideas to aid tax policy formulation, which ultimately strengthens tax administration.



“Dialoguing on tax is very important for many reasons,” he stated.
 
“Tax dialogue is a multi-sided communication channel that enables every view to taxation be aired and considered.  By so doing, it lends itself to inclusiveness in the design and implementation of the tax system thereby engendering the spirit of collective ownership which, ultimately, promotes voluntary tax compliance;

“Dialoguing on tax prevents destructive conflicts as no one feels cheated or unfairly treated. 

“Examples from history are rife on the importance of engagements on tax issues. For instance, the then British Parliament passed the Tea Act which constrained Americans to buy tea on which duty had been paid without dialoguing with the people.  Consequently, the Act was rejected.  According to Richard Murphy, in his book — the “Joy of Tax” —, one of the complaints cited by those who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 was ‘The King which was imposing taxes on us without our Consent’.

“When governments do not dialogue with the people on the taxes they wish to impose, they create room for conflict and even rebuff.

“Crucially, tax dialogue provides the platform for pooling expert ideas to aid tax policy formulation, review of tax laws and ultimately the strengthening of tax administration,” Mr. Nami said.

Speaking on the concept of the “Social Contract” that exists between the government and the citizens, Mr. Nami explained that for the government to provide public goods for the enjoyment of citizens, citizens had the duty to provide government with the needed resources to do so by paying their taxes.

“As much as individuals running the apparatus of government are liable to satisfy the yearnings of citizens for public goods, it is the duty of the citizens to supply the resources required. This is the Social Contract. 

“The Social Contract is two-sided – it involves the duty of government to provide public goods for the enjoyment of citizens on the one hand; and the duty of citizens to provide government with the resources needed to provide those public goods on the other hand. Citizens fulfil their side of the Social Contract by paying taxes with minimal prompting.”
 
Mr. Nami further noted that two key drivers of voluntary tax compliance are effective communication and trust, and that “Tax Authorities must develop effective tax communications strategies while governments, at all levels, must ensure taxpayers receive value for taxes paid.”

The FIRS boss further called on tax authorities to implement data-driven tax administrations, noting that “modern and efficient tax administration is run with data.”

“The time is ripe for Nigerian tax authorities to start using data to identify all taxable persons, track all economic activities and determine tax payable.

“Nigeria needs appropriate statutory framework for a centralised data sourcing, warehousing, analysis and retrieval system that every tax authority can plug into.”

Muhammad Nami also called for the harmonisation, at all levels of government, of all revenue generating functions into a single platform under the administration of one revenue authority to reduce cases of uncertainty and instability in the economy.

The opponents of Member Representing Surulere II constituency Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara have been urged not to confuse themselves over a lawsuit filed against the lawmaker.

The coordinator of the Eko Progressive Young Professionals, EPYP, Prince Abiola Ayinde, who made this known on Friday also advised against distracting the Independent National Electoral Commission in court.

Speaking against the backdrop of a publication indicating the testimony of an INEC official in court, Ayinde said the opponents had veered off their initial claim of certificate forgery against the legislator.


The trial continued on Friday before Hon. Justice Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, as the All Progressives Congress and Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara were scheduled to open their defense.

The Counsel to APC and Hon Mosunmola Sangodara, Adebisi Oridate Esq informed the Court that they filed a Motion yesterday have and served electronically and physically on the other Counsels this morning.

Adebisi Oridate Esq however informed the Court that after a careful review of their case, they would be withdrawing the Motion as there was no need for it again.

The Counsel to 2nd & 3rd Defendants in turn responded that he owed the Court an ethical duty to inform the Court of the status of the Motion especially as Dr. Pinheiro had earlier alleged yesterday that the 2nd and 3rd Defendants were not filing any process but only trying to stall hearing of the matter.

The Court struck out the 2nd and 3rd Defendant's Motion on Notice seeking to file additional Witness Statement on Oath.

Counsel to the 2nd & 3rd Defendants however informed the Court that they had carefully reviewed the case so far and considering the weight of the evidence given so far by the Plaintiff, they do not consider it necessary to call any witness and will be closing their case and asked for a date for adoption of final address.

Dr Pinheiro SAN thereafter commended the Counsel to the 2nd & 3rd Defendant. Referring to him as a brilliant lawyer, he claimed to have been impressed at the tactical manner he handled the defense.

Recall that the crux of the case of the Plaintiff is that the 2nd Defendant presented/deposed to false information in her Form EC9 and also that she submitted forged documents to INEC along with her Form EC9.

The Plaintiff by his own admission under the fire of cross-examination stated that the said Form EC9 he tendered before the court in evidence does not show where the 2nd Defendant deposed to any affidavit.

The Plaintiff further gave evidence that the said Form EC9 tendered by INEC also does not have the oath page to qualify the tendered Form EC9 as an affidavit.

INEC witness also stated in her evidence that the commission did not receive any certificate from the Party on behalf of Hon. Sangodara

Ayinde however wondered where Olasunkanmi got the certificate he alleged belonged to the 2nd Defendant.

He also asked where and when did he see that the 2nd Defendant attached and submitted certificates along with her Form EC9 to INEC.

Ayinde noted that Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara was screened by the party and given clearance to contest in the primary.

He added that Hon. Sangodara squarely and fairly won the primaries but the Plaintiff being a sore loser instituted this action to cause rancour within the rank of All Progressives Congress and embarrass the Party

Ayinde called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to unite the party and forge a common front ahead of the General Elections next year.

The matter was adjourned to 8th December 2022 for Adoption of final address.

Governments across Africa must begin to rethink governance, engender public confidence and trust in government by providing value for taxpayers’ money in line with their obligations under the social contract they have with citizens.

This was the call made to African Governments by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami at the Opening Ceremony of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) 7th General Assembly, held in Lagos, Nigeria, Tuesday.

Muhammad Nami who made this call in his opening remarks to the 7th General Assembly, with the theme “Rethinking Revenue Strategies: The Human Face of Taxation,” added that it was imperative for African Tax Administrators to mobilise and speak with one voice as a regional bloc on global tax issues for their collective interests.

“The Fiscal social contract which hinges on the willingness of the citizens to pay tax in return for the provision of public service, is a clarion call on the government at all levels in Africa to rethink governance.

“In my view, if we must transform the tax system and enhance revenue collection in Africa, there is a need for the governance at all levels to engender public confidence and trust in government by providing value for taxpayers’ money”, Nami said.

Nami also stated that governments should reconsider how projects are reported in the public space, with such reports communicating to convey the idea that taxpayers’ money’s is used to fund infrastructural projects.

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) Mr. Hamzat Ayodele Subair, in the same vein said that there was the need to give taxation a human face, by implementing projects with taxpayers’ moneys that impact the lives of the citizens.

“There is no development without funding. We have amongst others, embarked on major transformational infrastructure projects cutting across transport, health, education, agriculture, technology amongst others.

“These major infrastructural interventions are designed to improve the quality of life of our citizens and re-engineer economic growth and development trajectory with improved productivity of our citizenry, which invariably improves our tax generating abilities.

“In a bid to save the human face of taxation, communication and feedback from the taxpayer is of paramount importance,” Mr. Subair noted.

Similarly, in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum, Mr. Logan Wort noted that a critical component of rethinking Domestic Revenue Mobilization is to ensure that government has an impact on the lives of citizens.

“While we consider strategies or frameworks within which to enhance Domestic Resource Mobilization on the continent, we must always put into perspective its primary objective—being the impact on people’s lives as reflected by ATAF’s mandate in the new decade which is to serve the higher purpose of enabling and assisting African governments to mobilize their own domestic resources through taxation in order to build states that foster economic growth and social development in the interest and wellbeing of all their citizens.

“This mandate especially the latter part is one we all share in various capacities across our jurisdictions, and one that must drive our Domestic Resource Mobilization objectives”, Mr. Wort said.

The 7th ATAF General Assembly, which is being hosted by the FIRS, has in attendance tax administrators from 41 tax authorities in Africa. It is the first physical gathering of the forum since the covid-19 pandemic.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Lagos State House of Assembly has begun a probe of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government in relation to the State's Auditor-General's report for 2021.

Hon. Saka Solaja, chairman of the committee, made the announcement on Wednesday as he and his colleagues received the first set of government officials summoned to respond to queries raised in the report.

Solaja, who described the PAC as a statutory establishment of Sections 125 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, added that the committee serves as an important instrument of checks, probity and accountability in Legislative institutions at both the Federal and the State levels.

"Consequently, Section 125(2) and Section 129(1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution as (amended) empower the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Assembly to 'summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence at any place or produce any document or other things in his possession or under his control and examine
him as witness and require him to produce any document or other things in his possession or under his control'.

"Hence, in consonance with the need for improved efficiency and best practices in the pursuit of its statutory objectives, the Public Accounts Committee (State) of the
Lagos State House of Assembly is poised to commence deliberations and considerations of the audited report of the State Auditor-General on the accounts of the Lagos State Government for the year ended 2021 haven been committed to
the committee for proper deliberations," he said.

Solaja noted that the probe would cover economic activities of all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government between January 1 and December 31, 2021.

"The aim of the committee is to invite all heads of the indicted MDAs and to seek clarifications regarding the queries raised in the Auditor-General's report to
enhance service delivery in the State.

"The exercise will also ascertain the completion, accuracy and reliability of the financial transactions within the sectors and confirm the level of compliance with financial regulations, relevant legislations and accounting standards and reflect on each sector's financial performance and position.

"In addition, the committee would confirm the revenue and budget performances of all MDAs; capital
expenditure, reconciliation of the financial records with the Oracle System of the of MDAs, and ascertain the project management and control systems of MDAs in Lagos State," he added.

He said though the probe was herculean, it must be accomplished if the State must be moved forward to attain probity especially as public expectations are high.

Solaja, who said Lagos had become a reference point for probity among other states of the federation, added that the House under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, cannot afford to disappoint the electorate.

He said at the end of the exercise, the report of the committee's findings would be presented to the House for further deliberation and action as he expressed hope that the resolution on the outcome of probe would facilitate effective management of resources in the State.

By Adeyemi Obadimu



Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Lagos West Senatorial District has once again put smiles on the faces of his constituents as he empowered over 3000 persons in the Senatorial District today at Haven hall GRA Ikeja, Lagos.



The empowerment programmes targeted at youths and womenfolk is to improve their livelihoods.




The 3000 beneficiares have been trained across the lagos west Senatorial district in Leatherwork, Fashion, Hair dressing, Barbing, Fish Production, Interior Decoration/Event Planning, Catering/ Confectionaries, Interlock Block Production, Solar Energy Business to mention but few.




They will be empowered with requisite equipment and start up cash grants Oko-owo Yayi to start their businesses in all ramifications. He urged them not to sell the equipment but make use of it wisely.




However, this is the third empowerment programme this year after the mega one at Police College in Ikeja in February 2022 and the one that 1000 graduates were trained in various internationally recognized ICT courses in June.



Giving his remarks at the empowerment programme, the distinguished Senator expressed his gratitude to the people and joy in witnessing yet another epoch event targeted at skills acquisition in eleven areas of various skills acquisition and vocations.



The target is for gainful employment for youths and women in my senatorial district, Lagos West irrespective of sex, tribe, religion or political affiliation.



In his words, “I am happy that my constituents are beneficiaries of this initiatives facilitated by me as part of my representative function in the Senate at the National Assembly.



“As a legislator of many years, I have made it of paramount importance that as many youths and women as possible in my senatorial district are given requisite skills and empowered to established them in gainful self-employment. Towards this end, many trainings for skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development and ICT as well as empowerment with equipment had taken place in the past with thousands of beneficiaries that are now gainfully employed.



“Last weekend, I facilitated a staggered 3-Day Lagos West Fair at the LTV Blue Roof, Ikeja for locally made goods with about 100 exhibitors participating to show case their goods, make sales and get requisite empowerment and knowledge to improve on their products and business growth. Some of the exhibitors are product of similar past skills acquisition and vocational trainings. It is my hope that many of the participants to be empowered here will soon be in the business of producing locally made goods at the level of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs).



“As stated earlier the beneficiaries of these programme were selected devoid of any partisan considerations. Public announcements on mainstream and social media were made for interested applicants to apply and selection was based on the indicated interests of participants on a first come, first serve basis. In this set of empowerments, a total number of 3000 trained persons in Leatherwork, Fashion, Hair dressing, Barbing, Fish Production, Interior Decoration/Event Planning, Catering/ Confectionaries, Interlock Block Production, Solar Energy Business, Make-up and Gele and Agric Value Chain, will be empowered with requisite equipment and start up cash grants of various sums”.



Speaking further the Senator also known as Yayi said that In association with Federal Cooperative College, Oji River in Enugu State and Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa, all the trainees in the 11 focused vocations are being given Training Certificates in addition to their equipment and start off grants. In the face of the challenges facing our economy.



He stressed that it is no longer news that job opportunities are not many in the public and private sector. In the short term, it is my believe that many of my constituents can be gainfully self-employed with requisite skills acquisition and vocational training backed up by equipment and start of grants.

“This is my motivation in facilitating this programme that is still ongoing as many more constituents are being trained and will be similarly empowered soon.

“Let me state that in the remaining period of my service as senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, I will continue to deliver effective representation to my constituents in all walks of life with available resources for the largest senatorial district in Nigeria in terms of population. I congratulate all the beneficiaries of this programme and urge them to diligently apply the skills learnt in course of their training for their socio-economic of themselves and indeed the advancement in the society”, he stated.

By Adeyemi Obadimu





Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing the popularly known as YAYI, representing Lagos West Senatorial District has drummed support for Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and stressed the reason why local made goods will be fully supported in lagos west Senatorial district.




Adeola made this known today at LTV, blue roof, Agidingbin Ikeja at the MSMEs Exhibition/fair for locally made goods in lagos west, With the theme: “Harnessing the Growth of MSMEs for Sustainable Development in Lagos West Senatorial District”.


He noted that local goods is very important to our dear country and economy and Nigerians needs to be engaged in contributing their quota to the socio-economic development of our nation as part of my representative function.




"In the face of serious economic challenges facing our nation, there is no doubt that local production of goods and services is a veritable way of addressing the challenges associated with our economy.





Senator Adeola stressed further, this exhibition /trade fair is coming at a time that all Nigerians must start imbibing the culture of patronizing our locally made goods and services in the interest of our national economic growth.





As we all know the President of federal Republic of Nigeria, muhammad Buhari is doing fantastic well in terms of his contribution to local productions and this will give my Principal Asiwaju Bola Tinubu an enably soft landing to do more on MSMEs when he become the President of this nation, because i see him occupying the seat in 2023 by God's grace, senator Solomon Adeola added.





Over the years, I have facilitated the training of thousands of constituents in various vocational skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development programmes, all aimed at local production of goods and services.




Some of the beneficiaries of these programmes are in business as well as engaging other Nigerians in gainful employment in the vast pool of MSMEs of Lagos West.





The Lagos West Fair 2022 with 100 exhibitors at the first instance is targeted at enhancing the growth of MSMEs within the Lagos West Senatorial district. With a population of over 12 million people making up over half of Lagos Mega City, Lagos West will definitely have the largest number of MSMEs in Nigeria and there is need to encourage and showcase their products as alternative to costly imported goods and services.




I am therefore facilitating these staggered exhibition/fairs across the two divisions of Lagos West namely, Ikeja and Badagry Division. This is in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River and Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan.




There is no doubt about the benefits of this programme in promoting our local production not only for exhibitors but also the citizenry. Most of our locally made goods can compete favourably with others but more importantly, they tailor-made to serve the purpose for which they were made at a lesser cost. In this programme, exhibitors have opportunities of reaching many customers, leveraging their products for export as well as networking for mutually beneficial integration. There are also opportunities for sales and orders from direct consumers of products on display.




Adeola concluded has he declares the 3-Days exhibition/fair open; most foreign made goods are no longer affordable on account of the rate of our currency to foreign currencies. Happily, most of these goods now have locally made ones. This is the time to patronize our locally made goods with all its benefits for the economy and the stabilization of our currency’s value".

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has stated that it has commenced the deduction of taxes at transaction points from Online Gaming Transactions using the Sentinal National Payment Gateway and Electronic Solution.

In a Public Notice signed by its Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami, the Service while directing full compliance by the online gaming community, explained that the Sentinal National Payment Gateway was a transaction processing system that enables Integrated Payment Services Providers to deduct taxes at the points of transaction and immediately remit the tax deducted to the government’s treasury.

“The FIRS is automating the administration of tax on online gaming using Sentinal National Payment Gateway and Electronic Solution.

“Sentinal National Payment Gateway is a transaction processing system that enables Integrated Payment Service Providers to deduct taxes at transaction-points and remit the tax deducted directly to government’s treasury.

“The deployment of Sentinal National Payment Gateway will simplify tax compliance for companies engaged in online gaming activities,” the notice read.

The FIRS also noted that all operators offering online gaming services in Nigeria, not later than the 31st of December 2022, were required “to connect to the Sentinal National Payment Gateway, deduct tax from online gaming transactions and remit same directly to the relevant government’s treasury.”
The Notice stated that though it was not mandatory for online gaming operators offering online gaming services from outside Nigeria to be incorporated in Nigeria, they are compelled by extant tax laws to connect to the Sentinal National Payment Gateway for the purposes of dedicating tax from the gaming transactions of players in Nigeria, and remitting same directly to the government purse.

Mr. Muhammad Nami, Executive Chairman of the FIRS, commenting on this approach to tax collection at the point of transaction stated that the country needed to innovate and harness technology for improved revenue generation from e-commerce as well as for accountability.

“The world is entering a challenging time where there is a strong obligation on Governments to increase tax revenue as a percentage of GDP so as to provide much needed funding for local infrastructure and public services. Nigeria needs to innovate and harness technology to ensure that online transactions are taxed and accounted for.

“We have been very impressed with the Sentinal platform which allows us to not only collect tax revenues at source, but also provides us with tax reporting and monitoring tools in real time,” Mr Nami stated, “The system will also integrate with our own TaxPro Max portal.”

In his comments at a meeting with the tax authority head, the Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission of Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila commended the adoption of this innovation, describing it as a “huge step” for taxation of the gaming industry.

“Online gaming continues to grow rapidly in Nigeria, particularly on mobile, and the adoption of E-technologies’ Sentinal National Payment Gateway is a huge step for us to allow us to capture gaming duty at source.

“We are welcoming all responsible offshore gaming operators to apply for a Remote Operator Permit as long as they pass all the relevant criteria including full AML screening and responsible gaming practices. We are proud to be the first country to adopt the Sentinal System and we believe it will bring a real national benefit to Nigeria,” Mr. Gbajabiamila noted.

David Kicks, the CEO of the E-Technologies Global Limited, the proprietors of the Sentinal National Payment Gateway expressed excitement over the adoption of the system by the Service.

“Governments in rapidly developing nations are struggling to keep pace with the evolution of eCommerce and the ascent of mobile transactions.

“We are thrilled that the Nigerian Government has made the decision to integrate our Sentinal System, which empowers them to streamline online taxation. By understanding better how the payments ecosystem behaves and evolves, we can drive a paradigm shift towards a point of consumption tax methodology,” he said.

For his exemplary leadership in public service, President Muhammad Buhari on Friday conferred the Excellence in Public Service Award to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, as well as 43 others, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Lawan, Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, Babajide Raji Fashola, SAN, among other awardees.

Mr. Nami was given the Excellence Award in Public Service for “Fiscal Reforms” during the Maiden Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Award was presented to Mr. Nami by the President in recognition of his efforts at shoring up revenue for the country, by introducing unprecedented institutional, modernisation and technological reforms that have seen the FIRS transform into the nation’s foremost cashcow.

Within his three years in office, Muhammad Nami is renowned to have transformed and repositioned the apex revenue body to ensure efficiency in revenue collection leading to the collection of an unprecedented sum of N6.4 Trillion by the FIRS in 2021; the highest ever collected by the Service.

In his remarks, President Buhari noted that these awards were a validation of the work done by the recipients and a motivation to continue to do more.

The President noted that the Nigeria Excellence in Public Service Award put together by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in partnership with The Best Strategic Media is an award that recognises and rewards service delivery.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, noted that the awards were scorecards of different offices at various levels.

“This is an award that recognises and rewards excellence. It is for the development of public service and the nation at large. Recipients have been carefully selected from both public and private sectors. Nigeria is our nation and we must stand up to protect and defend it”, Boss Mustapha said.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who received an award for Peace Building said it was gratifying that people were recognised based on their service to the nation. He thanked the organisers of the award for their commitment to national growth and development.

“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for coming to make the presentation of the award himself. It shows his commitment to excellence in public service. On behalf of the 44 of us, I assure you that we will continue to do our best for the society”, former President Jonathan said.

In an appreciation message, Mr. Muhammad Nami thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, while dedicating the Award to the Board, Management and Staff of the FIRS, taxpayers, his family, friends and relatives, among others.

He called on Nigerians to continue to trust the government to deliver good governance while asking that they honour their tax obligations to provide government the resources to build the nation of their dreams.

“I call on all Nigerians to continue to trust the government to deliver good governance to them; to continue to honor their obligations to our country by paying their taxes and building the nation of their dreams in so doing.

“I reiterate that all over the world, it is citizens that build their civilizations through the taxes they pay,” he noted.

The Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service recognises public officers who have excelled in their duty, transformed their offices and institutions, developed other leaders, and shown good character, innovation and excellence in the delivery of their service, among others.

J

By Adeyemi Obadimu


As 2023 elections gather momentum, the group Progressive G10 has endorsed and drum support for the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his Running mate, Kashim Shettima, and also the Lagos State governor Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat in their 2nd Term bid.


The group made this known today at the World press conference, held in Lagos to support Asiwaju/Shettima 2023 Presidency and Gov. Sanwo-Olu Hamzat 2nd term re-election, nothing that thier capability and hardwork will make them victorious come 2023.


While speaking, the coordinator of Progressive G10, Comrade Olorunimbe Ismail said, " the group is a product of grassroot desire to have a support base with structure in all the regions and also with keen interest for good governance, we partner with other stakeholders to expand the space for Political awareness and thanking the Chairman/ Mentor of the group specially, Chief Tayo Ayinde, who is the chief of staff to Lagos State Governor, for all his unrelented support and efforts towards this project.


Olorunimbe stressed that the main reason the Group is supporting Jagaban in 2023 as Tinubu is called, because the former Lagos State Governor has shown uncommon leadership traits as an achiever, a senator, a two time Governor with incredible impacts in all areas of governance is second to none.




Going forward, the Group said Tinubu values and improved on so many policies and structures he inherited from his predecessors, Asiwaju extraordinary antecedent in character, charitable, a great listener, selfless, and optimist, trustworthy to mention but few, and he also picked a good and intelligent man as his running mate, the Progressive G10 described Asiwaju Tinubu as a super head hunter that will bring positive and transformational achievements to the country.



Speaking further, Olorunimbe urged all lagosians to rally round and support Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu's re- election bid, putting into cognizance the giant stride the state has witnessed under his leadership.


He said the governor is changing the face of Lagos by completing all necessary projects and with determination of starting new ones, adding that another laudable project is the recently approved construction of an airport in Ibeju Lekki.



"I encourage all APC members to move out in our ranks and take adequate advantage of time canvasing for door to door, that Nigeria is our own, and we shouldn't abdicate governance into the hands of proxies and stooges.



Attendance at the press conference include; Alhaji Adedamola Adebola the media director of the group, Otunba Oladipo Labinjo Leader,
women leader mama oke as popularly called, women coordinator, Folashade Olorunbe, Alhaji Toyin Fashola, Alhaji Hafeez Quadri aka Jagaban.

The campaign of calumny against the member representing Surulere State constituency 2 in Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs Mosunmola Sangodara; a hardworking legislator, is gradually collapsing as she once again got a vote of confidence from his constituents to return as the legislator representing them. Against the wicked and ill fated rumour about her candidature, the Eko Progressive Young Professionals, EPYP in a statement signed by it's coordinator, Prince Abiola Ayinde in Surulere reteirated that Sangodara remains the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC for Surulere constituency 2.

'Don't allow them to lie to you, we are following their jejune court case, and we can tell you that our Honourable will be vindicated at the end of it all''.

In the statement Abiola further explained that; ''All their allegations are being trashed one after the other, it has been sufficiently established that Hon. Sangodara contrary to the allegations of her detractors attended Marywood Primary School and Yaba College of Technology.

Today 19th October 2022 when trial resumed before Hon. Justice Oweibo of the Federal High Court the Subpoenaed witness from West African Examination Council, WAEC laid to rest the allegations that Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara did not possess the WASSCE. The witness in her testimony before the court confirmed that Hon. Mosunmola Ogundara did sit for the WASSCE and possess a genuine certificate duly issued by the council.

Previously, at the Court, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba had confirmed the studentship of Hon. Mosunmola. The witness under Cross -Examination admitted he never saw a copy of the certificate alleged by the Plaintiff to be a forgery.

In the court papers seen, the case has been adjourned till 2nd of November, 2022.

The EPYP also slammed petitioners of Sangodara as "lazy and distracting politicians"

''Those behind the false accusations and accompanying media trial are mere lazy politicians who are only out to distract the distinguished honourable member , and cause unhealthy bad blood between the ranks of the APC in Surulere. But as progressives, we won't allow them to have their way. For the umpteemth time, Sangodara remains the candidate of the APC, and the generality of people within her constituency are set to renew her mandate with a landslide reelection come 2023''

Passengers aboard an Air Peace aircraft flying from Lagos to Anambra managed to escape death after its engine stopped working three times at take-off point on Wednesday afternoon.



It was gathered that the aircraft, which was scheduled to take off at 11 am, was delayed for two hours after the management of the airline had earlier announced that the plane originally scheduled for the Anambra trip had suddenly developed fault.



Olu Ayinla (not real name), one of the passengers who was onboard, told FIJ that the management of the airline had announced that they were waiting for another plane that was coming from Warri as replacement.



“I got to the airport around 5 am because the trip was scheduled for 11 am but the management of Air Peace said that the flight to convey us to Anambra was faulty and so we would travel with the one coming from Warri,”Ayinla added.



“Around 2 pm, they brought another plane and as we entered and settled in, its engines went off two times. Are they trying to kill us? They want us to fly and die?




“The pilot and engineers tried to convince us that all was well, but everyone could see that things were not right. They simply wanted to risk our lives and kill everyone.”







A source, who also simply wished to be identified as ‘Professor’, revealed that passenger boarding was delayed for two hours because of technical issues and that the flight crew ‘struggled’ with the plane before take-off.





“Air Peace asked for 15 minutes to fix a technical issue but they ended up wasting two hours of our time. When we boarded, five minutes after settling-in, the engine went off and they restarted it,” Professor said.



“I noticed how much they were struggling with the plane. They would restart it only for it to stop again. At some point, they had even shut the door before the engines went off completely.


“There and then, I knew the plane was not in good shape and stood up immediately.”

A third source, who also asked not to be named, told FIJ that the airline did not offer explanations on the technical issues the plane had.







“The engine stopped three times and there was no explanation until passengers asked to be allowed to leave the plane. The captain only gave a vague explanation when the passengers expressed their concerns. He said the DAC or something similar to that went off on us.




“I think Air Peace is becoming too comfortable.  This was supposed to be a substitute plane as the first couldn’t be used for technical reasons. If this lackadaisical attitude continues, I fear they may record a crash soon.

“If we had flown today, we likely would have crashed.”

FIJ made phone several calls to Air Peace for comments on the incident, but all its official lines were not available. A text message sent had also not been responded to at press time.







(C) FIJ

The controversy and war of words over the closure of Dangote Cement Factory in Kogi continues to rage as the State Government today reacted to claims by the Billionaire that his organisation did no wrong and that they own the Cement Factory 100 percent.

In a paid advertorial placed in ThisDay newspaper, Kogi Government Revealed that despite the fact they claim that Dangote Group owns the company 100 percent, it is curious that it has been listing the State officials as shareholders in the company in its returns to Corporate Affairs Commission, which is quite bizarre.





The advertorial revealed how the Obajana Cement Company was registered in 1992 and the state government took a loan to fund its activities which included feasibility on mining and production of cement. According to the State, 15Deutsch Marks loan was taken and years after Dangote took over the State was still paying the loan. Yet, it was the enticement of these findings that drew the conglomerate to the State.





The advertorial also averred that Dangote did not acquire any shares of Obajana Cement or pay any compensation known under the law hence their insistence that they own Dangote Cement Kogi.







Speaking about resolution of the crisis the State Government claimed that it resorted to the closure as the last resort after various administrations had failed to draw the conglomerate to the implications of of its silence to the issues they raised but Dangote ignored them.







They listed Judicial Commission, Technical Committee as well as other fora they had opened and invited Dangote to speak up only for the management of Dangote Group to ignore such opportunities to clear the air and stake their claims.





Moving forward, the State demanded that a full accounting of the activities of Dangote Cement Kogi in the last twenty years be conducted so that they will know what should accrue to the State. They also demanded the restoration of their shares as well as the accruing benefits for the past two decades.





See the full text of the 2-page advertorial

APC House of Assembly candidate in Abeokuta South Constitinuecy 11, Hon Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele popularly known as IWA has awarded scholarship to 100 students at Grand Plus College of Education in Kwara State.

IWA made the announcement on in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital.

The APC House Assembly Candidate in a statement made available to newsmen by his Media adviser Adeyemi Obadimu said: "Quality education is a crucial tool for improving the prospects of higher income levels for individual. The gesture was aimed improving human capital development.

“I am doing this because it is an investment in human capital development of our people. Education is never a waste. What will be my gain as a politican and philanthropist if i can't support quality education, this is not the first time i'm given scholarship to students." He added.


"I am trying to break the circle of less privileged people in my constients by equipping our future leaders with the necessary skills.



"I have no doubt that this scholarship scheme will inspire the beneficiaries and the youths in general to drive the necessary change that will lead to a sustainable development in the Abeokuta South.



The payment of school fees, which could have naturally been a major constraint and distraction to these students, are being taking care of by my humble self, IWA added".



While speaking with one of the beneficiary Kasali Oladimeji lukman said IWA kind gesture is second to none and he appreciated him for the scholarship bestowed on him.



"I Received my admission letter and tear of joy rolls in my eye, As you can see we all the beneficiares are very happy. may God almighty continue to bless honorable Wasiu Ayodele and his family.



If we can recall, IWA empowered 50 people in his constients some days ago to be self employed and paid for thier training fee, and yesterday the philanthropist gave scholarship to students.

In line with determination to ensure self-reliance and sustainable development among the people of Abeokuta South, Hon. Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele, has distributed empowerment to the people of his constituency to improve their wellbeing.

IWA as fondly called by his political admirers is contesting under the platform of All Progressive Congress, APC, empowered over 50 residents on Monday, which would up lift their standard of living.

While speaking at the presentation of the empowerment to the beneficiaries in Abeokuta South, IWA said the gesture was a way of appreciating his constituents for their support so far and pledged to do more once elected.

He pledged to make training payment for applicants willing to learn barbing, hair dressing, tailoring and make-up, stressing that he will also support them extensively after graduating.

The Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello has disclosed that reports before him indicate that the Dangote Cement Factory does not belong to the billionaire, Aliko Dangote

Speaking at a media briefing, the Governor revealed that in the past five years he has received many petitions against the operations of the Dangote Cement factory, its ownership as well as the denial of the State its dues.

All efforts to sit down with the proprietor of Dangote Conglomerate failed, according to Yahaya Bello because Dangote failed to show up. Despite this, he set up committees to look into the matter and they made efforts to get those who claimed to be very big in the company to come and defend themselves which also failed. Because of these, the petitioners went to the State Assembly to seek redress when they found that he was delaying. He also stressed the fact that every Governor who was there before him faced the same challenges with Dangote to the extent that the people now allege that maybe they had soiled their hands.

From the Technical reports before him, he claimed that the Obajana Cement now known as Dangote Cement Factory belongs to Kogi State.

Speaking further, the Governor stated that he has already invited Aliko Dangote to come for discussions. He however warned that ‘In case of the Billionaire’s refusal to come down, I will have no option than to execute every recommendation in this report’.




Again he warned the law enforcement agents, over their delay in executing orders given by law courts and legally constituted agencies. Yahaya Bello said that when they delay in executing such legally issued orders, they are calling for anarchy and self defence. He said that this was what led to agitations and unrests in the Niger Delta, South East and other places.




According to him, the State Government is not interested in shutting down Obajana Cement Factory, which in his words, is now purported to be Dangote Cement company. ‘ ‘If there is anything, we want more of such investments. We cannot have such investments and every month, we will be waiting for envelope from Federation account.’




The State according to him has been lucky to have the late Abubakar Audu as its Governor who based on his foresight established the Obajana Cement Factory, did all the groundwork, acquired mining licence, the Certificate of Occupancy and ensured that the business was one hundred percent owned by the State and ran it as such before the coming of Dangote.







‘We cannot have such an organisation one hundred percent, lose it one hundred percent and be at the mercy of Dangote. It is an aberration’, he said. Governor Yahaya Bello promised to secure any investor who is coming with clean hands and have interests of the State at heart.

The moral right of citizens to demand accountability from government on what their taxes have been used for, is dependent on when citizens have themselves heeded to their civil obligations to pay taxes.



This was the position of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami during the unveiling of the FIRS Service Charter on Tuesday in Abuja.




Mr. Nami, while delivering the opening remarks at the unveiling, which was one of the events hosted by the Service in commemoration of the 2022 Global Customer Service Week, called on citizens to be fair to the government by paying their taxes, noting that this was the pathway to the country’s civilisation.



“Nigerians should be fair to the government,” he stated. “We must start to trust the Government. Nigerians must also understand that tax is a statutory responsibility and they should pay their taxes.”



Mr. Nami further stated that “Globally, tax is a social contract between government and its citizens. It is when citizens fulfil their obligations that they have moral rights to ask government to account for taxes they pay. Nigerians are expected to understand that globally citizens pay for their own civilization; as most infrastructures and privileges in advanced countries are made possible by the revenue generated through the taxes their citizens pay to the government.”



The Executive Chairman, FIRS also appealed to governments at the Federal, State and Local Government levels to give value to citizens for the money they pay as taxes.



On the occasion of the Global Customer Service Week, Mr. Nami noted that the Week aligned with one of his four-cardinal objectives for the FIRS, that is making the Service a “Customer-centric institution”. He noted that the FIRS had taken steps and actions to institutionalise effective and efficient service delivery to all its stakeholders.



“For us at the FIRS, the essence of the customer service week is to further promote the culture of quality service delivery and team spirit among staff and reward them for their commitment to the mission and vision of the Service.




“The importance of efficient service cannot be relegated in a service-oriented institution like ours as quality service to our taxpayers and customers in general lead to increase in tax compliance and revenue generation, which is integral to nation building.




“The theme of this year’s celebration has been appropriately chosen: Celebrate Service! For us at FIRS, we recognize the commitment of our staff, and have every reason to celebrate them for the services they render to our customers.




“To demonstrate our commitment to quality service and a delightful customer experience, I am pleased to inform you that Management has approved a Service Charter, which will be unveiled shortly. The Service Charter contains the services we render, and is our service agreement, promise and commitment on how we will be rendering service to FIRS esteemed customers and our expectations from them.”



The CEO of SERVICOM Presidency, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli who delivered the keynote address at the unveiling commended the FIRS for being one of the agencies of government that was committed to providing value to taxpayers.



The Global Customer Service Week is a week-long international celebration that calls attention to the importance of customer service and the people that provide it with a view to boosting morale and teamwork.

The College Of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, have bestowed a meritorious Award of Honour to former Presidential Aspirant and President, National Carrot Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigerian, NACAGPROMAN, Amb. John Akorede Aderibigbe.

Aderibigbe was honoured by COEASU in recognition of his commitment, patriotism to humanity, coupled with his immense contribution to Agriculture as an Agripreneur.

His philanthropic gesture to the society at large was also noticed by the revered educators, who used the auspicious occasion to also celebrate its annual National Teachers Day Celebration on every October 5th.

Aderibigbe who was represented by his Media Aide, Akinwale Kasali, and collected the award on his behalf at the COEASU Secretariat, FCE, Osiele, Abeokuta.

Speaking after receiving the award, Aderibigbe appreciated COEASU for finding him worthy and honouring him.

He said that for every society to develop and move forward, Teachers play a pivotal role in impacting of knowledge, stressing that their service to the nation will never go unnoticed.

“I use this occasion to appreciate our teachers for their steadfastness, selflessness, determination, passion and zeal in affecting the lives of our students positively, without them the future looks bleak and uncertain.

“It is also worthy of note that no sane society exist without Teachers.

“This award of Honour will spur me to do more in impacting lives positively and make the nation and world at large a better place for all and sundry”, Aderibigbe stated.

He however used the medium to appeal to Nigerians to unite for peace and tranquillity to reign supreme in the country as we move into electioneering process, urging Politicians not to fan ember of hatred and not heat up the polity.

Justice Yusuf Halilu of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, on Tuesday, awarded a N540m court judgment against the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), in the N5 billion defamation suit filed by Prophet Emmanuel Omale, Founder of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, Abuja.



Omale had filed the suit over the alleged false information that the FCMB passed to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) on a “suspicious credit inflow”.


Adam Nuru, former managing director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), had told the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) that the bank made an error of posting N573 million into the church’s account.


The committee had accused Ibrahim Magu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), of using Omale to launder funds abroad.



However, the bank later clarified that there was a system error that affected Omale’s account but no transfer was made.



In a letter to Omale, the bank expressed regrets and published a public apology in three national newspapers as demanded by Omale’s lawyer.



“It is our hope that the public apology has assuaged the grievances of your client, having seen that the error was indeed not borne out of any malice towards them. Kindly extend our good wishes to your client, whilst assuring you of our warm professional regards,” the letter read.


Delivering the judgment, Halilu awarded N540 million to Omale, ordering the bank to domicile the money in the court’s account.

The 2022 editon of BBNAIJA has come and gone as Phyna won the 100 million prize tag.

Read full news below

https://newsextra.com.ng/2022/10/02/phyna-wins-bbnaija-season-7-n100m/

The house of Assembly Candidate Representing Abeokuta South Constinuecy II under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) honorable Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele commonly known as IWA has congratulates Nigerians on this year 62nd occasion of independence day, says the country will be great again.





In a Press statement made available to newsmen by his media Adviser, Adeyemi Obadimu, we need to join hands together and contribute to the growth of our country, government can not do it alone, let's exchange the hand of love to one another, by doing this. I believe our nation will be great again.




IWA independence message goes thou; " it is good to celebrate our dear nation because Remembering our past is extremely important. But we also have to think about building our future. Let's do everything to keep our freedom and carry it through the years.




May the glory of Independence Day be with us forever. Here's wishing you a very happy Independence Day"




Igbaleye Wasiu Ayodele is a philanthropist and a politican that have impacted in many peoples life positively. The good people of Abeokuta south constituency 11 needs to support him to represent them at the state house come 2023 general.

These are not the best of times for Dangote Group as they face allegations of sharp practices in business from Kogi State government, as well as Akwa Ibom State.





Already, the Kogi State House of Assembly has ordered stoppage to the activities of the company in two Local Governments in the State while investigations continue.




The crux of the matter, from our investigations arise from sharp practices in terms of tax payments.



According to exclusive reports from Kogi State, the initial story was that Dangote Group Alledgedly took over the State Cement Company illegally without paying a dime for the takeover.




According to our findings, Dangote took over the State Cement Company Obajana Cement without paying the necessary compensation to the State government.




This is corroborated by the State Assembly findings. According to some media reports, ‘the parliament stated that all available documents showed that the company started as Obajana Cement Company before turning to Dangote Cement company without any considerations.




It also directed that the documents signed at the establishment of the company and relevant receipts of dues claimed to have been paid to the government be made available at the next adjourned sitting date.





The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Kolawole, gave the order after interim reports of the ongoing investigative hearing on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) which was submitted by the ad hoc committee led by Hon. Isah Tenimu and deliberated upon at the plenary on Wednesday.





Kolawole said this has become imperative in view of the claims and counterclaims between the Chairman of Kogi State Internally Generated Revenue Service (KGIRS) and representatives of Dangote Cement.




The Speaker further directed that the Financial Director of Dangote Cement Company should meet with KGIGRS and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry to reconcile financial differences.





Earlier, during the investigative hearing, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry had pointed out that Dangote had not been paying business premises fees since operation in the state.




Responding, the representative of Dangote, Alhaji Jimoh claimed that on the contrary, Kogi State had 10 per cent share which could only be claimed if the state showed interest, adding that since no interest was shown, the shares had been acquired when Dangote became a conglomerate.




While the Financial Director of Dangote, Segun Oyebanjo, claimed that since 2016, the company has paid in total dues the sum of N14 billion to the coffers of Kogi State Government through KGIRS with receipts.



But the Chairman of KGIRS said it was not so, adding that the receipts being bandied are not from them.




Oyebanjo stated that it was only in 2021 that some certain taxes were not being paid’. But the Kogi problem with Dangote is not limited to this.



In another development, Following the unrestrained environmental degradation in Ankpa and Olamaboro local government areas, Kogi state House of Assembly on Wednesday, directed the Commissioner of Police and Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to seal off operations of Dangote Plc in the affected areas of the State. The House gave the order during a public hearing on activities of Dangote Group in the state, especially on the the massive exploitation , environmental degradation and non compensation to the affected owners of the land and without revenue accruing to the state government.



The Speaker, Kogi state House of Assembly, Mathew Kolawole, charged the NSCDC commandant to ensure immediate implementation pending when the ad hoc committee on revenue clarifies some grey areas. Kolawole, who lamented the environmental degradation caused by mining activities on Kogi by the Dangote group and its subsidiaries, accused the multi national business concern of making billions in the state but yet fails to give back to it.



Akwa Ibom is also finding it difficult to collect its entitlement from the Dangote Group. According to reports from the place, the Itu Local Government blocked Dangote premises with their trucks because the company has refused to pay tax for more than two years despite pleas and series of warnings.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), having followed the saying that “it is never too early to commence a career as a writer”, is calling for registration for its maiden edition of the PENGASSAN National Essay Writing Competition.

According to Richard Bach, a professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit. To this end, the foremost union in the most important sector of the Nigerian economy is giving JSS1 and SS1 students in Secondary Schools across Nigeria the platform to hone their writing skills through essays and win big.

The Consultant of the program, Xavina Consulting Ltd, has stated that the essay would focus on ‘Clean Energy and the environment.’

Registration starts on the 23rd of September 2022 and closes on the 6th of October 2022.
The organizers, therefore, encourage students in these categories to apply early.

Prizes to be won include:

SS1 category –
• winner: cash prize of one million naira (N1million);
• 2nd Prize N500, 000 and
• 3rd prize N300,000.

JSS 1 category;
• winner cash prize of N500,000;
• 2nd Prize of N300,000 and
• 3rd Prize is N200,000.

Other consolation cash prizes include N100,000. 00 for 4th to 6th positions each for each category.
For further enquiries, interested students can call the organizer on 09067539951, 09027714954 or visit their website:www.pengassanessays.com

Students can also, check below social media handles for more information. IG: @pengassan.essay.competition and FB page: Pengassan.essay.competition

Terms and conditions apply.

By Adeyemi Obadimu



As the National Identity Management Commission m (NIMC) spread their gospel to Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has commended the Federal Government on NIMC Enrollment Sensitization taking to the grassroots through traditional rulers as a very good Initiative.


Oba Elegushi made this known yesterday 10th of September 2022 in his Palace during the 4th edition of the National Identity Day organized by NIMC.


He said I have been an advocate that promotes NIMC activities from the onset as a monarch and I will continue to advocate for it because i know the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN).


"This is a welcome idea because we still have alot of people that are yet to get their NIN, this sensitization method will help us to educate our people on the usefulness of NIN, because some people don't know it is very important.


"I believe in this NIMC enrollment so much because i want a developed country where Government can have a data base that will make them to plan for primary health care and all the basic things that citizens needed, this will also help to identify and know the numbers of people living in our communities.


"Oba Elegushi urged the Lagosians inrespective of where they are living to participate in the Ongoing NIMC Enrollment because this is their civic rights, and will continue to tell my Traditional Chiefs, market people and others on the need for NIMC Enrollment. Oba Shaeed added".


While speaking at the event, The Regional Coordinator, NIMC Lagos, Mrs Funmi Opesanwo, who represented the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami and NIMC Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Aliyu Aziz stated the reasons for the National Identity Management Commission's visit to the Ikate-Elegushi palace.



Opesanwo appreciated Oba Elegushi for his support towards this project from the beginning, "you're a wonderful father to us at NIMC".



"She noted that The National Identity Day was approved by President Buhari in 2019 and September 16th this year will be our 4th edition, themed "Traditional Institutions as Critical Stakeholders for Citizen’s Mobilization".




"Opesanwo said NIMC want to make sure that everyone is Identified and have National Identification Number irrespective of where they are, either urban or rural areas".



"We believe that our traditional rulers are close to the citizens in terms of mobilization and other engagement that is why we are here to seek your support to mobilize the citizens in your kingdom for NIMC Enrollment".




"The focus on the role of the traditional institutions in propagating the importance and benefits of the National Identification Number (NIN) is very important. Opesanwo added".



In the same vein, the State Coordinator, NIMC Lagos East, Mrs Stella Emeagwai said our mandate in NIMC is to carry out enrollment of all citizens and legal residents and issue them the national identification number popularly known as NIN.



Not only that we integrate all data base in the country into a centralized national database and Traditional rulers are the custodians of values and moral of the people, they have the capacity to disseminate the importance of NIMC Enrollment to the people.



Lastly, this year's National Identity Day is to promote awareness on the need for the NIN registration, and to foster development of the identity sector. This sensitization event is replicated across all the Regions in Nigeria.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, has vowed not to issue a letter of indigeneship to anyone without National Identification Number (NIN) in his kingdom.

Oba Shotobi made this known during the 4th edition of the National Identity Day in his palace at Ikorodu, on Friday, 9th of September 2022.

Speaking at the event, organized by The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to mark 2022 Identity Day , Oba Shotobi, who commended the Federal Government for introducing NIN to Nigerians, said the world is now digital, therefore, urged the Ikorodu indigenes to go out en mass to register for the NIN exercise.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to recognize traditional rulers in terms of grassroots mobilization, whilst commending the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), and DG/CEO NIMC, Engr Aliyu Aziz for including Traditional Rulers in this year's celebration of the National Identity Day.

“I will play an advisory role since the FG dimmed it fit that traditional rulers are very close to the grassroots, that is why I am advocating for my indigene to get NIN because if you don't have NIN, I won't give you a letter of origin in Ikorodu.

“It was gathered that over 10 million people have registered in Lagos and we are more than 22 million, we need to work hard and ensure Lagosians are fully involved in NIN registration. My Chiefs will take the NIN gospel to their various communities”.

Oba Shotobi also lauded one of the NIMC officials in Ikorodu, Nofiu Khadijat, the Cluster Head of Ikorodu LGA for a job well done and for being a good representative of the Commission in Ikorodu.

Also speaking at the event, the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Kayode Adekoge, who represented the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy , Isa Ali Pantami and NIMC Director - General /Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Aliyu Aziz said, The National Identity Day started 4 years ago in Nigeria , and our theme for this year is "Traditional Institutions as Critical Stakeholders for Citizen’s Mobilization".

Adegoke noted that NIMC's plan is to take enrollment to the people irrespective of where they are, either Urban or rural areas.

"We the officials of NIMC are at the palace of Ayangburen of Ikorodu in Lagos State for the Kabiyesi to help us stimulate and engage the people in Ikorodu and environs to take an active part in the ongoing NIN enrollment.”

Adekoge noted that we have 90 million enrollments on our database across the country as we speak, that's why the Minister and the FG wants to involve the traditional rulers to help spread the gospel to their communities.

We believe that traditional rulers are the ones that can help us mobilize the citizens in their locality.

Nigeria is a forefront member of ID4Africa movement, a movement motivated by the need to promote legal identity for all in Africa as premised on the Sustainable Development Goals 16:9.

In the same vein, the Regional Coordinator of NIMC in Lagos State, Mrs Funmi Opesanwo thanked Oba Babatunde Shotobi for always giving NIMC a warm reception anytime the organization knocks on his door. She added that the focus on the role of the traditional institutions in propagating the importance and benefits of the National Identification Number (NIN) is very important.

"We have over 50 NIN Enrolment Centres in the LGAs and LCDAs across Lagos State, whilst also informing the public that the FG licensed some Frontend Enrolment Partners (FEPs) for the registration of citizens and legal residents into the National Identity Database.

In conclusion, this year's National Identity Day is to promote awareness on the need for the NIN registration, as the event is replicated across all the Regions in Nigeria.