₦airaland Forum

Governors and traditional rulers under the auspices of National Council of Traditional Rulers are currently meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Although the agenda of the meeting holding at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, was not immediately made public, sources said they are discussing the situation of the country with a view to putting in measures that will alleviate hardship in the land.

Daily Trust gathered that the governors are trying to get feedback from the traditional rulers in order to frame policies and take decision in the overall interest of Nigerians.

Among those cited by Daily Trust were the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak (Kwara), and other state governors including, Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Dapo Abiodun, (Ogun), Seyi Makinde, (Oyo), Agbu Kefas, (Taraba), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, (Gombe), Uba Sani (Kaduna).

Some of the prominent traditional rulers at the event are the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar.

The Northern Governors Forum has kicked against the proposed Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly.

It stated that the proposed tax bill is against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals.

In a communique read by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe state, Mohammed Yahaya, the governors frowned at the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model.

The “Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the Blare against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to a Derivation-based Model”.

The forum therefore called on members of the National Assembly to oppose the bill that can jeopardise the well-being of their people.

“This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people,” the governors said.

It also demanded equity and fairness in the implementation of all Federal Government programmes and policies.


The governors called for “equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised”.

The Federal Government is pressing ahead with critical tax reforms not just to boost tax revenue and efficiency but also to meet the requirements for a $750m loan from the World Bank.

This loan project is a part of the broader $2.25bn approved by the World Bank for Nigeria on June 13, 2024, to bolster Nigeria’s economic stability and support its vulnerable populations.

The other second part of the loan package was for the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation, Development Policy Financing Programme project.

For the second loan, The PUNCH earlier reported that the Federal Government had obtained $751.88m out of the approved $1.5bn so far.

However, there has yet to be a disbursement for the first loan of $750m.

PUNCH Online observed that disbursement for the first loan is tied to specific fiscal and governance conditions under the Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms programme.

The ARMOR programme includes three main result areas: implementing tax and excise reforms to increase Value-Added Tax collections and excise rates on health and environmentally friendly products; strengthening tax and customs administrations to enhance VAT compliance and audit effectiveness; and safeguarding oil and gas revenues by increasing transparency and net revenue contributions.

PUNCH Online obtained a copy of the signed loan agreement between Nigeria (through the Ministry of Finance) and the World Bank on Sunday.

The agreement document read in part, “The bank agrees to lend to the borrower the amount of $750,000,000 as such amount may be converted from time to time through a currency conversion (“Loan”), to assist in financing the programme described in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to this Agreement (“Programme”) and the project described in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to this Agreement (“Project”, and together with the Programme, hereinafter jointly referred to as the “Operation”).

“The borrower may withdraw the proceeds of the loan in accordance with Section IV of Schedule 2 to this Agreement. All withdrawals from the loan account shall be deposited by the Bank into an account specified by the Borrower and acceptable to the bank.”

According to the Disbursement Linked Indicators set out in the loan agreement, the loan will only be released upon achieving measurable progress in key areas.

These include raising VAT collection through improved regulations, increasing excise taxes on health and environmental products, and boosting corporate tax compliance through enhanced digital infrastructure.

Central to the ARMOR programme is the government’s plan to increase VAT rates and expand taxpayer compliance.

Some of the loan targets include increasing VAT collections to 1.8 per cent of non-oil Gross Domestic Product, unlocking $105m of the loan.

Also, there is a target to register 660,000 VAT filers, which will release $30m from the loan.

An e-invoicing system for VAT traders, once launched, will trigger $20m, with an additional $45m upon 30 per cent trader adoption.

In an effort to boost VAT revenue, the Federal Government is considering a bill proposing an increase in the VAT from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent by 2025.

VAT refers to a consumption tax on goods and services levied at each stage of the supply chain where value is added.

In the executive bill seen by PUNCH Online, the legislature also intends to increase the VAT to 12.5 per cent by 2026 through 2029.

“VAT shall be charged on the value of all taxable supplies at the following rates (a) 2025 year of assessment 10 per cent; (b) 2026, 2027 2028, and 2029 years of assessment 12.5 per cent (c) 2030 year of assessment and thereafter 15 per cent,” the document reads.

Also, a copy of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Nigeria – Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms programme dated March 2024 showed that the government is required to reintroduce the excises on telecom services, EMT levy on electronic money transfers through the Nigerian Banking System among other taxes.

Further findings by PUNCH Online also showed that one of the tax bills at the National Assembly included this excise tax.

The Federal Government has proposed a five per cent excise duty on telecommunications services, gaming, and betting activities as part of a new bill to overhaul Nigeria’s tax framework.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and Related Matters,” was dated October 4, 2024.

An analysis of the proposed legislation showed that it seeks to introduce excise duties on services such as telecoms, gaming, gambling, lotteries, and betting provided in Nigeria.

Also, the program outlines specific allocations for technical assistance, with $5m each going to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service to support their capacity to implement these new measures effectively.

This includes the development of systems for better data sharing, risk-based audits, and compliance processes, as well as substantial investments in program management and capacity building.

There will also be $10m for project management, tax policy capacity-building and other expenses.

In total, the amount makes the $20m investment financing before the release of $730m in line with fiscal targets met.

The FIRS will receive $5m to develop and implement critical initiatives aimed at enhancing its operations and revenue collection capabilities.

This funding will support the development and implementation of a robust third-party data sharing platform, along with administrative control programs to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Also, the FIRS will develop a VAT lottery system and an e-invoicing system, both of which rely heavily on advanced software and extensive communication planning. These systems are designed to boost VAT collections and improve compliance among taxpayers.

The funding will facilitate the creation of a risk-based audit assessment program for VAT and Corporate Income Tax, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of audit processes within the agency.

Similarly, the NCS will receive $5m to enhance its administrative processes and improve compliance.

This funding will be used to design and implement new administrative processes, including the establishment of sanctions for non-compliance with excise rules.

The NCS will also develop centralised control room systems equipped with backup and disaster recovery capabilities, ensuring operational continuity and resilience in case of emergencies.

Moreover, the funding will support capacity-building initiatives, enabling the NCS to effectively manage and implement these new systems and processes, ultimately leading to improved compliance and operational efficiency.

The loan also focuses on customs reforms to improve trade compliance and increase revenue.

Directing 15 per cent of cargo through the Green Channel will unlock $35m, while a compliant trader programme under the Authorized Economic Operator framework is linked to $15m.

Other loan-linked targets include reducing tax expenditures by eliminating corporate bond interest exemptions and rationalising the Pioneer Status Industry Tax Incentive scheme by the end of 2024, each unlocking $10m.

Also, excise taxes on health-related products and environmentally harmful goods will increase. A presidential order to introduce these excises will trigger $10m, with an additional $30m if revenue from green taxes reaches 0.2 per cent of non-oil GDP.

The Federal Government recently inaugurated a Joint Committee of staff of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and FIRS to review the current guidelines for the administration of the PSI, validate the cost of the incentive to Nigeria, and recommend changes to the qualification and administration.

The Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms plans to replace the abused pioneer status with priority sector incentives, rewarding companies based on their investments in the economy.

Also, in one of the executive bills, the Federal Government plans to introduce an Economic Development Incentive Certificate as a tax incentive for companies investing in capital projects.

As outlined in the bill, firms seeking the certificate must submit their applications through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, accompanied by a non-refundable fee of 0.1 per cent of the capital expenditure, capped at N5m.

The NIPC will review and recommend the applications to the Minister for approval, after which the Minister may forward the recommendation to the President.

A part of the bill read, “The application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of 0.1% of the qualifying capital expenditure incurred or to be incurred, subject to a maximum of N5,000,000.00 and no further fee shall be payable in respect of such application.

“The NIPC shall recommend the application to the Minister, for approval or otherwise, including the projected tax expenditure impact report in its recommendation.”

The tax bill noted that approval from the President is mandatory before the certificate is issued.

Once granted, the NIPC is required to submit an annual report detailing the sectors and companies that benefited from the scheme to the Minister, who must present the report to the President and the National Economic Council within 30 days.

Former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has expressed concern over the exodus of talented young Nigerians from the country.

According to Jega, the trend and current struggles in the nation symbolise a dangerous loss of hope.

Speaking at the launch of the inauguration of a nongovernmental organisation, ‘Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative’ in Abuja, on Saturday, Jega urged Nigerians to restore faith in the country’s future.

He said, “The country’s current struggles, including the nation’s global label as the poverty capital of the world and the increasing exodus of young talent, known as the “Japa” phenomenon are worrisome.


“This trend symbolises a dangerous loss of hope, one that dedicated patriots must counter by restoring faith in the country’s future.”

While noting that Nigeria’s post-independence era was a time when the country served as a beacon of hope across Africa, inspiring Black communities around the world, Jega commended the selfless leadership of the First Republic.

He added that the leaders then laid a solid foundation for nation-building.


The former INEC chairman urged Nigerians to reject claims that Nigeria is a failed state.


He said, ”We must reject the narrative of a failed state and work to reform our systems, to bridge divisions, and to build a nation that serves all its citizens.”

Speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said citizens deserve better than mere promises.

Represented by the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Lanre Isa Onilu, the minister said the promises made to the citizens must be fulfilled.

He said, “To keep our commitments, we must ensure that our implementations reflect the promises made to our citizens. The issue of leadership is intertwined with the challenge of managing relationships.”

URNI Patron, Hassan Tukur, emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges on leadership rooted in character and competence.

Tukur reflected on a time when Nigerians formed strong connections across ethnic and religious lines, urging a revival of that values.


He attributed the nation’s socioeconomic challenges to a deficit in strong leadership and called on leaders to focus on job creation, resource mobilization, and national unity.

A popular Ogene Musician "Igbo Jah" identified as Okezie Chikezie Mba, has been reportedly shot dead by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force attached to anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command.

This is coming barely two weeks some policemen on stop-and-search operations allegedly shot and killed one Smith Odinaka along the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway, while on steering.

The Enugu State Police Command has yet to fish out the rogue policemen who committed the atrocious act nearly two weeks after the incident that happened on October 13.

SaharaReporters gathered that the recent incident occurred on Friday at the Tactical Squad's Headquarters.

A social media user Naija Trend who shared the video of lifeless body of the deceased in a pool of blood on his handle, said he was killed while performing in Enugu in what had been tagged, "accidental discharge".

It wrote: "Popular Ogene Musician ‘Igbo Jah’ Has Tragically Passed After Being Shot By Anti-cult Police Officer In What Has Been Described As An ‘Accidental Discharge’ While Performing In Enugu."

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the unfortunate incident, noting that the police officer involved had been arrested and detained.

The Command spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe who confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters on Saturday, said that the Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu had consoled and assured family and friends of the late musician that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.

He said: "A male Police Inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command has been arrested and detained for the alleged murder of a male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on October 25, 2024, at the Tactical Squad's Headquarters.

"The musician was reportedly leaving the Squad's Headquarters after a friendly visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer fired his rifle, hitting the victim. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

"The Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer.

"The Commissioner empathises and consoles the victim's family, friends, and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable. He assures that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent.

"CP Kanayo urges everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served."

In recent years, the age-old tradition of marriage has undergone a myriad of transformations, reflecting societal changes, economic conditions, and shifting values. One particularly intriguing trend emerging in some communities is the concept of men requesting “marriage lists” from multiple women. This practice, driven by a desire to evaluate potential marriage costs, raises several questions about tradition, love, and the commodification of relationships.

Marriage lists are essentially detailed accounts of the financial demands associated with a prospective marriage. These lists may include dowries, gifts, and other financial obligations that a groom or his family must meet.

Traditionally, dowries were a way to secure the financial future of a bride and her family, but in contemporary settings, they can vary significantly based on cultural, regional, and individual factors.

Men requesting these lists from various women aims to assess which marriage would be the most economically feasible. This practice can stem from a combination of personal financial constraints, cultural expectations, and the desire to make informed decisions in an era where economic considerations are increasingly important.

In many cultures, marriage is not just a union of two individuals; it is a significant financial transaction involving families. While in some societies, love and companionship are the primary motivations for marriage, in others, financial considerations play a pivotal role. The practice of comparing marriage lists could be seen as a practical approach to ensuring financial stability, but it also risks reducing the complex institution of marriage to a mere transactional relationship.

The practice raises several ethical questions. First, is it fair to women to be evaluated based solely on financial demands? This approach can reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate a culture where women’s worth is tied to monetary value. Additionally, it may lead to emotional detachment in relationships, prioritizing financial calculations over genuine compatibility and affection.

Moreover, this practice could create an environment of competition among women, fostering insecurities and undermining the foundational values of trust and love that are vital for a successful marriage.

On a practical level, the comparison of marriage costs can be influenced by economic realities. In times of financial uncertainty, individuals may feel compelled to prioritize financial security over emotional connection. This trend can also reflect broader societal changes, where economic factors increasingly dictate personal choices.

However, it’s essential to recognize that while financial considerations are valid, they should not overshadow the fundamental aspects of partnership—mutual respect, love, and shared goals.

While the practice of men requesting marriage lists from various women may appear to be a logical approach to navigating the complexities of modern relationships, it brings to light significant ethical, cultural, and emotional concerns. Marriage, at its core, is a partnership that thrives on connection and commitment, transcending financial considerations.

As society continues to evolve, it’s crucial to strike a balance between practical realities and the deeper values that define successful and fulfilling relationships. Ultimately, a marriage built on love and mutual respect will likely yield a more rewarding and lasting partnership than one anchored solely in economic calculations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its 2024 growth forecast for Nigeria’s economy to 2.9%, attributing the downgrade to weaker-than-expected economic activity in the first half of the year.


This was revealed in the IMF’s October 2024 World Economic Outlook (WEO), released during the ongoing annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF. The revised forecast represents a 0.2 percentage point decrease from the 3.1% growth forecast projected in the July 2024 WEO.

However, the IMF slightly raised its forecast for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2025, projecting a growth rate of 3.2%, up from 3.0% in the July report.

Similarly, the IMF reduced its 2024 growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa to 3.6%, down from 3.7% in July. However, it raised the region’s 2025 growth forecast to 4.2%, up from 4.1%.

The IMF explained: “In sub-Saharan Africa, GDP growth is projected to increase from an estimated 3.6% in 2023 to 4.2% in 2025, as the adverse impacts of prior weather shocks abate and supply constraints gradually ease.”

The report noted that the downgrade for Sub-Saharan Africa reflects slower growth in Nigeria, amid weaker-than-expected activity in the first half of 2024. Additionally, ongoing conflict in South Sudan has led to a significant 26% contraction in its economy.


On a global scale, the IMF maintained its 2024 growth forecast at 3.2%, as predicted in the July WEO. However, it downgraded the 2025 forecast to 3.2%, down from the previous estimate of 3.3%.

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APC and hard drugs from top to bottom if you understand clap for yourself

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says the recent attack on it by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (APC Kwara South) was borne out of vendetta rather.

Chairman of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, said this at a media briefing on Monday.

He said the senator’s house in Ilorin, Kwara State, was raided and consignment of drugs recovered.

Marwa, represented by Mr Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy of the agency, also said three of Ashiru’s aides were arrested, prosecuted and sentenced, including, one sent to jail in June this year.

Babafemi berated the senator for his comment that “the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is corrupt and compromised…”

Daily Trust reports that at the Senate plenary last week, Ashiru had said NDLEA is the most corrupt and compromised government agency in Nigeria.

He said this while contributing to the debate on a ‘Bill for an Act to establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation’, claiming that NDLEA has failed in its mandate woefully, thereby giving credence to creation of another drug related agency.

He had said, “The failure of NDLEA has resulted in the high rate of drug trafficking going on in the country. The NDLEA is corrupt and compromised, hence, I support the creation of National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.”

The NDLEA, however said the senator’s comments were uncomplimentary, unfounded and defamatory.

“While acknowledging the great work of the Senate towards the upliftment of Nigeria and Nigerians especially their support for the ongoing concerted efforts towards the amendment of the NDLEA Act, the Agency however said it is duty-bound to respond to the unprovoked attack against it by Senator Ashiru during his contribution to the debate on a new bill for an Act to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation on Tuesday, October 15, 2024,” he said.

Babafemi said that the NDLEA waited for a whole week hoping the lawmaker will clarify his position on such a weighty allegation against it but failing to do that, it is left with no option than to come out and set the record straight for the benefit of other distinguished members of the Senate, its local and international partners as well as the general public.

“The personal house of the senator (Ashiru ) in GRA Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, had been raided in recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered while two of his aides: Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya were arrested. Based on credible intelligence and surveillance which confirmed that the senator’s house was being used as a drug joint for drug dealers and users, the house was raided by our operatives at 1:30pm on February 4, 2024 during which the two aides were arrested, while a third suspect escaped arrest.

“In another encounter with the senator, the agency also received intelligence that some of his boys popularly known as ‘Omo Senator’ operating from his home town, Offa, were equally dealing in illicit drugs. A raid was subsequently carried out on their joint in Offa where one of them, Oluwatosin Odepidan was arrested and illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cannabis recovered from him on June 11, 2023.

“The bid to get the agency drop the case against Odepidan including a visit to the Kwara State Command headquarters of the agency in Ilorin by the Personal Assistant to the senator, one Omoluabi, was rebuffed as Odepidan was promptly charged to court and prosecuted.

“Though the culprit jumped court bail in 2023, he was rearrested in 2024 after the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. He was eventually convicted and sentenced in June 2024.

“So, going by this backstory, it is deductible that these encounters that the agency has had with the senator, must have been responsible for his outburst, and unfortunately, false allegation, the type that nobody within and outside of government has ever levelled against NDLEA before,” he said.

The agency said despite the impression Senator Ashiru was trying to create about its image, the NDLEA has continued to receive accolades from local and international bodies for its successes in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He said, “Incidentally, the next day after Senator Ashiru made the statement, NDLEA in Lagos commissioned a new Marine Command Headquarters building donated by the Government of the UK. A similar facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport was donated last year by the same British government.

“We have had other facilities donated by United States INL and executed by UNODC in the past 12 months. We have been receiving various support from the governments of France, Germany and the US, among others.

“Suffice it to say that in the past three years, NDLEA has emerged as a regional leader among national drug law enforcement agencies. So, come to think about it, an agency so badmouthed by Senator Ashiru couldn’t have been attracting such international goodwill and commendation for being the ‘most corrupt government agency’ in Nigeria.
“Against the background of our encounter with people linked to him, we are wont to believe that Senator Ashiru’s invectives against NDLEA were borne out of vendetta and not any opinion made in the public interest.

“As an agency, we have been professional in our activities and interactions with citizens as we carry out arrests daily. In the past three years, we have made over 52, 000 arrests and got more than 9, 000 convictions, including three life sentences this year. And, as part of our mandate, we have engaged in over 7,000 awareness and sensitisation activities in schools, workplaces, worship centres and communities; treatment and rehabilitation of more than 33,000 drug users including the last two persons arrested in the senator’s house; supported by governments, organisations and other stakeholders in the country and around the world.
“Outside this country, NDLEA has become a reference for drug law enforcement. Therefore, the statement by Senator Ashiru, made in the country’s hallowed chamber in the course of a legislative debate, and made to justify the creation of another agency is motivated by malice; it is a gross misrepresentation of fact; and it is defamatory to the image of NDLEA.
“We believe the well-meaning public; our stakeholders and our partners can see through such calculated mendacity.”
The NDLEA vowed it will remain undeterred by Senator Ashiru’s attack but will be relentless in ongoing effort to dismantle all illicit drug networks across the country including the one operating in the lawmaker’s house.

“And we dare say that such will not deter us from our ongoing effort to dismantle all illicit drug networks including the one operating from the senator’s residence.

Daily Trust reports that the development is coming on the heels of Senator Kawu Sumaila (NNPP Kano South), who during the same plenary debate along side Senator Ashiru, indicted politicians for allegedly fuelling the use of illicit drugs by youths in the country.

While contributing, Senator Sumaila said the institute would not help the situation until politicians change their way of doing things.

He challenged politicians including his colleagues at the Senate to swear with the Qur’an or Holy Bible, that they were not culpable in drug trafficking and abuse.

Sumaila was however ruled out of order by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who presided over the session, saying his contribution was not relevant to the subject of the debate.

Afonja44:
RIP to COAS Lagbaja