President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report ’ On Fiscal Policy And Tax Reforms.

President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report ’ On Fiscal Policy And Tax Reforms.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja received the ‘Quick Win Report’ on fiscal policy and tax reforms from the Committee tasked with improving the nation’s revenue profile and business environment.

Responding to a presentation by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the President commended their work and assured them of his support for the review and implementation of key recommendations.

”I have listened attentively to your report. Charting the critical path forward for Nigeria’s economic recovery is crucial to all of us. I want to say thank you to your delegation,” he said.

President Tinubu granted the request of the Committee to address a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and apprise cabinet members of their work and expected outcomes to facilitate economic growth.

The President directed Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, to coordinate with the relevant government officials for the session.

In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, pledged to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee, as they may apply, pending the approval of the President.

Mr. Adedeji declared that beyond supporting the fiscal and tax reforms, the FIRS will explore opportunities to diversify the nation’s revenue sources, as the historical overreliance on oil has made the economy vulnerable.

”Nigeria’s fiscal policy serves as the foundation of economic stability. It dictates how the government collects, manages and allocates resources for the betterment of our people. A well-developed fiscal policy is crucial for provision of infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services to our growing population. Tax reforms are an integral part of a robust fiscal policy.

”While our current tax system has contributed significantly to our revenue, there remains room for further enhancement; enhancement that can be driven with digital technology. To achieve this, we are collaborating with the Presidential Committee to streamline our tax laws, improve voluntary compliance, and expand the tax base to ensure equity and fairness,” the Acting FIRS Chairman said.

In his prayers to the President, Mr. Oyedele, among others, called for an emergency economic intervention bill (Executive Bill) and the issuance of Presidential Executive Orders to address the duplication of functions across the public service, and to ensure prudent public financial management in a bid to optimize value from government assets and natural resources.

Chieftaincy Tussle: Govt Approves Rotation of Traditional Title in Ekiti Community, Warns trouble makers.

Chieftaincy Tussle: Govt Approves Rotation of Traditional Title in Ekiti Community, Warns trouble makers.

To settle the festering crisis brewing over chieftaincy tussle and prevent possible bloodshed, the Ekiti State Government, has approved the rotation of Eesa Chieftaincy title in Ijurin Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The title, which is the second in hierarchy to the royal stool, according to the state government, is to be rotated between Eesa and Isolo clans based on the recommendations of the Ojurin-in-Council, chaired by Oba Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola, the paramount ruler of the community.

Eesa family, had a couple of months ago written a petition to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, accusing Oba Ajibola of allegedly planning to deprive them of the chieftaincy title, following the demise of the occupant of the seat, Chief Lawrence Akinbode, who was from their clan.

The family accused the monarch and members of his council of planning to pick the successor from Isolo Clan, which they described as antithetical to the history of the town that established the fact that only their family could occupy Eesa chieftaincy stool.

While mediating in the matter on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the monarch and other chiefs had been able to lay a rocky foundation, substantiating the fact that Isolo family was also entitled to the stool.

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, added that Oba Ajibola, the kingmakers and the Intelligence Report of 1936 written about Ijurin Ekiti chieftaincy , corroborated the fact that Eesa chieftaincy title are rotated between the two clans.

Mrs Afuye stressed that the accounts of history rendered by all the 15 clans that make up Ijurin Ekiti, also supported the fact that the title was not an exclusive preserve of Eesa family.

Subsequently, Mrs Afuye directed the two families to sign the document tagged : “Memorandum of Understanding”, prepared by Ojurin- in- Council to prepare a record for future reference that the future occupant of the seat will be picked from Isolo clan.

“I also agree with the position canvassed by Ojurin-in – Council that to douse the tension, the current vacancy will be filled by Eesa family with an understanding that the next one will go to Isolo because nobody should be deprived of his statutory rights.

“But the two families must sign this MoU and if any of them should fail, the community should pick the occupant of the seat from the family that complies with this directive in the interest of peace.

“What our Governor , Biodun Oyebanji has been preaching is love, peace and unity in all our towns and whoever wants to disrupt this will face the full weight of the law. So, all the parties must comply with this directive to entrench peace in your town”.

Mrs Afuye, also directed Eesa family to tender apology to Oba Ajibola over allegations of insults and threats to his person over the decision taken that the chieftaincy title be rotated.

Speaking during the parley, Oba Ajibola lamented how he was being allegedly threatened and harassed by some youths from Eesa community, describing this as a disrespect to traditional institution.

The monarch added that the decision taken that the title be rotated was based on available veracious historical antecedents articulated by his council from elderly people in the town and not based on enmity against Eesa clan as being touted by some people.

“My council had deliberated and taken a decision on this matter. The MoU indicating that the chieftaincy title is rotated between the two clans had been prepared . The two families must sign it, so that there won’t be rancour in the town in the future.

“History established it that Isolo clan had produced three Eesa before the other family was considered. They can’t be denied also in the interest of unity and peace. But we have agreed that the current selection will be done in Eesa family, that was our decision to pacify them”.

But the representative of Eesa family, Mr. Oke Akinbode, insisted at the parley that the family had been the sole occupant of the seat since 1917, when the first person took the shot from Eesa clan, describing the history the monarch was alluding to as unfounded and baseless.

Akinbode , however, tendered apology to the monarch over alleged insults and threats to him over the chieftaincy matter, saying the family will take all the necessary actions to atone for their misdemeanour.

Ekiti Government Seals Off Popular Eatery Over Unkept Premises, Stinking Environment.

Ekiti Government Seals Off Popular Eatery Over Unkept Premises, Stinking Environment.

 The Ekiti State Government has sealed off a popular eatery in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital over its unkept premises and the continuous stinking environment where they operate from.

Sealing off the eatery on Monday, the Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Ekiti State, Chef Mrs Tosin Ajisafe Aluko queried the recalcitrant attitude of the operators of the eatery known as Belloni’s Place located along the NTA road in Ado Ekiti for failing to heed to the warning notice earlier issued to them on their dirty premises. 

Speaking to the Journalists on the process that led to the closure of the quick service restaurant, on Monday, “the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Environment had two weeks ago, sent a warning letter to the management of the eatery, calling their attention to the ugly environment of the eatery”.  

She said, “Today’s visit is a follow up to a letter written by the Ministry of Environment two weeks ago about the shabby environment from where the restaurant was operating. But to my  surprise, till this moment when the ministry went to seal it off, nothing has been done to improve on the environment”.

Appointment of PTDF CEO Sparks Controversy In Adamawa Amidst Allegations of Alliance With Opposition Party.

Appointment of PTDF CEO Sparks Controversy In Adamawa Amidst Allegations of Alliance With Opposition Party.

The recent appointment of Hon. Ahmed Galadima Aminu as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Technology Trust Fund (PTDF) has stirred unrest, particularly among APC members in Adamawa State.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on (Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on October 17, 2023, it was announced that the President directed Aminu to serve in an acting capacity until he commences his fresh four-year term on December 26, 2023.

However, there is dissatisfaction over the appointment within the APC ranks in the state with allegations, suggesting that Galadima may have been a significant supporter of Atiku Abubakar's campaign teams in the state.

It was also alleged that Galadima has been in contact with the legal team handling Atiku's tribunal case against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and has been providing financial support to ensure Atiku's victory.

There are equally rumours in Adamawas state that President Tinubu has shown a tendency to empower his adversaries more than dedicated party members who worked tirelessly to secure his election victory; the sentiment Which had led some prominent grassroots politicians, notably Chieftains of the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) led by Hon. Umar Bello Jada (Calculate), to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Ahmed Galadima Aminu as the PTDF's Executive Secretary and CEO.

This development has ignited jubilation within the PDP camp in the state.

A member of the APC who underscored the significance of unity within the party remarked that there is a hope among Adamawa's committed APC members that Tinubu will not jeopardize his standing with them, given their unwavering dedication to the party, even as they faced opposition with a lesser voice in the state.

Adeleke suspends foreign trips for Osun officials.

Adeleke suspends foreign trips for Osun officials.

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has barred international visits for key officials in his government for the remainder of the year, with exceptions for emergencies.

To improve efficiency in the governance process, the governor also asked the Head of Service, Leye Aina, to produce a document outlining the relationship between the Commissioners and the Special Advisers.

Adeleke stated that excessive spending on recurrent and overhead expenses must be avoided during a meeting with members of the State Executive Council to deliberate on 2024 budget proposals from ministries, departments, and agencies as a prelude to the submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to the State House of Assembly.

While pushing cabinet members to make personal sacrifices, the governor stated that in light of the state’s dire financial condition, all members of the government must exhibit a willingness to sacrifice.

A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Monday, quoting Adeleke further read in parts, “Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorised by the Governor.

“We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.

“Our needs from office to accommodation are much, but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve.

“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and an accommodating spirit.”

LASG to discipline 14 LASTMA officers over extortion.

LASG to discipline 14 LASTMA officers over extortion.

No fewer than 14 personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) are to face a disciplinary panel for various official infractions, the Lagos State Government has said.

LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo.

Oreagba said the affected personnel would be made to appear before disciplinary panels over alleged extortion and high-handedness in line with the extant rules and regulations of the state.

The affected personnel, according to him, include 11 senior and three junior LASTMA officers, who were allegedly caught at different locations across the state extorting money (bribes) from motorists.

Oreagba disclosed that these affected officers whose cases had been investigated would be facing a government disciplinary committee known as the Personnel Management Board (PMB) Discipline.

He said that the PMB would adjudicate over their cases in line with the public service rules.

Oreagba said: “These 14 male officers were caught at different locations across the state extorting money (bribes) from motorists.”

“The agency will continue to mete out stiffer and severe punishment on erring officers and men in its effort to rid the agency of few bad elements tarnishing its image.

“I urge residents, especially the motoring public, to support us by promptly reporting any errant officers at the nearest LASTMA offices or use any of the agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597) with proof of evidence.”

The general manager advised all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority.

He stressed that any operative caught in the process of bringing the agency or the government into disrepute would be made to face the consequence.

Oreagba commended LASTMA officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence and professionalism.

He, however, warned the motoring public to desist from inducing traffic personnel with monetary gratification to avoid being prosecuted “as the law frowns on both the giver and the receiver in the circumstance.”

The general manager urged the general public to reach out to LASTMA for complaints/inquiries via these social media handles (Instagram – ekolastma), (Twitter ‘X’ – @followlastma), (Facebook – ekolastma) and (Youtube -LASTMA TV).

(NAN)

Lagos leads as 36 States, FCT generate N1.9tr IGR.

Lagos leads as 36 States, FCT generate N1.9tr IGR.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said in 2022, Lagos State recorded the highest revenue as the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) raised N1,925,612,626,650.76 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

This was contained in the Bureau’s document titled: “Internally Generated Revenue at State Level in 2022.”

The document noted: “The National Bureau of Statistics published the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Report for the 36 States and the FCT for 2022.

“This IGR report contains the following key findings; I The 2022 IGR had two (2) major revenue sources namely; (i) Taxes (ii) Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) revenue.

“II. Taxes sub-category recorded in this period are PAYE, Direct Assessment, Road Taxes, Stamp duties, Capital gain tax, Withholding taxes, Other taxes and LGAs revenue.

“III. The 36 States and the FCT generated a total sum of N1,925,612,626,650.76 as IGR in 2022. This grew by 1.57% compared to N1,895,786,762,263.80 in 2021”

NBS recalled that like what was recorded in 2021, the leading states in total IGR during the year were Lagos, Rivers, as well as the FCT with N651,145,633,085.30, N172,823,232,535.44, and N124,366,774,519.25, respectively.

The document added the least three performing States during the year were Kebbi, Taraba and Yobe with the value of N9,146,249,907.83, N10,238,110,125.95, and N10,456,776,796.18, respectively.

NBS also said PAYE was the most contributing revenue source during the year, recorded 67.62% share to the total tax generated revenues nationwide while capital gains tax was the least in the year under review with 0.24% share to total tax revenue.

According to the data, Oyo, Lagos and Jigawa were the three leading states with highest LGA revenue reported during the year.

The States, said, the bureau, recorded N11,832,437,020.33, N11,505,586,283.35 and N8,700,993,591.78, respectively