Opinion

MICHAEL IMOUDU INSTITUTE: INSULTING OUR HEROES PAST

Published

6 months ago

June 21, 2024

By Tunde Olusunle

Saturday June 22, 2024 will mark the 19th anniversary of the departure of Michael Athokhamien Omnibus Imoudu, the legendary, veteran Nigerian labour leader. Born in 1902, *Pa Imoudu* as he is popularly remembered and revered, exceeded the full century mark in age, living up to 102 years. As far back as 1931 when he was just 29, Imoudu got involved in labour union activities as a member of the *Railway Workers Union,* (RWU), at the time. He became President of the union in 1939, and spearheaded the advocacy for higher wages, de-casualisation and improved working conditions. Renowned for his radicalism, Imoudu instigated several confrontations between workers and employers all in the quest for better deals for workers. He became Vice President of the African Civil Servants Technical Workers Union, (ACSTWU) in 1941 and was at the fore of the advocacy for a *Cost of Living Allowance,* (COLA), to mitigate post-World War II inflation.

He was serially queried for denouncing the preferential treatment accorded European officials above African personnel between 1941 and 1943, and summarily dismissed early January 1943. He was thereafter detained for dissent and released in 1945. For the period between 1947 and 1958, Imoudu was a frontliner of various labour unions. He was President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUCN). Conflicts devolving from the teething organisation culminated in his suspension in 1960, upon his return from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, (USSR) and China. For his pioneering role in trade unionism in Nigeria, the former National Institute for Labour Studies, (NILS), located in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was renamed *Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies,* (MINILS), in his honour.

The colourful Second Republic Senate leader and legendary politician, Abubakar Olusola Saraki is credited with facilitating the siting of the institution in the Kwara State capital. Former President Usman Shehu Shagari laid its foundation stone in May 1983. MINILS received tremendous support during the governorship regimes of Bukola Saraki, son of the older Saraki, and Abdulfatah Ahmed his successor. Both former Kwara State chief executives, undertook the construction of befitting operational and residential facilities in the institute as part of their corporate social responsibility, (CSR), to a federal establishment headquartered in their “area of responsibility,” (AOR), to adopt a military terminology. If you entered the premises of MINILS those good old days, it breathed life and flaunted environmental aesthetics.

If Pa Imoudu were to pay a visit today, to MINILS for any reason this season of his remembrance, however, he will be grossly appalled and disoriented by the subsisting state of the institute. MINILS by the way, is supposed to be a pioneering establishment in West Africa, dedicated to capacity building for workers, employees and government officials. As you veer off the Ajasse-Ipo to Ilorin road onto the stretch which leads into the institute, your sensibilities are pitilessly assaulted by rot and disorder which stand guard on both sides of that short stretch. Kiosks, stalls, shops, decrepit buildings, rusted roofs, a cacophony of nondescript structures, constitute themselves into a riotous *mammy market,* an expression and concept popularised by our brothers at arms. It refers to those watering holes which spawn and squirm, at the backends of military barracks, which satiate their patrons with liquid and culinary varieties.

The entrance gate is totally uninspiring. It just sits there dumb and disconnected. As you advance into the acreage of the institute, you discover that the tarred driveway very much like the portion you encountered beginning from your detour off the major road, can do with some conscientious resurfacing. The greenery within the premises have not been challenged by the mouths of sharpened cutlasses in a long while, nor the humming, slashing anger of the lawnmower. Paint coatings on the perimeter fence have been peeled off either by reason of substandard work previously done, or the convergence of the rage of the elements. Patches of spyrogyra have contributed to the disfigurement of the hedge in places. A ghostly quiet pervades the air, away from the measured boisterousness of a thriving institute.

There is palpable lack of motivation for the generality of the workers, the pervading air also a disincentive for potential trainees. The collective muteness of the physical structures within the institution echoes and reverberates. The *Ollie Anderson Block* long named after an American benefactor of MINILS is the administrative building. It offers no spark or sparkle like the other structures, all collectively sleeping and slumbering. Power outages are the rule rather than the exception and you wonder why the leadership of the establishment wouldn’t avail its workers and course participants alternative energy sources so they can contribute their bits. The hostels in the institute which are supposed to be sources of internally generated revenue, (IGR), are dirty, decrepit, unkempt, utterly dysfunctional. The beds are broken, the beddings unfit for swine. The last batch of participants on a programme put together by the institute, had to rely on water fetched for them in buckets and heaved to their rooms. Such is the level of rot in today’s MINILS.

Issa Obalowu Aremu, a trade unionist and labour leader himself has been the director-general of the institute for about three years now. He was vice president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC), when Adams Oshiomhole was president, between 1999 and 2007, which coincided with the years Olusegun Obasanjo was President. Aremu initially attended the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria. Unfortunately, he was expelled from the institution in his final year because of activism. Respected scholars and social scientists, Claude Ake and Ikenna Ezimiro rescued Aremu’s educational trajectory by getting him into the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated in 1985 with a second class upper degree. He obtained a masters in labour and development from the *Institute of Social Studies,* (ISS) in The Hague and was a labour delegate to the National Conference of 2014. He has also been privileged to attend the elite National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), domiciled in Jos, Plateau State.

Unfortunately, these glossy credentials have not been manifest in Aremu’s administration of MINILS thus far. Aremu, who in years as comrade would rail at the wastefulness of bourgeois leaders, today reportedly drives around in Kwara State with a convoy of three or four cars. Not even the prevailing national economic crunch emblematised among others by spiralling fuel costs has mitigated this penchant for unnecessary exhibitionism. He is said to have a detachment of security details from the Department of State Services, (DSS) and the Nigerian police, escorting him around and about.

On his trips to Kaduna where he has been primarily domiciled for most of his working life, or Abuja, he is received at the airport by two official vehicles complete with armed escorts. They typically depart Ilorin ahead of his flights. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin in the same city, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, a professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), who oversees a student community in excess of 50,000 students moves around innocuously in the same Ilorin. This city by the way is relatively peaceful, posting low crime indicators compared to many others.

If stories and innuendos are to be credited some believability, there is this insinuation that there seem to be no demarcation between the official and the personal in MINILS under Aremu. The institute for instance groans for lack of operational vehicles to run its affairs. Yet some of its healthier motorised assets are said to be in the custody of his family members in various locations across the country. The names of Aremu’s relatives who are non-staffers in MINILS, have been alleged to feature on the list of his delegations on foreign trips, their tickets and estacodes fully paid by the institution. Fiscal frugality is said to be nonexistent in the dictionary of Issa Aremu.

Staff training for job function capacity building, which were usually undergone both externally and internally are reported in the past tense. He was recently pressed by in-house unions to address staffers on issues around capacity training, which he is said to have of completely ignoring in his three years in office. He responded by reluctantly convening a general staff meeting to which, very oddly, he invited the press. He presented an inconclusive compendium containing things he claimed to have achieved in office thus far. He chronicled and appropriated virtually all the legacies of preceding administrations. Aremu listed the *George Meany Computer Centre,* two power generators, and a hostel block, where he set up a non-functional clinic, as his personal achievements. Long-serving civil servants in MINILS, note with deep nostalgia the pluri-dimensional innovations emplaced in the organisation under the watch of former chief executives like Jacob Jeminiwa, John Olanrewaju, Saliu Ishaq Alabi, among achievers.

The institute is also hamstrung in convening tune-up programmes for external participants because of the quantum dilapidation of its facilities and unavailability of funds. This is as Aremu is reported to love the big life. He is said to fancy being adulated as “His Excellency, Comrade Issa Obalowu Aremu, mni, Director-General and Chief Executive of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.” Having contested for the governorship of Kwara State on the platform of Labour Party, (LP), in 2018, he has since coveted and adopted that fanciful referent. He also never fails to remind his audiences in the institute that having been deputy as a unionist to former governor Oshiomhole during his years in labour activism, he also qualifies to be referenced as a quasi-governor! He reportedly never fails to remind his officials how lucky they are to have a man with his accomplishments as helmsman.

The condition of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, (MINILS) today is a national embarrassment. The institute constitutes colossal disrespect, monumental insult to the name and legacies of Michael Athokhamien Omnibus Imoudu, the iconic Pa Imoudu. Supervising Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyeagocha needs to take immediate interest in the institute before it is wholly run aground. A physical visit to the institute for on-the-spot assessment will avail her better insights into the prostrate condition of the establishment. This will help in the articulation of a road map for the institute’s comprehensive makeover. Such timely remediation will please the spirits of those who conceived of the institute and that of Pa Imoudu, to no end.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA)*

Opinion

Tax Reforms: A Double-Edged Sword for Nigeria’s Economy

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Austin Ojomah

By Lukman Laleye Babalola.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his ambitious tax reform agenda, it was clear that he intended to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework. The reforms, targeting personal income tax, corporate tax, and value-added tax (VAT) distribution, are undoubtedly bold and necessary. But like any sweeping policy change, they come with both promises and pitfalls.

As someone deeply invested in Nigeria’s socio-economic progress, I see these reforms as a double-edged sword—a tool for much-needed transformation, but one that requires careful handling to avoid cutting too deeply into the fabric of our fragile federal system.

Let us not downplay the potential benefits. The proposed exemption of individuals earning up to ₦800,000 annually from personal income tax is a welcome relief for low-income earners who have borne the brunt of rising inflation. Similarly, the reduction in corporate tax rates from 30% to 25% is a lifeline for businesses struggling to stay afloat in a challenging economic climate.

The overhaul of VAT revenue sharing, which allocates 60% of VAT revenue to the state where goods and services are consumed, aims to promote fairness and encourage states to boost their economic activity. For consumption-heavy states like Lagos and Rivers, this is a much-needed windfall that could translate into better infrastructure, healthcare, and education for their residents.

But these gains are not without costs. Nigeria’s regional disparities could deepen under this new tax regime. Northern states, with lower consumer activity and VAT contributions, stand to lose out, raising concerns about fairness in a nation already grappling with economic inequalities.

The implementation process is another hurdle. Overhauling a tax system is no small feat, and Nigeria’s tax collection mechanisms are notoriously inefficient. Without significant investment in infrastructure and human capacity, the reforms could collapse under their own weight.

Then there is the issue of political resistance. Many lawmakers and regional leaders, particularly from the north, have voiced concerns about the potential loss of revenue under the revised VAT formula. Balancing these competing interests will be a test of the administration’s political acumen.

Under the proposed tax reforms, states like Lagos, Rivers, and others in oil-producing regions stand to benefit significantly. With 60% of VAT revenue allocated to the state of consumption, high-consumption states like Lagos and Rivers are poised to see a substantial increase in their revenue. Lagos alone generates over half of Nigeria’s VAT, and retaining a greater share will empower the state to fund critical projects.

For oil-producing states, increased revenue can be invested in non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, helping them reduce dependency on crude oil and build more sustainable economies. The additional funds can be used to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other public services, directly benefiting citizens in these states. The reforms also encourage states to create business-friendly environments to attract investments and increase consumption, further boosting revenue generation.

Members of the National Assembly are tasked with ensuring these reforms benefit all Nigerians equitably while addressing regional disparities. Legislators must address the fears of less economically vibrant states and push for transitional mechanisms, such as a redistribution fund, to support regions with lower VAT contributions. They must oversee how states utilize their increased revenues, ensuring the funds are invested in projects that directly benefit the public.

By engaging their constituents, lawmakers can explain the benefits of the reforms, address concerns, and secure public support, thereby easing tensions surrounding implementation. National Assembly members must also facilitate the passage of laws to strengthen tax administration, close loopholes, and ensure effective implementation of the reforms. Legislators from wealthier and poorer states alike must work together to ensure the reforms foster national unity and equitable development across all regions.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) plays a critical role in ensuring public acceptance and understanding of the tax reforms. The agency must continue to simplify and disseminate information about the reforms to the grassroots, helping Nigerians understand how these changes will benefit them in the long run. By launching campaigns, the NOA can counter rumors and fears about the reforms, especially in regions where there is resistance due to concerns about inequitable benefits.

The NOA should encourage citizens to ask questions and provide feedback on the reforms. This engagement will foster trust and ensure the government remains accountable to its promises. The agency must also address regional concerns by showing how the reforms can be tailored to benefit less economically vibrant states through collaboration with local governments.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is central to the success of the reforms, as efficient tax collection and administration are critical. The FIRS must invest in modern technology to improve tax collection processes, reduce leakages, and enhance compliance monitoring. Bringing the informal sector into formal taxation while ensuring compliance is not burdensome will also expand the tax net.

Training and equipping tax officers to handle the new tax structures efficiently will be crucial to prevent administrative bottlenecks. The FIRS must regularly publish reports on tax collection and utilization, fostering public confidence in the system. By collaborating with state governments, the FIRS can provide technical assistance to ensure states maximize their VAT collections under the new sharing formula.

As a nation, we cannot afford to shy away from difficult reforms. For too long, Nigeria’s tax system has been inefficient, inequitable, and unable to meet the needs of our growing population. These reforms, though imperfect, represent an opportunity to address these shortcomings and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable fiscal future. However, the government must tread carefully. Transparency, inclusiveness, and stakeholder engagement are non-negotiable. Addressing regional concerns and ensuring efficient implementation will be critical to the success of these reforms.

President Tinubu’s tax reforms have the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, but they also carry significant risks. Agencies like the NOA and FIRS, along with the National Assembly, must work together to ensure the reforms deliver on their promise of a fairer, more prosperous Nigeria.

As we navigate this critical moment in our nation’s history, let us remember that true reform is never easy, but it is always worth pursuing when done with the greater good in mind.

*Lukman Laleye Babalola,is Publisher/Editor-In-Chief,Emporium Reporters online and Emporium Magazine.can be reached on [email protected], [email protected]

Opinion

These Tax windfalls from global ICT platforms

Published

1 week ago

December 11, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

In the midst of mounting agitations for and against, the proposed Tax Reform Bills, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently made a bounteous harvest in taxes of about N2.5 trillion when global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) firms operating in the country complied with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Services/ internet intermediaries.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) must be basking in the euphoria of this breakthrough as the guidelines he introduced a little over two years ago in controversial circumstances yield results which are incontrovertible.

Google, Microsoft, Tik Tok and others obeyed the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and Inuwa whose collaboration with other government agencies including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and others, savors the glory.

These figures cover the first half of 2024 according to a statement by Hadiza Umar ,NITDA,s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Relations.

“The code establishes a robust framework for collaborative efforts to protect Nigerians against online harms, such as hate speech, cyber-bullying, as well as disinformation and/or misinformation.

Similarly, to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also wishes to notify all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set out conditions for operating in the country.

These conditions address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.

The conditions include the need to:
*Establish a legal entity i.e., register with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC);

*Appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities;

*Abide by all regulatory demands after establishing a legal presence;

*Comply with all applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law;

*Provide a comprehensive compliance mechanism to avoid publication of prohibited contents and unethical behaviour on their platform; and

*Provide information to authorities on harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups, and other coordinated disinformation networks and deleting any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed time frame.”

In line with best practices and In accordance with its mandates, President Muhammadu Buhari, directed NITDA to develop a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (Online Platforms), in collaboration with relevant Regulatory Agencies and Stakeholders.

Accordingly , NITDA presented to the Public a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries for further review and input.

This was on June 13,2022.

The Code of Practice is aimed at protecting fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country as well as define guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem.

“This is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations such as the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations.”

The Code of Practice was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as well as input from Interactive Computer Service Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok amongst others. O

ther relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organizations and expert groups. The results of this consultations were duly incorporated into the Draft Code of Practice now a code in line with “the new global reality stating that the activities conducted on these Online Platforms wield enormous influence over our society, social interaction, and economic choices.

Hence, the Code of Practice is an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of Online Platforms with Nigerians in order to maximise mutual benefits for our nation, while promoting a sustainable digital economy.”

Hadiza Umar, quoting data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) explained that these figures were clearly a windfall for the government.

This Code was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA and it outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content including but not limited to the protection of children from harmful online content.

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

“This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy,” NITDA stated.

Updates on the level of compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, show that all the digital platforms made conscious efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code and the platforms’ community guidelines.

Overall statistics across all the platforms show that:
“They received 4,125,283 (Four million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-three) registered complaints in 2023.

Content takedown: 65.8 million Content removed and re-uploaded after appeal by users: 379,433 Closed and deactivated accounts: 12.09 million” NITDA is excited and pleads “ for continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges and ensure a safer and more responsible digital space.”

NITDA in June 2022 announced the Code, which seeks to moderate activities on social media blogs and online publications.

Specifically, the Code states that internet platforms including social media should as a rule
“act expeditiously upon receiving a notice from a user, or an authorised government agency of the presence of unlawful content on its Platform.”

“Act quickly to remove, disable, or block access to non-consensual content that exposes a person’s private areas, full or partial nudity, sexual act, deepfake, or revenge porn, where such content is targeted to harass, disrepute, or intimidate an individual.

Disclose the identity of the creator of information on its Platform when directed to do so by a Court order.”
“Provided that an order of this nature shall apply for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating, or prosecuting an offence concerning the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, public order, security, diplomatic relationships, felony, incitement of an offence relating to any of the above or in relation to rape, child abuse, or sexually explicit material.”

NITDA commends the efforts of the platforms, for the goal of creating a safer digital ecosystem which requires continuous collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders to strengthen and enhance user safety measures, digital literacy, trust and transparency.

Section 1 paragraphs b to e of the NITDA Act, 2007 are particularly instructive because they empower it to:
“(b) Provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate for information technology and systems application and development in Nigeria for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government;

(c) Develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information;

(d) Develop guidelines for the networking of public and private sector establishment;

(e) Develop guidelines for the standardization and certification of Information Technology Escrow Source Code and Object Code Domiciliation, Application and Delivery Systems in Nigeria;”

Opinion

Building a Stronger Nigeria Through Health, Transparency and Human Rights

Published

1 week ago

December 10, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Richard M. Mills

Every December, we mark three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership: World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, and Human Rights Day. While distinct, these commemorations underscore a simple truth – Nigeria’s path forward requires progress on health, good governance, and human rights. The United States remains your steadfast partner on this journey.

For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The U.S. government has invested more than $8.3 billion in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people. These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families. In clinics across Nigeria, I’ve met dedicated healthcare workers who deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by the resources of the American people. This work has done more than save lives – using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system has also benefited. As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains. This commitment was reinforced during Ambassador Nkengasong’s recent visit, where his discussions with Nigerian health officials focused on how the Government of Nigeria would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

But positive health outcomes depend critically on good governance. When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives. This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. Our programs work directly with government agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries.

The success of these efforts rests on respect for human rights and civic engagement. When members of marginalized communities face discrimination in accessing healthcare, when citizens fear reporting blatant corruption like the need to pay for appointments or ‘free’ healthcare, or when vulnerable populations cannot advocate for their needs, development falters. Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

These three areas – health, transparency, and human rights – reinforce each other. Consider the results: U.S.-supported initiatives have helped strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, reducing theft and ensuring safe medicines reach patients. Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organizations to advocate for marginalized communities, leading to better access to health services. Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors. And, perhaps most importantly, according to a recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities. A shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue.

The U.S. Embassy stands ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. To Nigeria’s government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens: your dedication to building a stronger nation inspires us. Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

As we mark these December observances, let us use this moment not just for reflection, but for renewed commitment and action. The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government.

*Ambassador Richard M. Mills is the , United .States Ambassador to Nigeria