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Court Convicts CBT Centre Owner

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A Grade 1 Area Court sitting at Aco Estate, Abuja, has convicted a CBT owner, Mr Ezechinoso Augustine, of registration infraction, concealment, breach of trust and theft.

This was disclosed in a statement Sunday by the spokesperson of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Fabian Benjamin.

When the case came up for hearing on Monday, 6th February, 2024, the accused, who operates a CBT centre in Onitsha, was charged with criminal breach of trust, concealment, registration infraction (cheating) and theft.

Benjamin said the presiding judge found Mr Ezechinoso guilty on all four counts citing the criminal breach of trust, which attracted nine-month imprisonment or N30,000 fine and attempt to commit the offence of cheating, which attracts a six-month imprisonment or a fine of N20,000.

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Ezechinoso was also found guilty of intent to conceal, which attracted a three-month imprisonment term or the payment of a fine of N10, 000 while the fourth count charge, which was theft, attracted eight months or an option of N30,000 fine.

In its reaction, Benjamin said JAMB welcomed the judgement and warned would-be infractors to desist from their nefarious agenda or face the full wrath of the law.

In another development, the board has restated its zero tolerance for infractions of the nation’s statutes.

“Consequently, it vowed to follow up the prosecution of the case of the reported violation of the data protection right of a 15-year-old candidate by an agent of a CBT centre currently before a Lagos court and assured the parents of the 15-year-old girl and other concerned Nigerians involved that justice would be served accordingly,” he said.

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Just in: Total blackout looming as National grid collapses again

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The nation’s electricity grid again collapsed before noon on Wednesday.

This was revealed in the X handle created for reports on the grid @NationalGridNg

“There was a ‘GRID DISTURBANCE’ before noon today. Parts of the country experienced outage. Further information shortly,” the post read.

Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company reported on X that the system outage happened at 11:34 am.

“Please be informed that we experienced a system outage today 12th February, 2025 at 11:34hrs affecting all our feeders.

“Restoration of supply is ongoing in collaboration with our critical stakeholders,” the company wrote.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company also confirmed the development on X.

“Dear Valued Customer, we regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 11:34 am today causing a power outage across our franchise areas.

“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, please be assured that we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to fully restore electricity as soon as the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better,” the post reads.

“Restoration of supply is ongoing in collaboration with our critical stakeholders,” the company wrote.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company also confirmed the development on X.

“Dear Valued Customer, we regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 11:34 am today causing a power outage across our franchise areas.

“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, please be assured that we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to fully restore electricity as soon as the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better,” the post reads.

This is the first collapse of the grid in 2025 after it experienced line tripping in January.

The blackout has forced many to express their frustration on social media.

Fattybright wrote with the handle @OyedemiBabs: “Two different reasons abeg who to believe now? If not for solar pms expenses for don set in straight. @NationalGridNg please be specific shortly won’t fix what I need original light for oooo anyways thank you for the information.”

Gambino wrote with the handle @holuwhartoby: “Which one be grid disturbance again? E don collapse abi e neva collapse.”

Another X user, Ayo Omo Ogun (@MDamsman), noted: “It has been quite a challenging day in Obada, especially with the frustrations caused by @IBEDC_NG. Now, it seems that the introduction of the light grid is adding to our troubles, It’s a lot to handle.”

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Spark News honours Gov Aiyedatiwa, Barau, Kalu, Hanga as Best Performing Governor, Senators

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been named Spark News Daily’s Best Performing Governor for 2024.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North) Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) were also named the Best Performing Senators.

Rising from its first quarterly consultative meeting with editorial board members, staff and associates, the management of Spark Media & Entertainment Ventures, the publisher of Spark News Daily – Nigeria’s most sought-after online newspaper, honoured these prominent Nigerians for their sterling performances in their respective offices.

A statement by Prevail Inegbenose, the Editor-in-Chief of Spark News Daily, on Wednesday 12th February, 2025 and made available to newsmen in Abuja, stated that the versatile Ondo governor was selected after a painstaking review and consideration of his achievements in 2024.

According to the statement, Gov Aiyedatiwa stood out among others with his leadership style, infrastructural developments as well as the massive transformations the Sunshine State had experienced since his assumption of office.

The statement further stated that the varied on-going projects in the State, particularly road constructions, educational revamps and investment in agriculture are clear indications that the governor is on a mission to make Ondo an enviable state among the states of the Federation.

“From 27 December 2023, when he was sworn-in as the governor of Ondo State to the time he was re-elected, up to this day, Gov Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has brought infrastructure and human capital development to the state”.

The governor’s proactive initiatives have positioned Ondo State as an emerging and attracting investment hotspot.

Meanwhile, the Aiyedatiwa-led administration has cultivated a peaceful environment where both residents and businesses can thrive securely.

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Reps Advance Tax Reform Bills Amid Unanimous Support

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…as legislators overcome initial opposition to move key revenue laws forward

…back tax reforms, call for clarity on key provisions

…weigh concerns over VAT, multiple taxation, Economic Impact

 
By Gloria Ikibah
 

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed through second reading the four tax reform bills submitted by the President, with no opposition from lawmakers.

The proposed laws include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

Originally introduced on October 8, 2024, deliberations on the bills were delayed due to concerns raised by northern leaders and the Nigerian Governors Forum, particularly over the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, but Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had urged members to consult widely with their constituents before debating the proposals.

Naijablitznews.com reports that ahead of plenary on Wednesday, the four bills were merged into a single document for debate. Despite highlighting potential conflicts with certain constitutional provisions and a few contentious clauses, lawmakers overwhelmingly supported moving the bills forward.

House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP Rivers, representing minority voices, acknowledged broad support for the reforms but pointed out concerns regarding specific provisions. He emphasized that while the bills aim to restructure the tax system for better revenue generation, the interpretation of certain provisions requires careful review.

He said: “we have all agreed that the spirit behind the four bills is good. But we have issues with some of the letters of the bills. Why we oppose some letters of the bills, we support the spirit and want to assure Nigerians that we will watch those letters and at the appropriate time, we will ensure that the letters are corrected in the interest of Nigerians”.

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, continued deliberations on the tax reform bills, with lawmakers expressing mixed reactions to various provisions, including proposed changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) and streamlining of multiple taxes.

Leade of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere commended the President for initiating the reforms, and stated that the bills aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax system, eliminate multiple taxation, enhance revenue collection, and boost economic diversification. He acknowledged opposition to the bills but noted that differing perspectives had strengthened the final proposals.

Ihonvbere highlighted key benefits, including incentives for small businesses, improved revenue generation, and the reduction of tax burdens on low-income earners. He revealed that the reform would consolidate over 60 different taxes into just nine, ensuring quicker resolution of tax disputes within 14 days.

Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa (PDP, Gombe) raised concerns over Clause 146 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, which proposes a gradual VAT increase from 7.5% to 10% and later 15%, and cautioned that higher VAT could worsen economic hardship and urged the House to address areas requiring adjustments.

Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), emphasised that while tax reforms can be challenging, they are necessary for national development. He criticized Nigeria’s complex and duplicative tax laws, arguing that they deter investors and hinder economic growth.

Rep. Stanley Olajide (PDP, Oyo) pointed out that the House regularly establishes new agencies that require funding, making tax reform essential for sustaining government institutions.

Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle (APC, Ogun) described the bills as a major step toward tax harmonization but stressed the need for penalties not only for taxpayers who default but also for government agencies failing to implement tax laws effectively.

In his submission, Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) raised constitutional concerns, particularly regarding Section 141 of the Tax Administration Law, which he said conflicts with existing legislation and creates jurisdictional overlaps. He also criticized ambiguities in VAT and fiscal policies that could overburden taxpayers.

Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) praised the bills for promoting fairness and increasing revenue for states. He also backed the decision to retain key agencies like TETFund, NITDA, and NASENI, stating, “I commend the President for having the guts to push these reforms now.”

Rep. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka (APC, Ogun) reinforced the House’s commitment to reforms, stating, “From day one, we promised Nigerians a tax overhaul. Our system is outdated, and this is the change we need.”

The debate, which lasted over three hours, showcased a broad consensus on the need for tax reform while highlighting critical areas requiring fine-tuning before the final passage.

“Our tax to GDP is the lowest in the entire Africa and we need to enhance our tax return. Our budget is low and deficit is increasing. There she so many underground economies. That we need to reach out to”.

During deliberations on the tax reform bills, Rep. Marian Onuoha (APC, Imo) emphasized that the proposed laws aim to create a fairer tax system by placing a heavier burden on high-income earners.

Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata raised concerns over the absence of an interpretation clause in three of the four bills, warning that without clear definitions, the laws could be misapplied or exploited by those enforcing them.

Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) stressed that Nigeria must reform its tax laws to remain globally competitive, while Rep. Leke Abejide (ADP, Kogi) praised President Tinubu for taking decisive steps to rescue the economy from collapse.

Addressing the derivation principle, which had been a contentious issue, Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) insisted that the law must clearly define the specific type of derivation it refers to in order to avoid ambiguity.

Rep. Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) highlighted the importance of integrating modern technology into tax administration to curb revenue leakages and boost collection efficiency.

Former House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa commended lawmakers for their patriotism and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for allowing thorough consultations before proceeding with the bills. He also praised the President for respecting the legislative process, particularly in retaining key government agencies.

Former Deputy Speaker Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase recalled how the tax reform debate initially caused divisions within the House but credited the Speaker’s diplomacy for maintaining unity. He welcomed the retention of TETFund, arguing that removing it would have harmed the education sector.

In a unanimous decision, the House passed the bills for second reading via a resounding voice vote, with no opposition. The bills have now been referred to the House Committee on Finance, which will conduct a public hearing for further scrutiny and stakeholder engagement.

 

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