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Hardship: Labour ignores DSS warning, insists on nationwide protest

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has rejected the security advisory by the Department of State Services, DSS, urging the union to shelve its planned nationwide protest.

The NLC, on Monday, began mobilising its members for the planned mass protest slated for February 27 and 28 over the cost of living crisis in the country.

However, the DSS in a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, on Wednesday urged the union to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.

The secret police urged the NLC to engage the government in a dialogue, saying the planned protest has the capacity to trigger tension and violence in the country.

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“The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions.

“This is more so that the Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence”, the statement said.

But in a quick response, the NLC president, Joe Ajaero in a statement on Wednesday, insisted that there was no going back on the plan, citing the level of hardship imposed on Nigerians via some policies of the present administration.

The NLC president assured that the protest would be peaceful, urging the service to fish out any individual or group planning to hijack the process.

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“Our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living of which the unserviced personnel of the Service are also victims.

“We cannot fold our hands and pretend all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive”, Ajaero added.

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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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HAJJ! Saudi Arabia releases fresh 2025 rules, bars kids, updated visa policies

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Saudi Arabia has announced fresh changes to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including a new restriction barring children from participating.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move aimed to protect children from potential dangers posed by heavy crowds during the pilgrimage.

The decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a safer and more seamless Hajj experience.

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According to the ministry, the large crowds during Hajj pose serious risks to children, making this precautionary measure necessary.

Additionally, priority for the 2025 Hajj will be given to first-time pilgrims to allow more Muslims the opportunity to undertake this religious obligation at least once in their lives.

● Changes in visa regulations

Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will issue only single-entry visas for pilgrims from 14 countries, including India, to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.

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Authorities noted that unauthorized pilgrimages had contributed to overcrowding at key sites, making crowd management and safety more challenging.

The updated visa policy aims to improve the overall Hajj experience by controlling the number of attendees.

Saudi authorities continue to refine Hajj regulations to make the pilgrimage safer and more organized.

Pilgrims are encouraged to register through official channels and follow the new guidelines to avoid complications.

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Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had also introduced significant changes to its visa policy, effective February 1, 2025, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.

This move aims to address concerns over unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.

● Affected Countries

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of the policy shift, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these countries.

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●¡Hajj registration and new payment options

Saudi citizens and residents can register for the 2025 Hajj season via the Nusuk app or the official website. Applicants are required to verify their personal details and register their travel companions.

A new instalment-based payment plan has also been introduced for domestic pilgrims. Payments can be made in three stages: a 20% deposit within 72 hours of booking, followed by two 40% instalments due by Ramadan 20 and Shawwal 20. The ministry clarified that reservations will only be confirmed once the final payment is received.

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