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Constitution Review: Speaker Abbas Says Implementing Comprehensive Electoral Reforms Will Be Considered

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By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has said that in the review ofthe 1999 Constitution (As Amended), critical areas to be considered include implementing comprehensive electoral reforms to address the gaps identified in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, strengthening the enforceability of legislative instruments; and institutional strengthening for greater accountability, among others.
Speaker Abbas who stated this at the inauguration of the House Committee on Constitution Review and Citizen Engagement organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) on Monday in Abuja, noted that these areas are crucial for reinforcing the democracy and ensuring that the governance structure meets the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.
He explained that several Bills have already been introduced in both the Senate and House, on some of these important issues.
He said: “We expect the Sixth Alteration under this Tenth National Assembly to be the most comprehensive yet. As such, the task before the Constitution Review Committee is profound. The House Agenda is ambitious in its scope and encompasses wide-ranging issues pivotal to our national growth.
“Among these are: devolution of powers, including state policing; enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy; further decongesting the Exclusive Legislative List; recognising and assigning constitutional roles for traditional institutions; and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women representation into appointive and elective positions.
“Regarding the latter, I implore this Committee to align its work with the Legislative Agenda. I urge you to revisit the issue of additional or reserved seats for women across legislative bodies, twinning in joint tickets and conferring citizenship on foreigners married to Nigerian women.
He highlighted that “since the inception of the Fourth Republic, the Constitution has been subjected to five alterations with landmark changes that have strengthened the democratic institutions, federalism and governance generally.
“Under the 9th Assembly, the Fifth Alteration made some of the most far-reaching amendments. It clarified and reinforced financial autonomy for State Houses of Assembly and Judiciary, decongested the Executive List, defined guidelines for the First Session and Inauguration of Members-Elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly, and deleted reference to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act, among others. All these made the Fifth Alteration the most extensive since 1999.
“We expect the Sixth Alteration under this Tenth National Assembly to be the most comprehensive yet. As such, the task before the Constitution Review Committee is profound. The House Agenda is ambitious in its scope and encompasses wide-ranging issues pivotal to our national growth.
“However, in making recommendations and proposals that potentially have far-reaching impacts (such as state police), I strongly recommend that we adopt a scientific approach grounded in empirical evidence rather than ideology, personal beliefs, or political expediency. I also challenge us to go beyond traditional and generic prescriptions and explore gradualism in law making with the understanding that social change can be achieved in small, discrete increments rather than in abrupt strokes or grand solutions. This gradual process will allow us to pilot innovative solutions, engage in meaningful experimentation, and gather concrete data and facts to inform our decisions.
“Also, this approach ensures that reforms are not only effective but also adapted to the unique needs and challenges of our great nation. Through this careful and considered process, we can achieve sustainable and impactful changes for the good of our country and all Nigerians”, he noted.
Speaker Abbas revealed that the methodology to be employed by the Committee will emphasise inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration even as he assured that the House will work closely with the Executive arm (both at the Federal and sub-national levels).
“This partnership stems from recognising their pivotal role in governance, ensuring that our review process is comprehensive and considers the practical aspects of implementation. Equally, the process will involve State Houses of Assembly to foster consensus and expedite adoption by States. But more importantly, the process will be deeply rooted in engaging with the Nigerian people at all levels, including traditional and religious institutions, pressure groups and trade unions, ethno-religious organisations, the diaspora community and much more.
 “As we embark on the essential task of Constitutional review, the House has adopted a strategy of timely commencement. This proactive approach is designed to ensure thorough engagement and deliberation. By starting early, we aim to facilitate a comprehensive review process, allowing ample time for robust public engagement, detailed analysis, and thoughtful consideration of proposals for amendments. This approach also ensures that the review is concluded in good time and avoids some of the setbacks experienced in the past occasioned by late commencement”, Abass added.
The Speaker urged all members and Nigerians to approach the process with an open mind and spirit of patriotism, adding that the constitutional amendment process is both costly and laden with contentious issues, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
“It is an opportunity to address the pressing issues that have emerged in our polity, to close gaps in our legal system, and to strengthen the foundations of our democracy. As such, I urge all members of the Committee on Constitution Review, and indeed all Nigerians, to approach this exercise with an open mind, a spirit of patriotism, and a commitment to the greater good. Our goal should not be to win arguments but to build consensus, to not just amend laws but to forge a more unified, just, and prosperous Nigeria”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the CRC, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, called on Nigerians to advocate tirelessly for change, holding elected representatives accountable and demand accountability at every turn.
He assured that the committee will work diligently to deliver on its assignment within the next 24 months, and will wholeheartedly seek the cooperation and support of all Nigerians.
According to Kalu, the Constitution Review Committee of the 10th National Assembly stands ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
He added that leveraging the power of technology, social media, and inclusive
engagement, will ensure that every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every citizen is empowered to participate in shaping the nation’s future
He said: “Today marks an important moment in the history of our great nation as we convene for the Inauguration and Citizen’s Engagement of the House of
Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Our constitution, the foundation of our democracy, stands as a testament to
our collective aspirations for a just, equitable, and prosperous society. Yet,
as we confront the realities of the 21st century, it is incumbent upon us to
recognize the imperative for constitutional reform, to ensure that our laws reflect our people’s evolving needs and aspirations.
“As James Madison, the “Father of the American Constitution,” once
eloquently stated, “The Constitution of a Republic … ought to contain within
itself provisions for its own improvement as time and circumstance may
require.” Heeding this wisdom, we must embark on this reform journey with
open minds and hearts, acknowledging the dynamic nature of our society
and the need for our governing document to adapt accordingly.
“As we gather here today, it is important to highlight the areas that are
currently at the forefront based on the bill proposals we have received so
far – some of them include the establishment of state police; state access to mines; increased participation of women in politics; clear specification of the taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
He disclosed that several bill proposals that were passed during the Fifth Constitution alterations but did not make the President’s assent have been brought back.
These bills include “Powers to the National Assembly and State Assemblies to Summon the President and State governors, and Requirements of the Government to Direct Policies Towards Ensuring the Rights to Food and Food Security.
“This highlights the dynamic nature of the constitution review process and
its salientness to the democratic strengthening of the country.
“It is important to reiterate that we are willing to accommodate more proposals to enhance our Constitution and strengthen our democracy. In addition, we await executive-sponsored bill proposals that reflect issues on the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
“It is also important to note the amendments to the constitution carried out by previous assemblies, which include but are not limited to the financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary; redesignating “Prisons” as “Correctional Services” and then transferring them from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list to enable the state’s participation.
“Others include  transferring “railways” from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list; enabling states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and requiring the President and Governors to submit the names of persons nominated as Ministers or Commissioners within sixty days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly
“We particularly saw this come into action when President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu submitted his ministerial list two days before the deadline on
Thursday, the 27th of July in 2023.
As we move forward, states should commence domestication of these
amendments to generate the required results and propel Nigeria towards a
brighter future.
“Thus, the call to action is clear, and the pathway forward is illuminated by
the principles of dialogue, advocacy, participation, unity, and inclusivity.
“Let us heed the voices of our fellow citizens, from all walks of life, and engage in open, inclusive, and transparent dialogue on constitutional reform. Let us bridge divides, build consensus, and forge a common vision for the future
of Nigeria.
“Participation is not merely a right; it is a sacred duty bestowed upon us as
citizens of this great nation. I call upon every one of you to actively participate in the constitutional reform process, to lend your voices, ideas, and expertise to craft a constitution that reflects the values and aspirations of all Nigerians”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the 45-member committee is comprising one member from each of the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.
The committee is chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, while the House Leader, Hon. (Prof) Julius Ihonvbere, is the Committee’s Deputy Chairman. To ensure greater inclusion, the Committee will also have six (6) additional women, one from each of the six geo-political zones. Furthermore, the House Zonal Caucus Leaders have been co-opted in an advisory capacity to advise the Committee on issues relating to their respective zones. Lastly, the Committee’s secretariat will also include a representative of people living with disabilities to ensure that their concerns are properly accommodated.
The mandate of the Committee is to receive and consider proposals for alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), create a forum for stakeholders and the public to make inputs into the review process and collaborate with the Senate and the State Houses of Assembly as required by law.
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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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EFCC drags man to court for refusing to accept naira as legal tender

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, arraigned Precious Uzondu on a two-count charge bordering on alleged refusal to accept naira as a legal tender before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

One of the counts read: “That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as a means of payment for a purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Given his pleas, prosecution counsel, Hannatu Naisa, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional centre.

Counsel to the defendant, Jennifer Achinuagole, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed the court to adopt the same as her oral application.

Responding, Naisa informed the court about a counter-affidavit and a written address to the application. She prayed the court to accept the same and discount the application by the defendant.

After listening to both parties, Justice Owoeye admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed property in Lagos which must be verified by the court and also swear to an affidavit of means.

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The judge also ordered the defendant’s remand in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned till April 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

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