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]

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;”

By Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity and official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio’s foray into politics from his humble beginning as Commissioner in three key Ministries in Akwa Ibom state to the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a narrative characterized by humility and tenacity. Akpabio’s leadership qualities became manifest when he served for two terms, as a Governor of Akwa Ibom state between 2007 and 2015.

During his tenure, Akpabio worked assiduously to transform the social and economic landscape of the state. Within this period, Akwa Ibom state witnessed unprecedented improvement in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, capacity building and education that earned him the name, “Uncommon Transformer”.

Some of his remarkable achievements as the Governor of Akwa Ibom state included, Free and compulsory education, Free Medical/Healthcare to children, pregnant women and the Elderly, Construction of an International Airport that has today placed Akwa Ibom on the global Aviation map, building of roads and flyovers, payment of the 13th month salary to civil servants popularly called “Akpabiomber” and the provision of civil service buses which today are still conveying civil servants from their respective local government areas to the state capital.

Other legacy projects are the Ibom Multi-Specialist hospital in Uyo, a befitting government house, a five star hotel in Ikot Ekpene and an International Stadium in the state capital, fittingly named after him as the Godswill Akpabio International stadium.

Today, the stadium which is the only FIFA-approved stadium in Nigeria for international matches, hosts grade A matches involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
A few months ago, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had directed Ghana to secure an alternative venue outside the country for the Matchday 3 and 4 ties involving the Black Stars of Ghana because the African Football Authority had declared all the stadia in Ghana not good enough to continue hosting CAF competitions.

Consequently, Ghana was already looking the way of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium until the issue was sorted out.

Ghana had considered the Godswill Akpabio Stadium because of its topnotch facilities. Regardless of the aesthetic of the stadium and its facilities, Akwa Ibom State is a modern statement in development architecture and luxurious flora and fauna to complement the uncommon transformation legacies.

According to a one-time British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s trajectory in engraving his name in gold and leaving legacies that sprawl the sands of time comes handy.

The imposing structure of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo serves as a testament to the visionary leadership and enduring legacy of the former governor, now President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a testament that the Uncommon Transformer School of politics of transformation and good governance is never a ruse.

It is indeed a study in the lexicon of democracy and its derivatives.The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in particular, has become an iconic symbol of his legacy, showcasing the state’s capacity to foster regional cooperation and promote sports tourism.

Akpabio has also left indelible marks in the sands of time as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. He completed many abandoned projects, despite the challenges of Covid- 19 pandemic and scarcity of funds. Some of the iconic projects he completed were the 20-year old abandoned 13 and 8- storey buildings at NDDC Headquarters.

It is on records that Akpabio took pro-active steps to address burning issues, including underdevelopment, corruption in the NDDC through forensic audit of the Commission, Ogoni clean-up, insecurity in the region, the East-west road, Foreign Direct Investment and engagement of Public-Private Participation to complete some projects through alternative sources of revenue.

Today, Senator Akpabio is the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Executive Member of the International Parliamentary Union, deploying legislative and diplomatic enablement to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transform Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Happy Birthday to a Development Czar and Uncommon Transformer at 62.