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Court summons interior minister, AGF over planned expatriate tax policy
A Federal High Court has issued a three-day summons for Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, and Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The summons relates to the proposed implementation of a controversial tax policy aimed at expatriates.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiff’s counsel, Patrick Peter, directed the Minister of Interior and the Attorney-General of the Federation to justify why the policy should not be halted. The court further ordered that the motion be served on both officials within three days.
The Incorporated Trustees of New Kosol Welfare Initiative filed a motion ex-parte, marked FHC/ABJ/CD/1780/2024, against the Minister of Interior and the Attorney-General of the Federation as the first and second defendants.
The application was submitted by a legal team led by Paul Atayi, seeking an interim injunction to restrain the defendants from implementing the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), a new taxation regime targeting expatriates in Nigeria, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
In an affidavit sworn by Raphael Ezeh, the group’s Programme Implementation Coordinator, it was disclosed that on February 27, 2024, the Federal Government announced the EEL policy.
According to reports cited by Ezeh from KPMG and other information sources, the policy mandates companies employing expatriates to pay annual levies, including $15,000 (equivalent to ₦23 million) for each expatriate at the director level and $10,000 (equivalent to ₦16 million) for each expatriate at non-director levels.
The affidavit further stated that the policy includes penalties for non-compliance, such as five years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of ₦1 million for inaccurate or incomplete reporting. Corporate entities failing to file the EEL or register expatriate employees within 30 days face fines of ₦3 million, while providing false information also attracts a fine of ₦3 million.
The plaintiff contends that the policy imposes undue burdens and has requested the court’s intervention to suspend its implementation.
The coordinator stated that any organization failing to renew the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) before its expiration would face a penalty of ₦3 million.
Ezeh described the proposed taxation regime as an anti-people policy, arguing that it would have a detrimental impact on various sectors of the Nigerian economy and act as a barrier to the nation’s economic growth.
He emphasized that taxation is a sensitive issue, requiring collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He referred to Section 59 of the constitution, which specifies that the executive arm alone cannot impose taxes on corporate entities or other citizens.
Ezeh further noted that the existing tax framework is far more favorable to expatriates compared to the proposed regime.
Ezeh alleged that the minister is about to commence full implementation of the EEL.
“If the defendants are not restrained by an order of this honourable court, they will commence full implementation of the said programme and thereby threatening the nation’s economic sustainability,” he said.
He said the plaintiff undertook to pay damages if the substantive suit turned out to be frivolous.
After listening to Peter, Justice Ekwo ordered the plaintiff to put the defendants on notice of the ex-parte application within 3 days of the order.
He said: “Upon being served, the defendants are hereby ordered to show cause why the prayers of the plaintiff ought not to be granted on the next date of hearing.”
The judge adjourned the matter until Jan. 16 for the minister and the AGF to show cause.
The Federal Ministry of Interior had earlier in 2024 postponed the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), initially launched on February 27, 2024, to allow for further consultations with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other key stakeholders.
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FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
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