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Tax Reform Bills Nearing Passage As Senate Committee Finalises Discussions

Published

13 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Strong indications emerged on Monday that the Senate is on the verge of holding a public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills, with the aim of presenting them for a third reading and eventual passage.

This development was confirmed following a closed-door session of the Senate Ad-hoc committee and key government officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele; and Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu.

The Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on Tax Reform led by its Chairman, Sen. Abba Moro, was established in December last year to engage with the Federal Government on contentious aspects of the proposed tax legislation.

Senator Moro revealed that significant progress had been made.

“We have reached some agreements after thorough discussions with government officials. Our goal is to synthesize the entire process to deliver a law that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” Moro stated.

He expressed optimism that the committee would soon finalize its work, paving the way for the bills to be presented for passage.

“By the time we meet again, we will have a better story to tell,” he said.

FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji also expressed confidence in the progress made, indicating that previously contentious issues had been resolved.

“The so-called grey areas were discussed and clarified. We are now moving in the right direction, and there won’t be a need for further meetings. All issues have been identified, clarified, and resolutions have been made,” Adedeji said.

He affirmed that there was a consensus among all stakeholders on the necessity of the proposed tax laws.

“Everyone agreed that Nigeria needs these laws. Today, we saw the framework of the law come together, with the Attorney General, lawmakers, and operators all on the same page,” he concluded.

The committee’s efforts mark a significant step towards overhauling Nigeria’s tax system, with the reforms expected to enhance revenue collection and create a more efficient tax framework.

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Reps Urge FG To Sustain Support For Nigerian Military

Published

14 minutes ago

January 14, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the House of Representatives has called for sustained support for the Nigeria military in its quest to address the challenges of insecurity across the country.

This resolution was sequel the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, titled “Armed Forces Remembrance Day: A call to honour, celebrate and support the heroism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in safeguarding national unity and global peace”, moved by Rep. Babajimi Benson, lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, on Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Benson who is also the Chairman Committee on Defense, commended men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to their constitutional responsibility, said the security challenges facing Nigeria are surmountable.

He said, “The House is aware that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, bravery and professionalism in combating various forms of insecurity across the country, including insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities;

“The House is also aware of the immense sacrifices made by the officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, often at the risk of their own lives;

“The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked on the 15th of January, is a solemn occasion to honour the bravery and sacrifices of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for our nation’s peace and unity.

“The House also note that the event provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our Armed Forces and recommit to supporting their efforts.”

Benson who drummed support for the military, recognised the significant victories recorded so far on the war against insurgency, particularly in the North-East region, where previously inaccessible communities have been liberated, enabling displaced persons to return to their homes.

“We also recognize the immense contributions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to regional peace and stability through their involvement in joint military operations, collaborations with neighbouring countries, and commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.

“We further recognise the distinguished record of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in international peacekeeping and other missions under the auspices of the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, where their professionalism, discipline, integrity and commitment to global peace have earned the respect and admiration of the international community,” he added.

The Lagos lawmaker however advised Nigerians not to trivialize the sacrifices being made by the military, saying, “The House is concerned that lack of commendation for these outstanding achievements would likely dampen the morale of these gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The House unanimously adopted the motion, and urged the Federal Government to “Sustain its support for the Armed Forces through increased funding, provision of modern equipment, and enhanced welfare packages.”

It mandated its relevant committees to regularly “Assess and provide recommendations for the improvement of the Armed Forces’ operations, ensuring their continued efficiency and effectiveness.”

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Gov Zulum Sad Over Boko Haram Attack Killing 40 Farmers

Published

1 hour ago

January 14, 2025

Naijablitznews

Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned terrorists’ attack in the Dumba community, near Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The governor condemned the attack which claimed at least 40 farmers and fishermen on Sunday and called on the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai to track and obliterate the insurgent elements that are operating at Dumba and other similar enclaves in the Lake Chad Area.

The attack was said to have been carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating in the area.

Zulum commiserated with the victims and their families and assured them that those still missing would be found and reunited with their families.

In a statement by the state’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, the governor said, “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by the terrorists.

“On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens.

“It was observed that the farmers strayed off the security corridor established by the security agencies, and went into an enclave that is yet to be cleared. Such enclaves are usually prone to nocturnal attacks by marauding terrorists, as well as being contaminated with landmines.”

The governor called on citizens not to venture beyond the safety zones that are demarcated by the government and security agencies.

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FCT Police confirm 17 dark spots in Abuja (See list)

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, designated 17 areas in the nation’s capital as criminal black-spots.

The areas are Apo-Dutse Panteka; Diplomatic Zone; New PDP Secretariat; Kabusa Panteka; Ajakaita (Tungan-Maje); Abuja-Kaduna Road; Jabi Panteka; Apo-Waru Panteka; Area 1 (Monkey Village) and Durumi Village.

Others are Gwarimpa; Angwan Tivi; Mpape (Mashafa and Shishinpe villages) ;Durumi III (Burukutu Garden); Mabushi (Gishiri Village); Kubwa (by Pipeline and NEPA Road) and Maitama (under the Transcorp Bridge).

The command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh in a statement on Tuesday, said the police identified the black spots during a series of strategic raids.

Adeh added that the daily raids are critical to maintaining law and order in the FCT. The statement partly read, “As part of its unwavering efforts to combat criminal activities and protect public and private infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Police Command has carried out a series of strategic raids targeting identified black spots across the territory. “Why Do Police Carry Out Daily Raids? These proactive operations are aimed at: Preventing Crime: Targeting criminal black-spots to deter and prevent crimes before they occur, ensuring a safer environment for residents.

Protecting Infrastructure: Disrupting activities that lead to the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure such as manhole covers, streetlights, and power cables among others.

“The Command identified and raided the following criminal hideouts across the FCT: Apo-Dutse Panteka; Diplomatic Zone; New PDP Secretariat; Kabusa Panteka; Ajakaita (Tungan-Maje); Abuja-Kaduna Road; Jabi Panteka; Apo-Waru Panteka; Area 1 (Monkey Village); Durumi Village; Gwarimpa; Angwan Tivi; Mpape (Mashafa and Shishinpe villages); Durumi III (Burukutu Garden);Mabushi (Gishiri Village); Kubwa (by Pipeline and NEPA Road) and Maitama (under the Transcorp Bridge). “ Adeh stated that during the daily raids in the listed areas, operatives have 348 suspects for various criminal activities.

“ She also said the command recovered weapons, manholes, and streetlights among others. Adeh stated, “Seizure of 10 trucks loaded with vandalized metals, disrupting the market for stolen items; Recovery of 26 manhole covers and 20 solar/streetlight poles, ensuring the restoration of critical public infrastructure.

“Confiscation of large quantities of AEDC armoured cables, preventing further vandalism, Seizure of substantial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and assorted hard drugs, reducing drug-related crimes. Recovery of 11 firearms, eliminating dangerous weapons from circulation.”