Politics

NASS to receive Tinubu’s tax reforms committee report September

Published

2 years ago

May 14, 2024

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee says it will transmit its policy recommendations to the National Assembly by the end of Q3 2024.

These include new National Tax and Borrowing Policies to be implemented in September and new proposals to amend the Constitution, which would take effect from 2025.

The committee led by Taiwo Oyedele announced that his team had closed its proposal phase and is now “consulting with the private sector” for the rest of May.

The Committee expects to secure internal approvals from the Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council and other organs of government “up until the end of June.”

He explained, “We envisage by the Quarter Three, our documents will be ready to go to the National Assembly and by the end of that Q3.

“We should have them enacted into law so we can give reasonable notice to the public, businesses and individuals before commencement for many of them kick off in 2025. But where we have executive orders and directive regulations that don’t require enactment into law, we just need the ministers to sign.

“For instance, we have a new withholding tax regulation where small businesses will be exempt from having to deduct withholding tax. So it’s ready; we’re waiting for the final signature.”

The tax reforms chief hinted about a new National Tax Policy and a Spending Policy that would dictate government spending as well as a Borrowing Policy “so that the social contract with the people is delivered to them in a meaningful way.”

“So, all of that will happen before the end of the year. But where we are enacting the law and proposals to amend the Constitution, that will happen in 2025 and, maybe, 2026 because I think the timeline that the National Assembly has is about two years,” he explained.

Oyedele argued that these processes are necessary to ensure that the “reforms can be enduring and sustained,” adding, “We don’t want this whole effort to go down the drain, after one or two years if somebody comes with a different idea and introduces new taxes. We have to fix this problem once and for all.”

Fielding questions on the foreseeable tax threshold for small businesses, he said after the deploying considering its data, the Committee has agreed that “if you earn N25m a year or less, you don’t have to pay company income tax, you don’t have to worry about VAT.”

He said, “The informal sector is people who are trying to earn a legitimate living”; therefore, “we should allow them to be and support them to grow to a point where they can then have the ability to pay taxes.”

Consequently, “We think that 95 per cent of the informal sector should be legally exempted from all taxes; withholding tax, company income tax, even payee on their staff. Let them be.

“We can then focus our attention on the top 5 per cent of that sector and, of course, the middle class and the elites. We think the days of being above the law in paying taxes are over.

“This is the same thing we’re saying to our leaders, whether elected or appointed; we think they have to lead by example by showing that they have paid the taxes, not only on time but correctly to the lawful authorities as contained in the various laws.”

The Oyedele-led Committee said it is “very convinced” that the government needs to increase the exemption threshold for small businesses such as for low-income earners, because “if you can’t make ends meet, the last thing you want is someone asking you to pay tax and we don’t think that is right.”

On the policy flaws entrenched in the controversial Cybersecurity Levy, Oyedele called for patience from the Nigerians battling multiple taxations, saying, These problems will not disappear overnight. It’s a work in progress.”

He stated, “As we progress from ideation, proposal to implementation, you’ll see less and less of those issues.”
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Politics

‘If Wike Fails To Apologize To Okinbaloye, We Will Boycott All Press Briefings’ – Broadcasters Warn

Published

2 days ago

April 6, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial remark he made about a journalist with Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye.

IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, also warned that it may boycott all media engagements organized by the minister if he fails to issue a public apology.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN Chairman, and Fidelis Duker, Acting General Secretary, the association expressed concern about the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.

The controversy stemmed from a remark made by Wike during a routine media chat on Friday, when he reacted to Okinbaloye’s commentary on the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy while watching the program Politics Today.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.

The minister later clarified to journalists present that the statement was not a literal threat.

On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the minister, described the comment as “hyperbolic”, arguing that it had been taken out of context by critics.

However, IBAN maintained that the remark was inappropriate for a public official, even if it was not intended as a literal threat.

The association said statements suggesting violence could easily be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.

IBAN warned that comments implying violence could contribute to a hostile environment for media practitioners.

The group noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, adding that journalists already face numerous challenges.

According to the association, these include surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

The association called on the minister to withdraw the remark and apologise publicly to the journalist and the wider media community.

IBAN also urged Wike to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in accordance with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.

Despite its warning, the association said it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.

“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” IBAN added.

Politics

EASTER CELEBRATION: Hon Success Opara Wishes Nigerians Joy, Hope, and Renewal

Published

4 days ago

April 5, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

In a heartfelt message, Hon Success Opara has extended warm Easter greetings to Nigerians, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Speaking at St. Peter Anglican Church Ikengbu, Opara emphasized the significance of Easter, saying, “He is risen! May the miracle of Easter bring you renewed hope, faith, and joy. Rejoice in the promise of new life and the joy that conquered everything.”

The lawmaker prayed for Nigerians to experience the transformative power of the resurrection, urging them to find solace in the promise of eternal life. “As we commemorate this sacred occasion, let us reflect on the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness that Jesus Christ embodied,” he said.

Hon Opara’s message was filled with Easter cheer, as he wished Nigerians a joyous celebration with family and loved ones. “May the spirit of Easter fill your heart with peace, hope, and renewed faith. Happy Easter!”

The Easter celebration at St. Peter Anglican Church Ikengbu was marked with prayers, hymns, and reflections on the significance of Christ’s resurrection.

Politics

I’m Not a Part of Any Plan to Turn Nigeria Into a One-Party State, But INEC Will Follow Court Orders, Not Political Pressure — INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

Published

5 days ago

April 4, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Amupitan has rejected claims that the commission is being used to create a one-party state in favor of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. “I am not guilty as charged,. Let me say it very clearly. I am not a party to the plan of anyone to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. By the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria is a multi-party state and this is recognized by the constitution and the Electoral Act,” he stated.

He cited the recent FCT area council elections, noting about ten political parties participated, including ADC, PDP, Labor Party, and Zenith Labour Party. “The democratic space remains vibrant. Parties are participating, and the elections demonstrate that competition is alive,” he said.

On disputes within the ADC and the PDP, he explained, “One of the challenges we’ve had is the issue of party leadership. And it’s something that is impacting on democracy because if those issues are not addressed on time, it can cause a lot of problem. Nobody is looking at that part that ordered the trial court to give it expeditious trial. This is an originating summons. An originating summons that could, if they had gone to court, have been decided by now because the Court of Appeal has given a specific order that it should be decided expeditiously.”

Explaining INEC’s role, he said, “So therefore, it calls to question the fact that this order has been made. They’re supposed to go back to the Federal High Court and let the Federal High Court, with that order, compel the judge to hear that case expeditiously. The Court of Appeal made a preservatory order, status quo antebellum. The commission just recorded positions before 2nd September 2025. If the court gives judgment, parties can proceed. Life goes on.”

He concluded, “The whole idea that INEC is being used to turn Nigeria into a one party state is false. INEC follows court orders, not political pressure.”