Nigeria

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has established a Tax Reform Committee to tackle the challenges of taxation in Nigeria, especially the four proposed tax bills currently undergoing legislation. 

The committee, chaired by Senator Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State, comprises members with diverse expertise in finance, law, taxation and economics.

Other members of the committee include:

Dr. Mansur Mukhtar former Minister of Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, former Minister of State Finance, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Prof. Kabir Isa Dandago, Gambo Hamza, Kabiru M Ahmed, Mouftah Baba-Ahmed, Tajuddeen A Dantata, Chris Umar SAN and Abdullahi Ali Gombe, mni

The establishment of the Tax Reform Committee is a significant step towards addressing the tax challenges facing the region and Nigeria as a whole. 

The committee’s recommendations are expected to contribute to developing a more effective tax system in the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been recognized for its vital contribution to Nigeria’s economic recovery, with expectations that the agency will play a central role in achieving the Federal Government’s ambitious ₦48 trillion budget target for 2025.

Speaking at the 61st quarterly board meeting of the NCS on December 18, 2024, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edun, praised the agency’s performance.

The meeting followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, labeled “A Budget of Restoration.”

The budget projects ₦35 trillion in revenue, with the NCS having already generated over ₦5 trillion by November 2024. Commending the agency’s efforts, Mr. Edun stated, “The NCS and other revenue bodies have performed remarkably well,” attributing their success to reforms initiated by President Tinubu.

To cover the remaining ₦13 trillion in the proposed budget, Mr. Edun revealed that the government plans to secure concessionary loans, grants, and development support.During the board meeting, the NCS’s achievements in 2024 were reviewed, and the recruitment of 3,927 officers was approved.

Special promotions were also granted to top-performing personnel to address manpower gaps and improve trade facilitation.

“The NCS has excelled in suppressing smuggling and fostering trade, crucial for growth and job creation,” the Minister noted.

Mr. Edun concluded by urging Customs officers to maintain their commitment to national objectives, emphasizing the agency’s pivotal role in reducing poverty and driving economic growth.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

On November 6, 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) used its public WhatsApp channel to broadcast an important message: “November, or Movember, is Men’s Health Month.”

This month and in the future, men are invited to grow moustaches to promote awareness and initiate discussions about health topics such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Let’s move from discussion to action!

The message continued, “Women have a role to play, too! Encourage and support the men in your life to take the steps needed to improve their health.” It then provided a web link for more details.

Inspired by this call to action, there was a strong urge to investigate and bring to light diseases peculiar to men. However, a quieter voice suggested pausing to observe the media landscape and assess the awareness campaigns and engagement level.

As November progressed, it became apparent that despite the importance of men’s health, the subject was overshadowed by other significant events, such as World Diabetes Day (November 14), Cervical Cancer Elimination Day (November 17), World Toilet Day (November 19), and Anti-Microbial Resistance Awareness Week (November 18–24).

Men’s Health Awareness Month aims to encourage men to talk about their health and seek support when needed. It focuses on issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention.

Bringing the conversation closer to home, men are disproportionately affected by heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues, yet many adopt a “stiff upper lip” mentality, often choosing to endure symptoms rather than seek help. 

This reluctance is alarming. Globally, men die an average of 4.5 years earlier than women, with 86% of these deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases and injuries, according to a 2019 WHO study.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, with over 1.4 million cases diagnosed in 2020 and an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 30.7 per 100,000 males. In Nigeria, it is the most common cancer among men, accounting for 11–15.1% of all male cancers. 

Between 2009 and 2016, data from 15 cancer registries in Nigeria recorded 4,091 cases, with 80% deemed incurable at diagnosis. This underscores the lack of investment in men’s healthcare.

Mental health is another area plagued by harmful stereotypes and societal expectations. An estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health disorders. The country ranks fifth globally in suicide rates, with about 15,000 cases per 100,000 people. 

For men, societal pressures to fulfil financial and family responsibilities exacerbate their mental health struggles. Failure to meet these expectations often earns them harsh labels like “irresponsible,” further driving depression.

On the cardiovascular front, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and strokes remain the leading causes of death among men. Occupational hazards also contribute significantly to premature deaths, while lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diets, alcohol consumption, and exposure to interpersonal violence increase health risks.

Risk-taking behaviours and the underutilisation of healthcare services compound men’s health issues, which are consistent across many countries. These trends highlight the importance of leveraging platforms like Men’s Health Month to challenge societal norms and encourage proactive health management.

David Samadi, a world-renowned urologist and prostate cancer expert, aptly observed that “Men’s health is not just about physical health, but also about mental and emotional wellbeing.” His words emphasise that men’s health has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, their families, and communities.

Although this year’s Men’s Health Awareness Month has ended, the mission does not stop here. Instead, it should mark the beginning of sustained efforts to keep the conversation alive, promote healthy living, and drive awareness year-round.

This is an urgent appeal to individuals, organisations, and policymakers to prioritise men’s health issues and foster environments that encourage men to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment. Together, we can ensure that men’s health receives the attention it deserves.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has sought the Central Bank’s clarification on the dismissal of about 1,000 staff members and the subsequent payment of a N50bn compensation package to the disengaged persons.

The speaker made the demands while declaring open an investigative hearing of the Ad-hoc Committee of the House, investigating the CBN’s termination/dismissal of members of staff on Friday in Abuja.

Recall that the CBN explained earlier that its Early Exit Package for staff is voluntary and that participation is not mandatory.

In a statement, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, assured staff and the public that no employee would be forced into early retirement under the scheme.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria has dismissed assertion of forced mass retirements, explaining that its Early Exit Package is entirely voluntary and without any negative repercussions for eligible staff”, the statement partly read.

However, Abbas tasked the panel chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Bello Kumo, with probing the rationale behind the decision, particularly in light of the country’s current economic challenges.

Speaker Abbas, represented at the event by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, reiterated the need for transparency in the matter, explaining that the welfare and rights of the affected employees must be safeguarded.

Abbas also charged the committee to examine the process by which the N50bn severance package was determined.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Livinus Nwabughiogu on Saturday quoted Abbas as saying, “The committee has been tasked with examining several critical aspects of this issue. First, we aim to understand the rationale behind the decision to lay off over 1,000 staff members, particularly during these challenging economic times. The impact of such a significant workforce reduction on individuals, their families, and the broader economy cannot be overlooked.

“Moreover, the committee will investigate the process through which the N50bn severance package was determined. We must find out whether the principles of due diligence, fairness and due process were strictly adhered to in arriving at this figure. Transparency in such matters is key to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of our institutions.”

Abas called on the apex bank and other affected government agencies to cooperate fully with the investigation so that the panel could discharge its mandate.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of ten people, including four children, following a stampede during a food distribution event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama. 

The incident, which also left eight others injured, occurred early on Saturday, December 21, 2024.  

The distribution of food items was intended to assist vulnerable and elderly individuals but tragically resulted in a chaotic scene around 6:30 a.m. 

According to a statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, four of the injured have already been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are still receiving medical attention.  

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, the Police Command called for increased caution in organizing such events to prevent future tragedies.  

“To prevent such unfortunate incidents, all organizations, religious bodies, and groups planning public gatherings in the FCT are directed to notify the Police Command in advance to ensure adequate security measures are in place,” the statement read.  

The Command warned that failure to comply with this directive would lead to holding organizers accountable for any loss of life or injuries caused by negligence.  

The Police also reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property in the FCT and urged residents to report emergencies through the control room lines provided: 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, grapples with a troubling paradox: soaring fuel prices and a meagre minimum wage. This contradiction underscores the harsh realities confronting millions living in a resource-rich nation.

Crude oil has long anchored Nigeria’s economy, generating substantial revenue and foreign exchange. Yet, the wealth rarely trickles down to ordinary citizens. Fuel, a key derivative of crude oil, remains prohibitively expensive due to deregulated markets, subsidy removal, and limited domestic refining capacity. 

Instead of refining its crude oil, Nigeria imports refined petroleum products, driving costs and straining an already fragile economy. The ripple effects are profound. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, inflating the prices of goods and services. Farmers transporting produce to markets, artisans powering tools, and businesses reliant on generators to offset erratic electricity endure immense burdens. 

Small-scale businesses are teetering on the brink of collapse, and consumers face relentless price hikes for basic necessities. These challenges are insurmountable for an average Nigerian earning ₦30,000–₦70,000, one of the world’s lowest minimum wages. 

Despite rising inflation and a depreciating naira, wages have remained stagnant, forcing workers into painful trade-offs: skipping meals, forgoing healthcare, or withdrawing children from school to survive. Experts widely view Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports as a colossal policy failure. 

The nation’s four state-owned refineries, once symbols of industrial pride, have devolved into monuments of inefficiency. Operating at less than 20% capacity for decades, these facilities consume billions in rehabilitation efforts with no meaningful outcomes, leaving the country reliant on costly imports.

Successive administrations have promised reforms to the oil and gas sector, but the results have disappointed. Corruption and a lack of political will perpetuate a cycle of waste and economic hardship.

Recent reforms, such as subsidy removal, aim to redirect funds to infrastructure and social welfare. However, these measures have worsened the immediate plight of citizens. Fuel prices have soared, deepening poverty and sparking protests. While the affluent and corporations may weather the storm, low-income earners face a relentless battle for survival.

Addressing these challenges demands transparent and decisive leadership. Revitalising local refineries is essential to reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy. Exploring alternative energy sources like renewables can diversify the sector and alleviate pressure on oil dependency.

Revising the minimum wage to reflect inflation and the cost of living is equally critical. This adjustment would offer workers some reprieve and restore their purchasing power.

Nigeria must also prioritise institutional reforms to ensure accountability in managing its oil wealth. A transparent, well-regulated oil and gas sector could unlock enormous potential, transforming the nation from a land of paradoxes into shared prosperity.

For Nigeria to truly harness its vast resources, it must close the gap between its wealth and the welfare of its people. Affordable fuel and a living wage remain aspirations for millions—a dream that can only be realised through bold action, sustained commitment, and genuine prioritisation of the masses over vested interests.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Communication Fellow. He wrote from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Niger’s foreign minister has called in the Nigerian charge d’affaires, accusing Nigeria of using its territory as a base to destabilize Niger. The allegations come amid ongoing tensions between the two nations since Niger’s military coup in 2023. 

Niger’s government claims that Nigeria has been complicit with foreign powers and officials of the ousted regime, continuing to fuel instability despite efforts to normalize relations. Although security cooperation between the two countries resumed in August, the recent accusations have led to renewed diplomatic friction. 

Niger has also reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT) to combat jihadist groups along the borders.

By Wonderful Adegoke 

“I’ve also had to absorb the cost of failed transactions,” lamented Adeyemi Ademola, a food seller on campus at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), her voice tinged with frustration and despair. 

Struggling to keep her business afloat, Ademola’s story highlights the pervasive challenges stemming from disrupted banking services. Her small shop, which supplies students with staples like rice, beans, garri, and other essentials, has been eerily quiet. The culprit? Persistent banking service disruptions, especially from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Access Bank, which her customers rely on for online payments.

Ademola’s predicament mirrors the experiences of countless others who cannot access essential banking services. GTB’s ongoing downtime—part of its transition to a new core banking application system—has left many in limbo. Even a visit to customer care brought little solace, as the explanation of “technical disruptions” linked to recent system upgrades felt more like a dismissal than a solution. Such upgrades, ostensibly aimed at fortifying defences against cyberattacks, have instead sown doubt about the security and efficiency of these systems.

The upgrades, though necessary, come with inevitable growing pains. Migrating vast amounts of customer data and integrating it across multiple platforms—from ATMs to mobile apps—is complex and time-intensive. Customers, however, bear the brunt of these transitions, enduring weeks or even months of service disruptions that hinder daily transactions.

In the past quarter alone, several commercial banks in Nigeria have initiated IT upgrades to bolster their operations and prepare for an increasingly competitive future. While these efforts are laudable, they have had far-reaching effects, straining banking operations and customer satisfaction. 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that the banking sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP rose to 16.36% in Q2 2024, a testament to significant technological investments. Yet, for many, these figures are cold comfort amidst recurring downtimes and transaction failures.

Ademola’s weariness is palpable. She confides that her trust in traditional banking institutions, once the cornerstone of financial stability, is eroding. The persistent disruptions have cost her business revenue and undermined the basic operations on which her enterprise depends.

Lost Sales, Revenue, and Opportunities

The ripple effects of these banking failures are felt across various sectors. Rabi’u Bawa, a POS attendant, recounts her struggles: lost sales, revenue, and opportunities due to failed transactions. She still haunts the memory of a recent incident—a Sterling Bank system failure that left her unable to process payments. The frustrated customer walked away, leaving Bawa to shoulder the financial loss.

“This isn’t an isolated incident,” Bawa shares, her tone heavy with frustration. She’s frequently faced delayed payments and disputes stemming from unprocessed transactions. When her account is debited, but the recipient remains untouched, she finds herself mired in time-consuming and costly resolution processes, often at the expense of her reputation.

The disruptions have had devastating consequences for Adepoju Victor, an entrepreneur dealing with laptop repairs and phone accessories. “The stress and anxiety have taken a toll on my mental health,” he admits, his voice betraying sleepless nights spent worrying about his business. “The banks need to take responsibility for their actions and find a solution to this recurring problem.” His sentiment is echoed by many who have poured their resources and efforts into enterprises now threatened by systemic banking inefficiencies.

Service Disruptions Violate Customers’ Rights

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned financial institutions sternly about the crisis. According to a statement by Tunji Bello, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, these disruptions inconvenience customers and infringe upon their rights.

“Interruptions that impede customers from engaging in transactions or accessing essential funds are not merely an inconvenience,” Bello asserts. “They may constitute a violation of fundamental consumer rights.” The Commission’s stance underscores the urgency for banks to address these disruptions swiftly and decisively.

As customers continue to grapple with the fallout of these disruptions, Nigeria’s banking sector must balance technological advancements with reliable service delivery. Until then, entrepreneurs like Ademola, Bawa, and Victor have remained at the mercy of a system struggling to adapt to its progress.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Taxation is not merely a tool for generating revenue; it is a cornerstone for fostering national balance and ensuring the collective survival of all citizens. Recognizing this, with wisdom, Nigeria has exempted many essential goods and services such as agricultural produce, fertilizers, certain baby products, and healthcare items from taxation or VAT. This policy ensures that food items like rice, maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and meat—produced in states like Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, etc —can reach markets in Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, where they are accessible to Nigerians at reasonable prices.

Conversely, products such as fertilizers, agricultural machinery, baby items, and healthcare essentials manufactured in industrial hubs like Aba, Ibadan, Warri, and Lagos, etc., remain affordable across the country, including the northern states, because they are VAT-exempt. This interconnected economic framework fosters interdependence among states and promotes equitable access to essential goods, irrespective of geographic location.

However, the current discourse surrounding the proposed tax reform bill, particularly its provisions on VAT, has raised concerns about fairness and equity. Rather than serving as a unifying mechanism, the proposed VAT contributions and their sharing formula have become a source of tension, with some Nigerians—especially from the North—perceiving the system as skewed in favour of economically dominant states like Lagos. This perception has fueled suspicions, leading to terms like “Lagos colonialism” being used to describe the perceived imbalance in resource allocation and benefit distribution in the new VAT bill if passed into law by two chambers of the National Assembly 

To address these concerns, the tax reform bill must be designed to generate revenue and reflect the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and Nigeria’s complex politics.

Taxation policies should be a tool for strengthening national unity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of region or state, feels an equitable share of the nation’s prosperity. There is no need to rush to nowhere- the government must patiently engage in transparent dialogue and adopt a balanced approach that considers the diverse economic contributions and needs of all states. 

One key reason the North rejected the bills is that President Tinubu’s administration is facing growing suspicion among many Northerners due to certain policies, programs, and appointments. This is a troubling development for a government that, before coming to power, proudly counted the North as its political stronghold and key support base.

Such distrust is damaging not only to the administration’s credibility but also to national unity. To maintain the confidence of all Nigerians, it is crucial for the government to address these concerns transparently, ensuring that its actions reflect inclusivity and fairness. Economics and politics often intertwine. When political backlash outweighs economic benefits, retreat and consultation are essential.

The Tinubu government must strive to deliver on its promises while fostering trust across all states and demographics, particularly among those who believe in its leadership.

In essence, taxation should not be seen as a divisive tool but as a bridge that connects the unique strengths of each state and region, fostering a truly united and prosperous Nigeria.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and 13 other agencies failed to meet the standards set by its 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

This revelation underscores the inability of several prominent institutions to adhere to the ethical benchmarks established by the ICPC.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the agency’s EICS report by Dr. Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, who was represented by Demola Bakare, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education.

According to Aliyu, a total of 330 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were evaluated in the outgoing year, with none achieving full compliance.

Among the 15 non-compliant MDAs were the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Legal Aid Council, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and several others.

These agencies reportedly failed to conduct system studies or submit required financial and audit reports.

Aliyu cautioned that the ICPC would take necessary enforcement measures to ensure compliance.

Despite the shortcomings of some MDAs, he commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for leading the compliance rankings with a score of 89.75 percent, followed by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (89.33 percent) and Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (88.73 percent).

The assessment focused on indicators such as Management Culture and Structure, Governance and Executive Management, Financial Management Systems, and Administrative Systems. It also examined policies on ethics education, whistle-blowing mechanisms, and stock verification.

Aliyu stated that the EICS serves as a tool for identifying gaps, advising on policy, and fostering self-evaluation among MDAs. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the ICPC tracked 1,500 projects across 22 states, valued at N610 billion, recovering N346 million in cash, N400 million in assets, and saving N30 billion for the government.

The report highlighted that 29.55 percent of MDAs achieved substantial compliance, 51.62 percent partial compliance, and 2.92 percent were categorized as non-compliant.

Jimoh Sulaiman, Head of the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative, noted that tracking projects had increased completion rates and public accountability.

“Nigerians now realize that project funding originates from the Federal Government, not politicians’ pockets, leading to greater demand for accountability,” he said.