Connect with us

NEWS

Governors Oppose VAT Hike, Approve Revised Sharing Formula

Published

on

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has unanimously opposed any increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate, emphasizing the need to maintain economic stability and safeguard citizens’ welfare amid ongoing fiscal reforms.

This resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after the governors’ high-level meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee on Thursday in Abuja.

As part of efforts to promote fairness in resource allocation, the governors approved a revised VAT sharing formula.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Has The Cheapest Food In W/Africa, Says NGF

The new formula allocates: 50% based on equality, 30% on derivation, and 20% on population.

The NGF explained that this formula is designed to address disparities among states, ensuring smaller states are supported while encouraging subnational revenue generation.

The forum strongly objected to raising VAT rates, citing the negative impact on businesses and consumers.

They also opposed any reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT), maintaining that stability in taxation is crucial for economic growth.

To protect vulnerable citizens and enhance food security, the governors reiterated their call for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT.

NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated: “The Forum reiterated its strong support for the comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s archaic tax laws. Members acknowledged the importance of modernising the tax system to enhance fiscal stability and align with global best practices.

“Members agreed that there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, to maintain economic stability.

“The Forum advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity.”

The governors also recommended that development levies allocated to key national agencies—including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)—should be retained without terminal clauses.

“The meeting recommended that there should be no terminal clause for TETFund, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing of development levies in the bills,” the communiqué noted.

The forum endorsed the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly aimed at enacting comprehensive Tax Reform Bills.

“The meeting supports the continuation of the legislative process at the National Assembly that will culminate in the eventual passage of the Tax Reform Bills,” the NGF stated.

The governors added by reaffirming their commitment to reforms that prioritize equity, fairness, and the welfare of Nigerians while modernizing the tax system to meet global standards.

 

Click to comment
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

NEWS

DPRP Slashes PMS to ₦1,165/Litre, Diesel to ₦1,570/Litre

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has announced a reduction in the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel).

A company statement on Wednesday has it that the price reduction, which is part of reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market is effective Thursday 6th of August, 2026.

Under the new pricing structure, the refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of PMS to N1,165 per litre, down from N1,215 per litre, representing a reduction of N50 per litre. Similarly, the ex-depot price of Diesel has been reduced to N1,570 per litre from N1,650 per litre, amounting to a decrease of N80 per litre.

ALSO READ: NLNG: How Cooking Gas Offtakers Greed Fuel Scarcity, High Prices

The price review reflects Dangote Refinery’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy affordability, improve access to refined petroleum products, and support economic activities across Nigeria. The refinery remains committed to ensuring stable supply while leveraging operational efficiencies to deliver value to consumers, businesses, and stakeholders.

As Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting the nation’s economic development through the supply of world-class petroleum products.

The company reaffirmed its dedication to contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy and passing on the benefits of improved operational efficiencies to consumers whenever market conditions permit.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Wrong-Way Crane Leaves Three Dead, Three Injured in Ogun Auto Crash

Published

on

Woman Dies After Setting Self Ablaze Over N70,000 Loan In Ogun

Three people have lost their lives, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a tragic road accident involving a crane and a truck along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.

The fatal crash occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday near Babcock Junction in Ikenne Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the accident involved a white Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number LG 59 BLF and a yellow crane without a registration number.

SEE ALSO: Gas Explosion Kills 16 In Fatal Ogun Auto Crash

According to Akinbiyi, preliminary investigations showed that the crane was travelling against traffic at excessive speed when it collided head-on with the oncoming truck.

He disclosed that six people—three males and three females—were involved in the crash.

“A total of three persons, comprising two males and one female, lost their lives, while three male victims sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Akinbiyi said.

He added that emergency responders from TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and a rescue team known as “Papa Oscar” swiftly arrived at the scene to rescue victims and manage the situation.

The injured victims were taken to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) morgue in Sagamu.

To ease traffic flow, authorities diverted vehicles from Delabo Junction to the second carriageway as efforts continued to evacuate the damaged vehicles from the highway.

Akinbiyi commiserated with the families of the deceased and cautioned motorists against dangerous traffic violations.

“Motorists should avoid route violation and driving against traffic, considering the grave consequences associated with such dangerous acts,” he said.

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Businessman Alleges Paying PFIPC DG ₦400m To Secure Gov’t Contract

Published

on

A businessman, Gbenga Collins, has told the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) that he paid ₦400 million to the council’s embattled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, to facilitate the award of a government contract.

Collins made the allegation on Wednesday while testifying before the committee probing the establishment and operations of the controversial council.

According to the businessman, he travelled to Abuja where he was officially received by Adeyemi in what he described as an atmosphere befitting the head of a government agency, a development that convinced him the council was legitimate.

SEE ALSO: PFIPCgate: Wike Fires Back at Opposition Over Calls to Sack Gbajabiamila

He told lawmakers that Adeyemi later handed him a contract award letter, the scope of work, and an agreement authorising his company to execute the renovation and furnishing of the Director-General’s official residence.

“He gave me a contract award letter, the scope of work and, at the same time, the agreement with my company to execute that refurbishment project and asked me to pay the sum of ₦400 million for the facilitation of that project to show my strength that I would be able to handle it and that it would also fast-track the mobilisation for the contract,” Collins told the committee.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Yusuf Gagdi, disclosed that Adeyemi’s continued absence from the hearings was because he is currently in police custody and is also being investigated by anti-graft agencies.

Gagdi further revealed that the committee intends to meet with Adeyemi discreetly as part of its ongoing investigation.

As part of the probe, the committee also summoned the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) over the alleged use of official Federal Government number plates on vehicles linked to the disputed council.

The House panel is investigating allegations that the PFIPC operated without lawful authority despite being captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The probe followed allegations by Adeyemi that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, demanded 48 per cent of the council’s proposed ₦27.3 billion take-off grant. Adeyemi also alleged that the Chief of Staff received ₦400 million through a proxy and later requested an additional ₦200 million to facilitate presidential approvals.

Gbajabiamila has denied all the allegations, maintaining that he has no personal, official or professional relationship with Adeyemi.

He also rejected claims that he demanded or received money, interfered with investigations, or had any connection to allegations surrounding the death of Babatunde Tanimola or an alleged assassination attempt on Adeyemi.

Following the allegations, President Bola Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.

The House of Representatives subsequently constituted a 12-member ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the PFIPC, how it was included in the 2026 Appropriation Act, and the alleged allocation of about ₦1.3 billion to the council.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, had earlier informed the committee that none of the funds appropriated for the PFIPC had been released or spent because the statutory conditions required for their disbursement and utilisation were never met.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x