Connect with us

NEWS

Joint Tax Board Announces New Rates For National Drivers Licence, Number Plates

Published

on

The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has officially approved a new set of rates for Nigeria’s National Drivers Licence and motor vehicle number plates, introducing enhanced security features and aligning with international best practices.

The revised rates, set to take effect from November 1, 2024, cover both private and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles, and other related categories.

According to the JTB, the changes aim to improve the quality and security of number plates and drivers’ licences, providing better safeguards against fraud while modernising the system to meet global standards.

The revised prices for drivers licences are now N15,000 for a 3-year licence and N21,000 for a 5-year licence. For motor vehicle number plates, the cost of a standard private vehicle number plate is set at N30,000, the same price for standard commercial vehicle number plates.

READ MORE: Prioritize Having Kids Over Marriage – Laide Bakare Advises Career Women

Fancy vehicle number plates will cost N400,000, while motorcycle number plates are now N12,000. Dealer number plates will be N100,000, and articulated vehicle number plates (3 plates) will cost N90,000. For government-issued number plates, fancy motor vehicle plates will be priced at N120,000, while standard government number plates will cost N50,000.

Fancy motorcycle number plates for government use will be N80,000, and standard motorcycle plates will be priced at N20,000. These updates are aimed at enhancing the security and identification processes for vehicles across Nigeria.
With these adjustments, Nigerians should anticipate an increase in costs when applying for or renewing their drivers’ licences and number plates.

The new fees represent a significant shift aimed at bolstering the quality and security of the system, especially with the introduction of fancy plates priced at a premium for those seeking customized options.

Motorcycle and tricycle owners are also affected, with their respective number plates priced at N12,000. In contrast, more significant commercial stakeholders like vehicle dealers and those using articulated vehicles will see rates such as N100,000 and N90,000 for their number plates.

The Joint Tax Board has set the start date for the new rates as November 1, 2024, giving vehicle owners and drivers time to prepare for the upcoming changes.

The Joint Tax Board (JTB) emphasised that the newly revised rates will introduce enhanced security features, aiming to improve the identification process for both drivers and vehicles nationwide.

In a circular obtained by BusinessDay, Olusegun Adesokan, the Secretary of the JTB, highlighted that the approval of the new rates is dependent on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) taking active steps to educate the public and raise awareness about the upcoming price changes.

He said, “The secretariat has requested that the FRSC notify the JTB of its public engagement and sensitisation plans. This is to enable relevant inputs where necessary, as we are confident that a very robust engagement arrangement will ensure the seamless implementation of the revised rates as approved by the board.”

NEWS

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede

Published

on

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

The trio was arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the recent tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and injured six others, has drawn widespread public and legal attention.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the remand order following charges brought against the defendants. The police prosecutor stated that their alleged offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

READ MORE: States Tighten Measures To Prevent Stampedes At Events

The prosecution accused the defendants of being involved in the organization of the event, which turned disastrous, leading to the stampede. Pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, the court directed their detention at the correctional facility.

The court session, held amidst heavy security, attracted significant public interest. Law enforcement officers were seen providing tight security as the suspects were escorted to and from the courtroom.

Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Labour Kicks Against N935/Litre Petrol, Wants More

Published

on

 

A cry has gone out for further reduction of the pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria to reflect local domestic production of refined products.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has urged further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, insisting that the recent drop in price to N935/litre was begging the situation.

Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to N935/litre.

Before the announcement, the commodity sold for over N1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than N1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.

ALSO READ: CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol

In a swift reaction, on Sunday, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said its members would be selling petrol at N935/litre from Monday based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima,, according The Punch, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide.

They had set aside N36/litre as cost of logistics.

However, the announcement did not excite the NLC, which insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.

A senior official of the NLC, Chris Onyeka, unequivocally rejected any commendation for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.

He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity, according to The Punch.

“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework — including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad — unfairly burden Nigerians.

“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.

Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.

“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.

He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.

“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.

“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.

Continue Reading

NEWS

No Regrets On Subsidy Removal, Tax Reforms To Continue – Tinubu

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ongoing tax reforms and subsidy removal, maintaining that the measures are essential to securing Nigeria’s economic future.

The tax reforms, designed to eliminate colonial-era practices and widen the tax net, have faced significant resistance from some quarters, particularly from northern lawmakers and governors. Despite this, Tinubu declared, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy.”

The reforms, encapsulated in four bills transmitted to the National Assembly, aim to streamline taxation and revenue generation.

However, critics, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, have argued for caution. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. This tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC.

Despite calls for broader consultations and delays, Tinubu emphasized the pro-poor nature of the reforms, noting that the vulnerable would not be taxed. “The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment,” he stated.

READ MORE: President Tinubu Set For First Nationwide Media Chat Tonight

No Regrets Over Subsidy Removal

Addressing the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy, Tinubu defended his decision as necessary to prevent Nigeria from “spending its future.” He dismissed the notion of a phased removal, stating, “Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills.”

The President highlighted the benefits of subsidy removal, pointing out that the policy had curtailed smuggling and freed up resources for more productive uses. “There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy,” he said.

Tackling Inflation and Corruption

Tinubu also discussed his administration’s strategies to reduce inflation, emphasizing local production and import reduction. “If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance… we have what it takes,” he explained.

On corruption, the President cited increased earnings for workers and stricter oversight by anti-corruption agencies as key measures. He pointed to the recent seizure of hundreds of properties reportedly owned by a former Central Bank Governor as evidence of his administration’s efforts. “Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu stated.

Food Stampedes and Governance

The President expressed condolences over recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events, attributing the incidents to poor organization by event planners. “If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicize it,” he warned.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to efficient governance and economic reforms, stating, “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done.”

The reforms continue to spark nationwide debates, with stakeholders divided over their potential long-term impacts.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.