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Senate Passes Four Tax Bills For Second Reading

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The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed four key tax reform bills for second reading, marking a significant step towards overhauling the country’s tax system.

The bills, part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader fiscal reform agenda, were initially transmitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024.

In a session marked by extensive deliberation, the Senate instructed its Finance Committee to conduct a public hearing to gather input from various stakeholders, including the Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council (NEC), and the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), who have voiced concerns over some aspects of the proposals. The committee is expected to report its findings within six weeks.

The bills are designed to address longstanding issues in Nigeria’s tax administration.

RELATED NEWS: JUST IN: Reps Hold Executive Session On Tax Reform Bills

They seek to establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombud.

These bodies are intended to streamline revenue collection, harmonize tax administration, and resolve disputes more efficiently.

The session followed a closed-door meeting where lawmakers discussed the bills, which were based on recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Tax Reforms Committee.

While many Senators acknowledged the need for reforms, there were significant reservations expressed about the timing and some provisions.

Senator Ali Ndume, a vocal critic of the bills, raised concerns about their potential impact. “Reforms are necessary, I am not against any reforms. My problem is the timing as it is today in Nigeria,” Ndume said.

He highlighted issues related to VAT and derivation, arguing that some of the bill’s provisions would require constitutional amendments before they could be implemented.

Ndume said, “One will be at the public hearing and the issue of derivation because the Constitution has to be amended before some of the proposals of the Bill can be affected. This bill should be withdrawn, we work on it and submit it after getting the buy-in of the Governors, Traditional Rulers, and the NEC.”

Ndume also expressed concern about the potential unintended consequences of shifting tax burdens onto manufacturers, which could ultimately affect consumers.

“If you move a tax burden to the manufacturer, he will transfer it to the consumer. It looks attractive but it may not be what it is. If you reduce VAT from 30% to 25%, the person in Nnewi who can no longer make billions will still be taxed the same as someone who is sitting idle.”

In contrast, the Senate’s Chief Whip strongly opposed the suggestion to withdraw the bills, emphasizing the importance of moving the process forward.

“The bill should scale second reading and undergo thorough examination during the public hearing,” the Chief Whip said. “Afterward, it can be subjected to clause-by-clause consideration.”

The four bills under discussion include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aimed at establishing a comprehensive fiscal framework for taxation; the Tax Administration Bill, which seeks to streamline tax legal frameworks and minimize disputes; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which proposes the creation of the Nigeria Revenue Service by repealing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which would create a tax tribunal and ombudsman.

President Tinubu has emphasized that these reforms are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal institutions and aligning with his administration’s broader economic development goals.

 

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Human Rights Lawyer Reveals Over N10m Raised For 17-Year-Old Wrongfully Arrested In Lagos

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In just four days, more than N10 million has been raised to support 17-year-old Quadri Alabi, who was allegedly wrongfully arrested and charged by the police in Lagos.

The revelation came from human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he appeared alongside Alabi.

Effiong accused officers from the Amukoko Police Division of manipulating Alabi’s age and working with local area boys to falsely charge him with a crime he did not commit.

READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police

Alabi was arrested earlier this year in connection with a street fight in the Amukoko area, but he was eventually cleared after Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi acted on legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins.

Speaking out against the police’s actions, Effiong described the ordeal as part of a “sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” involving rogue area boys.

He explained that Alabi’s rise to fame came after a spontaneous moment during Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign tour, where Alabi jumped in front of the convoy and raised his hand, a photo of which quickly went viral.

“The boy sitting next to me, Quadri Alabi, went viral in 2023 during one of Peter Obi’s campaign tours. He spontaneously jumped in front of the convoy, raised his hand, and the photo went viral. That moment changed his life,” Effiong said.

However, Effiong claimed that the publicity also brought Alabi unwanted attention.

“Local area boys began extorting him, saying he hadn’t ‘settled’ them. They even told his mother to buy a cow, cook rice, and throw a feast for the community. When she refused, the threats continued,” Effiong added.

The harassment escalated when Alabi was allegedly targeted again in January. Effiong described how two area boys, known as Leggy and Baba Waris, arrested Alabi after claiming he had ignored them despite receiving donations from Peter Obi.

They handed him over to the police, where he was detained for a week before being charged alongside four adult men he had never met.

“They accused him of armed robbery said to have occurred on January 22 at 10 p.m. No identification parade was conducted, and there was no evidence linking him to the crime,” Effiong explained.

Alabi’s ordeal was further complicated when the police falsely listed his age as 18, allowing him to be tried in a regular court. Effiong argued that had his real age of 17 been documented, the court would have treated the case differently.

“The police falsely claimed he was 18 in court documents. If they had said he was 17, the court would have treated the matter differently—possibly not even remanding him in a regular prison,” Effiong said.

Alabi, recounting his experience, said, “I was just at the entrance of my house when the police came and arrested me. The area boys pointed me out. At the station, I was the youngest there.

“I was locked up with older men. They asked me what I did, and I said nothing.” He also revealed that the area boys had earlier taken his phone and money before handing him over to the police.

Despite the challenges, Alabi’s case has sparked an outpouring of public support. Effiong confirmed that Nigerians have donated over N10 million in just four days to assist Alabi.

“The goal is to relocate him from Amukoko and secure a source of income for his mother, who is a petty trader,” Effiong stated, highlighting the generosity and resilience of the Nigerian people. “This shows the strength of the Nigerian spirit,” he added.

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Nigeria Is Collapsing, Labour Party Must Unite To Rescue It — Peter Obi

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BREAKING: High Scores for Obi, Labour Party, as Imo Senator Moves to LP from PDP

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged party members to stand strong and united as Nigeria faces a crisis.

Speaking at the ongoing National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Obi highlighted the urgent need for national rescue, calling attention to the country’s ongoing struggles.

Obi did not mince words about the state of the nation, stressing that Nigeria is heading towards collapse.

READ MORE: Peter Obi In High-Level Meeting With Gov Bala Mohammed

He encouraged party members to speak up, no matter the opposition they may face.

“Do not fear anybody. Those who were afraid yesterday didn’t do any better,” Obi told the gathered party members. “We must speak out when things are going wrong. Nigeria is collapsing. The numbers are clear; the indices are clear—people are getting poorer every day.”

The former governor of Anambra State also stressed the importance of party unity and inclusiveness. He made it clear that the Labour Party’s direction is about collective choice, not individual preferences.

“Labour Party has chosen to be a family, and we must do everything as a family. It’s not about Peter Obi’s choice; it’s everyone’s choice. This family excludes no one. We want to build a party that is fair and just,” he said.

Looking forward, Obi outlined the party’s vision for the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for preparation and a focus on selecting the most competent candidates for all political offices.

“We want to go into the next election fully prepared, offering Nigerians the best and most competent candidates for the House of Representatives, the Senate, Governorships, and the Presidency,” Obi stated.

He also called for a stricter focus on loyalty and competence from anyone seeking to run under the Labour Party banner. Obi noted that only committed party members with the necessary capabilities should be considered as candidates.

“We want to correct the mistakes we made in the past. Anyone seeking to contest under our party must be a committed member, not just someone passing through. They must be competent,” he said.

 

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Medical Result Interpretation: A Key to Early Detection

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In today’s fast-paced world, where lifestyle diseases and infectious conditions are on the rise, accurate medical result interpretation is more important than ever.

While laboratory tests generate raw data, their true value lies in expert interpretation, which helps detect diseases early, assess health risks, and guide preventive measures.

SYNLAB, a leader in medical diagnostics, is at the forefront of this critical process, ensuring that individuals and healthcare professionals receive precise, actionable insights that enhance disease detection and prevention. Through cutting-edge technology, specialized panels, and expert analysis, SYNLAB Nigeria is not only helping to diagnose illnesses but also shaping a healthier future for Nigerians.

How Medical Diagnostics Helps in Disease Discovery

Many serious health conditions do not show symptoms in their early stages, making medical testing and accurate interpretation essential for early detection. SYNLAB Nigeria offers a wide range of advanced diagnostics that help uncover hidden health conditions before they become critical.

Read Also: On SYNLAB Nigeria’s Secured Patient Portal, Test Result Delivery’s Safe Alternative

1. Early Detection of Chronic and Infectious Diseases

• Diabetes & Cardiovascular Conditions: Blood sugar tests, cholesterol panels, and hypertension screenings help detect conditions before complications arise.

• Cancer Diagnosis: Early screening for prostate cancer (PSA test), breast cancer (mammograms), and cervical cancer (Liquid Based Cytology) significantly improves survival rates.

• Infectious Diseases: Specialized panels, such as the Peachy STI panel, help in the early detection of sexually transmitted infections, ensuring timely treatment and reducing transmission risks.

2. Advanced Molecular and Genetic Testing

Medical science has advanced beyond traditional blood tests, with molecular and genetic diagnostics offering greater accuracy and earlier detection.

• Genetic testing helps individuals understand their risk for hereditary diseases like sickle cell disease, certain cancers, and metabolic disorders.

• Molecular diagnostics detect viral and bacterial infections, such as HPV and tuberculosis, even before symptoms manifest, enabling early treatment and better outcomes.

Preventing Diseases Through Proactive Screening

While detecting diseases is crucial, preventive healthcare plays an even more vital role in reducing the burden of illness. Regular screenings and early interventions can mitigate health risks and promote long-term well-being.

1. Identifying Health Risks Before Symptoms Appear

• Routine Blood Tests: Kidney function, liver enzymes, and other blood markers help detect underlying health conditions early.

• Heart Disease Prevention: Lipid profile tests assess cholesterol levels, guiding patients toward lifestyle changes before cardiovascular complications develop.

2. Personalized Health Insights for Prevention

Medical results are more than just numbers—they offer actionable insights for better health.

• A patient with borderline high blood sugar may be advised on diet and exercise to prevent full-blown diabetes.

• Someone with elevated cholesterol can receive tailored recommendations for heart health before complications arise.

By understanding test results and acting on them, individuals can make informed choices that prevent serious illnesses.

The Role of SYNLAB Nigeria in Medical Result Interpretation

Read Also: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: SYNLAB Nigeria’s Journey in Diagnostics Care

SYNLAB Nigeria bridges the gap between medical testing and meaningful healthcare decisions. With a team of in-house pathologists, its expertise in medical result interpretation ensures:

• Accuracy and Reliability: High-quality laboratory processes reduce errors, ensuring that diagnoses are based on trustworthy results.

• Timely Reporting: Quick result delivery prevents delays in treatment and improves patient outcomes.

• Confidential and Secure Data Management: Patients can trust that their medical information is handled with strict privacy protocols.

• Doctor-Patient Collaboration: Beyond delivering test results, SYNLAB provides expert consultation services to help both patients and doctors fully understand their health status.

By prioritizing early detection, prevention, and expert interpretation, SYNLAB Nigeria is transforming medical diagnostics into lifesaving solutions.

Laboratory tests alone are not enough; understanding and acting on those results is what truly saves lives. SYNLAB Nigeria ensures that both medical professionals and patients receive clear, accurate, and meaningful health insights that drive better decision-making.

By offering cutting-edge diagnostics, expert result interpretation, and personalized health recommendations, SYNLAB Nigeria is empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Take charge of your health today—because early detection and prevention begin with understanding your medical results.

About SYNLAB

• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with a presence in over 30 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.

• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments, and corporations.

• Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The Group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.

• SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.

• More information can be found on www.synlab.com, www.synlab.com.ng

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