Today marks the resumption of academic activities in primary and secondary schools across multiple states, as students return for the second term following the Christmas and New Year holidays. Parents, like Lagos resident Pastor Samuel, are gearing up for fee payments, anticipating a surge in transport fares due to increased demand. In Kano State, the government’s proactive measures include renovating Girls Child’s Education School buses to ensure smooth transportation, as the Ministry of Education expresses commitment to enhancing the education system.
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Taxation: FCT-IRS gives MDAs 31st January 2024 deadline to file all annual returns incomes
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Internal revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has charged all Ministries, Departments , Agencies of the government and other employers of Labour operating in the territory to file their annual returns of income from all sources for the year ended, (31st December 2023) on or before the 31st of January 2024 otherwise late filers and non-filers will be penalized in accordance with the law.
FCT- IRS stated that in compliance with Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) which mandates all employers of labour in the FCT to file annual returns before January 31 of every year using the prescribed forms, Form G and Form H1 respectively.
In a statement signed by Head Corporate Communications FCT – IRS,. Mustapha Sumaila, the Taxation agency warned against non-compliance, adding that the clearly stated Sections 94, 95 and 96 of PITA which stipulate penalties for non-filing, incorrect/false declaration and late submission and the Service would not hesitate to enforce the laws on the defaulters.
It advised that Organization that wish to file online may visit www.fctirs.gov.ng and click on create account or click on login for those already have accounts, or you can proceed to any of the FCT-IRS offices to submit electronic copies of your returns.
It stated that the forms are also available in the 15 offices, including the Service’s headquarters for those who may want to file manually.
Global Petrol Price Report: Nigeria Ranks 22nd for Cheapest Petrol
A recent report titled ‘Global Petrol Prices, Octane-95, January 1, 2024’ has shed light on the substantial variations in gasoline costs worldwide, positioning Nigeria as the 22nd country with the cheapest petrol globally.
The report, available on their website, underscores the average global gasoline price at 1.29 US Dollars per litre, emphasizing the significant disparities shaped by diverse taxes and subsidies imposed by individual countries.
Iran claims the title for the world’s cheapest gasoline at a mere $0.029 (N26.52) per litre, while Hong Kong tops the list for the highest price at $3.101 (N2,835.77) per litre.
Major oil-producing nations like Libya, Venezuela, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia benefit from remarkably low domestic fuel costs, with Iran leading at $0.029 (N26.52), followed by Libya at $0.031 (N28.35), and Venezuela at $0.035 (N32.01).
Countries with high fuel taxes, such as Hong Kong at $3.101 (N2,835.77) per litre, and European nations like Monaco and Norway, exhibit consistently higher prices.
In this context, Nigeria is positioned at $0.722 (N660.25) per litre, aligning with its status as one of the countries with affordable petrol. Other noteworthy prices include the United States at $0.911 (N833.08), Brazil at $1.150 (N1,051.64), and India at $1.252 (N1,144.92).
While Nigeria has faced challenges meeting expected oil production levels, it remains Africa’s largest oil producer, contributing 1.37 million barrels per day as of November 2023. However, there is a noted discrepancy between self-reported production figures and secondary sources tracked by OPEC.
As the government endeavors to ensure quality and affordability in the fuel sector, the global report highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic factors influencing petrol prices and the economic implications for both oil-producing and consuming nations.
NUC Investigates Universities for Fake Certificates Following Republic of Benin and Togo Suspension
In a significant move, the Federal Ministry of Education, on Tuesday last week, announced the suspension of the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates obtained from the Republic of Benin and Togo. The decision comes in the wake of an investigative report by a Nigerian newspaper revealing the existence of a degree mill in Cotonou, a major city in Benin Republic.
The investigative journalist involved in the report managed to secure a degree from Cotonou University within an astonishing six weeks. Notably, the journalist also participated in the mandatory one-year scheme organized by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria’s regulatory agency for universities, is actively engaged in efforts to combat the proliferation of fake universities within the country. As part of this commitment, the NUC has released a list of universities currently under investigation for their involvement in awarding fake certificates. This initiative is part of broader efforts to uphold the integrity of educational qualifications in Nigeria.
The universities identified by the NUC under investigation include:
1. National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State
2. North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State
3. Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu
4. Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State
5. West Coast University, Umuahia
6. Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State
7. Volta University College, Aba, Abia State
8. Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University
9. L.I.F.E Leadership University, Benin City, Edo StateThe NUC has issued a stern warning, cautioning individuals against obtaining certificates from these institutions, emphasizing that such certificates will not be recognized for purposes like NYSC, employment, or further studies. The regulatory body has also informed relevant law enforcement agencies for necessary action.
This development is part of the ongoing efforts to crackdown on illegal universities, with the NUC revealing that it has already uncovered 58 such institutions operating in the country. The move aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring the quality and authenticity of education in Nigeria, addressing challenges posed by the presence of fake universities within its borders.
Ex- CBN Gov allegedly refunds N4trn to FG coffers
By Achadu Gabriel,, Kaduna
The former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has reportedly refunded a whopping sum of N4 trillion to the coffers of the Federal Government.
This was parts of money stolen while he was at the helm of affairs of the apex bank for years, according Special Investigator posted in social Media.
According to a source close to the investigators, besides reportedly returning N4 trillion, Emefiele also allegedly gave up ownership of six banks linked to him.
In a related development, the source revealed that a former CBN Deputy Governor, Tunde Lemo, also reportedly refunded $500 million embezzled through taxpayers’ money.
The most shocking of all, however, was the discovery of $275 million in the bank account of a six year old son of Sabiu Yusuf, a.k.a Tunde, a Personal Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also discovered was another N1.5 trillion in the personal account of the former Personal assistant to former President Buhari.
The source said: “The Special Investigator, Jim Osayande Obazee and his committee, allegedly discovered $275 million in an account in a new generation bank belonging to six years old son of Sabiu Yusuf.
“Another N1.5 trillion also allegedly traced to Yusuf, a very influential member of the former President Mohammadu Buhari’s Govt.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently negotiating, using some influential Nigerians on how to refund the funds without being exposed.
“Only recently, National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, lamented that the current administration inherited a bankrupt country from the Buhari’s government due to the large scale looting that occurred then.”
It could be recalled that Tinubu employed the services of Mr. Obazee, a Special Investigator, to investigate the activities of CBN under Emefiele and related entities.
So far, Obazee has recovered over N12 trillion looted mostly by members of the former President Buhari’s administration.
The source also claimed that the committee has also rejected several millions of Dollars in bribe offers from former members of the Buhari’s Government to avoid being arrested and exposed.”, it stated.
Peter Obi Applauds Nigerian Artist for Guinness World Record in Painting
Peter Obi, former governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, expressed admiration for Chancellor Ahaghotu, a Nigerian art student, who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon. Chancellor achieved this remarkable feat by continuously painting for an impressive 100 hours, surpassing the previous record of 60 hours set in 2013. Obi congratulated Ahaghotu, highlighting the accomplishment as a testament to hard work, resilience, and commitment to art. The former governor emphasized the positive impact such achievements have on shaping a better future for Nigeria, encouraging the youth to pursue self-development through dedication and hard work.
Nigeria Police Force to Recruit 30,000 Applicants from a Pool of Over 400,000
The ongoing recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Police Force will see the enlistment of no less than 30,000 youths out of a staggering 400,000 applicants. Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and former Inspector General of Police, confirmed this significant recruitment in a statement. The process involves physical and credentials screening, beginning on January 8 across the country. Arase emphasized the importance of this recruitment exercise, considering it the first conducted by the Commission following a Supreme Court Judgment affirming its exclusivity in recruiting for the Nigeria Police Force. He urged staff to uphold professionalism and integrity throughout the exercise and warned against soliciting or collecting money from applicants, with strict disciplinary measures promised for violations. Kaduna State led in successful applicants, followed by Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Bauchi.
BREAKING: Tinubu Settles N12 Billion Outstanding Payments for Super Eagles and National Teams
President Bola Tinubu has authorized the settlement of the Federal Government’s outstanding payment of N12 billion owed to various national sports teams, including the Super Eagles. The payment covers coach salaries for the senior national team spanning 15 months, as well as allowances and commitments for the senior national teams, female teams, and the Under-20 national team. This financial support comes as the Super Eagles gear up for their participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to commence later this month.
Nasarawa: Women boo Ganduje, Sule and Ewuga as the APC National chairman commissions Gov. Sule’s 1.7km road
Nasarawa protesting women on Saturday booed the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress Abdullahi Ganduje, Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other dignitaries enroute to the government house via Jos- Shendam road, Lafia, to witness the rejoining of Senator Solomon Ewuga, who had prior to the 2023 elections, indicated that he was done with partisan politics opting to contest for the vacant stool of Aren Eggon following the passing of the late revered paramount ruler of the Eggon people His Royal Majesty Dr Bala Abaine Angbazo.
Sen Ewuga, therefore, stayed away from the PDP campaign to persuade Engr Sule to support him in his bid to become the Aren Eggon.
Through the Governorship campaign. Sen Ewuga worked underground for Engr Sule in pursuit of his chieftaincy ambition. On election day, it was reported that he sent words to his polling unit and pleaded with the youths to vote for Sule but received a shock of his life when the Youths advised him to vote and go away to avoid physical embarrassment.
He reportedly voted for Engr Sule and took off following threats from the youths who voted overwhelmingly for Dr. David Ombugadu of the PDP. It was further reported that his candidate Sule roundly lost in his unit and in his Ward to Dr. Ombugadu.In an interview with Awinyi Alushi, a youth leader in his village said they believe it was to demonstrate the total loss of support among his people as a result of the politics of stomach infrastructure which has been his style for a long time that has caught up with him, in the contest for the vacant Aren Eggon stool, when Ewuga didn’t get a single vote from the Kingmakers!
Yesterday, he along with Ganduje and other Nasarawa APC leaders drove to the venue of the so- called defection while protesting women booed them along Jos Road in Lafia.
Governor Sule had reportedly approached Ganduje and Vice-President Shetima to entice Ewuga to formally go back to the APC before the Supreme Court Judgment to give the public impression that Dr. Ombugadu’s camp is divided, hoping this will help Sule hold on to the daylight election robbery at the Supreme Court.
The planned defection was to take place before now, but according to sources, all the people Ewuga approached to decamp along with him refused to follow him, knowing it was a political distraction organized and payed for by Governor Sule and his godfathers to distract the public and the judiciary from his daylight robbery of the popular mandates given to the PDP flag bearer Dr. David Ombugadu.
It was stated that other political actors who refused to join Senator Ewuga in this commercial defection reportedly include Nathaniel Aboki, immediate past Senatorial candidate of the PDP in Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone; Senator Patricia Akwashiki, Sen John Danboyi among several others including elders and youths, his age long supporters. They reportedly declined Ewuga’s invitation to follow him into Governor Sule’s political doldrums meant to cover his shameful defeat even in his own local government area in the last governorship election.
Nigerians are aware that Sule could neither deliver President Tinubu nor a single senator to the APC in Nasarawa state.
The Ewuga gravy train is meant to be a cover for Sule, but it has ended up a futile effort to hide the massive rejection of Governor Sule in Nasarawa state.
However, In a move that sparked public scrutiny, the former governor of Kano state and the current APC chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had earlier arrived in Akwanga Local Government to commission another 1.7 km internal road and a remodeled VIP lodge located in Akwanga, home local governmentof Engr Sule, a significant achievement for him after almost 5 years in office.
In a statement sent to journalist, Ibrahim Yusuf leader of the concerned citizens of Nasarawa state Akwanga chapter articulated the sentiments of the community, stating, “We appreciate any effort towards development, but it’s disheartening to see such a high-profile delegation commissioning what appears to be a relatively small-scale project after over 4 years of our son as governor of the state adding that “we are a laughing stock.”
There are more pressing needs and larger infrastructural gaps that require urgent attention in our community.”
“While any development is welcomed, it feels like a disproportionate expectation and resource use at this time. There are schools without proper facilities and roads in dire need of repair within our locality and this?. He asked.
The group continued to voice their discontent, drawing comparisons between the scale of development projects in Kano State under Ganduje’s tenure and the seemingly disproportionate projects being commissioned in Nasarawa state most especially, this one in Akwanga.
“It’s baffling to witness a stark contrast between the magnitude of road projects in Kano, all exceeding 100km, and the insignificance of a 1.7km road being celebrated here,” Ibrahim Yusuf further remarked.
He then challenged Ganduje, stating, “We demand an explanation on how a VIP lodge, in any way, addresses the pressing developmental needs of our community.”
Addressing Ganduje’s remarks on Lafia, the state capital as developed’ the group condemned what they perceived as derogatory comments towards Nasarawa people.
“Disparaging our state capital as “developed” only reflects a lack of respect for our people. Lafia does not match any local government in Kano in terms of infrastructural development or otherwise.
“It looks like Ganjude and their returnee colleague, Solomon Ewuga, are hired to shore up Sule’s very sagged popularity, and both are not the best models.”He reiterated that Sen. Ewugu had already made public his reason for returning to Nasarawa APC politics while Ganduje’s antecedents speak for itself, and if this is their style, then they have an upheal task convincing the already determinedNasarawa people at this time.”
NMA State Chairmen Donate Relief Materials to Plateau Attack Victims
Chairmen of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) branches across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory on Saturday generously contributed relief materials valued at over a million Naira to assist victims of the recent violent attacks in Plateau State.
Our correspondent reports that the donation which was presented by Dr Ushakuma Anenga, Chairman of NMA Benue State and NMA Chairmens’ Forum, is aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by the unfortunate killings in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.
The relief items, included essential materials and food items such as maize, beans, rice, yams, and hygiene products,and were handed over to officials at the IDP camp located at COCIN central, Bokkos LGA.
Speaking at the occasion , Dr Anenga said the gesture was out of compassion for the families of those affected by the attacks.
He said, “We heard of the unfortunate attacks and we were filled with compassion for those affected.
in his words “We decided to donate in support of our colleague, the Chairman of NMA Plateau State, Dr Bapigaan Audu to get some relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the people”.
Dr Bapigaan Audu, Chairman of NMA Plateau State, commiserated with the displaced people.
He added that the association was in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the displaced people receive adequate healthcare.
The Chairmen of NMA Lagos and NMA Bauchi States, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu and Dr Bashir Farouk respectively, expressed their sympathy to the families affected and pledged to support the camp with additional medical supplies.
In response, the Camp’s Officer in Charge, Dr Ayuba Matawal thanked the NMA, praying for divine blessings upon everyone who contributed generously to meet their needs.
