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Tag: 2022

FCT-IRS begins aggressive tax campaign, targets N200bn in 2022
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Internally Revenue Services (FCT-IRS) today begins an aggressive tax campaign to sensitize residents, business community and organizations on improving culture of tax paying as it targets over N200 billion tax target.
The Acting Chairman of FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, who led a road show to create awareness around the territory said that it is one of the strategies the Service had adopted to achieve its over N200 billion tax target.
Abdullahi also explained that the Service has adopted several other measures to change peoples negative attitudes towards tax paying.
He noted that the sensitization campaign for improving tax will be intensified, while the service may resort to extant laws to prosecute defaulters.
Abdullahi stressed that it is an offence for organisations and companies to fail in filing their tax returns as and when due.
Speaking on the tax drive initiative, he disclosed that the campaign will not be limited to the city center, but to all Area Councils, to ensure that all residents were properly carried along.
He said, ” the road show was to create an impression that FCT-IRS exists and also tell the public our roles and services we provide, and to also enlighten the public on their responsibilities to the country and FCT in particular.”
” We have realised that in the past years a lot of people have asked is there FCT-IRS. So it is our intention to now every January will be our tax enlightenment drive.”
” We want to let residents in Abuja to know that they have the responsibilities to pay their taxes and also file their tax returns. They should know that March 31st is deadline for filing tax returns, and there is penalty for defaulting.”
” One way of achieving our tax target of over N200 billion is by the awareness we are creating today, so that more people will file their taxes and that will affect our bottom line.”
” We are also taking our campaign to all the Area Councils and not just the city center. The FCT-IRS is guided by personal income tax and the FCT tax Act”, he added.
In line with this, Director of Tax Operation FCT -IRS, Mr Malik Tukur warned that tax evasion attracts sanctions.
Malik said, ” In other Climes people are arrested for evading taxes. we want everyone to file their annual returns as and when due.”
Director Human Resource, FCT IRS, Mr Mohammed Jada, explained that the efficiency drive of the Agency included programmes designed for training and retraining of staff towards building their capacity for maximum service delivery.
January 18, 2022
FG Projects N10.7trn Revenue Target For 2022
The Federal Government has projected a revenue target of N10.7trillion for the 2022 fiscal year.
The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed disclosed this on Tuesday at the public presentation and breakdown of the highlights of 2022 Appropriation Bill in Abuja.
She said the figure is 32 percent higher than the N8.1trillion projected in 2021.
Debt servicing according to the bill is expected to gulp N3.6trillion.
She further explained that the 2022 budget has a deficit of N6.3trillion and will be financed from domestic, foreign, multi-lateral loans and proceed from privitisation.
A total of N2.5 trillion is expected from domestic sources and N2.5trillion from foreign sources. Also, N1.1 trillion will be from bilateral loans and N90 billion from privatisation proceeds.
According to the minister, a number of domestic tax reforms are also expected.
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier on December 31, 2021, signed into law 17.126 Trillion Appropriation Bill for the year 2022 at the Council Chambers, the State House, Abuja with the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed in attendance.
The President announced that as the 2023 Budget is going to be a transition budget, work will start in earnest to ensure early submission of the 2023-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper as well as the 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.
He directed Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, more specifically with the Budget Office of the Federation, to realise the objective.
He, however, said he was displeased with some changes as well as major additions and reductions made by the National Assembly in critical projects ‘without justification’.
January 5, 2022
Ohaneze threatens totality of Igbo spirit against Jonathan if he does not support Igbo presidency
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has threatened that the Igbo spirit will be against former President Goodluck Jonathan if he fails to support the realisation of a president of Igbo extraction in 2023.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Publicity Secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Enugu, said that the suffering Ndigbo were going through under the administration of President, President Muhammadu Buhari was because of the support Igbo gave Jonathan.
Ogbonnia was asked to comment on a report that Jonathan on December 27 met South-South leaders coordinating his alleged plan to contest the 2023 presidency.
According to the report, the meeting was held at Aridolf Hotels and Spars, Yenagoa.
There have been reports that some northern All Progressives Congress governors were plotting Jonathan’s return to Presidency to assuage the South and enable the North to return to power after four years.
Commenting on the development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo spokesman stated, “The Igbo position on Jonathan’s (alleged) presidential ambition in 2023 is that the Igbo spirit will be against him, the totality of Igbo spirit will be against him and he should realise it.
“Because he is expected to support the Igbo; a form of spiritual reciprocity, to reciprocate the Igbo kind gesture towards him.”
He disclosed that whatever Igbo suffered under the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari was because of Jonathan.
He added, “Whatever you see the Igbo suffered under President Buhari was as a result of the support we gave Jonathan. He should realise it. That is the Ohanaeze Ndigbo position and by extension Igbo position.”
January 4, 2022
Nigeria’s inflation rate may be among world’s highest in 2022 – World Bank
The World Bank has said Nigeria may have one of the highest inflation rates globally in 2022, with increasing prices diminishing the welfare of Nigerian households.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria is projected to have one of the highest inflation rates globally and the seventh highest among Sub-Saharan African countries in 2022
“In 2022, Nigeria is expected to have one of the highest inflation rates in the world and the seventh highest in Sub-Saharan Africa,” it said.
The bank said this in the November edition of its Nigeria Development Update.
According to the global financial institution, high inflation hampers the country’s attempt to achieve economic recovery and erodes the purchasing power of most vulnerable households.
The document read in part, “High inflation is frustrating Nigeria’s economic recovery and eroding the purchasing power of the most vulnerable households. In the absence of measures to contain inflation, rising prices will continue to diminish the welfare of Nigerian households.”
The bank further highlighted the adverse effects of inflation on Nigeria, which include pushing eight million Nigerians into poverty, and the possible disruption of consumption, investment and saving decisions, among other consequences.
“If inflation had been closer to the CBN’s goal of nine per cent in 2021, the average Nigeria’s consumption would have been 15 per cent higher, and eight million Nigerians would have not fallen into poverty.
“If double-digit inflation persists during 2022-2023, rising prices will distort consumption, investment, and saving decisions of the government, households, and firms, with adverse ramifications for long-term borrowing and lending.
“Over time, the disproportionate impact of inflation on lower-income households and those working in sectors with low savings (e.g, agriculture) will exacerbate inequality. Ultimately, inflation will not only negatively affect incomes, but also economic productivity and job creation, further constraining the recovery,” the bank said.
The Washington, United States-based institution also disclosed that over two years, an increase in food prices accounted for about 70 per cent of the annual increase in the rate of inflation.
It also said that inflationary pressures were trigged by multiple demand and supply shocks.
The document read in part, “Inflationary pressures are being generated by multiple demand and supply shocks. Supply shocks arising from disruption of supply chains linked to COVID-19 and associated containment measures have eased, but security issues, border closures, and limited access to markets continue to fuel inflation.
“The current mix of monetary, fiscal, foreign exchange, and trade policies also plays a prominent role as a driver of inflation. Trade and FX restrictions, including the closure of land borders starting in August 2019, have increased prices for food and consumer goods, and imports of over 40 goods, including many staple foods, are currently ineligible for FX through formal windows.
“Nigeria’s exchange-rate management has resulted in the rise of parallel rates, which are closely linked to food-price dynamics. Unable to access FX through the official exchange-rate window, businesses seek FX on the parallel market and other alternative sources.
“The parallel rate influences their business decisions, and fluctuations in the parallel rate pass through to market prices for goods and services. Moreover, monetary policy has not prioritized controlling inflation, and the monetary financing of fiscal deficit undermines the effectiveness of policies to contain demand-side inflationary pressures.”
January 3, 2022
New Year: Bishop Oyedepo releases Prophetic declarations for 2022
Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church has issued some prophetic declarations for the year 2022.
Oyedepo said limitations shall be cleared up in 2022, adding that those who believe in God shall not be required to be pitied.
Speaking during the Church’s crossover night at Canaanland in Ogun State, Oyedepo said limitations shall be lifted in 2022.
Bishop Oyedepo Prophetic Declarations ;
“I believe everyone will be crossing over to new realms.
“You will never require pity from anywhere anymore.
“You will never be seen as a liability anymore
“I see you riding prosperously and in majesty all through the New Year, you are entering into.
“In 2022, whatever can’t stop the way against God can’t stop the way against you.
“The last defeat you saw is the last you will ever know.
“Every limitation on your path clears away for you in 2022.
“You shall not suffer the scourge of stagnation, the scourge of failure.
“No more weeping in your life and household.
“The days of your mourning are over.
“This coming Year 2022, you will manifest full blast as a sign and wonder to your world.
“Every arrow of the wicked that targets your life and family shall be returning 7-fold to their source
“Your days of struggles are over.
“The Year 2022 shall mark the end of your struggles over every issue of life.
“Your days of struggles are finally over!!”
January 1, 2022
2022 Is A Year Of Reconciliation Among Politicians – Ganduje
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has said 2022 will usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation among political parties’ stakeholders in the state and the country in general.
In a statement the state Commissioner for information, Muhammad Garba, issued on his behalf, Ganduje said the next few months should also be for internal democracy to flourish where political parties are expected to produce more credible representatives at various levels who have the capacity and ability to win elections and subsequently build on laudable programs and policies initiated by the past leaders.
He added that from all indications, recent event in Kano is likely to bring a new dawn in political history of the state.
“The event, which saw Kano political gladiators emphasizing on the need for reconciliation, elicited excitement from the people of Kano state who have been yearning for the much-needed peace and conciliation in order to advance the cause for proper development in the political terrain and the society at large.”
He added that with the concern over the spate of insecurity across the country in addition to the ravaging poverty as a result of the economic hardship in the country.
He, however, expressed delight that despite the challenges, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been making frantic efforts to see the proper implementation of its policies and programmes targeted at lessening the suffering of the people.
Ganduje’s comment on reconciliation comes one week after he said he was ready to reconcile with his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The age-long relationship between Kwankwaso and Ganduje turned sour shortly after the latter took over the mantle of leadership in Kano.
But in an interview with Radio France International, Ganduje said the feud between him and Kwankwaso was nothing but the handiwork of political miscreants.
“You know there are people who are used to fueling issues. So we are working towards seeing that we beat their actions and reconcile.
“These kinds of issues are normal in politics and God willing it will come to pass. Everyone knows that reconciliation is always the best. We hope God will help those who pledge to reconcile us to succeed.
“From our part, we are ever ready to come forward and reconcile. It’s not like we are refusing. There are people from both parties who are driving this issue but as I said, everything that sense is applied into, I think we will get over it,” he had said.
Kwankwaso and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau have also made moves to settle their political dispute.
January 1, 2022
“As it is said, the past is but a story told, the future will still be written in gold” – Buhari preaches hope in New year’s message
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to welcome the year 2022 with hope and envisions a year of continued progress against combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.
The President, in his New Year message to the nation, said the persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country might have threatened the incremental gains achieved in the real sectors of the economy and in the administration’s overall objective to position the nation on the irreversible trajectory of sustainable growth and progress.
According to him, the path to nationhood is often fraught with unpredictable difficulties and challenges, and most tried and tested nations often prevailed through dogged determination, resilience, concerted commitment to unity, and the conviction that the whole of the nation, standing together against all odds, is by far greater and would ultimately be more prosperous and viable than the sum of its distinguishable parts.
Buhari, while noting that the issue of security remains one of the priority areas that his administration had given utmost attention, said as a follow up to its promise to re-energise and reorganise the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police, his administration had invested heavily in re-equipping the military in line with upgrading the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.
The net results of these efforts, according to him, have been the number of insurgents and bandits who have willingly surrendered and continue to do so through various channels and the Safe Corridor created for that purpose.
The President said his government realised that victory on the battlefield was just one aspect of sustainable victory, “as to fully win this war, the government must also win the peace and real security lies in winning the hearts and minds of the affected citizens.”
To this end, he said his administration would be working with international partners and neighbouring countries, as well as deploy multi-faceted solutions that would be targeted at addressing human security at the grassroots, before it leads to insecurity.
Buhari lauded the courage and resilience of all Nigerians, which according to him, was evident in 2021 as the nation, like other countries of the world, faced significant challenges that occurred as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to restore the global economy and social order.
He expressed gratitude to the gallant military, police officers, and other security agents who had lost their lives in the cause of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation against both internal and external aggressors, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
Buhari equally remembered and commiserated with Nigerians who had lost loved ones as a result of insecurity in different parts of the country, noting that every life matters and every single death caused by any form of insecurity is a matter of personal concern to him both as a citizen and as the President.
On the economy, he said his administration had shown a high level of resilience to record some significant achievements despite the turbulence that has characterised the nation’s economy and the global economy.
Buhari stressed that the major wins recorded could be clearly seen in Nigeria’s most recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with a 4.03% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2021, indicative of the recovery being recorded in the economy and the confidence that is being shown through the policies that his administration had put in place after the outbreak of the pandemic.
Buhari said, “We remain grateful to the Almighty God for yet another Year attained as a country, united by a common destiny and resolute in our determination to overcome the several challenges along the path to build the great and prosperous Nation of our dream.
“We have given the utmost priority to fighting corruption and other related offenses which have been a bane to the growth and prosperity of our dear nation. We have made major strides and breakthroughs through the innovative use of technology and forensics in the investigative and prosecutorial procedures with commendable results to show that the anti-corruption drive of our administration is succeeding.
“In the meantime, the accomplishments so far can be traced to the dedication of the nation’s anti-corruption agencies who have received the necessary support needed to effectively prosecute their duties. As we welcome 2022, let us, with hope, envision a year of continued progress against our combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.
“As it is said, the past is but a story told, the future will still be written in gold. Let us be united in our fight to keep our nation united against all odds and with gratitude, celebrate life in this new epoch. I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.”
January 1, 2022
Ghana Police warns Religious Leaders Against 2022 prophecies
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) on Monday warned religious leaders against making misleading prophecies for 2022.
In a statement titled “Communication of prophecies and their legal implication”, the security agency cautioned clerics against instilling fear in people’s minds.
The GPS said misleading prophecies have resulted in public tensions, anxiety and panic among citizens.
Noting that religious groups have the liberty of freedom of worship and free speech, they must respect for the rights and freedoms of others.
The police recalled how, over the years, prophecies of harm and death put the lives of many in danger.
The press release said under Ghanaian law, it is a crime to publish or reproduce a statement, rumours or report likely to cause fear and alarm.
It is also a crime to send out false or misleading information likely to prejudice the efficiency of life saving service or to endanger the safety of any person.
The police reminded the public that anyone found guilty under the laws could be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.
“We therefore wish to caution all Ghanaians, especially religious groups and leaders to treasures in their uttrance, especially how they communicate prophecies, which may injure the right of other and the public interest.
“The Ghana Police Service wishes to place on record that the police are not against prophecies; we acknowledge at we Ghanaian are religious people who known, and believe in, has centrality of God in our lives”, the GPS added.
December 28, 2021
Ekiti 2022: APC chieftains adopt, ex-minister, Adeyeye, as candidate
The Ekiti State All Progressives Congress Stakeholders’ Forum has endorsed the National Chairman of Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju 2023, Senator Dayo Adeyeye as its preferred candidate for the 2022 governorship in the state.
The secretary of the forum, Femi Adeleye, said the endorsement of Adeyeye followed “a number of critical considerations which include the state of Ekiti State and the situation of APC in the state.”
Adeleye, in a statement titled, ‘Ekiti 2022 – Sen. Dayo Adeyeye chosen to run for Ekiti State Governor’, said the choice of Adeyeye was arrived at “after a three-day exhaustive search for a successor to the outgoing administration.”
The statement read in part, “We chose Adeyeye, who reflects the yearning of the generality of members of the Ekiti State APC and the corporate aspiration of Ekiti people as our preferred candidate based on the need to put a formidable candidate forward to face the Peoples Democratic Party”.
He described Adeyeye, a former minister and former Chairman of State Universal Basic Education, as “a foremost progressive with vast and extensive democratic credentials earned over three decades, from the days of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba group, as the pioneer publicity secretary.”
Adeyeye will contest the party ticket against other APC governorship aspirants including the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Bamidele Faparusi; House of Representatives member, Femi Bamisile; former presidential aspirant, Reuben Famuyibo; former deputy governor, Abiodun Aluko; and Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji.
November 28, 2021