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Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • President Tinubu Takes Action to Address Multiple Taxation Concerns

    President Tinubu Takes Action to Address Multiple Taxation Concerns

    President Bola Tinubu has responded to widespread complaints about multiple taxation in Nigeria by signing four Executive Orders. These orders include the suspension of the five percent Excise Tax on telecommunication services and the escalation of Excise Duties on locally manufactured products. Some of these taxes were initially introduced by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking at a briefing in the Presidential Villa Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Single Use Plastics, outlined the details of the Executive Orders. President Tinubu also signed the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, deferring the commencement date of the changes until September 1, 2023, in adherence to the 90-day minimum advance notice for tax changes as outlined in the 2017 National Tax Policy.

    Furthermore, the President signed The Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, shifting the commencement date of the tax changes to August 1, 2023. These actions aim to alleviate the negative impact of tax adjustments on businesses and households in affected sectors.

    President Tinubu additionally suspended the newly introduced Green Tax on Single Use Plastics (SUPs), including plastic containers and bottles, as well as the Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles.

    The President’s objective is to address complaints about multiple taxation and anti-business inhibitions. The Tinubu administration remains committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria. The government will continue implementing friendly policies and consult widely before considering any further tax increases.

    President Tinubu reassures Nigerians that their concerns are being heard and that the government recognizes the crucial role of business owners and investors in driving economic growth and reducing unemployment through job creation.

  • APC Youth Development and Solidarity Forum (APC-YDSF) calls on Tinubu to consider appointing Achadu as minister

    APC Youth Development and Solidarity Forum (APC-YDSF) calls on Tinubu to consider appointing Achadu as minister

    The APC Youth Development and Solidarity Forum (APC-YDSF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing Mr. Michael Achadu from Benue as a minister. The group believes that Achadu’s nomination would demonstrate the APC’s commitment to rewarding loyalty, dedication, and commitment.

    According to Mr. Tobias Ogbeh, the President of the APC-YDSF, it is important for Tinubu to recognize and reward those who have contributed significantly to the party’s success. Ogbeh emphasized that some individuals currently vying for appointments in Benue and around the Presidency did not make substantial contributions to the party’s victory in the last general elections.

    In contrast, Ogbeh highlighted Achadu’s unwavering support for Tinubu throughout the primaries and general elections. He mentioned that Achadu provided financial assistance to their organization and various interest groups, demonstrating his dedication to Tinubu’s cause.

    Describing Achadu as highly competent and possessing the necessary technical expertise, the group believes he is the most suitable candidate from Benue for a ministerial position. They praised Achadu as a philanthropist, a professional with global economic expertise, a successful businessperson, and a beacon of hope for the younger generation.

    The group’s request comes at a time when President Tinubu is expected to nominate candidates for ministerial positions before the July 28 deadline for Senate confirmation.

  • Tinubu Pledges Financial System Reform and Budgetary Transparency

    Tinubu Pledges Financial System Reform and Budgetary Transparency

    President Bola Tinubu, during a meeting at the Lagos House, Marina, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APC stalwarts, expressed his commitment to reforming Nigeria’s financial system and ensuring a transparent budgetary process.

    He extended his gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu and acknowledged the presence of other dignitaries at the event, including former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Tinubu emphasized the importance of taking decisive action, such as removing fuel subsidies, to stop the financial hemorrhage in the country. He stressed the need to effectively manage and control resources to fulfill the obligations owed to the Nigerian people by politicians.

    The President highlighted the significance of transparent economic planning and budgeting that benefits all Nigerians. He reiterated that his decisions are aimed at securing a prosperous future for generations to come.

    Tinubu also called for cooperation with state governors to achieve true federalism in the nation and emphasized his commitment to an open-door policy to bring about positive changes for Nigeria’s progress.

  • Tinubu Joins Muslims for Eid Prayers at Dodan Barracks Praying Ground

    Tinubu Joins Muslims for Eid Prayers at Dodan Barracks Praying Ground

    President Bola Tinubu participated in the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground in Lagos, alongside other Nigerian Muslims.

    Accompanied by prominent government officials such as Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Mr Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos State Governor, President Tinubu joined the congregation for the religious gathering.

    During the sermon delivered by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abu-Nolah, the significance of Eid-el-Kabir was emphasized. He highlighted that the occasion promotes values of sacrifice, unity, and tolerance among the Muslim community.

    The Chief Imam emphasized that religion does not support selfishness, intolerance, or sectionalism. He urged attendees to reflect on the challenges facing the country and seek rectification through prayer and unity.

    Prayers were offered for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and stability, and the Chief Imam called upon all Nigerians to embrace the values of Prophet Ibrahim.

    Mr Femi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, urged Nigerians to pray for the well-being of the country. He emphasized the importance of sacrifice and love as citizens’ duties, which contribute to the greatness of the nation.

    In his address, Gbajabiamila affirmed that the president would continue to implement people-oriented policies, instilling hope in Nigerians. He emphasized the need for prayers and support as the president works towards fulfilling the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

    Gbajabiamila expressed confidence that with the prayers and support of all Nigerians, the president would overcome the challenges ahead, acknowledging the weight of the tasks at hand.

  • Victor Uwajeh Urges Bola Tinubu to Combat Corruption and Aid in Asset Recovery

    Victor Uwajeh Urges Bola Tinubu to Combat Corruption and Aid in Asset Recovery

    Evangelist Victor Uwajeh, a renowned international investigator based in the United Kingdom and former Special Investigator to the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Asset (SPIPP), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intensify the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

    Uwajeh, who also served as a consultant to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), called on the Tinubu administration to prioritize the recovery of stolen funds by politically exposed individuals and government officials.

    In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, Uwajeh outlined key areas for recovery, including the oil subsidy scam, non-remittance of crude oil liftings, crude oil swap agreements, offshore crude oil processing agreements, duty waiver fraud, and rice subsidy fraud.

    The statement emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into federal government agencies to uncover instances of monumental fraud.

    Evangelist Uwajeh further urged President Tinubu to demonstrate the political will to tackle corruption and impunity in Nigeria.

    He stated, “The looting of public funds has become widespread in Nigeria, with perpetrators acting with impunity, knowing that they will escape punishment for their crimes.”

    Uwajeh also stressed the importance of implementing the Presidential Executive Order No. 008 of 2018 (Amended 2019) on the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Scheme (VOARS). He highlighted that its implementation would greatly assist the government and serve as a game-changer in curbing the acquisition of assets through illegitimate means by politically exposed individuals and their associates.

    While commending President Tinubu for his selection of Security Chiefs, particularly National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Uwajeh praised Ribadu’s expertise and reliability.

    Consequently, Uwajeh urged President Tinubu to prioritize capacity and excellence in appointing individuals to his administration, emphasizing the importance of avoiding mediocrity.

  • World Bank approves $500m loan to promote women’s empowerment in Nigeria

    World Bank approves $500m loan to promote women’s empowerment in Nigeria

    The World Bank Group has granted a loan of $500m to Nigeria to support women’s empowerment initiatives, according to sources. This loan marks the second approved by the World Bank under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. The funds will be directed towards the Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up (NFWP-SU), an expansion of the existing program that was initially approved in 2018 with $100m in financing.

    The objective of the NFWP-SU is to enhance economic opportunities for women, address gender inequality, improve education and healthcare outcomes for families, and build resilience to climate change. The World Bank emphasizes the need for the Nigerian government to tackle barriers that hinder women’s economic empowerment and impede inclusive, low-carbon, and resilient economic growth.

    The Country Director for Nigeria at the World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, highlighted the positive outcomes achieved through the parent NFWP, which has facilitated economic opportunities for rural women through Women Affinity Groups. By expanding the program, Nigeria aims to bridge the gender gap in key economic sectors, which could yield substantial economic gains. Closing this gap is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy.

    The NFWP has already been implemented in six states and has provided support to over 427,887 members of Women Affinity Groups. These groups have collectively saved approximately NGN 4 billion ($8.9 million) and have disbursed a significant portion of these funds as loans. Additionally, the program has benefited 835,573 community members through various interventions. The World Bank expects that the scale-up of the program will contribute to further progress in empowering women and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

  • Buhari administration hands over N974bn worth of unfinished road projects

    Buhari administration hands over N974bn worth of unfinished road projects

    The administration of President Bola Tinubu has inherited 38 uncompleted road projects valued at N979bn from the previous government led by Muhammadu Buhari, according to recent findings. These projects were identified through an analysis of the 2023 budget and cross-referenced with the national monitoring and evaluation platform, EYEMARK. Despite assurances from Buhari that the roads would be completed before the end of his tenure, many key road networks remain unfinished due to revenue constraints and other challenges.

    Among the notable projects left incomplete are the expansion of the Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway, the dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road in Nasarawa State, the Benue State Phase 1, Lafia bypass, 9th mile (Enugu)-Otukpo-Makurdi Road in Enugu and Benue States Phase II, and the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu Road including the access road to Mosimi in Lagos State. The list also includes the development of the Federal Capital Territory Highway 105 (Kuje Road) and the dualization of the Akure-Ado Ekiti Road in Ondo/Ekiti states.

    Notably, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which is currently being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and RCC, is reported to be at 85% completion after experiencing prolonged construction that has caused significant hardships for motorists and commuters.

    The Director of Highways South-West, Adedamola Kuti, reassured that all outstanding projects would be completed, emphasizing the commitment of the new administration to finishing what was left unfinished.

    Regarding payments to local contractors, the 2023 budget allocated N25bn for this purpose, but it falls short of the N11tn owed to local contractors by successive administrations. The delayed payment is attributed to the ongoing harmonization of figures with the finance ministry, and no specific timeframe has been provided for when the contractors will receive payment.

    While there is a freeze on financial transactions for ministries, departments, and agencies, payments to contractors involved in ongoing road projects are still being made as they fall under the capital vote and are directly funded by the federal government.

    Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Works and Housing’s spokesperson, Mrs. Blessing Adams-Lere, were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

  • Tinubu set to return today, ministerial list announcement anticipated after Sallah

    Tinubu set to return today, ministerial list announcement anticipated after Sallah

    President Bola Tinubu is set to make his return to Nigeria today after his visit to London, with expectations that he will unveil his ministerial list following the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Sources from the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu will observe the Sallah festivities at his private residence in Lagos, joining other prominent figures for the Eid prayers at the Obalende Muslim Prayer ground. There is a sense of anticipation surrounding the composition of Tinubu’s cabinet, as insiders suggest that he has already finalized a core group of ministers, largely influenced by his trusted Special Advisers. However, there appears to be ongoing jostling and competition among politicians for the remaining positions. While Tinubu is expected to spend some time in Lagos before returning to Abuja, it is understood that his ministerial list is nearing completion. It is worth noting that the Constitution mandates the submission of ministerial nominees within 60 days of assuming office for approval by the National Assembly.

  • Tinubu Replaces Security Chiefs and Customs Boss with Ribadu, Egbetokun, and Others

    Tinubu Replaces Security Chiefs and Customs Boss with Ribadu, Egbetokun, and Others

    In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has undertaken a major restructuring of the nation’s security apparatus by retiring all service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba.

    The shake-up also affects special advisers and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    According to a statement from the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, Major General Christopher Musa, former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, has replaced General Lucky Irabor as the Chief of Defence Staff.

    Additionally, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja now serves as the Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya.

    Air Vice Marshal H.B Abubakar has been appointed as the Chief of Air Staff, replacing Air Marshal Oludayo Amao, and Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla assumes the position of Chief of Naval Staff, succeeding Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.

    The previous appointments of Irabor, Amao, Gambo, and the late Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, made by President Buhari on January 26, 2021, are now being replaced by Yahaya, who was appointed on May 27, 2021.

    Deputy Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has been appointed as the acting Inspector-General, while Major General EPA Undiandeye has become the acting Chief of Defence Intelligence.

    Ribadu Takes on Role of NSA

    Nuhu Ribadu, who was recently appointed as the Security Adviser to the President, has now been elevated to the position of National Security Adviser, replacing Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), who was appointed in July 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Furthermore, President Tinubu has approved the appointments of various military officers within the Presidential Villa and the acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi Adewale, who replaces former CG Hamid Ali.

    The President has also sanctioned additional appointments of special advisers and senior assistants.

    It is important to note that the newly appointed service chiefs, the acting Inspector-General of Police, and the acting Comptroller-General of Customs will serve in their positions pending confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, the former service chiefs’ tenure witnessed a surge in banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, and violent crimes. Between January 2021 and June 2023, a total of 15,031 people, including security operatives, lost their lives.

    Security experts have praised the President’s appointment of the new service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, expressing confidence in their ability to address the country’s security challenges effectively. They believe that these appointments will contribute to stabilizing the nation and combating insurgency and high-level criminal activities.

  • Ministerial Appointment Contest Heats Up with Omo-Agege, Keyamo, Oyetola, and More

    Ministerial Appointment Contest Heats Up with Omo-Agege, Keyamo, Oyetola, and More

    Competition for Ministerial Appointments Intensifies Following President Tinubu’s Special Adviser Appointments

    Following President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of eight special advisers, the race for ministerial positions has reportedly become more intense. State chapters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are awaiting directives from the President to submit their ministerial nominees to the party headquarters.

    While some party leaders believe it is appropriate for the President to make the selections, others argue that Tinubu might face challenges in choosing his ministers due to the party’s losses in gubernatorial and senatorial elections in states like Zamfara, Plateau, Delta, and Kano. These party members suggest that Tinubu should prioritize individuals who lost in the 2023 general elections.

    Despite President Tinubu’s assurance that those who were not endorsed by the APC or lost in the elections would not be left out, prominent party figures continue to lobby for ministerial appointments. In Delta State, both Festus Keyamo, the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and Ovie Omo-Agege, the defeated gubernatorial candidate, are being considered for nomination.

    Speculations also suggest that former Osun State governor Gboyega Oyetola, who lost his re-election bid, may be considered for a ministerial position. Party members from Ondo State are reportedly lobbying in Abuja for appointments, and individuals such as Isaac Kekemeke, the APC National Vice-Chairman, Alex Ajipe, an industrialist, and Ademola Adegoroye, a former Minister of Transportation, are among those vying for ministerial positions.

    In Sokoto State, sources indicate that Senator Ibrahim Gobir, the immediate past Senate Majority leader, may be considered for a ministerial role. Despite losing the governorship primary, Gobir has remained loyal to the party and actively contributed to its success in the state.

    As discussions and preparations continue, the party’s position on the nominees for federal appointments is expected to be made public in due course.Zamfara State and Ekiti State Contenders for Ministerial Appointments Revealed

    In Zamfara State, former governor Bello Matawalle and Senator Kabir Marafa are reportedly being considered by the party for ministerial appointments. Both individuals have emerged as potential nominees from the state.

    Similarly, in Ekiti State, Senator Dayo Adeyeye and former Governor Kayode Fayemi are said to be among those being considered for ministerial positions. Their track records and contributions to the party have positioned them as strong contenders.

    As the selection process unfolds, the final decisions regarding ministerial appointments in both states will be announced by the respective parties.