The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NBS: Govt’s Q1 company income tax revenue dips by 37.7%

    NBS: Govt’s Q1 company income tax revenue dips by 37.7%

    The Federal Government’s revenue from company income tax declined by 37.79per cent in the first quarter (Q1) 2023, falling from N753.88 billion to N469.01 billion. Local payments accounted for N300.78 billion, while foreign company income tax payments contributed N168.23 billion during the period under review.

    The decline in this aspect of non-oil revenue collections raises concerns about the economic impact and challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria, attributed to factors such as the Naira redesign policy and cash crunch experienced in the first quarter. As a result Nigeria’s Company Income Tax experienced a significant decline of 37.79per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis, plunging from N753.88 billion in Q4 2022 to N469.01 billion in Q1 2023.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), local payments accounted for N300.78 billion, while foreign Company Income Tax (CIT) payments contributed N168.23 billion during the same period. This decline in CIT collections raises concerns about the economic impact and challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria. On the aggregate, CIT for Q1 2023 was reported at N469.01 billion, indicating a growth rate of -37.79per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N753.88 billion in Q4 2022, the NBS report said.

    “Local payments received were N300.78 billion, while Foreign CIT Payment contributed N168.23 billion in Q1 2023. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the financial and insurance activities recorded the highest growth rate with 50.42 per cent, followed by construction with 42.32 per cent.”

    The NBS report further said that in terms of sectoral contributions, water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities recorded the lowest growth rate at – 69.38 per cent, followed by other service activities at -60.13per cent.

    Read Also: Inflation rises to 22.44% in May – NBS

    “In terms of sectoral contributions, the top three largest shares in Q1 2023 were financial & insurance activities with 22.94 per cent; manufacturing with 20.91 per cent; and information and communication with 11.89per cent. Conversely, the activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the least share with 0.01per cent, followed by water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities with 0.04 per cent; and activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies with 0.12per cent.”

    They also added that on a year-on-year basis, CIT collections in Q1 2023 decreased by 14.96per cent from Q1 2022. Reduction in Nigeria’s economic growth in Q1 2023, which has been attributed to the negative consequences of the Naira redesign policy of the CBN, was a major contributor. This is because so many companies lacked the cash to make transactions in vital parts of the informal chain. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.31per cent year-on-year in real terms in the first quarter of 2023, indicating a 1.21per cent points lower than 3.52per cent recorded in the previous quarter and 0.8per cent lower compared to 3.11per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2022. The NBS blamed the slowdown in GDP growth rate on the Naira scarcity which occurred in Q1 of the year as the central bank refused to back down on its Naira swap policy. The reduction in growth is attributed to the adverse effects of the cash crunch experienced during the quarter.

  • NUPRC, NMDPRA disagree over ExxonMobil lifting oil from Bonny Terminal

    NUPRC, NMDPRA disagree over ExxonMobil lifting oil from Bonny Terminal

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday countered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that accused ExxonMobil of illegally lifting Butane from Bonny River Offshore Terminal (BRT).

    In a statement that the commission in Abuja, the management justified the oil giant’s operation, stressing that it is only NUPRC that is the sole organisation that monitors crude oil export from the terminal.

    According to the statement, ExxonMobil operated with the commission’s approval.

    The statement said: “Subsequently, the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, approved the Senate resolution and explicitly directed immediate compliance with the resolution, insisting that NUPRC is the sole and only regulatory entity to regulate and monitor activities of all existing crude oil export terminals in Nigeria, in line with the relevant section of the PIA, 2021. The directive was sent to all relevant MDAs and stakeholders for compliance.

    Read Also: Belema Oil gets Export Terminal Licence

    “Arising from the above, the NUPRC also notified industry operators and relevant stakeholders of the Presidential directive and its readiness to immediately assume full regulatory oversight.

    “Therefore, concerning the issue of Butane lifting at the Bonny River Offshore Terminal (BRT), it is important to state that Exxonmobil applied to NUPRC for approval of its operations as an integrated operation, in line with Sections 8(d) and 318 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.”

    NUPRC said it was drawn to an online publication reporting alleged illegal lifting of Butane at the Bonny River Offshore Terminal (BRT) by ExxonMobil.

    It said the publication quoted the NMDPRA, a sister regulatory agency, as the source of the allegation.

    The commission said being the regulator entrusted with the technical and commercial regulation of the upstream sector, it has become necessary for the NUPRC to state the true position of the transaction.

    The statement recalled that 9th Senate set up an ad hoc committee to investigate oil lifting, theft and the impact on petroleum production and revenues on the heels of the growing spate of crude oil theft in the upstream petroleum sector.

    It added that following the conclusion of its investigation and presentation of its findings on the floor of the Senate on the November 7, 2022, the Committee of the Whole passed far-reaching resolutions amongst which was the need for streamlining operations of MDAs at the crude oil export terminals in Nigeria.

    The Senate,  in line with section 7(ee) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, according to the statement, resolved that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should assume full regulatory oversight of all existing crude oil export terminals.

    It noted that resolution was sent to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, NUPRC, NMDPRA and all relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

    According to the statement, the president sought the opinion of the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, who after a review concurred with the Senate resolution and reaffirmed that the said resolution is in line with the letter and spirit of the PIA, 2021 which seeks to promote ease of doing business and investments and enhance transparency of hydrocarbon accounting.

    The statement reads in part: “Following careful evaluation of the request, NUPRC deemed it fit and granted approval accordingly.

    “Consequently, ExxonMobil applied and obtained necessary clearance from NUPRC for the lifting of 12,600 metric tons of Butane aboard a vessel named Barumk Gas on May 26, 2023. Barumk Gas berthed at the loading jetty at BRT on June 7, 2023.

    “Loading operation commenced and ended on June 8, 2023; after which an official of NUPRC on site (at the BRT) issued Certificate of Quantity and Quality (CoQ), as statutorily required for the fulfillment of requirements of accurate hydrocarbon accounting, reporting and ability of the vessel to sail to its delivery destination. “This is in line with global best practiceNUPRC wishes to state categorically that the said operation was legitimate and in line with the statutory mandate of the Commission as the technical and commercial regulator of the upstream sector in Nigeria as stipulated by law.

    “The Commission is not aware of any illegality in the transaction and none was committed by either ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliates or the NUPRC as an agency of Government.

    “Finally, Industry players are assured of regulatory certainty and commitment of NUPRC to discharging its responsibilities towards enhancing ease of doing business, facilitating investments, stability and predictability in the Nigerian upstream petroleum industry.”

  • Govt revokes lands allocated by MDAs

    Govt revokes lands allocated by MDAs

    The Katsina State Government has revoked all plots of  land alleged to have been illegally allocated to individuals by some government officials in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) .

    The decision by the state government, which came barely one month after its inauguration, was contained in a circular  by the Director of Human Resources in the Office of the Head of the  Civil Service, Mr. Ado Yahaya.

     The circular was dated June 6, 2023 and addressed to all MDAs in the state.

    The government said it observed with dismay the indiscriminate allocations of land and carve outs, particularly around public buildings by some officials of the MDAs.

    Rad Also: Civil servants suspended as salary padding allegations rock MDAs

    The circular said: “To this end, all such practices must be stopped forthwith as only the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Survey, has the statutory right to allocate all lands in the state.

    “In addition, all lands allocated indiscriminately without following due process are hereby revoked.

    “Accordingly, any government official who involves himself in such illegal allocation of land in the state will be severely sanctioned in line with the extant rules governing the service.”

  • Northern groups lauds Akume’s appointment as SGF

    Northern groups lauds Akume’s appointment as SGF

    Three Northern groups have hailed the appointment of Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The associations are Muryar Talaka, Arewa Youths Enlightenment Forum and the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Groups.

    The groups, in a joint statement  in Katsina described Akume’s appointment as a “significant step towards greater unity and inclusivity in the diverse Nigerian society.”

    The statement was signed by leaders of the three groups,  including the Secretary Muryar Talaka, Bishir Dauda Sabon-Ugwan, the Chairperson Arewa Youths Enlightenment Forum, Khadijah Yusuf, and the Financial Secretary, Coalition of Anti-corruption Groups, Jibo Yusuf.

    They said  Akume’s appointment as SGF has wiped away the tears of many Nigerians.

    The statement said: “We hail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding the former Governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, good enough to be appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF’’.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man who is genuinely interested in upholding the tenets of federal character and inclusivity. We are proud of Akume’s exceptional leadership qualities are being appreciated at the highest level.

    “His appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation signifies a significant step towards the unity and inclusivity of the country.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov, Ginika, Jack-Rich, 13 others for SGF honouring committee

    “We greatly appreciate  Akume’s appointment as an indication that the current government is dedicated to serving all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.”

    The groups added: “Akume’s appointment reinforces the belief that President Tinubu is steadfast in his promise to unite Nigeria and ensure that every citizen is valued and represented in the governance of our nation.

    “More importantly, we commend President Tinubu for maintaining his trademark commitment to meritocracy in making key appointments.

    “The selection of  Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation demonstrates a government that prioritizes competence and qualifications above religious or tribal sentiments.

    “Akume, who is one of the prominent Benue politicians who has served in the capacity of a governor, senator and minister, will bring integrity, accountability and transparency to Tinubu’s government. “

  • NAPTIP rescues 1200 victims in one year

    NAPTIP rescues 1200 victims in one year

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed the rescue of  1, 200 victims of human trafficking in Katsina State between 2022 and 2023

     The Katsina State Commander of NAPTIP, Musa Aliyu, while speaking to newsmen, said  the victims comprised men, women, and  children.

    He said: ’’At least 1,200 victims of human trafficking have been rescued and 10 suspected human traffickers have been arrested and convicted by the Katsina State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)’’

    He also said with the commitment of the Katsina State Government, the State NAPTIP liaison office has been upgraded to a Command.

    He called on the people of the state not to hesitate to directly report issues relating to human trafficking, child abuse, child labour, and other related cases to the command.

    Aliyu spoke in Katsina during a medical outreach/assistance programme for the victims of human trafficking under the framework of the Niger-Nigeria Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Project .

    The programme, which was put together by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) with support from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), covered about 80.victims of human trafficking in the state.

    Read Also: Traffickers drug, harvest kidneys of victims in Libya, NAPTIP warns

    The beneficiaries of the programne, comprising mostly women and their children, were enlightened and attended to by a team of medical doctors deployed from across various hospitals in the state.

    Three of the doctors deployed for the exercise namely, Dr. Ammar Ibrahim, Dr. Aliyu Umar and Dr. Aminu Hamisu Rimaye of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina Eye Center, and General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, asked the victims to feel free in disclosing their various health problems.

    Earlier in her goodwill message, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri said  the agency has been in the forefront of not only protecting victims of human trafficking but also assisting them to become better citizens.

  • Radda lauds Akume, Gbajiabiamila’s appointments

    Radda lauds Akume, Gbajiabiamila’s appointments

    The Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda has congratulated the newly- appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    He described their appointments as appropriate and well-deserved.

    The governor said: “Indeed, your appointments were considered in many quarters as round pegs in  round holes given your wealth of experience and service to the country over the years.

    “We have no doubt that you will bring to bear your deep legislative knowledge and robust administrative experience in ensuring the smooth running of the Office of the President and support the government to provide the required leadership for the development and progress of our country”

    “Be rest assured that our prayers and support are always with you as you take on the responsibilities of this high office.”

    The governor  message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed

     “This is a huge accomplishment and one that we are very proud of. Your hard work and dogged determination to get things done right were hallmarks of your characters over the years”

    “We are confident that both of you will bring to bear your wealth of experiences in the discharge of the responsibilities of your offices. We wish you the best and success in your efforts to set in motion the machinery of government to improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

    Read Also: June 12: Radda pushes for strong institutions

  • 54 bills passed as Katsina Assembly winds up Seventh Session

    54 bills passed as Katsina Assembly winds up Seventh Session

    The Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Tasiu Margari, has announced the winding up of the Seventh Assembly.

    Tasiu, who made the announcement shortly after delivering his valedictory speech, described members of the Seventh Assembly as one of the best ever  in the state.

    He lauded the immediate past Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari for his fatherly support, advice and cooperation to the  Assembly.

    Meanwhile, the Speaker has announced that 54 bills were passed in the last four years by the Seventh Assembly of which the Masari administration assented to over 80 per cent of them.

    He said: “About 324 motions were also passed and the executive were able to implement only 74 of them.”’

    “Some of the bills passed by the house were: Katsina State House of Assembly Commission Law, discrimination law against persons with disability, law promoting children access to basic education and connected matters and the revenue harmonization law, among others.”

    Read Also: Insecurity: COAS urges credible information from Katsina residents

  • June 12: Radda pushes for strong institutions

    June 12: Radda pushes for strong institutions

    Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has tasked  political leaders to remain committed to the Nigerian project by nurturing strong democratic institutions and promoting better welfare for the masses.

    Radda gave the advice in a statement through  his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed to mark Democracy Day.

    He  admitted that the root of democracy has already been laid 24 years ago when the country returned to civil rule

    He said: “This year’s Democracy Day celebration should reawaken our consciousness to the task of building a prosperous and egalitarian Nigeria with strong and efficient institutions of governance.

    “That is why the present set of Nigerian leaders, especially the political class, must strive towards making the country’s democracy a model for other African nations.

    “There is the need for us to offer the masses a better deal, by providing them dividends of democracy. At a time the country is battling with a myriad of socio-economic challenges, we must do all we can to cushion the hardship of our people.”

    Read Also: I never criticised Buhari for not making refineries functional, says Sule

     “Buhari deserves tremendous plaudits for helping to nurture our democratic culture. His declaration of June 12 as the country’s new Democracy Day, about five years ago, was a watershed. History and posterity will fondly remember his invaluable service to the nation”.

    He emphasized the need for citizens to be patriotic and remain united.

    He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his mission to fix the country.

    Radda restated his unwavering commitment to fulfilling all his campaign promises, with a view to restoring Katsina’s lost glories.

  • Radda to Naval Chief: we will adopt Borno’s Joint Task Force style to tackle insecurity

    Radda to Naval Chief: we will adopt Borno’s Joint Task Force style to tackle insecurity

    The Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda has said he is adopting  Borno State’s style of using Joint Task Force  to tackle banditry and terrorism.

    Radda made the  disclosure  during a visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Auwal Gambo in Abuja.

    He sought the assistance of the Nigerian Navy to address the security challenges in his state.

    He said  he was at the naval headquarters to seek  advice and consent on how to tackle the security issues in Katsina State.

    He said: ‘’The nation has been bedeviled with security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping. There is the need to solicit the support of the military, the Nigeria Police and the Civil Defence to ensure professionalism when the state starts its recruitment of the local vigilance forces.

    “We want to initiate the Borno State JTF Initiative in Katsina State. With your advice and support, we should be able to do that.

    “Security is expensive hence the State government’s intention to deploy technology as it is being done in the Falgore Forest in Kano State.

    “I saw the situation of my people, I sympathised with them and promised to do all I can to help mitigate the security problem.”

    Read Also: Chief of Naval Staff to unveil book on public finance

    He unfolded some of his administration’s plans to stem banditry in the state.

    He added: “We have to gather local intelligence, we have also engaged a consultant to device an app (Alarm Technology) in our communities.

     “With the introduction of technology in our fight against banditry and kidnapping and use of non-kinetic approach, we will succeed.”

    He  informed the Naval Chief that the state government will start regrouping small villages to larger towns  to reduce attacks.

    He said most of the attacks were carried out in the night.

    Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A. Gambo commended Governor Radda for taking the bold step to  reach out to the Service Chiefs.

    “This goes to show your political will and commitment to fight insecurity in Katsina State, ” he said.

    Admiral Gambo said  the governor’s visit to the naval headquarters would  reinforce the mutual relationship between the Navy and Katsina State.

  • GambleAware Confirms 3-Year Funding Extension For Organisations’ Partnership

    GambleAware Confirms 3-Year Funding Extension For Organisations’ Partnership

    GambleAware, the UK’s leading charity in gambling harm prevention, has announced that the TalkBanStop program, dedicated to helping gamblers recover from harmful behaviors, will be funded for at least the next three years. Launched in 2020, the program has been a success in assisting over 12,000 people to implement measures to stop their problem gambling. Combining the services of GamCare, Gamban, and GAMSTOP, the program is a coordinated, multi-pronged agency approach to assist gamblers.

    This joint initiative will see TalkBanStop carry on offering free tools to assist people who are experiencing gambling addiction. No doubt, far from an easy feat, especially if one considers the exposure to casino bonus offers with the best UK no deposit free spins.

    Problem gambling in Great Britain

    Great Britain is perhaps the most highly regulated gambling market in the world, with tight regulations surrounding how gambling services are offered, advertised, and run. Despite this fact, 44% of the population reports gambling in the past four weeks. The problem gambling rate is reported at 0.3%, while those at moderate risk stand at 1.2% of the population and those at low risk stand at 1.8% of the population. Comparatively, around 7.9% of the Australian public were at some risk of experiencing gambling related harms, with 35% of the population gambling regularly, at the last survey.

    These figures, for Great Britain, represent a gambling harm reduction strategy that is working, despite relatively high levels of gambling in general throughout the country. This is likely due to the presence of charities like GamCare and programs like TalkGamStop.

    Read Also: The 4 rules gamblers must know before using a betting site in Canada or other countries

    The launch of TalkStopBan

    TalkStopBan has been in existence since December 2020, when a 12-month pilot program was launched to see if a layered approach to helping stop gambling would be assistive to the general public.

    As the coordinators of the pilot, GamCare was awarded funding from the Gambling Commission, through which to deploy the three-agency services approach.

    About GamCare

    GamCare is a charity that operates Great Britain’s National Gambling Hotline, as well as the National Gambling Treatment Service. By offering these targeted counseling efforts since 1997, the charity has grown to be a significant presence in the country in helping to reduce harm to gamblers and those affected by problem gambling.

    About Gamban

    Gamban helps stop gamblers from problem behaviors at the technology level. Gamban offers software that can be installed on devices to block gambling websites, apps, and other gambling technologies. The Gamban software itself has licenses for gamblers that range from six months all the way up to five years. Typically, the software is offered at a cost to the user, however, under the TalkStopBan program, the Gamban software is offered to gamblers free of cost.

    About GAMSTOP

    GAMSTOP is the UK’s self-exclusion scheme. The not-for-profit that runs the service ensures that all British licensed online casinos are covered under their scheme, so that gamblers can be sure they cannot access online casinos under license in the UK.

    How TalkStopBan works

    By combining the services of three core gambling harm minimization agencies, TalkStopBan is designed to be more effective in assisting the public. Through this layered approach, gamblers go through the National Gambling Hotline, with one-to-one counselling assistance, will install the Gamban software across their devices, and will self-exclude across UK online casinos with GAMSTOP.

    The TalkStopBan program allows gamblers to go through this process without friction, as the agencies work together to roll out the products and services. By combining all three tools, gamblers in the pilot reported increased levels of stopping gambling, thanks to the obstacles that are required to continue gambling. The case studies from the pilot also highlighted that installing the Gamban software on family and friends’ devices was a factor in the effectiveness of the program.

    The evaluation of the program in 2021 only included a sample size of 12 participants in the long-term study, so it was difficult to evaluate the program effectively. The advertising and marketing efforts in the initial pilot through outreach activities were deemed to be ‘good enough’ to continue on with the program.

    Continued support

    While the TalkBanStop program addresses online gambling operators in the UK, gamblers must work to avoid offshore operators whose services are not covered by the GAMSTOP self-exclusion program. The Gamban software will block many of these operators, however, it is a constant battle to block providers as new providers pop up as quickly as others are blocked. For problem gamblers worried about accessing offshore sites and services, Gamban is an essential tool for their toolbelt. If they want to access this software for free, then TalkBanStop is certainly considered an essential service and well worth their time.