Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 11th December, 2024
1. ‘Nigeria Is Making Tremendous Progress’ – Tinubu Says As He Commissions Immigration Data And Command Centre
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, commissioned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Innovative Complex, Data and Command Centre (BATTIC) at the headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) located in Sauka, Abuja.
During the commissioning, President Tinubu stated that the commissioning is a dream come true and a further confirmation that the country is making progress under his leadership.
He also emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace technology, innovation and a knowledge base economy as a pace-setter on the African continent.
Naturenex understands that the NIS Digital Hub signals Nigeria’s digital compliance with the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), providing a new, modern and technology compliant system.
President Tinubu noted that the complex and its services would enhance the security architecture, transform the ease of doing business in the country, and ultimately boost investor confidence in Nigeria.
2. Southern Reps Take Stand On Tax Reform Bills
Members of the Southern Caucus in the House of Representatives have expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, describing them as a necessary step towards improving Nigeria’s tax system.
The lawmakers made this known on Tuesday after a meeting at the residence of the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Chairman Nicholas Mutu said the southern lawmakers are committed to giving the bills the necessary support to facilitate their passage while ensuring wide consultation to address contentious issues.
The Southern Caucus acknowledged the opposition to the bills by some key northern leaders and lawmakers but emphasized their commitment to dialogue and consensus.
The tax reform bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
The bills are based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele, aimed at reviewing and updating existing tax laws.
3. Reps Asks For 90 Days Grace Period On Tinted Glass Ban Enforcement
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command to withhold further enforcement of tinted glass ban in the capital city.
The House demanded a 90-day grace period backed by sustained enlightenment of citizens in the capital city.
It also ordered the Police Command to return impounded vehicles and stop further harassment of motorists.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to launch a “public enlightenment campaign, informing citizens about the regulations and the process for obtaining the necessary permits or making required modifications to their vehicles“.
4. Tinubu Appoints Ogunjimi As Acting Accountant-General Of The Federation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF).
Naturenex understands that the appointment takes effect immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the outgoing AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.
In a statement on the leadership change, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of continuity in managing the nation’s treasury.
He described Ogunjimi’s appointment as part of his administration’s strategy to strengthen financial governance and advance ongoing treasury policy reforms.
5. Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Remanded In Kuje Prison Over Alleged ₦110 Billion Fraud
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered the remand of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Prison pending his trial on allegations of ₦110 billion fraud.
Justice Maryann Anenih issued the remand order after adjourning the trial till February 25, 2025.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He is accused alongside two former state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are listed as co-defendants in the case.
The court also dismissed an application filed by Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu, SAN, seeking bail for the ex-governor.
Justice Anenih ruled that the bail application was prematurely filed on November 22, three days before Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC on November 25.
6. ‘President Tinubu Has Shown Remarkable Tolerance For The Opposition’ – Bwala
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has commended his principal’s ability to tolerate criticism from the opposition while implementing reforms to address Nigeria’s challenges.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Bwala highlighted Tinubu’s focus on economic recovery and expressed optimism about the nation’s future.
Bwala stated that the Nigerian economy is gradually recovering and on the path to sustainable growth.
7. Human Rights Day: Nigeria Is Notorious For Rights Abuse – Peter Obi
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has decried Nigeria’s high rate of human rights abuse.
Peter Obi said it was unfortunate that the country remains notorious for human rights abuse among the comity of nations.
In a statement on Tuesday in marking the 2024 Human Rights Day, he condemned the abuse of citizens by the privileged through the instrument of the state.
Obi highlighted rights abuse in Nigeria to include abuse of power and public offices by politicians, extrajudicial arrests, and killing by security agencies, among others.
He regretted that the country ranks 21st among countries with the worst record for human rights abuse; stressing the hostile environment the country has become for journalists and arrests of reporters for carrying out their legitimate duties.
8. German President Steinmeier Arrives Nigeria For Bilateral And Cultural Engagements
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived Nigeria on Tuesday night for a four-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and fostering collaborations in economic, cultural, and social sectors.
Steinmeier was received at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
During his stay, President Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, as well as the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Alieu Omar Touray.
The discussions are expected to center on regional security, economic development, and opportunities for deeper partnerships between Germany and Nigeria.
After completing his engagements in Abuja, Steinmeier will proceed to Lagos for a series of events highlighting Nigeria’s business, cultural, and urban development sectors.
9. Tax Reform Bills: ‘Some States May Not Be Able To Survive’ – Gov Lawal
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, on Tuesday, said some states that are less financially buoyant may not survive if the tax reform bills before the National Assembly are passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Lawal, while speaking on Channels TV said, “Some states may not be able to survive so it is something that must be carefully studied so that we don’t hurt ourselves in the long run.
“Well, the tax issue has a lot of components – there is the good aspect and there is the bad aspect. So, we are studying the situation so as also to advise our people on the way forward. It’s an ongoing process and we will continue with the engagement.”
The new tax bills introduced by the Tinubu administration have been enveloped in widespread controversy and sparked scathing criticisms and stiff opposition from many including the 36 state governors under the aegis of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The 19 governors in northern Nigeria have also unequivocally rejected sections of the bills.
Lawal, one of the governors in the north, said it would be difficult for many states to pay the ₦70,000 minimum wage if the tax reforms are implemented.
10. ‘It Will Transform Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape’ – RMAFC Hails Tinubu, Denies Opposing Tax Reform Bills
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has categorically refuted claims suggesting its opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
It was reported earlier that RMAFC had “vehemently rejected” the controversial tax reform bills.
However, during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu, characterized these allegations as “false” and “malicious” and provided clarification regarding the commission’s stance on the proposed legislation.
He emphasized that the commission is in full support of the bills and has been actively engaged in the reform process.
The tax reform proposal has generated considerable discussion in recent weeks, particularly concerning the allocation and derivation of Value Added Tax.
Shehu further noted that the RMAFC had submitted a detailed memorandum that articulates its position, which is consistent with both international best practices and President Tinubu’s vision for a more equitable and sustainable fiscal framework for Nigeria.
