By Samuel James, Abuja

The Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) has announced the approval of a waiver of penalty for non-compliance with lease agreement registration for first and second quarters of the 2025 fiscal year.In a statement in Abuja recently, the approval was given by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of ELRA, Donald Wokoma.

The Registrar said this strategic decision underscored ELRA’s continued commitment to easing compliance burdens while reinforcing its mandate to ensure the proper documentation and regulation of leasing transactions across Nigeria. He explained that the waiver applied to statutory penalties and surcharges on late registration of lease agreements in accordance with Section 8 (c) due for submission during Q1 and Q2.Wokoma, however maintained that registration of lease agreements remained mandatory as lessors and lessees were strongly encouraged to take advantage of this window to regularise all the outstanding agreements in accordance with the ELRA Act 2015.”This provides that any person operating as a Lessor in Nigeria must register with the Authority as well as all lease agreements entered between Lessors and Lessees.“This waiver represents ELRA’s dedication to supporting industry players and fostering an enabling environment for leasing businesses to thrive.“It is imperative that all stakeholders take this opportunity to ensure full compliance, as mandatory registration is critical for legal enforceability, transparency, and industry credibility,” said Wokoma.The registrar emphasised that the move aimed to drive increased awareness and adoption of the central lease registry and help streamline leasing operations nationwide.He said the move was to ensure transparency and credibility in leasing transactions, access to regulatory support and recognition and legal recognition and protection of leases.Wokoma added that this strategy would also protect the rights of all parties involved, help in transparency and risk mitigation, and enhance access to capital and Financing, among others.He, however, advised stakeholders to log on to www.elra.gov.ng/Registration as failure to register lease agreements going forward may result in legal and regulatory penalties in line with the provisions of the ELRA Act.

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu has showered the Muslims in Abia state with rams, bags of rice and other food items to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.Presenting the items to the Muslim faithful led by HRH, Sarki Shehu Bello in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of the state, Kalu urged them to use the occasion to spread love to the indigent people and put a smile on their faces.

He promised never to relent in championing the cause and welfare of his people by spreading the dividends of democracy. Wishing them a joyous celebration, the Deputy Speaker who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State appealed to the Muslim faithful and indeed, all Nigerians to continue to pray for and support the government.In his response, the leader of Abia Muslim Community, Bello thanked the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence, and ensuring that the Muslim community residing in Abia state celebrates Sallah in harmony in happiness and joy.He said they are grateful and prayed that God will continue to bless him.He said, “On behalf of the Muslim community, we want to appreciate his Excellency, the Deputy speaker for remembering us, for making sure that the Muslim community residing in Abia state celebrates this Sallah in harmony in happiness and joy. May God bless him more and more, he will have a long life and things will go well for him.”

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

Ahead of the Eid-el-kabir celebration, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun State Command, Igbalawole Sotiyo has ordered a strategic deployment of 1,550 personnel to cover all nooks and crannies of the state, which includes, praying grounds, critical national assets and infrastructure, recreational centres and other public places, for a hitch free eid-el-kabir celebration.

Sotiyo said in a statement by ASC Kehinde Adeleke, CDPRO, Osun State Command, both covert and overt operatives have been deployed, emphasizing that undercover operatives would be in charge of surveillance and information gathering, he also charged officers and men of the command, to work in synergy with other sister agencies for a hitch free celebration. ”We are aware there will be an influx of people into the state, hence every necessary security arrangement has been put in place for adequate security of critical infrastructure, praying grounds, lives and property, market places and public places’’ Osun NSCDC boss said.The Command therefore warns miscreants and disgruntled elements who might want to perpetrate criminality to steer clear of the state or ready to face the consequences of their actions.The State Commandant appealed to members of the public to support security personnel by reporting suspicious movement and persons in their environment to the nearest security agency.Commandant Sotiyo calls on Muslim faithful in the state to use this period to pray for peace, stability and progress of the country while urging everyone to celebrate within the confine of the law and enjoin those who will be traveling for the celebration to avoid night travels and over speeding.