COVER
Minister Tasks FIRS on Revenue Mobilization as FG Targets N19.4trn Revenue
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun has urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to rise up to the challenge of mobilising revenue for the country as the Tinubu administration is poised to grow the economy through revenue without borrowing.
Speaking while declaring open the FIRS 2024 Strategic Management Retreat in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister said considering what is going on around the world today with an elevated and sustained increase in interest rates, borrowing has made that more compelling.
The theme of the 22-day retreat held at the Transcorp Hilton hotel is: Re-imagingTax Administration for Equity and Economic Growth”.
The Minister said, “I would like to implore you to really take advantage of your being here together to say what’s on your mind. Come up with your ideas, your solutions, and your suggestions.
“This is the right forum for you, for you to think outside the box. You will be commended or rewarded for it rather than if you keep quiet, keep your ideas to yourself. Be bold. Be courageous. That is the mandate of the president.”
In his welcome remarks, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji said the new operational structure that is being established at the Service will eliminate confusion and redundancy in tax administration in the country.
The FIRS Boss said the event marks a historic moment as the Service unveils the new FIRS organizational structure, a critical milestone in its commitment to revolutionize tax administration in Nigeria.
He said the cornerstone of this paradigm shift, is the establishment of a customer-centric organizational structure designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in the FIRS tax operations.
He said, “We are not merely adapting to change; we are leading it. The forthcoming structure, set to kick off from February 2024, embodies our dedication to modernize and digitize the tax administration landscape in Nigeria.
“In our pursuit for a more efficient and contemporary tax administration methodology, we are embracing an integrated tax approach, leveraging technology at every step. This approach positions FIRS at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers in a rapidly changing world.
“The structure advocates for a comprehensive approach to taxpayer services, consolidating our core functions and support under one umbrella. By tailoring our services to specific taxpayer segments, we aim to simplify the taxpayer experience. No more complexities, no more overlaps—just a seamless and user-friendly interaction for every taxpayer.
“In a groundbreaking move, we are shifting away from traditional tax categorization. Instead of maintaining different departments for distinct tax categories, the new structure formulates taxpayer segments based on thresholds.”
Adedeji explained that the tailored approach ensures that taxpayers are guided and serviced according to their specific needs, eliminating confusion and redundancy in tax administration.
“Behind this transformative initiative are carefully considered considerations detailed in our operations plan. We highlight the rationale behind our integrated approach, the benefits of comprehensive taxpayer services, and the logic behind tailored taxpayer categories, which will be presented to management in the subsequent sessions of this workshop.
“These considerations set the stage for a more responsive, efficient, and user-friendly tax administration system.
Let me assure you that due process will be followed in this reformation.
“Extensive re-orientation and change initiatives will be implemented to ensure that no one is left behind. We recognize the need for meticulous planning, effective communication, and unwavering commitment to navigate this transformative journey successfully.
“As we stand united in this endeavour, let me reassure you that FIRS is already a formidable force, and with these new efficiencies, we can indeed meet and exceed our targets. This is not just a restructuring; it is a catalyst for a monumental leap forward, a collective investment in our shared future, and an unyielding commitment to excellence in tax administration”, he added.
Speaking further, the FIRS Boss said the forthcoming structure is not just a set of reforms; “it is a commitment to redefine FIRS’s role in shaping a modern, efficient, and customer-focused tax administration system. Through innovative organizational restructuring and process optimization, FIRS is committed to fostering a taxpayer-friendly environment that aligns with global best practices and positions Nigeria as a leader in contemporary tax administration.”
He urged all taxpayers to embrace change, to be pioneers in this transformative journey, and to envision the future the government is building.
“Together, we will redefine excellence in tax administration, setting new standards and inspiring others to follow,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the federal government has set a tax revenue target of N19.4trn for the Federal Inland Revenue Service in the 2024 fiscal period.
The amount represents an increase of over N9trn when compared to the N10trn target set for the FIRS in the 2023 period.
It is also N7trn higher than the N12.3trn which the Service generated in 2023.
The target was revealed on Wednesday at its 2024 strategic management retreat.
According to the FIRS, oil revenue target was N9.960trn, which is higher by 214 per cent than the N3.172trn actual revenue in 2023.
On the other hand, non-oil revenue target was N9.453trn in 2024 as against the N9.202 in 2023.
Oil revenue contributed only 25.6 per cent of 2023 revenue while 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework target anticipates 51 per cent contribution by OIl.
The FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, said the target is achievable with the series of reforms being implemented by the Service.
He said, “Our focus is to drive for long-term compliance. And in a few minutes now, by those rules, we have the new structure that we have. And what we’ve done in general is to move from functional or type of taxi units to customer-centred.
“And we want to use that to drive compliance because the focus cannot be on investigation. The real strategy is to drive compliance and the way to do it is that there will always be consequences for no compliance.
“So, our focus is not to go and tax the informal sector. Our focus is actually to bring the informal sector to the sector. The focus should not be let’s go and tax informal. The focus should be to move the informal sector to the formal sector, improve their skill and then we can then tax them”.
By Lubem Myaornyi, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking the preparations and approval of a N24.6 billion Promissory Notes to reimburse Nasarawa and Kebbi States on the costs of their Airports taken over by the Federal Government.
Nasarawa is to be reimbursed N9.5 billion while Kebbi is to be reimbursed to the tune of N15.
1 billion.In the letter read by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the Plenary on Thursday, the President said, the takeover of the airports was in line with Item 3 of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which placed the ownership of Airports and other Aviation related infrastructure in the exclusive list.
Similarly, the President in a separate letter presented an Executive Bill, the National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 for the House consideration.
The President said the bill seeks the creation of an agency for Nigeria to achieve world standards and codes on Doping by signatories to the international regulations.
He urged the House to give the Bill a speedy consideration before the commencement of the Olympic Games coming up later in July.
In another letter, the President sought the approval of a supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 2023 fiscal year.
Tinubu Transmits Bill on Sports Performance Enhancement Drug to Senate
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking to prohibit Nigerian athletes from consuming substances that enhance performance during or after competitions.
The president’s request was contained in a letter read by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary on Thursday.
The bill titled “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024”, if passed, will regulate substances that can be consumed by athletes during sporting events.
In the letter, Tinubu said the bill would provide a legal framework for the establishment of the National Anti-Doping Organisation to regulate sporting competitions.
He explained that the establishment of the agency was a requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sports organisations and among public authorities around the world.
Tinubu noted that the law will help Nigeria avoid the imposition of signatory consequences and the inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental and world championships or major athletic events.
“In accordance with the provisions of section 58 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I forward herewith the National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 for the kind consideration of the Senate.
“The National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 seeks to create an administratively independent National Anti-Doping organisation, which is a cardinal requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the international standard for code compliance by signatures.
The enactment of this vital legislation will also help Nigeria avoid the imposition of signatory consequences, the inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental and world championships or major athletic events”, Mr Tinubu added.
The president, however, urged the lawmakers to consider the bill before the Olympic Games seminar scheduled to be held in Paris in July for Nigerians to be part of the competition.
“It is my hope that this submission will receive the humankind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Nigeria for passage of the same to law before the Olympic Games seminar in Paris in July 2024.
“Please accept, distinguished president, the assurances of our highest consideration. Regards.”
The Senate at the plenary on Thursday passed through second reading, a Bill seeking for an Act to establish the Health Infrastructure Development Agency to provide a comprehensive framework to guide the planning, financing, construction, maintenance, and regulation of healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation titled; “Bill for an Act to establish Health Infrastructure Development Agency,” was sponsored by the Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu.
Leading the debate on its general principles, Ngwu who represents Enugu West senatorial district explained that the bill seeks to promote development and improvement of healthcare infrastructure so as to enhance healthcare access, quality, and delivery across the country.
He further explained that it seeks to strengthen the healthcare system by focusing on the modernization of healthcare facilities by leveraging public-private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure development.
The lawmaker lamented that the Nigerian healthcare industry faces challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, inadequate medical personnel and deteriorating medical infrastructure.
Making reference to a report by the International Trade Administration, which stated that Nigeria is still underdeveloped, lacks modern medical facilities and its healthcare indicators were some of the worst in Africa, Ngwu recalled that to reverse the trend, the government approved the second National Strategic Health Development Plan (2018-2020).
He pointed out that part of the objective of the plan was to improve availability and functionality of health infrastructure required to optimize service delivery at all levels, saying that it’s against this background that this Bill is proposed.
The lawmaker added that the Bill was a bold attempt at not only reversing the medical tourism of Nigerians to other countries, but also seeks to make Nigeria a medical destination hub within the shortest possible time.
“Healthcare infrastructure constitutes a major component of the structural quality of a health system. It is a key pillar that supports the aim of promoting improved standard of medical care and wellbeing. The Bill outlines the responsibilities and powers of a Board, emphasizes collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, and provides for the issuance of regulations and guidelines to support effective implementation of its objectives.
“The Bill proposes the establishment of an Agency to administer the framework for policy direction, standards, guidelines, efficient construction processes, and quality control measures. The Agency would also ensure that healthcare facilities are designed, constructed, and maintained to meet the highest standards and support the delivery of quality healthcare services.
“The Bill emphasizes the importance of rural healthcare access and outlines strategies for addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas. By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can enhance healthcare access and delivery in rural communities, improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Provision is also made to accommodate the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the types of PPP models that can be employed. By implementing these guidelines, Nigeria can effectively leverage the expertise and resources of the private sector to improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality,” Ngwu said.
Thereafter the Bill was put to a voice vote by the President of the Senate; Godswill Akpabio who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the Committee on Health Institutions.
Senate Passes North West Development Commission Establishment Bill
Similarly, the Senate on Thursday passed the North West Development Commission (NWDC) establishment bill, to address challenges facing the seven states in the zone.
This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, on the NWDC (Establishment) at Thursday’s plenary.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Shehu Kaka from Borno State said the purpose of the bill was well structured and strategically streamlined, for the socio-economic development of the North West zone of the country.
He added that the commission’s establishment would bring the federal government closer to the north western states, and meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
Kaka, therefore, urged the Senate to pass the bill.
The lawmakers unanimously passed the bill when it was put to a voice vote by the deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin who presided over the plenary.
In his remarks, Barau commended his colleagues for supporting the bill’s passage.
He said the commission would address the challenges, facing the zone and, by extension, the country.
Describing the North West as the food basket of the country, he said the commission would also work toward the restoration of infrastructure, destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the zone.
“So if we are serious about ensuring we have food, and for food security to be attained in this country, we must provide the necessary infrastructure for all our key sectors to thrive well.
“This commission is needed. I commend you all for supporting this; no one said no. Everybody supported this idea. So, now we are pushing the Bill to the House of Representatives for their approval and then, to Mr President for assent,” he said.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected armed herdsmen again reportedly killed a pregnant woman, 10 other persons during attack on Akilo community in Usha council ward in Agatu West of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
It was gathered that the victims were killed in their homes by the marauders who invaded the community at about 3:30pm on Sunday.
The caretaker chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr.
Yakubu Ochepo, who confirmed the killings, said that “11 people were killed. ”Ochepo said of the number of deaths recorded, seven corpses have been recovered.
According to him, A pregnant woman corpse, an elderly man and that of five youths have been recovered, adding that the community members were able to achieve this through the aid of soldiers and Air force personnel deployed to the area.
“Soldiers and Air Force went there yesterday (Sunday), to recover the corpses. There were gunshots and they were running away only to regroup again.
“I’m in Makurdi now to report to Operations Whirl Stroke. We need more hands. We hear they captured some alive and threw some into the river but we are still waiting for more reports from the area.
“We have not been able to recover the remaining four corpses yet,” he explained.
Ochepo appealed to both the state and Federal Governments to take drastic action towards ending the carnage by deploying more security personnel to Agatu to check the activities of the killer herdsmen in the LGA.
When contacted, the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene said she was yet to get information about the fresh attack in Agatu.
It would be recalled that three farmers were reportedly killed by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen at Ogbaulu community in Agatu LGA.
The victims were working on their farms when the herders came to slaughter them.
Similarly, on April 9, 15 persons were killed after suspected herders attacked same Ogbaulu community.
It was gathered that the attackers conducted relentless attacks on the area for two weeks, invading all the villages the area.
The Chairman of Agatu listed some of the communities currently under siege by armed herders in Agatu LGA as: Olegomakwu, Onahe, Ocholonya, Okokolo, Ugboju, Olegobidu, Odugbeho, Odejo, Ogbaulu, Imwenyi, Adana, Ologba-Gishu, Iwarri, Ejima-gope, Ejima-gochi, Ikpele and Okpokpolo.
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