Nami: Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, One of Greatest Innovations of FG

 

 

The Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme has been described by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami as one of the greatest innovations of the Federal government in its resolve to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

 

The scheme which provides for public-private partnership intervention in the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of critical road infrastructure in the country with participants being entitled to Tax Credits against their future Companies Income Tax was the subject of debate at the Senate Stakeholder and Public Hearing on the 2023 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Paper, which held yesterday at the Senate Chambers.

 

“I think one of the greatest innovations of the government of the day is the Executive Order 007, which was signed into law in 2019,” Mr. Nami said. “I want to speak to the one we are handling jointly with the NNPC. The NNPC through its subsidiary for instance is investing in about 1,824 kilometres of roads across the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

 

“Some of these roads had been constructed as far back as 1976. I could remember when I was still rounding up my primary school education, the road that leads Suleja to Lapai-Agaie-Bida was constructed by a company called DTV. I am not aware of any significant work done on that road 40 years later, only until now when the NNPC is using Executive Order 007 to reconstruct the road.

 

“I can report authoritatively to the Chairman and members of this committee that from December 2021 to July this year, the contractor has completed the reconstruction of well over 50 percent of that road.

 

“The challenge of road construction in Nigeria has always been funding. Yes, there are contracts for the construction of roads, but funding these constructions is the challenge.

 

“The road leading from Suleja to Minna for instance was awarded some 11 years ago to a company for over N20 billion. Ironically, annual budgetary provision in our National Budget every year stands between N150 million to N200 million per annum. If we are to complete that road, going by the annual budgetary provisions it would take an average of 35 to 40 years before we finish it.

 

“I can confirm to the Chairman that with Executive Order 007, NNPC is now providing funds and in the next two to three years that road will be completed. This is an important innovation of the government and I would plead with this distinguished Committee of the National Assembly to support the government on it,” Mr. Nami noted.

 

Supporting the position of the FIRS Executive Chairman, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed explained further that the tax credit was only provided to the beneficiaries after completion of the construction work, and not before.

 

She noted that several companies had indicated interest in carrying out construction and rehabilitation of roads under the scheme across the country, adding that while some of these companies had commenced work, others were yet to as they were still finalising on some of the documentation requirements such as Bill of Quantities.

 

On the issue of revenue challenges being faced by the country, Mr. Muhammad Nami noted that a major cause of tax revenue loses for the country is the issue of having “fragmented tax systems and agencies.”

 

“In Nigeria we have 774 Local Governments, each of them have a tax authority; each of the 36 States, too, have revenue authorities with their respective mandates; then we have the FIRS and Customs. What I would advise for efficiency and to do things in line with global best practices, is that we should amend our tax laws to harmonise the tax agencies and tax system.

 

“With this, when the FIRS, for instance visits ‘Company A,’ it can serve one assessment on the company, and also on the individual that owns the Company; it can also ask the company to account for the VAT it has collected, and ask for PAYE it has deducted from its employees as well as the Personal Income Tax of the Promoters of the Company.

 

“This is currently not the case, and as such has created a huge gap in our tax system.”

 

The Senate Finance Committee, led by Senator Solomon Adeola charged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance and members of the government’s economic team to explore novel strategies that would shore up revenue for the Federal Government, including restructuring the remitting formula for Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

 

The Committee urged the Federal Government to consider a situation where Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) remit 100% of their revenue to the government, while being funded by a determined percentage of Cost of Collection as is the case with the FIRS and Customs.

 

Arguing for this, the Committee opposed the current situation where some government agencies were retaining hundred percent of their revenue, spending from it, and paying government operating surplus.

 

The Committee recommended that these GOEs should keep only 5 to 15 percent as their cost of collection from the revenue generated to cater for their salaries, operational expenses and capital expenditure as is currently done by the Nigerian Customs and FIRS, while remitting the difference of 85 to 95 percent of their gross earnings as against the current practice of operating surplus where they spend between 70 and 90 percent of their gross earnings.

 

The Committee noted that this also has the capacity to make them put in more effort to improve their revenue when compared to the FIRS and Customs.

 

The Committee further urged the Federal Government to apply the same logic to the running of government owned universities by providing funding for only research and infrastructure needs through the Education Tax already being administered by the FIRS, while allowing the Vice Chancellors to use the revenue from school fees and other innovative revenue sources to run the Universities.

Ooni of Ife Visits Cavista in Lagos, Lauds Health Technology Solution's Initiative

 

 

His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, recently visited the Lagos offices of Cavista Nigeria, and lauded its founder and chairman, Niyi John Olajide, for his strides in creating advanced technology as a tool for development and job creation.
During the visit, the Ooni further stated that the giant strides of Olajide, a proud descendant of Oduduwa from Erinmope-Ekiti, Ekiti State, should not go unnoticed.

 

“Despite the stereotype woven around Nigerian youths, Olajide has proven himself to be a worthy ambassador putting Nigeria on the world map as a problem-solver.,” the Ooni said.

“The purpose of my visit is to show my unflinching support for him and task the government to encourage technology businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams by creating an enabling environment.”

 

The Ooni also said Olajide, the founder and president of leading global healthcare technology company Axxess, a global partner to Cavista, is setting an extraordinary example for other business leaders.

 

“At a time when the best brains of our young people are relocating out of Nigeria due to a harsh economic climate, Olajide is in Nigeria utilizing his wealth of experience to create opportunities for job creation while ensuring consistent development of technology solutions in healthcare delivery across Africa,” the Ooni emphasized.

 

“Olajide is doing a lot, not only for himself but for the Nigerian youths he has engaged,” the Ooni continued. “Nigeria requires more than 65% of its total young population to take the lead in instituting modern governance and leadership, as well as establishing the noblest economic outlooks capable of competing favorably with any nation in the world through their entrepreneurial spirit.”

 

Since Olajide created Axxess in 2007 as an IT consulting firm, it has created and pioneered innovative healthcare solutions using cutting-edge technology to solve complex challenges in healthcare in North America and Africa. Today, Axxess is trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 3 million patients worldwide.

 

“With investments in Cavista Nigeria, where more than 250 software engineers are currently employed, we provide cloud-based solutions that can be used anytime, anywhere, so people can receive the absolute best healthcare efficiently and in the privacy and comfort of wherever they call home,” Olajide said.

“Olajide’s story of struggles and challenges resonate with me and strikes a chord with a lesson of always believing in your dreams,” the Ooni said. “His toughness and doggedness exemplify the widely-held belief of ‘no pain, no gain.’ Indeed, there is the promise of greater value and reward for the price of persistent and intentional work.”

Appreciating the Ooni for his words of encouragement and playing his fatherly role during the visit, Olajide noted he kick-started his entrepreneurial sojourn from his days at the University of Texas at Dallas, where the vision for Axxess was conceived.

 

Axxess has a diverse pool of employees representing more than 45 countries worldwide.

 

“I believe that when we can harness the power of our diversity, we will replicate our success around the world in Nigeria at Cavista,” Olajide said.

Siju Iluyomade Kicks Off 14th Arise Women Empowerment Project *skills acquisition, golf play, conference, others listed

 

 

Its yet another season of series of humanitarian gesture, with several activities lined up as usual to mark the 14th edition of Arise Women, a non-governmental organization championed by Dr Siju Iluyomade as a tool of intervention to awaken the consciousness of not only women in the society but humanity as a whole and as well support the efforts of government in cushion the effect of current socio-economic situation in Nigeria.

This year’s event has already started with several sensitization programmes including the official unveiling of the 14th edition special T-Shirts with different designs as well as revelation of the official theme of the season tagged ‘Appointed To Live’. The Convener, Dr Siju whose passion to continue impacting positively to the upliftment of the downtrodden made past editions of the event to be successful despite the financial constraint, is again poised to make sure all activities proposed for the 2022 season are achieved.

 

The initiative, which has always been experienced by thousands of individuals including prominent Nigerians and internationals in business, politics, entertainment and also the vineyard of the Lord regardless of faith or religion, has also been witnessing tremendous anticipation this year. According to information made available to us by the organizers, this year's main event will kick off with the Arise Golf Tournament on Friday October 7 at the Lagos Ikoyi Club and it is expected to Tee-Off by 7am. This is a new initiative to sensitize prominent Nigerians who are into the sport to support Arise in navigating several humanitarian projects proposed in assisting the less privileged in the country.

The Yearly health-awareness Arise Walk for Life will follow up on Saturday October 15th 2022 globally and it will commence at 7:00am in over 50 clusters across different African countries, including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and Australia and several European countries. Each cluster will be having a minimum of 25 persons amongst whom are influencers and celebrities

Later in the Month of October, there will be Skills Acquisition programmes in different fields, including Hairdressing, Catering, Computer Training, Soap & Cream Making among others. The event will culminate with the Arise Women Conference.

The 2022 Arise Women Conference as usual will witness prominent Women leaders, First Ladies and top celebrities across the country.

Gospel Music Sensation, Esther Osaji, Drops New Song's Video, 'Overtake'

  

 

This rising star Esther Osaji has broken the bounds with her audacious tune titled 'Overtake', that is rocking the air waves and breaking the Internet, especially the jaw dropping music videos that defines another level of Gospel Jams.

This pulsating groove gives a victorious touch to every line and will lift you beyond any downcast emotions you are going through.

 

Feel this jam and connect with Esther Osaji for more resounding and electrifying moments as she drops hit to hit.

 

https://youtu.be/ZdcJBPBNpcQ

 

Wiseman Daniel Stages Crusade in Botswana, Receives Presidential Welcome (Video)

 

It was pomp and pageantry as Wiseman Daniel whose biological name is Daniel Emelandu Udochukwu was given a presidential treatment when he arrived Botswana for a two day crusade.

Wiseman Daniel is one of the wiseman who late prophet T.B Joshua released the prophetic mantle on. He has proven to be a carrier of the prophetic, as through him God is moving in the miraculous.

As the man of God entered Botswana for a two day crusade, a presidential welcome was organised for the man of God. Dignitaries from all spheres of life, came together to welcome the man of God; bikers were not left out as they also showcased their beautiful stunts on the streets as they move.

 

International visitors from around the world also thronged Botswana at the Gaborone National Stadium eagerly waiting for their encounter with the Spirit of God. In excitement, they wave the flags of their nations believing Jesus Christ to remember and bless their countries as He is in Botswana.

Watch:

https://youtu.be/lBXVfIbCWc4

Quincy Ayodele Bags National Honour, Urges FG to Enact Laws To Promote, Regulate Herbal Practice in Nigeria

 

 

 

 

Traditional medicine practitioner and founder, Quincy Wellness and Naturopathic Centre, Dr Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele, has called on the national assembly to fast-track the passage of the Traditional Medicine Bill to regulate and promote proper practice of traditional medicine in the country.

 

 

 

 

Ayodele, who is a World Health Organization (WHO) expert on development of natural medicine, made the call during an interactive session with the media held on Thursday, 8th September in Lagos.

 

 

 

“There should be enabling laws that regulate the practice of herbal medicine.

 

 

 

 

Awareness and education for practitioners in other health-related fields will help to promote the practice," she noted, adding that, "It is good to also educate people to know that traditional medicine is not evil; but like every field, we have people who are not doing what they are supposed to do."

 

 

 

 

According to Mrs. Ayodele, medicinal plants in Nigeria are being underutilized, despite rising global demand for herbal medication.

 

 

 

Herbal and traditional medicine is supposed to be a cultural way of not only treating people but also diagnosing different types of health problems.

 

 

 

Quincy stated that herbal and traditional medicine should not be seen as a threat to other medical practices.

 

 

 

 

''Anybody feeling threatened by our practice should go back to school and we are ready to train them if they don't know anything about what we do because we have knowledge of what they do and we are ready to train them''.

 

 

 

 

If the bill is passed it will be well with Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

Speaking further on the advantage of passing traditional medicine bill, Quincy said; ''it will encourage professionals in the industry to integrate with the orthodox medical practitioner, just as Quincy has done because that is what is obtainable in many parts of the world now."

 

 

 

 

Quincy remains the only practitioner in the industry that has fully integrated by combining the traditional and orthodox systems for a better approach to treatment of ailments.

 

 

''We are supposed to be a nation that is supported by nature, we have all the natural resources around us, so, is it okay for us to put that nature behind us? what do you think nature will do if we care less? Nature will just begin to bring all diseases we think our practice can cure and, at the end of the day, we will realize that it's only nature that can cure the diseases," she warned.

 

 

 

 

''For instance, Covid-19 was a test, it forced everybody to go back to nature because you are putting your eyes on something else and eradicating nature to the background. So nature came out and said okay let me see how you are going to do it because it is still traditional medicine that managed Covid-19 proper," Quincy said.

 

 

 

 

She added that “traditional medicine is all that we had before the emergence of modern medicine. And the same applies to all cultures and civilisations. The continued interest and research into traditional medicine is the right way to go for further development of these ancient herbs in Nigeria."

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the ageless herbal treatment expert, has just been honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health for her commitment and expertise in the herbal health solution sector. Quincy was recognized alongside few other notable personalities during this 2022 celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day.

 

Buratai Commissions Projects at Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace, Biu

 

As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, on Wednesday, 7th September 2022, commissioned two projects at the Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace (TBIWP), Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), located at Buratai town. The projects, a modern storehouse and a souvenir shop, were in honour of two staff of the institute, the late Lawan Aliyu Buratai and the late Yusuf Abubakar Miringa, the TBIWP storekeeper and his assistant. Speaking at the occasion, Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan Garba (Rtd), the Director General of TBIWP, stated that he embarked on the projects to immortalise the memory of the two dedicated and hardworking gentlemen.

 

 

Before the commissioning ceremony, Lt Gen TY Buratai (rtd) was conducted around some of the new projects embarked upon by the DG, Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan Garba. These include a modern cafeteria and living accommodations.

 

The commissioning ceremonies were witnessed by the Director, Strategic Communication at the TBIWP, Major General Lawal Zakari, staff and some members of Buratai and Miringa communities, Biu Local Government Area.

 

 

In a related development, the Ambassador also commissioned some projects at the Community School for Higher Islamic Studies (CSHIS) Miringa executed by TBIWP as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. The projects include the provision of computers, water, and electricity and the renovation of classrooms in the school. The Commissioning ceremony also featured the presentation of 60 and 80 life society books to the students of the School, rendition, recitation and drama presentation on the importance of education by some of the students, as well as tree planting by some of the dignitaries.

 

Present at the occasion were His Royal Highness Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, Emir of Biu, Vice Chairman, Biu Local Government Council, Alhaji Hassan Pindar Mamza, the Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Professor Kyari Mohammed, who Professor Fatima Tahir represented, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Alhaji Maina Abba Mohammed, District Head of Miringa, Major General Lawal Zakari, Director, Strategic Communication at the TBIWP, Brigadier General PC Obilor, Director, Academic Planning, NAUB, Brigadier General Aliyu Ahmed (rtd) mni, Chairman of the Committee of the Community School for Higher Islamic Studies, Principal of the school and Mallam Yusuf Alhaji Adam. Others were Colonel Sabi’u Ado (rtd), Alhaji Sultan Hassan, Brigadier Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni, Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services, Nigerian Resource Centre, Engineer Mohammed Hassan, Lieutenant Colonel SN Bemu, Commanding Officer of 231 Battalion, and Major YM Kachalla, Commanding Officer of 135 Battalion Buratai, Major JG Usman, Commanding Officer, NAUB Admin Battalion, as well as many indigenes of Biu, Miringa, Buratai towns and surrounding, staff and students of the school.