The State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Kano Command, Kazeem Sholadoye, has cautioned that failure to address climate change effectively could lead to a surge in fire incidents and floods.

He issued this warning during the 2nd Kano Fire Summit organized by the Federal Fire Service Kano Command in collaboration with Northwest University, held at the university’s City Campus.

Sholadoye emphasized the summit’s role as a platform to raise awareness, educate the public, and foster partnerships among key stakeholders in the fight against fire disasters.

“This summit is a platform to enhance awareness, educate the public, and strengthen collaborations among key stakeholders in the fight against fire disasters.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Prof. Atiku Kurawa, represented by Prof. Abubakar Garba, reiterated the institution’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle climate-related challenges.

He highlighted the university’s proactive efforts to educate students about climate change and disaster mitigation.

“At YUMSUK, we are doing our best to enlighten our students about climate change, its implications, and the steps they can take to contribute to a safer and more sustainable environment.”

The 2nd Fire Summit served as a clarion call for Nigerians to prioritize fire safety and disaster management amid the growing risks posed by climate change.

The event underscored the urgency of collective action to safeguard lives and property in an era of mounting environmental challenges.

The State House has issued a statement clarifying the contents of the transformative tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, denying claims that the bills recommend scrapping key agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that no provision in the bills would impoverish the North.

The statement addressed the misinformation and deliberate attempts to mislead the public by various political actors and commentators. “Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills,” Onanuga stated. He criticized those who have polarized the country and incited people against lawmakers.

Onanuga clarified that the tax reform bills aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, and will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent at the expense of other parts of the country. “The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country,” he asserted.

Contrary to the lies being peddled, the statement emphasized that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will not cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills. “Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes,” Onanuga explained.

President Bola Tinubu’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms aim to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and create a conducive environment for businesses. “For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies,” the statement noted. The multiple taxes have made Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and have forced some companies to relocate to other countries.

The proposal in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030. This time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations.

Onanuga stressed that changing an agency’s funding source does not amount to scrapping it. “None of the countries leading globally in education, science, engineering, or information technology have similar earmarked taxes,” he pointed out. The tax bill seeks to address the problem of overburdening businesses with multiple taxes.

The statement called on relevant stakeholders and public analysts to educate themselves about the bills’ contents and avoid misleading the public. “We may be entitled to our opinions, but such views must be informed and based on facts, not emotions targeted at inflaming passions,” Onanuga urged.

President Tinubu welcomed the public interest in the bills and encouraged leaders across the country to participate in the Public Hearings organized by the National Assembly to present their views on tax and fiscal reforms. “What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete and unhelpful in achieving the growth and development we desire for our country,” the statement concluded.

The Kano State House of Assembly has strongly opposed the tax reform bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly, citing concerns over their potential negative impact on northern states.

It was  gathered that Kano Assembly unanimously rejected the bills after deliberations during Monday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Ismail Falgore.

Majority Leader Lawan Husseini, representing Dala Constituency, presented a motion of “urgent public importance,” urging northern lawmakers and the Conference of Speakers to ensure the bills do not become law.

Husseini criticized the Senate’s support for the bills, describing it as a calculated plan to sabotage the economy of the northern region.

He expressed particular concern over the proposed allocation formula for Value Added Tax (VAT), arguing that it heavily favors states like Lagos, where most major corporations, banks, and multinationals are headquartered.

“Eighty percent of the VAT collected in Nigeria will go to Lagos and its environs, leaving many northern states with minimal shares.

This will weaken states in the north, making it difficult for some to pay salaries and increasing hardship and poverty,” Husseini stated.

Hon. Salisu Mohammed of Doguwa Constituency supported the motion, urging federal lawmakers to prioritize pressing national issues such as insecurity and unemployment instead of rushing the tax reform process.