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Opinion

The VAT Struggle : Lessons for the North

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By: Sani Danaudi Mohammed

The current VAT struggle between the Federal Government and two states in the South, Rivers and Lagos, is sending strong signals to the slumbering North. Obviously, they, the northern states, have abandoned the agriculture sector which could put the region on a global radar as a formidable exporter of cash crops to the international community. At the state level, the North is unfortunate to find itself under different clueless regimes. The governors’ overdependence on the federal allocations has finally forced the region to its knees, begging for alms to survive. It is incontestable that most states in the northern region would be completely on their knees should Rivers and Lagos States succeed in accomplishing their noble dream of becoming revenue collectors.

The term ‘VAT’, Value Added Tax, is a consumption tax that is being exploited by many developed and developing countries to great advantage. In any clime where consumption is key, VAT cannot be evaded. The truth of the matter is that the economic development and growth of any nation depends on its government’s ability to generate adequate revenue in order to effectively provide various infrastructural facilities and amenities to meet the growing needs of its population. Success in meeting its population’s needs enables a nation to maintain its pride of place among the global comity of nations. Proceeds from VAT have brought about wonders of socio-economic progress and infrastructure development in America, United Kingdom and France, to mention but a few.

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Rivers State governor, is currently taking the bull by the horn. A trained lawyer cum economist and former Minister of Education, the iconoclastic Wike, by his resilient stance on making VAT count in Rivers State, seems to have jarred some of his counterparts in other Nigerian states from sleep. And such stance has the potential of phasing out unproductivity on the part of many state governors who contribute little or nothing to the federation account. It is also capable of discouraging mediocre individuals with knowledge deficit on how economy works from contesting political leadership positions like governorship. With the development in Rivers, the installation of VAT will increase the blessings already existence in the oil-rich state. but Rivers State is not alone in this radical but promising move. The Lagos State governor, Babajide Samwo-Olu, has followed suit with the signing, into the law, a bill that will empower the State of Excellency to collect its VAT. This move will, no doubt, justify the sustained clamour for the replacement of economically tactless state gobernors with enterprising and visionary ones who have the will to generate productive ideas as well as translate such to resources for the overall good and interest of their people. Leadership, it must be stressed, is not a walk in the park. It entails responsibility. And to be responsible, a leader must be constructively creative.

In Nigeria, tax collection has become practically impossible, given the uninspiring reality that both the tax collectors and the tax payers share different sentiments in relation to VAT. The current global oil glut has adversely affected the revenue generation status of Nigeria. The over 60% drop in oil price to less than $40 per barrel was unanticipated by President Buhari-led government. And this has resulted in over 80% fall in the yield (spread) per barrel of oil produced in Nigeria. This markedly steep decline in the country’s revenue accounted for the 2016 budget deficit of over N2trillion, An untoward development like this has precipitated the continuous devaluation of the Naira, while the Gross Domestic Product( GDP) growth is slow, inflow of foreign direct investment has been cut down, bringing about rising inflation and growing unemployment.

The FG has put a stop on capital projects while allocation to the states of the federation has reduced. This has resulted in the inability of many state governments in the nation to honour the social contract (between them and the populace) which constrains their provision of necessary infrastructural facilities and pay workers’ salaries ranging as and when due. It is, therefore, very clear that there is the need to diversify the revenue base of the nation, and VAT is the panacea. As a major revenue source of advanced nations of the world, VAT is not well exploited to great advantage the Nigerian government.

Section 46 of the VAT Act introduces new definitions for animal feed and commercial aircraft spare parts and components. The definition of goods and services has been reviewed, as animal feed now refers to any raw, semi-processed or processed product which is fed to domesticated and other animals raised and slaughtered for human consumption as beef, goat, lamb, pork, chicken, fish and other kinds of meat. Such feed is also given to animals cultivated and raised for the production of milk or eggs as well as other sources of protein and nutrients useful to humans. Commercial aircraft spare parts and components, according the review, now refer to engines, propellers, radio apparatus, instruments, appliances, furnishing, parts of any of the foregoing, and generally any other article of whatever description maintained for installation in a commercial aircraft in substitution for parts or articles removed. All forms of tangible properties, movable or immovable, but which do not include land and building, money or securities.

Our northern governors must begin to see government and governance beyond addressing gatherings and making public speeches, Political leaders in Nigeria have, for decades, been riding on the coat tails of family privileges to acquire wealth by faulting, on many occasions, our Constitution. It is obvious that politics in Nigeria is now becoming a business of the weak-minded individuals who lack the vision to see beyond their noses to create ideas and innovations to generate income for infrastructure developments and create jobs. We all witnessed the plight of states’ legislations across the country, which mandates payment of huge amount of money to former governors and their deputies to the detriment of the electorate.

Since there is pegged monthly allocation coming from the federal purse which is not determined by the amount contributed by the federation states, many governors are more than lazy in contributing to the pool of fund expected to be shared at the month end. But they are quick to claim glory for voting figures during general elections. Indeed, it high time every state government learnt to steer its population towards contributing resources for the development of the state. We read from our archives about how the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sardauna of Sokoto and his counterpart in the Western Region, the late Obafemi Awolowo exploited this capability to great advantage in building very solid economic and educational structures which still remain the pride of the country.

The founding fathers of Nigeria were never this lazy. While Nigeria operated regional system of government, it became healthy competition among regional leaders, striving for development of their respective regions and people. While multiple streams of income generation were initiated, no one went to bed and wait for monthly allocations as the case is now. On a personal note, I see Wike and Nasir El-Rufai as the most radical political leaders in this country. The late Maitama Sule (Dan Masanin Kano) described such breed of politicians as responsible rascals because they are exactly the crop of leaders Nigeria needs now. They have been courageous to speak and implement policies and programmes which they consider right for their states and people, no matter whom their decisions may hurt.

On arriving Kaduna from Abuja on Saturday for a function, I, while passing through the busy Mando express way, saw young men. They were well dressed in uniform. And I kept wondering whether or not they were security agencies. Little did I realize that they were officers of Kaduna State Transport and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency (KASTELEA). This is one of the sundry initiatives boldly taken by Kaduna State to take the youths off the street. The major bye-product of this radical move is the emergence of a new Kaduna State under El-Rufai’s watch. It is true that Wike and El-Rufai are pacesetters while others follow. This is because they have set standards in terms of revenue generation. The cities of Kaduna and Port Harcourt currently wear a new look, as flyovers are beautifully scattered all over just because these two states are able to develop capacity for finding an alternative method of revenue generation rather than rely always on the federation account.

According to the available records of internally generated revenue (IGR) in the 36 States of the Federation in the year 2020, Lagos State topped the list, followed by Rivers, Delta, Ogun and Kaduna States. These states generated more than what other 31 states generated as IGR combined, which is why other states are financially dependent on the federation account where they account for 50% , 35% to local governments while the Federal Government is left with only 15% of the generated revenue.

In conclusion, it is evident that, should the governors of Rivers and Lagos States succeed in their plight then, like Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said, many states will collapse. It is not time for begging for alms but this is critical time for the northern states that are left behind to begin to think about the constructive ways to improve on their internally generated revenue. Otherwise, the sinking ship will spare no one. Though, the Appellate Court has ordered for the stay of execution of the earlier judgment secured by the Governors of Rivers and Lagos States with respect to the signing, into law, the bill that will empower the state governments to collect VAT, the wounds are not yet healed. Anyone accusing Wike or Sanwo-Olu on this needs urgent reorientation. Otherwise, he or she can be said to share the same lazy mindset with the of the northern Political elites in question.

Sani Danaudi Mohammed
National President,
Arewa Youths Advocate for Peace and Unity Initiative, Writes from Bauchi.

Opinion

Adaora’s Appointment: Behind Zenith Bank Staff Jubilations

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Adaora

 

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

There is no doubt about the fact that the staff of Zenith Bank were over the moon, over the appointment of the first female Group Managing -Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank,Adaora Umeoji. My interaction with some of them gave credence to this. Yes there were jubilations across their branches nationwide. The viral video where staff were rejoicing by hailing her is another testament that she is loved hugely by majority of the staff.

I have said it repeatedly in many of my articles or opinionated pieces in the past that great men or great women were synonymous with humility. This was one of the reasons the staff of Zenith Bank were happy on the announcement of her appointment. Whatever your class in the race of life, humility is key.

It has been discovered that most of the people that have worked with Adaora had a wonderful experience, because of her tenacious tendency in ensuring that staff welfare was not relegated to the background. Of course, in every corporate organization in the world staff welfare is key to effectiveness and performance of staff and the progress of the organization at large.

If you are a Chief Executive Officer of an organization, don’t ever joke with the welfare of your staff, because they can make or mar the progress of the organization. Many people have failed in this regard, that’s why whenever they are eventually removed from office, the staff spur into jubilation. You can only reap what you sow.

The new CEO has particularly been described by her staff as a hardworking personality, because she had her youth service with the bank before she was retained based on sterling performance.

According to some staff of Zenith Bank, she can go to any length to assist them whenever they needed help. She has empathy and focus. In the words of one of the staff “I have never seen a woman as passionate and hardworking like madam”. Olamide Obe, who is also a staff of Zenith Bank could not hide his joy as he shares Adaora’s remarkable journey into Zenith Bank as read in IntelRegion online .He said,” Adaora was someone every corper, ET and EA in Zenith Bank looked up to as role model those days. It’s so pleasant hearing that she has been appointed as the new MD of Zenith Bank. I wish her a succcessful tenure.”

Her success inspired many on social media platforms as netizens shared congratulatory messages. It is interesting to note that those who rejoice with her outnumbered her adversaries who were trying to disparage her. This is life and this is who we are.

If you listen to people’s challenges and you went all out to provide succour; you are invariably helping yourself. God does not forsake the doers of good. Just a prayer from one person could catapult you to a higher pedestal without your knowledge but with that of the Almighty.

She is proactive according to a source, which is also in conformity with the standard in any corporate organization. It is also one of the indices of a good Chief Executive as this can be captured in the words of Arnold Glasow: “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”

To Madam, the woman of the moment and the
newest CEO of a bank in town, it is imperative that she does not digress from the excellent attitude people have known her for, over the years. That could surely be a catalyst for her success. She should continue to be large-hearted and kind to her staff and humanity. Finally, she should not forget that moving her bank to a new height is of utmost priority.

She will resume officially on the 1st June,2024 as the new CEO

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

Sports journalists versus Kano Pillars FC matters arising

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji.

I have read with dismay the presd statement issued by our great association, SWAN Kano chapter bordering on Kano Pillars FC and its media recalcitrant technical crew led by coach Abdul Maikaba . I harbor pains over how one of the best football tactician, well travelled and expose , Abdul Maikaba allowed himself to be dragged to the centre of the brouhaha with sports journalists in Kano.
Maikaba has not acted differently anyway , he is only toeing the path of those before him, like Salisu Yusuf , Ladan Bosso, Okey Emordi, Babaganaru, maybe in exception of Kadiri Ikhana,who sometimes also would.not hesitate to display his other side too.often too.
These coaches and their paymasters, during their hey days with the Kano darling side. They had prefeered working with journalists based in Abuja or Lagos creating the feelings that SWAN Kano members were second class journalists.
Then and today no SWAN Kano member enjoys direct access to Kano Pillars coaches or players, you had.to rely on second hand interviews
The players were.mentored to see journalists as their potential destroyers, creating such hoaxes psyche in their camp to shield the world.from.the truth about their fraudulent dealings with players. Who had their salaries shared with some.coaches and.officlas.
They didn’t want the players to disclose the Alibaba surrounding the transfer and sign on deals associated with their movements in naira and in foreign currency without accountability .
Kano FA that would have helped the state government unravel the lack of transperrancy in the activities in the club, is suffering from one man show, under Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlqn and.lack of functional secretariat, which solely should represent the interest of the state government is fast asleep under the supervision of one Shehu Buhari, who had failed to use his executive powers ,for reasons best known to him.

Veteran journalist.and system boy, Mailkawa protected them from the dangers of the pen, they now thought , it is their birth right , that is why a simple question put to coach Maikaba , that ” why did you change your line up from the previous match “led to his being flared up and he allegedly resorted to raining abuses, because him don see Kano SWAN finish.
I blame.Malikawa and Ado Salisu , they have been protecting the crop of sports administrators and technical crew and coaches , who had been escaping the eagle.eyes of.sports journalists, , for years, I pray God will grant comrade Zahradeen Saleh and his team the strength to now take SWAN to the promise land.
You can not hate a child and like the mother. If Kano sports writers want to make a strong statement , to be taken serious on their new.stance on public interest sports journalism , they should boycot all KPFC activities , they should do so, they should go all out, not half way, no diplomacy,SWAN members are trade unionist not diplomats, boycotting Maikaba alone is lopsided. For long KPFC has been taking SWAN members for a prpfessuonal jolly ride, Malikawa was heavily guilty of shielding them from the ills of the pen hammer, this has been ongoing for years, many will testify and are .all living witnesses , how Malikawa had used his vast media network to protect Kano Pillars , amd.they have decided to hate him for daring to now reverse to do his job by asking the rightful question, that serves him.right, because he made them see evil.as good, good as evil, not asking relevant question by journalists as their birth right.
Evidence abound, why sports journalists count on their relationship with Malikawa to look the other way , whenever KPFC crossed the red lines.

if SWAN want to make a clear statement , then no half metted punishment, full dish should containing the media orishirishi should be served on KPFC.
Maikaba.and his gang should not be singled out secondly a letter should be sent to NPFL through SWAN national secretariat, thirdly no secret truce should be reached on this matter . But in all , one or two SWAN members like Malikawa and some others, like Salisu Musa Jegus, Muzamil Dalha Yola and Musibau Bala Chedi Yanguarasa should not be approached secretly as usual and they would start calling for secret truce , you naked me in the market place and you follow me to my bedroom to appease me , imagine. SWAN Kano members shine.your eyes.
The truth hurts oooh. But I will male bold to say that the Ibrahim Little KPFC administration has no professional respect or created a cordial working atmosphere for SWAN members and his administration from day one did not extend the fraternal hand of football friendship to SWAN , Mailkawa was.tryjng to manage the situation, if you understand, but today the truth is out in the open, Maikaba only acted the scrip of his paymasters.
SWAN Kano should take up the gauntlet and breath the courage to confront the KPFC paymasters, let SWAN not kill the message, but could kill the messenger, and also remember to kill the sender that is the encoder.

A ommittee should be set up to inesvitgate the matter and publish the report of the findings of the committee, I am ready to chair the committee , if given the task, to look.at happenings in Kano Pillars fc, in the past, present and way forward, and recommend necessary measures to forestall reoccurrence to the state government and general
public.
SWAN Kano should.go the way of what is known in the legal.system as.Amicus Curae.
The committee should.be mandated to look at Kano Pillars fc finances, recruitment of coaches and players, transfer deals, ticket sales, away matches,.sponsorship deals and.marketing and the general situation in the club and make recommendations to the state government and general.public, telling them what they need to know.
We have Kano Pillars fc that does not know the difference between sponsorship, patronage and patnership .
Most annoying is the attitude of Kano state government under His Excellency Emg Abba Kabir Yusuf towards the affairs of the club, Kano state government is treating Kano Pillars as the least of all lots.of its challenges, that is why Kano Pillars fc will be invited to international.meetings to meet with football investors, they will not attend not even to reply such letters of invitation , because they can always ran to Kano government house and they will.goven millions of naira, KPFC is now a prey on government meagre resources, even when it has the potentials to generate its own revenue into government coffers.
if other states do not know how.to run their football clubs to derive IGR, the incumbent KNSG should light the path,.other clubs don’t have the football revenue potentials of Kano Pillars.
If other states run their club for recreational and public relations purposes, Kano Pillars posses the potentials of achieving everything possible in the football business industry, ask anyone that know football business they will affirm this.
Ibrahim Little and his predecessors prey on government monies and even when the insignificant monies generated are been mismanaged SWAN Kano played the Ostrich , it kept quite, even when KPFC brand became a caricature , even in the face of face me I face you football management of the club, even when Alibaba and the 40 thieves managed the affairs of the club, SWAN was asked to remain cool to avoid distracting the players.
Now the bubble has burst .
Warning, with the brewing crisis between KPFC and sports writers in Kano, the father and son relationship between SWAN and KNSG commissoner of information and former president Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE , a strong supporter of the association, Halilu Babadantiye MNI, may not save the situation.
The relationship between SWAN and Ibrahim Garba ,.the current CPS to Kano deputy governor may not save the situation.
Football news travels like wild fire in the wilderness, SWAN members have sharpen their swords , beware of the ides of March.

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Opinion

Senator MT Monguno’s Impactful Initiatives: A Comprehensive Overview of Empowerment and Developmental Projects

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Senator MT Monguno

 

By Kashim usman sharif

Senator MT Monguno has been a driving force behind numerous impactful initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering development in some various sectors. His dedication and commitment to creating positive change have exalted in series of projects that have touched the lives of many individuals. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into Senator MT Monguno’s key initiatives, highlighting the innovative approaches he has taken, the laudable results he achieved, and the lasting impact on the zone he’s serving. Join us as we explore the transformative work of Senator MT Monguno and celebrate the positive difference he continues to make through his empowerment and Developmental projects.

 

1. Senator MT Monguno’s background and vision.

Senator MT Monguno is a distinguished leader known for his impactful initiatives aimed at driving empowerment and Developmental projects in his constituency. With a rich background in public service and a steadfast commitment to community progress, Senator Monguno has emerged as a beacon of positive change in the political landscape. His vision revolves around uplifting the lives of individuals through sustainable programs that address key issues such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development. By leveraging his experience and expertise, Senator Monguno has championed various projects that have significantly improved the qualitative life for the residents in his constituency. Hon Kyari Manguno who is an Ex-chairman of manguno LGA is also rendered unflinching support towards the thriving of developmental projects in the constituency and are all attributed by distinguished qualities in all ramifications.Join us as we delve into the comprehensive overview of Senator MT Monguno’s transformative initiatives and the lasting impact they have made on the community.

 

2. Key empowerment initiatives spearheaded by Senator MT Monguno

Senator MT Monguno has spearheaded several key empowerment initiatives that have had a significant impact on the communities he serves. One of his most impactful initiatives is the establishment of skills acquisition centers aimed at providing valuable vocational training to empower youths and women in various trades. These centers have equipped individuals with the necessary skills to start their own businesses and become self-reliant. Additionally, Senator MT Monguno has been instrumental in promoting education by providing scholarships to deserving students, this enable them to pursue their academic aspirations sufficiently. Furthermore, he has initiated various community development projects such as the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and roads to improve the overall quality of life for the people in his constituency. Senator MT Monguno’s commitment to empowerment and development has not only transformed the lives of many individuals but has also contributed significantly to the socio-economic growth of the region.

 

3. Developmental projects implemented in various sectors.

Senator MT Monguno has been a driving force behind numerous impactful development projects spanning various sectors. In the education sector, his initiatives have led to the construction of new schools, the provision of educational materials, and the implementation of teacher training programs to enhance the quality of education in the region. Additionally, in the healthcare sector, Senator MT Monguno has spearheaded the establishment of medical facilities, clinics, and health awareness programs to improve healthcare access and outcomes for the community. Furthermore, his efforts in the infrastructural sector have resulted in the construction of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure to connect remote areas and stimulate economic growth. Through his multifaceted approach to development, Senator MT Monguno has made a lasting impact on the lives of the people in his constituency, fostering empowerment and sustainable progress across various sectors. The Monguno’s chief of staff also have rendered unflinching support towards the thriving of developmental projects implemented in various sectors.

4. Impact and success stories from the communities served

Senator MT Monguno’s impactful initiatives have brought about significant changes and improvements in the communities he serves. Through various empowerment and developmental projects, Senator Monguno has positively impacted in the lives of his constituents. One such success story comes from a rural village where the senator’s initiative helped set up a women’s cooperative that specializes in handcrafts. The cooperative has not only provided a source of income for the women but has also empowered them to become financially independent and self-sufficient.

In another community, Senator Monguno’s efforts to improve access to education have resulted in the construction of a new school building. This school has opened up opportunities for children who previously had limited access to quality education. As a result, more children in the community are now able to pursue their academic dreams and build a better future for themselves.

These impact and success stories highlight the tangible differences that Senator MT Monguno’s initiatives have made in the lives of the good people of Northern Borno and Borno state at large. By focusing on empowerment and developmental projects, Senator Monguno continues to be a driving force for positive change in his constituency.

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