Our attention has been drawn to false and misleading reports circulating on social media regarding the wedding of our daughter, Maryam Nasir Ado Bayero, to Jibrin (Abba) Barau I Jibrin, the son of the Deputy President of the Senate.

These reports claim that the wedding has been relocated from Kano to Abuja due to tensions surrounding the Tax Reform Bills.

I, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano, wish to clearly state as follows, on behalf of the bride’s families;

* That the decision to change the location of our daughter’s wedding from Kano to Abuja was purely and solely the decision of our families and not that of our daughter’s would-be husband’s family – the Deputy President of the Senate. Based on our tradition, the responsibility of picking the venue or location of the wedding rests on the shoulders of the bride’s family.

* The relocation of the wedding venue, slated for Friday, 13th of December this year, from Kano to Abuja, has no connection with issues generated by the Tax Reform Bills.

* That the wedding was relocated from Kano to Abuja weeks ago to make it convenient for personalities who have indicated interest in attending the wedding from across the country and abroad..

Therefore, we urge all those linking the change of the location of our daughter’s wedding with the Tax Reform Bills issue to desist forthwith.

As we all know, marriage is a significant matter in our religion and is part of the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and it should not be politicised.

Signed:
Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi,
Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano
Chairman of the organising committee of the bride’s families
December 2, 2024

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.