Economy

Group flays FG over distribution of EMT levy

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2022

Group flays FG over distribution of EMT levy

The Body of Attorneys General of the States of the Federation (BOAGS) has expressed displeasure over the Federal Government’s wrong distribution of funds derived from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMT Levy) to the Federal, state and local governments.

The group said it is in disregard of constitutional and statutory provisions, stating that neither section 163 of the 1999 Constitution nor section 89A of the Stamp Duties Act (SDA–introduced through section 48 of the Finance Act 2020) countenance the disbursement of the EMT Levy to local governments.

BOAGS insisted that each federating state must receive 85 per cent of the levy derived from that state as the law provides.
This was part of a communiqué issued and signed on behalf of members of the body by its chairman, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, and the Secretary, Dr. Abdulkarim Kana, Attorney General, Nasarawa State, after their second meeting held in Asaba, Delta State between November 30 and December 2, 2022.

According to the communiqué, “SDA provides a sharing formula for the revenue derived from the EMT levy, with 15 per cent of the revenue allocated to the Federal Government and Federal Capital Territory and the remaining 85 per cent allocated to the State governments.
Each federating state must receive 85 per cent of the levy derived from that state as the law provides.

“While we commend the financial sustenance of local governments, we counsel against the disregard of Constitutional and statutory provisions,” the group insisted.
Similarly, it noted the absence of pools, betting, lotteries, gaming, and casinos in the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists, while stating that these items are residual matters reserved exclusively for the states, outside the National Assembly’s legislative competence.
The body, however, agreed to join the government of Lagos State as co-plaintiffs in suit marked SC.1/2008 before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the body commended the National Assembly for the recent round of proposed constitutional amendments, many of which devolve powers from the Federal Government to the states.
It noted that devolution ensures that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities, and businesses they affect.
“The result will be more effective, better targeted public services, greater growth and stronger partnerships between public, private and community leaders in the states,” the communiqué stated.

The body, therefore, called on all state Attorneys General that have not done so to advise their Houses of Assembly on each proposed amendment’s relative merits or demerits to facilitate informed decisions by state legislatures.

Part of the communiqué also noted that at its inaugural meeting held in Lagos between June 15 and 17, 2022, whereby the body called on the Federal Government to cease any deductions from the states regarding the purported N418 billion London/Paris Club Loan consultancy fee, pending the final resolution of an appeal filed on behalf of the states.
The body expressed displeasure and unequivocally condemned the Federal Government’s issuance of promissory notes despite the subsistence of an appeal on the matter.

It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to respect the Judicial process and immediately cease any further deductions to avoid imposing a fait accompli on the court.
Also, the body reinstated its commitment to taking immediate steps to ensure that Administration of Civil Justice Laws and procedures are strengthened, made more efficient or otherwise reformed to ensure speedy dispensation of justice and resolution of disputes, thus boosting the confidence of citizens in the justice delivery system.

Regarding the payment of pensions and gratuity for retired state Judges, the body reaffirms that the responsibility falls to the National Judicial Council under sections 80, 81(3)(c), 84(1), (2), (4) and (7); 2nd Schedule, Part 1, Item 44; 3rd Schedule, Part 1, Paragraph 21(e); and 3rd Schedule Part 2, Paragraph C of the 1999 Constitution.
Therefore, those provisions must be fully obeyed and implemented.

It reiterated its position regarding the constitutional powers of the federating states to establish anti-corruption bodies.

Also, the efforts by some states to establish anti-corruption commissions were commended.
BOAGS noted that crimes committed within a state’s territory must be investigated and prosecuted in that state.
It strongly condemned the transfer of criminal investigations from state commands to the Force Headquarters for collateral and/or obstructive purposes.

Furthermore, the body reasserted its invitation for all states to deploy appropriate technology in court proceedings, while restating its commitment to knowledge-sharing and inter-state cooperation in establishing best practices in administering justice.

The body also resolves to formally register BOAGS at the Corporate Affairs Commission, establish, staff and equip a permanent secretariat for BOAGS as well as financial sustenance of the body through the payment of yearly dues, collegiality among them and commitment from the state Attorneys General.

Economy

Bago inaugurates empowerment programme for 716 youths in Niger

Published

4 months ago

February 17, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger State has inaugurated an empowerment programme for 716 youths sponsored by a state lawmaker, Alhaji Sani Umar (APC-Kontagora 1), in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state.

While inaugurating the programme that involved disbursement of funds on Sunday in Kontagora, he said it would enable youths to acquire skills for self-reliance.

Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, commended the lawmaker for the empowerment programme, which he described as people-centred.

He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the support given to them, saying that the programme was designed to have a positive impact on their lives.

He said that the state government would continue to come up with policies th positive impact on the lives of the people, especially women and youths.

Bago said that youth empowerment was crucial to fighting unemployment, restiveness and hardship.

He commended the state legislators for their support and collaboration, attributing the government’s successes to their continued assistance and foresight.

The governor reiterated his resolve to foster cohesion between the executive and legislature, ensuring the delivery of democracy dividends to the electorate.

In his remarks, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the House of Assembly, commended the lawmaker for the initiative aimed at empowering the youths to become self-reliant.

He lauded the governor for not interfering with legislative engagements, and for promoting democratic principles in governance and the polity.

Earlier in his address, Umar, the sponsor of the programme, said the empowerment was aimed at reducing unemployment and restiveness among youths in his constituency.

He thanked the governor for his support and encouragement for the programme.

Also speaking, Alhaji Aminu Bobi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger, thanked the governor for his support and administrative prowess, which he said had brought significant changes to the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Mohammed, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and promised to make judicious use of the funds to better her life.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders in the stat

Economy

Benue at 49: Governor Alia’s Vision for Economic Prosperity and Infrastructure Growth

Published

4 months ago

February 3, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

Benue at 49: Governor Alia's Vision for Economic Prosperity and Infrastructure Growth

As Benue State celebrates its 49th anniversary, Governor Hyacinth Alia has emphasized his commitment to driving the state to unprecedented levels of economic prosperity and infrastructural development.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi, Alia outlined the significant reforms his administration has set in motion since he assumed office.

“Less than two years into our administration, we have achieved remarkable breakthroughs, unprecedented in the history of the state,” said Alia.

The governor highlighted key achievements, including the rollout of programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and agribusiness to ensure food security and improve livelihoods. “We have rehabilitated roads, opened new ones, constructed and fixed public facilities to make Benue more accessible, enhancing economic growth,” he stated.

Alia also underscored the administration’s focus on healthcare, pledging to advance healthcare facilities to ensure quality and accessible services for all citizens. “Our resolve is to take the state where every citizen experiences prosperity, security, and opportunity,” he added.

The governor stressed that achieving these goals requires the collective efforts of all Benue citizens. “This target cannot be achieved alone. It calls for the collaborative determination of all stakeholders, community leaders, traditional rulers, business owners, and our energetic youth. Together, the administration can build a future that mirrors our joint desires,” Alia urged.

As the state marks its 49th anniversary, the governor called on the people to remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting Benue’s growth. “I extend a hand of fellowship to all stakeholders to join hands with us in this noble endeavour,” he concluded.

Economy

NCS Records Historic ₦6.1 Trillion Revenue in 2024

Published

5 months ago

January 15, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic milestone, collecting a record ₦6.1 trillion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its ₦5.1 trillion target by ₦1.03 trillion. This represents a 20.2% increase above the target and an impressive 90.4% rise from the ₦3.2 trillion collected in 2023.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on January 14, 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, attributed the remarkable performance to strategic reforms, enhanced operational efficiency, and strong alignment with government policy objectives. “This growth is historic as it marks the highest year-on-year increase recorded by the Service in recent times,” he noted.

The record-breaking revenue is segmented into ₦3.66 trillion for the Federation Account, ₦816.9 billion for Non-Federation Account Levies, and ₦1.63 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports.

Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s effort to balance revenue collection with trade facilitation, granting concessions worth ₦1.68 trillion to stimulate industrial growth while tightening controls to prevent abuses.

The Service also achieved remarkable progress in trade facilitation, recording a 179.3% increase in total trade value to ₦196.94 trillion in 2024, compared to ₦70.5 trillion in 2023. This growth was driven by a surge in the export trade, which saw a 219.5% increase in value to ₦136.65 trillion.

Significant advancements were made in customs operations, including the introduction of the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. The latter has reduced cargo clearance times to an average of 43 hours for AEO-certified companies. Additionally, the indigenously developed digital clearance platform, “B’Odogwu,” generated ₦31 billion in revenue during its pilot phase.

In 2024, the NCS received international acclaim, advancing 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings and being recognised among the top five agencies for trade facilitation. Strategic partnerships, such as with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, have streamlined the clearance of medical supplies, aligning with the federal government’s health accessibility goals.

The Service’s trade facilitation efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) have also bolstered the participation of Nigerian exporters in global markets, with notable representation at the Biashara Afrika forum in Kigali.

Adeniyi attributed these achievements to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the dedication of NCS officers. He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to leveraging technology, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing operational efficiency to sustain growth.