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Broadband: NCC targets 80% Nigerian population by 2027

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to broadband expansion into the unserved area, stating that it will make sure 80 percent of the Nigerian population is covered with telecom service.

It stated that it will ensure that every business, including startups and multinational corporations, has equal access to the digital highway, regardless of their size or location.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who made the pledge in his address during the NCC Day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair said that the Commission is pursuing the target of boosting Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70% by the end of 2025, while also targeting that coverage is provided to at least 80% of the country’s population, especially the underserved and unserved populations by the end of 2027.

Maida, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, stated that the Commission recognisged that the telecommunications industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe.

He added that without any doubt, the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, stressing, “We bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector by leveraging telecommunications infrastructure to empower individuals, connects businesses, strengthen industries and enable Governments to provide essential services efficiently thereby driving development and prosperity.”

According to him, providing an enabling environment for the deployment of critical digital infrastructure is tied to the Infrastructure Pillar of the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy’s vision for the Digital Economy.

The NCC boss revealed that the Commission has seen the transformative power of digital connections during recent challenges, where businesses relied on telecommunications to adapt and survive .

Maida observed that creating value in the telecommunications sector is not just about providing faster and more reliable connections but that it’s about fostering an environment of fair competition, innovation, and inclusivity.

“This means that we must encourage investment in infrastructure, stimulate research and development, and protect
consumers’ interests. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our businesses, boost productivity, and ultimately create a more prosperous society.

“Our regulatory approach is designed to address the ever-evolving landscape of
technology. As 5G, IoT, and other innovations become integral to business
operations, we are proactive in adapting our policies to support their integration and protect the interests of all stakeholders,” he said.

The President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Michael Olawale-Cole noted the level of telecommunications infrastructure for boosting the Nigerian economy, as he applauded the NCC for targeting 70 percent broadband by 2025 as well as the 80 percent coverage of Nigeria by 2027.

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LIRS Sets January 31 Deadline for Annual Tax Returns Filing by Employers

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LIRS Sets January 31 Deadline for Annual Tax Returns Filing by Employers

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has issued a reminder to all employers in Lagos State to fulfill their statutory obligation to file annual tax returns for the 2024 financial year on or before January 31, 2025. This requirement is in line with the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) Cap P8 LFN 2004 (as amended).

In an official statement, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, emphasized that meeting this deadline is a legal obligation. He warned that failure to comply will result in statutory sanctions, including penalties, as prescribed by law.

Section 81 of PITA mandates employers to submit comprehensive annual returns detailing all emoluments paid to employees, including taxes deducted and remitted to relevant tax authorities. These returns must be filed no later than January 31 each year and cover the income and taxes paid during the preceding year (2024).

Dr. Subair stressed, “Employers must prioritize the timely filing of their annual income tax returns to avoid penalties. Submitting returns on or before the deadline ensures compliance with the law and supports accurate revenue tracking, which is essential for Lagos State’s fiscal planning and sustainability.”

To simplify the process, LIRS has transitioned to a fully digital filing system. Employers must file their annual tax returns exclusively through the LIRS e-Tax portal at https://etax.lirs.net. Manual submissions are no longer accepted. Mr. Subair described the e-Tax platform as secure, user-friendly, and designed to provide employers with a convenient way to manage their tax obligations.

Employers are reminded to include the Payer ID of all employees in their returns. Employees without a Taxpayer ID are advised to generate one immediately on the e-Tax platform to prevent disruptions during the filing process.

To assist employers, LIRS has deployed staff across its offices to provide guidance on using the e-Tax portal and addressing related concerns. Employers are encouraged to act promptly to meet the deadline and ensure compliance with tax laws.

For further information or assistance, employers and taxpayers can use the following support channels:

            •           Website: www.lirs.gov.ng

            •           Social Media:

            •           Facebook and LinkedIn: Lagos State Internal Revenue Service

            •           Instagram and YouTube: @lirsgovng

            •           X (formerly Twitter): @lirs_govng

            •           Email: etaxinfo@lirs.net

            •           Customer Care Hotline: 0700-CALL-LIRS (0700-2255-5477).

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GOCOP applauds Gov Okpebholo for appointing Edomaruse, SA, Int’l Development

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GOCOP applauds Gov Okpebholo for appointing Edomaruse, SA, Int’l Development

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has applauded  Edo State governor, Mr.  Monday Okpebholo for the appointment of Mr. Collins Edomaruse as his Special Adviser, International Development Partners (IDP).

President of GOCOP and Publisher of RealNews Online, Ms Maureen Chigbo described  Edomaruse’s appointment as a welcomed development.

Chigbo in a press statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, also congratulated Edomaruse for this appointment assuring of support from over 110 members of GOCOP in carrying out his duties.

Until his appointment, Edomaruse who is a founding member of GOCOP and the Secretary General of the body of reputed online publishers is also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), among others.

Edomaruse doubles as the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of METROWATCH, and has held several senior editorial management positions in THISDAY, including Group News Editor, Group Politics Editor, Deputy Editor, Daily, Saturday and Sunday titles respectively, as well as the Editor, Nation’s Capital/Abuja Bureau.

Also known as ‘General’ because of his mastery of the Defence Beat, his records in THISDAY have remained unbeaten, where he ranked the best among the editors.

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Christmas: LAWMA Seeks Responsible Waste Disposal

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Christmas: LAWMA Seeks Responsible Waste Disposal

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced its readiness to tackle the expected surge in waste generation across the metropolis during the Christmas festivities.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who gave the assurance on Monday in his office at Ijora Olopa, said the Authority had put measures in place to meet the waste management needs of residents during the Yuletide.

He said, “We have put adequate measures in place to address the increase in waste generation that comes with the festive season. Our teams are fully mobilised with trucks and personnel to ensure prompt collection and disposal of waste in all parts of Lagos.

This is part of our commitment to making Lagos a clean and liveable city during and after the Christmas holidays.”Gbadegesin noted that, as part of its operational strategies, LAWMA would deploy additional waste collection trucks and personnel to high-traffic areas, including markets, residential neighbourhoods, and commercial hubs, adding that the Authority would work relentlessly to address peak waste volumes and ensure all areas receive prompt attention.“Our approach is comprehensive.

We are committed to maintaining a clean environment during and after the celebrations. However, we need the cooperation of all residents to bag and containerise their waste properly, to facilitate efficient collection. Waste left unbagged often scatters, causes low turnaround time and hazards for our sweepers and other road users”, he stated.

The LAWMA boss also reiterated the need for motorists to drive carefully and watch for sanitation workers, who will be working tirelessly to clean roads and highways during the festive period. “Road safety is paramount.

We appeal to motorists to exercise patience and caution, especially around our sweepers.

They are dedicated to keeping Lagos clean, and their lives should be safeguarded at all times. Reckless driving endangers everyone, and we urge all road users to be mindful and responsible”, he said.

He further informed that LAWMA had intensified its public awareness campaigns, to educate residents on proper waste management, which included targeted radio programs, press releases, and active engagement on social media platforms, all aimed at encouraging Lagosians to take responsibility for their waste.“We are leveraging every available platform to sensitise Lagosians.

Our goal is to establish a culture of cleanliness and responsibility, ensuring that waste is managed responsibly by every individual and household.

This collective effort will significantly reduce environmental hazards and enhance waste collection efficiency”, he added.

While wishing residents a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, he assured that names and phone numbers of management staff members would be published for monitoring and complaints.

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