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AGF Backs EFCC in Fight against Corruption, Recovery of Stolen Assets

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has expressed support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its crusade against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, stressing that the Commission is pivotal to President Bola Tinubu’s plan to entrench a culture of accountability in governance.

He stated this in Ilorin,  Kwara State on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the commissioning of the new office complex of the Ilorin Zonal Command of  the EFCC.  Fagbemi stated that Tinubu was determined to free Nigeria from the grip of corruption, noting that the EFCC was pivotal to the actualization of the plan.

“The EFCC is pivotal in the
Tinubu administration’s plan to remove impediment to accountability in governing institutions and strengthening mechanisms and platforms by which Nigerians can hold public officers to account”, he said.

He further stated that the recovery and repatriation of Nigeria stolen wealth was an issue of great concern to the administration stressing that, “the EFCC is expected to continue to lead the charge to trace, recover and facilitate the return of our stolen wealth.”  To achieve this, the AGF hinted at the government’s plans to embark on reforms aimed at strengthening legal frameworks geared towards improving the Commission’s investigation and assets recovery efforts.

The chief law officer of the nation reminded officers of the Commission of their obligations to always conduct their affairs strictly in accordance with the rule of law. “Beyond providing accommodation for the personnel of the Commission, it is the contemplation of this administration to remove every institutional and legal obstacle encumbering the Commission.  Myself and the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede are in accord on this, and I hope all personnel of the Commission will appreciate the fact that corruption is best fought within the ambit of the law”, he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede  charged officers of the Commission to be steadfast in their efforts to sanitise the business environment and support the nation’s  drive to attract foreign direct investment, FDI, by tackling  economic and financial crimes of all hues,  stressing that there would be no excuse for non-performance
Olukoyede used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to refocus the anti-corruption war by adopting modalities capable of stimulating economic growth and development in the overall interests of Nigerians.

He described the commissioning of the Ilorin Zonal Command’s office complex as “a dream come true”, pointing out that the occasion was a fulfilment of a promise he made a few days ago when he was in Ilorin on a familiarisation visit.

 He recalled  that the office,  which was established in 2019,  began operation from a rented apartment not too far from the new site,  noting that the desire to have a more secured environment for operational and administrative works informed the commissioning of the new office.

The EFCC boss commended the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his contribution to the successful delivery of the project. He also acknowledged the support of the Presidency and the National Assembly in appropriating funds for the completion of the project.

He further stated that “the anti-corruption thrust of the present administration is backed with political will” and assured that “the EFCC is ready to carry on with the fight in accordance with the rule of law.”

The EFCC Chair while commending the Ilorin Zonal Command for the successes recorded particularly in the mining sector, urged officers of the Commission to intensify efforts on the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of  President  Tinubu administration in the solid minerals sector. “I expect to see more vigorous enforcement of the law against illegal miners to ensure the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Tinubu administration in the solid minerals sector”, he said.

 In his goodwill message,  Kwara State governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq noted that the fight against corruption “is a national campaign that we must all support, especially at institutional levels’ ‘.  Abdulrahman, who is also the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum said that his administration recently organised a three-day intensive training on Compliance with Anti-Corruption Policies and Financial Regulatory Frameworks to keep commissioners, permanent secretaries, and other top government officials abreast of key issues in public financial management, sustainability reporting, and tax frauds, among others. 

 He stated further that, “erecting strong mechanisms to prevent the commission of crime, having the right legal framework and networks to checkmate corrupt practices, and striking the right balance between the public’s right to know of anti-corruption efforts of the government and actually recovering looted funds through strategic partnerships have been a bold feature of the President’s agenda to fight graft in a sustainable way.”

While congratulating the EFCC on the feat of having its Zonal Office in Ilorin, the governor praised the Commission’s efforts in tackling all shades of financial crimes. 

The newly commissioned office complex, apart from providing office accommodation for all categories of staff, also has purpose-built interrogation rooms, holding facility for suspects, and canteen that serves the needs of both personnel and suspects in detention.

 The event was graced by eminent personalities across the country including members of the state’s executive council, federal and state legislators, heads of security and law enforcement agencies, heads of government corporation and agencies, captains of industries and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

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NiMet And FUPRE To Partner On Weather Observation, Research And E-Learning

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NiMet And FUPRE To Partner On Weather Observation, Research And E-Learning

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), is to collaborate with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE),Delta state, on weather observation, research and e-learning.

Left to Right: Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, and Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta state, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between NiMet and the university on Thursday, 16th May 2024.

This was disclosed by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, on Thursday, 16th May 2024, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between NiMet and the university.

Professor Anosike observed that oil companies have weather stations spread across the shores of Nigeria, which are illegal according to the new NiMet Act. He said that these weather stations need to be registered with NiMet in compliance with NiMet Act and solicited the collaboration of the University to achieve this.

Speaking further, Professor Anosike noted that the partnership with the petroleum institution will not only help improve data gathering on climate risk in the area, but also strategically make NiMet become the centre of excellence in disseminating the risk to the oil and gas sector.

“I will like the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), to take advantage of NiMet’s e-learning services that will soon be unveiled. It would actually fast-track introduction of joint courses between FUPRE and NiMet”, Professor Anosike concluded.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh disclosed that the institution expects support from NiMet in the installation of observatory stations, training personnel on generation of weather data that can support research, journals and academic publications and other good interventions that will impact on the university and its environment.

Amongst other things, the MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework between NiMet and FUPRE for joint efforts in research, training and promotion of activities relating to meteorology/climatology and climate change in Nigeria. Specifically the MoU will have NiMet Install its observatory station known as Resident Observatory Station (ROS) in suitable locations within FUPRE for the purpose of carrying out meteorological activities.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Director, Legal Services of NiMet, Barr. Shola Gabriel and other staff of the Agency. The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh signed on behalf of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) , Delta state, while Professor Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.

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Tax Conference: Sanwo-Olu, Zulum, Amosun, Other Experts Seek Transparent Tax System to Boost Internally Generated Revenues

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Tax Conference: Sanwo-Olu, Zulum, Amosun, Other Experts Seek Transparent Tax System to Boost Internally Generated Revenues

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his counterparts from Sokoto and Borno States have emphasised the need to make the country’s tax system more transparent and accountable to Nigerians to boost confidence and voluntary compliance.

The governors made the call at the ongoing 26th Annual Tax Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja, with the theme, “Sustainable Tax Culture and Economic Roadmap for Nation Building”.

Speaking at the conference, Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, said the theme of the Conference was apt and timely given that Nigeria, like many other nations, is currently facing significant economic challenges.

While underscoring the crucial role of a transparent and efficient tax administration in fostering confidence and voluntary compliance among taxpayers, he emphasized the necessity for citizens to witness tangible outcomes from their tax contributions, highlighting the pivotal role taxes play in fueling public services and infrastructural development.

Sanwo-Olu stressed the shift in mindset needed, urging taxpayers to view tax payments not as a burden but as an investment in a better future for Nigeria.

He said building a strong and sustainable future through a robust tax system that fosters economic growth and development had become inevitable.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We must all understand the crucial role taxes play in building a better Nigeria for ourselves and for generations to come.

“The theme also highlights the need for a clear economic roadmap which should take note of the architecture of our developmental ideologies as they are designed to provide the government with the necessary resources to cater for the social needs of its citizens, therefore we need a tax system that incentivizes investment, job creation, and economic diversification.

“We need to explore innovative ways to expand the tax base while fostering a business environment that allows our economy to thrive. The good news is that Nigeria is already taking positive steps in these directions. The recent efforts to streamline state-level taxes and the focus on integrating the growing remote workforce into the tax net are commendable initiatives.”

The governor said, “The CITN plays a vital role in fostering this vital shift. Your commitment to professional excellence and education is instrumental in ensuring a tax system that is fair, efficient, and promotes economic development.”

However, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who declared the conference open, while stressing the need to prioritize growing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) over relying solely on borrowing to fund national and sub-national budgets, said borrowing to fund the budgets was not the way to go amid the current national economic challenge when “our nation and its constituent states and local governments are going through very difficult times and finding it hard to provide for its teeming populace, acceptable standards of living, employment with the growing population of youths, infrastructure and basic amenities that will make life more meaningful”.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State criticized inefficiencies and corruption in the current tax administration system.

Zulum, represented by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, highlighted the shortcomings of the current tax system, including tax evasion, avoidance, and lack of transparency.

He called for critical reforms to address these issues, including tackling corruption in both the oil sector and governance system. He criticized the political protection of tax evaders and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in tax administration.

While calling for critical reforms, he lamented the manipulation and connivance of multinationals with tax administration to short-change the system, he added that this represented one of the hallmarks of corruption in both the oil and governance system.

In his remarks, the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, said the conference will greatly assist in exploring innovative ways of improving revenue generation in the country.

He said the economic and revenue challenges had made it difficult for governments at all levels to implement their people-oriented programmes, thus the need for the government to devise a means for more funds to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.

The governor said taxation remained a veritable source of resource mobilization for the government adding that his administration would work with CITN to boost IGR in the state.

The Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF), Mr. Shaakaa Chira, said the country’s tax system was plagued by instances of tax evasion especially by the upper class, multiple taxation and inability to properly account for taxes collected by administrators.

The Chairman of the conference planning committee, Dr. Adeyemi Sanni, noted that for Nigeria to achieve meaningful fiscal development over the long term, it is imperative to establish a tax culture that can withstand economic fluctuations and challenges.

President and Chairman of the CITN council, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, emphasized the importance of investing in technology and people at the subnational level to effectively track revenues in the digital space, including cryptocurrency. This, he believes, will help maximize government revenue flow.

Mr. Agbeluyi stressed the need to provide support to revenue authorities through financial and administrative autonomy, empowering them to effectively administer taxes as he noted it is clear that a strategic approach to revenue management is crucial for the overall financial health of the government.

The CITN boss stated further, “This is a thought-provoking topic that requires all of us to put on our thinking hats. As we deliberate, we must recognize that our nation faces significant challenges. Our current economic realities as a country are multifaceted, despite efforts to improve the narrative by the current government.

He said, “The 2024 budget of “Renewed Hope” as we know relies significantly on non-oil revenue, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Therefore, building a sustainable tax culture capable of significantly improving our tax revenue performance for an effective. economic and capital formation becomes a top priority.”

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Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum @15, gets June date

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Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum @15, gets June date

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The date for the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) has been unwrapped for Thursday, June 27, by organisers, ITREALMS Media group.

Disclosing this, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s edition marks the 15th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on IG4D series and comes with the theme “IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy & Safer Civic Space in Nigeria” at the prestigious Welcome Center Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.

Nweke recalled that in 2009, the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development made a debut and ever since has been steadfast in rallying stakeholders to take discourse on Internet access, openness, affordability, connectivity and ICT infrastructure among others.

This year, he also said, as NDSF marks 15th years of impacting various Nigeria’s economic sector with yet another series on the theme: IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy and Safer Civic Space in Nigeria.

“It will also be a time for recognition of corporates and individuals for their contributions in deepening Internet penetration, improving access and affordability as well as technological adaptation that begets digital sense in our society,” Nweke said.

NDSF series on IG4D, powered by ITREALMS Media group is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa, an At-Large Structure (ALS) certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria chapter, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) among others.

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