News

Forum Rejects Tax Reform Bill, Urges Senate To Agitate Withdrawal

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2024

A Bauchi based forum, under the aegis of ‘Togetherness and Development Forum’ has called for the withdrawal of the tax reform bill from the national assembly.

The Chairman of the forum, Abdullahi Koli, made the call on behalf of the forum on Wednesday during a press briefing at the conference hall of the National Commission for Museum and Monument, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb, Bauchi.

He said that the briefing was directed to senators representing Bauchi State in the national assembly, namely Abdul Ningi, from Bauchi Central Senatorial District; Shehu Buba, Bauchi South Senatorial District, and Ismail Dahuwa, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District.

He urged them to agitate for the immediate withdrawal of the tax reform bill in the red chamber.

“We, the Bauchi State Togetherness and Development Forum, with a sense of urgency and responsibility, convey the concerns of the good people of Bauchi State over the proposed Tax Reform Bills recently submitted to the National Assembly by the Executive Arm of Government.

“At a time when Nigerians, particularly in Bauchi State, are grappling with unparalleled economic challenges, this proposed legislation threatens to deepen the already dire conditions faced by the majority.

“We appeal to your sense of justice, equity, and representation to carefully reconsider these bills and advocate for policies that align with the needs and aspirations of your constituents,” he pleaded.

Relating the consequences of the tax bill to the state of the nation, the forum expressed worries that Majority of Nigerians, including the people of Bauchi State, are enduring severe economic hardships stemming largely from the removal of oil subsidies.

“This decision has exacerbated inflation, leaving many families unable to afford basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

“Social mobility has been stifled, and the level of insecurity continues to rise, further endangering lives and property,” he said.

According to him, these challenges have made life extremely difficult for the average Nigerian, with youths expressing their frustrations through protests earlier this year.

He lamented that instead of addressing these grievances, the Executive Arm responded with additional measures such as increasing the price of petrol, introducing new taxes, and raising existing charges, including electricity tariffs and electronic transfer fees.

“The justification for these bills, as stated by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, is to maximize tax revenue and reduce dependence on oil revenue.

“However, this approach places an undue burden on an already overtaxed populace and struggling businesses. Many foreign businesses have exited Nigeria, and domestic enterprises are barely surviving.

“The appropriate step would be to minimize taxes and alleviate the suffering of the people, not to exacerbate it,” said the Chairman.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.