News

Makinde Declines Assent To New Tax Bill, Cites Economic Hardship

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, declined assent to the Presumptive Tax Bill passed by the state House of Assembly, in consideration of the current plight of the people.

Makinde declined his assent to the Bill because it would inflict more pain on the poor masses in the state, saying that the people are hungry and angry as a result of the current economic reality in the country.

“Anything that will put money in the pocket of the people is what am interested in so they can use on where the shoe pinches. At this time, I’m not interested in whatever policy that will empty their pockets. I’ll continue to fight poverty and not fight the poor,” he said.

Makinde made his position on the bill known, while flagging off the upgrade of Samuel Akintola Airport to an international standard, saying that he would not implement the bill for the moment.

The governor, however, praised the assembly for the initiative, which, he believed, was directed at raising the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.

Last week Thursday, the Oyo State House of Assembly passed into law the State Presumptive Tax Bill, 2023, which provides for the imposition, administration, and collection of presumptive tax on individuals and entities whose income cannot be ascertained due to lack of financial records.

Enterprises captured for various presumptive tax rates, include artists and sign writers, barbers, bricklayers, carpenters, grinding mills, gas refilling depots, hairdressers, horticulturists, photographers, plank sellers, plumbers, welders, mechanics, block makers, saw millers, book stores, typing studios

Under the section of the law titled: “Oyo State Negotiated Presumptive Tax Rate”, owners of adult wear (boutique) are liable to pay a minimum of N10,000 yearly and maximum of N50,000; barbers to pay from N3,000 to N10,000; artists and sign writers to pay from N5,000 to N50,000; bicycle repairers to pay between N2,000 and N10,000; bookshop/stationery stores to pay a minimum of N10,000 and a maximum of N20,000; bricklayers to pay from N10,000 to N30,000;

Also, sellers of building materials to pay from N15,000 to N50,000; furniture makers to pay N25,000 to N40,000; carpenters are to pay between N10,000 and N35,000; gas refilling sellers to pay between N25,000 and N45,000; photographers to pay between N2,000 and N5,000; plumbers to pay between N2,000 and N10,000; welders to pay from N5,000 to N20,000; fruit sellers to pay from N1,000 to N5000; sales and repairs of handset to pay between N2,500 and N4,000;

While shoemakers are to pay between N500 and N2,000; laundry to pay from N1,000 to N2,500; block makers to pay between N15,000 and N25,000; vulcanisers to pay between N2,500 and N7,500; mechanics/welder/rewire are to pay between N1,500 and N5,000 and plank sellers to pay between N2,500 and N10,000.

The bill stipulates that a taxable person who fails or neglects to make payment of the tax due shall be liable to pay the sum and a penalty equal to 10 per cent per annum, while those who maintain up-to-date records and file returns within the stipulated period, shall be granted a rebate of two per cent of the tax payable.

The laws also spell out that persons subject to presumptive tax shall file returns on or before 90 days from the commencement of each year, while upon payment of all tax assessments, the taxable persons shall be issued a Tax Clearance Certificate.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

13 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

14 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

14 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.