News

School Abduction: No Paying Of Ranson, Tinubu Declares

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2024

The Federal Government on Wednesday said it would not pay “a dime” as ransom for the release of over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School at Kuriga, Kaduna State, kidnaped on March 7.

“Mr. President reiterated his zero tolerance for the payment of ransom…and Mr President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told State House correspondents at the end of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Idris insisted that the security agencies are “working round the clock” to ensure their release, adding that they will be “brought back to safety.”

His remarks come barely 24 hours after Kaduna-based Muslim cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, offered to dialogue with terrorists who abducted at least 280 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

The terrorists reportedly invaded Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna, shooting at their targets before whisking away the pupils and teachers from both schools.

Locals said the secondary section of the school was relocated to the primary school on account of the security threats to the Council.

A day earlier, the United Nations confirmed the abduction of at least 200 internally displaced persons from their camp in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement released on last Wednesday, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the abductees, including women, boys and girls, were captured while fetching firewood.

Although the actual number of IDPs abducted remains unknown, Fall said they may be over 200 persons. Fall added that the terrorists released some older women and children below 10 years.

Gumi advised that to facilitate the release of the abducted schoolchildren, the President should give him the opportunity to negotiate.

The Islamic scholar warned against Tinubu repeating the mistake made by his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with bandits.

Conveying the President’s stance on the issue, the minister said, “In council today, Mr. President reiterated his directive to the security agencies and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that our kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely. This was also mentioned by Mr. President in Clcouncil today.

“So the security agencies are working around the clock. These children and people who have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon.

“The security agencies are working hard in that direction. And Mr President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements.”.

On TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that the FG is receiving support from the United States government for the release of the students, teachers and IDPs.

Asked what specific support the United States is prepared to offer Nigeria in the rescue efforts, Idris replied, “We’re aware that it is not just the US that has offered. Other countries have also offered to support Nigeria. But what we can tell you is that the government is still reviewing these offers and the position of government will be made known to you.

“Now, like I said, Mr. President has said this is not an unacceptable situation. The government will not condone abductions or kidnapping or any kind of criminality in that direction…and the government is taking very proactive steps first to mitigate and also to stop the spread of this.

“The government is not taking any excuses. The President has directed that security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back in safety and also in the process to ensure that not a dime is paid for ransom. So it’s important to underscore that the government is not paying anybody any dime.”

The FG said it is “optimistic that these children and other people that are abducted” will be returned to their families in safety.

President Tinubu had on Friday condemned what he called “heinous incidents of abduction,” directing security agencies to ensure their rescue.

Tinubu, who said he had been briefed on both abductions, assured Nigerians of ongoing rescue efforts.

“I have received briefing from security chiefs on the two incidents, and I am confident that the victims will be rescued.

“Nothing else is acceptable to me and the waiting family members of these abducted citizens. Justice will be decisively administered,” a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted him saying.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu condemns Borno, Kaduna abductions; directs immediate rescue of captives.’

The statement read, “The President directs security and intelligence agencies to immediately rescue the victims and ensure that justice is served against the perpetrators of these abominable acts.”

He also sympathised with the families of the victims, assuring them that they would soon be reunited with their loved ones.

News

BREAKING: Renowned Businessman, Aminu Dantata, Is Dead

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

Editor

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 94.

The news of billionaire businessman’s demise was disclosed via a social media post on Saturday by the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Uba Tanko Mijinyawa.

According to him, details of the Muslim funeral prayer (Jana’iza) for Dantata will be announced in due course.

“Inna Lillahi wa’inna ilaihi Raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa. Muna addu’a Allah ya jikan sa, ya gafarta masa. Za a sanar da lokacin jana’izarsa,” Tanko wrote in Hausa language.

Tanko’s message about the late philanthropist, who is also an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was translated as “Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on our father and elder, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. We pray for his forgiveness. The time of his funeral will be announced.”

Also confirming the news, his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, disclosed in a statement Saturday morning that the Janazah details will be shared later.

Junaid wrote, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later insha Allah.”

Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd., is also credited with having played a key role in the establishment of Nigeria’s first non-interest (Islamic) bank, Jaiz Bank.

News

EYIF: Utilize N2m Grant Provided By The Govt, Edo Deputy Gov Urges Youths

Published

10 hours ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

…says 1,500 applicants screened, 30 met requirements

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has urged youths in the state to make the best use of the N2 million start-up grant provided by the state government under the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF).

Idahosa added that the youths must be innovative as they tapped into the two million start-up grant.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, said Idahosa made the remarks during an incubation class of EYIF.

The Edo number two citizen, while noting that EYIF was parts of the government’s drive to build a new generation of entrepreneurs that would impact and shape the state’s financial economy, showed them how to position themselves in the entrepreneurial space to boost the local economy.

Idahosa encouraged the youths to put behind their challenges and make the best of the opportunity provided by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led government.

According to him,
though 1,500 applicants got screened ahead of the finale scheduled for July 2, 2025, only 30 met the requirement and thus scaled the initial process.

“This number has again been pruned to 10 participants today and will eventually be reduced further to five finalists at the end of the day.

“Irrespective of who emerges as finalists, I want you to know that you are all winners. We are here as a government to encourage the youths because any society that strives to grow must have an active youth involvement,” Idahosa reiterated.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Investment and Revenue Generation, Mr. Kizito Okpebholo, presented the participants to the deputy governor.

News

Things To Know About Nigeria’s New Tax Laws

Published

11 hours ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday signed four new tax laws aimed at modernising and streamlining the country’s tax system.

In the new tax law, the Value Added Tax rate remains at 7.5 per cent despite initial proposals to increase to 12.5 per cent, but its scope is expanded.

Essential items—such as food, education, healthcare, public transport, residential rent, and exports—are zero-rated to ease inflationary pressure.

For revenue allocation is restructured: now 30 per cent of VAT proceeds are distributed based on consumption (rather than contribution), 50 per cent equally among states, and 20 per cent to population-based allocation.

With the latest development, it is expected that state revenue streams will increase, and it will also discourage tax evasion.

Overview of the four new laws

Nigeria Tax Act: Consolidates various tax rules into a single, simplified code, eliminating over 50 small, overlapping taxes. This reduces complexity and duplication, making it easier for businesses to comply.

Tax Administration Act: Establishes uniform rules for tax collection across federal, state, and local governments, ensuring consistency and reducing administrative conflicts.

Nigeria Revenue Service Act: Replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the independent Nigeria Revenue Service, aiming for greater efficiency and autonomy in tax administration.

Joint Revenue Board Act: Enhances coordination between different government levels and introduces a Tax Ombudsman and Tax Appeal Tribunal to handle disputes fairly.

Key objectives of the new tax rules

Simplify Tax System: Reduces bureaucratic hurdles and overlapping taxes to make compliance easier, especially for small businesses and informal traders.

Increase Revenue Efficiency: Aims to boost Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% (below the African average of 16–18%) to 18 per cent by 2026 without raising taxes on essential goods.

Reduce Financial Burden: Provides relief for low-income households and small businesses while ensuring high-income earners and luxury consumers contribute more.

Fund Public Services: Increased revenue will support infrastructure, healthcare, and education, reducing reliance on borrowing.

Who benefits and how
Low-Income Households:
Individuals earning up to ₦1 million ($650) annually receive a ₦200,000 rent relief, reducing taxable income to ₦800,000, exempting them from income tax.

VAT exemptions on essential goods and services (food, healthcare, education, rent, power, baby products) lower living costs.

Small businesses:

Businesses with an annual turnover below ₦50 million ($32,400) are exempt from company income tax.
Simplified tax filing without requiring audited accounts reduces compliance costs.

Large businesses:

Corporate tax rates drop from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent in 2025 and 25 per cent thereafter.
Tax credits for VAT paid on expenses and assets allow businesses to recover the 7.5 per cent VAT.

Charitable, educational, and religious organisations:

Tax incentives for non-commercial earnings, encouraging community-focused activities.
Impact on different groups
Low-Income Earners: Benefit most from income tax exemptions and lower costs for essentials, increasing disposable income.

Small Businesses and informal traders: Simplified rules and tax exemptions encourage compliance and reduce financial strain, potentially formalising more businesses.

High-income earners and luxury consumers face higher VAT on luxury goods and premium services, plus capital gains tax on large share sales.

Government: Expects increased revenue for public services without overburdening vulnerable citizens.

Why reforms were needed

Nigeria’s tax system was outdated, inefficient, and disproportionately harsh on low-income groups.
The low tax-to-GDP ratio (10%) limited funding for critical services like healthcare and infrastructure.
Overlapping taxes and complex rules deterred compliance, especially among small businesses and informal traders.
Public and expert reactions

Positive sentiment: Small business owners welcome tax exemptions but seek clarity on enforcement to avoid unexpected levies.

Low-income earners appreciate relief on essentials but remain cautious about implementation.
Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, claims 90% public support, emphasising that success depends on awareness and trust.

The reforms align with Tinubu’s administration’s goal to reduce economic inequality and boost fiscal capacity without overburdening citizens.

By encouraging voluntary compliance and reducing reliance on loans, Nigeria aims to strengthen its economy and fund development projects.

These reforms mark a significant step toward a fairer, more efficient tax system, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups while fostering economic growth. However, their success hinges on transparent enforcement and public trust. For further details, you can refer to official statements from the Nigerian government or credible news sources covering the reforms.
(PUNCH)