Author: Aminu Imam

Nigerian, others appointed new IPPDR global peace ambassadors

Aminu Imam
IMG 20241205 WA0066

The Institute of Public Policy, and Diplomacy Research, (IPPDR), leaders in peace-building training and peace education mentorship, has announced the appointment of 26 new Global Peace Ambassadors. Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Founder Helpline Social Support Initiative in Nigeria, and 25 others were presented with the award at the Platinum Humanitarian Leadership Award Ceremony, held at the United Nations (UN) Delegates Dining Room, New York, USA. Princess Dr. Antonia Zu Schaumburg-Lippe, a Royal, European Princess, at the ceremony, said “The Global Peace Program is a testament to our shared humanity. Through it,…

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Proposed Tax Reform: Senate suspends action on controversial Bills

Aminu Imam
Senate suspends action

The 10th Senate has suspended further action and public hearings on the controversial Tax Reform Bills, in order to allow for *broader discussions*. Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over yesterday’s plenary, announced the decision, and explained that the Senate, as the highest legislative body in Nigeria, was committed to resolving issues surrounding the bills through collaboration and dialogue. Barau highlighted that the 10th Senate, like similar bodies globally, has always acted as a stabilising force in times of national disagreement. He emphasised that all efforts would be made…

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‘How Atiku repositioned North, founded ACF’ – Dr. Bugaje

Aminu Imam
Dr. Bugaje

A political activist and former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has lauded former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for his pivotal role in creating the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and repositioning northern Nigeria during his tenure. Speaking on Tuesday in Jada, Adamawa State, Dr. Bugaje highlighted Atiku’s achievements in a paper titled: “Atiku Abubakar’s Contribution to Democracy and Development: A Study in Vision, Dedication, and Tenacity”. The presentation was part of activities marking the 2024 Atiku’s Week of Service. Dr. Bugaje explained that before Atiku’s intervention, the North…

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After $1.5bn overhaul, Old P’Harcourt Refinery battles to refine image 

Aminu Imam
Kaduna Refinery complex

Nigeria’s iconic Port-Harcourt Refinery, once a symbol of the nation’s industrial ambition, is facing intense scrutiny despite a $1.5 billion overhaul to revamp its operations and restore public confidence. This skepticism is amplified by Nigeria’s history of failed attempts to revive its refineries. Between 2015 and 2019 alone, over $3 billion was reportedly spent on fixing the country’s four refineries such as Port Harcourt ($1.5bn); Warri ($897.6m) and Kaduna refinery ($586.9m) with little to show for it. News broke in Africa’s biggest economy that the oil arm of the refinery,…

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ACF lifts its NEC Chairman,  Osuman’s suspension

Aminu Imam
ACF lifts suspension

The Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), has officially lifted the suspension of Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), as Chairman of its National Executive Committee, (NEC). This decision was announced yesterday in a statement signed by the forum’s Secretary-General, Malam Murtala Aliyu. He said the move follows interventions by the ACF’s Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Ajiyan Katagum, Dr. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed (CFR). Aliyu explained that the reconciliation committee engaged key stakeholders, including the Chairmen of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Council, (NEC), in discussions aimed at…

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Inflation: Netflix leaves Nigeria after 6yrs 

Aminu Imam
Netflix leaves Nigeria

The popular on-demand movies streaming platform, Netflix, has decided to abandon the Nigerian market, as the country’s economy records further collapse, according to recent inflation data from the National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS).  Officials at the major on-demand movies channel yesterday said the worsening economic situation under President Bola Tinubu made the decision inevitable.  According to an official who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, pending an official announcement, “We’re exiting the Nigerian market. We’ve lost too many paying subscribers, and the exchange rate of naira against the American…

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Google, Meta, X, others paid ?2.55tr taxes to FG in H1 2024 – NITDA

Aminu Imam
NITDA on Google, Meta, X

Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Microsoft and social media platforms operating in Nigeria, have paid ?2.55trillion ($1.5billion) in taxes to Federal Government in the first six month (H1) of 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), has said. NITDA, in an issued statement yesterday said data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and Internet intermediaries operating in Nigeria, were now paying their taxes., saying this had led to significant increase…

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Afenifere condemns arrest of Farotimi, demands his release 

Aminu Imam
Afenifere condemns arrest

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political association, Afenifere, has condemned what it referred to as the “abduction” of civil rights activist Dele Farotimi, and called for his immediate release. Recall that Farotimi was reportedly arrested by the Ekiti Police Command and remanded in prison, following his appearance in Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court yesterday. Previously, the activist had raised concerns about a plan to abduct him to Ekiti State over allegations of defamation related to his book. In response to the arrest, Afenifere on Monday issued a statement from its Deputy Leader and National Publicity…

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Tax Reform: “Grave dangers in Section 77 of Bill for North” – Stakeholder

Aminu Imam
Stakeholder on tax reform

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill, particularly Section 77, has sparked concerns over its potential economic impact on Northern Nigeria.  The proposed changes, aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s tax system for efficiency and transparency, could significantly benefit Lagos while reducing revenues for northern states. According to  a recent publication by one Engr. Bashir I. Bashir at the weekend, Northern States face revenue risks under the President’s Bill. Commenting on the proposed VAT re-distribution formula, he said, “The Bill introduces a consumption-based value-added tax (VAT) distribution model, favoring derivation (where VAT…

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Senate to probe ?8.4tr withheld subsidy funds by NNPCL; passes MTEF/ FSP

Aminu Imam
Senate to probe

The Senate has resolved to investigate allegations of withheld funds by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), including ?8.48 trillion in petrol subsidies, and $2 billion (?3.6 trillion) in unpaid taxes. This is even as the Senate passed the 2024 – 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for implementation by the Federal Government. The passage followed the presentation of a report by the chairman of the Joint Committees on Finance and National Planning and Economic Affairs, Sen. Musa Mohammed Sani.  The allegation was highlighted by…

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