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FIRS Audit Report Indicts Tunde Fowler… Fails To Collect N41B Taxes From Lagos,Others

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service failed to collect taxes worth about N41 billion in Lagos, a government audit report has said.

This is even as it has not been able to meet up with its target over the past four consecutive years, the report added.

The taxes, which are yet to be collected from companies, government agencies, and local government councils, are valued at N40.8 billion.
In the report for the year ended December 2017, the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), Anthony Ayine, said the observation was made during the review of records filed by Companies at Federal Inland Revenue Service Micro and Small Tax Offices (MSTO), Medium Tax Offices (MTO), Large Tax Offices (LTO) and Government Business Tax Offices (GBTO) within the South–west Zone comprising of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo states.

He said the uncollected taxes which range from Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, withholding tax, education tax, to Capital Gains Tax may deny the federal government its legitimate revenue.
“This may negatively affect the implementation of their programs and projects for the benefits of the citizens,” he said.
Breakdown

According to the report, 545 companies had not remitted their Company Income Tax (CIT) to the FIRS valued at a total of N26 billion.
It also said Companies, Federal and State MDAs, Local Government Councils and State Government within the South–west Zone were yet to remit about N8 billion being their Value Added Tax.

Withholding tax from companies, government agencies and local government councils valued at about N5 billion were also yet to be remitted to the FIRS.

About 318 companies were said not to have remitted their Education tax which is 2 per cent on profits of Companies valued at N697 million.
The report also revealed that two companies are yet to remit N99 million, being their Capital Gain Tax of 10 per cent from the disposal of these companies’ assets.

All these unreconciled taxes were said to have been communicated to the FIRS chairman, the report noted.

“This issue was communicated to the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service in my letter reference No. OAuGF/RESAD/FIRS/2017/VOL.II/5 of 1st August 2018 and no response has been received as at the time of forwarding this report.”
The report also said it observed that out of 28,237 duly registered Companies, 11,221 failed to submit their annual returns to various tax offices.

This, it said, is contrary to the provision of Company Income Tax Act which requires a company to render an account of its operations within six months of its accounting year-end.
This number of companies who failed to render its returns represents 39 per cent of duly registered companies with the FIRS.
Leakages

Since 2015, the FIRS under its former chairman, Tunde Fowler, has not been able to meet collection targets, a different trend from the preceding years.

In 2015, FIRS set N4.7 trillion target but was only able to make N3.7 trillion in the actual collection.
In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the target collections were N4.2 trillion, N4.8 trillion and N6.7 trillion but the actual collections were N3.3 trillion, N4 trillion and N5.3 trillion, respectively.

PREMIUM TIMES recently reported how President Muhammadu Buhari queried Mr Fowler, over worsening tax collection since 2015, a prelude to him relieving him of his job weeks later.

In his response to the presidency, Mr Fowler had said FIRS under him performed better regarding specific non-oil tax types, such as VAT and CIT.
He explained that the general lower collection since 2015 is as a result of the falling prices in the oil market.

Credit: Premium Times

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Glo’s New TV Commercials Focus On Power Of Seamless Connection, Infinite Possibilities

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Two new TV commercials from Globacom recently released, have focused on the important message of seamless and reliable connection, propping up recent network improvement efforts by the company.

The two commercials, “Road Trip” and “Department of Imagination”, both reinforce the company’s commitment to seamless connectivity for all classes of its customers.

The two commercials, apart from being highly entertaining, also highlight how Glo fits into everyone’s everyday life, while also focusing on a more connected and exciting future for all.

“Road Trip” brings a warm and familiar story to life. It follows a family journey filled with laughter and real-life moments. When Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi struggles with poor signal, the difference becomes clear after switching to Glo. From that moment, everything changes as downloads, navigation, and entertainment become seamless and easy.

At the heart of the Road Trip experience is easy access to data, with the simple message: by dialling *312#, users can easily get a plan and stay connected, keeping everything running smoothly on the go.

The commercial also features Bolaji Ogunmola and other cast members who add energy and humour to the story. As the journey continues, Glo proves to be a reliable partner, keeping everyone connected and entertained along the way.

In contrast, “Department of Imagination” takes viewers into a futuristic world where technology makes life easier and more exciting. Led by Richard Mofe-Damijo as the Professor, the story explores how ideas can grow into powerful experiences.

Experiences in this world feel smarter and more alive, from real time gaming to improved food processes shown by Hilda Baci, along with a creative tech presence brought to life by Bamike Adenibuyan(Bam-Bam). Each scene highlights how Glo is shaping a future where possibilities are endless.

From everyday moments on the road to bold ideas of tomorrow, Globacom continues to deliver strong, reliable service while looking ahead with confidence. The message in the two commercials is clear. The future is already here, and it is Glo.

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Opposition Leaders Reject Alleged Plan To Make Tinubu Sole 2027 Candidate

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Opposition leaders in Nigeria have issued a communique vowing to resist any attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make President Bola Tinubu the sole candidate for the 2027 general elections.

This statement followed a National Summit of opposition parties held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where several key political figures including Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) gathered to discuss a united front.

The opposition political figures made this declaration via a communique issued at the end of a meeting christened “National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders”.

The meeting was hosted by governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan on Saturday.

It was attended by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, David Mark, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, Aisha Yesufu, Professor Pat Utomi and a former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.

Others are former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwanso, former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatai Ahmed, former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amechi, former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu among others.

The leaders of the opposition political parties in the communique vowed to resist all machinations by the ruling All Progressives Congress to foist a one-party State on Nigeria.

They vowed to resist all attempts to make Tinubu the sole presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

The opposition political figures also disclosed that the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan should not be allowed to conduct the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

The communique partly read, “That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.

“That despite the onslaughts and maneuverings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses”.

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Nigerian Army Recovers Remains Of Personnel Murdered During Wedding Trip

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The Nigerian Army said troops from the 82 Division has recovered the suspected remains of a soldier couple, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were murdered in May 2022.

In a statement shared on its official X handle, the Army said the troops acted on credible intelligence to carry out the operations on 24 April 2026 along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area.

The operation was part of a strategic clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling the IPOB/ESN hideout in the region and locating the remains of two Nigerian Army personnel, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were brutally abducted and murdered by terrorists in May 2022 while on their way to their traditional wedding.

Upon receiving credible intelligence, the army reported that its troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout, where they encountered heavy fire from armed criminals.

The statement said the troops engaged the terrorists decisively, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to retreat in chaos.

“The encounter further revealed the desperation and criminal nature of the group, which continues to target innocent citizens and security personnel alike,” the statement said.

After successfully clearing the camp, the Nigerian Army said the troops conducted a comprehensive search of the area, leading to the discovery of shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain personnel.

“The graves were carefully excavated, and the suspected remains were recovered,” the statement said.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that the recovered remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to definitively establish their identities.

“Efforts are also ongoing to liaise with the families of the fallen personnel to ensure proper identification and facilitate befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice.

“This operation not only underscores the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for fallen heroes but also highlights the continued degradation of IPOB/ESN criminal networks and infrastructure across the South East.

“The discovery of shallow graves within their camp further exposes the group’s heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”

The Nigerian Army reassured the general public that ongoing operations will continue until all criminal elements are neutralised and lasting peace is restored across the region.

“We appreciate the law-abiding citizens for the information and urge you remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information,” it added.

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