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MTN Pays N200bn Monthly In VAT — Tax Committee

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The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed that MTN Nigeria contributes over N200 billion in Value Added Tax monthly, making it the largest contributor to the nation’s VAT pool.

Oyedele made the disclosure recently while speaking as a panellist during Channels Television’s Town Hall on Tax Reforms.

He used the platform to highlight disparities in the current VAT distribution system and explained the reforms aimed at addressing them.

According to the tax expert, the current system allocates all VAT paid by the country’s biggest telco to Lagos State, where the company’s headquarters is located, even though the services that generate this revenue are consumed nationwide.

“MTN is the largest contributor to VAT in Nigeria. So they, in fact, pay VAT of over N200bn every month; the gap between them and number two is huge.”

He added, “Today, all the VAT paid by MTN is credited and attributed to Lagos State, even as calls are made in Kano, the FCT, Ekiti, Edo, or Kebbi.”

Part of the reform bill proposes adjustments to ensure a more equitable distribution of VAT revenues across states based on actual consumption rather than the location of corporate headquarters.

To demonstrate the implications of the proposed reforms, Oyedele provided a hypothetical redistribution model of MTN’s VAT contributions.

He illustrated how the reforms would allocate the VAT revenue based on consumption rather than the location of the company’s headquarters.

Under this new framework, Lagos State, which currently retains the full N200bn, would see its share reduced to approximately 20 per cent, while other states across the federation would benefit from a fairer distribution.

“This adjustment ensures that states where the VAT is generated get their fair share,” Oyedele said.

“When you analyse the data, you see Lagos State’s share reduces slightly, but every other state gains.”

The tax reform bill, which aims to address longstanding issues in Nigeria’s fiscal policies, includes provisions for revenue redistribution, addressing inefficiencies, and promoting fairness in the tax system.

The reform proposal has sparked debates recently, with some critics accusing the committee of pushing policies that could adversely affect some parties.

Oyedele dismissed these claims, emphasising that the current system is flawed and unfair. “If you’re doing the wrong thing, how can Lagos State disagree with us when we propose to fix it?” he argued.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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