Governor Peter Mbah has signed into law a bill aimed at streamlining tax administration in Enugu State, effectively eliminating multiple taxation and enhancing revenue collection efficiency.

The new legislation, known as the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment and Consolidation of Revenue Administration) Law, 2025, establishes a centralized tax collection system while granting the state’s revenue agency full autonomy.

Speaking at the bill signing ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah emphasized that the reform aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving the Ease of Doing Business and positioning Enugu as a top investment destination.

“I have engaged with business owners, private sector stakeholders, and market women, and a recurring concern has been multiple taxation—different people demanding payments under various pretexts. That ends today,” Mbah declared.

“With this new law, there is now a single, clearly defined revenue collection point. Whether you are a trader, business owner, or government agency, you will know exactly where to pay your tax and receive the appropriate receipt. No other entity will be authorized to demand tax payments.”

The governor explained that the law would consolidate all revenue streams, ensuring that both state and local governments receive their due allocations.

“This system is not new; it’s similar to how the Land Use Charge and VAT are collected centrally before being distributed appropriately. Now, all state and local government revenues will be managed under a unified structure,” he added.

Governor Mbah also highlighted the autonomy granted to the Enugu State Inland Revenue Service, allowing it to operate as an independent institution.

“The Revenue Service can now set targets, manage its workforce, and function professionally like any high-performing organization. This autonomy will enhance efficiency and accountability in tax administration,” he noted.

Addressing concerns about the state’s increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mbah clarified that no tax rates had been raised.

“Our revenue growth is driven by expanding the tax base, eliminating leakages, and leveraging technology not by increasing taxes. We have simply ensured that previously unaccounted-for revenues are properly documented and remitted to the state,” he explained.

The governor commended the Enugu State House of Assembly for its swift passage of the bill, acknowledging the lawmakers’ dedication to the state’s economic progress.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Uche Ugwu, described the law as a transformative step in revenue collection.

“This legislation will not only enhance the Ease of Doing Business but also boost the state’s revenue while sealing loopholes in tax administration. It is indeed a remarkable milestone for the people of Enugu State,” Ugwu stated.

A Lagos High Court has convicted Mr. Mohammed Idris, a supervisor at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal Gate of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for financial misconduct and corrupt self-enrichment.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) prosecuted Idris before Justice O.A. Fadipe of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, alleging that he collected missing funds during his duty but failed to account for them.

ICPC counsel, Yvonne Williams-Mbata, presented evidence showing that N11,234,000 was unaccounted for under the defendant’s supervision between February 2001 and April 2021.

The offense contravenes Sections 26(1)(b) and 25(1) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Justice Fadipe sentenced Idris to one year in prison on each of the two counts, with the option of a N1,000,000 fine for both counts. The sentences will run concurrently.

Additionally, the convict must maintain good behavior and enter a bond with the court registry in the sum of N2,000,000.

Failure to comply with these conditions will result in an additional 10-year prison term.

A Lagos Special Offences Court has discharged and acquitted former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, of forgery charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe ruled in favor of Fani-Kayode’s no-case submission, stating that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

The judge noted that there was no direct evidence linking the defendant to the alleged offences and that key witnesses who could have supported the prosecution’s case were not presented.

“The prosecution failed to establish a connection between the defendant and the alleged forgery. There is no basis for him to enter a defense,” the judge ruled.

Fani-Kayode was initially arraigned on November 11, 2021, on a 12-count charge related to forgery, false documents, and fabrication of evidence.

The EFCC called seven witnesses before closing its case.

However, in December 2024, the former minister filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not proven its allegations.

This ruling follows a similar verdict delivered by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 15, 2025, where Fani-Kayode was cleared of a three-count money laundering charge.

Justice Tsoho ruled that the prosecution failed to provide concrete evidence linking him to the crime, citing contradictions in witness testimonies.

This is not the first time Fani-Kayode has been acquitted in a high-profile case.

In 2015, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia also cleared him of money laundering charges.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned one-day nationwide protest against the proposed 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs to allow for further dialogue with the federal government.

The demonstration, which was scheduled to take place across all 36 states and Abuja, was put on hold following a meeting with government officials on Monday night at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Confirming the suspension, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that both parties agreed to set up a broader committee to review the telecom tariff structure.

He explained, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to examine the entire tariff structure and develop a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.”

“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives from both sides and is expected to present its findings after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement. The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of the committee’s work.”

Ajaero further noted, “The outcome of the committee’s work will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, boycott, and even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we have put forward.”

While the planned submission of protest letters has been suspended, Ajaero stressed that the NLC remains concerned about other economic issues, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation on workers.

He also pointed out that the congress had expressed dissatisfaction with the rising cost of electricity and the proposed tax policies, insisting that all unresolved labor-related matters must be addressed.

A communique issued after the meeting confirmed the formation of a 10-member joint committee, with five representatives from the federal government and five from the NLC, to resolve outstanding concerns.

It read in part, “Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the proposed 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs in the country, which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposed, citing its potential negative impact on Nigerian workers and the economy, with a threat to proceed with a one-day nationwide mass protest, the following resolutions were reached: That there is a need for the parties to sit together in a technical group to resolve most of the contentious issues raised during the discussion; consequently, a 10-man joint committee was set up, comprising five (5) representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”

The committee has been given two weeks, starting from February 3, 2025, to complete its work and submit a report.

The NLC urged Nigerians to remain patient as discussions continue, assuring that unresolved labor-related concerns remain on its agenda.

The communique was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; and the General Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned Dr. Olu Agunloye, the former Minister of Power and Steel, before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja.

Agunloye faces charges related to the award of a contract for the construction of the 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station in Taraba.

The EFCC brought an amended seven-count charge against him, accusing him of forgery, disobeying a presidential directive, and accepting gratification.

According to the EFCC, Agunloye awarded the Mambilla project contract on May 22, 2003, to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) without any necessary budgetary provision, approval, or cash backing.

Additionally, the anti-graft agency alleges that the former minister received N5.212 million from SPTCL and Leno Adesanya, facilitated through Jide Abiodun Sotinrin.

This amount was allegedly transferred to Agunloye’s Guaranty Trust Bank account in exchange for conveying the Federal Government’s approval for the Mambilla project in favor of SPTCL.

Agunloye pleaded not guilty to the seven amended charges read to him in court.

During the trial, Adewale Agunbiade, a former Compliance Officer at GT Bank who now works with Jaiz Bank Plc, testified as the second prosecution witness (PW2).

In his testimony, Agunbiade revealed that he had not been issued a letter from Jaiz Bank authorizing his testimony, and he had not received a witness summons from the EFCC to appear in court.

The witness further stated that when he informed the EFCC operatives that he no longer worked with GT Bank, he was told that he had prepared documents related to the case proceedings.

When questioned if he had presented his identification card to the court to prove his employment with Jaiz Bank, Agunbiade stated that he had not done so, despite giving his evidence-in-chief on September 23, 2024.

Following cross-examination, Justice Jude Onwugbuese adjourned the case, with further hearing scheduled for February 24, 2025.