The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that it has halted the importation of fuel worth N24 trillion and now sources directly from the Dangote Refinery.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari revealed this information on Monday during the current conference hosted by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists in Lagos.

The conference is focused on the theme ‘Addressing the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability.’

He said, “Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries.”

Kyari refuted the claims suggesting that the NNPC was undermining the operations of the Dangote refinery.

“The point is very far from it and I’m going to speak to it straight. We are very proud part-owners of Dangote refinery, no doubt about it.

“We saw an opportunity that there is a clear market for at least 300,000 barrels of our production; we know that as time moves on, people will start struggling to find markets for their production.

“It will happen, It’s already happening. Oil is found, as you know, in many unexpected locations across the world and people have choices.

“Therefore we saw an opportunity to log supply to the domestic refinery, not just Dangote but any other refinery that operates in the country, so it was a very informed business decision.

“Therefore, from day one, we knew that it is to our benefit to supply crude oil to the domestic refinery, so we don’t need to be persuaded; we don’t need anyone to talk to us, there is no need for any pressure from the streets for us to do this. We are already doing this.

“We should never forget that Nigerian crude is ’Lamborghini crude’, if we choose that every product that we have in this country must come from domestic production, then we must deal with pricing.

“Otherwise, out there in the global market, everybody buys Nigerian crude and blends it with dirtier crude to process, a lot of you will confirm this.

“So, no one takes Nigerian crude except one or two refineries that I know. Straight processing of Nigerian crude, nobody does this, because you do have a gap in value if you do this.

“Therefore, as a country, and I believe this strongly also, that we must process all the crude that we produce in the country to the optimum.

“You can do intermediate products and sell to the market, you are still adding value. You don’t have to sell gasoline that is coming from Nigerian production.

“You can do something different so you can process it domestically, but it’s going to be high quality. As we all know and it’s very clear in the media that we are selling high-quality products, that’s very true but you need not do this.

“You are driving a Keke-Napep and you want Lamborghini fuel, you do not need it. So, the quality issue is a relative thing, it’s by geography, by location, and we will do everything possible to make sure that we domesticate this.

“Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries. But I also know that we are working jointly with the government to make sure that we manage the issue around prices if we have to source all our supply from the domestic market.

“It will be an issue and we are already resolving it. I can confirm that substantial work has been done and this will no longer be an issue.”

The Department of State Services (DSS) granted Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), access to his legal team on Monday, nearly two months after denying him of such.

The lead counsel for Kanu’s legal team, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, announced this update on Monday evening. 

He stated that Kanu was granted access to his legal representatives following directives from the Director General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi. 

Ejimakor noted that Kanu’s legal team, which had been denied access since September 27, 2024, was joined by Mr. Ndidi Awurum, a US-based attorney, stressing that the team’s visit to Kanu was facilitated by the intervention of legal expert Hon. Obi Aguocha. 

 “Today, on the directives of the DG DSS, the #MnkLegalTeam conducted the first successful visitation with MAZI NNAMDI KANU since September 27. Mazi Ndidi Awurum, who travelled from the US, was with us. Our rigorous legal efforts, alongside Hon. Obi Aguocha’s intervention, was crucial to this outcome.” Ejimakor shared In a post on X.

Ejimakor had previously expressed concern about the DSS’s blatant disregard for a court order regarding Kanu’s access to his legal team. 

It would be recalled that Ejimakor accused the DSS of intentionally violating a court order that permitted Kanu to see his lawyers. He then pledged that all previously suspended legal actions aimed at enforcing compliance would proceed vigorously owing to DSS’s continued defiance of the court order

The quality of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on a path of positive transformation and marked by enhanced transparency, professional management and greater public investment.

While significant progress has been made in the past two years with the help of NPFL strategic partners, GTI Group, maintaining this momentum still requires maximum dedication to core principles that define a top-flight league.

Without mincing words, transparency is now the cornerstone of the NPFL as Nigerians from all walks of life, including those in the diaspora have all noticed a new ray of hope for the game that was nearly in comatose a few years back.

Many thanks to GTI Group, sporting media and the present board of NPFL headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for working round the clock to ensure a rebirth of our elite league.

Through clear-cut decision-making processes and publicly accessible data, the league has fostered a culture of trust.

Fans and stakeholders can now monitor teams’ progress, match day outcomes and league decisions, thereby minimizing biases and setting a new bar for accountability in Nigerian sports.

In a game where fair play is everything, NPFL match officials are bound to the highest standards of integrity when it comes to officiating.

The league has now introduced stricter guidelines and oversight to ensure that referees and officials uphold the spirit of fair competition. Regular training and ethical oversight are in place to safeguard the league’s reputation, making sure every match is fair and competitive.

However, through the introduction of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) by GTI Group, fans now have a tangible stake in the NPFL.

This investment model allows Nigerians and other stakeholders to support the league directly thereby fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility through investment in the Fund.

Simply put, TNFF strengthens the bond between the league and its fans, giving the people a say in the future of Nigerian football, while generating financial resources for the sustenance of the elite league.

The pieces of evidence and attestation of a new dawn for NPFL frankly affirm that the managers of the league are seriously committed to a safe environment for match day activities, with zero tolerance for crowd violence.

By enforcing immediate sanctions on players, clubs and fans who engage in disruptive behaviour, the league now underscores the importance of respect and security.

This firm stance preserves the joy of the game for all and upholds the integrity of the NPFL experience. Therefore, the recent ugly incident at Jos should be properly investigated and appropriate sanctions applied accordingly to forestall future occurrences.

Also, upholding professional standards by NPFL means accountability across all levels!

Recently, a popular player that upcoming Nigerian stars look up to threw caution to the winds by making a sweeping statement against a match official and was sanctioned for unprofessional conduct. This simply demonstrates that no one is above the league’s code of conduct.

This approach ensures that all parties, from players to fans, respect NPFL values, thereby reinforcing a disciplined and fair environment for the beautiful game to thrive.

As the NPFL continues its journey, the focus remains on transparency, integrity and public ownership.

Thus, by working together, fans, officials and players can secure a future for Nigerian football that is built on pride, passion, and professionalism as seen in other glamorous leagues in the world.

In every game and every decision, GTI, sporting media and NPFL are building a legacy that Nigerians and her children yet unborn can celebrate and be proud of.

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has come up with the 10 most frequently asked questions about the tax reform bills.

Oyedele in a post on his official X account on Monday afternoon said it is not unusual for a major reform such as this to elicit keen interest from all stakeholders.

He said this development is necessary to achieve the best outcomes that benefits all as it provides an opportunity for further engagements which is healthy for the system.

“In this regard, we have collated the most frequently asked questions about the tax reform bills to better inform all stakeholders and address some misleading analyses in circulation,” Oyedele said.

Question 1
What is the whole fiscal and tax reforms all about?

Answer 1
Nigeria’s tax system has over time become complex, stifling growth and unable to generate the required revenue for development. This is largely due to lack of policy clarity and inconsistency, obsolete and ambiguous tax laws, weak and fragmented revenue administration.

The main objectives of the reform is to redesign the system to support growth by addressing current challenges such as multiplicity of taxes, ambiguous and obsolete provisions, reduce the tax burden on individuals and businesses while promoting the ease of doing business to facilitate sustainable economic growth and deliver shared prosperity for Nigerians.

The key targets include single digit number of taxes, harmonised and efficient revenue administration, increase in tax to GDP ratio, economic competitiveness, and removal of tax burden on the poor.

Question 2
How representative or inclusive was the process leading up to the various proposals?

Answer 2
The committee comprised over 80 individuals from all walks of life across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria representing more than 20 government institutions, the organised private sector, trade associations, professional bodies, professional services firms, and the civil society. The composition ensures there is adequate gender balance, with people of different faiths and the youth. About 45 students were selected from 22 universities across Nigeria who support the secretariat work, conduct research and participate in committee meetings on a rotational basis.

Tailored sessions were conducted for more than 40 sectors representing over 90% of the economy and focus group engagements for people with disabilities, youths, and Nigerians in the diaspora. The committee requested inputs from all stakeholders and received memoranda from people in all the 36 states and the FCT.

Furthermore, exposure consultation sessions were organised for CFOs with over 300 companies represented, journalists, public analysts, tax consultants, and business owners. We also had engagements with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council, finance commissioners, the Joint Tax Board, among others.

Question 3
Why is the VAT proposal generating so much controversy? Are we trying to fix what is not broken?

Answer 3
The current VAT system is fractured. The major issues include:

(i) disputes over VAT administration between some states and the federal government resulting in some landmark judgements and pending court cases. This is compounded by the fact that VAT is not stated in the 1999 Constitution thereby creating a lacuna. Our analysis shows that a central collection system is more efficient and benefits all. Once the contentious issues have been resolved, then VAT can be properly included in the constitution. The current sharing formula of FG 15%, States 50% and LGs 35% is proposed to become FG 10%, States 55% and LGs 35%.

(ii) imposition of parallel consumption taxes in some states along with VAT which increases the tax burden on the people and contributes to multiple taxation. The reform seeks the discontinuation of all consumption taxes other than VAT.

(iii) basis of distribution – the current formula for sharing VAT among states is based on 20% derivation, 50% equality and 30% population. The tax reform proposes a different model of derivation which will attribute VAT to the place of supply and consumption rather than the current model which attributes VAT to the state where it is remitted thereby favouring states with companies headquarters. Further, derivation under the new model will account for 60% of VAT distribution for better equity and to discourage any state from seeking to administer VAT as a state tax, which will not only result in much lower revenue for all tiers of government but will impose a higher burden on businesses.

The proposed derivation model is contained under S.22(12) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which states that “For the purpose of attribution, any return under this section shall provide details of derivation of taxable supplies by location …”

The controversy has arisen from the perception that the proposed formula would lead to lower revenue for some states. However, the 5% to be ceded by the FG can be set aside for equalisation transfers to cater for any shortfall to a state under the new model. This ensures that no state is worse off in the short term while significantly enhancing economic activities and revenue for all states in the medium to long term.

Watch the explainer here bit.ly/48LIVBN

Question 4
Are the bills also seeking to merge or scrap some agencies?

Answer 4
No. The bills are seeking to merge taxes and harmonise revenue administration. The system will leverage technology for integration which will ensure seamless revenue administration with greater efficiency and less burden for people and businesses. Government agencies will be able to focus on their primary mandates rather than being distracted with revenue targets. Agencies that are currently collecting taxes and levies other than regulatory fees will therefore be funded through the budgetary process.

Question 5
One of the reform targets is to double Nigeria’s tax to GDP ratio over the next few years. Are we to expect more taxes?

Answer 5
The plan is to reduce the overall tax burden, not increase it. By simplifying the tax system, harmonising taxes and addressing impediments to investments, the reforms will boost economic activities and therefore enhance revenue generation for all tiers of government. This will ensure that we can raise tax revenue without raising tax burden, through various strategies including removal of disincentives to business formalisation, use of technology and data for intelligence, tax simplification and enhanced administrative capacity. Beyond raising revenue, curbing tax evasion also ensures that there is a level playing field for all rather than implicitly penalising compliant taxpayers and rewarding evaders.

Question 6
How will the reforms benefit businesses, large and small?

Answer 6
Businesses have consistently cited tax issues such as multiplicity of taxes and complex tax compliance requirements as major impediments to investment and competitiveness. Addressing these issues will therefore facilitate economic growth and boost the country’s GDP.
Some of the proposals include reduction of corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25% over the next 2 years and elimination of earmarked taxes on companies to be replaced with a harmonised single levy at a reduced rate.

Others include elimination of minimum tax on loss-making companies and those with low margins, grant of input VAT credit to businesses on assets and services to reduce cost of investment, ability to pay taxes on foreign currency transactions in naira, WHT and VAT exemptions for small businesses and a higher threshold of N50m annual turnover for corporate income tax exemption. There will be an office of the tax ombudsman to check administrative excesses and protect vulnerable taxpayers. In addition, there tax incentives are being rationalised with clear rules to ensure certainty and provide a level playing field for all investors, while a new priority sector incentive regime will replace the current pioneer status scheme etc.

Question 7
Is it true that workers will pay more PAYE tax?

Answer 7
The current taxable income bands and rates were introduced in 2011. Due to the lack of review, the structure has resulted in “fiscal drag” where many low income earners have been pushed to the top bracket over time due to high inflation. Also, the system discourages formalisation given that the tax rate on companies is nearly double that of enterprises which also encourages arbitrage in many cases.

The proposal seeks to address these issues and simplify the system by eliminating various reliefs and allowances while adjusting the bands and rates to achieve an overall lower effective tax rate for workers. This will ensure that an individual with basic education should be able to file their tax returns without any assistance. There is a rent relief allowance to provide additional benefits for low income earners.

Individuals earning about N1.7m or less per month will pay lower PAYE tax while those earning the new minimum wage and slightly more will be fully exempted. These thresholds will result in about 98% of workers in the public and private sector paying lower taxes while the top 2% will pay slightly more in a progressive manner up to 25% for high networth individuals.

Question 8
Are there specific proposals for the ordinary Nigerian?

Answer 8
Yes. The lowest income earners accounting for about one-third of all workers will be fully exempted from tax while low and middle income earners will pay less. This is consistent with the policy philosophy of not taxing poverty. Also, self employed persons and entrepreneurs will enjoy tax exemptions available to individuals in formal employment.

The VAT reform includes a zero (0%) rate for food, education, health, and exemption for rent and public transportation. These items constitute an average of 82% of household consumption and nearly 100% for low income households which will ameliorate the rising cost of living for the masses.

In addition, there are proposed changes to the income tax laws to facilitate remote work opportunities for Nigerians in Nigeria within the global business process outsourcing. This will empower our youths to play a key role in the digital economy space.

Question 9
We have seen different recommendations and proposals in the past. What will be different this time around?

Answer 9
The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee was set up with a broad mandate covering fiscal governance, revenue transformation and economic growth facilitation. In addition, the committee is charged with implementation rather than merely submitting a report of recommendations at the end of its assignment which has a much lower chance of success. The various proposals were co-created with inputs from Nigerians, using data and evidence to inform the recommendations.

There are measures to ensure that the reforms are institutionalised via legal framework and administrative structures including systems to curb corruption and block loopholes through technology, self service and tax agents regulation as well as planned amnesty and whistleblowing framework to sanitise the system.

Question 10
What else is being done beyond the new tax bills?

Answer 10
There are various proposals which have been implemented or are at different stages of implementation including the 2024 WHT Regulations, Executive Orders, and the 2024 National Fiscal Policy with clear principles for fair taxation, responsible borrowing and sustainable spending including frameworks for subsidy and cash transfers, ESG and Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Oyedele, more information can be found on the committee’s social media accounts, fiscalreformsng on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube channel and website, fiscalreforms.ng.

“You can also reach us via email at enquiries@fiscalreforms.ng or via WhatsApp chat on +234 810 975 3151,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has recently raised alarm over what it describes as a deliberate conspiracy among key players in the oil sector, including the Dangote Group and other oil marketers, to overcharge Nigerians for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

This was made known in a communiqué released on Sunday following the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday.

The Union expressed deep concern over the current pricing of petrol, which ranges between N1,060 and N1,200 per litre—a figure that the NLC argues is far above its true market value.

According to the NLC, the inflated petrol prices indicate a worrying pattern of cost-padding and unjustified profit margins that harm Nigerian consumers.

The Union asserted that these high prices reflect a market strategy where certain economic “fat cats” in the oil industry, particularly marketers and dominant companies like the Dangote Group, may be manipulating prices to extract greater profits at the expense of the ordinary Nigerian.

This practice, the Union noted, not only burdens Nigerians with unsustainable fuel costs but also points to deeper structural inefficiencies and ethical concerns within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The Union highlighted that the inflated pricing could be tied to ongoing issues between marketers and the Dangote Group, which operates the newly completed Dangote Refinery.

This facility was touted as a potential solution to Nigeria’s dependency on imported refined products and was expected to reduce costs by sourcing fuel locally.

However, the NEC suggested that this monopolistic control over the refinery and, consequently, the fuel supply chain may have led to price manipulation, which in turn prevents Nigerians from benefiting from competitive pricing.

Beyond merely pointing fingers, the NLC has called for immediate government intervention, specifically urging the activation of the Port Harcourt refinery as well as other government-owned refineries.

By bringing these facilities online, the NLC believes that Nigeria can reduce its reliance on privately controlled facilities and curb the monopolistic tendencies that appear to be driving prices higher.

The Union argued that this move is essential not only to create a more competitive market but also to ensure that the country’s resources are used in a manner that benefits all Nigerians rather than enriching a few powerful interests.

The NEC’s communiqué underscored a growing frustration with what it described as “shenanigans” surrounding fuel pricing, which it claims are systematically designed to keep prices elevated.

The Union argued that until there is a diversification of supply sources, including publicly managed refineries, Nigerians may continue to face inflated costs for fuel.

The current situation, they said, reflects an imbalance of power in the oil sector where the control of fuel pricing rests disproportionately with private companies that may not prioritize the interests of Nigerian consumers.

In conclusion, the NLC’s message highlights an urgent call for government action to counteract potential price-gouging practices and to restore a fair pricing structure that reflects the true market value of petrol.

By investing in public refineries and ensuring their functionality, the government can mitigate monopolistic practices and protect Nigerians from further exploitation.

The Union’s communiqué has thus set the stage for heightened scrutiny of the oil sector’s pricing mechanisms, with the hope that government intervention will lead to lasting reforms for the benefit of Nigerian citizens.

Two Nigerian referees, Kazzim Abiola and Samuel Pwadutakam, have been chosen by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to participate in an upcoming pre-competition training and evaluation program for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

This prestigious training, set to take place from December 4th to December 9th in Cairo, Egypt, will bring together referees from across Africa as they prepare for one of the continent’s major tournaments.

The selection of Abiola and Pwadutakam is a significant achievement, not only for the officials themselves but also for Nigeria’s presence in African football.

Both referees have shown consistent professionalism, dedication, and performance, which have earned them recognition by CAF.

Their participation in this training program represents an opportunity to further develop their skills while proudly representing Nigeria on the continental stage.

Kazzim Abiola, who holds a FIFA referee badge, will join the program as a lead referee.

Based in Zamfara, Abiola has an impressive track record in officiating various African competitions, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills across diverse tournament settings.

His expertise in managing high-stakes matches under intense pressure has helped establish his reputation within the African refereeing community.

This upcoming program will offer Abiola the chance to enhance his proficiency in the latest officiating standards and to refine his understanding of CAF’s expectations for the CHAN tournament.

His compatriot, Samuel Pwadutakam, hailing from Adamawa, has been selected as an assistant referee for the program.

For Pwadutakam, this invitation marks his second significant international assignment under CAF’s designation. Known for his agility, quick decision-making, and deep understanding of the game, Pwadutakam’s growth as a referee has been marked by steady progress and dedication.

This program will allow him to gain insights into the latest refereeing technologies and rule updates, equipping him to deliver top-notch officiating in upcoming matches.

CAF’s training and evaluation program aims to equip referees from across the continent with updated knowledge, practical training, and exposure to recent advances in refereeing technology.

Participants will undergo a rigorous schedule that includes theoretical sessions on the latest rules, hands-on practice with new tools and technologies, and scenario-based evaluations to test their judgment and decision-making skills.

This intensive program will serve as a final qualifying step for successful referees who will eventually be appointed to officiate at the 2025 CHAN tournament.

For Abiola and Pwadutakam, this program is more than just training; it is a pivotal step toward officiating in one of Africa’s premier football tournaments.

Their involvement highlights Nigeria’s contribution to the development of refereeing standards on the continent and reaffirms the commitment of Nigerian referees to uphold the integrity of the game. As they embark on this journey in Cairo, both Abiola and Pwadutakam carry with them the hopes and pride of Nigerian football fans eager to see their nation represented at CHAN 2025.