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Akpabio’s Speech At 2-Day Public Hearing On Proposed Tax Reform

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Akpabio

Akpabio’s Speech At 2-Day Public Hearing On Proposed Tax Reform

Akpabio’s speech at 2-day public hearing on proposed tax reform. New Dawn: Embracing Tax Reform for a Prosperous Nigeria

It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome each and every one of you to this crucial Two-Day Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Reform Bills—a transformative step forward in our collective journey toward economic renewal and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Today, we gather at a pivotal moment, one that calls us to reform, modernize, and optimize our tax system. This is not just a task; it is a profound responsibility we must embrace with courage, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the Nigerian people.

As we look to the future, we must remember that a nation that fails to adapt its revenue system to the realities of our time risks stagnation and decline.

An old African proverb teaches us: “A bird that does not leave its nest will never know the richness of the forest.”

Today, we are choosing to leave behind outdated tax practices and bureaucratic hurdles, spreading our wings toward a tax administration that is robust, transparent, and conducive to business.

This Public Hearing represents more than a legislative requirement; it is a call to collective action, a platform for dialogue where lawmakers, tax administrators, businesses, and citizens come together to craft a fair, transparent, and effective tax regime that reflects the interests of all Nigerians.

The proposed bills—SB 583, SB 584, SB 585, and SB 586—are thoughtfully designed to:

– Harmonize revenue administration across all tiers of government.
– Reduce the cost of tax collection and enhance compliance.

– Foster transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tax administration.
– Introduce digital innovations to simplify tax payments and close loopholes.

– Ensure fairness, protect vulnerable taxpayers, and create an environment ripe for economic growth.

The challenge before us transcends the simple act of passing new laws; it is about constructing a tax system that inspires confidence, promotes development, and fuels national growth.

We cannot afford to be fragmented in our approach to revenue generation. Instead, we must come together—Federal, State, and Local Governments, alongside the private sector and civil society—to create a tax system that truly works for all.

I assure you that the 10th National Assembly is fully committed to enacting legislative reforms that will strengthen our economic foundation, empower our businesses, and enhance accountability within our government.

Akpabio

Akpabio

The success of this Public Hearing hinges on your active engagement, and I encourage all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to this dialogue.

Let us seize this moment, not just for ourselves, but for future generations, to lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous Nigeria.

With that, I hereby declare open the Two-Day Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Reform Bills.

Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Crime

Customs Seizes 34,470L Of Smuggled Petrol At Taraba-Cameroon Border

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Cameroon Border

Customs Seizes 34,470L Of Smuggled Petrol At Taraba-Cameroon Border

Customs seizes 34,470L of Smuggled petrol at Taraba-Cameroon border. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing 34,470 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a heavy-duty transportation truck in a three-hour operation along the Taraba-Cameroon border.

The enforcement, led by the Customs’ Operation Whirlwind unit, targeted smugglers operating through Gembu and Kan-Iyaka in Sardauna LGA, a known smuggling corridor.

Speaking at a public auction in Jalingo, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the operation was carried out with support from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Adeniyi explained that intelligence from the inter-agency intelligence fusion center detected unusual fuel movement patterns in the Sorofi and Kan-Iyaka areas between March 8 and 9, 2025.

Acting on this, field teams executed a series of coordinated interceptions, disrupting what appeared to be an emerging smuggling route.

The seizure included 1,149 Jerry cans of PMS, each containing 30 liters, totaling 34,470 liters. A specialized transportation truck valued at ₦4 million was also confiscated, bringing the total duty-paid value to ₦37.78 million.

Adeniyi noted that a significant portion of the smuggled fuel was intercepted in Gembu, while 180 Jerry cans and the truck were seized en route to the Kan-Iyaka border crossing.

Cameroon Border

Cameroon Border

Describing fuel smuggling as a threat to national security and economic stability, Adeniyi urged security agencies to remain vigilant. He stressed that petrol is vital to economic activities and warned that shortages could slow down the economy.

He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to tackling smuggling networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s energy sector and economic interests.

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker covers medical bills for patients at palmer memorial Hospital. For patients at Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, financial hardship often stood between them and life-saving treatment. That changed when Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Basy Okon, the Member Representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, stepped in to settle outstanding medical bills, offering patients a renewed chance at life.

The compassionate gesture came during Day 2 of the ongoing free medical and surgical outreach sponsored by the lawmaker across Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas. While inspecting the outreach on Day 1, Okon learned of emergency cases where patients remained stranded due to unpaid hospital bills.

Moved by their plight, he personally cleared their debts a decision he emphasized was outside the outreach’s budget, but a private intervention to support his constituents in urgent need.

Among the beneficiaries was Abasima Offiong, who had suffered a spinal cord injury and required emergency surgery. With no means to cover the cost, his condition was critical, until Hon.Okon’s intervention ensured his procedure was fully funded.

Another case was Idongesit Ndifreke, who had undergone a Caesarean section but remained in the hospital for over two weeks due to unpaid bills. The lawmaker’s generosity not only secured her discharge but also allowed her to return home with her newborn.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom

One of the most harrowing stories involved a woman whose unborn child had died in the womb. Lacking funds for an emergency procedure, her life hung in the balance. Overcome with emotion, Okon immediately took over the cost of surgery, ensuring swift medical intervention to save her life.

Speaking during the event, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian efforts. “When God blesses us, we should also be a blessing to others,” he said, underscoring the importance of compassion and community support. Grateful beneficiaries and their families hailed Okon’s intervention as both timely and life-saving.

As the free medical and surgical outreach continues, it remains a beacon of hope for residents of Itu and Ibiono Ibom, reinforcing Okon’s dedication to accessible healthcare and the well-being of his constituents.

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Economy

Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe

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Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe

Government approves N1.149bn for solar street lights, infrastructure in Gombe. He said the governor approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.

The Gombe government has approved N1.149 billion for the installation of solar street lights and other infrastructure in three local government areas of the state.

Mahmood Yusuf, director-general, Joint Project Development Agency, stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Gombe.

He said the Joint Project Council (JPC) meeting chaired by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.

Mr Yusuf listed the projects to include the installation of solar street lights on newly constructed roads in Kumo at the total cost of N740 million; fencing of the NALDA market and installation of solar street lights at Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba, costing N362 million.

He said that N47 million has been approved for the expansion of the grains market and construction of six public toilets in Billiri.
Mr Yusuf said that the N112 million grain market project was approved in 2024, but reviewed upward to N159 million, to provide six additional toilets.

The director said the council also approved the deployment of GOSTEC and Operation Hatara personnel, to scale surveillance in schools and cemeteries in the state.

He said the measure was sequel to complaints over spate of theft in public buildings by the ALGON Chairman, Sani Haruna.

“The council has resolved to implement stricter security measures by deploying GOSTEC and Operation Hattara to enhance surveillance. The scope of Operation Hattara would be expanded to cover all the 11 LGAs,” he said.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Also, Fatima-Binta Bello, chairperson, Shongom Local Government Council, expressed readiness to consolidate on Mr Yahaya’s achievements in education and health sectors.

She stressed the need to strengthen human resources through recruitment of qualified personnel to address manpower gaps and enhance quality service delivery, especially at primary healthcare and basic education level.

Similarly; Ahmad Wali, chairman, Kwami LGC, said the council had initiated resurvey and remapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes to check farmer/herder clashes.

He warned that anyone found encroaching cattle routes and grazing lands would be sanctioned.

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