News
Borno gives 30 days ultimatum To 7 UN agencies over Tax payment
***Threatens Sealing property
By : Ali Musa Biu- Maiduguri
Borno State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BO-IRS) has taken a tough stance against 7 United Nations agencies, with a 30 day ultimatum, which is to elapse on 24th February 2022 to comply with its local tax laws or risk confiscation of their properties.
The warning was served on Wednesday by the Executive Chairman of the Board, Muhammad Alkali while briefing Journalists at his office in Maiduguri.
Alkali said, Borno has over 100 International and Local Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating across the 27 local government areas, Unfortunately, World Health Organisation (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN- OCHA) failed to comply after series of plea and meetings.
He mentioned other non-compliant agencies to include; Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) ,Nations Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“It is worthy to note that the aforementioned Organisations are generally exempted from payment of tax from their operational funds, they are however mandated by the provisions of the Personal Income Tax Act CAP P8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004) to remit to the state Government what is known as PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and Withholding Tax (WHT) for their staff, individual and enterprise contractors respectively.
“It is fortunate that other UN agencies and INGOs like International Organization for Migration (IOM) and several others who are equally in the large taxpayer category are already complying with the provisions of the extant Tax Laws.
“Series of concerted efforts and engagement have thus far been deployed by the BO-IRS which culminated into forwarding various correspondences to ensure that the above 7-listed Organisations and Agencies voluntarily comply, but to no avail.
“BO-IRS is not oblivious of the convention exempting UN Agencies filing tax returns on behalf of their staff, individual and enterprise contractors from paying on behalf of their clients’ taxes, but it is worthy to note that UN agencies are enjoined to respect and comply with the local laws of the land or in the states they operate, hence, the reason we are demanding raw Data of their Nigerian staff, individual and enterprise contractors, but all efforts to get these documents proved abortive.
“BO-IRS is left with no option rather than to employ legitimate means to compel them do so. Infact, we have already taken a step by serving the UN Agencies herein before mentioned notice of seizure of properties which is due to lapse on 24th February, 2022.
“BO-IRS acknowledges the Humanitarian works of these organisations, however, payment of Taxes by Individual (both natural and juristic) is a condition precedent for the smooth governance of any organisation and by extension the State Government.
” I want to reiterate that the Service will therefore trigger its enforcement powers by using legitimate means to seize the properties of the agencies involved.” Alkali threatened.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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