Business
Minister Of Communication Directs Aggrieved Nigerians With Complaints Of Increased Phone Call Charges To FIRS
Isa Pantami, Nigeria Communication Minister has directed Nigerians to visit the Federal Inland Service (FIRS) with complaints of increased phone calls and text messaging by the telecoms companies after the introduction of the 7.5% VAT
According to the Minister, the communication ministry he heads is not mandated to handle any tax-related issues and therefore cannot interfere in the matter.
His media aide, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, issued a press statement which reads in part;
“The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) has been inundated with complaints and inquiries concerning the recent 7.5 percent VAT deductions on voice calls and text messages by some Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
“While we appreciate the support and efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who have sought clarifications civilly, we wish to inform the general public that the issues of VAT, do not fall under the ministry’s purview.
“The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is not mandated to handle VAT.
“In the same vein, we also wish to notify the general public that contrary to popular opinion in some quarters, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy had no prior consultation or awareness about the development. All further inquiries and clarifications may henceforth be directed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which is the proper institution for tax matters.”
Nigerians have expressed displeasure on social media over the increase in phone calls and text messaging since the implementation of the policy.
Modibbo Kawu, the DG of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has been put on suspension by President Buhari. This came following his corruption charges by the Independent Corrupt Practices, ICPC.
This development was confirmed by Armstrong Idachaba, NBC’s Director of Broadcast Monitoring. Further, the most senior director in the commission has been directed to take over from Modibbo Kawu.
Modibbo Kawu is currently facing a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering, abuse of office, and misleading a public officer with the intent of defrauding the government.
So, this contravenes Section 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Act 2000 and punishable under Section 19 of the same Act.
Beisdes, Modibbo was first arraigned in May 2019 over the alleged misappropriation of N 2.5 billion for the digital switch-over (DSO) program of the government.
The popular Mile 12 market in Lagos is currently engulfed in fire. This is coming barely seven days after a similar fire happened at another market in the Ajah area of Lagos
The fire at the Mile 12 market started in the early hours of Thursday 13th February. A report has it that the fire is still raging as the officials of the fire service are working to put out the fire.
Recall that the Mile 12 market is known for the sales of perishable items like fruits, vegetables and many more.
An early morning fire on Tuesday at the Atakumosa Central market in Ilesa, Osun State has destroyed several properties worth millions of Naira.
Information gathered revealed that the fire started around 1 am and continued for over two hours before it was put out at about 3:45 am by the efforts of the fire service in Osun State.
Besides, it was also discovered that the inferno started without knowing the cause and its intensity could not be contained by the initial set of people available.
Several shops were destroyed as it spread from one shop to another. Osun State Police PR, Folasade Odoro confirmed the incident and said the police deployed men to the scene to prevent looting of shops by miscreants.
However, she said the value of destruction cannot be ascertained but said many shops were razed by the fire.
