NewStats: 3,265,360 , 8,186,507 topics. Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 04:11 PM 3s5xn

VAT: SOUTHWEST STATES PLAN T ACTION

The Southwest states of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo may team up to present a common front on the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT), it was gathered Saturday night.

Some other states, including Kaduna, Delta, Enugu and Cross River, are reviewing development of the last few days on the matter especially Friday’s ruling of the Court of Appeal which requires parties in the VAT dispute to stay action pending the resolution of all legal issues in contention.

Sources said yesterday that Houses of Assembly in the Southwest are currently discussing how they could present a common front on the collection of VAT.

The discussions are being held by the Majority Leaders of the assemblies under the auspices of the Southwest Legislative Reforms and Implementation Committee (SLRIC).

Chaired by the Majority Leader of Lagos State, Hon. Bolanle Sanai Agunbiade, the SLRIC has as all the Majority Leaders of assemblies in the zone.

The committee, according to a source, has resolved to discuss and work out the legal frameworks of how the states will react to the ongoing dispute over VAT collection as well as the implementation of the resolutions across the zone.

One of the key players in the talks said: “All the state assemblies in the Southwest are poised to toe the path championed by Lagos State House of Assembly.

“I can confirm to you that the issue is being handled by a high powered legislative committee established to ensure common fronts to all issues of common interest in the zone. The VAT matter is one of such issues and we are discussing it.

“The committee has started discussing the issue and we are coming out with a common position on the matter. What Lagos has done as usual is to blaze the trail.”

Responding to Appeal Court’s order that status quo be maintained on the issue,the source said: “this whole uproar is not just about collecting VAT but discussing, understanding and implementing the issues being raised about the matter correctly.

“We, as lawmakers, will not just act without considering the implications. That is why we are threading the honourable path of legislation. Lagos has started it as usual and I can tell you other states in the Southwest will follow suit. Not fewer than three other state assemblies have commenced the process of legislating on VAT as it concerns their states.

“As legislators, we will do the needful irrespective of whatever the status quo is. We know what the law says and we understand what the issues are. Without being sentimental, we are dissecting the matter and gradually, we are bringing out the various complications to be addressed. At the end of this whole uproar, I believe we will arrive at a common position nationwide.”

A separate source told The Nation in Akure yesterday that the Ondo State government might Lagos and River states in the battle to collect VAT.

A top government official said plans were on to send a bill to the State House of Assembly on the matter.

The source stated that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was ready to any move to increase government finances.

Another official said the Ondo governor was waiting for the final decision by the Supreme Court before making a move.

Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, could not be reached for comments.


Kaduna still studying VAT judgment
The Kaduna State government said it is studying the case at the Court of Appeal with a view to understanding its impact and ramifications for effective revenue collection.

It said it remains a champion of true federalism, anchored on significant devolution of powers to the states, including fiscal responsibility.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye, said Kaduna State’s interest in devolution of powers to the states covers fiscal federalism as an essential element of effective federalism.

He said: “the Kaduna State government is a champion of true federalism, anchored on significant devolution of powers and responsibilities to the states.

“This includes fiscal federalism as an essential element of effective federalism. That is why Kaduna State has also focused intensely on expanding its internally-generated revenue.

“The El-Rufai government has almost quadrupled IGR to N50.7bn in 2020, from N13bn in 2015.

“The Kaduna State government is studying the VAT judgment to understand its details, impact and ramifications for effective revenue collection. The conclusions of this study will inform the next steps for the state.”

In its own reaction to the VAT controversy, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths under the auspices of PDP National Youths Movement, said it is gross injustice to deny states like Lagos and Rivers the full benefits of revenue generated by them.

The youths, in a statement by their President, Salahudeen A Lukman, said: “Since there is pegged monthly allocation coming from federal purse not determined by amount contributed by federating states, many governors are more than lazy in contributing to the pool of funds expected to be shared at the month end but sharp to claim glory for humongous voting figures during every general election.

“It is time to end the unfair sharing of allocation; the time is now to stop laziness of many state governors.”


Enugu to take decision on VAT soon, says commissioner
The Enugu State government plans to take a decision on whether to align itself with the move by Rivers and Lagos States to assume control over collection of VAT.

Information Commissioner Chidi Aroh, told The Nation on phone that the state executive council would meet this week to take a decision on the matter and advise Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi appropriately.

He said: “I hope you know that matter is still in court. So, it will be inappropriate for us to discuss a matter that is currently before the court.

“Again, His Excellency Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is not in the state at the moment. So we have not met as an executive council. So, when we will meet at the state executive council, we will discuss and advise His Excellency appropriately.”


Delta to take decision after studying situation
The Delta State Government is also studying the situation, according to Information Commissioner, Charles Aniagwu.

His words: ” For us we will always believe in the rule of law. There has been a judgement in Rivers State.

“Although, we did not go to court, we will study the situation and know what steps to take. We will always anything that flows in line with the law.

“As a state, we have always made a case for fiscal federalism. There are so many issues for us to deal with in our federal system for it to be more perfect. Beyond the issue of VAT, there are so many other issues. For the nation to work in a sustainable manner, we need to tow the path of fiscal federalism.”


Group urges S’East govs to emulate Wike
The Igbo National Movement (INM) says the present arrangement whereby the Federal Government collects VAT is not in the best interest of Nigerians.

National Convener of INM, Anthony Okolo, said in Owerri that the recent stance of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on the VAT issue is an eye opener.

“By successfully putting the case against the Federal Government’s unjust usurpation of the states’ rights to collect taxes in their area of jurisdiction, Rivers State has led the way in revealing that the Federal Government is involved in one of the greatest acts of fraud and larceny against the indigenous nationals of Nigeria,” Okolo said.

“It cannot also be viewed as justice to deny a state that has spent millions in developing planned neighbourhoods and estates the full value of their investment under the guise of remittance of Value Added Tax to the Federal Government that has neither spent a dime on development of that neighbourhood, nor is committed to returning the value remitted to it, back to the state for re-investment in more infrastructure.


Cross River undecided yet
The Cross River State government is undecided on which way to go.

Commissioner of Finance in the State, Mr. Asuquo Ekpeyong, only responded to enquiry over the position of the state government by simply replying with a news post showing the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter, which urged that parties should maintain status quo.

When asked the implication of his reply as it relates to the position of the state government, he did not reply the message nor answer calls made to his phone.


Diri faults IOCs on paying income tax in Lagos
For Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, part of his complaints is the decision of international oil companies (IOCs) to continue paying their employees’ income tax to Lagos State where they have their headquarters as against the states where they extract oil.

Speaking at the second edition of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Research and Development Fair, Diri said the IOCs should stop citing insecurity in the oil producing states as reason for their action.

He said: “Bayelsa State government still feels short-changed, in of what we are getting from the oil and gas industry, despite the efforts we are making to ensure peace and tranquility in the industry.

“We believe the relocation of the IOCs to Bayelsa state should not be further delayed.

“This is a pronouncement by the Vice President of our country, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, some three or four years ago. So, we believe the time for its manifestation has become very necessary.

“We strongly feel it is unfair for the IOCs to carry out their operations in Bayelsa, yet the PAYE income tax is collected in Lagos. That is a case of somebody eating the beans and asking another person to have diarrhoea.”

The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

https://thenationonlineng.net/vat-southwest-states-plan-t-action/

I don't know.
I'm just beginning to like this SW governors.

Unity in amotekun
Unity in Open grazing
Unity in decentralized supreme courts
So many others.

I think SW will fare well in Regional Government.



BTW, SW governors make Una help me beg Daru Dapo to work nah

Some people will not like this development.

Now this is what I call restructuring revolution. Weldone my governors.

mhen this is not about party affiliations or loyalty,
this is truely about the people and progress.

this will pave way for more progressive reforms,
in the SE,only the ebonyi ass licking idjit and his co ass licker in Imo will disagree.

BTW, why is everyone just studying the Judgment.

For Nigeria to Work, Regional government is the only solution.
Decentralized everything.

And let each region contribute certain amount of money to FG (say 1bn each) NOT that SE or SW will contribute 1bn each and NW or NE will be contributing 500M

Diri faults IOCs on paying income tax in Lagos
For Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, part of his complaints is the decision of international oil companies (IOCs) to continue paying their employees’ income tax to Lagos State where they have their headquarters as against the states where they extract oil.

tysontim:
Diri faults IOCs on paying income tax in Lagos
For Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, part of his complaints is the decision of international oil companies (IOCs) to continue paying their employees’ income tax to Lagos State where they have their headquarters as against the states where they extract oil.

Sadly Nah the militants and insecurities caused that.

Nice

Nice one from south.

South East leaders will seat and fold their hands when other region are working effortlessly to make a meaningful impact, but wonder why no body take them serious when it comes to national issue

AroleOduduwa2:
South East leaders will seat and fold their hands when other region are working effortlessly to make a meaningful impact, but wonder why no body takes them serious when it comes to national issue

South east and Middle belt have the worst set of leaders.

kokoA:
South east and Middle belt have the worst set of leaders.

The sad part is, SE have the political power in their people. All that is needed is a leader that can use it correctly, but these dunces they called leaders has zero clue how to use the power as a bargaining chip when it comes to national politics

Hmmm

one way or the other reform and restructuring is enforcing itself on us since we are refusing to put it into effect.

my plea is this governors should be judicious, prudent and able to the populace.

Very good, every governors should be able to use their head to think of how to generate revenue internally, instead of leaching on other people, who have worked hard for their money...

People who are reaping from where they didn't sow would be in one corner and be crying now....

Let everybody answer their fathers name...


It would now be down to the electorate to do proper research before voting, so as to vote for credible and a good technocrats that would build their state...

Heart attack for northern leeches

All Southern States should form an united front and hands together with sincerity. This is not a political party matter. It is for the economic liberation of the South. Are we not tired of doing the same things and expecting a different result?

For those like Wike that have ed the judgement of the high court into law in their states, kudos. However for those currently studying this judgement as if they want to get a first degree, God go punish una las las because anything that will make the people hold them able, dem no want .
But as it stands, power is gradually coming to the people because one day local governments will also call for control of the taxes that come from their domain for development of their own land.

You see ehn, Wike fired a bomb and its gonna damage a whole lot of stuff... Las las, na the people go enjoy the groove.

For the North east, you niggas had it a long time coming and if I may suggest, send these almahajiris back to their places so they Starr working there and pay their state government taxes.

Now those useless north east leaders will know that bombs and AK 47 don't pay taxes...

Rubbish

i think they are moving in the right direction on these

Regional Government have start, from State Police (Amotekun) to VAT Collection. Next is Supreme Court.

Whatever t actions they intend to take, they must ensure it doesn't flop like the I'll executed Amotekun project.

They should also purge themselves of internal saboteurs and traitors.

That said, when this is done, we'll revisit the independence/ autonomy for LG and State Assemblies.

South West coup

As long as each states utilize the VAT for the development and progress on their people.
As long as it won't end in the foreign s of politicians in the states.

We've talked about ranching many times here.
This is how things are done in saner climes.
Miyetti Allah need to give the good ones among their all the re-orientation that things can be done the way it is done in civilized nations.

The ONLY constant thing in life is CHANGE.

The bill was not meant to attack anybody, but that it was all-embracing.
Land resources were very important to the state, adding that the relationship between cattle herders and farmers should be symbiotic.

A better Nigeria all around is all we want.
God bless Adamawa State.
God bless Nigeria.


Our stand @[/color] on everything related to this [color=#990000]VAT issue below.....

Kudos to the Rivers State government and the ministry of Justice under the leadership of Prof. Zaccheaus Adango (SAN) for striping federal government naked in the market for fraud.

The south East will be there doing nothing and allow pant to be wearing them, when it's time to take action you will not see them but you will see them during cheat beating competition

The entire south should take a tough stand on this and end the laziness of almajiri north.

Omoluabi1stborn:


Sadly Nah the militants and insecurities caused that.

Which militant? Is the militant stopping them operating in those regions and extracting oil? Or it is just when it comes to citing headquarters that the militant stops them?

Omoluabi1stborn:


I don't know.
I'm just beginning to like this SW governors.

Unity in amotekun
Unity in Open grazing
Unity in decentralized supreme courts
So many others.

I think SW will fare well in Regional Government.



BTW, SW governors make Una help me beg Daru Dapo to work nah

Sir, you get bad mouth.

Thank God for Igboho, the stand off between him and the oppressors awake a new spirit in the elite.

The Fulani atavism has recently rebirth in cattle estate, the Yoruba should have right to the vat from values generated in their land, it weighs on their infrastructure.

The same for all Bloc that makes up the entity called Nigeria. People of this country are not asking for much, only equity and fairness. Once this is unachievable, expect the worst.

Learn how to drive better than you were told or shown drive manual or automatic cars: vehicle and driving license services available
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Need domestic workers such as cleaners, drivers, Househelps,nanny,errand persons call/WhatsApp below

Omoluabi1stborn:


Sadly Nah the militants and insecurities caused that.

What caused the militants and insecurity? It is a gradual process. Like the Igbo would say: Chase the wild cat (FG) before you blame the hen (taking back from Lagos).