• Senate President Godswill Akpabio alleges that only 30% Nigerians pay tax
• Multichoice raises its subscription fees as DSTV Premiums goes for ₦44k
• IPMAN threatens to strike, demands for ₦100 billion bridging claims from NMDPRA
• Nigeria gears towards having its census as Tinubu meets with NPC officials
• NCS cancels import declarations launched under suspended FOB levy

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio alleges that only 30% Nigerians pay tax

During the hearing, Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed to stakeholders that less than 30% of Nigerians are registered taxpayers.

“This is important for diversifying our economy and tackling this issue effectively. I don’t believe that even 30% of Nigerians currently pay taxes, yet 100% want better roads,” he stated.

The proposed legislation—including the Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) 2024, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill (NRSEB) 2024, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill (JRBEB) 2024—was submitted to the National Assembly for approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October of the previous year.

However, the discussions surrounding these bills generated significant controversy in the House of Representatives before the lawmakers approved them for public hearings.

Multichoice raises its subscription fees as DSTV Premiums goes for ₦44k

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced a rise in subscription prices for its DStv and GOtv packages, nearly a year after a previous increase. 

The company stated that the price adjustment responds to the rising costs associated with business operations. 

“Due to the ongoing economic factors that have led to increased operational expenses, we have regrettably had to revise the prices of our DStv and GOtv subscription packages,” MultiChoice explained. 

“We acknowledge the potential impact this change may have on our valued partners and have only made this decision following careful consideration and thorough analysis.”

IPMAN threatens to strike, demands for ₦100 billion bridging claims from NMDPRA 

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a warning of a potential nationwide strike due to the failure of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to pay ₦100 billion in bridging claims.

Bridging claims refer to the expenses of transporting petrol from depots to designated areas to maintain a consistent pump price throughout the country.

During a press conference on Monday, February 24, Abdul Ibrahim, the Gombe depot chairman of IPMAN, stated that the oil marketers have given the NMDPRA a seven-day ultimatum to process the payment, or they will withdraw their services.

Nigeria gears towards having its census as Tinubu meets with NPC officials

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to establish a committee to align the census budget with the government’s financial capabilities. He emphasised incorporating the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in this review.

The most recent census in Nigeria was conducted 18 years ago, in 2006, and the president is committed to conducting a new one to determine the population and gather relevant data about residents.

“We need to verify who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. An accurate census is essential for effective planning for employment, agriculture, and food security. Many challenges arise from the lack of precise data.”

NCS cancels import declarations launched under suspended FOB levy

On February 11, the NCS suspended implementation of the 4% charge on the free-on-board (FOB) value of imports six days after announcing the levy.

On Tuesday, Abdullahi Maiwada, assistant comptroller and national public relations officer at the NCS, said the measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes.

“Sequel to the earlier press release announcing the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform stakeholders that all import declarations made during the initial implementation period have been cancelled,” Maiwada said.