LAND USE CHARGE: Lagos Residents Troops To Banks To Make Payment

With the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode flagging off the payment of Land Use Charge on Monday, February 19, 2018, Lagosians have also trooped to the banks to make their payments, duly observing their civic duties as owners and occupiers of properties in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Land Use Charge (LUC) is payable annually by property and building owners in Lagos State. It is a consolidation of ground rent, tenement rate, and neighbourhood improvement levy. Following the introduction of electronic payment for all forms of revenue remittance which brings an end to the cash payment in the state, residents of Lagos can now use the e-payment, making it easier to pay anywhere and anytime.

This development will help Lagos State boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and block all financial leakages in ministries and parastatals which will in turn enable the government discharge her responsibilities.
The LUC bill, which was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Lagos State Governor on February 8, enables the correction of inefficiencies in the old law which revealed that only a small fraction of properties in Lagos State was remitting their Land Use Charges.

Renowned Nigerian comedian and Lagos State resident, Mr. Gbenga Adeyinka, who paid his Land Use Charge on Tuesday, February 27, also advised other property owners to utilize the convenient e-payment platform introduced by the state.

“I went to the bank today to pay my Land Use Charge as a responsible resident of Lagos State in order to take advantage of the 15% discount before the deadline of April 14, 2018, and I implore property owners to do the same in order to improve living conditions in the state. This will also help the state government to provide better amenities and infrastructural development for property owners and residents of Lagos. It is a civic and moral duty to support the good work of this government for our benefit and for generations to come”.

In addition, some properties are exempted from the operation of the law such as properties used for public, religious and charitable activities, properties occupied and owned by pensioners of 60 years and above, public cemeteries and burial ground and all palaces of recognized Obas and Chiefs in the State.

Another Lagos resident, Mr. Oluwole Farinu, mentioned that paying his Land Use Charge enables him to exercise his civic duty and in turn helps the government provide more infrastructure like the building of roads, hospitals and providing security. ‘The Lagos State Government has tried to improve lives through better provision of infrastructure in the state’, he said.According to Engineer Olayemi Ajala who noted that Infrastructural development is quite obvious in every corner of the state especially in areas like Epe, Surulere, Aguda and the Alapere dual carriage road, “Lagosians should support the Government more by paying their taxes in order to have improved growth and development.

Payments can now be made at any branch of the 19 accredited banks in Lagos State as well as through WebPay, Paypoint, and USSD.

China Development Bank, UBA Sign $100 million Loan Deal to Support SMEs in Africa

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a pan-African banking group and China Development Bank (CDB), the world’s largest development finance institution, on February 27, 2018 announced the signing of a $100 million seven-year loan agreement to finance the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.

The $100 million loan will enhance UBA’s capacity to provide access to finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the 19 African countries where UBA currently operates.

“We are excited to partner with China Development Bank (CDB), the Development Financial Institution of the Chinese Government, on this historic transaction, as we strongly believe that the facility will serve as a catalyst to the sustainable development of commerce and industry in Africa through provision of critical financial interventions to SMEs across our presence countries,” says Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka.

Uzoka noted that this line of credit is timely, as it should complement the recovery of economic activities. It will also further encourage African entrepreneurship particularly as the funds will be applied to SMEs, which are important for inclusive growth on the continent.    

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu said that the fund will boost small and medium scale enterprises across Africa, noting that CDB’s interest in supporting SMEs aligns with UBA’s vision in growing business across Africa.

“In UBA, CDB would have an enduring partner in reaching out to Africans as UBA provides banking services to over 14 million people across 20 African countries, and like CDB, UBA funds critical infrastructural projects on the continent “  Elumelu said. He expressed that he would like to see an even stronger relationship grow with CDB and UBA as well as with China and Nigeria.

Also commenting, the President of CDB, Mr. Zheng Zhijie, said the agreement is the beginning of cooperation between UBA and CDB that would translate into an enduring business relationship between China and Africa and Nigeria in particular.

“UBA is a leading and dependable bank not only in Nigeria but Africa, and this partnership will help our Bank to accelerate its business objectives in Africa, more importantly as we deepen our investment in energy, road and rail constructions, infrastructure in Africa,” Zhije said

UBA, Africa’s global bank, is one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria incorporated which operates in 19 African countries whilst providing a wide range of products and services. UBA is a leading bank in infrastructure financing particularly in the Power, Telecoms and Transport sectors. UBA leads in social infrastructure such as hospital and education facilities to various countries in Africa. In Nigeria, the bank operates in each of the country’s 36 states, helping to deepen financial inclusion through its brick and mortar network as well as through its cutting edge digital platforms. Globally, UBA has over 1,000 branches and customer touch points, serving over 14 million customers. CDB, funded in 1994, is the world’s largest development finance institution and, the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation.  CDB provides medium-to-long-term financing facilities that serve China’s major long-term economic and social development strategies. By the end of 2016, its assets grew to RMB 14.34 trillion, a balance of loans of RMB 10.32 trillion. CDB currently has 37 primary branches and 3 secondary branches on the Chinese mainland, one offshore branch in Hong Kong and five representative offices in Cairo, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas and London

*Obat, Vital Allied Energy seal multi-million Naira deal -to supply 100,000mt refined product quarterly!*

 

 Obat Oil and Petroleum Ltd. has just entered into a long term agreement with Vital Allied Energy Supply & Services Ltd, (VAE) to supply 100,000mt of refined product quarterly, with a delivery of 30,000mt monthly.

The first tranche of AGO cargo, arrived at Obat terminal in Apapa, within the week and loading activities commenced immediately, upon the discharge of the product into tanks.

In view of the high demand for the use of the product in the market, plans are already in progress by VAE, to further increase the monthly volume to meet up with the market demand.

The agreement between the two companies is to further strengthen the market supply of AGO, and other petroleum products. However, in order to actualize the supply chain mechanism, Obat Oil, in conjunction with its arm of NUPENG and Petroleum Tanker Drivers, (PTD), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with VAE, to ensure the smooth delivery of the products across the country.

OBAT Oil & Petroleum Ltd. is a major marketer in the oil and gas business in Nigeria.  Its resources and strengths have established it as a major provider in the global energy market, while further enhancing its status as a global player in oil trading and related  allied businesses. The management team is headed by the scion of its founder, Prince ‘Femi Akinruntan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who has, since mounting the saddle of the MD/CEO, has been taking the company to greater heights, without cutting corners, especially in the volatile business of independent marketing of oil and gas products.

This new venture is one of the lofty heights the crown prince and his team has been striving to inch  in the industry.

Open Letter To President Mohammodu Buhari By Dr Lawrence Majekodunmi Ayodele

OPEN  LETTER TO PRESIDENT MOHAMMODU  BUHARI COALITION OF PROFESSIONALS AND INDIGENES OF EKITI STATE AND
CONCERNED STAFFS OF THE FEDERAL
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
 The Presidency
Federal
 Republic of Nigeria,  FCT.,
Abuja.
 VICTIMIZED  FOR BEING AN APOSTLE OF CHANGE IN  HIS INSTITUTION - A CRY
FOR HELP FOR DR. LAWRENCE
 MAJEKODUNMI AYODELE
We are a coalition of professionals and  indigenes of Ekiti State and concerned staffers of  the Federal Ministry of  Health that have been watching with keen interest  all the events that have been taking place  in Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti  since inception. We are therefore making this submission in view of injustice  and maltreatment melted to Dr. Lawrence  Majekodunmi Ayodele, a- 52- year- old administrator per excellence from  Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State, who was  the Chief Medical Directorof the hospital  between June 2012 and May 2016.  Dr. Ayodele has been ill-treated  with a high level of  injustice in his  bid to make his fatherland better  (in line with the  ‘change’ crusade of the  present Federal Government) by the Hon. Minister of Health,Prof. Isaac  Folorunso Adewole and Governor Ayodele Fayose,  his  adviser. It is our belief that many other civil groups must be wondering  what kind of game the Hon. Minister of Health must have been playing in Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti in the last twenty (20) months. Firstly, all thanks to Mr. President and theFederal Republicof Nigeria for appointing Dr. L.M. Ayodele as the Medical Director of FederalMedical Centre, Ido-Ekiti in September, 2012 after serving  as acting Medical  Director of the same institution  between June and August 2012. To the glory of God, at the end of four years, the young man did not disappoint Mr. President and the nation at large going by  the way he transformed the  hospital to an enviable state in areas of Status, Service Deliveries, Training and  Infrastructural Development. Within 2 years of his appointment as Medical  Director, he transformed the institution to a Federal Teaching Hospital, the  first of its kind in our dear country. Prior to his appointment as the Medical Director, Dr. Ayodele had served as the Head of Clinical Services (2010-2012) and  Founder/Head of Psychiatry Department of the same hospital (2004-2010). Though, the hospital  had no Mental Health facility  prior to his appointment as Consultant Psychiatrist, he started one  following his appointment into the hospital in  April 2004. The establishment of  Mental Health Department brought a new dawn to  the hospital. In less than 5 years of starting the department, it became the best in the areas of clinical services, service delivery to patients, manpower development and research. The department was therefore, the first to secure  full accreditation from both the  National and West African  Postgraduate Medical  Colleges, for postgraduate training of doctors (Resident Training) in the  entire Ekiti and Ondo States.  Consequently, the department produced the first set of indigenous consultants  (specialists) in the hospital. Before joining the Federal Medical Centre,Ido-Ekiti,  Dr. L.M Ayodele had served as a Consultant  Psychiatrist at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kware, Sokoto, where he was made the Head of Clinical Services till he relocated to Ekiti State in April, 2014 on a lateral transfer. Before then, he had earlier served at Federal  Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabarand Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos ACHIEVEMENTS ASTHE MD/CMD OF FEDERALMEDICAL CENTRE/FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI Following his  appointment as the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti in the year 2012, his vision and  mission centered on bringing POSITIVE CHANGE to the  hospital in  the areas of staff’s attitude to work, discipline, transparency and accountability, service delivery, training  and research,  infrastructural development and  restoration of peace between  the hospital and  the host community. With God on his side, all of the aforementioned were  evidently achieved within three years in spite of incessant strikes and distractions by the different groups of health workers  union. Some of his  landmark achievements can be enumerated as follows:1.     TRANSFORMATION  FROM MEDICAL CENTRE TO TEACHING HOSPITAL: Top on the list of landmark  achievements recorded by Dr.  Ayodele and his team  is the transformation of the hospital from   Federal Medical Centre (FMC)  Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI) through the unique partnership with Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)  through a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) that was signed by the ABUAD management and Federal Government of Nigeria, and witnessed by crème-de-la-crème of the society including the clergy, academics, royalty, the judiciary and members of the Legislature and the then  Minister of State for  Health, Dr. Khaliru Al-Hassan, on  November 15, 2014. That  was the first time in the country that a Federal Medical  Centre would be transformed to a Federal Teaching Hospital and For this to  have been possible, the hospital satisfied all the requirements stipulated by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in areas of service delivery, training and research and adequate  equipment and
 infrastructure.   2.     ABOLITION OF CORRUPT PRACTICES: Immediately he assumed office as the Medical Director of the hospital in 2012 he arranged with a  commercial bank on  the daily collection of treatment  tariffs from patients. This was to put an end  to the inherited practice of accounts staff that were collecting money directly from patients, thereby pocketing the bulk of their collections through  illegal/fake self-printed receipts. 3.     ESTABLISHED A PROCUREMENT TEAM: He stopped thepractice of  indiscriminate procurements by various head of  departments/units and channeled  all procurements through the  Hospital Procurement Committee in compliance with the due process stipulated in the National Procurement Act. Prior to his  ascension to office most procurement done by the head of departments were without LPOs or payment vouchers (PV) and at ridiculously inflated rate 4.     He introduced attendance registers to the departments He introduced attendance registers to the departments up and work, making  referral an uncommon practice in the hospital, 8. INFRASTRUCTURE: The hospital’s  Internally Generated Revenue  (IGR) was not spent on consumable  and trainings only but utilized to construct  some much needed facilities in the hospital through direct labour and  supervised by the hospital engineers. This was to support  the capital projects funded by the Federal Government. Example of such facility  is the 3-floor NHIS building that was constructed with a paltry N30M. The building has 25 clinical rooms/offices and a 100-seater library on the top floor. The library had a Wifi installed. It was the first purpose-built library in the hospital since it was established in 1956. Anothe  example of such facility put inplace through the IGR is the 300-seater mini conference hall. 9.   

LIRS Introduces E-Payment For Remitance of Consumption Tax

 

 ...urges consumers to demand ERA system receipts

In its effort to leverage on e-payment and multi-modal payment portals, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has unveiled an automated invoicing system and technology device, Electronic Revenue Assurance system (ERA), at a stakeholders' meeting held with hotel and business owners in the hospitality and Tourism sector of Lagos state at the Banquet Hall, State House, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

With the theme "Fiscalization of hotel occupancy and restaurant consumption tax law'' The stakeholders' meeting highlighted the benefit of improving profit, sustenance of cash flow and reduction in revenue leakage for hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and event centers owners in Lagos state through the ERA device.

In his eloquent speech at the official unveiling of Electronic Revenue Assurance system (ERA, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State ably represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule reiterated his commitment to make Lagos state one of the largest economy and smartest cities in the world.

He enjoined the residents and business owners in Lagos state to key into the new ERA by promptly paying their consumption taxes through the newly introduced technology

''Funds are required to enable government to actualize its objective of the provision of adequate infrastructure and services for the residents of expected of a mega city. Prompt payment of taxes is the way in which government is able to finance its activities."

According to the Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair, "The hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, fast food outlets, bars, event centers among others serve as agents of the government for the purpose of remittance of 5% consumption tax collected from customers through the LIRS new technology, Electronic Revenue Assurance System (ERA). The chairman also stated that the commencement of the new system takes effect immediately as LIRS officers will be visiting hospitality places to install the software and train their staff on the use of the new device.

The Electronic Revenue Assurance System (ERA) is a software application/device that issues invoices and receipts to consumers bearing a unique QR code. The receipt will also contain detailing of the items and/or services ordered and an embedded automation of Consumption Tax remittance in real time.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade stated that "The hotel occupancy and restaurant consumption tax Law is not a new law but an existing law.  The device is to ensure efficiency and compliance of remittance of consumption tax from the owners of Hotel, Restaurants, Nightclub and Events centres in the state.

He assured that the protection of consumers and collecting agents' details are confidential and will be used only for tax purposes.

Reacting to the newly introduced device, the President of Lagos hoteliers association, Mr. Adekunle Akilo noted that sensitization and training process for effective utilization of the device should be continuous to help business owners and consumers in the hospitality industry fully embrace the technology.

President of Association of fast food confectioners of Nigeria, Mrs. Kehinde Kamson stated "We will support Lagos state government on compliance and 100% remittance. However, the government through its agency, LIRS should create a level playing ground for all levels of business in the hospitality industry by initiating this device across the board especially the informal sector or unstructured businesses.

Incentive for consumption taxpayers, the LIRS is determined to give back to loyal consumption taxpayers who request for their receipts generated from the ERA System for an opportunity to participate in a draw and win attractive prizes.The LIRS urges consumers and customers of hospitality places in Lagos State to always demand for the ERA system receipts in the overall interest and benefits of all.

Tinubu to Oyegun: stop frustrating peace moves

All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has accused National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun of frustrating reconciliation efforts in the ruling party.
He said the chairman had compounded the challenge of reconciliation by taking “improper unilateral decisions” on issues affecting national and state chapters.
Tinubu added that Odigie- Oyegun had refused to cooperate by delaying the release of information critical to the resolution of crises in state chapters.
The former Lagos State Governor made the observations in a February 21 letter to Odigie-Oyegun, .titled: “Actions and conduct weakening the party from within”, copies of which were sent to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Tinubu was appointed by President Buhari on February 6 to reconcile party leaders and political office holders where there are crises.
On February 14, Tinubu visited Odigie-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the National Secretariat to seek support for the assignment.
He has since been meeting with party leaders. He visited Sokoto State where he was received by Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Tinubu said while the chairman had allowed the crises in the chapters to fester by his refusal to take appropriate actions, his decision to take some “inappropriate unilateral decisions” in recent times in the affected chapters had created fresh difficulties for the reconciliation process.
Citing Kogi and Kaduna states, Tinubu said Oyegun’s hasty decision to inaugurate a parallel state executive committee for Kogi State and his indifference to the leadership tussle in the Kaduna chapter led to “demolition of property and threat of violence”.
The former Lagos State governor accused the chairman of “lack of openness and fairness, which have led to internal crisis in some states’, stressing that the principles of internal democracy and the “institutions of the party” have been undermined.

Urging Oyegun to ponder on the imperative of laying a good legacy, Tinubu advised him to change tactics and work within the confines of the party constitution.
He said: “To lessen animosity and return the party to the path of internal democracy and openness, I beg that you refrain from taking any more improper unilateral decisions with regard to the national and state chapters of the party.  As the chairman of the party you must work within the confines of the duties and responsibilities enumerated under the party constitution.”
“If you continue to do so, I fear you may undermine the party in no small degree. You may well cause internal fractures and dissension difficult to repair yet visible to all.  I fear this can undermine our goodwill with the electorate and make the approaching challenges to the party materially more difficult than they need to be.”
Acknowledging the rift between him and Oyegun, the former Lagos State governor said the overriding interest of the party should take precedence over and above personality clashes.
Tinubu said: “Drawing from your behaviour in Kogi, Kaduna and with regard to the state chapter assessment requested, I am led to the inference that you have no intention of actually supporting my assignment.
“Instead, you apparently seek to undermine my mandate by engaging in dilatory tactics for the most part. When forced to act, you do so in an arbitrary and capricious manner, without the counsel of other NWC members and without regard to our internal procedures.
“You may have personal qualms with me. That is your right as a human being. However, you have no such right as the chairman of this party. This party belongs to all of its members. You have no greater claim on it than any of the rest of us.
“Whatever personal qualms you may have with me are secondary at this point.  You have a moral and professional obligation as the party chairman to act in the party’s best interests. Your hurried and unilateral actions belie the important agency you hold for the party.
“Thus, in furtherance of the assignment given to me by President Buhari, I request that you make available to me the status reports and all other pertinent information regarding the state chapters without further delay.”

Jonathan, IBB, Shagari absent at Council of State meeting

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former military President, Ibrahim Babangida and ex-President Shehu Shagari were conspicuously absent at the time the Council of State meeting started at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The former leaders present when the meeting started at few minutes past 11:00 a.m. were Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd).
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived after the national anthem and the opening prayers were said.
The meeting was the third Council of State meeting held under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Also at the meeting are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Chief Justices of Nigeria and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Governors of Adamawa, Benue, Kebbi, Jigawa, Delta, Lagos, Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Imo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Plateau, Ogun, Rivers, Zamfara, Ebonyi and Kaduna States are also attending the meeting.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was absent when the meeting started.
The meeting started when President Buhari arrived the Council Chamber and went round the place to shake hands with those present.
The first meeting under Buhari was held on October 21, 2015, while the second was held in September 2016.
The National Council of State is chaired by President Buhari, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Deputy Chairman.

The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.