The Federal Government has expressed worry over multinational companies’ usage of the nation’s underground water resources for commercial purposes without obtaining license.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a joint press conference with the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to address the controversies surrounding the National Water Resources Bill.

Adamu said it was worrisome that without a law to protect the nation’s water resources sector, indiscriminate usage would not be addressed, hence the need for the passage of the National Water Resources Bill into law.

According to him, Federal Government was not interested in taking over the control of water resources in states, but to create an enabling environment for effective water resources management in line with global best practices.

Adamu said the bill would empower irrigation farmers to form Water Users Association for effective operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure and sustainable development.

On licensing of borehole drilling, the Minister said with the new bill in place, commercial borehole drillers would be mandated to obtain licenses, adding that no license was needed for domestic extraction of water.

“Nobody says you should not drill borehole in your house, but the issue is that you cannot be taking water for commercial use at the expense of the people, so this bill is actually protecting the rights of the people to use their resources.

“The other issue is the proliferation of boreholes in this country, this is the only country in the world that you drill borehole without the authorities knowing.

“When I was told there are over 1,000 boreholes in Abuja alone, I could not believe it, the recent earth tremor was linked to borehole drilling,” he said.

Adamu said the ministry through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, had the responsibility to monitor the groundwater resources to ascertain pollution, and ensure sustainable use of water resources.

According to him, the bill was a consolidation of all water resources laws and policies from time immemorial and should not warrant any controversy or criticism.

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the bill was for the good of the nation and had no hidden agenda whatsoever.

“Also, we cannot rule out deliberate mischief by some of those who have been portraying the Bill as a new source of conflict
whatsoever.

“Also, we can not rule out deliberate mischief by some of those who have been portraying the Bill as a new source of conflict.

“We are therefore using this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to avail themselves of the provisions of the Bill to avoid being misled by those who have chosen to politicise it,” Mohammed said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Water Resources Bill which was first introduced in 2018, was rejected by the 8th Assembly, and has faced continuous criticism following its reintroduction in the 9th assembly.

Some critics of the bill say if the bill is passed into law, it may endanger national unity and dispossess states of their rights to their water resources.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata has held an interactive session with the members of the Association in Nasarawa State, on the welfare of Lawyers amongst others.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL).

The statement reads:

NBA PRESIDENT’S INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH LEGAL PRACTITIONERS IN NASARAWA STATE

Dear Colleagues,

As part of the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) towards ensuring that the NBA works for its members and Nigeria at large, and in fulfillment of his promise to routinely interact with the membership of the Association, the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata on Tuesday 22/9/2020 held an interactive session with legal practitioners in Nasarawa State.

At the event, the first session of which was attended by the Executive Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge and the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, as well as the NBA Branch Chairmen of Lafia and Keffi Branches, the NBA President urged the executive arm of Government in Nasarrawa State to pay more attention to the Judiciary in the areas of financial autonomy, infrastructure of courts and Judges’ welfare.

During the subsequent interactive session which was only attended by the members of the NBA, the President discussed the welfare and remuneration of lawyers and how to Improve the earning capacity for law firms. Other issues discussed were the incessant harassment and intimidation of lawyers by security agencies; access to finance for legal practitioners; health insurance for members of the Association; factors militating against efficient administration of Justice; the welfare and inclusion of young lawyers as well as the need for collaboration with International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) and African Women Lawyer’s Association (AWLA) to effectively tackle the issues affecting women.

Further, and in line with his campaign promise of investing in the capacity building of lawyers, the NBA President promised that the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) accomodating a Centre for Commercial Law Studies would be up and running before the end of the year so that our members can take the benefit of the institute to enhance their capacity.

The NBA President pointed out that the essence of visiting various States in Nigeria is to discuss issues peculiar to different branches, in order to enable the NBA live up to its responsibilities to members of the legal profession and the society at large. The NBA President looks forward to more interactions with other NBA branches.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has made a clarification regarding the payment of stamp duties in Nigeria

This is contained in a press release issued by the Executive Chairman of the Service, Muhammad Nami made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL)

“In response to requests by some tax payers seeking clarification on the current administration of Stamp Duties Act in Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) hereby provides the following clarifications to guide tax payers and the general public:

1. Stamp Duty is a tax payable in respect of dutable instrument as provided under the Stamp Duties Act, CAP 58, LFN, 2004 (as amended). Such instruments include Agreements, Contracts, Receipts, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Promisory Notes, Insurance policies and other stipulated in the Schedule to the Stamp Duties Act.
2. Origin/Background of Stamp Duties in Nigeria: –Stamp Duties into effect as a result of Ordinance 41 of 1939. The Stamp Duties Act has undergone several amendments over the years up to the Finance Act of 2019. The most recent amendment recognised technology, e-commerce and cross border transactions in line with global practice and current economic realities.
3. Chargeable Transactions and Rates: – Stamp Duty is chargeable on both physical and electronic instruments in two ways i.e. Ad-valorem:- where duty payable is a percentage of the consideration on an instrument; or Flat Rate:- where a fixed sum is chargeable irrespective of the consideration on dutable instrument or document.
4. Table of Rates

5. Administration of Stamp Duties in Nigeria
6. Section 4(1) of the Stamp Duties Act provides that the Federal Inland Revenue Service shall be the only Competent Authority to impose, charge and collect upon instruments where such instruments relate to matters executed between a company and any person
7. ii. Section 4(2) of the Stamp Duties Act provides that the relevant tax authority of a state shall collect duties in respect of instruments executed between individuals.

• iii. In respect of banking transactions, the FIRS is vested with the powers to collect stamp duties on all bank transactions.

1. iv. As such, the powers given to the State Government through their respective revenue authorities to administer stamp duties by ensuring the assessment, collection and accounting for stamp duties between individuals into the State Government revenue accounts does not include banking transactions
2. The Stamp Duty Commissioner is appointed by the relevant tax authority (Federal or State) as prescribed by jurisdictional authority to administer the Act and to supervise the Stamp Duties office; adjudicating/assessment, stamping, the imposition of penalties where necessary, ensuring the security of stamped instruments, accounting for duties collected.
3. Payment and remittance of stamp duties on receipts:-

A fixed rate of N50 FIRS adherence stamp is applicable in respect of all receipts. A N50 Stamp Duty is also due from customers in respect of electronic transfers done by them through the Money Deposit Banks (MDBs) in Nigeria where the transfer is N10, 000amd above. The MDBs have the obligation to deduct and remit the stamp duties due on such transactions

7. Remittance of Stamp duties

• Money Deposit Banks shall remit stamp duties collected on behalf of the FIRS into the FIRS Stamp Duties Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria
• In the case of Ad-valorem, the stamp duty is chargeable at the prescribed rates and shall be remitted to the Stamp Duties Account of either the Federal or the State Government.

Please note that the stamp duties chargeable on all electronic transfers of money (including those initiated by an individual and received by another individual) through any Money Deposit Bank in Nigeria, shall be remitted into the FIRS Stamp Duties Account ONLY. This account is a Federation Account; the revenue accruing therein is distributed monthly to the three tiers of government in Nigeria (i.e the Federal, State and Local Governments) at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings.

8. Burden of Payment
9. The burden of payment of stamp duties whether fixed or Ad-valorem is that of the beneficiaries of a contract, or Money Deposits Banks customers who transfer an amount of N10, 000 and above from his account to another customer’s account. In any case, the party making payment shall have the obligation to account for the applicable stamp duties
10. The MDBs, MOAs, Landlords, and other executors of chargeable transactions are only agents of collection whose duties are to ensure that the stamp duties due on each transaction is remitted to the Federal or State Governments stamp duties Account as and when due.

• It is the responsibility of MDAs, MDBs, Companies, Landlords, Executors etc. to ensure that service providers, contractors, tenants etc. pay stamp duties due on agreements, receipts and other dutable instruments

9. FIRS Adhesive Stamps vs Postage Stamp

It is necessary to state that postage stamp is administered by NIPOST for the purposes of delivery of items and documents. It does not denote duty and, therefore, not a substitute for the FIRS adhesive stamp which is produced for the sole purpose of stamp duty payment. Section 5(2) of the Stamp Duties Act provides that stamp duty may be denoted by an adhesive stamp. To this end, the Service produced and launched FIRS adhesive stamps for denoting stamp duty.

10. Penalties and Interest

Failure to deduct or remit stamp duties into the Federal or State Stamp Duties Account attracts penalty and interest as stipulated in the Stamp Duties Act, CAP 58, LFN, 2004 (as amended).

11. Conclusion

The FIRS is prepared to reposition Stamp Duties and make it the next major revenue source for Nigeria. As revenue from oil and gas continues to dwindling due to global fail in demand and price, indirect taxes such as Stamp Duty remain the viable and sustainable alternative revenue source for funding budgetary requirements by the Nigerian Government.

We hope that the above clarification and information on general or specific clarifications contained in the Stamp Duties Act and Public Notices by the Service would provide adequate information and guidance for the administration of stamp duties in Nigeria.

By Martin Paul, Abuja

National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has approved the proposed nationwide strike starting from September 28 to compel the Federal Government reverse the recent increase in prices of fuel and electricity tariff.

NEC at the meeting held in Abuja, called on the Federal Government to urgently make refineries in the country functional adding that the timing of the increment was wrong.

President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, warned that failure to meet the demands would compel workers to go ahead with their protest on the said date.

The NLC had on Wednesday last week, after meeting of the State Working Council, (SWC), threatened to shut down the economy if the federal government refused to reverse the recent hike before September 28.

The threat came after the Trade Union Congress (TUC), had given a seven-day ultimatum to the government to revert to the old prices of petroleum pump price and the electricity tariff.

NARTO Rescinds Planned Protest

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, (NARTO), comprising truck and tanker owners, across the country has directed its members to resume operations.

The body said the decision was taken after Federal Government has agreed to shift the implementation of the ban on trucks with 45,000-litre capacity to January 1, 2020.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Othman, disclosed that the decision to discontinue the withdrawal of their trucks nationwide was followed by the intervention of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

NARTO had on Monday issued notice of strike to press home its grievances, which include the ban on the use of 45,000-litre capacity trucks for the lifting of petroleum products across the country.

From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen are said to have killed the Acting Gwom Rwei of Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State, HRH.

 Da Bulus Chuwang Jang.

The incident allegedly occurredMonday night.

DAILY ASSET learnt that the Monarch was lured through a fluctuating phone call that compelled him to step outside his compound for a clearer network and was immediately attacked with machetes outside.

His loud cry for help attracted his son who arrived the scene in deep shock. He was said to have rushed to rescue his father but was also pursued by the attackers and had to run away for his life, living behind the father who was later shot by the attackers.

The deceased’s son described the attackers as “herdsmen.”

Information gathered indicated that the Monarch was rushed to Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, the Plateau State capital but gave up shortly on arrival.https://galleria.com.ng/pushgalleriaads?q=201&i=59&ho=dailyasset.ng

Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Jock Alamba confirmed the killing of the traditional ruler to Newmen in Jos describing the incident as unfortunate.

Alamba noted with dismay the killing of the Royal father stressing that it was coming when all efforts were been put in place towards the total restoration of Peace in Local Government area, which has passed through trying times over the years.

He stated that the incident was a deliberate ploy to plunge the area back into another round of crisis. 

The Management Committee Chairman said the late Monarch was a critical stakeholder on Peace building in Foron District, Barkin Ladi and Plateau State at large, adding that the invaluable role played by the Royal Father would be greatly missed.

The Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang also confirmed the incident to DAILY ASSET.

 “Government is aware of what happened in the early morning of Tuesday in Foron District of Barkin-Ladi LGA, it is an unfortunate development. The security agents have been mandated to track the killers if this man.

“There was tension in the community but there is calm now, we are appealing to our people to remain calm not to take the law into their hands.”

Member Representing Barkin Ladi Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly and Minority Leader, Hon. Peter Gyendeng  described the gruesome killing of the traditional ruler as barbaric, callous and unfortunate.

“Our leadership and security agency must rise to the occasion, come out and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and justice is gotten”, he said.

The Chairman of Berom Education and Cultural organization ( BECO) Foron District, Mr. Dagalang Bott lamenting the ugly act, said the previous killings of other members of the community was no doubt a prelude to the untimely killing of their monarch who had always preached peace and harmony to his people.

He called on members of the community to remain calm and be law abiding. He said the community will not relent in demanding justice on the Killers of their traditional ruler.(DAILY ASSET.)

By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday urged Kaduna State indigenes to cooperate with government and security agencies to secure peace and harmony, stressing that development will only take place when energies are collectively channelled to building, instead of destruction of lives and property.

“We must live together as brothers and sisters because without peace, development cannot take place,’’ the President noted at virtual opening of the Fifth Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit, with the theme KADInvest: Infrastructure, Industrialisation and Innovation.

“I wish to commend the efforts of the Kaduna State Government to establish its credentials as one of the new investment destinations of choice in Nigeria. These efforts have received just recognition in the response of the business community which has put in new investments in the state.

“This is a further affirmation of the ranking of the state as Number One for Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2018. I call on the Kaduna State Government to keep up these laudable efforts and surpass the impressive results already attained,’’ President Buhari said.

He noted that the success of state governments in attracting investments, creating jobs and increasing their internally generated revenues would be critical to the development of the entire country.

“Therefore, I am impressed that the Kaduna State Government has from inception used KADInvest as a serious platform for showcasing its investment potentials. The state’s commitment to consistent implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Charter is exemplary, including its ability to increase its Internally Generated Revenue to N44bn in 2019 from N13bn in 2015 without hiking tax rates. This is very laudable.’’

The President congratulated the Kaduna State government for making KADInvest a regular fixture on the investment calendar, held annually since 2016.

“It is a fitting statement of the resilience of the Kaduna State Government that it is able to host the 2020 edition amidst the severe disruptions to the normal order caused by Covid-19. This is the sort of determined focus that can help the country to navigate the challenging consequences of the pandemic.

“It was my pleasure to commission the Olam Hatchery and Feed Mill project in 2017, about 18 months after the ground-breaking was done at the first edition of KADInvest in 2016. It is commendable that investors like Tomato Jos are creating jobs in the agribusiness sector, taking advantage of Kaduna State’s prioritisation of agriculture.

“I also note with delight the success of new investments in renewable energy like Blue Camel and tractor assembly and the revitalisation of poultry farms across the state. The ongoing development of iron mining and steel processing capacity in the state through investments by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited is especially commendable.’’

President Buhari said the Federal Government will continue to support efforts to attract job-creating investments.

“We believe that much can be done at the sub-national level to drive human capital development and expand economic opportunity. I note with delight the massive investments in infrastructure upgrade Kaduna State is executing through the urban renewal programmes in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

“Given the track record since 2015, I have no doubt that the Kaduna State Government and its private sector partners will take full advantage of the economic windows that are being opened by Federal Government investments such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.

“The state government should afford full cooperation and support to cross-border federal projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway.’’ (dailyasset)

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has told the protagonists of the proposed Oduduwa Republic to stop using fake Islamic organisations to camouflage as Muslims.

The human rights organization urged Nigerians to be wary of fake Islamic groups masquerading and declaring support for the secessionists.

This was revealed by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a press statement issued on Wednesday.

“The protagonists of the proposed Oduduwa Republic are desperate. Their desperation has reached a crescendo where they have resorted to dishonourable actions.

“This should jog the conscience of honest Nigerians. There is nothing wrong to have differences and disagreements. It is also normal to have ambition. But what is abnormal and ignoble is to pursue your ambition by hook or crook.

“Those in the irredentist Oduduwa Republic camp have descended so low that they use fake Muslim names and counterfeit Islamic organisations to issue statements in order to confuse Nigerians.

“Their plan is to deceive Nigerians and the rest of the world into believing that Yoruba Muslims are with them in their secession bid. This is not politics. It is outright dishonesty. It is not only cowardly, but ignoble, despicable and condescending. It should be condemned by all men and women of honour.

“Those behind it should be ashamed of themselves and those still supporting them should realize by now that they are being led by the nose.

“We urge Nigerians and the outside world to wake up to the antics of shenanigans masquerading as leaders of Yoruba self-determination groups.

“Yorubas are known to have great qualities of honesty and transparency. That is why the average Yoruba man, based on established Yoruba norms and values, is proud to be called an ‘Omoluabi’, i.e. a man of honour.

“But the reverse is the case with the self-acclaimed leaders of the present Yoruba irredentists. They are another cup of tea entirely.

“They are prepared to get their reckless and ill-thought-out ambition by fair or foul means. Instead of using superior logic to convince Nigerians, they tell lies at will to confuse the gullible. They forge names and concoct counterfeit organisations just by snapping their fingers.

“All these are in an effort to deceive the public. Our question to them is very simple: what kind of ‘republic’ do you want to establish with falsehood? Why must you resort to deception, lies and false propaganda? It is sheer mischief, nothing else.

“This is where Nigerians have to choose: should we follow liars and mischief makers or should we queue behind men of honour and truth? The devil you know is always better than the one you do not know. We may not have gold or silver today, but we will never deceive you with lies or half-truths. Unless you are a certificated gambler, it is too dangerous to follow liars to terra incognito.

“The names of fake Islamic groups like Yoruba Jamatru, Yoruba Islamic Organisation (YISO) and Yoruba Muslim Community have been used to deceive the general public. We alert the press and the good people of Nigeria that these are all fake groups conjured by the secessionist camp.

“Observers of the religious circle in the South West will note that notable Islamic organisations that have been speaking for Muslims in the region are the umbrella body for all Islamic organisations in the zone, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the Companion, The Criterion, The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), FOMWAN, NASFAT, QAREEB, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), The Muslim Congress (TMC), The Ansaruddeen Society, Nawairudeen Society, MURIC, the Movement for Islamic Cultural Affairs (MICA) and a few others whom space cannot allow us to mention here.

“Most of these Islamic organisations have issued statements rejecting the Oduduwa Republic but the irredentists want to distort history by making forged statements using faceless Islamic organisations.

“This is criminal. We advise journalists to seek clarification from MUSWEN whenever any new group comments on the matter in order to avoid vicarious liability. MUSWEN is our umbrella organization in the South West and all Islamic groups in the South West are registered under it.

“We assert clearly, categorically and unequivocally that none of the so-called Islamic groups which have issued statements in support of a Yoruba Republic are known to us.

“They are fifth columnists created by the separatists with the aim of dividing the Yoruba Muslim community. But they have failed. It is not an Islamic organization if it is not an Islamic organization.

“The Yoruba Ummah is one, virile and indivisible. We therefore charge the Nigerian press to handle the Oduduwa Republic matter with utmost professionalism. The wheat must be separated from the chaff. This is not the time for yellow journalism. Neither is it the time for sensationalism.

“Statements issued by groups that are hitherto unknown in Christian, Muslim and traditional Yoruba circles should be checked and cross-checked. Media houses who publish statements made by fake groups will be held responsible for such statements. A certified journalist is expected to check the source of his or her information. The press must take responsibility.

“Those who allow the name of Yoruba Muslims to be used freely and irresponsibly will answer to Yoruba Muslims because we are going to make sure that we forward reports of fake statements to the security agents and legal action will be taken where necessary. The sources of those statements will be traced and all those involved will have questions to answer. This society must be sanitized.

“There must be consequences for irresponsible and mischievous statements and publications capable of causing the breakdown of law and order in the society. Yoruba Muslims have Allah-given fundamental right to enjoy freedom from molestation, harassment, intimidation and coercion from any quarters. MURIC will do everything possible within the laws of the land to guaranty this right.

“MURIC appeals to Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba people, to shine their eyes. These liars and forgers are advocatus diaboli whose only desire is to cause chaos in society.

“The Yoruba say ‘Omo ti o ba puro yio jale’ i.e. a child that tells lies will soon start stealing. Those who are now misleading you with lies will definitely steal all your money if ever Oduduwa Republic becomes a fait accompli.

“They are not to be trusted. They are making noise today because the tap from which free naira and dollar used to flow has been closed. We assure Nigerians that the agitation will die a natural death when the man they love to hate ends his tenure in 2023.

“To cut a long story short, we warn those agitating for the establishment of Oduduwa Republic to stop deceiving Nigerians by using Muslim names and fake Islamic organisations to issue statements.

“The Nigerian press has a duty to ensure that fake and faceless groups are not allowed to use it to cause disaffection in the society. Media houses are advised to publish only what they can be proud of as members of the noble profession,” he said.