Buhari okays suspension of 5% tax on telecom services – Newstrends
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Buhari okays suspension of 5% tax on telecom services

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the suspension of the controversial five per cent excise duty on telecommunication services just announced by the Ministry of Finance.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector in Abuja.

He said the sector was already overtaxed on multiple fronts.

Pantami said got President Buhari’s approval to suspend the tax based on his petition to him on the long-term effects of the tax.

He was also allowed to constitute a committee which will look at the tax critically and advise the president appropriately.

The committee members were given as Pantami Chairman, while the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Representatives of all the telecom companies in Nigeria are members.

The Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service had recently announced plans to start implementation of proposed five per cent exercise duties on telecommunication services and beverages in 2023.

Pantami however kicked against the move, saying it will increase the cost of telecommunication services, impoverish Nigerians the more and widen the gap in telecom access in the country.

Telecom operators under the aegis of Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, ALTON also kicked at the proposed tax, lamenting that it will whittle the growth of telecom penetration and put unnecessary pressure on subscribers ability to use telecom services.

Announcing the suspension of the tax yesterday, Pantami said, “It is because of my intervention that the President granted my prayers. He not only granted immediate suspension of the excise duty in the digital economy sector, but also approved that a committee be constituted to look into the matter carefully and advise accordingly.

 

“The President has appointed me to be his eyes and ears in the sector and it is my responsibility to ensure we are just and fair to the operators, government and most importantly our people that are the consumers,” the minister added.

Pantami said he petitioned the President and reminded him that excise duty is usually fixed on luxury products.

He also revealed that he reminded the President that currently, the ICT sector is over burdened by so many categories of taxes numbering up to 41. Some of these taxes, according to him, are duplicated and collected by the federal, state and local governments.

For him, the current economic situation doesn’t allow for continued burden on the poor citizens.

Receiving the news of the suspension, Chairman ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, said it was a victory for the subscribers who would have borne the brunt of the tax. He said: “The news of the suspension is well received. It shows that the government is listening to the complaints of the people and is always ready to do everything to increase penetration.

“If the tax remained, the burden will be passed on to the subscribers and that would have put untold hardship on them. It is actually a victory for them. I want the government to listen more and take decisions that will improve our quest to be a digital economy. More of these types of decisions will show Nigeria is ready to use ICT to build the economy.”

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Naira continues fall against dollar despite CBN $10,000 to BDCs

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Naira continues fall against dollar despite CBN $10,000 to BDCs

The Naira has failed to appreciate against the US dollar at the foreign exchange market despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent additional release of $10,000 to Bureau De change operators.

FMDQ data showed that the Naira recorded another drop to N1308.52 per Dollar on Wednesday compared to N1,300.15 exchanged on Tuesday.

On a day-to-day basis, this represents an N8.37 drop from N1,300.15 per Dollar it traded on Tuesday.

In the parallel market section, the Naira was sold at between N1,250 and N1,300 on Wednesday from N1230 on Tuesday.

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The development comes despite the Central Bank of Nigeria releasing 10,000 dollars each to BDC at N1,021 to a dollar with a caveat to sell at most 1.5 per cent above the bought price.

This is the third recent intervention for BDCs amid the bank’s effort to defend the Naira.

However, despite the FX rate record, the official window rate still surpassed the parallel market by N8.52.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the National President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, blamed peer-to-peer cryptocurrency platforms like Binance for the recent depreciation of the Naira against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market.

In recent days, the Naira has slumped six times against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market.

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Excitement as Chery celebrates innovations through roadshow at The Palms 

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Excitement as Chery celebrates innovations through roadshow at The Palms 

Excitement is in the air for all new car fans as the much-anticipated Lagos Chery Road Show holds tomorrow (Friday) April 26, 2014.

Carloha, a renowned automobile dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, announced this in a statement, saying it will be an unparalleled automotive all the way from the auto firm to The Palms, the venue of the main event.

It also the event would offer an unforgettable journey of celebrating innovation, style, and the thrill of the open road.

Part of the statement read, “The Chery Road Show promises to be an electrifying extravaganza, offering attendees a thrilling journey through the heart of Lagos, celebrating innovation, style, and the spirit of adventure.

“Kicking off from the Carloha Showroom in Alapere, Lagos, the procession will wind its way through Anthony Village, Maryland, and the vibrant Sheraton Hotel axis, before making its grand entrance into the bustling streets of Opebi-Allen, and divert to Ikoyi, Victoria Island.

“The convoy will culminate at the The Palms, where the main event will take place.”

Giving highlights of roadshow, it says, “The sip and paint session promises to be a delightful fusion of creativity and relaxation.

“Set against the dynamic backdrop of Carloha Parking Lot at the Palms, participants will unleash their inner artists while watching with keen expectation on the artiste while creating masterpieces that capture the essence of the Chery brand.”

The firm also promised to provide the latest offerings from Chery with interactive displays showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge technology, superior craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence.

The Chery impressive lineup of vehicles at the venue, it added, would show why the brand had continued to redefine the automotive landscape.

“Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you mingle with fellow enthusiasts and soak in the excitement of this one-of-a-kind event.

“Take advantage of exclusive offers and promotions available only at the Chery Road Show.

“Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or simply seeking to elevate your driving experience, don’t miss this opportunity to explore unbeatable deals and incentives,” it stated.

The statement reminded that Carloha Nigeria offers six-year free service, and six-years warranty or 200,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

It also stated that the admission to the Chery Road Show was made free to give a lot of people the rare opportunity to experience the ultimate automotive extravaganza.

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Nigerians can now access N100bn consumer credit till May 14 – Tinubu

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Nigerians can now access N100bn consumer credit till May 14 – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of the N100 billion Consumer Credit Scheme for Nigerians to ease the economic hardship facing the country.

Indeed, the President said interested Nigerians could visit the portal of Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation before May 15, 2024.

President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Newstrends reports that food prices and other goods and services have skyrocketed since June last year after fuel subsidy removal.

The situation has been compounded by astronomical increase in foreign exchange rate, with the naira hitherto N450/$ before May 29 last year currently trading around N1,200 to a United States dollar at both official and parallel markets.

Part of the Wednesday’s statement read, “Consumer credit serves as the lifeblood of modern economies, enabling citizens to enhance their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time. It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, which are essential for ongoing stability and the pursuit of their aspirations.

“Individuals build credit histories through responsible repayment, unlocking more opportunities for a better life.

“The increased demand for goods and services also stimulates local industry and job creation.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.

“The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) achieves its mandate through the following: Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems and ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit, Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access today and Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.

“In line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

“This initiative, in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, aims to broaden consumer credit availability.

“Working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit can visit www.credicorp.ng to express interest. The deadline is May 15, 2024.

“The scheme will be rolled out in phases, starting with members of the civil service and cascading to members of the public.”

Recall that two months ago, a presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced that the Federal Executive Council had given the nod for the establishment of the Consumer Credit Scheme.

He said the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, would lead a committee including the Budget Minister, Attorney-General, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance to make the scheme a reality.

In March, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, had hinted that the Nigerian government would unveil the N100 billion consumer credit loan.

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