Business
VAT claim is about fiscal federalism- Lagos State
Lagos State government on Thursday said it has a strong case in its demand to collect the Value Added Tax (VAT).
It said its claims were also about fiscal federalism.
The state said VAT collection would neither impoverish other states nor would the process be cumbersome.
Commissioner for Information Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, who spoke on ‘Your View’ on TVC, said: “Lagos has a solid case in the ongoing legal dispute as the crux of the disagreement is about equity, justice and fairness.
“Whichever way it goes, it will also enrich our jurisprudence and enhance the way we see and relate to the law.
“No matter what, Lagos will always stand for true fiscal federalism.”
The commissioner noted that the volume of air, sea and road transport activities in Lagos puts pressure on the state’s infrastructure.
He added that additional revenue from VAT would facilitate infrastructure development for faster movement of goods and services, as well as economic growth for the benefit of Lagos and other states since prices will fall.
On the demand for a special status for Lagos, Omotoso described Lagos as a ‘giant that carries most of the burden of Nigeria on its shoulders and the engine-room of the nation’s financial and business activities.
“Lagos must be empowered to play this role to the benefit of Nigerians”, he insisted.
Omotoso noted that other states can partner with Lagos to generate more revenue or resources by taking advantage of its huge population and massive market to sell their agricultural produce and other products, while profits realised therefrom would be repatriated to create more wealth for farmers and other producers in such states.
According to him, Lagos almost became an orphan following the movement of the Federal Capital Territory to Abuja in 1991, resulting in modest support from the Federal Government.
He was confident there would be resources for more infrastructure and facilities in transportation, health, education, e.t.c, that will benefit Lagosians and others who troop in every day if the state is allowed to collect VAT.
Omotoso added that the state will sensitise residents concerning its position on the debate.
Also yesterday, Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel said states were entitled to collect VAT.
He was a guest on Arise TV News ‘Morning Show’ aired to mark the state’s 34th anniversary.
According to him, it was wrong for the Federal Government to collect and share revenue from VAT because it is generated from businesses and activities in states.
Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, yesterday asked all taxpayers to continue remitting VAT to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
She said in an advertorial: “The ruling of the Court of Appeal employs all taxpayers in all the states to continue to collect VAT on behalf of the government in compliance with the VAT Act.”
But, Emmanuel said despite the huge oil and gas investments in the state, Akwa Ibom receives a paltry N2 billion from VAT.
He backed his Rivers and Lagos states counterparts, Nyesom Wike and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, both of whom have signed their VAT bills.
Emmanuel said: “If my brother state has gone to court, it is the same principle that we stand on. I think we are all in the same bucket, the same basket.
“All the 36 states do not need to join at the same time. Today my brother in Rivers State has gone far enough.
“I think the case has gone to the Appeal Court and there is also a stay of execution.
“Let me allow the rule of law. But for states saying they do not need VAT, maybe they do not know the hidden treasure in VAT.
“If today I sell a house in Uyo, or any other person sells a property, the value is enhanced because of the good roads, electricity, security and water I have created, and the value I have added to the property. Why should the VAT on the property not come to me 100 per cent?
“Just look at the money I have spent on capital projects in the first quarter put at N143 billion, if you take 7.5 per cent of that, why should all not come to me?”
Insurance
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited has emerged as the overall winner of the CRe Momentum Award at the inaugural CRe Insurance Awards for Africa 2026, announced during the Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 17, 2026.
The prestigious award recognises insurers that demonstrate consistent growth, strong financial performance, and strategic impact across Africa’s insurance industry. Stanbic IBTC Insurance was singled out for its disciplined execution, strong commercial results, and highly effective bancassurance model, which has significantly driven its life insurance growth.
Judges at the awards noted that the company’s bancassurance strategy—leveraging banking platforms to distribute insurance products—remains one of the most efficient on the continent. The firm’s ability to combine innovation, customer reach, and operational efficiency has positioned it as a leader in Nigeria’s insurance market.
Beyond its growth metrics, Stanbic IBTC Insurance has built a reputation for prompt claims settlement, sound risk management, and customer-focused service delivery, further strengthening trust among policyholders and stakeholders.
In the same CRe Momentum Award category, Cornerstone Insurance Plc (Nigeria) secured second place, while La Générale des Assurances (Benin) finished third, reflecting strong competition among leading African insurers.
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In the Emerging Champions category, which celebrates fast-growing and innovative insurance companies, Agrails Ltd (Kenya) emerged winner, while Britam Connect (Kenya) came second.
The event also featured the 11th Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, organised by Continental Reinsurance Plc, to honour excellence in reporting the insurance and reinsurance sector across Africa. A total of 184 entries from both Anglophone and Francophone countries were reviewed.
Uganda’s Isaac Khisa of The Independent Publications was named Overall Winner, also clinching the top spot in the English Print category for his report on Africa’s reinsurance market. Nigeria’s Josephine Ogundeji of Punch Newspaper was named first runner-up, while Ojeme Sunday of New Telegraph came second.
In the English Online category, Henry Uche of Daily Sun (Nigeria) emerged winner, followed by Isaac Khisa as first runner-up and Tendai Makaripe of 263 Chat (Zimbabwe) as second runner-up.
The English Broadcast category was won by Blessing Ifechukwude of Voice of Nigeria, with Mercy Tyra Murengu of Media Max Network (Kenya) and Samuel Nana Effah Obeng of GN Media (Ghana) finishing as first and second runners-up respectively.
Taurai Museka won the English Social Media category, while winners also emerged from Burkina Faso in the French category and Egypt in the Arabic category, highlighting the awards’ growing continental reach.
Additionally, Josephine Ogundeji received the Dr Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award, while Mercy Tyra Murengu earned Special Recognition for her contribution.
Speaking at the event, Group CEO of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, Lawrence Nazare, said the inclusion of 10 new participating countries reflects the expanding influence of the awards across Africa. Chief Judge Michael Wilson also noted that the quality of entries continues to improve, making the selection process increasingly competitive.
Winners across categories received certificates, trophies, and cash prizes, with the overall winner earning $2,000, category winners receiving $1,500, first runners-up $1,000, and second runners-up $500.
The launch of the CRe Insurance Awards for Africa marks a significant step in recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership within the continent’s insurance ecosystem. Stanbic IBTC Insurance’s victory further reinforces Nigeria’s growing role as a hub for insurance innovation and life insurance expansion in Africa.
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
Auto
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Jetour Nigeria has consolidated its position as the exclusive representative of the Jetour brand in the country following its 2022 appointment by Jetour International.
The company said the move to clarify its exclusive status came after its successful hosting of the “Jetour Experience” in Lagos, where it unveiled its nationwide dealership structure and addressed lingering market ambiguity over distribution rights.
Since securing the mandate in 2022, Jetour Nigeria has led the importation, distribution, and provision of manufacturer-backed after-sales services for the brand’s full vehicle range in the country.
Its growing influence recently earned global recognition at the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, where the firm received the “Market Share Leadership Award 2025,” underscoring its dominance in the African market.
To strengthen nationwide service delivery, the company operates through a network of seven authorised dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors.
These partners, according to the company, are the only entities authorised to sell and service Jetour vehicles in Nigeria.
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At the four-day exhibition held at the Podium Events Centre, the dealers provided product information and customer engagement services, reinforcing what the company described as a unified and regulated distribution ecosystem.
“The ‘Jetour Experience’ was more than a celebration; it was a statement of clarity,” noted a representative of Jetour Nigeria. “By bringing our seven authorized dealers together under one roof, we have shown the public exactly where the Jetour brand lives.
“Since our 2022 appointment, we have invested heavily in a structure that guarantees customers genuine parts, expert technicians, and valid warranties—benefits, only available through our official channels.”
The company also received a boost from the visit of Anguo Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, who commended the Nigerian team for its rapid expansion and infrastructure investment.
Industry recognition has followed the brand’s growth, with awards including the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association’s New Entrant of the Year, Fastest Growing Auto Brand, and Car of the Year for the Jetour Dashing.
Jetour Nigeria said its current lineup — including the rugged T2, plug-in hybrid models, and the flagship G700 — reflects its commitment to innovation and market leadership.
It advised customers to engage only its authorised dealer network to guarantee access to genuine parts, certified service, and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Railway
Rail transformation on Abuja–Kaduna route excites NIPR delegates
Rail transformation on Abuja–Kaduna route excites NIPR delegates
Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have applauded the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s rail system, describing it as a clear sign of renewed confidence in public transport under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The commendation came on Monday as hundreds of NIPR members travelled aboard the Abuja–Kaduna train to attend the Institute’s Annual General Meeting in Kaduna.
The journey itself became a moving testament to the rail sector’s resurgence, with fully booked coaches buzzing with networking, reunions and professional camaraderie.
Delegates from across the country, particularly from the southern states, converged on Abuja before boarding the train alongside their counterparts from the Federal Capital Territory.
For many, the decision to travel by rail was both practical and symbolic—a vote of confidence in the improving fortunes of the NRC.
Inside the coaches, the atmosphere was said to be lively. Old colleagues reconnected, new relationships were forged, and passengers commended the professionalism and efficiency of NRC staff.
Many described the experience as seamless and refreshing, noting that with the right leadership, public institutions can deliver quality service.
While praising the progress recorded so far, the NIPR members called on the Federal Government to deepen investment in rail infrastructure.
They stressed that sustained funding is critical, given the capital-intensive nature of railway operations, and expressed confidence that such investments would yield strong economic returns.
Among dignitaries on board were the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, Oba Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup; President of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu; and media veteran, Dr. Mohammed Kudur Abubakar.
Oba Haastrup particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Opeifa as NRC Managing Director, noting that his performance within a year highlights the corporation’s potential as a driver of economic growth.
Lagos NIPR Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the coordinated rail trip was also influenced by safety considerations and served as a deliberate endorsement of the NRC’s ongoing reforms.
He urged the government to extend rail connectivity to more parts of the country, providing Nigerians with reliable alternatives to road travel.
The NRC delegation to the conference was led by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, alongside the MD’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Yinka Aderibigbe.
The Kaduna conference, which runs until April 24, is expected to equip communication professionals with fresh insights and innovations in public relations practice.
It also serves as a precursor to the World Public Relations Conference scheduled to hold in Abuja later this year, where global stakeholders will converge to address emerging challenges in the profession.
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