News
ERA OF RIGHT TAX REVENUE UTILISATION IN AFRICA BECKONS
By Kelechi Okoronkwo
A major take-away from the just concluded Seventh General Assembly of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) which held in Lagos, Nigeria, from October 31 to November 4, 2022 is that tax money must be put into good use if more tax revenue is to be generated. Heads of tax agencies from 42 African countries and more than 500 other participants, comprising of 380 registered participants who attended physically, 100 registered participants who participated virtually and about 65 participants who were members of dignitaries’ entourage, were welcomed in Lagos with that simple statement of fact; and that statement reverberated in all discussions throughout the five-day continental tax engagement.

Over the years, taxmen have avoided this sore-part of tax administration. In most tax jurisdictions in Africa, the constitutional responsibility of taxmen ends with the generation or collection of tax revenue. The utilisation of the revenue is left for the government to decide. As a result, taxmen did not even attempt to remind the government of the social contract between the taxpayer and the government.
The subsisting social contract is that while taxation represents a compulsory transfer of wealth from private citizens to the state, it is publicly desirable only if tax revenue is consistently translated in improvements in publicly provided goods and services, and broader improvements in the quality of governance. In other words, while it is the obligation of the citizens to pay taxes to the government, it is the responsibility of the government to utilise the tax revenue properly to provide the citizens with needed services and infrastructure.
Taxmen literally endured confrontations by taxpayers who always demanded evidence of tax revenue utilisation. Reports from field show that taxmen often faced stiff resistance from taxpayers during tax compliance drives. As a result, tax administrators lose revenues; and in some cases, get humiliated or even manhandled by angry taxpayers who demanded value for money paid as taxes. The outcome statement of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in its collaborative meeting with the Kwara State University (KWASU) in August 2022 noted that the major cause of low tax compliance in Nigeria was ‘Trust Deficit’ of the taxpayer for the government. A taxman, during the ATAF conference, shared his experience during a tax drive in one market his country’s capital city. The moment the traders identified the group of taxmen who were on tax drive to some offices in the market, the traders mobilised and chased the taxmen out of the market, saying that the government neither constructed access road to the market nor provided power supply to the market after many years of mobilising revenue from the market.
In Nigeria, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been championing calls for public office holders to ensure right utilisation of the taxpayers’ money. Nami had observed that taxmen in Nigeria faced resistance from taxpayers because Government at various levels are not doing enough to produce evidence of good use of the taxpayers money. He then started open campaign for judicious and effective deployment of tax revenue. Nami took the call to the ATAF General Assembly in Lagos. In his welcome remarks, Nami urged heads of tax administrations in Africa never to shy away from highlighting the strong nexus between improved tax revenue collection and improved utilisation of the tax revenue. In Nigeria for instance, while available records show that the government at some levels, is making effort to provide the taxpayers with basic social amenities, it is also true that the culture of right tax utilisation needs to permeate the system such that it becomes anathema for any public office holder to divert or misuse the taxpayers’ money. This is the central theme of Nami’s effervescent messages on tax revenue utilisation.
Interestingly, the theme of the ATAF conference was “Rethinking Revenue Strategies: The Human Face of Taxation”. Nami seized the opportunity to further escalate his thoughts to his colleagues, that giving a human face to taxation involves making the tax money work for the taxpayers, insisting that governments across Africa must begin to rethink governance, engender public confidence and trust in government by providing value for taxpayers’ money in line with the responsibilities of governments under the social contract they have with citizens. He added that it was imperative for African tax administrators to mobilise and speak with one voice as a regional bloc on global tax issues for their collective interests.
“The fiscal social contract which hinges on the willingness of the citizens to pay tax in return for the provision of public service, is a clarion call on the government at all levels in Africa to rethink governance.
“In my view, if we must transform the tax system and enhance revenue collection in Africa, there is the need for the government at all levels to engender public confidence and trust in government by providing value for taxpayers’ money,” Nami said.
Nami also stated that governments should reconsider how projects are reported in the public space, with such reports communicating to convey the idea that taxpayers’ money’s is used to fund infrastructural projects.
Also, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) Mr. Hamzat Ayodele Subair, in the same vein said that there was the need to give taxation a human face, by implementing projects with taxpayers’ moneys that impact the lives of the citizens. Taking Lagos state for instance, Sanwo-Olu said there can be no development without funding. And in return, the Lagos State Government has given a human face to taxation by providing the taxpayers with their basic needs.
“There is no development without funding. We have amongst others, embarked on major transformational infrastructure projects cutting across transport, health, education, agriculture, and technology amongst others.
“These major infrastructural interventions are designed to improve the quality of life of our citizens and re-engineer economic growth and development trajectory with improved productivity of our citizenry, which invariably improves our tax generating abilities. In a bid to save the human face of taxation, communication and feedback from the taxpayer are of paramount importance,” Mr. Subair noted.
Similarly, in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum, Mr. Logan Wort noted that a critical component of rethinking Domestic Revenue Mobilisation is to ensure that the government has an impact on the lives of citizens.
“While we consider strategies or frameworks within which to enhance Domestic Resource Mobilization on the continent, we must always put into perspective its primary objective—being the impact on people’s lives as reflected by ATAF’s mandate in the new decade which is to serve the higher purpose of enabling and assisting African governments to mobilize their own domestic resources through taxation in order to build states that foster economic growth and social development in the interest and wellbeing of all their citizens.
“This mandate, especially the latter part, is one we all share in various capacities across our jurisdictions, and one that must drive our Domestic Resource Mobilization objectives”, Mr Wort said.
Nami’s call for right tax revenue utilisation by African governments dominated discussions throughout the conference; and became a profound peg for rethinking taxation strategies in Africa. With the dramatic acceptance of Nami’s speech amongst the tax administrators, as evidenced by various reactions of participants in the tax conference, there is already a silver lining in the cloud; and one could be optimistic that African Governments would heed these calls for effective tax revenue utilisation; which will in turn cause upshoot in tax compliance and revenue mobilisation in Africa.
Kelechi Okoronkwo is a Media Support Staff of the Executive Chairman, FIRS.
News
Seyi Vibez Drops Fuji Moto Album Featuring Trippie Redd, French Montana, NLE Choppa & Olamide
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Seyi Vibez has released his highly anticipated album Fuji Moto, a 14-track project that fuses Fuji rhythms with trap, street-hop, and melodic Afro-fusion. The album arrived on November 14, 2025, under EMPIRE, marking one of Seyi Vibez’s most ambitious creations yet.
Fuji Moto features standout international and local collaborations, including Trippie Redd, French Montana, NLE Choppa, and Nigerian rap icon Olamide. The project also includes several deep, introspective solo tracks where Seyi Vibez reflects on pain, resilience, spirituality, and his rise from the trenches to global acclaim.
Within hours of release, the album debuted at No. 2 on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart and quickly became Seyi Vibez’s most-streamed project ever on Spotify, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential voices in modern Afrobeats and street music.
With its blend of traditional Fuji influences and contemporary sonic experimentation, Fuji Moto cements Seyi Vibez’s reputation for pushing boundaries and representing the sound of the streets on a global stage.
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Abuja
Wike Presides Over FCT Exco, Launches New Waste Management System for Cleaner Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence a comprehensive new waste management regime across Abuja from Monday, November 17, 2025, as part of efforts to improve sanitation and restore environmental order in the nation’s capital.
The announcement followed the FCT Executive Committee Meeting held on Thursday and presided over by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, revealed that the Executive Committee had ratified and approved a memo appointing new contractors to handle waste collection and management across different districts of the FCT.
According to him, the approval also covers the procurement of basic waste treatment plants, alongside the maintenance and operation of supervisory utility vehicles to support the new regime.
Chief Obuah, who acknowledged widespread complaints about waste disposal in the capital, expressed optimism that residents would begin to experience a significantly cleaner and better-managed Abuja once the new system takes effect.
Also speaking, the head of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, disclosed that the Committee approved payment for the emergency evacuation of waste from open dump sites, waterways, and stream channels in the Dogon Gada community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He explained that a total of ₦111,913,176 was released for the execution of the cleanup contract.
In addition, the FCT Transportation Secretary, Hon. Chinedum Elechi, announced approvals for printing services for the Directorate of Road Transport Services. He added that funds have also been approved for the operation and maintenance of 34 existing traffic lights, as well as the installation of three new traffic light systems within the Federal Capital City.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, reiterated Wike’s determination to maintain high environmental standards in Abuja.
“The Minister is very concerned about the waste management contract,” he said. “He is serious about it because it directly affects the cleanliness and overall image of the city.”
With the new waste management framework set to take effect next Monday, the FCTA says it is fully committed to delivering a cleaner, orderly, and world-class Abuja.
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Abuja
Senator Ned Nwoko Releases Voter’s Card to Deny Marrying Regina Daniels at 17
Senator Ned Nwoko, 67, has released what he claims to be Nollywood actress Regina Daniels’ voter’s card to debunk widespread claims that he married her when she was 17 years old.
The document, reportedly issued by INEC, lists Regina’s date of birth as 1998, suggesting she was 21 when the couple tied the knot in 2019 not 17, as previously alleged.
Nwoko shared the card on social media in response to Regina’s recent revelation that she was underage at the time of their marriage, alongside new allegations of abuse and drug exposure during their relationship.
In his rebuttal, Nwoko dismissed the accusations as false and malicious, suggesting that Regina’s statements were influenced by “substance-related issues.”
The controversy has intensified following claims of family confrontations and arrests, though no formal legal action has been filed by either side.
Regina, who has presented her international passport showing a 2001 birth year, maintains that she was 17 at the time of their union. The conflicting records have fueled online debates over document authenticity and the couple’s 46-year age gap.
Social media users remain divided, with some defending Nwoko’s evidence, while others question the motive and legality of the marriage. Many commentators have also called for privacy and due process amid the escalating feud.
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Abuja
Your anger misplaced, face those who scammed you — Wike’s aide tackles ex-Naval chief
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reacted to the controversy involving former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.), over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Olayinka alleged that the retired naval chief was deceived into buying land that had been officially designated for park and recreational purposes, not residential use.
According to Olayinka, rather than directing anger at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for enforcing land-use regulations, the former naval chief should focus on the individuals who sold him the illegal property.
“Vice Admiral Gambo was scammed. He needs to use his military might against the person who sold land meant for park and recreation to him to build duplexes — not FCTA officials carrying out their lawful duties,” Olayinka stated.
He revealed that the land in question was originally allocated to Santos Estate Limited in 2007 for park and recreation purposes.
Olayinka further explained that in 2022, the company applied to the then FCT Minister for approval to convert the land to residential use, but the request was declined. Despite this, the company allegedly went ahead to partition and sell the land to unsuspecting buyers, including the former naval chief.
“Santos Estate Limited had already sold the land to unsuspecting people, including the former Chief of Naval Staff, who is now building duplexes on it,” Olayinka noted.
“Like I said earlier, shouldn’t the former Chief of Naval Staff be more concerned with the person who scammed him, rather than using military might to hold on to a property on which he was duped?” he queried.
Reacting to comments made by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff, Olayinka added:
“I read the statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai. As Director General of Rotimi Amaechi Campaign, Buratai has done his job.”
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Abuja
Badaru Defends Soldiers, Says No Officer on Lawful Duty Will Be Punished Over Wike Incident
Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no officer or soldier performing lawful duty will face punishment over the recent altercation between military personnel and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
Speaking during the ministerial briefing to flag off activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru reaffirmed the government’s support for security personnel executing their duties responsibly.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and if he does it well,” he said.
The assurance comes amid tensions following a confrontation between Wike and a military officer who led soldiers to secure a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa district.
After the incident, a coalition of retired military veterans threatened to occupy the FCT ministry if any disciplinary action was taken against the officer, insisting he acted under a lawful directive.
On National Security Achievements
The Defence Minister also highlighted key achievements under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the armed forces have recorded major successes in counter-terrorism and internal security operations nationwide.
According to Badaru, within Tinubu’s tenure, troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered.
“These coordinated operations have dismantled major terrorist enclaves, neutralised notorious bandit commanders, and restored peace to hundreds of communities, enabling displaced persons to return home,” he said.
Badaru also disclosed that in the South-South region, troops destroyed over 1,900 illegal refining sites, safeguarding vital oil and gas infrastructure.
He emphasized that the military’s growing operational capacity is supported by strategic modernization efforts, including the procurement of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and naval vessels.
“The signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023 marks a milestone in indigenous defence production, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for defence technology in the region,” the minister stated.
He further called for collective participation in the fight against insecurity, stressing a “whole-of-society approach” that involves government, civil society, traditional institutions, academia, and the private sector.
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