News
Tax Tribunal resolves 9 claims worth N10bn in Kano
By Nasir Ibrahim
The Tax Appeal Tribunal, North west zone, has resolved nine out of 13 cases received in 9 months worth over ten billion Naira.
The chairman of the Tribunal Umar Adamu disclosed this on Monday at a one day stakeholders Forum held in Kano.
He said most of the cases were judged in favour of tax payers.
Mr Adamu revealed that within nine months of its existence the tribunal have received thirteen tax cases out of which eleven are from Kano.
He explained that the Tribunal was established in 2010 in accordance with section 59 (1) of Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) establishment act of 2007 as dispute resolutions centre between the taxpayers and tax authorities.
“The act empowered the tribunal to adjudicate on all tax disputes arising from operations of the various tax laws as spelt out in the fifth schedule to the FIRS establishment act 2007 and personal income tax amendment act 2011.
“The tribunal does not experience technicality inherent in conventional courts. An individual or corporate organizations can lodge his complaint without counsel’s representation if he was wrongly taxed within thirty days from the date on which the demand notice was made or received. However, the tribunal may entertain an appeal after the expiration of the 30 days upon satisfactory proof of the cause of the delay,” Mr Adamu said.
In his address Kano state deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna said, state government would explore avenue provided by the Tax Appeal Tribunal to ensure quick resolution of tax matters in the State.
Mr Gawuna noted that the need for timely and correct payment of tax by all taxpayers is a civic responsibility that should be encouraged at all levels.
” it is clear that all over the world, taxes, levies and charges constitute the most sustainable sources of revenue to Government for executing development projects. Where they are not paid, government has to resolve to legal options of filling cases against defaulters at the tax appeal tribunal for adjudication.
“So, as government uses revenue from tax sources to execute major programmes and projects in the areas of education, health, skills development, agriculture and infrastructure for the well being of the good people of Kano, a high sense of responsibility is developed,” Gawuna stated.
The deputy governor said it is discerning that Kano State government had taken full advantage of the jurisdiction factions of the Northwest panel of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.
Gawuna revealed thst” out of the thirteen cases inherited by the Tribunal after its inauguration on November 5th 2019, records have shown that eleven of the cases came from Kano State Government. Out of the eleven, nine cases have been amicably resolved and settled “.
Mr Gawuna directed the State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) and Local Government revenue committees to present all unresolved revenue cases to the tribunal.
The deputy governor called on the Stakeholders to actively participate in the interaction to utilise the opportunity provided, adding that the state through its Internal revenue service would embark on sensitization campaign to create awareness on the tax appeal tribunal.
In his remarks, a former president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ismaila Zakari advised federal government to reduce VAT to less than 5% so as to encourage more organisation to register.
He said if federal government reduced VAT, it would generate more revenue as many organisations not captured may voluntarily come forward to register their companies.
He observed that many companies eligible for VAT payment are not captured in the current system.
The stakeholders forum was attended by trades and professional bodies such as Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), proprietors of private schools, shareholders, clerics, contractors and management of Kano Inland Revenue Service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State was thrown into mourning as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside thousands of sympathisers, paid final respects to two serving members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo and Alhaji Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who were laid to rest in separate burial rites.
A statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the solemn ceremonies drew large crowds of mourners from across the state, reflecting the deep impact of the lawmakers’ service and leadership.
Alhaji Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo, who represented Ungogo Constituency, was buried on Wednesday in his hometown of Ungogo Local Government Area amid emotional scenes from family members, constituents, colleagues and residents. The late lawmaker died while serving his second term in the House of Assembly and was, until his death, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation.
Funeral Prayer of Hon. Aminu Sa’ad Ungoggo
Before joining the legislature, Ungogo was a seasoned administrator who served Kano State in various capacities, including as Chief Personnel Officer (CPO), Director of Personnel Management (DPM) and Sole Administrator.
Similarly, Alhaji Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who represented Kano Municipal Constituency, was laid to rest on Thursday at the Dandolo Cemetery, following funeral prayers at the Emir’s Palace Mosque in Kano. He was serving his first term in the Assembly and chaired the House Committee on Hajj Operations.
Before venturing into politics, Daneji retired from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as State Commandant in Katsina State.
Governor Yusuf attended the funeral rites alongside the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jibrin Ismail Falgore, and his deputy, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butubutu, as well as other top government officials.
The burial attracted tens of thousands of mourners, including principal officers of the Kano State House of Assembly, members of the NNPP National Assembly Caucus, serving and former lawmakers, political office holders, party leaders, traditional rulers and residents from across the state.
Governor Yusuf described the late lawmakers as dedicated and selfless representatives who served their constituencies and Kano State with commitment and integrity. He extended heartfelt condolences to their families, the leadership of the Kano State House of Assembly and the people of Kano State, particularly those of Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies.
The governor prayed that Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings and grants them Aljannatul Firdaus.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the establishment of a Technical Committee to tackle the persistent issue of poor employment representation of Kano State indigenes in federal government agencies, as well as private and voluntary institutions operating within the state.
KANO FOCUS the committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, at his office in Kano. Speaking at the inauguration, the SSG expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued marginalisation of Kano indigenes in employment opportunities, despite Kano being the most populous state in the country.
He noted that Kano has not received its fair share of jobs, even in federal and private institutions located within the state, stressing that the high rate of unemployment among youths in Kano—believed to be higher than in any other state—demands urgent and decisive government intervention.
“This is the right time to reclaim what truly belongs to us,” Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim declared, adding that the present moment offers an opportunity for meaningful and sustainable action.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary in the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, explained that the committee was carefully constituted with experienced individuals drawn from various sectors of public service.
He announced Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Social Development, as Chairman of the committee, with Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Special Adviser on Human Resource, serving as Co-Chairman.
Other members of the committee include Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service; Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties; Hon. Ali Yahuza Gano, Special Adviser on Metropolitan Affairs; Alhaji Salisu A. Kabo, Director General, Youth Empowerment; and Hon. Ado Muhammad Wudil, Executive Secretary, Guidance and Counselling Board. The committee’s activities will be coordinated by Salisu Musa Aliyu, Principal Assistant Secretary in the REPA Directorate of the SSG’s Office.
The committee is mandated to review employment practices in federal, private, and voluntary institutions operating in Kano State, determine the level of employment of Kano indigenes, engage relevant organisations on recruitment guidelines, and collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to ensure fairness and compliance with existing regulations. Its ultimate objective is to develop practical and lasting solutions that will improve employment opportunities for Kano State indigenes.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the team. He assured that members would work diligently to justify the trust and appealed to the people of Kano State for prayers and cooperation.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his long-time political ally, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his 76th birthday, marked on December 25.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Ganduje as an astute politician and accomplished administrator who has devoted over five decades to public service in Nigeria.
The President recalled that Dr. Ganduje served the nation in several key capacities, including as a senior administrator in the Federal Capital Territory before returning to Kano State to serve as Commissioner for Works during the military era. He later became a two-term Deputy Governor of Kano State and subsequently served two consecutive terms as Governor of the state.
Dr. Ganduje, who also served as National Chairman of the APC, is currently the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
President Tinubu praised Ganduje’s enduring friendship and political collaboration, noting his significant contributions to the growth and stability of the ruling party.
“I will forever appreciate Ganduje’s friendship and close collaboration at different times, as well as his services to the APC,” the President said.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the former Kano State governor good health and long life to enable him to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.
Dr. Ganduje’s 76th birthday has drawn goodwill messages from political leaders and associates across the country, celebrating his long years of service and contributions to national development.
Amid tears and sorrow, Kano bids farewell to fallen lawmakers
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