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.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, has successfully renovated over 1,300 senior and junior secondary schools in the state in the last three years.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner for education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed this during a visit to the Karaye Emirate on Tuesday.
He added that the AGILE program has enrolled more than 30,000 girls through targeted outreach, grants, and its Second Chance education initiative.
Makoda further revealed that the state government has finalized plan to construct 130 new schools in rural communities, with over 35,000 girls already benefiting from financial assistance under the scheme.
He urged the Karaye Emirate to lend full support to the program and prioritize girls’ education.
In his remarks, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Maharaz, pledged the emirate’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in Kano State.
He commended the state government and the commissioner for their dedication to the programme’s success.
“It is our collective responsibility to support this initiative,” the Emir stated, calling for measures to ensure beneficiaries complete their education with strong academic outcomes.
The commissioner’s delegation consist of the Kano State AGILE Project Coordinator, Malam Mujitapha Aminu and other members of State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU).
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
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