Headlines
BREAKING: FG suspends proposed telecoms tax
Nasiru Yusuf
The Federal Government has suspended the proposed excise duty on telecommunication services.
KANO FOCUS reports that the suspension was announced by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on Monday during the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector in Abuja.
According to the minister, the telecommunications sector is already overburdened by excessive and multiple taxation.
The Federal Government through the Budget Office of the Federation had earlier revealed that it would begin the implementation of its proposed excise duties on telecommunication services and beverages in 2023.
However, Prof. Pantami has maintained that he is against the implementation of this tax, which would increase the cost of telecommunication services for Nigerians.
He said: “It is because of this the president has granted my prayers. Number one– immediate suspension of excise duty in the digital economy sector, and number two, he approved that a committee be constituted to look into the matter carefully and advise him accordingly. This committee is to be chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
“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.”
He told the committee how he had explained to the president the likely effects of the suspended tax on the telecoms sector.
Prof. Pantami said: “Of recent, it was announced that some of our respected brothers and sisters (government officials), kickstarted the process of introducing excise duty in the telecom sector in which there and then, (based on the constitution and being the representative of President Buhari) in the sector, I rejected that wholeheartedly.
“Being the representative of the president, I formalised my position and explained to him in a letter that could be referred to as a petition, reasons (excise duty is usually fixed on luxury products).
“I told the president (in the letter) that if care is taken that attempt will destroy the digital economy sector that is becoming the backbone of our economy.
“Despite our achievements, we have been recording some challenges in the sector and in the next few years to come.
“But as of today, the ICT sector is over- burdened by so many categories of taxes to the extent that today there are 41 categories of taxes at the federal and state levels, particularly in the telecom sector. Some at federal level and some at state level.
“Besides, these multiple taxes (the same taxes being collected at the federal) are also what the states are insisting should be paid to them. If care is not taken, this is what will jeopardise the achievements and gains that we have recorded so far in the sector.”
Prof. Pantami noted that prices of products and services in other sectors have increased significantly but the prices of products and services in the telecom sector have not increased significantly in the last three years.
He noted that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have been coming with many initiatives asking the regulator to allow them review their prices upward, taking into considerations things outside the sector like petroleum products, exchange rate, inflation, devaluation of the currency, among others
The minister stated that whenever the regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) brought the matter to me, he had always encouraged and urged them to try and persevere with the little profit they are making as the current economic situation in Nigeria does not give room to continue adding burden on the poor citizens.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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