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‘Tax The Rich, Increase Salaries By 50%’ – NLC Writes FG On How To Avert Economic Crisis

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1 month ago

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The Nigerian Labour Congress has asked the federal government to raise taxes across the board for the ‘rich’ and ensure that governors above 50 years resign.

The union made this recommendations in a letter signed by Ayuba Wabba, NLC’s president, and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The letter dated August 8th was in response to recommendations made by Nigerian governors in July.

As part of the recommendations, the governors had asked the FG to raise VAT to 15 percent and offer public workers older than 50 years a one-off retirement package to avert the looming economic crisis.

The governors’ proposals were said to be part of coordinated efforts to instill fiscal discipline and prevent the nation from imminent economic collapse.

But NLC said the implementation of the retirement proposal would lead to the sacking of about a quarter of the public sector workforce.

“Pursuant to this, if state governors strongly believe that age 50 is the problem, we demand that all governors, public office holders and politicians above 50, as a mark of good faith, should immediately step aside. Leading by example would spur public servants to take a cue,” the letter reads.

Due to current global realities, the workers’ union asked the federal government to make a 50 percent salary review.

“While we commend you for your thoughtfulness for a wage increase, the truth of the matter is that given the misfortune that has befallen the Nigerian populace, especially workers with fixed incomes, there is an urgent need for a massive intervention much deeper than the 22 percent. We would recommend a 50 percent salary review across the board given the realities on the ground,” the union said.

Speaking on the governors’ proposal on the increment of value-added tax (VAT) levels to 10 percent with a timeline to further raise it to 15-20 percent and introduction of a flat rate of 3 percent, the union said it would adversely affect the underprivileged.

“These recommendations seek to make the poor pay more taxes while the rich pay little or nothing in clear violation of the well-known norm of the rich paying taxes to cover up for the poor.”

It urged the federal government to “raise taxes across the board for the rich, including increased taxes on luxury goods and lifestyles”.

Speaking on the governors’ suggestion that foreign trips by MDAs, including budgetary-independent agencies, the union said it does not canvass for a total ban.

“Foreign trips ordinarily serve their useful purposes, but they have been abused by MDAs, especially budgetary-independent agencies such as the CBN, FIRS, NPA, MIMASA, NCC, NITDA, and other blue-chips. This acts as a big drain on our resources. Accordingly, while we do not canvass for a total ban, there should be some control, a limit to foreign travels. The number should be pegged per year until we have a turn-around,” it added.

The union disagreed with the governors on petrol subsidy removal, saying it “could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without”.

“Truth is that the little benefit the average person in Nigeria enjoys could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without,” it said.

“The solution to subsidy and the ballooning deficits lies in domestic refining, effective management of our refineries, and creating an enabling environment for effective and efficient public sector leadership in the building and management of local refineries.”

“We do concede that a quick and enforceable resolution of the conflicts around ownership of gas in various entities is key to freeing up investment space for foreign direct investment and local businesses in the country.

“Sadly, prolonged inter-agency fighting has become a familiar feature of your government. You would need to put your foot down pending the paperwork.”

It, however, supported the governors for quick implementation of the updated Stephen Oronsaye Report.

The union also supported the governors’ suggestion for the centralization of the collection of all federal oil and non-oil taxes in one agency.

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Project Lead Africa Announces 2022 Leadership Excellence And Dignity Awards, Tagged “Rewarding Tenacity”

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4 hours ago

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September 26, 2022

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Organizers of Leadership Excellence And Dignity Awards have annouced November 13th for the 2022 maiden edition of Lead Awards. It was also revealed that the prestigious event will hold at the Dome International Conference Center, Akure, Ondo State.

Addressing a cross section of journalists over the weekend in Lagos, the Executive Director, Abiola Alaba Peters AAP, said the evening promises to be a gathering of captains of industries, government officials and prominent traditional rulers as far as Ondo State is concerned.

“It is our pleasure to announce to the general public, particularly the good people of Ondo State, that all is set for the 2022 Leadership Excellence And Dignity Awards. This announcement was necessary after several months of consultation and planning, the event will be live at the Dome International Conference Center, in Ondo State capital, Akure”

“The date is November 13th 2022, It’s going to be a cooperate night, an evening of glitz and glamour, we have put in so much into making this maiden edition a memorable one. And that is why we have also taking time to design the concept of the theme of this year ceremony, REWARDING TENACITY. We believe it’s time to celebrate the individuals and organizations who have put in their best in making our dear state what it is today”

“It’s promises to be a gathering of some of the biggest names in Ondo State, from politics, business, entertainment, among others, our traditional rulers are not going to be left out, we are also expecting guests from neighboring states. Alaba Peters concluded.

Giving further details on the event, the Media and Publicity Director, Adewoye Solomon, said although activities, such as nominations and voting has kicked off since January, the award ceremony will hold on a Sunday in the month of November 2022.

In his words, “Let me start by saying that, the process and activities for the award started in January this year, the award presentation will hold in Akure, on a Sunday, the second week of November 2022. Let me also add that, two months ago, we closed the voting process. We have about 25 categories of awards, which includes the special recognition category”.

“A total of 15 categories will be decided by general public, while the remaining 10 will be decided based on the panels’ decision. We received a good number of quality entries from across the state for this debut edition. We have our final shortlists of winners, which we are confident embody the excellence the awards stand for.”

Lastly, let me also add that, this is a strictly by Invitation event. We are introducing an electronic invites by next month. We also have some top celebrities coming in from Lagos. We will make some major announcement in the month of October, do well to follow us on all our social media pages for updates. Thank You “

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JUST IN: FG Makes U-Turn, Withdraws Order To Reopen Varsities

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4 hours ago

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September 26, 2022

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The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission, Monday afternoon, withdrew its circular which ordered vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and governing councils to re-open federal universities.

It was reported earlier that a circular tagged NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 was addressed to all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities ordering them to re-open universities.

But in another circular tagged NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136, which the Director, Finance also signed, and Account of the NUC, Sam Onazi, the commission withdrew the order.

Though it did not explain why. The letter tagged, “withdrawal of circular NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 dated September 23, 2022” partly read, “I have been directed to withdraw the NUC Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135, and dated September 23, 2022, on the above
subject.

“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn. All pro-chancellors, chairmen of governing councils, and vice-chancellors of federal universities are to please note. Further development and information would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

“Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary’s warmest regards”


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Retired Soldiers Stage Protest In Abuja Over Pay Discrepancies [PHOTOS]

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9 hours ago

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September 26, 2022

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Some retired soldiers on Monday in Abuja protested salary and pension gaps among the ranks of serving and retired military personnel.

The protesters were seen with mats and banners demanding that the federal government rectify the discrepancies.

One of the banners they carried, said, “Review the wide disparity in pay and pension across the ranks of servicing and retired personnel”


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