Brands/Products
FIRS Accuses DSTV of N1.8trn Tax Debt
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular pay-TV service provider, DSTV, which is owned by MultiChoice Nigeria, a subsidiary of MultiChoice Africa, has been accused of owing the federal government N1.8 trillion as outstanding taxes.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), through its Executive Chairman, Mr Mohammad Nami, alleged that the company has failed to adhere to the country’s tax laws.
In a statement on Thursday, he said the company has never paid Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Nigerian authorities since it commenced operations in the country.
The agency has now asked all financial institutions the company has bank accounts to ensure they recovery the alleged tax liabilities.
According to the tax agency, the cable television company has refused to allow its server to be audited, wondering foreign organisations always flout laws of Nigeria when “they dare not try [such] in their countries of origin.”
“It was discovered that the companies persistently breached all agreements and undertakings with the Service, they would not promptly respond to correspondences, they lacked data integrity and are not transparent as they continually deny FIRS access to their records.
“Particularly, MCN has avoided giving the FIRS accurate information on the number of its subscribers and income. The companies are involved in the under-remittance of taxes which necessitated a critical review of the tax-compliance level of the company,” FIRS said
“The group’s performance does not reflect in its tax obligations and compliance level in Nigeria.
“The level of non-compliance by Multi-Choice Africa (MCA), the parent Company of Multi-Choice Nigeria (MCN) is very alarming.
“The issue with Tax collection in Nigeria, especially from foreign-based Companies conducting businesses in Nigeria and making massive profits is frustrating and infuriating to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). “Regrettably, Companies come into Nigeria just to infringe on our tax laws by indulging in tax evasion.
“There is no doubt that broadcasting, telecommunications and the cable-satellite industries have changed the face of communication in Nigeria.
“However, when it comes to tax compliance, some companies are found wanting.
“Information currently at the disposal of FIRS has revealed a tax liability for relevant years of assessment for N1,822,923,909,313.94 and $342,531,206.
“In this regard, the affected banks are required to sweep balances in each of the above-mentioned entities’ accounts and pay the same in full or part settlement of the companies’ respective tax debts until full recovery.
“This should be done before the execution of any transaction involving the companies or any of their subsidiaries.
“FIRS requested the banks to inform it of any transactions before execution on the accounts, especially transfers of funds to any of their subsidiaries,” the statement said.
Brands/Products
Airtel Nigeria Wins Most Preferred Telecom Brand Award
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Another award has been added to the shelves of Airtel Nigeria for the quality service it offers its numerous subscribers.
At the 14th Nigerian NewsDirect Awards held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on Friday, December 6, 2024, the company went home with the Most Preferred and Admired Telecommunications Brand award.
The chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, thanked the news platform for the recognition, reiterating the dedication of the organisation towards the growth of Nigeria.
“At Airtel, we remain steadfast in our mission to enrich lives and contribute to the sustainable growth of our nation, and we are proud to receive this award as the Most Preferred and Admired Telecommunications Brand.
“This recognition reaffirms our commitment to connecting Nigerians, driving digital inclusion, and empowering communities through innovative solutions,” he said.
The ceremony, themed Achieving Economic Prosperity: The Role of Human Capacity Development, Fiscal Prudence, and Revenue Generation, celebrated outstanding contributions made by individuals and corporate organisations to national development across sectors and industries.
The chairman of Odu’a Investment Limited, Mr Bimbo Ashiru, thanked all participating entities for their “continuous contributions and support to the nation’s growth.”
“You have demonstrated excellence and have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s progress and we believe this platform will continue to highlight and encourage best practices across industries,” he stated.
The event attracted several persons, including the chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr Ayodele Subair; and the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr Hussaini Ishaq Magaji; among others.
Brands/Products
Rite Foods Backs 2024 Ibadan Chops, Chills Festival
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The second edition of the Ibadan Chops and Chills Festival held on December 1, 2024, received the backing of Rite Foods Limited.
It was a platform for young entrepreneurs, food vendors, and entertainers to showcase their talents and promote the rich cultural heritage of Oyo State in particular, and Nigeria in general.
Rite Foods used the event to foster growth and innovation among enterprising youths in society in demonstration of its commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement.
The Corporate Communications Manager at Rite Foods, Mr Innocent Adulugba, said, “As a manufacturing company driven by innovation, Rite Foods Limited believes in the power of young people and the importance of providing platforms that enable them to showcase their skills and talents.”
“The Ibadan Chops and Chills Festival aligns with our mission to inspire, support, and add value to talents and entrepreneurs across Nigeria,” he added.
“Rite Foods Limited recognizes the Ibadan Chops and Chills Festival as a platform for growth and that is why the company is here today to leverage support so the participating food exhibitors can benefit via joint marketing efforts, co-promotions, and expanded distribution channels under one roof,” Mr Adulugba stated.
“We are partnering with food vendors to offer consumers a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience, such as pairing beverages like Bigi, Sosa or Fearless with complementary food options of their choice,” he noted.
Also speaking, the convener of the programme, Ms Chinwendu Festus of Wendy’s Kitchen, said, “The first edition of Ibadan Chops and Chills was a success, which inspired us to aim higher this year.
“Our goal is to provide young people with the space to showcase their culinary talents, grow their businesses, and connect with a broader audience.”
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ms Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke, stated, “This initiative is one of the best I have seen. It aligns perfectly with our administration’s goals of empowering the youth, promoting cultural heritage, and fostering talent.”
It was gathered that the festival featured cooking competitions, entertainment shows, guest tours and vendor exhibitions, which highlighted the diversity and ingenuity of participants and the diversity of food options on display.
Brands/Products
Why Waste Your Subscription? Here’s How to Get the Best of it!
In this economy, you can’t be paying for things and not getting the full value. Unfortunately, that’s how most cable TV subscribers feel. It’s like there’s a lot on TV, but nothing for you. Here’s a solution to that problem. We’ve taken the time to sieve through everything, so you don’t have to. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your GOtv subscription during the holidays.
Take Advantage of the Golden Window Offer: The best entertainment sits on GOtv Supa Plus – and there’s an easy step to get there. To celebrate, GOtv is extending the Golden Window deal for Supa+ subscribers. Instead of paying the regular ₦15,700, you can now enjoy the Supa+ package for just ₦13,900. That’s where all the Premier League games sit. There’s a game almost every day this period. You also get Africa Magic Showcase for a little family drama – relive the easy-to-watch TV series, suitable for the family. Don’t miss out on this premium offer; take advantage of the savings while you can.
Check Out New Channels: Why not try something new and explore different channels this Christmas? It’s a great chance to step outside your usual picks and discover some festive gems and fresh content you might not expect. From comedy specials to music concerts. For example, the Holiday Pop-Up Channel will have the most recent stand-up comedy show from Nigeria’s best stand-up Comedian – Bovi — Christmas with Bovi (December 24th–26th). It’s also better to watch the Calabar Rocks Music Concert, Naija Most Wanted, and the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival 2024 on TV than under the sun.
Set Reminders for Special Movies and Shows: With all the festive activities going on, it’s easy to forget and get lost in pointless scrolling online. A simple reminder can remind you to take a break from triggering social media posts and enjoy wholesome entertainment on TV. From new Africa Magic originals like ‘The Jump’ and ‘10th Anniversary’ to classic favourites like Bad Moms and Problem Child – a classic, there’s so much to enjoy. Set those reminders so you can enjoy all the festive cheer without the fear of missing out.
Host Watch Parties: The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by hosting a watch party? With your GOtv subscription, you’ve got everything you need for a fun-filled day. Picture this: Christmas Day, surrounded by family and friends, all gathered together to enjoy the Bovi Comedy Special—Christmas with Bovi. Whether it’s a comedy special, a classic holiday movie, or the latest Africa Magic original, there’s something to bring everyone together. So, make it a date, prepare the Christmas rice and chicken, and enjoy.
Stream Online via the GOtv App: During the festive season, homes are often buzzing with family members coming together to celebrate. If your household is anything like this, the battle for control of the remote and deciding what to watch can get intense. To avoid the remote wars, you can make use of the GOtv Stream app. The real owners of the remote can watch what they want while you stream yours – everyone wins.
So, go ahead and subscribe now or upgrade to unlock the cheer and excitement of the season with GOtv. Take advantage of the GOtv Supa Plus Golden Window and pay just N13,900 instead of the usual N15,700.
To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. To catch up and for on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
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