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Tribunal Orders Multichoice to Pay 50% of N1.8trn Tax Backlog

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Multichoice Tax Backlog

By Adedapo Adesanya

A Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) sitting in Lagos has ordered Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of cable television services, DSTV, to pay 50 per cent of the N1.8 trillion tax backlog to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The tax collection agency through its Director of Communications and Liaison Department, Mr Abdullahi Ahmad, confirmed this development in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

FIRS claimed that it discovered the backlog through a forensic audit as it showed that Multichoice Nigeria Limited had failed to pay to the Nigerian government in past assessment years.

He said the five-member TAT led by its Chairman, Professor A.B. Ahmed, issued the order following an application to it by the counsel to FIRS.

Mr Ahmad stated that the counsel made the application under Order XI of the TAT Procedure Rules 2010, which requires Multichoice or any other taxpayer who disputes their tax assessments, to make the statutory deposit required under Paragraph 15(7) of the Fifth Schedule to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2007 (FIRS Act).

According to him, these relevant laws are conditions that must be fulfilled before the prosecution of the appeal brought before TAT.

“In certain defined circumstances to which the Multichoice appeal fits, paragraph 15(7) of the fifth schedule to the FIRS (Establishment) Act 2007 requires persons or companies seeking to contest a tax assessment to pay all or a stipulated percentage of the tax assessed before they can be allowed to argue their appeal contesting the assessment at TAT.

“Multichoice Nigeria Limited filed the matter at the Lagos TAT following its dispute over FIRS’ issuance of Notices of Assessment and Demand Note in the sum of N1,822,923,909,313.94 on April 7, 2021.

“The amount constitutes what the FIRS calculated as due in taxation to the Federal Government of Nigeria from Multichoice after an investigation over several months to determine the extent to which Multichoice has been evading taxes in Nigeria,” he explained.

Mr Ahmad noted that at Tuesday’s hearing of the matter in appeal, Multichoice Nigeria Limited amended its notice of appeal and thereafter sought through its counsel, Bidemi Olumide of AO2 law firm, for an adjournment of the proceedings to enable it to respond to the FIRS’ formal application for accelerated hearing of the appeal.

“In response, the FIRS counsel asked TAT to issue an order requiring that Multichoice makes the statutory deposit of 50 per cent of the disputed sum.

“The counsel also prayed TAT to direct Multichoice to produce before the tribunal the integrated annual report and management account statements of Multichoice Group Ltd for tax years 2012 to 2020, among other prayers.

“After hearing arguments from both sides, TAT upheld the FIRS Act and directed Multichoice Nigeria Limited to deposit with the FIRS the amount prescribed by the law, which is an amount equal to the tax charged upon Multichoice in the preceding year of assessment.

“Or one half of the tax charged by the assessment under appeal (whichever is lesser), plus a sum equal to 10 per cent of the said deposit as a condition precedent for further hearing of the appeal.

“Thereafter, TAT adjourned the appeal to September 23, 2021, for the continuation of the hearing, subject to compliance with the tribunal’s order,” he said.

This would not be the first brawl as the FIRS had in July announced its plan to engage some commercial banks as agents to freeze and recover N1.8 trillion from accounts of Messrs MultiChoice Nigeria Limited (MCN) and MultiChoice Africa (MCA).

The agency had explained that the decision to appoint the banks as agents and to freeze the accounts was due to the groups’ continued refusal to grant FIRS access to their servers for audit and it discovered that the companies persistently breached all agreements and undertakings with the tax organisation.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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P+ Beats Others to Clinch NSIA Media Intelligence Deal

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PPlus x NSIA

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

P+ Measurement Services Limited has been chosen as the preferred agency to provide media intelligence services for the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

P+ won the media monitoring and intelligence business after a competitive and rigorous pitch process involving four agencies.

The foremost agency, run by Mr Philip Odiakose as the Chief Media Analyst, will provide continuous media intelligence across NSIA’s operations and affiliated interests, delivering insight-driven analysis to strengthen reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and communication performance.

It was gathered that the selection process assessed strategic thinking, execution capability, and the ability to deliver timely, decision-ready intelligence.

P+ distinguished itself through its strength in near real-time media monitoring, advanced measurement frameworks, and performance audit systems designed to support complex institutions with multiple stakeholder interests.

It brings a strong and diverse portfolio spanning government institutions, financial services, development organisations, multinationals, energy, telecommunications, and NGOs. Its approach combines global best practices with deep local expertise, ensuring that intelligence is both contextually relevant and strategically useful.

Commenting on the win, Mr Odiakose noted that the process reflected the level of diligence expected from an institution like NSIA, adding that the P+ focus remains on delivering media intelligence that goes beyond tracking media mentions to explaining narratives, measuring impact, and guiding decision-making.

He emphasised that P+ will leverage its global methodologies, adapted to local realities, to provide NSIA with timely insights, clear performance evaluation, and a deeper understanding of how media perception shapes outcomes.

Also speaking, the Corporate Communications at NSIA said P+ was chosen because it demonstrated a strong understanding of its requirements and a clear ability to translate media data into meaningful insight.

The NSIA communications team noted that the firm’s proven track record across sectors, combined with its disciplined approach to measurement and evaluation, positioned it as a credible partner to support NSIA’s communication priorities and broader institutional objectives.

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Airtel Engages Customers on Concerns Around Data Usage, Others

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airtel nigeria customer forum Lagos

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, customers of Airtel Nigeria felt more involved and loved when the telecommunications company gathered them together at the Lagos Travel Inn Hotel in Ikeja to discuss some of their concerns, especially around data usage, transparency and their experience with its services.

It was the first-ever Customer Forum of Airtel Nigeria in Lagos, where regulators, high-volume data subscribers, 5G customers, and other key stakeholders learned ways to tackle the issue of data depletion.

The event, themed Understanding Your Data: How to Take Control, also highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s ongoing investments in customer experience, including enhanced digital tools, clearer usage dashboards, and expanded retail and support networks aimed at improving transparency and accessibility.

“This is our very first customer forum, and it is more than an event. It is a bold statement that in today’s digital economy, the most important voice is the informed customer,” the Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Ismail Adeshina, said.

He emphasised that while data has become central to everyday life, from business transactions to education and healthcare, concerns around data value and consumption remain valid and must be addressed transparently.

“Data is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity as essential as electricity and water. However, as usage grows, customers are asking an important question: “Am I truly getting value for the data I purchase? This is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of trust,” Mr Adeshina added.

He further explained that evolving usage patterns, including high-definition video streaming, cloud-based applications, and background app activity, have significantly increased data consumption compared to previous years. According to him, the forum was designed as both a listening platform and an educational session to help customers better understand how their data is used.

“We are here to listen, to explain clearly, and to provide evidence. When customers understand how their data is consumed, it shifts the experience from uncertainty to control and from frustration to confidence,” he further disclosed.

On her part, the Director of Customer Affairs Bureau at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ms Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to protecting consumer interests and ensuring service quality across the industry, noting that data consumption has become deeply integrated into daily life, making any perceived loss of data a significant concern for users.

“We understand that data is central to how people live and work today, which is why concerns around data depletion are taken seriously. The NCC has put mechanisms in place to ensure that consumers receive the quality of service they deserve and that their voices are heard,” she said.

Ms Bruce-Bennett encouraged customers to take advantage of the NCC’s consumer portal, which provides guidance on data management and a platform for lodging complaints.

“There is an A to Z of data management tips available on the NCC portal, and we encourage consumers to use it. We also continue to work closely with operators like Airtel to ensure that complaints are addressed promptly and transparently,” she added.

On customer engagement and service delivery, the Customer Experience Director at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Oladokun Oye, highlighted the company’s multi-channel approach to supporting customers across the country.

“At Airtel Nigeria, customer experience is not just a function; it is embedded across everything we do. From our network design to how we communicate and resolve issues, the customer remains at the centre,” he said.

He noted that Airtel maintains one of the most extensive customer touchpoint networks in Nigeria, including over 1,000 exclusive shops, a dedicated contact centre accessible via 300, and multiple digital platforms such as the MyAirtel App, web channels, and AI-powered chatbots.

“These channels are designed to provide not just service, but clarity and understanding. We are also continuously improving our digital platforms to ensure customers can track and manage their usage in real time,” Oye added.

He further advised customers to engage only with authorised Airtel outlets to ensure service quality and protect personal information.

The Airtel Customer Forum forms part of a broader industry effort, in collaboration with the NCC, to promote data awareness, transparency in billing, and improved customer education.

By creating a platform for open dialogue, Airtel Nigeria is reinforcing its shift from a transactional relationship with customers to a more collaborative and informed partnership.

The company noted that insights from the forum will inform future improvements in service delivery, customer communication, and digital tools, as it continues to support Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and transparent digital economy.

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NAFDAC Warns Consumers Against Fake Colgate Brand in Circulation

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Fake Colgate Brand

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the distribution of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste brand in Nigeria.

In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate received a complaint regarding the sale of the products in Kaduna State by a shop owner.

Following an investigation, officials of the food and drugs surveillance organisation visited the outlet and discovered two suspected counterfeit products branded as Coglaet ActivGel 100g and Coglaet Herbal 100g. The spellings were not only the indicator, but the production standards.

According to the agency, the shop owner disclosed that the items were sourced from a door-to-door sales representative but could not provide proof of purchase.

NAFDAC stated that the products failed to meet regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance, warning that they pose potential risks to public health and safety. It also added that the stated manufacturer could be traced to Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China.

The agency confirmed that the items have been removed from circulation, while efforts are ongoing to trace those responsible for their distribution.

NAFDAC urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale of substandard or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest office, via its hotline or official email channels.

In a statement, NAFDAC said, “All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct surveillance and mop up the unregistered and counterfeited products if found within their zones and states.

“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”

Consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard, falsified, or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322, or via email: [email protected]. For complaints, the Reforms Unit can be reached: 09097630506, 09097630507, or email: [email protected]

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