By Adedapo Adesanya

The Senate has passed two out of four major tax reform bills, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing overhaul of the nation’s tax administration framework.

The two bills, one seeking to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and another to establish the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill 2025 along with the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill 2025, were passed following a clause-by-clause consideration during the Committee of the Whole and their subsequent third reading on the Senate floor.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in October 2024 transmitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

However, the bills were met with opposition from many quarters, particularly from Northerners, who lamented that the bills put their interests at stake.

During deliberations, the upper chamber went through the clause-by-clause consideration of the four key tax reform bills submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Mr Sani Musa.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended the progress, expressing optimism that the reform bills would not only enhance governance but also revolutionise tax collection and distribution across the country.

“These bills will add immense value to governance and transform how taxes are collected and shared in Nigeria,” he said.

He further assured that the remaining two bills would be finalised today (Thursday), even if it required extended sitting hours.

“We are committed to concluding the outstanding bills tomorrow, even if we have to stay here until 10 p.m.,” Mr Akpabio said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has pledged its commitment towards the actualisation of the $3 billion Agge Deep Seaport project to promote job creation, economic development and attract local and foreign investments to the Niger Delta region.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this at the weekend during the flag-off of the marine safety sensitisation and distribution of life jackets to waterways users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The minister said the realisation of the Agge Sea Port Project in Bayelsa State was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s alignment with the broader marine and blue economy vision which is part of its transformative agenda to revive the economy.

Mr Oyetola disclosed that the ministry was working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Agge Deep Seaport becomes a reality in record time.

He said the port will serve as a major maritime gateway in the South-south, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, creating jobs, boosting local and foreign investment, and accelerating economic development in the Niger Delta and beyond.

On his part, the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Douye Diri for his initiatives and his administration’s alignment with the broader Marine and Blue Economy vision of the federal government, he added that the port will also open up new frontiers in logistics, fisheries, ship-building, and tourism.

Speaking on the distribution of life jackets to waterways users, the minister said the initiative was in continuation of the implementation of the federal government’s national safety initiative that speaks directly to the value the administration placed on human lives.

“Today, we are here in Bayelsa State to fulfill that same promise, distributing 3,500 life jackets to users of inland waterways in this great state.

“This landmark initiative, launched under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is not just symbolic; it is strategic, proactive, and long overdue. It is our direct response to the alarming rate of boat mishaps and the heartbreaking fatalities that have plagued our waterways for far too long.

“As we all know, water transportation remains the most viable means of connectivity for many of our rural and riverine communities, yet it is also one of the riskiest when safety protocols are ignored or unavailable.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe.

“It is our firm belief that no one should lose their life simply because they had to cross a river or travel by boat. The distribution of life jackets to the 12 selected states in this first phase represents one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent safety challenges on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

He appealed to the national government to make good its promise of supporting the state in developing the Agge Deep Seaport.

Represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor described the Agge Seaport project as a gateway to regional and international trade that would be of immense benefit to the state and the country at large.

Mr Diri assured the federal government of his administration’s commitment to actualising the project, and called for effective collaboration from all critical stakeholders including development partners.

“We are happy that you have spoken profusely about the Agge Deep Seaport. But we will be happier if all of us work together in pursuing this endeavour to its completion and use.

“The Agge Deep Seaport is not only important to Bayelsa. It will not only open the gateway to Bayelsa, but also open the gateway to the Nigerian economy in several ways,” he said.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, will remain memorable in the family of Mr Pascal Dozie as stock market stakeholders gathered to honour him at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group House in Lagos.

The NGX Limited organised an Afternoon of Tributes and Special Closing Gong Ceremony in honour the man who established the defunct Diamond Bank, which later merged with Access Bank Plc.

One of his children, Mr Uzoma Dozie, while speaking at the event, said, “Beyond his professional achievements, he was a man of quiet wisdom and grace. His presence commanded respect, and his influence shaped minds and institutions alike. His absence will be deeply felt.”

Also, the chairman of NGX Group, Mr Umaru Kwairanga, said the deceased was “a banker, entrepreneur, economist, philanthropist and a builder of institutions.”

“His tenure as president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Council marked a pivotal chapter in our history. With foresight and steady leadership, he laid the foundation for a world-class Exchange that not only serves Nigeria but inspires confidence across Africa.”

Further, the chairman of NGX Limited, Mr Ahonsi Unuigbe, said Mr Dozie did not “just serve; he built, inspired, and transformed. The greatest tribute we can pay is to ensure the institutions he strengthened continue to thrive with integrity, transparency, and innovation.”

On his part, the chief executive of NGX Group, Mr Temi Popoola, remarked that, “Mr Dozie was not just an industry titan, but was a mentor, a visionary, and a nation-builder. His contributions were not just pioneering but transformative. To his family, we say thank you for sharing him with the nation. May his soul rest in peace, and may we all carry forward the light he ignited.”

In his tribute, a former president of the NSE council, Mr Raymond Obieri, said, “Pascal was the kind of leader who brought calm to chaos and vision to uncertainty. His leadership was never about power, it was always about purpose.”

The chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Mr Dozie was “not just a founding father of NESG but a compass for our mission to build a globally competitive Nigerian economy. His vision and principled leadership continue to guide us.”