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FIRS Powers To Recover Taxes Unremitted From States, LGAs Are In Order – Group
The powers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) to recover unremitted taxes deducted by States and Local Governments is well in order, and accords with the country’s fiscal laws.
This position was stated by the Global Economic Policy Initiative (GEPiN), an economic policy think tank, in a statement it issued on Sunday, responding to the Communique issued by the Body of Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the Federation (BOAG) at the end of their meeting in Lagos where they warned Federal Government Agencies to stop issuing threats to state governments claiming that “states are equal and not subservient to the federal government.”
The communique of the body came against a backcloth of a public notice released by the Service to commence the enforcement and recovery of unremitted tax deductions owed by some states and local governments.
“The States are pitifully wrong and misguided in this position. The laws demand that they are to deduct Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax among others from their Service providers, on behalf of the Federal Government and remit them accordingly. Their communique was hastily put up and lacked basis in law,” the statement signed by the group’s President, Mr. Bernard Okri stated.
“BOAG’s position is anything but rational, and can best be described as a puerile and ill-advised one.
“Notwithstanding that Nigeria operates a decentralized tax system where each level of government is independently responsible for the administration of taxes within its jurisdiction, the provisions of Sections 78(3), 79(3), 81 of the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) and Sections 9(I), 13(1) of the Value Added Tax Act (VATA) mandate Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs), Parastatals and other establishments to deduct WHT and VAT while making payments to third parties and remit same to FIRS.
“By the provisions of the relevant laws, States and Local Governments are also statutorily mandated, as agents of collection, to deduct at source and remit to the Service, all taxes deducted, within twenty-one days.
“However, from the contents of the recent publications by FIRS, most States and Local Governments have failed to comply with these provisions of the law and it not surprising that FIRS is taking every necessary step to recover those unremitted funds within the ambit of the law.
“Much as the concurrent utilization of our tax system is desirable in order to maximize tax revenue collection, to fund critical infrastructure, and create a healthy fiscal relationship between all tiers of government, a cursory look at extant tax laws would reveal the necessity for caution on the part of BOAG and the overriding need to avoid the temerity to question those laws,” GEPiN noted.
GEPiN accused the body of challenging a legitimate process backed by Statute.
“Moreover, BOAG’s position has made only one thing clear: a regrettable rashness that results from underrating the dangers in, or a failure to critically evaluate the consequences of, throwing a spanner in the works by attempting to stop a legitimate process initiated by FIRS, which statutorily assesses, collects and accounts for taxes that are eventually utilized by all the tiers of Government,” it noted.
The statement went further to state that there was so much the States could do to raise revenue, rather than begging cap-in-hand for revenue collected by the FIRS.
“It is simply a continuation of the lazy and beggarly attitude of States who come cap-in-hand to share revenue collected by FIRS.
“There is so much the States can do in terms of internally generated revenue but would rather go to the godfather, the Federal Government to be able to pay salaries. So much disappointment, but what can be expected from typical spineless States that only survive by asking for funds from the Federation account.”
The group commended the FIRS for optimised revenue collection especially given the country’s economic circumstances.
“Certainly, at a time when the nation is in dire need of funds to meet myriads of financial obligations, FIRS has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate its role in optimizing tax revenue collection, therefore deserves encouragement from, and not active hostility or self-serving opposition by, those for whose benefit the taxes are collected.
“Kudos to FIRS for its determination to remain focused on the recovery of those unremitted taxes knowing that their power is derived from the provisions of the relevant laws, notwithstanding BOAG’s impertinent and Dr presumptuous resistance,” the statement noted.
LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its new television lineup for 2023, which boasts a range of technological advancements designed to deliver superior picture quality, sound performance, and usability. This lineup is headlined by its most advanced range of OLED TVs yet, the OLED evo C3. With premium self-lit picture quality, powerful image processing technologies, and an enhanced webOS platform offering even more smart features and services, the company’s latest OLED TVs elevate viewing experiences as only LG OLED can.
It’s been 10 years since LG first released OLED, and in that time, much has changed. What’s new for 2023’s big TVs, and is it worth getting excited about? It might be difficult to believe, but TVs are celebrating a bit of an anniversary this year as OLED turns ten.
“At LG, we are committed to continuous innovation across our home entertainment products, and our 2023 TV range is no exception. And as our technologies have evolved, so has the role of the TV in Nigerian homes,” said Choongbae Seok, General Manager, TV Division, LG Electronics West African Operations.
“Whether it be the hub where people gather for the latest sporting match, game, or movie, or a statement piece positioned to impress invited guests, this year we are providing a television for every consumer,” he said.
The C3 OLED evo provides higher brightness and color accuracy, as well as amazing clarity and detail, thanks to the precision and performance of LG OLED evo technology and the new α9 AI Processor Gen6. It comes in 83, 77, and 65-inch sizes. The other lineup includes the QNED 81 Series (75’’, 65″); the Nano 77 Series (75”, 65”, 55″); and the UHD UR Series (75’’, 65”, 55”, 50”). LG TVs now feature a slimmer design and minimal bezel that complement your home interior. Upgrade your viewing experience to enjoy vivid colors and breathtaking detail in real 4K.
LG continues to leverage its technological leadership, not just to create products and services for a better life. 2023 LG OLED TVs are designed to be kinder to the environment, from production all the way through to disposal, creating sustainable cycles. LG OLED TVs have no backlighting unit, meaning each TV requires fewer materials to produce than a conventional LED TV. They also employ many components made from recycled plastics and are even shipped in eco-packaging made from recyclable materials and featuring single-color printing. Easier on viewers’ eyes, LG’s 2023 model OLED TV has been certified low-blue-light by TÜV Rheinland and flicker-free by UL Solutions.
Outlets such as CNET highlighted the OLED C3, saying, “It sets the standard for high-end TV picture quality.” (CNET, 06/23)
For TechRadar, the LG OLED C3 arrives with new HDR-improving picture processing, a pleasing look, a smart TV interface overhaul, and a wealth of features that will appeal to both gamers and movie fans. “LG has delivered another winner with the C3 OLED,” the review noted. (TechRadar, 03/2023)
The LG range of 2023 TVs comprises the following:
Faster HDMI switching
The new LG OLED TV models support a wide range of HDMI 2.1a-compatible features, with 4 ports available on the C3 models again. They are also the first TVs to be certified by the HDMI organization for the recently announced Quick Media Switching VRR (QMS-VRR). QMS-VRR eliminates the momentary black screen when switching between content from different sources connected via the TV’s HDMI 2.1a-compatible ports. This is only available when using HDMI 2.1 QMS VRR-certified source devices.
Gaming remains a focus
For the ultimate gaming experience, LG OLED and QNED TVs feature a 0.1 ms response time, low input lag, and up to four HDMI 2.1a-compatible ports. LG OLED TVs are also equipped with Game Optimizer, which allows users to quickly select and switch between game-related features such as game genre display presets. Settings for Nvidia G-Sync, FreeSync Premium, and variable refresh rate (VRR) are also easily accessible through the Game Optimizer.
Improved picture and sound quality
The latest processor in the Alpha series uses LG’s advanced AI-powered deep learning technology to ensure excellent picture and sound quality. AI Picture Pro offers improved upscaling for greater clarity, and improved dynamic tone mapping helps bring out depth and detail in every image. AI Picture Pro also includes image processing technology that recognizes and refines objects or faces to have more lifelike HDR quality. In addition, AI Sound Pro ensures that viewers can immerse themselves even more in what is happening on screen by delivering virtual 9.1.2 surround sound through the TV’s built-in speaker system.
Improved webOS and software
This year’s models are equipped with the latest webOS version and include the redesigned All New Home user interface, which offers a wealth of personalization options and more comfort for an even better user experience. The new Quick Cards give users easy access to the content and services they use most, grouped into logical categories such as home office, gaming, music, and sports. Based on their TV behavior and viewing habits, the more advanced webOS ensures that consumers easily receive personalized recommendations tailored to their preferences.
LG TVs are available in all Fouani showrooms nationwide. For more information, kindly visit https://www.lg.com/africa/tvs
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Onitsha people and the sponsors of the annual Ofala festival, Globacom, for their efforts in promoting the annual festival.
The Governor who was a special guest at the 2023 Ofala festival in Onitsha over the weekend said the huge success of the festival and its tourism potentials would complement his government’s efforts in bringing development to the state.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, paid glowing tribute to digital solutions provider, Globacom, and other sponsors for their relentless support for the Ofala Festival of Onitsha Kingdom.
The Obi who thanked the telecommunications company for consistently sponsoring the festival for the past twelve years, explained that Globacom had helped to project it as a tourism destination.
He said, “Globacom as our principal partner has remained steadfast with us even with the present economic challenges. We thank them exceedingly and trust that our mutually beneficial partnership will continue to grow”,
Also at the festival on Sunday, Globacom’s Retail Sales Chief, South East and South South, Augustine-ndu Offor, explained that the sustained support of cultural festivals such as Ofala has added economic value to the surrounding region by leading to the development of tourism. He added that it is in line with the vision of empowerment that MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank (MMPSB), a subsidiary of Globacom, was launched this year. MMPSB, through its G-kala wallet enables the unbanked and underbanked to use their mobile phones to send, save, collect and deposit their money, thereby empowering the financially excluded in the society. The 8% interest rate per annum on the G Kala savings account is a good demonstration of the added value the company provides its customers.
The sponsorship agreement between Globacom and Ofala Festival started in 2011 for an initial period of three years. The partnership is now in its 12th year with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the palace in 2022 to extend the deal to 2025.
The Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award (NMNA) is here again. And up for grabs are professional awards that stands out the worth of a Journalist and the Media Houses they represent.
The Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award since its inception in 2006, has honoured journalists in various categories of the media profession viz a viz Politics, Crime, Aviation, Tourism, Society and others.
Who wins this year? Which newspaper will emerge the best this year 2022-23? Which is the Best TV Station In Nigeria and which is the Radio Station of the Year?
The event will also have in attendance Top government officials, Captains of Industry, and Corporate organisations that are presently making waves. These will be honoured for their different contributions to the growth of the country and for their strong support and identification with the Nigerian Press.
The event is slated for Sunday, October 29th. The D-Day for Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award at The Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Host is the Honourable Minister for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Co-host, Honourable Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Special Guest of Hounour, Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, Honourable Minister for FCT, Nyesom Wike and many other distinguished guests.
Keynote Address will be delivered by the Chairman of Odu’a Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.
This year’s theme is: ‘A Way Out Of Nigeria’s Quagmire In The Next Four Years.’
Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award, a celebration of the fourth estate of government.
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