Featured
Sunday Akin Dare’s Appointment: A Round Peg In A Round Hole
By Joel Ajayi
The recent appointment of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, as the new Presidential Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, is a move that deserves widespread commendation.
In a significant departure from previous practices, this strategic choice reflects a pragmatic approach to national development, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and impactful governance.
This appointment symbolizes the President’s dedication to assembling a team of competent, committed, and qualified individuals who are positioned to contribute meaningfully to the administration.
For those familiar with Dare’s career, politics, and achievements, it is clear that he is indeed a “round peg in a round hole” for this new role.
Sunday Dare brings a wealth of expertise as a seasoned media professional and a visionary leader. As the President’s special adviser, he is expected to leverage his extensive background in communications to effect positive change in Nigeria’s public communication landscape.
With over three decades of experience in journalism, Dare has made significant contributions to media and communications both locally and globally.
His journey began with publications such as *The Nation* magazine in New York and *Fourth Estate* magazine during Nigeria’s military era, where he became part of a group of courageous “guerrilla journalists” who risked their lives to oppose military dictatorship.
Dare’s career expanded internationally when he served as the Chief of the Hausa Service, African Division at Voice of America in Washington, DC. In this role, he led a team of journalists across seven African countries, showcasing his expertise in media management and his capacity to oversee complex operations effectively. His media management acumen was further evident during his role as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications under President Yar’Adua, where he influenced public information policies significantly.
Additionally, Dare was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape through strategic moves, including his key role in the 2014 sale of the 2.3 GHz spectrum frequency, which marked a pivotal shift in media convergence.
His dedication to promoting media excellence extends beyond government; as the founder of the Social Media Clinic, he championed digital literacy, highlighting his forward-thinking approach to harnessing technology for societal development.
Dare’s distinguished career also saw him as the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he was renowned for effectively navigating stakeholder relationships and driving strategic communication initiatives.
His contributions have been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the Voice of America Meritorious Honor Award and the Reuters Foundation Journalism Research Fellowship.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in International Studies, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and experiences from institutions like New York University, Harvard, and Oxford, Dare’s academic and professional credentials are noteworthy. He is a recipient of the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), further underscoring his dedication to national service.
Dare’s appointment is a testament to the vision of a government committed to elevating the standards of public communication and orientation in Nigeria.
As he steps into this role, Nigerians can expect to witness impactful communication initiatives that reflect both the President’s and Dare’s dedication to national progress.
Featured
Status Brief: Proposed Tax Reform Policies
By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi
The economy is changing, and we can all see that. With President Bola Tinubu in charge and Dr. Zacch Adedeji leading the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria is stepping into an era that promises to reshape its tax administration.
This moment is important, as it represents a break from the past, a past where the tax system often felt like an obstacle rather than a growth. For decades, we can say that Nigeria’s tax system has been criticized for being cumbersome, complex, and filled with inefficiencies. But now, with the recent introduction and endorsement of the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill by President Tinubu, there’s a sense of hope. People are starting to envision a tax system that works for them, one that supports not just businesses but also the citizen.
Historically, Nigeria’s tax system has been unorganized, with corporate income tax, personal income tax, value-added tax, capital gains tax, and others governed by different laws, creating confusion and inefficiencies. At the same time, the outdated framework failed to account for Nigeria’s growing digital economy, leaving new sectors such as fintech and e-commerce largely outside the tax net. Now, with these new tax laws, Nigeria is embracing a simpler, more unified system that aims to reflect modern realities.
The proposed tax laws are designed to enhance the existing tax framework without introducing new burdens. The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 aims to simplify the current taxation sector by merging various taxes into a more cohesive system. Instead of raising taxes or adding new ones, the government focuses on making tax obligations easier to understand and navigate. Tax types like corporate income tax (CIT), personal income tax (PIT), value-added tax (VAT), and capital gains tax (CGT) will now be managed under one structure. For many Nigerians, this new clarity could make it easier for them to manage their finances, giving them a sense of confidence as they meet their tax obligations.
The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 aims to make the tax system simpler and introduce new categories for businesses. Small companies with annual earnings of less than N50 million will not have to pay any corporate income tax. Larger companies will benefit from a gradual reduction in their corporate income tax rate, dropping from 27.5% in 2025 to 25% by 2026. This change will provide companies with more room to manage their finances, helping them to grow and invest more effectively.
The proposed reforms highlight the government’s dedication to protecting taxpayers. By establishing the Joint Revenue Board and introducing a Tax Ombudsman, the government is taking a modern approach to tax management. These measures will give taxpayers a way to express their concerns and get help when needed, which encourages accountability and transparency. Nigerians need to trust that their tax money is being used fairly and responsibly. With these changes, the government aims not only to make tax processes easier but also to build a system where tax authorities are responsible for their actions, enhancing public confidence in the tax system.
For the first time, Nigeria’s tax laws will be structured in a way that makes it easier for taxpayers to understand their obligations, reducing opportunities for corruption and creating a fairer, more predictable tax environment. By addressing inefficiencies in tax collection, the government will expand its revenue base, which will allow for better investment in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
The new tax reforms feel like a breath of fresh air, and they promise a brighter future for all of us. These changes aim to simplify the tax system, making life easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This will be tax regulations without the usual headaches. The reduced corporate income tax for smaller firms allows us to invest more in growth and create jobs. Plus, the fairer adjustments to personal income tax lighten the load for those earning less while ensuring that the rich contribute their fair share. With these reforms, we can see a stronger economy that benefits everyone, and that is something we can all celebrate.
Dr. Zacch has played a huge role in driving these reforms and this shows a real dedication to building a better tax system in Nigeria. The Tax Boss shows he is taking steps to update how taxes are managed and encouraging teamwork. Thanks to his efforts, Nigeria is set to tap into its economic potential. This progress reflects smart planning that could greatly improve the country’s financial situation.
People should see a clearer and better Nigeria now. These are the much-needed reforms for everyone. Nigeria will be one of the strongest and richest countries in the world, where people will want to stay and invest, no more japa!
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant, broadcast media to the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
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