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NASS to pass SERVICOM Bill soon – Official

Published

4 years ago

August 12, 2021

SERVICOM

Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator, SERVICOM, says the National Assembly will soon pass the bill backing the activities of Service Compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM).

Akajemeli said this at a virtual joint stakeholders’ Review, Advocacy, Engagement and Policy Dialogue Forum on “SERVICOM Bill’’, organised by the SERVICOM to engage State and non-State actors, on Thursday, in Abuja.

She said that the bill had already passed through the first and the second readings at the National Assembly.

“Today is joint stakeholders’ meeting to get accurate feedback from the state and the non-state actors, and also from citizens, on the drafted bill, which has gone through the first and the second readings.

“We are at the point of getting feedback so that we can proceed to public hearing, which we are planning to do very shortly.

“The bill is to firm up the practice of improved service delivery in Nigeria. We are going through these legislative structures to give it laws that will back up the practice of service delivery in Nigeria,’’ Akajemeli explained.

The SERVICOM boss explained further that the process was a positive journey to make government’s businesses much more open, improve transparency, and hold service providers to be more accountable.

This, she said would lead to further having efficiently improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“Permit me to emphasise that the bill seeks to give legislative backing to SERVICOM by providing for the effective management and execution of the service compact with the citizens,’’ she said.

Also, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, a consultant and stakeholder, said the bill would serve as an empowering mechanism for the institution, to be more proactive in executing its mandate in the country.

“SERVICOM was established with the purpose of being a saviour, bringing the government closer to the people and bringing the people to the government by interceding and ensuring that public service is accessible,’’ he said.

Jideani, however, noted that the service compact with all Nigerians was not achieved as it should, hence the need to give it a legal backing through the bill.

Malam Adamu Basheer, co-Chairman, non-State actors, who appreciated Akajemeli for her numerous achievements, appealed to all stakeholders to join hands and ensure the successful passage of the bill into law. (NAN)

News

Anambra Traditional Rulers Confer ‘Dike Si Mba’ Title On Tinubu

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu crowned ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra by Anambra State Traditional Rulers

Traditional rulers in Anambra State on Thursday conferred a chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra on President Bola Tinubu.

The Traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, gave the President the title in Awka during his official visit to the state.

‘Dike Si Mba’ loosely translates to ‘Hero from another land’, was given to President Tinubu by the traditional rulers representing all the communities in Anambra State.

Tinubu, who is in Anambra State on official visit, arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri around 12:15pm, and was received by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim and other government officials.

Tinubu inaugurated Anambra State’s first-ever Government House on Thursday, marking a historic milestone more than 30 years after the state’s creation.

Tinubu also inaugurated several other projects done by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

It is the President’s second visit to the South-East this year after visiting Enugu State in January.

News

Nigerian Senate Passes 2 Tax Reform Bills

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has passed two out of the four Tax Reform Bills which are expected to overhaul Nigeria’s tax laws.

The lawmakers approved the bills following the consideration and adoption of the recommendations of the Senate Committee chairman Senator Sani Musa during the committee of the whole

The four key bills are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

But out of the four, only the Bill to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 was approved

The second approved bill is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which is an Act to provide for the assessment, collection of and accounting for revenue accruing to the federation, federal, states and local governments.

“Prescribe the powers and functions of tax authorities and for related matters”.

Presenting the report, Sani said that the bills sought to reform Nigeria’s tax framework, strengthen institutions and enhance accountability and compliance.

Contributing, Deputy Senate President of Jibrin Barau congratulated the entire Senate and in particular, the Committee on Finance and the Elders Committee for the wisdom and leadership that has been shown in the passage of the bills.

“Initially, there were in disagreements and there were rancors here and there.

“But the Senate, standing on its position as the highest assembly in the land, decided to establish this committee, the Committee of Elders (Special Committee).

“To look at all those areas of contention and hear the views of religious leaders, regional organisations and other stakeholders.”

In his remarks President of the Senate, Godswill disclosed that the remaining two bills will be considered in plenary on Thursday.

He commended the committee on Finance and senators for a thorough job.

“He also expressed gratitude to the group of “elder senators” who collated and deliberated on areas of contention in the Tax Bill through meetings and consultation with dissenting voices.

Akpabio expressed optimism that the tax laws would revolutionalise and optimise tax collection across the country.

He expressed satisfaction that the passage of the bills have dispelled rumours that they were meant to serve the interests of a part of the country, adding that all Nigerians will benefit from them.

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Senate Sets Up Committee To Oversee Rivers Administrator

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.).

This, it said, was in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was named as chairman of the committee.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the resumption of plenary.

Akpabio highlighted the importance of the committee’s mandate, stating that its role was critical in ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State.

Akpabio also hinted that the composition of the committee might be subject to review following further consultations.

Other members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed, alongside the Clerk of the Senate.

The Senate President charged the committee to commence its oversight duties without delay, stressing the urgency of their assignment.

He also reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in Rivers State.