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You can’t win war against corruption without sanctions, monitoring – Emir Sanusi tells FG
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11 has declared that the war against corruption launched by the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari can never be won unless there are appropriate sanctions for offenders and monitoring of corrupt cases by the forth estate of the realm- the media.
Sanusi specifically highlighted lack of discipline, sanctions, monitoring and evaluation of corrupt cases as the four major problems aiding high level of corruption in Nigeria and other developing countries in Africa and Asia in general.
The monarch who was represented by the Sarkin Shanun Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed made these declarations on Wednesday while speaking at the opening of “International Conference on Tax Havens and the Developing World: The Global Dimension,” organised by Centre for General Studies in conjunction with office of International Programmes, University of Ibadan.
Sanusi who regretted that it is unfortunate that most companies and individuals who are suppose to pay tax in developing countries in Africa and Asia hide under the guise of tax heaven to avoid tax payment, informed that most Nigerians quote laws to disobey the laws at the expense of socio-economic development of the country.
He said “Most Nigerians do want to pay tax, most Nigerians uses laws to disobey the law. Most individuals and companies in Africa and Asia prefer to take their money to tax heaven to avoid payment of taxes.
He however said that corruption is the biggest problem encouraging tax heaven to thrive as he remarked that most companies and individuals hide under the guise of tax heaven to avoid tax payment.
“Corruption is the biggest problem that is encouraging tax heaven.
The monarch then maintained that the war against corruption can be won just within six months if the government can instil discipline among the citizens and provide appropriate sanctions for the offenders.
Sanusi, however, tasked journalists to do follow up to stories of corrupt cases after they have been reported in the media.
He said journalists can do monitoring and evaluate of corrupt cases under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as ways of taming corruption.
“There are four major problems that is aiding corruption in Nigeria. One is lack of discipline, the second one is lack of sanctions, the third is lack of monitoring and the forth is evaluation.
“Lack of discipline is paramount in this country, if we tell our people to be discipline, it is the first way to discourage corruption
“Lack of sanctions. I know the EFCC man that is here, they are working, they are fine policemen who are good in forensic analysis but if sanctions can be where they should be, I can tell you that six months we can fight corruption.
“Lack of monitoring and evaluation of corrupt cases, the press are not monitoring corrupt cases. I wish the press can keep their diaries and remind the EFCC of all the corruption cases. There is no monitoring of the cases.
“I want to suggest this to the conference and I believe this is what the conference will address”.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Idowu Olayinka who spoke through Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Emilolorun Ayelari maintained that tax payment is a compulsory obligation which all citizens within the reach are expected to pay.
Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Lagos, Professor Akpan Ekpo in his keynote address titled, “Tax Havens: issues of international tax evasion and avoidance – A Global perspective”, identified lack of transparency and sharing of information as a major problem responsible for low tax revenue in the country.
He, however, suggested establishment of public registries of verified ownership of all legal entities.
Ekpo also called on policy makers to compel multinationals and companies to publicly declare their revenues, profits and losses as ways of ensuring that all and sundry key into payment of taxes.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has disclosed that 95 million Nigerians need to enroll for the National Identification Number (NIN) to meet its target of 200 million enrollments by 2025.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, emphasised the importance of this enrollment during an interview on X over the weekend.
He stated, “For NIMC to meet the 200 million target by 2025, 95 million Nigerians need to register for the NIN.”
Adegoke revealed that over 105 million NINs have been issued to Nigerians and legal residents so far.
He assured Nigerians of the commission’s commitment, saying, “We want to assure Nigerians that within the next one or two years, we will reach our target of enrolling all Nigerians.”
“The NIN serves as a unique identifier for each citizen and has become increasingly important for various government initiatives aimed at improving security, governance, and service delivery.”
Adegoke highlighted the efforts to streamline the modification and enrollment processes under the leadership of Abisoye Coker, the director-general of NIMC. He announced the development of a self-service platform, allowing Nigerians to make necessary modifications such as changing names, dates of birth, email addresses, and phone numbers from anywhere, using different devices.
Emphasising the convenience of the self-service modification portal, Adegoke encouraged Nigerians to utilize this innovative solution.
He noted the evolution of the process, citing the past requirement for applicants to visit NIMC offices for data corrections.
Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.
This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.
Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.
Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.
Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.
This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.
According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.
OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.
The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.
He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.
The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.
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