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Nigerian traders lament multiple taxations

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Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) have decried multiple taxations by the government, warning that if not curtailed, it would lead to an increase in the price of goods and services which may affect many Nigerians.

They lamented that market men and women in Nigeria are facing a lot of crises in terms of multiple taxations and this has become unbearable.

Speaking in Ibadan at the Benefit Scheme Enrollment for Traders, which was flagged off at Adamasigba Stadium, the association through its National President, Hon Jamilu Abbas, informed that the event was to address the issue of multiple taxations imposed on traders in the country.

He said, “We are here to inaugurate state chapters of the association in South West for the benefits of the traders because without traders, there is no nation. We are here to tell Federal Government to help us address the issue of multiple taxation and insecurities. And we want Nigerians to know that we don’t have any political affiliation with any individual or political party. We are doing our business as market men and women in the country.”.

Also commenting, the Iyaloja-General and MATAN’s Chairman in Oyo State, Princess Folasade Nurudeen popularly known as “Abeo Oosa” in conjunction with Abbas flagged off the Market Traders Association of Nigeria(MATAN) of State Chapter where creme de la creme in the society thronged the occasion.

Abeo thanked God Almighty for making the programme a laudable and unique one, despite many obvious obstacles that appear to challenge its possibility.

She promised to run the governance of inclusiveness, avoid disappointing all members and however enjoined the new executive members to justify the purpose they were brought on board.

In his remarks, the chairman of, the Project Committee of the Scheme, Amb Olakunle Johnson noted that the federal government is losing over N31trillion to illegal tax collectors who are extorting Nigerian traders.

He said traders paid a lot of money before their goods could get to their destination, adding that an increase in the dollar against the naira is also another problem for the traders.

“MATAN initiates enumeration of traders nationwide, we issue them multipurpose identity cards so that government at all level can have direct access to them irrespective to their status.

“We want to know the numbers of traders in Nigeria, Trader Money was shared analogue and this makes it difficult for all traders to benefit from it, and it failed to get to the grassroots”, Johnson added.

In his address, the Chairman, MATAN Board of Trustee, Hon. Muhammad Labaran said higher exorbitant charges and price inflation is a major challenge facing traders across the nation considering charges levied against them before their goods get to their final destination.

“Multiple taxations contribute to high exorbitant of the price of the commodity, we have resolved that the Federal Inland Revenue Service should invite all stakeholders in controlling and implementing price control such as Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MATAN and National Association of Small Scale and Medium Agriculture Mine and Power, who are critical stakeholders.

“In a meeting, we agreed that we want to eliminate the habit of multiple taxations on goods from the factory to consumers, until this is done, Nigerians will continue to suffer.”

He however said machinery is on the ground to enumerate all traders across the nation to have statistics and proper plan for them to have access to welfare and assistance from the government.

He lamented that the majority of traders in urban and rural areas are not going properly accommodated by the government due to a lack of data.

“We have set up the machinery to go from local government to local government to compile all names of the traders for them to have financial assistance and other welfare as a member of this organization.”

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ICPC Recommends Prosecution of Alleged Fake Agency DG, Submits Report to Tinubu

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after Tinubu directed the anti-graft agency to investigate the activities of the council.

Aliyu said preliminary findings showed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government, adding that the appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to present the council as a government agency were forged.

According to him, the investigation also uncovered lapses in government verification and oversight mechanisms, which were allegedly exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate agency.

“Our interim report found weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. Those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence,” Aliyu said.

He added that the commission found no evidence that any Federal Government funds were approved or released to the purported PFIPC or its related entity.

The ICPC chairman further disclosed that investigators uncovered two other agencies allegedly floated by Adeyemi — the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership. He alleged that forged legislative instruments presented as enabling laws were used to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for the organisations.

Aliyu said the commission had recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution and called for administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence allegedly allowed the fake agency to operate. He also urged the Federal Government to strengthen internal control systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prevent similar incidents.

He, however, stressed that the report submitted to the President was only an interim one, noting that investigations were ongoing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

The PFIPC controversy came to public attention after the Presidency disowned the council, insisting it was never established by the Federal Government despite appearing in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation of ₦1.3bn. The Federal Government has since filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC are continuing into how the purported agency operated within government institutions.

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Oyo South: Tegbe, Others Named Oseni Students’ Movement Exco

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A students’ leader, Comrade Tegbe Stephen, has been named Coordinator of the Remi Oseni Students’ Movement ahead of its formal inauguration.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the students’ support base for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, across tertiary institutions in the district.

Also named into the executive are Comrades Wale Ajibike (Bosslee), Isiaka Hammed (General), Salami Olatunji, Adetunji Sultan Adekunle, Oluwatobi Ojo and Onifade Victor.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with student leaders in Ibadan. The meeting was attended by the Oyo South APC Youth Leader, Com. Olalekan Olowe, and Oseni’s Personal Assistant, Com. Ibrahim Alabi, popularly known as “Otunba Poly.”

Addressing the gathering, Olowe described the movement as a platform to mobilise students across Oyo South, urging the newly named executive to live up to the confidence reposed in them.

He said: “Students remain one of the strongest forces in any democratic society. We expect you to build a vibrant movement that will unite your colleagues and advance the vision of Hon. Aderemi Oseni across our campuses.”

Olowe added that the executive would be formally inaugurated in the coming weeks, after which the movement would commence full activities across the senatorial district.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Alabi urged the student leaders to remain committed, united and focused on the responsibility entrusted to them.

“This is a call to service. Your duty is to mobilise, educate and inspire students to play active roles in the democratic process. We believe you have the capacity to justify this confidence,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the executive, Tegbe thanked Oseni and the students’ leadership for the opportunity to serve, assuring them of their commitment to the assignment.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and will not take it for granted. Our resolve is to build a formidable students’ movement across Oyo South and ensure that students on every campus are actively mobilised ahead of the election,” he said.

The formal inauguration of the executive is expected to be held soon.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist,  Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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