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RSG Tackles Multiple Taxation
Worried over the huge revenue loss due to fake agents, the authorities in the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service say plans are underway to check the problem of multiple taxation.
The assertion was made by the Revenue Consultant to the Rivers State Government, Chief Adoaje Norteh, while speaking on a phone-in programme organised by the Silverbird Communications over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
Chief Norteh stated that the plan to check the loopholes in the internal revenue collection system in the state was part of measures to raise the revenue profile of the oil rich state.
He stated that a new Business Identification Number (BIN) has been introduced to address the problem of revenue loss since a lot of taxable business units have evaded paying their tax to the state.
Tax evasion, Chief Norteh emplahasised can stifle government activities in the area of reducing money available to carry out development, stressing that the state government cannot solely rely on oil allocations.
Throwing more light on BIN, the Revenue Consultant stated that the number is aimed at keeping a record of all taxable institutions in the state and giving them an account that is unique to them.
This account number, Chief Norteh further declared would enable them transact business with the state government and also enable them to enjoy public services as well.
His words: “Every business needs it both small and big. In short it is the small businesses we are really targeting at because the big businesses are visible enough not to evade tax.”
Immediately one registers with the new BIN, Chief Norteh said it would save the person the hazzles of paying taxes as the number would provide access code to pay his or her tax anytime.
The Rivers State Revenue Consultant lamented that over 50 per cent revenue registration process are fake in the state and that the situation is worsened by touting agents who rob innocent members of the public of their money in the name of tax.
Calling on the public and businesses to register and get their BIN numbers, Chief Norteh stressed the need for them to meet deadline at the end of the month.
For him, “the exercise is to encourage voluntary compliance and instalmental payments are allowed under negotiation”.
To ensure that companies and businesses do not evade old tax payment they must provide receipts to show payments of tax in the past five years.
There are also on-line registration billed to take-off immediately the validation exercise is concluded according to Chief Norteh, warning members of the public not to patronise any agent, as nobody has been authorized to give BIN numbers.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru (right) exchanging pleasantries with the Dan Masanin of Kano, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule, at the 3rd annual conference and general meeting of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice held at Tahir Guest Palace, Nassarawa Area, Kano, Kano State, recently.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.