Rivers

Stakeholders Urge RSG To Revisit Double Taxation

Published

3 years ago

November 24, 2023

The Tax Justice and Governance Platform in collaboration with Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has emphasised the need for Rivers State Government to regularise its method of tax collection.
State Coordinator of Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Kelechi Amaechi, who made the call during a one-day workshop organised by the platform in collaboration with PIND, emphasised the need to address the issue of multiple taxation affecting businesses in the state.
Speaking under the theme, “Stakeholders’ Tax Policy Dialogue on Strengthening Tax Administration in Rivers State”, Amaechi urged government to monitor and withdraw the numerous people out there collecting multiple levies from business operators, while advocating for digitalized system of tax and levies collection in the state.
According to him, a thorough research was carried out two years back on multiple taxation and illegal levies in three Niger Delta states, hence the need to sensitize the public business owners and to call on the government to ensure a smooth system of taxation.
“Having done a research two years back and in addition to the research PIND Foundation did this 2023 on multiple taxation and illegal levies in three Niger Delta states which are Rivers, Abia and Delta, we came up with some findings: the need for more engagement with citizens, Civil Societies, tax professionals, like government.
“It was on that basis after we had a validation exercise of the research we did, that we decided to have a tax policy to talk about the challenges, not just the challenges to begin to proffer solutions on how we can reduce multiple taxation in Rivers”, he said.
Also speaking, the Advocacy Manager, PIND Foundation, Chuks Ofulue, called on the government to create more awareness on its tax policy in the state.
“It is a Niger Delta wide problem, but this round table is particular for Rivers State.
“It has just begun with the roundtable, where they are proffering solution on the way to go and handle multiple taxation. You cannot totally strike it off, but it can be limited”, he said
Also, the State Chairman of Organsied Private Sector, Geoffrey Agorom, urged the State Government to regularise the amount of levies, taxes being paid, and sanitise the business environment.
He further said double taxation has driven away lots of investors from the state, and will in turn affect the revenue of the state.
“People will be coming for investment in Rivers State but all these touts will stop them on the way. I have had an occasion where expatriates that was coming, they impounded their vehicle and they had to turn back from there.
“Demand notice is flying from different places, but the good news is, this present government has put a stop to such activities, particularly from Local Government.
Adding her voice on behalf of business owners in the state, the State Coordinator of National Association of Nigerian Traders, Gloria Akintoye, lamented that so many businesses have collapsed or left the State as a result of multiple tax, demand notice and levies collected by thugs, communities.
She, however, appealed to Civil Society Organisations to carry out more advocacy in order to help improve the business environment.

By: Iragunima Benice

Rivers

Delta CP Seeks More Support From Traditional Institutions

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, has urged traditional institutions to continue to support law enforcement in the country.

Oyeniyi gave the advice on Tuesday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner, who was on a familiarisation tour of police formations across the state, including the Effurun area command, solicited continued partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence.

He commended the Ovie of Uvwie for his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and community development.

“I acknowledge the invaluable role of traditional institutions in supporting law enforcement in the country.

“I equally solicit continuous partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence among the people”, he said.

In his remarks, the Ovie of Uvwie, welcomed the Commissioner and his entourage to the domain.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the people to supporting the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

The royal father urged his subjects to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by way of providing timely and credible information.

The Commissioner, thereafter, proceeded to perform the groundbreaking of the Effurun area command at the instance of the Insp.-Gen. of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu.

Rivers

IAUE Senate Approves Leadership, Language Center Establishment

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, has approved the establishment of a University Leadership Assessment Centre as proposed by Professor Veronica Okogbaa of the Department of Educational Management.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the centre will, among other things, identify and develop high potential skilled leaders and talents.

It will also evaluate participants through multi dimensional approach rather than rely on subjective perceptions, indulge in leadership trainings, and generate income from services with succession planning.

Similarly, Senate also approved the establishment of a centre for languages, digital Humanities and intercultural studies as proposed by the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako.

The proposed centre, according to he statement, will have seven units namely language teaching unit, where French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, German, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Rivers State indigenous languages will be taught.

It will also have Translation and interpretation unit, indigenous languages documentation unit, Digital Humanities Laboratory, Artificial intelligence and language teaching unit, professional certification unit, as well as Research and Publication unit..

The statement quoted the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ken-Maduako, the centre will offer certificate in language proficiency for beginners, intermediate, advanced Diploma programme, translation and interpretation courses, Digital Humanities certification programme, Artificial intelligence and language technology workshops, online and Hybrid learning programmes, weekend and evening public classes, indigenous languages documentation training and Business and professional communication courses.

Professor Ken-Maduako firther said the center “will increase visibility of the University nationally and internationally, generate sustainable internally generated revenue, increase opportunities for grants and donor funded projects, enhance interdisciplinary research output, promote cultural preservation and community engagement, strengthen the University”s profile in innovation and digital transformation, attract research collaboration and international partnerships, and improve graduate employability and digital competence.”

In his speech, the Chairman of Senate and Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, encouraged sponsors of the centre to source for funds for the take off of the centre.

He explained that Directors will be appointed for the self-sponsored centres and reiterated that his administration will continue to support all proposals geared towards the growth of the University as long as they are consistent with the academic brief of the Ivory Tower.

Earlier, Professor Samuel Otamiri commended Professor Veronica Okogbaa for the proposed centre which, he said, is a remarkable development, amd described it as a robust programme that would attract the necessary patronage .

In another development, the Senate welcomed a suggestion by Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi that Valedictory Senate sessions be introduced and held for retired Professors.

Results from the Postgraduate School as presented by the Dean of the School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, was approved by Senate.

Senate also approved that presented by the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Professor Goddey Wilson, and that of the Graduate School of Business by Dr. Florence Ironawusi.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Group Tasks School Proprietors, Parents On Early Preparation

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The National President, Forum of Inclusive Educators and Readers (FIER), Mr. Onyeka Innocent, has admonished school owners and parents alike to learn how to prepare their children/wards ahead time in order to beat challenges irrespective of the angle they may spring up from.

Innocent made this known at the Forum’s meeting held partly in honour of the Spelling B, 2025 winners, in Port Harcourt.

“Soldiers are not trained during war, rather, they are trained and kept in the Barracks, waiting for war”, he said.

He said students must be provided with the necessary educational tools capable of boosting their academic pursuit.

According to him, proprietors of schools must conform with the Government’s authorities and guidance if they are determined to succeed in the project.

Another solution to educational management, he said, is the availability of Education Committees in schools, saying that it will improve the quality of its learning process.

Though he did not rule out decay in the society, he said there are few that still hold fast to determination and sincerity.

The FIER leader said his association was one of the bodies with the zeal to right wrongs in the society, especially in the Education sector.

He noted that his group was also prepared to reduce the number of out-of-school children by ensuring that education was taken to all parts of the Country.

On registration of private schools as directed by the State Government, he said his members are in compliance and assured of a cordial relationship between the Government and his Association.

Meanwhile, the winners of the Competition were Master Fredrick Jeffrey of Daisy Dan School, who emerged first; Badubulachi Maryan of Fertile Vineyard Academy, 2nd; and Itode Samuel of Baridoo Sam Joel School, 3rd.

They winners where rewarded with cash prices of N100,000, N50,000 and N30, 000 respectively.

King Onunwor