Business
Abolish Multiple Taxation In Rivers, Group Urges Govt
A civil society organization, Rivers State Tax Justice Governance Platform (RSTJGP) has called for the abolition of multiple taxation in the state.
Coordinator of the group, Kelechi Amaechi, who made the call in an interview with newsmen during a Tax Walkathon sensitization rally in Port Harcourt, said incidence of multiple taxation is driving away businesses in the state.
Amaechi particularly urged the Rivers State Government to enforce the use of the *5224# digital tax payment platform with a view to eliminating all illegal and multiple taxations in the state.
The event has as its theme “Power of Voices Partnership Fair for All”, was organized by the organization in collaboration with CISLAC, with support from Oxfam Nigeria to raise awareness about fair tax practices.
He said citizens must not only pay their taxes, but must demand accountability from the Authority.
According to him, despite government’s introduction of the digital tax payment platform, implementation remains weak, leaving businesses vulnerable to multiple taxes and harassment from tax agents and task forces.
“The Rivers State Government has taken steps to address illegal and multiple taxation by introducing the *5224# platform, which allows businesses to pay their taxes easily. However, enforcement remains a major challenge.
“Many businesses still receive excessive demand notices and are forced to pay exorbitant levies to tax agents and task forces”, he said.
He stressed that harmonized taxation would promote business growth and job creation, ultimately reducing youth unemployment and crime in the state.
“We are urging the government to not only introduce these initiatives, but also enforce them. Businesses need a simplified and harmonized tax system to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth”, he stated.
Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Port Harcourt District Society, Victoria Okokon, who spoke to The Tide in an interview, said it has become important for taxpayers to know their rights by using digital platforms for tax payments.
She said the rally was attended by people being impacted by multiple taxation, adding that market women, bus drivers and others attended the rally.
Okokon said digital payment of taxes will eliminate quackry, but added that people must ensure that their taxes are judiciously utilized by the government.
According to her, “If taxes are paid digitally, it eliminates the need for intermediaries, ensuring that tax revenues go directly into government coffers. This will help curb illegal collections and double taxation.
“It is important for every taxpayer to know their right, know the right avenue to pay their taxes.”
Also, the Executive Director of LightHope Succor Worldwide Initiative and a member of the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Evelyn Williams, urged the government to ensure taxpayers see tangible benefits from their contributions.
“Many business owners, especially women and young girls operating in market spaces, lack basic amenities such as toilets, proper parking spaces, and waste management services. The government must ensure that tax revenues are used to improve these facilities.
“We really want to see that those things are being put in place to ensure the taxpayers get equivalent services for the tax payment”, she said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr. Dogara, said incidence of multiple taxation is driving businesses away from Rivers state.
He said the sooner the government tackle this problem the better it would be good for businesses in the state.
John Bibor
Continue Reading
The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has unveiled the plans to host a major economic and investment summit aimed at attracting five billion dollars, ( N7 trillion) investments in addition to creating about 500,000 jobs over the next five years.
The Chairman of NDCCITMA Board, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently.
Ogan stated that the initiative is designed to reposition the Niger Delta as a viable destination for sustainable economic growth and development.
He explained the summit would bring together investors, policymakers, manufacturers and business leaders from within and outside Nigeria to explore opportunities across key sectors of the regional economy.
According to him, the event is expected to attract high-profile participation, with President Bola Tinubu billed as Special Guest of Honour, while the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Ogan said the summit would focus on critical sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy, which he described as areas with significant untapped potential.
He called on state governments, development partners and private sector stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective efforts are required to unlock the region’s economic prospects.
NDCCITMA chairman further stated that improving security conditions and increasing economic confidence in the Niger Delta have made the region more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
He emphasised that ongoing economic reforms at the national level have also contributed to creating a more favourable investment climate.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, said the event would prioritise the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
He noted the summit would provide a strategic platform for networking, business partnership and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the private sector.
Edebiri disclosed that findings from a recent business roundtable revealed significant untapped investment opportunities, which the summit seeks to harness through targeted collaborations.
He revealed that the event would feature exhibitions of viable projects, facilitate business-to-business and business-to-government engagements, and also promote innovations across multiple sectors.
According to him, the expected outcomes of the summit include job creation, increased industrial activity and improved livelihoods for people in the Niger Delta.
To build momentum ahead of the event, NDCCITMA said the body would embark on awareness roadshows across states in the Niger Delta, as well as in Lagos and Abuja, to attract broad participation.
King Onunwor
The Management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has set N1.489 trillion as its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the 2026 fiscal year.
NPA says the figure represents an increase of N21 billion over the N1.468 trillion target for 2025, which the agency exceeded with an actual revenue of N1.97 trillion.
The Managing Director NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this during the agency’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.
Dantsoho said the authority was set to begin groundbreaking projects for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports to enhance global competitiveness.
According to him, of the projected revenue: N945 billion is allocated for capital projects, N447.5 billion for operating expenses, and
N90.6 billion for remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
The MD explained that the budget was anchored on the mantra, “Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.”
Dantsoho said that the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports were flagship projects aimed at boosting revenue.
“Apapa and Tin Can Island ports are old and no longer adequate for modern global port operations.
“Apapa Port is about 100 years old, while Tin Can Island Port is over 50 years old, with limited capacity for handling modern vessels and cargo volumes.
“Groundbreaking for their modernisation will commence within the next two to three weeks,” he added.
On the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Dantsoho said all revenues generated by the NPA are paid directly into the account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“We do not retain any funds. The Central Bank is the signatory and we must apply for funds whenever needed,” he explained.
Earlier in his remarks,Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ports, Sen. Wasiu Eshinlokun (Lagos Central), said the committee’s oversight function was collaborative rather than adversarial.
“Our goal is to work with you to strengthen institutional capacity, eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that every naira appropriated serves the public interest,” he said.
Chinedu Wosu
Nigeria Police Force has disbursed a total of ?21,678,120 to the deceased police officers families in Rivers State as part of ongoing welfare interventions by the force.
The gesture formed a major highlight of the activities marking the 2026 National Police Day celebration in the state, underscoring renewed institutional focus on personnel welfare and post-service support systems.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who presided over the cheque presentation ceremony, said the initiative reflects the Force’s commitment to honouring officers who paid the ultimate price in their line of duty.
He explained that the financial support is designed to cushion the economic burden faced by bereaved families, while also reinforcing confidence among serving personnel about the Force’s long-term welfare structure.
Adepoju conveyed the sympathy of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to the beneficiaries, noting that the sacrifices of fallen officers remain invaluable to national security and public safety.
The police boss further stressed that sustained welfare interventions are critical to boosting morale, enhancing productivity, and strengthening institutional loyalty within the Force.
He reiterated that the welfare scheme aligns with broader reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force as a responsive and people-oriented institution.
Beneficiaries of the cheques commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for prioritising the welfare of officers and their families through consistent and impactful interventions.
They described the initiative as timely and compassionate, noting that it would go a long way in alleviating financial pressures arising from the loss of their loved ones.
The families also acknowledged ongoing reforms under the current police leadership, which they said have strengthened trust, improved service delivery, and enhanced the overall image of the Force.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar initiatives as part of efforts to uphold the dignity, sacrifice, and legacy of officers who served the nation with distinction.
King Onunwor
-
Editorial3 days agoDomesticate FG’s Exit Benefit Scheme
-
News2 days agoRSU Unveils Five-Year Strategic Dev Plan …Calls For Collective Commitment To Institutional Excellence
-
News3 days agoDHQ Confirms Deaths Of Terrorists, Soldiers In Borno Attack
-
News2 days agoTinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today
-
Business3 days ago
Niger Delta Investment Summit Targets $5bn Inflows, 500,000 Jobs
-
Nation2 days ago
Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim
-
Rivers3 days ago
Dep Gov Seeks Collaboration, Transparency Between RIVCHPP, PHCMB
-
Sports3 days ago
Full Draw For 2026 U-17 AFCON