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Tax Reforms should benefit Nigerians, not politics – Hon. Lalu
Honourable Ishaya David Lalu is a Nigerian politician and academic, currently representing the Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In this interview with CHRISTIANA LOT, the lawmaker discussed his legislative priorities, efforts towards constituency development, and his views on key national issues, including the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
Excerpts:
The Nigerian Tax Administration Bill has sparked significant debate across the country. What are your thoughts on its key provisions and how they could impact governance and economic development?
The Tax Administration Bill is critical but also contentious. It seeks to reform our tax system, which is long overdue. However, I have concerns about some of its provisions. One major issue is the excessive concentration of power in the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) chairman. This individual is expected to chair the Technical Committee, the Nigerian Revenue Governing Council, and the Joint Revenue Tax Board.
Such centralization of power can lead to inefficiencies or abuse. We must strike a balance by decentralizing some of these roles. For instance, while the chairman can head the Technical Committee due to its technical nature, the Governing Council requires an independent chairperson for proper oversight. Similarly, the Minister of Finance could chair the Joint Revenue Tax Board to ensure accountability.
What about the bill’s revenue allocation and VAT derivation changes?
The bill proposes pooling all tax revenues into a single account. While this sounds efficient, it raises concerns about transparency. Citizens are right to ask: Who will manage this pool? Who will ensure proper disclosure of revenue generated? These questions must be answered before we move forward.
On VAT derivation, the shift from the point of generation to the point of consumption is also controversial. While VAT is fundamentally a consumption tax, implementing this change requires clarity to avoid mismanagement. Additionally, increasing the derivation share from 20% to 60% is excessive. A more moderate adjustment—say, to 40%—would be more equitable and prevent potential discontent among states.
There have been concerns about trust among regions regarding tax reforms. How do you see this affecting national unity?
Trust is indeed a major issue. During debates, some members claimed that states like Lagos would lose revenue under the new derivation formula, which isn’t accurate. Such statements only create unnecessary divisions. We need reforms that foster trust and unity, not ones that deepen regional suspicions.
Beyond the Tax Administration Bill, what are your thoughts on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)?
The MTEF is another area of concern. Its projections don’t align with economic realities. For instance, it predicts GDP growth to decline from 5.5% in 2026 to 4.5%, yet inflation is expected to reduce. Economically, slower growth often leads to higher inflation due to reduced output.
There’s also a discrepancy between the foreign exchange rates in the 2025 budget and the MTEF. The budget projects ₦1,500 per dollar, while the MTEF states ₦1,400. Such inconsistencies must be addressed to restore confidence in our economic planning.
Shifting focus, let’s discuss your legislative priorities. What key initiatives have you championed so far?
My legislative work focuses on addressing the critical needs of my constituency and the nation. Let me highlight a few key bills:
1. Federal Medical Center in Mangu
Plateau State’s central zone lacks a tertiary healthcare provider, unlike the northern and southern zones. This bill seeks to establish a Federal Medical Center in Mangu to bridge this gap. The center will provide advanced medical care, create employment opportunities, and serve as a training hub for healthcare professionals.
The bill has made remarkable progress, and I’m optimistic that it will soon become a reality. This project will significantly reduce the travel burden on residents seeking tertiary healthcare and improve overall health outcomes.
2. National Highland Crops and Vegetable Research Institute in Bokkos
Agriculture is the lifeblood of my constituency, particularly in Bokkos, where crops like sweet and Irish potatoes, strawberries…… thrive. However, farmers face challenges such as poor yields and crop diseases.
This bill aims to establish a research institute dedicated to improving crop varieties, enhancing disease resistance, and introducing innovative farming techniques. The institute will boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and contribute to the national GDP.
3. Federal College of Nursing
Plateau State currently lacks a federal nursing or midwifery institution. This bill proposes establishing a Federal College of Nursing to address the shortage of healthcare workers. The institution will provide quality training, reducing the manpower deficit in our healthcare system.
4. Constitutional Amendment for Supreme Court Representation
Currently, Section 230(1)(b) of the Constitution limits Supreme Court justices to 21, which doesn’t reflect federal character. My amendment seeks to expand this to 37, ensuring every state and the Federal Capital Territory has representation. This will enhance equity, public trust, and the court’s efficiency in handling cases.
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Your role involves more than lawmaking. How have you approached oversight and infrastructural development?
As Deputy Chairman of the House Services Committee, I oversee National Assembly management. Transparency and accountability are central to my work.
In my constituency, I prioritized continuity by allowing my predecessor to complete 2023 budget projects while preparing for my initiatives in 2024. For instance, I secured ₦1.5 billion to establish a Federal Science and Technical College in Mangun. Construction begins in January 2025, with an additional ₦1 billion included in the 2025 budget.
We’re also addressing connectivity issues by constructing a road linking Mangu and Bokkos. This project will improve trade, relationships, and access to essential services between these communities.
Agriculture and food security are critical in Nigeria. What steps have you taken to address these in your constituency?
Agriculture is vital to our people. This year, I distributed 10,000 packs of fertilizer across 30 wards. This initiative has significantly boosted soil quality and crop yields, directly benefiting farmers.
Food security is tied to stability. A hungry community is more likely to face insecurity. By supporting agriculture, we’re not just improving livelihoods but also fostering peace.
Security remains a pressing concern. How have you worked to improve safety in your constituency?
Security starts at the grassroots. I organized the first-ever conflict resolution and capacity-building program for traditional institutions in Mangu and Bokkos.
The program trained traditional leaders in communication, information management, and alternative dispute resolution. By strengthening local intelligence networks, we’ve significantly reduced insecurity and fostered peace in our communities.
Education is a recurring theme in your initiatives. Can you elaborate on your achievements?
Education is foundational to development. We’ve established four boarding schools in Mangu and Bokkos, improving access to quality education.
Additionally, I oversaw the construction of six fully furnished classroom blocks at JSS MBAR in Bokkos, completed within six months. These projects ensure our children have the resources they need to succeed academically.
Finally, as we approach the festive season, how do you connect with your constituents during this time?
Last Christmas, we distributed over 4,200 bags of rice to churches and stakeholders, ensuring everyone could celebrate. This year, we’re expanding our efforts with more initiatives, including free medical treatments.
In 2024, we treated over 24,000 people in a week. By 2025, I aim to reach 72,000 individuals in three weeks. These efforts reflect my commitment to improving lives and making every celebration meaningful for our people.
What drives you as a leader?
My greatest motivation is touching lives meaningfully. Whether it’s through legislation, infrastructure, healthcare, or agriculture, my goal is to serve with integrity and commitment. Leadership is about making a difference, and I’ll continue to work tirelessly for the progress of Mangu and Bokkos.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muahammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has commended the developmental strides of Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, just as he assured of the support of traditional institutions in the state.
Sultan who admonished other governor’s to also borrow a leaf from governor Ahmed Aliyu who ensures that resident communities enjoys equal benefit from everybody, added that, Nigerians should project what unites us moe than that which divides us.
“In Sokoto, we appreciate what the Governor is doing and we’d like to assure him of the support of the traditional institution so that he can continue the good work he’s doing of transforming our State.
“The Governor and our security agencies are doing their best and this has made the state to record tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry,” the Sultan averred.
While adding that governor Ahmed Aliyu deserves special commendation for the massive distribution of food items during the just-concluded Ramadan fast, Sultan urged Nigerians to always be law-abiding and desist from any act that may jeopardise the long lasting peace the country is enjoying.
Registering his displeasure over how the social media is been used negatively to promote and sow seed o discord, the Sultan said, some unpatriotic citizens use social media to spread falsehood, misinformation and provocative statements that can destroy the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying.
He, therefore, called on the security agencies in the country to be watchful of the unpatriotic citizens trying to create chaos in the land.
Speaking during his
Sallah homage on governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Sokoto, Sultan
said, “”In Sokoto all Nigerians are treated as indigenes, an act that gives Nigerians residing in the State a sense of belonging.
Sultan equally stressed the need for for state governors to give much emphasis in protecting the lives and property of their subjects, describing security as the basis upon which all societies could progress.
Responding, governor Ahmed Aliyu reassured his administration’s determination to do everything humanly possible to make the state safe and secured.
He blamed unemployment especially among the youths as responsible for the insecurity being recorded in many parts of the country.
According to Aliyu, many youths have joined informants’ groups so as to be getting stipends to make ends meet.
“This administration has so far trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in different trades so as to make them productive members in the society.
” I want to assure you that we would soon embark on another massive skills acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths in our modest attempt to reduce restiveness among our youths,” he vowed
Gov. Aliyu further reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, adding that more Mosques and Islamiyya schools would continue to receive the desired attention from the state government.
He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and support to his administration and called for it’s sustainance.
Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?
On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.
Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”
With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.
“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”
Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.
“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”