By Aliyu Galadima 

In what appears to be a face-off, the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service has advised the investors of Kaduna Electric to settle their outstanding taxes, fines, and fees allegedly owed to the state and some of its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies ,MDAs.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Service Executive Chairman, Jerry Adams, on August 3, 2024. 

Tagged “Re: Kaduna Electric Disconnects Kaduna State Government House Over Debt of N2.9 Billion”, the service did not comment on the DisCo’s disconnection of power from the State Government House over the alleged N2.9 billion debt but used the opportunity to address the electricity company’s investor and others. 

The service had announced the sealing of Kaduna Electricity Company Plc ,Kaduna Electric, office over unpaid taxes amounting to N600 million. 

Hours later, the electricity company denied owing N600 million in unpaid taxes to the state, accusing the Kaduna State Government of engaging in “cheap blackmail” to divert attention from its own financial obligations. 

The company stated that the closure has significantly impacted Kaduna Electric’s ability to maintain full operational control, noting that the dispatch center, essential for coordinating power supply, is now under lock and key. 

In response, the company stated it has activated its contingency recovery plan to continue operations. However, it stressed that this measure limits the company’s visibility and control over its network, raising concerns about supply safety. 

In its rebuttal, the service criticized the company’s investors while maintaining that the service is owed N600 million in unpaid taxes among other outstanding liabilities. 

Adams advised the company’s investors to fulfill their civic responsibility. He stated: 

“In view of the ongoing issues between Kaduna Electric and the Kaduna State Government, it is important to note that although the Executive Governor is committed to attracting investors and improving the ease of doing business in Kaduna State, it is equally expected that investors carry out their civic responsibility of paying taxes for the improvement of infrastructure, security, and overall service delivery for businesses in the State to thrive. 

“Furthermore, the general public is reminded of the provisions of Section 3, Subsection 2(b) and (c) of the Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law, which mandates the Service with the responsibility to collect and enforce the payment of taxes, levies, fees, and rates due to all Ministries, Departments, Agencies ,MDAs, and Local Governments of the State. 

“The sealing of the KAEDCO head office was a consequence of the N600 million tax liability accrued to the State”.

Adams maintained that, apart from the N600 million unpaid tax, “other levies, fines, and rates payable to the State are yet to be considered” regarding Kaduna DisCo. 

He disclosed that the Service has now requested the four MDAs of the State to forward their outstanding liabilities (non-tax liabilities, i.e., levies, fees, fines, etc.) owed by Kaduna Electric for enforcement. 

The MDAs are: “Kaduna State Geographic Information Service ,KADGIS, Kaduna State Water Administration Corporation ,KADSWAC, Kaduna State Water Regulatory Commission, and Kaduna Environmental Protection Agency ,KEPA”.

Adams stressed that the Service is open to an amicable resolution with Kaduna DisCo but vowed to enforce tax compliance on any defaulting company in the state. 

“The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service is committed to equitable taxation and thus will not overburden the poor with taxes but rather identify and carry out enforcement measures on tax-evading and non-compliant organizations and high-net-worth individuals, regardless of whose ox is gored. 

“Going forward, the Service is open to further engagements with KAEDCO and all relevant parties for an amicable resolution of these issues”.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, had approved the acquisition of a 60% equity stake in Kaduna Electricity Company Plc ,Kaduna Electric, by ASI Engineering Limited. 

This was disclosed by Kaduna Electric via its X page on Friday, July 13, 2024. 

The equity transaction followed a NERC report from six months ago, which revealed that the electricity distribution company had a debt of N110 billion ($130 million) owed to various entities, including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader and power generation firms. 

As disclosed in the statement at the time, ASI’s vision is to make Kaduna Electric a national leader in electricity distribution, driving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life through innovative and reliable solutions, thereby impacting residents, businesses, and industries in its franchise states (Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi). 

The collaboration is expected to focus on modernizing the electricity distribution network, implementing innovative solutions for energy management, and fostering greater customer satisfaction and engagement. 

NERC was appreciated for facilitating the approval alongside the Bureau of Public Enterprises ,BPE.

The terms of the acquisition agreement include that ASI will prioritize investments in Kaduna Disco infrastructure upgrades, employee training and development, and embark on community engagement initiatives to create lasting value for all stakeholders. 

Some residents of Badagry, Lagos State yesterday expressed mixed reactions over President Bola Tinubu’s address to the nation on the ongoing nationwide protests.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President, in his broadcast on Sunday, reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerians.

He enjoined the protesters and the organisers to suspend further action and create room for dialogue.

The protests, which started on Thursday, crippled socio-economic activities across the state,  as motor parks, shops, malls, markets and roads were deserted.

Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Osho, an entrepreneur in Lagos said that Tinubu had tried to touch the lives of all Nigerians with his economic and developmental policies.

According to him, what the President inherited was a near collapsed economy.

“We have been borrowing to survive, but right now, we are facing the reality of the state of the nation’s economy.

“The situation has begun to change for better, we have been applying temporary solutions to our permanent problems but now we have started applying permanent solutions.

“That is why we are finding it a little hard to bear. I am sure we  will soon  start to reap the fruit of the sacrifice that we are all making”, he said.

Prince Babatunde Ajose, the Chief

Executive Officer ,CEO, WestGate Resources Development Centre in Badagry,  said that the presidential address had restored hope and reassurance to all well meaning Nigerians.

“The President touched on the sensitive issues bothering the minds of Nigerians.

“However, I am disappointed in the National Orientation Agency for not properly communicating the efforts of this government, achievements so far and prospects of their reforms.

“If people were well informed about what the president reeled out today, it would have sustained their hopes and there would not be reason for protests.

“Our elites who also understand the issues are not helping matters, they are twisting the facts,” he said.

Mr Abdul-Lateef Rasheed, the Chairman of the Badagry branch of the Nigeria Bar Association ,NBA,  commended the president’s programmes as enumerated in his speech.

Rasheed,  however, said that majority of Nigerians did not feel the impact of the speech.

“Whatever programme embarked upon by government that does not put food on the tables of Nigerians; they will see it as deceitful.

“The issue of scarcity of food should be addressed immediately.

“Inadequate electricity supply, insecurity, good roads, well organised transport system,  liberal tax systems, promotion of small businesses, harassment of transporters of food stuff by security agents across the country should be addressed quickly”, he said.

Mr Abiodun Hundeyin,  Deputy Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service said that  the president’s address was insightful and well delivered.

NAN reports that the nationwide protests, which started on Thursday, August 1, crippled socio-economic activities across the country as motor parks, shops, malls, markets and roads were deserted.

The first day of the protest recorded violence and looting in states like Niger, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Abuja.

Organisers said that the protests, which they plan to hold till Aug. 10, is aimed at drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the hardship faced Nigerians. 

By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja

Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu has asked organizers of protesters to suspend the protest, saying that the blood of innocent Nigerians are being shed for nothing.

Kachikwu who noted that victims of the protest were not children of politician said those aggrieved with the president should wait for the next presidential election to vote him out than resorting to violence

The Ex- presidential candidate who advised Tinubu to be inclusive and consult widely tasked the opposition to proffer solutions to the problems of the country instead of instigating violence and seeking overthrow of the democratically elected administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kachikwu, in a statement in Abuja,
said: “We can’t continue killing ourselves. Our streets flow with the blood of the innocent. Over 19 killed in this scam of a protest, all for what? No child of any politician or big man was killed. Just the poor, average Nigerian. Only their family members will cry and mourn for them quietly while those who have made billions from this scam laugh to the bank.

“We are witnessing unprecedented hardship right now. The poor can barely eat a meal in two days. Most of us can no longer afford the necessities. The population of the poor is increasing by the minute. We as leaders need to come to a table of equity, justice and fairness to address the plight of the downtrodden immediately.

“It is not Tinubu’s problem alone and Tinubu must stop acting like he can do it all by himself. He must show leadership and reach out across party lines to get the best and the brightest to a solution roundtable”

He warned against attempting to remove a democratically elected government through violence.

“The job of the opposition now is to oppose and propose but what we are doing is only opposing without providing any solutions to our problems. Watch any advanced democracy and see how the opposition behaves. They have their stand and solution on all issues, and they will debate night and day but here all we want to do is abuse Tinubu without offering any concrete solutions.

“If you hate Tinubu so much, then pressure the National Assembly to remove him or wait till the next elections but heating up the body polity for the last one year and attempting to remove a democratically elected government through the back door is no different from a coup.”

Kachikwu faulted president Tinubu on the removal of fuel subsidy, adding that he should revise the policy .

“Look at the vexatious issue of subsidy removal. Some sections of the media are now saying all the Presidential candidates agreed that subsidy had to go. This is not true”

END

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has clarified that it has not approved any increases in telecom tariffs.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the NCC, issued a statement on his verified X account on Saturday addressing the false information circulating within the telecom sector.

He described the report as “fake news” and stressed that there have been no new tariff hikes for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) or any increases in telecom services for consumers.

AljazirahNigeria gathered that the confusion results from a document, titled, “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector,” recently posted on the NCC’s website.

An online news had claimed that the NCC approved tariff increases for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and other telecom companies, affecting voice, SMS, data, and other services, adding that the development had resulted in higher costs for Nigerians.