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EU Partners FIRS to Deepen CSOs Tax Knowledge, Compliance

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Determined to ensure accountability and transparency as part of its good governance drive in Nigeria, the European Union has engaged with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to deepen the knowledge of Civil Society Organisations on tax responsibilities and compliance.

The project captured under the European Union’s “Agents For Citizen-Driven Transformation,” ACT, provides a veritable platform for CSOs operating in the country to engage the FIRS on the tax regulations that govern their operations and how to ensure seamless compliance in line with approved guidelines.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has clarified that civil society organisations, CSOs, including non-governmental organisations and cooperative societies have responsibilities under the tax laws to fulfill their tax obligations irrespective of the nature of their operations.

FIRS and the Joint Tax Board, JTB, in a webinar jointly organised by the FIRS and the European Union-funded, British Council-managed Agents for Citizen Driven Transformation, EU-ACT, programme emphasised that CSOs have the responsibility to file tax returns and statement of affairs; adding that the tax authorities would demand payment of taxes from CSOs only when the CSOs were engaged in businesses and make profits from the business ventures.

Executive chairman of FIRS, Muhammad Nami, represented by the coordinating director, compliance support group of FIRS, Dick Irri, in declaring the webinar open, said that FIRS would continue to partner with stakeholders in its drive to educate taxpayers on their responsibilities.

Director of the tax policy and advisory department of FIRS, Temitayo Orebajo, in his presentation on tax obligation of CSOs refuted claims by some individuals that CSOs have no tax obligation.

“There is a penalty for CSOs for not filing and there is a penalty for late filing. Whether you (CSOs) have something to do or not, you have the responsibility to file.

“After one year you are registered, in order not to run foul of the law, you need to go and file at least your statement of affairs. It may be just one page document”, he said.

Orebajo said that CSOs include organisations, institutions and companies engaged in ecclesiastical, charitable, benevolent, literary, scientific, social, cultural, sporting or educational activities of a public character, adding: “all CSOs are expected to register for tax purpose and obtain Taxpayer Identification Number, TIN.

“The following documents are required for tax registration: A copy of the registration certificate issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, or any other instrument of registration; Certified True Copy, CTC, of memorandum and articles of association, constitution or rules and regulations governing the CSO; list and profiles of the Trustees/Board members nominated and other relevant documents.”

Deputy director of tax policy and advisory department, Olatunji Olabode, said that CSOs should file returns and pay taxes (where applicable) at MTOs closest to them or use the TaxPro Max Solution.

He added that with the introduction of TaxPro Max solution, CSOs can file returns and pay taxes from the comfort of their homes and offices.

Corroborating in his presentation, Orebajo noted: “NGOs are required to register for tax at designated FIRS Medium Tax Offices (MTOs) in their respective geopolitical zones. For Lagos: MTO Lagos Island; For North-Central: FCT MTO Abuja; for North-East and North-West: MTO Kano; South-East: MTO Enugu; for South-South: MTO Port Harcourt and for South-West: MTO Ibadan.”

“Section 55(1) of CITA mandates every company in Nigeria including CSOs to file annual tax returns. A tax return comprises: an audited account, tax and capital allowances computations and a true and correct statement in writing containing the amounts of its surplus from each and every source computed; a completed self-assessment form; particulars as may be required in the form with respect to profits, allowances, reliefs, deductions required; a declaration to be signed by a trustee, director, secretary or any authorised person of the organisation that the information contained in the return is true and correct; the period for filing returns shall be as stipulated in the relevant tax laws”, he said.

A representative of the JTB and its Head, Legal, Nneka Esomeju added that CSOs who are registered as individuals or Business Names or any other law at sub-national level should also comply fulfil their tax obligations under the Personal Income Tax Act and relevant with the State Board of Internal Revenue.

“If any CSO is not registered or overseen by the FIRS, they should register and file their returns and pay taxes (where applicable) to the State Board of Internal Revenue.

Not being registered with FIRS or CAC does not mean that you are exempted from taxes. She also clarified that any individual who earns income beyond the threshold of the minimum wage should pay taxes irrespective of the status of the individual.

Arewa Voice gathered that the programme also gave an opportunity for the CSOs to engage the Nigerian tax agency on parts of tax laws that concern them and how they could comply effectively and seamlessly.

The European Union Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT) Programme works with civil society organisations, CSOs, to enable them to be credible and effective drivers of change for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Its work focuses on strengthening the system of CSOs, networks and coalitions to improve their internal, external, and programmatic capabilities.

EU-ACT works with CSOs in 10 states selected across the six geo-political zones in the country: Adamawa, Borno, Edo, Enugu, the federal capital territory (FCT), Kano, Lagos, Plateau, Rivers and Sokoto.

The Programme also focuses on providing a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue for an improved, effective, and inclusive regulatory environment for the operation of CSOs in Nigeria.


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Adeleke Describes Adenuga’s Contribution to African Economy as Unquantifiable

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Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Governor, has described the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., as an icon who has made enormous contributions to the development of Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking when he received the Public Sector team from Globacom in his office at Osogbo recently, the governor also commended the positive impact the company has made in the telecoms industry in terms of innovation and pricing.

He described Dr Adenuga as a great believer in Nigeria “whose impact on the Nigerian and the African economy cannot be quantified”.

Adeleke assured the Globacom team led by Niyi Odejobi of his government’s readiness to explore areas of business partnership with the company. “Be rest assured that this partnership is already a reality. We just need to work out the details”, Senator Adeleke noted.

He urged telecommunications companies to strengthen ties with the state government, adding that “the subnational entities are where your market is. Even though the regulatory body is national, your market base remains the states and the local governments. You must deliberately prioritize partnership with the state government.

“The telecom community must understand that giving full support to the states in terms of payment of right taxes and corporate social responsibility is an investment in your market. The more robust the state governments are, the more buoyant your market will be,” the governor said.

In his own remarks, Odejobi pledged Globacom’s support for the growth and development of Osun State, adding that it would deploy various internet and digital infrastructure to promote governance and businesses in the state.


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Foodstuff Store introduces Innovative Recycling Program

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Foodstuff Store, an AgriTech company on Wednesday announced the introduction of its innovative recycling program. The expansion of the corporate mission to include waste management and recycling solutions underlines the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Foodstuff Store is providing a way by which their customers who are provided with wholesome and fresh food products directly from farmers can now dispose of their plastic wastes as an added service, thereby reducing their ecological footprint.

For every waste item delivered for recycling by customers, they’ll receive a credit that can be used for a next purchase at the Foodstuff Store.

Not only will this ensure a contribution to a cleaner environment, but it will also provide a way to incentivise their efforts towards adopting sustainability practices.

“We are thrilled to offer our customers a convenient way to recycle and contribute to a cleaner Nigeria and a cleaner planet,” says Diana Tenabe, Chief Operating Officer at Foodstuff Store. “By offering rewards for recycling, we hope to incentivize eco-conscious behavior within our communities in Nigeria.”

Nigeria faces a significant challenge with plastic pollution. The prevalence of single-use plastics, which is caused by widespread use of sachet water pouches, plastic shopping bags, and take-away containers, leads to massive waste generation. There are also recycling capacity challenges in Nigeria, where only a small percentage of plastic waste gets recycled.

Additionally, indiscriminate disposal of plastics and other waste materials contributes to overflowing landfills with plastics, clogged drainages that lead to flooding, and harming marine life.

Foodstuff Store believes that by working together with its customers, it can create a positive impact on the environment. This new program allows customers to enjoy the quality products and services they expect from Foodstuff Store, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.


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Edenlife Opens the first Homemade Outlet Store in Oniru, to open 49 more Across the Country 

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Homemade by Eden, the food retail business of Nigerian home concierge startup, Edenlife has marked a significant step towards National expansion with the launch of its first Outlet store in Oniru, Lagos State. This move signals the company’s commitment to bringing its signature homemade meals directly to consumers across the country.

Commenting on the launch of the Oniru Outlet, Nadayar Enegesi, CEO of Edenliife stated, ‘’At Eden Life, it’s in our DNA to adapt and meet the evolving needs of our consumers.

The new outlet store by Homemade exemplifies this commitment. These outlet stores will deliver delicious, home-cooked meals to its customers and create job opportunities in logistics and tech support, driving local economic growth.

By sourcing fresh ingredients from smaller Nigerian farms, we strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure a reliable supply chain. And there’s more to come we have plans to launch mobile kitchens in other strategic locations across the nation.

It’s a win-win situation – our customers enjoy a taste of home, we create jobs, empower local businesses, and contribute to a stronger Nigerian economy.’’

The establishment of these outlet stores translates to new job opportunities in logistics and potentially tech support for the mobile units. Additionally, the focus on fresh, local ingredients could encourage partnerships with smaller Nigerian farms, strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting local food production.

This localized approach to food delivery keeps money circulating within communities and fosters a more sustainable economic ecosystem.

Speaking at the launch event on Friday, May 10, 2024, Orafiri Adoki, Business Lead of Homemade stated that some of Nigeria’s food culture has not been fully explored.

She stated, “Nigeria has such a rich culture around food, which has not been explored to its maximum. So, with the launch of the Homemade outlet, we hope to introduce some of the meals Nigerians are used to at home while providing creative and innovative ways to enjoy these meals,” .

As Nigeria’s e-commerce sector continues to evolve, Eden Life’s innovative approach positions the company as a frontrunner in driving industry growth and reshaping consumer expectations. By providing a seamless omnichannel shopping experience, Edenliife not only captures market share but also cultivates meaningful connections with Nigerian consumers.

Nigeria’s e-commerce industry has been experiencing a boom in recent years, driven by factors like increasing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and a growing young population. The e-commerce market in Nigeria is estimated to be around USD 8.53 billion in 2024.

It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.82% during the forecast period (2024-2029), reaching approximately USD 14.92 billion by 2029. E-commerce is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory in Nigeria, presenting immense potential for e-commerce platforms like Edenlife to capitalize on the rising demand for convenient and affordable food options.


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