Broadcasting
MultiChoice Gets Breather in FIRS ‘s N1.8 Trillion Tax Claims
Lagos zone of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) hearing the N1.8 trillion tax dispute between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and MultiChoice Nigeria has announced October 20 as the date for the ruling on the matter.
The announcement was made by Professor AB Ahmad, the tribunal chairman, at the resumed hearing. MultiChoice described the alleged tax liability as a product of “hastiness, lack of thoroughness and presumptuousness”.
The saga which began earlier this year has taken several dramatic twists akin to MTN, communications giant, which also a couple of years back faced the censure of Nigerian authorities over disputed regulatory issues, involving the non-disclosure of subscribers.
At the hearing, counsel to the FIRS urged the tribunal to demand proof of deposit of N900billion (50 per cent of the alleged tax liability) it ordered MultiChoice to make on 24 August before the continuation of its appeal.
The FIRS argued that Paragraph 15(7) of the Fifth Schedule to the FIRS (Establishment) Act 2007 compels a taxpayer disputing its assessment to make a statutory payment of 50 per cent of the disputed sum before the tribunal could prosecute an appeal brought before it.
The agency stated that in the absence of a proof of deposit, it should discontinue hearing of the appeal and enter judgment against MultiChoice.
MultiChoice, however, stated that it has complied, as the referenced section of the FIRS Act does not compel it to pay N900billion but an amount equal to its tax in the preceding year of assessment or one half of the disputed tax assessment under appeal, whichever is the lesser amount plus 10%.
MultiChoice stated that in fulfillment of the condition and demonstration of good faith, it deposited N10billion with the FIRS pending the determination of the actual tax liability, if any. In a counter-affidavit attached to its notice of appeal, MultiChoice stated that depositions in FIRS’ affidavit are arbitrary and contrived.
It branded, as false, the FIRS’ claim that it receives third party payments as part of its revenue streams, saying it only receives payments on its products and services through third party platforms such as Interswitch and Quickteller, which are only payment channels.
It also faulted the FIRS’ inclusion of DAAR Communications and Channels Television among third parties from which it receives payments, saying the two broadcasters free-to-air offerings on its platforms.
MultiChoice similarly denied that it receives most of its revenue through online channels, stating that its dealers and agents sell decoders and dishes for cash, while it receives most of its payments in its bank accounts.
In similar vein, MultiChoice said the FIRS erred in its claim that it receives revenues from outside Nigeria, as it services are limited to country.
It noted that what the FIRS interpreted as remittances from outside Nigeria was a summary of the 2019 and 2020 financial performance of MultiChoice Group (MCG).
It branded as misleading FIRS’ assumption that Nigeria accounts for 34 per cent of MCG’s subscription revenue, saying the figure refers to 34 per cent of the revenue from the rest of Africa except South Africa.
“Of the 7.7million active subscribers that MCG had in the rest of Africa in 2019, Nigeria accounted for 34 per cent of them. That is about 2.6million thereof. It is important to re-stress that the 34 per cent of active subscribers in 2019 is 34 per cent of the active subscribers in the rest of Africa and not 34 per cent of MCG’s revenue as erroneously claimed by the Applicant,” MultiChoice said.
On the allegation that it has refused to cooperate with the FIRS over forensic systems audit, MultiChoice said aside from being compliant in its tax obligations, it is the FIRS that has frustrated the audit by demanding a payment of any of 10%, 25%, 50% or 100% of the disputed tax sum as a condition.
Broadcasting
DG NCC Tasks University Dons on Research Commercialization, IP Management to Build Global Competitive Ecosystems
Dr. John Asein, director-general, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has charged universities to leverage Intellectual Property (IP), innovation management and research commercialisation to build vibrant, sustainable and globally competitive ecosystems.
The DG stated this while delivering a paper on: ‘’Research Commercialisation, IP Policy and Innovation Management’’ at the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) organised Business Clinic themed: Unlocking University-Driven Business Ecosystems: Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Enterprise Models in Abuja.
The programme was targeted at engaging Vice-Chancellors, principal officers and other key officers in Nigerian Universities in a practical dialogue on how to transit their institutions into thriving business ecosystems through innovation, enterprise development and strategic partnerships.
In his presentation, Dr. Asein, disclosed that Universities are now recognised as engines of national development and innovation hubs that must connect scholarship to business.
He noted that with over 300 Universities in Nigeria, there is need for structured pathways to turn ideas into commercial outcomes while attention should be focused on IP assets in our universities in order to harness them in a safe, sustainable and satisfactory manner.
The DG NCC speaking further on leveraging resources from the creativity locked up within the university system, harped on the need to harness the soft power of our youth as Nigeria’s most valuable natural resources are its people.
Drawing demography from Nigeria youthful population, he observed that over 70 percent of Nigerians who are under the age of 30 are mostly in the university system studying. These youths, he noted, shape cultures, technology and innovation through creativity and digital skills.
He tasked universities to become innovation factories where young people can explore ideas, protect their IP and grow startups by integrating innovation culture, entrepreneurship training and IP awareness into its learning environment.
He equally urged Universities to look beyond the sciences to commercialize traditional knowledge-based innovations and harness the potentials in the creative arts disciplines like music, visual arts, theatre arts and others for commercial outcomes.
Dr. Asein, recommended that universities as centres of learning, should take the lead in using the IP system for promoting education and learning, wealth creation, revenue generation and institutional development.
Underscoring the need for all universities to have an IP Policy, he noted that the Model developed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission in partnership with the CVCNU is a good starting point.
The Secretary-General, CVCNU, Prof. Andrew Haruna, presented the welcome address at the event while the Director, Technology Innovation and Commercialisation, NOTAP, Mrs. Adah H.N. Mokolo-Oladunke represented the Director-General, NOTAP at the event.
The 2025 CVCNU Business Clinic witnessed attendance from representatives of Public and Private Universities across the 36 States in Nigeria.
Drone
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will invest $115 million in counter-drone technology to safeguard the 2026 FIFA World Cup and events marking America’s 250th independence anniversary, creating a dedicated office for rapid drone system deployment.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described drones as “the new frontier of American air superiority,” stressing the need to counter threats from drug cartels using unmanned aircraft for smuggling and surveillance, alongside incidents like a 2025 NFL stadium drone flight and 2024 New Jersey sightings.
The funding supports 11 World Cup host cities expecting over one million visitors, building on FEMA’s $250 million grants to those states and addressing risks heightened by cartels’ advancing tech, including a reported FBI tracking plot in Mexico.
DHS has conducted over 1,500 counter-drone missions since 2018, with the new Program Executive Office accelerating acquisitions amid President Trump’s border security push.
Broadcasting
Youth Talent Takes Center Stage as T2 Ignites High-Octane Rap Battles @ Carnival Calabar
The energy at the Carnival Calabar Music Concert reached a new high as T2 introduced a first-ever rap battle platform, giving young Nigerians an electrifying stage to showcase their talent, creativity, and self-expression while competing for exciting prizes.
Held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, the activation blended pulsating music, vibrant culture, and youthful energy into a dynamic celebration that kept thousands of carnival-goers fully engaged from start to finish.
Eight fearless contestants stepped into the spotlight, going bar for bar in an intense lyrical showdown. Rappers fused local languages, pidgin, and sharp punchlines, creatively weaving the T2 brand into their verses.
Anchored by the energetic hosting duo MC Double I and MC Princess, the rap battles thrilled over 16,000 attendees, including the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, delivering an unforgettable showcase of youth talent and cultural expression.
With prizes including fridges, gas cookers, sound systems, and airtime top-ups, the competition remained fierce throughout the night. After two high-energy rounds narrowed the field to a five-man final duel, Emmanuel Eye emerged as the overall winner, taking home the grand prize — a fridge.
“I never expected this at all,” Emmanuel said. “I came to the concert like anyone else, and hearing about the T2 rap battle was a surprise. When I got the chance to perform, I just went for it. Being named the overall winner is amazing, and I’m grateful to T2 for creating this platform to showcase our talent.”
Beyond the stage performances, T2’s presence added a digital layer to the carnival experience. As part of its role as Digital Technology Partner of Carnival Calabar, the brand introduced the MyT2 App as a lifestyle companion, while also enabling line reactivations, airtime top-ups, and instant rewards for hundreds of attendees, blending technology seamlessly into the live celebration.
Commenting on the activation, Chinelo Manefo, Specialist, Events and Sponsorship at T2, said:
“The energy from both the rappers and the crowd was incredible. This platform reflects exactly what T2 aims to create — a celebration of youth, creativity, and culture, enhanced by technology that connects people and experiences. Seeing the audience so immersed shows how music and performance can empower the next generation.”
The Carnival Calabar Music Concert, headlined by Tiwa Savage, Timaya, and top local performers, was further energized by T2’s interactive rap battle platform. By blending music, culture, youth expression, and digital innovation, T2 reinforced its commitment to championing Nigeria’s next generation, giving young creatives a stage to shine while enriching how they experience the festival.
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