Connect with us

Telecom

Subscribers, Telcos Kick as FG Slams 5 Percent Tax on Calls and Data

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal government has slammed additional five per cent excise duty, that the telecom subscriber pays, which is different from the cost of voice call..

Subscribers, Telcos Kick as FG Slams 5 Percent Tax on Calls and Data

This was disclosed yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Mr. Zainab Ahmed, minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, was represented by Musa Umar, assistant director, Tax Policy, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, while Frank Oshanipin, assistant chief officer in the ministry, did the ministry’s presentation.

But the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), have described the move as strange, insensitive, and irresponsible.

However, minister of Finance, Budget, and Planning, at the event, urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the 5 percent exercise duty on telecommunications services.

She highlighted that countries in Africa like Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, and others have all keyed into this revenue generation pattern.

She emphasised that this is needed to change Nigeria’s economic situation for good.

“The issue of revenue is not something that needs to be shied away from, our revenue can no longer take care of our needs as a country.

“Also Nigeria is no longer making enough money in Oil revenue hence the attention is shifting to Non-revenue”.

She explained that the government is committed towards implementing the regulation in a seamless manner that will not affect Nigerians.

Earlier, in his remark, Prof Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman/CEO NCC, said the forum is necessitated for stakeholders to get better clarifications on the 5% exercise duty on telecom services implementation.

“As the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission has engaged with the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Customs Service, and consultants from the World Bank to get needed clarifications.

“These engagements enabled us to better understand the objectives and proposed implementation mechanisms of the Excise Duty.

“Nonetheless, we consider it imperative that these implementing agencies should also meet directly with telecoms industry stakeholders to address areas of concern”, he stated.

On his part, Hameed Ali, comptroller general of the Nigerian Customs Service, urged stakeholders to be patriotic toward implementing the policy.

Hameed represented by Mrs A.S Oshishi, assistant comptroller general NCS, revealed that telecommunications operators are expected to be dully registered with the service for seamless actualization of the process.

“Either to pass the cost to consumer or capture it in an appropriation. The payment is to be made in arrears, on the 21st of every month”, he stated.

Reacting to the development, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, insisted that the new tax burden would be passed to subscribers.

“It is a strange move, it appears a bit unusual. exercise duty is supposed to be apportioned to goods and products, but we are surprised this is on Services.

“We will continue to support the government but ALTON, won’t be able to subsidy this on behalf of subscribers in addition to the 7.5% VAT making it 12.5% payable by subscribers to the federal government.

“We currently pay a lot of taxes, running into 39 of them, so we can add more to our existing burden. We won’t be able to absolve this on behalf of subscribers.

“The 5% Excise Duty will be paid by the subscribers. It will collected by the operators on all voice and data services including OTT and remitted to the Nigerians Customs”, he stated.

Elsewhere, Engr Ken Nnamani president of ATCON, said, “the proposed exercise duty do not comply with principle of taxation, fairness, certainty, convenience and efficiency”.

Nnamani represented by Mr Ajibola Olude, ATCON executive secretary, said FG has continued to turn a blind eye to the issue of foreign exchange, others challenges facing telecom operators in Nigeria.

He added that the telecom industry is bleeding yet the federal government want to exacerbate the plight of operators with additional taxation.

He appealed that the implementation of the exercise duty should be stepped down because many youths in Nigeria will lose their jobs.

He advised that the government should channel its efforts to developing other sectors.

Similarly, Chief Deolu Ogunbajo, president,  National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), said the government’s action is insensitivity and ill-timed.

“It is unfortunate that 5 percent exercise duty is coming again together with other 38 taxes.

He said, other countries in Africa paying 5% tax on telecommunications services do not have 39 others taxes.

In his words, “this is insensitivity, and irresponsible. Government should not kill the telecom industry”.

 


Kindly share this post

Telecom

TECNO and Tiwa Savage Unveil ‘Water and Garri’ in Style

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The recent premiere of the highly anticipated film Water and Garri was nothing short of a star-studded affair. Its compelling storyline and stellar performances captured audiences. Held at the Livesport Event Center, the event drew A-list celebrities, industry insiders, and eager fans, all eager to witness the cinematic spectacle unfold.

One of the most memorable aspects of the evening was the irresistible allure of the TECNO booth, where celebrities couldn’t get enough of the state-of-the-art devices on display. From snapping selfies with the latest TECNO smartphones to exploring the myriad features and functionalities, it was clear that TECNO had struck a chord with its audience.

But it wasn’t just the TECNO booth that had everyone buzzing – the movie itself was the talk of the town. ‘Water and Garri,’ inspired by the real-life journey of singer/actress Tiwa Savage, resonated deeply with audiences, offering a poignant portrayal of love, loss, and redemption. As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled, guests were not just spectators but participants in Tiwa’s world, swept away by the raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling.

Celebrities couldn’t get enough of the film throughout the evening, lauding its authenticity and powerful performances. From the lead actors to the supporting cast, each portrayal was met with applause and admiration, underscoring the talent and dedication of all involved. As the credits rolled and the cheering subsided, guests lingered, eager to share their thoughts and reflections on the film’s profound impact.

As the night ended, it was clear that “Water and Garri” had left an indelible mark on all who attended. From its captivating storyline to its unforgettable performances, the movie has captivated hearts and minds, earning its rightful place among the year’s most anticipated releases. With the support of innovative partners like TECNO, the film’s reach and impact are sure to extend far beyond the premiere, inspiring audiences for years to come.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum @15, gets June date

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The date for the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) has been unwrapped for Thursday, June 27, by organisers, ITREALMS Media group.

Disclosing this, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said that this year’s edition marks the 15th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on IG4D series and comes with the theme “IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy & Safer Civic Space in Nigeria” at the prestigious Welcome Center Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.

Nweke recalled that in 2009, the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development made a debut and ever since has been steadfast in rallying stakeholders to take discourse on Internet access, openness, affordability, connectivity and ICT infrastructure among others.

This year, he also said, as NDSF marks 15th years of impacting various Nigeria’s economic sector with yet another series on the theme: IG4D: Innovative Digital Economy and Safer Civic Space in Nigeria.

“It will also be a time for recognition of corporates and individuals for their contributions in deepening Internet penetration, improving access and affordability as well as technological adaptation that begets digital sense in our society,” Nweke said.

NDSF series on IG4D, powered by ITREALMS Media group is hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa, an At-Large Structure (ALS) certified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria chapter, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) among others.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Exposing the Malicious Sabotage of MoMo PSB Project in Enugu Ezike

Published

on

Kindly share this post

By Cyprian Nwodo

The recent activities of some individuals with one Davids Iyida attempting to sabotage the MoMo Payment Service Bank project intended to benefit, especially Enugu Ezike people, have raised significant concern and outrage within the community.

Market Vendor accessing the MTN MoMo Loans and Savings on her phone — Enugu Ezike traders deserve the same

Such actions aimed at undermining a project with immense potential to uplift and empower the people of Enugu Ezike can only be described as malicious.

The MoMo PSB project is designed to bring financial services closer to the people of Enugu Ezike, facilitating easier access to banking and financial transactions.

This project is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. In a region where such opportunities are rare, the MoMo PSB project represents a beacon of hope for many residents.

It is particularly baffling and disheartening to witness a member of the community collaborate with outsiders to hinder the progress of their own people.

The reasons behind such alliances remain unclear, but the impact of these actions is evident and deeply troubling. Working to obstruct the project is not only delaying progress but also actively working against the welfare and advancement of Enugu Ezike.

The efforts to destroy Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu’s good intention, despite all the positive contributions he has made, are nothing short of wickedness.

Adonu, a visionary entrepreneur and the leading MTN Partner in the South East, has dedicated significant resources and efforts to bring the MoMo Payment Service Bank project to fruition.

His vision for the community includes economic growth, financial inclusion, and overall development. Attacking his vision is an attack on the progress and future of Enugu Ezike.

The question that lingers in the minds of many is: Why sabotaging our own benefits? In a time when unity and collective effort are paramount for the community’s advancement, such actions of sabotage are counterproductive and harmful. The community needs all hands on deck to drive development and improve the quality of life for its residents. Internal conflicts and malicious actions only serve to set back these efforts.

Davids Iyida

Despite the challenges and the malicious attempts to derail the project, it is important to reaffirm that S Mobile Group vision for establishing a MoMo Payment Service Bank in Enugu Ezike will prevail.

The community stands behind this vision, recognizing the immense benefits it promises to bring. Efforts to hinder progress will ultimately fail in the face of collective determination and support.

The actions of these ungrateful individuals, aimed at sabotaging the MoMo PSB project, are grave disservice to the community of Enugu Ezike.

In a time when progress and development are desperately needed, such malicious activities are deeply regrettable.

However, the vision and determination of Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu and the community’s support ensure that the project will succeed, bringing much-needed growth and prosperity to Enugu Ezike.

Let it be known that no amount of sabotage can dim the light of progress and unity.

_Nwodo, a public commentator writes from Enugu State


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending