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Economy

AuGF Indicts NPA, Customs, 14 other MDAs over unremitted funds to consolidated accounts.

Eyewitness reporter

The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation has indicted the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service and 14 other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) over their failure to remit accrued revenue into the Federation accounts.

According to his 2019 audited report titled ‘OAuGF Annual Report on Non-Compliance/Internal Control Weakness Issues in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) submitted to the National Assembly, the AuGf,   Mr Adolphus Aghughu , declared that the NPA, Nigeria Customs and other 24 Government agencies and parastatals committed these financial infractions in their 2019 financial transactions.
The NPA, in the report, was indicted over its failure to recover and remit N40.126 billion, $921.636 and £289,931.82 to the government’s treasury from various revenue sources in the 2019 financial fiscal year.
These were contained in 13 audit queries for the NPA signed by the Auditor-General and submitted to the National Assembly for further legislative action.

The report disclosed that an agreement signed between NPA and various terminal operators stated that, “a fixed annual payment of a sum as specified in the schedule be paid in 12 equal installments in each operating year.

 “The first installment to be paid on the first day of the month after the effective date and then, on the same date of every month thereafter.”
The report also stated that the terminal operators failed to comply with the lease agreements in terms of their obligations relating to the payment of fixed fees over the period, thereby holding back $852,093,730.77 and N1,878,560,509.57 that should have been remitted to the NPA for the period.

It stated further that estate tenants, shipping companies and service boats operating from the ports were hugely indebted to the NPA to the tune of $67.425 million and N32.266 billion outstanding as rent, shipping due and service boats.

The audit report further noted that sizeable percentages of the debts were non-performing or dormant due to a long period of non-settlement, leading to loss of revenue to the government and possible diversion of government revenue to unauthorised users.

The Audit report also queried the irregular payment for rehabilitation of Port Harcourt port road network and water distribution system to the tune of N1.847 billion, irregular payment for the restoration of power supply to Tin Can Island Port.

It frowned at the irregularity in the award of contract for the construction of delivery and commissioning of MDPE channel marking buoys in foreign currency, irregular payment for the supply for fire alarms communication and office equipment for Lagos port complex and irregular payment for the supply of fire alarms communication and office equipment for Ikorodu lighter terminal.

On Customs, the AuGF slammed the service for its failure to remit N125 billion into the Federation accounts.

But the NCS is not the only defaulting government establishment. There are about 14 others found culpable of similar allegations.

They are Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (RBDA), Owerri; the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR); Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN): Kwali Area Council; Lagos State University (LASU); National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu; three Federal Medical Centres (FMC) and Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

Others are Council for Legal Studies and the National Industrial Court.

While the NCS allegedly failed to pay N125 billion Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) into the government coffers, the remaining 14 government establishments defaulted with N1.28 billion (N1,284,427,345.04).

The OAuGF also identified 12 MDAs, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which failed to remit value-added tax (VAT), the With-holding Tax (WHT), among others, to the treasury.

The unremitted taxes were pegged at N5.83billion (N5,828,621,715.06), and NACA reportedly has the highest unpaid sum, which is N2.98billion (N2,984,887,250.00).

“Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa has the least amount of N1m.”

The offence is said to have breached paragraphs 234 (I) and 235 of the Financial Regulations Act respectively.

“It is mandatory for accounting officers to ensure full compliance with the dual roles of making provision for the VAT and WHT due on supply services contract and actual remittance,” Section 234 stated.

“Deduction of VAT, WHT and PAYE shall be remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, at the same time, the payee who is the subject of the deduction is paid…”

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly on September 15, 2021, Aghughu submitted two copies of the findings to the NASS for action.

With reference number AuGF/AR.2019/02, the Auditor-General said his action to the lawmakers was in line with Sections 85 (2), (4) and (5) of the constitution.

The lawmakers are, thus, expected to act on the federation’s annual report and the consolidated financial statements to prevent leakages in government spending.

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Economy

We haven’t stopped Customs, FIRS, NUPRC, others from deducting cost of revenue collection at source – FG

Funso OLOJO
The Federal government has debunked the widely- held insinuation that it has stopped the standard practice of revenue – generating agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deduct their cost of collection at source.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by Mohammed Manga, Director of  Information and Public Relations in the ministry, at no point did the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, announced the discontinuation of such practice.
“We categorically state that these reports are inaccurate and misleading.
“At no point during his remarks at the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) programme hosted by the World Bank did the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, announce or imply any change to the existing policy on the cost of collection deductions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there has been no policy change regarding the deduction of costs of collection at source by revenue-generating agencies. The current framework remains in effect.
“What is underway are ongoing policy discussions in line with the directives of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review cost of collection structure.
“These discussions are part of broader efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and value-for-money in public financial management.
“However, no final decision has been made on this matter.
“The Ministry assures all stakeholders and the public that revenue operations continue uninterrupted and that any future adjustments will be guided by due process, stakeholder engagement, and clear communication.
“We urge media organisations to seek clarification from official sources before publishing information that may cause unnecessary confusion.
“The Ministry appreciates the continued support of Nigerians as we work collectively to build a stronger, more transparent, and sustainable economy” the statement concluded
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Economy

Le Look Nigeria marks 40 years of ingenious local fabric branded bags on October 1st

Gloria Odion 
All is set to mark the 40 years anniversary of Le Look Nigeria Limited, makers of Le look Bags brands.
According to the founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, arrangements have been concluded to hold the event on October 1, 2025 at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The event with morning and award night sessions is themed: “Legacy of Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Africa’s Economic Future.”
Ezenwa added:”Le Look 40th Anniversary is a milestone that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of Nigerian enterprise.
“Founded in 1985, Le Look has grown from a small women-led business into a proudly Nigerian manufacturer, exporting unique, locally crafted bags to international markets.
“Over four decades, we have stayed true to our mission of:
Strengthening local manufacturing;
creating jobs and transferring skills;
opening doors for women and youth in enterprise;
supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and the AfCFTA agenda.
“This anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a call to sustain entrepreneurship in Africa’s fast-changing economy,” she noted.
With expected over 300 distinguished guests, including senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and entrepreneurs across generations;
the day will feature keynote address and fireside conversations with veteran entrepreneurs as well as panel sessions on business longevity.
 Other features are African Continental Free Trade Agreement(AfCFTA) readiness;
Youth and women forums on inclusive business practices
Exhibitions by government and trade agencies will be part of the activities.
Le Look Nigeria Limited has grown to a global brand with the Le Look Bags Academy built in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos.
Le Look is a manufacturer of afro-centric luxury-life style branded bags inspired by African culture and sensibility.
These handbags are crafted from African prints in celebration of the rich African heritage with international and modern fashion flair.
The company offers multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear, handbags, Apple-support products and other carry-on unique and durable accessories.
“Our partnership with designers in Africa has catalysed the resurgence of retailing locally made goods across the continent,” Ezenwa said.
According to her,  “Through our studio in Lagos, we provide on- the-job training, school tuition and health care benefits.
“Our philosophy is simple-to be the first and foremost African luxury brand with global reach”, she added.
Over the years, Le Look Bags Academy has partnered  international and government institutions to promote trade and build capacities for the continent.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) last year partnered  Le Look Nigeria Limited to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and empower local artisans, particularly women and youth in Lagos. This collaboration,  includes the launch of an export skills acquisition center and a fashion innovation hub to equip individuals with skills in bag-making and international trade to meet growing global demand for handcrafted bags.
Also, UNDP Nigeria  is in  partnership with Le Look Bags Academy, to launch a training program designed to equip unemployed youth with limited formal education, primarily women, with practical skills in bag-making as a sustainable livelihood mechanism.
Le Look Bags Academy serves as the leading hub for mastering bag-making and digital technology skills.
The academy provides a unique, personalized approach to equipping learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the dynamic global landscape.
Le Look Nigeria Limited is the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to receive the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
As a certified AEO, Lelook benefits from trade facilitation, reduced costs, and improved efficiency in its export and import activities, supporting Nigeria’s goal of becoming a leading trade hub.
 Le Look Nigeria is No 0001 under the AFCFTA guided trade Initiative to receive the Certificate of Origin to trade across Africa
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Economy

Tinubu orders take-off of National Single Window in Q1 2026

Funso OLOJO 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a marching order to the National Single Window (NSW) Steering Committee to ensure the platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026.‎

The directive was delivered during Tuesday’s fifth steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja.

President Tinubu was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.‎

Gbajabiamila said the recent Tax Reform Acts, signed into law in June, underscored the urgency of accelerating reforms and pursuing Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.‎

He highlighted the importance of financial and trade reforms in achieving national economic transformation.‎

“It’s important that we continue to stay focused on this project. So that at the end of the day, we meet our timelines and achieve the results the President expects.‎

“As you all are aware, the project is one of the transformative initiatives of Mr. President which we collectively must ensure is effectively and commendably implemented,” Gbajabiamila said.‎

He emphasised the role of a unified electronic platform in simplifying Nigeria’s import and export operations.‎According to him, the NSW will boost investment and trade revenues, improve transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s global business credibility.‎

Gbajabiamila urged all agencies to refine their targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to meet the Phase 1 deadline.‎“I do expect that since the last meeting of the steering committee which was held on the 8th April, 2025, all stakeholders have operated and actively progressed with all the required KPIs and set targets to ensure that we go live with phase 1 in Q1 2026 as was previously scheduled,” he said.‎

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun described the progress as encouraging but stressed the need for swift execution.‎

He urged a shift from strategy to concrete implementation, calling the project complex but transformational.‎

Edun urged the committee to improve collaboration and resolve final hurdles to meet the rollout timeline.‎

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole also charged the committee to work diligently and meet the Q1 2026 deadline without fail.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), thanked the President for consistently supporting the project.‎

“Thank you on behalf of the steering committee. We thank you for the relentless support that you have given to us.”‎

“And to all my colleagues here, we can see that the reward for hard work is more work.

“When we started last month, it is now law; the single window is now in the law.”‎

He asked committee members to stay focused on the mission ahead.‎

The Director of the National Single Window (NSW) Project, Tola Fakolade, gave a brief overview of the steering committee’s progress toward implementing the project.

“All second quarter 2025 key project milestones have been successfully achieved. And the customisation of the Single window platform has commenced,” he said.

He gave assurances that the committee would meet up with the timelines.

The National Single Window project is a Federal Government initiative to streamline trade processes by creating a centralised electronic platform for importers and exporters.

It is a digital trade facilitation platform expected to accelerate economic growth and facilitate cross-border transactions.‎

Launched in April 2024, the NSW seeks to consolidate all agencies involved in imports and exports onto a unified electronic portal.‎

It is expected to reduce trade costs, cut delays, and enhance transparency and efficiency at Nigerian ports.‎

Committee members include representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Investments, the Ministry of Finance, FIRS, and the Nigeria Customs Service.

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