The House of Representatives at the plenary, on Wednesday passed through second reading a Bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), to clarify the taxation powers of the Federal, State and Local Governments.

The proposed legislation titled, “Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to Clarify the Taxation Powers of the Federal, State, and Local Governments; to Define the Scope of Taxes and Levies Collectible by Each Tier of Government; to Prevent Multiple Taxation and Unlawful Outsourcing of Revenue Collection and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Ph.D, CFR and six other lawmakers.

Leading the debate on its general principles, one of the Co-Sponsors, Hon. Joshua Audu Gana said the bill seeks to clearly define the scope of taxes and levies on Nigerians by each tier of Government and if passed, would prevent multiple taxations and unlawful outsourcing of revenue collections.

Gana argued that, the Bill would “bring order where confusion reigns”, to create clarity where overlaps have persisted, “and to ensure that every naira raised, shared or spent by government is traceable, lawful, and transparent”.

He added that, these government agencies contract private consultants or agents unlawfully to collect taxes and levies, giving room for corruption, harassment and revenue leakages.

He said, “At the heart of this Bill is a simple but transformative goal which is to align the revenue powers of the Federation, States and Local Governments in a way that promotes efficiency, discourages duplication, and restores trust in the fiscal system.

“Honourable Colleagues, the fiscal architecture of our federation has, over time, become congested and conflicting. Multiple taxes and levies are imposed at different tiers of government, often on the same taxpayers. Revenue agencies overlap, creating inefficiencies and litigations over collection rights; as seen in the disputes over Value Added Tax (VAT), Stamp Duties, and Personal Income Tax”.

The Bill was passed and referred to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative actions.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives for frozen foods across the country.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought before the Green Chamber in plenary by the member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, Imo State, Hon Chike Okafor, on Wednesday.

Some non-governmental organisations operating in the health sector have been consistent in their outcry over the alleged use of dangerous chemicals, including formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers, kerosene and carbide as preservatives in frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other food items in Nigerian markets.

There are reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations revealing that some of the chemicals used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.

Nigeria Police have reportedly arrested human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore was taken into custody at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

This was revealed in a post on X by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who accused the police and President Bola Tinubu’s administration of undermining Nigeria’s judicial system.

He wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous.
“The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system.He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Sowore had earlier posted on Facebook that he was with Kanu Agabi, the lead lawyer for Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court.

According to him, Agabi disclosed that his team would be withdrawing from the case, leaving Kanu to continue his trial without representation.