Business

McDonald’s abrupt resignation shatters Labour show of unity

After a rocky run-in to Labour’s conference in Brighton, Keir Starmer was hoping Monday would be the moment his party set internal divisions aside and turned to face the voters.

Chatting to journalists in the press room, he said his package of rule changes passed by delegates on Sunday would allow Labour MPs to focus on the public instead of looking over their shoulders at angry grassroots members.

He praised Rachel Reeves for her speech setting out her stall as Labour’s next chancellor: radical but responsible. Little more than an hour later, however, the show of unity was shattered when Andy McDonald, the last remaining Corbynite on Labour’s frontbench, abruptly resigned.

McDonald, who had been shadow secretary of state for workers’ rights, objected to being ordered by the leader’s office to oppose a union demand for Labour to back a £15-an-hour minimum wage.

In his resignation letter – distributed to journalists without warning and before he had spoken to Starmer – McDonald claimed the labour movement was “more divided than ever”.

Starmer’s team regarded his departure as a deliberate attempt to detract from Reeves’ speech and destabilise the leadership.

It is understood that Angela Rayner, who has worked closely with McDonald on workers’ rights, was not forewarned.

Rayner’s relationship with Starmer has come under close scrutiny after he distanced himself from her strongly worded remarks about Tory “scum” at the weekend, saying he would talk to her about them.

The pair have broadly patched up their differences since Starmer stripped Rayner of the jobs of party chair and elections coordinator in May’s reshuffle, but they have very different political and personal styles.

Starmer’s robust leadership style and tendency to take decisions with the advice of a tight inner circle can irk even close colleagues, some of whom were taken aback by his rule-change plan.

Ed Miliband found his approach to energy nationalisation undercut on Sunday when Starmer said Labour would not take the big six energy companies into public ownership.

That appeared to contradict recent remarks in which Miliband, the shadow energy secretary, had suggested public ownership was part of the solution to shifting the economy to green energy. Labour insiders said Miliband was frustrated by Starmer’s flat “no” when asked about nationalisation, with one party source suggesting the two men were barely speaking – though Miliband denies this.

While Starmer’s team were clearly shocked by McDonald’s resignation on Monday, they believe another row with the party’s left – over rejecting radical demands from trade unions – will not do his public reputation any harm.

However, there is also a fear that McDonald’s determination to air his concerns in public marks a new, more militant phase for the party’s left wing.

The Corbynite campaign group Momentum responded to Starmer’s rule change package last week by warning it would spark a “civil war”, claiming “conference will get very messy, very fast – and there is no saying who will come out on top”.

The former shadow chancellor John McDonnell wrote on Sunday that he could no longer behave as an “elder statesman”, and he has since begun criticising Starmer more directly, even suggesting that the Labour leader should consider his position if he has not improved the party’s poll ratings by January.

Jeremy Corbyn’s outriders believe they faced a deliberate programme of sabotage from centrist MPs in the parliamentary Labour party, and after Starmer took them on so publicly over leadership rules they now feel the gloves are off.

They may not have the 40 MPs necessary to muster a leadership challenge, but they may become increasingly noisy in the coming months just as Starmer hopes to show the public the Labour party is a government in waiting.

Business

FG Gives Approval For Marketers To Lift Fuel From Dangote Refinery

The Federal Government has given approval for marketers to begin the lifting of premium motor spirit commonly known as fuel from the Dangote Refinery without going through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to a Friday statement by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the move followed a directive from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the implementation of the new naira-based sales mechanism.

“New Direct Purchase Model: The most significant change under the new regime is that petroleum product marketers can now purchase PMS directly from local refineries,” the minister who chairs the Implementation Committee on the Sales of Crude Oil and Refined Products in Naira said.

“This marks a departure from the previous arrangement where the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) served as the sole purchaser and distributor of PMS from the refineries.

“This direct purchasing mechanism allows marketers to negotiate commercial terms directly with the refineries, fostering a more competitive market environment and enabling a smoother supply chain for petroleum products.

“Local Production of PMS: With the commencement of local PMS production, the market is better equipped to support these direct transactions. This transition is expected to enhance efficiency in product availability and stabilize market conditions for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“The Committee recognizes that there are questions and discussions regarding this change in the market structure. We are committed to providing clarity on this development and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition process.”

Business

FIRS launches USSD code *829# for taxpayers’ satisfaction

In a bid to enhance ease of doing business, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on Wednesday, launched an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Code *829# specifically targetted at improving taxpayers’ satisfaction.

FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, launched the code at the Revenue House in Abuja as part of activities making this year’s Customer Service Week which has the theme Above and Beyond.

The initiative makes Nigeria the sixth African country to deploy USSD code for simplifying tax payment processes. .

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said taxpayers on any mobile telecommunication network in the country can now get across to FIRS real-time on issues relating to retrieval of Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and as well as get answers to general tax-related inquiries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adedeji said the instant messaging protocol demonstrated further commitment of the agency to simplifying tax administration and ensuring that “every taxpayer—whether in bustling cities or remote areas—can engage with FIRS seamlessly.”

He called on taxpayers to enjoy the benefits that the USSD code offers and utilise the code for all their enquiries.

“With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to: retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries.

“Without the need for internet access, all of these services are now available with a simple mobile phone. This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers”, he said.

The agency also launched Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet containing policies, processes and procedures to ensure that FIRS keeps the taxpayers in their rightful position as ‘kings.’

“Equally important is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide. This guide embodies our commitment to putting taxpayers at the centre of our service delivery.

“It outlines the principles and values that will drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.

“The guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client, but a valued partner in nation-building. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, we are reinforcing a culture of service excellence and making tax compliance not just a duty but an experience that fosters trust and voluntary participation.

“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the *829# service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide. Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers,” he said.

The national coordinator of Servicom, Nnenna Akajemeli, praised the effort of the FIRS towards taxpayers’ satisfaction, noting that the efforts are evident.

“There are many things to congratulate the FIRS on. One is the launch of the USSD code *829# and the customer centricity guide. These initiatives which are simplifying tax and ensuring that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render,” she said.

FIRS Director, Taxpayers’ Service Department, Loveth Onanuga noted the agency recognized that customer-centricity means more than just satisfying customers’ basic wants, but also going “above and beyond what customers anticipate and astonishing them with great service” in line with the theme of the week.

Business

NACCIMA raises concerns over hike in petrol prices

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed concern over the increase in petrol pump prices in Lagos and Abuja.

Mr Dele Oye, National President, NACCIMA, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oye said that the prices, which had reached N998 and N1,030 per litre respectively, were placing a strain on businesses and households across the country.

He spoke on the potential economic consequences of the price hike, warning that the increase could lead to higher transportation costs, exacerbate inflation and severely impact small and medium-sized businesses.

He said that the decision, influenced by several underlying factors, warranted careful examination of its potential repercussions on the economy, particularly in the realms of pricing for goods, services and transportation.

“With transportation costs directly tied to fuel prices, this increase will serve as a catalyst for higher freight charges.

“Given that fuel is a primary driver of inflation, the rise in petrol prices will exacerbate the already high inflation rate in Nigeria.

“Households will find themselves paying more not only for fuel, but also for everyday goods and services, prompting a vicious cycle of rising costs and economic hardship.

“The recent fuel price increase will have a profound impact on micro and nano businesses, many of which rely heavily on petrol generators to power their operations,” he noted.

According to him, the overall economic landscape for SMEs can shift from potential growth to survival.

He explained that this would not only impact individual enterprises, but also limit job creation and economic development in communities across Nigeria. explained.

The NACCIMA president called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) to demonstrate the necessary goodwill to support Dangote refinery operations.

This, he said, would ideally stabilise local petrol prices, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol and contribute to national self-sufficiency.

Oye also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to be more effective in implementing monetary policies that stabilise or strengthen the Naira

He noted that as importation costs rise due to currency depreciation, domestic fuel prices would likely continue on an upward trajectory.

“It is imperative that we advocate for robust strategies that not only stabilise fuel prices but also bolster domestic production capabilities, ensuring that the Nigerian economy can navigate these turbulent times more effectively.

“As stakeholders, NACCIMA will continue to engage with government entities to encourage a more conducive climate for growth and sustainability,” he said.