by admin | Apr 21, 2025 | government, government regulations, laws and regulations, money, technology
In an effort to enhance service delivery and boost internal revenue generation for the government, the Bauchi State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has implemented and rolled out technological solutions into their operations.
As a result, to implement and refine the new initiative, the Board led by its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Mu’azu Umar, convened a roundtable discussion with several key stakeholders. During this meeting, certain common understandings were achieved.
Mu’azu who disclosed this in an interactive session with Journalists in Bauchi, stated that a meeting held between the Board and all the 20 LGCs Chairpersons was aimed to address major challenges especially of multiple taxation, thereby harmonizing collections and blocking leakages.
At present, various agencies are gathering revenues, and taxpayers often claim payment to specific entities without being able to verify either the exact amounts or timing. These issues will be addressed moving forward,” he stated. “We had an extensive conversation with the chairpersons who agreed with our stance.
The BIRS Executive Chairman stated that efficiency needs to be maintained throughout the procedure, noting that an automated system will be implemented since the capabilities at the state level surpass those available at the local government level.
As he stated, “Automation will be crucial, eliminating cash collection and doing away with the manual procedures involved in gathering and recording revenues.”
So, these measures will expedite the collection process, minimize losses, and simplify things since we aim to make it effortless for taxpayers. This way, their costs related to compliance will remain minimal. We planned to initiate this around late January and hope to commence it during this upcoming quarter starting in April, God willing.
The Executive Chairman highlighted numerous transportation unions along with several important stakeholders in the process of generating revenue. However, he mentioned that managing road taxes has posed significant difficulties for the Board historically. Despite these challenges, he conveyed his thanks to God as they are currently surmounting these obstacles.
“We encountered issues since there was no strict implementation of road taxes until recently, when Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed launched the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency BAROTA. The board is now collaborating with this agency to explore ways to enhance compliance with traffic rules within the state,” he mentioned additionally.
According to Mu’azu Usman, the BIRS has partnered with various transportation unions including NURTW, RTEAN, Achaba, and Keke Napep to implement regulations concerning road taxes. He mentioned that they have initiated weight billing and manifest systems through the collaboration of these unions.
“We are currently requiring updates from Achaba and Keke NAPEP operators to ensure accurate records. For the Keke NAPEP vehicles, we are implementing body numbering to identify those involved in this business effectively. This measure aims to enhance security, improve road safety, and increase revenue,” he stated.
Thus, the Executive Chairman expressed appreciation for the backing provided by State Governor Sen Bala Muhammad, acknowledging the conducive atmosphere he facilitated for the Board’s operations.
He urged the taxpayers to increase their efforts in making timely payments, as this would help the government deliver more benefits of democratic governance. He highlighted that from 2020 until now, all ongoing capital projects within the state have been funded solely through locally generated income.
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by admin | Apr 16, 2025 | commerce, government, news, playstation 5, video game consoles
The price of some
PlayStation
Five gaming console prices are expected to increase in the UK and other nations due to a ‘difficult economic climate,’ according to manufacturer Sony.
The leading game company announced that starting Monday, the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition — the model without a disk drive — will increase from £390 to £430.
In a blog post announcing the price increases, Sony stated that the “difficult choice” was made due to “a difficult economic climate characterized by factors such as high inflation.”
inflation
and fluctuating exchange rates’.
The announcement follows the U.S. President’s actions or statements.
Donald Trump
Let’s shift to implementing tariffs on various countries worldwide, leading to significant disruptions in international manufacturing supply chains.
Mr. Trump has subsequently declared a brief halt on certain tariffs, and over the past weekend came the verification that imports of electronic devices like smartphones and laptops will receive a temporary exemption until the administration clarifies its stance on levies imposed on the semiconductor industry. This development adds further uncertainty for those involved in exporting these goods.
In addition to their announcement, Sony also verified that there would be price increases for the PS5 in Europe, Australia, and more.
New Zealand
.
In Europe, the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition is increasing from 449 euros to 499 euros.
Sony stated that both the pricing for the regular PlayStation 5, featuring a Blu-ray drive and launched in 2020, and the PS5 Pro model, introduced last year, will stay the same across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The tariff policies implemented under the Trump administration have significantly impacted global supply chains, leading to increased costs for products such as the PlayStation 5—despite Sony being a Japanese firm.
Some uncertainty still exists regarding the application of these tariffs. On Friday, US Customs and Border Protection discreetly announced that iPhones, laptops, and other electronic devices would not have to pay either the 125 percent duty on imported Chinese products or the worldwide 10 percent tariff.
On Sunday, April 13, the Trump administration clarified that electronic items would be covered under different tariff regulations.
On Truth Social earlier that day, the President stated that no exceptions would be made.
He stated: “NOBODY will be let off the hook regarding the uneven trade balances and non-monetary tariff barriers that other countries have imposed on us, particularly China, which mistreats us more than anyone else!”
Trump added: ‘There was no Tariff “exception” announced on Friday, These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff “bucket”.’
The president stated that his administration would examine the entire electronic supply chain as part of their upcoming efforts.
National Security Tariff Investigations.’
Read more
by admin | Apr 13, 2025 | courts, government, indian national news, politics, politics and law
New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Friday granted relief to Baramulla MP
Engineer Rashid
By cutting down the amount to 50 percent of what was initially requested.
Tihar
Prison officials for his journey to
Parliament
in order to join the current session.
He received approval to join the event.
Parliament
session in custody.
He mentioned that
Tihar
The jail administration is imposing charges of Rs 1.45 lakh for a single day’s travel expenses. Permission was granted on March 25.
A division bench of Justices Chandra Dhari Singh and Anup Jairam Bhambhani reduced the amount and asked
Engineer Rashid
To deposit the half sum of Rs 8.74 lakh within three days so he can make his trip possible.
Parliament
for session in custody.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the application for an additional hearing on May 19.
MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh aka
Engineer Rashid
had moved to Delhi High Court for modification of order granting him permission to attend
Parliament
He was in custody during his session and wanted to waive the requirement for covering travel costs.
Tihar
Jail to
Parliament
and back to Jail.
It was suggested that the fees currently requested by the jail authorities are unreasonably high, and the applicant lacks the financial means to cover these costs.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh submitted an application via attorney Vikhyat Oberoi, requesting that the High Court modify its Final Order from March 25, 2025, and waive or remove certain conditions.
It has been suggested that following the upload of the order on March 26, 2025, during the afternoon, the counsel for
Engineer Rashid
Received an email from the worried jail officials on March 26, 2025, at 8:21 PM, stating that the appellant needs to pay around INR 1,45,736 per day for travel and associated expenses, amounting to a total of INR 8,74,416 for six days.
It is further contended that the applicant is in judicial custody and cannot manage to secure such a significant sum.
It is additionally contended that even during previous instances where the applicant was permitted to swear an oath,
Parliament
Regarding the order from July 2, 2024; and also when permission was granted for the applicant to attend
Parliament
In accordance with the ruling dated February 10, 2025, from an earlier hearing, he was not obligated to cover the expenses related to his travel or any associated arrangements.
The plea indicates that in previous cases, the responsibility for covering costs associated with travel and other arrangements was not placed upon the applicant.
Moreover, in this particular instance, the issue of cost has also not been brought up by either the prison authorities or the prosecution team, it noted.
It is posited that the applicant has been detained since August 9, 2019, and lacks the resources to pay such substantial and unreasonable sums.
It is further claimed that the applicant’s family has, despite significant challenges, gathered funds via crowdfunding and covered their expenses for one day, specifically March 27, 2025.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court permitted the Baramulla Member of Parliament to participate in the session from March 26 to April 4, 2024.
He will be transferred into custody.
Tihar
Jail to
Parliament
A house on each of these dates
Lok Sabha
is underway from March 26, 2025 to April 04, 2025, within the specified times.
Lok Sabha
“will remain in session on those specific days. Afterward, he will be returned to the prison,” stated the High Court.
The High Court stated that the appellant must cover the costs associated with the aforementioned travel and additional arrangements.
Engineer Rashid
had submitted a request to be allowed to participate in the event
Parliament
His previous plea was rejected by the trial court on March 10.
Nevertheless, he was permitted to join for the initial session lasting two days in February. (ANI)
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by admin | Apr 11, 2025 | foreign policy, government, international relations, politics, politics and government
Pakistan, April 6 — A U.S. delegation is scheduled to visit Islamabad from April 8-10, 2025. Headed by Eric Meyer, a high-ranking official at the State Department, this trip aims to advance American interests within Pakistan’s mineral resources sector. During their stay, they will participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF25), which is being hosted jointly by the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and the Pakistani government.
The forum is scheduled for April 8-9 at the Jinnah Convention Centre. Its purpose is to provide an international stage where key players can investigate investment prospects within Pakistan’s developing minerals industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into the nation’s abundant mineral wealth, encompassing as many as 92 identified minerals.
While visiting Pakistan, Meyer intends to hold discussions with high-ranking Pakistani authorities. The talks will center around bolstering economic relationships and promoting U.S. investments in Pakistan’s mining sector. Additionally, Meyer aims to address continuing collaboration between both nations concerning anti-terrorism initiatives when he meets with local leadership.
Following President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 29% retaliatory tariff on imports from Pakistan, this visit follows suit. In reaction, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif established two specialized committees to develop an appropriate policy response. Moreover, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzebsaid that a team would travel to Washington D.C.to lobby for Pakistan’s economic interests.
by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | government, highways, infrastructure, road construction, transportation
New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): Cabinet Minister for Road Transportation and
Highway
s
Nitin Gadkari
On Saturday, they approved a 15.34-kilometer-long, six-lane controlled-access road.
Vrindavan
The bypass initiative in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh has been approved with a budget of Rs 1,645.72 crores. This project aims to notably reduce journey times and alleviate traffic congestion surrounding the religious site.
Vrindavan
.
On X, Gadkari mentioned that the project would be carried out using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). This approach combines both public and private funding to speed up implementation while minimizing the government’s fiscal exposure. The bypass will ensure uninterrupted connection to three key highways: National
Highway
44 (NH-44), the
Yamuna Expressway
, and NH-530B.
The construction involves a 15.34-kilometer-long, six-lane access-controlled roadway.
Vrindavan
The bypass project for the Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh has received approval at a cost of Rs 1,645.72 crores. This includes preliminary actions such as land acquisition under the Hybrid Annuity Model, according to Gadkari’s statement on X.
“The construction of the
Vrindavan
The bypass will offer straight access to NH-44.
Yamuna Expressway
Additionally, with NH-530B, the journey time will be shortened from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes. This alternate route aims to decrease traffic congestion within the area.
Vrindavan
and enhance effortless access to
Vrindavan
By offering connection to the parking facilities suggested by the state government, ”
Nitin Gadkari
said.
The initiative will ease entry into sacred sites located in Mathura.
Vrindavan
Additionally, this will improve connections across the industrial corridors, he mentioned.
Earlier on March 25,
Nitin Gadkari
mentioned that within the coming two years, India’s road conditions will surpass those of the United States.
“I believe the road sector doesn’t have any issues at all. This year and next year will bring such substantial improvements that previously I mentioned how we aimed for our highways to rival those of the United States; however, now I can confidently state that within just two years, our highway system will surpass that of the U.S.,” he stated additionally.
Gadkari expressed certainty that India will overtake the US in both electric vehicle adoption and production within the next half-decade.
The Union Minister outlined the activities of the ministry and mentioned that the distances between cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Jaipur, or Bangalore would significantly decrease. (ANI)
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by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | government, military, national security, politics, security
In August 2024, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, a prominent figure within Nigeria’s intelligence sector, was appointed as the new Director-General of the Department of State Security.
After six months of being here, Ajayi is advocating for fresh ideas regarding Nigeria that imply the breakdown of the government’s conventional security framework and its role in addressing the escalating instability.
As stated by the head of DSS, communities—as opposed to the nation’s security agencies—ought to be considered the primary defense against present challenges.
He made
the proposal
In mid-February in Abuja, several current and former security officials were present, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; neither raised objections to this dubious notion.
You shouldn’t anticipate that the Nigerian Army, police, and SSS will safeguard each individual citizen,” he stated. “That approach won’t be effective.
We anticipate that security agencies will carry out their duties. This aligns with the constitution, which states that “ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens should be the main objective of governance.” It emphasizes this as not just a secondary aim, but rather the principal one.
This indicates that ensuring the safety of citizens is the top priority for the national government of the federation, which holds authority over and manages the security organizations.
Ajayi provided instances of Nigerian communities that have successfully countered and thwarted assaults, suggesting these could serve as models for Nigeria to overcome its security challenges.
This is a feeble argument. Nigerian communities have consistently protected themselves, and continue to do so, even when faced with an uneven distribution of contemporary weaponry. They often confront assailants armed only with traditional weapons like sticks and machetes, while their adversaries wield more advanced firearms such as pistols and automatic rifles—tools frequently used by abductors, extremists, or sometimes law enforcement personnel against these groups.
The state holds the primary duty to safeguard its populace, an obligation that falls upon the government once they have taken their oath of office. However, in Nigeria, following the swearing-in of officials, the pursuit of opulence and a feeling of authority frequently overshadow this sense of commitment.
We should remember that the APC gained power in 2015 primarily due to the unrest in Nigeria, with Muhammadu Buhari promising to leverage his military expertise to tackle this issue.
This indicates that both he and his successor, President Bola Tinubu, have collectively held power for the APC party for 10 years, unfortunately resulting in an increased sense of insecurity across Nigeria.
Remember, Buhari spent considerable time in a London hospital as insecurity grew worse. Similarly, Tinubu has frequently traveled to France for various trips, seemingly mired in ineptitude or crafting excuses to shirk their duties. This lets citizens bear burdens that the law assigns to officially designated bodies and institutions.
“Our society emphasizes community,” Ajayi stated in his intricately crafted initial strategy for defense.
Why can’t we join forces against scoundrels and frauds?
I was unaware that powerful, violent, and well-organized terrorist organizations were referred to as “miscreants.”
The head of DSS continued, “It is essential for the elite class to engage with their respective communities, approach us for validation and advice, after which we can jointly curb these troublemakers… security begins at an individual level…”
What does ‘Join us… get some form of approval and guidance’ mean? Who exactly are these ‘us’? In what way do Nigerian communities ‘join us’?
What exactly does “some form of approval” mean? Is there anything in Nigerian law that allows the Department of State Services (DSS) to equip villages and communities with items like brooms and clubs to confront herders who are equipped with automatic firearms and GPS technology?
Through which routes will villagers journey from the various parts of Nigeria to reach the DSS Headquarters along the Lagos-Kano railway line?
The Ajayis within the Tinubu administration have overlooked another aspect beyond the constitution: the APC came to power through what many perceive as fraudulent means, having sworn to eradicate Nigeria’s security issues.
Sure, here’s the information retrieved from the website of the electoral commission:
the 2015 APC Manifesto
, where it grandiosely promoted “APC’s practical answers.”
In addition to other commitments, the party pledged to:
Hire at least an additional 100,000 police officers and create a well-trained and adequately equipped Federal Anti-Terrorism Multi-Agency Task Force aimed at dismantling Boko Haram and all forms of insurgency.
Implement an instant salary increase along with enhanced benefits for all five security teams.
Tackle the root causes of unemployment, poverty, and social inequality that sparked the uprising by implementing an all-encompassing economic development plan aimed at revitalizing the impacted regions and their populations.
The APC expressed concerns: “Sixty percent of Nigerians reside below the poverty line, merely three percent receive adequate healthcare, and only about half of our children progress from primary to secondary education. Additionally, our roadways and railway networks are severely deteriorated. Fewer than thirty-five percent of the population has reliable access to electricity, with many experiencing frequent outages and persistent power deficits…”
It stated, “The Nigerian population requires assistance; aid from mismanagement, respite from the severe poverty faced by so many of us; relief from a deteriorating nation. An APC administration would deliver this support.”
Relief? A decade later, the APC had merely exacerbated the issues, leading to stratification marked by opulence and laziness among the elite and their relatives.
This all happened as the economy crashed, the naira depreciated sharply, major corporations withdrew, the power supply became unstable, joblessness surged, and many Nigerians migrated to neighboring countries like Niger, Cameroon, and Ghana. Wealthy Nigerians often relocate their loved ones overseas.
Rather than achieving security, we have accumulated an
Air Force arsenal
as the terrorists gain strength, which targets civilians, while the National Security Adviser offers praise
phantom “Tinubu Gains
.”
In January 2024, the Nigerian armed forces
announced
that it had dispatched its special forces throughout the nation as part of an intensified effort against insurgency, kidnappings, and various security threats.
In January 2025, Air Force chief Hassan Abubakar also
announced
That the Air Force completed 15,915 flight hours over an 18-month period. Then why has Nigeria become more insecure?
The issue lies within the lack of sincerity among Nigeria’s leaders, which keeps the country stagnant. The fact that Tinubu took a private trip to France while the crisis in Uromi was unfolding and as new US trade barriers were approaching serves as a reminder that he does not perceive our situation with any sense of immediacy.
Thus, Nigeria seems to be operating on autopilot with issues like insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and a shrinking economy becoming routine. This situation is perpetuated by a government that believes citizens who are struggling to make ends meet should manage on their own.
However, it is not typical citizens such as Ajayi who possess the legal power to operate across Nigeria’s 36 states and 774 local government areas. If the DSS under Ajayi fails to recognize and neutralize these terrorist groups—which lack airports, sea ports, or diplomatic facilities—but can still freely resupply with weapons, then they bear responsibility for this failure.
How can armed herders managed by the DSS move freely to remote villages and farms across the nation, carrying out unchecked violence?
Why, DSS, are the intelligence agencies reveling in all the authority, prestige, armaments, and funds, whereas it is the impoverished citizens who have to resort to taking up weapons?
In this era of remarkable technological advancements, why is DSS concealing itself in Abuja, offering security and domestic assistance to politicians as Nigeria faces turmoil?
Perhaps citizens ought to take their defense into their own hands, rendering the DSS an unnecessary extravagance. If this were to happen, then it should be dismantled first.
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