Business
MAN Articulates Benefits of Amending FTZs Tax Bill
An example that is not farfetched is the situation in nearby Ghana. Ghana only allows up to 30% of sales into the customs territory subject to payment of duties and taxes, including CIT.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said on Tuesday that the National Assembly should go on with the proposed reform of the free-trade zone operations in the country.
The leadership of the MAN expressed their conviction that the amendments will ensure equitable tax treatment for companies operating in the customs territory and those licensed to operate within the free zones with respect to sales into the customs territory, thereby enabling fair competition while protecting the country’s tax base.
In the position statement, signed by the association’s Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General, MAN noted that licensed entities will also enjoy similar incentives available to entities within the customs territory with respect to their sale of goods and services into the Customs Territory, a win-win outcome.
“It is important for us to situate this conversation within the context of what export processing zones and export free trade zones were created to achieve and the value they are purposed to deliver to the economy.
It is clear from the enabling laws and in the 3rd Schedule to the NEPZA Act with the first listed approved activity stated as “manufacturing of goods for export”, while other activities relate to international services, transshipment and services within the zones.
The emphasis here is “within the zones,” he said.
He argued that for instance, banking is listed as an approved activity but it does not mean that a bank can set up in the zone and render banking services across Nigeria without paying taxes, rather it refers to banking within the zone and exports.
So, this should explain how other activities (apart from manufacturing for export) should be viewed.
“The concern of my members and the contention here are obviously pertaining to tax incentives.
In specific terms, Section 8 on exemption from taxes only applies to approved enterprises operating within a Zone.
They are exempted from all Federal, State and Local Government taxes, levies and rates. Sales to the customs territory is neither an approved activity nor is it within the zone.
“However, section 18 permits the sale of goods and services to the customs territory, but this does not confer tax exemption on the sales, but rather a regulatory matter regarding what is permissible.
“Over time, the provisions of sections 8 and 18 have been misinterpreted as not only permitting the sale into the customs territory but also as tax exemption.
“So again, I say this is where the concern of my members and the contention lies: This position is not consistent with the law and it undermines tax-paying entities operating within the customs territory and producing similar goods and services.
Where does the tax exemption enjoyed by the companies operating within the zones, leave my more than 2,500 members who operate outside the zone, in terms of level playing field, competitiveness, fairness and equity?
They find themselves in a disadvantaged position and are rendered less competitive”, he stated.
Ajayi-Kadri said that he believed that the tax reform bill before the National Assembly has actually come to the rescue.
“The bill seeks to bring clarity and equity by stating that sales to the customs territory are taxable, not just for import duties and VAT, but also for CIT purposes.
That is to say that all sellers in the customs territory should be subject to the same tax obligations.
“Subsequently, I don’t think the relevant provisions of the tax reform bill amount to a reversal of the incentives, not at all. It is actually a clarification to align with the intent and letters of the enabling laws.
This is in line with global best practice for free zones. In fact, Nigeria will continue to be more generous even after the proposed amendments.
An example that is not farfetched is the situation in nearby Ghana. Ghana only allows up to 30% of sales into the customs territory subject to payment of duties and taxes, including CIT.
Whereas we allow 100% sales. Exports by a zone entity are tax-free only for 10 years after which up to 8% CIT will apply. Nigeria offers indefinite tax exemption on exports.”
Business
BPE to list 2 DisCos, 1 GenCo on NGX
Gbeleyi, however, declined to reveal the identities of the companies set to be listed, stressing that such information was bound by corporate confidentiality.

•Director-General of BPE, Ayodeji Gbeleyi
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) says it has concluded plans to list two electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and one Generation Company on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) through an Initial Public Offering.
The Director-General of BPE, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, disclosed this in a statement, explained that the move is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to deepen private sector participation in the power sector and attract long-term investment that would boost efficiency and service delivery.
He said that the federal government has 40% shares in the DisCOs which were recently transferred to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
The DisCos are Abuja, Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Yola electricity distribution companies.
They have been recently burdened by huge debts owed to the federal government.
Gbeleyi, however, declined to reveal the identities of the companies set to be listed, stressing that such information was bound by corporate confidentiality
Business
Aviation Fraud: NCAA Calls for EFCC Intervention

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to escalate its fight against fraud and economic crimes plaguing the aviation industry.
NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, according to a statement released on the EFCC’s official X handle.
Najomo highlighted how fraudulent activities are severely undermining safety oversight and operational transparency within the sector. He specifically pointed to high-value transactions like aircraft purchases, leasing arrangements, foreign maintenance contracts, and safety infrastructure procurement as areas particularly vulnerable to abuse.
“Non-remittance weakens the NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and operational efficiency, and may require EFCC’s intervention to investigate cases where deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of these funds is suspected,” Najomo stated.
He further alleged that some aviation operators deliberately under-report revenues, manipulate ticketing systems, or divert funds, actions that cripple the NCAA’s regulatory capacity.
Najomo also raised concerns about illegal charter operations disguised as private flights, which involve unregulated financial flows, emphasizing the critical need for the EFCC’s financial intelligence expertise to uncover such practices.
To address these challenges, Najomo proposed collaborative initiatives, including training NCAA personnel to identify financial red flags, organizing joint sensitization workshops, and establishing robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms to enhance regulatory oversight.
Responding, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the partnership and announced that senior EFCC officers would collaborate with the NCAA to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement will focus on joint investigations, intelligence exchange, and compliance monitoring. “With the kind of work you do, when people see us beside you, they will take you seriously. Aviation is an area where we have seen money laundering, particularly through chartered services.
That is why we have been reaching out to you, and we will continue until we achieve the desired results,” Olukoyede affirmed.
Business
CBN approves Union Bank, Titan merger
The bank has assured customers that there will be no disruption to existing services, account details will remain unchanged, and customers will continue to access a full suite of products and services seamlessly.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the merger of Union Bank of Nigeria with Titan Trust Bank Limited,.
This is disclosed in a statement from the bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilayo Aluko.
Under the terms of the merger, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets.
The new institution will continue to operate under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust Bank ceases to exist as a separate entity.
With an expanded footprint of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by strengthened digital channels, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value across retail, SME and corporate segments.
Union Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yetunde Oni, described the development as “a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers.
By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.”
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bayo Adeleke, added: “This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.”
The bank has assured customers that there will be no disruption to existing services, account details will remain unchanged, and customers will continue to access a full suite of products and services seamlessly, with an accelerated push towards enhanced digital solutions.
-
News2 days ago
FCT Head Of Service Grace Adayilo is Dead
-
News3 days ago
IGP Egbetokun Pays Condolence Visit to Arase’s Family
-
Crime2 days ago
BREAKING: Finnish court sentences Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism
-
Politics2 days ago
El-Rufai: One-term presidency Not Enough
-
Health2 days ago
Why Do People Collapse And Die?
-
Crime2 days ago
Lagos Cracks Down on Waste Violators Following Residents’ Complaints
-
News2 days ago
Education: FG Releases New Curriculum To schools Ahead of September Resumption
-
Business2 days ago
CBN approves Union Bank, Titan merger