Tag: 2021

2021: Only God can lift the siege in Nigeria- Adeboye releases prophecies

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A Adeboye, has released prophecies for the year 2021

The revered cleric stated this in his ‘Prophecies for 2021’ released on Friday morning shortly after the church’s virtual crossover service held from 9pm on Thursday to about 1am on Friday.

Adeboye said: “God wants us in Nigeria to know that only God can lift a siege. 2 Kings 7:1-end.

“The humble who put their trust in God will see the end of the siege. James 4:6.

“The erstwhile ignored will become vessels unto honour in God’s hands. 1 Corinthians 1:27″.

For the international he said:“Some of the things that happened in 2020 will spill over into 2021.

“The world as a whole can only come out of the wounds when they admit the following;

“That it is the Most High that rules in the affairs of men not science. Daniel 4:25.

“That it is God that gives wisdom to the wise. Daniel 2:20-21.

“That God can reduce the so called wisdom of man to foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20. 4).

“That for every vaccine discovered, there is already a variant in the making. This will continue until the high and mighty admit that safety is of the Lord. Proverbs21:31.

“God says He will begin to deal with nations on individual basis so that in any nation, if God’s people will humble themselves and pray, He will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.”

For individuals, the 78-year-old cleric said, “Your very survival and restoration will be in your own hands. Psalm 91.”

January 1, 2021
2021: ‘Let’s Go Afishing’ for Love, By Michael West
By Michael West

Despite the trauma and dreadful encounters we experienced in 2020, we thank God that we made it into the New Year. But hey, 2021 will be tighter! Never mind, we will survive it like we did 2020 by the mercy of the Lord.

This year, many marriages will take place. Several single adults will locate their soulmates, most of whose affairs will culminate in marriage and stable companionship. There will be less ostentatious weddings this year. For admitting and living by the reality of economic downturn, many may choose to start their marital life with minimal or no fanfare at all.

God willing, in 2021, many more Hook Up subscribers will have their expectations met and their statuses changed from single to married. Single senior citizens angling for companions will defeat loneliness in a big way. I appreciate the patience of lonely grandmas who are in regular touch in earnest expectation of companions as their situations demand. As people advance in age, desire for conjugal fulfilment also becomes imperative. I appeal to mature single men to be more focused and decisive about their relationship this year. Enough of ‘touch and go’ kind of affairs.

It is not a prediction to say there would be problems in several homes. It is natural for crisis to brew among couples but I want to see less acrimonious situations that should not necessitate separation, divorce or murder. Spousal murders witnessed in Nigeria in the last few years should not be allowed to continue in the New Year. Couples should value their lives more than the knotty issues or interests at stake. In an event of irreconcilable differences, a warring couple can give each a space to calm frayed nerves during which evaluation of the situation could be done to engender grounds for true reconciliation. I insist, if either or both parties fail or refuse to yield grounds for compromise and reconciliation, let them stay apart. Lives matter than marriage. Jesus didn’t die on the cross because of marriage but for the souls of mankind. However, let’s try and explore every available opportunity for forgiveness, tolerance and mutual respect to stay together in marriage.

One secret that couples could apply to reinvent attractiveness to each other is the fond memory of their early days in dating and courtship. The sweet experience of that beginning is totally lost on them. The radiating beauty and allure that usually captivate the attention and admiration of one to the other had faded. The habitual overlook of missteps, pranks and ‘expensive’ jokes have taken flight. Those promises of ‘forever with no other person but you’ has suddenly gone with the wind. Beyond the couples themselves, nosy in-laws, jealous friends and betraying confidantes are equally part of the problems. In the New Year, whoever is not helping you to build your life, business or career, home and future should be discarded. Enough of unprofitable baggage that slow you down in your journey of life.

The Bible says “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he (or she) who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19). Revealing your secrets or plans that are still under wraps have thwarted many lucrative ideas and destroyed great relationships. This affects both sexes but more prevalent among women. Living in the realm of fantasy when you are still miles away from your conjectures could be counter-productive. Talking to impress is not a wise thing to do. Boastful utterances have robbed and denied some people life partners that could make their life dream come true.

I want to appeal to awaiting brides and grooms to review or scale down their lofty criteria for their would-be-partners. Their ‘out-of-the-reach’ standards and criteria have kept many of them, women in particular, aging without being married. I’m not an advocate of ‘anything goes’ when it comes to making a choice. I believe one should feel good about their partner in physique, character and responsibility. You don’t need a partner of the same mannerism for compatibility; rather, a partner whose attitudinal makeup will complement your own is all you need to build a stable, peaceful and happy home. I pray you will locate yours in 2021.

I notice that some of the single moms that have stayed alone for so long seem to find it difficult to live with men. This is because they are used to freedom and independence. Submitting to men when they have practically achieved some of their goals and foot their bills for years is distasteful to them. The irony of it is that they still crave for homes. They desire to have their own families. They travail in prayers, seek counselling and tell their loved ones and friends to find “husbands” for them. “It is not easy to be lonely. Every woman feels fulfilled being a wife. All I need is a good, caring, responsible and God-fearing man.” This is what most of them often say but in reality they find it hard to cope with men in marriage. They could be wonderful in dating but living under the same roof with a man is choking and suffocating to them. They feel gag cohabiting with men; therefore they opt for their space, freedom and independence again.

Meanwhile, there are simple ways to deal with such feelings in a woman. First, she should not only acknowledge her need of a partner but also come to terms with the reality of a new marital beginning which requires determination to succeed. Since she desires marriage, she should learn to ‘endure’ the initial inconveniences and change in living condition.

Second, she should cultivate the habit of flirting with her man whenever and wherever they are together at home. There’s nothing to be ashamed of about it. Regular body contact helps a lot. It is a process whereby physiological and psychological being will get acclimatise to the partner. Form the habit of doing stuff together like eating, bathing and washing as well as going out together as frequent as possible.

The last and the most effective process is to cultivate the habit of praying together. Make your time in the bedroom as interesting as possible. Make it fun-filled such that both of you will always look forward to. Let me reveal here that it is not going to be easy initially. It may become uninteresting and dry. You may want to back out of the exercise because you may find it irritating. Please stay on. Endure the ‘strange’ and ‘forceful’ love-in-Tokyo drama. As days roll into weeks, and weeks into months, you will soon discover that a new you is now attached emotionally to your man. The repulsive feeling will fade away ultimately as you breathe fresh air of love. It’s time and season to go afishing for love and new beginning.

I wish you a prosperous, safe and Covid-free 2021. Happy New Year!
- West wrote via mikeawe@yahoo.co.uk 08059964446.
Quote:

“In the New Year, whoever is not helping you to build your life, business, home and future should be discarded. Enough of unprofitable baggage that slow you down in your journey of life.”
January 1, 2021
2021: Nigeria surely, gradually getting there – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reassured that the country will come out of its challenges under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The party said this in its new year message to Nigerians on Thursday in Abuja, adding that the Federal Government is taking necessary measures to resolve the country’s challenges.

The message was signed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Chairman, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, and Sen. James Akpanudoedehe, the committee’s secretary.

The party noted that on account of difficult economic circumstances occasioned by the decline in economic activities, the country’s security challenges got escalated.

It, however, said that Nigerians must unite and work together to bring about lasting solutions to the country’s challenges.

It added that though it had been very slow in getting Nigerian leaders at all levels irrespective of differences to appreciate and accept to work together, “we are surely and gradually getting there.”

According to the APC, “recent events in the country had demonstrated the efficacy of how successful we could be as a country in overcoming our security challenges if we worked in unity.

“Our party, its leadership and membership, join Nigerians to celebrate the commencement of another year: 2021, we are grateful to God Almighty for sparing our lives and blessing us to see this New Year.

“Surviving year 2020 was very difficult for humanity in every part of the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic as nations and governments had to shut down,” it said.

The APC added that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted to a new normal with all its adverse consequences on human life while the struggle to save lives from the virus became the order of the day.

It noted that many lives were unfortunately lost and millions of people suffered as a result of being infected by the corona virus.

It added that luckily, a vaccine had been successfully developed towards the end of 2020, saying that with the vaccine, nations of the world could begin to plan for a return to normal life.

It expressed confidence that the Federal Government under President Buhari would take necessary measures to return Nigeria to pre-COVID-19 normal conditions.

It said the party was, however, proud that its elected representatives in government were able to put Nigeria among countries of the world that successfully controlled the spread of the corona virus.

The APC commended the effort of its elected representatives, adding that as a nation, “we must not rest on our oars.”

It stressed that everything must be done to improve the capacity of our health institutions to deliver world class health services to Nigerians in 2021.

It assured that its elected representatives in government would continue to do their best and work for justice, peace and unity in every part of Nigeria according to its moto.

“We will, at all times, recognise our challenges and work to resolve them. This means, we will constantly take steps to rebuild ourselves to be able to develop the capacity and competence to serve Nigerians.

“Ability to rebuild ourselves requires that we are able to make changes internally in our party.

“As a party, we want to assure our members that our commitment to lead the process of political change in Nigeria is unwavering.

“Our ability to constantly strengthen the structures of our party is part of our change credentials, a democracy is as strong as the political parties it produces. We are rebuilding our party to strengthen our democracy,” it said.

January 1, 2021
Why 2021 will be a better year for Nigeria – Satguru Maharaji

Mr Satguru Maharaji, founder of One Love Family, a faith-based organisation, says Nigeria will witness progress and prosperity in 2021, after the challenges of 2020.

Maharaji said this on Thursday during a news conference marking his 73rd birthday and 41st anniversary of the Maharaji Village in Ibadan.

The religious leader said that Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges as well as witness a stable economy in 2021.

“The constituted authorities have learnt their lessons on the #EndSARS protest, which later turned violent, as well as other problems of 2020.

“I believe there will be changes in 2021 and it will be a better year for Nigerians.

“Nigerians should believe and relate with one another with love and live in harmony; that is what we are going to witness in 2021,” he said.

Maharaji, however, urged the Federal Government to set up a price control board to regulate prices of essential commodities to make them affordable to the people.

He called for the establishment of a marketing board that would buy agricultural produce directly from farmers for proper storage and sales to the public.

He urged the government to place total ban on cigarette consumption in the country, while also calling for the imposition of high tax on imported furniture and other luxury goods.

“Nigeria does not need these items,” he said.

Maharaji urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to return home and invest in the country to boost its economy and reduce unemployment.

“I am not advocating that a particular ethnic group must produce the president in 2023, but I believe that we should have a president that loves and cares for the citizens.

“The unwritten agreement whereby the north rules for eight years and the baton is passed to the south; should be sustained for now as a matter of necessity,” he said.

Maharaji said this would be in the interest of equity and decency, adding that it will also give a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.

“There is no doubt, the persistent clamoring mainly from the majority ethnic nationalities, for self-rule is suggestive that something is wrong at the centre,” he said.

He called on leaders at all levels to wake up and be alive to their responsibilities to ensure that the people at the grassroots enjoyed dividends of democracy.

“The leaders that Nigerians need are those that love, care, provide shelters, job opportunities, adequate security, among others,” he said.

December 31, 2020
Nigerians may enjoy increased access to credit in 2021 – CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says Nigerian households will most likely have improved access to credit beginning from the first quarter of 2021.

This is according to the Credit Condition Survey Report, released by the Statistics Department of the apex bank.

The survey indicated that the increase already occurred in the last quarter of 2020.

It stated that changing economic outlook and increased market share objectives which were major factors responsible for the increase in supply of secured credit would most likely continue into the first quarter of 2021.

It also projected increase in availability of credit for the corporate sector.

“Lenders reported that the availability of unsecured credit to households increased in Q4 2020, it is expected to increase in Q1 2021.

“Most lenders cited improving economic outlook and increased market share objective as contributing factors for the increase.

“The overall availability of credit to the corporate sector increased in Q4 2020, and it is expected to increase in Q1 2021, due to “Changing sector specific risk and market share objectives”.

The survey revealed that, though there was decline in demand for credit for home ownership in the fourth quarter of 2020, it will also increase in 2021.

“Request for secured lending for house purchase decreased in Q4 2020, but lenders expect demand for such lending to increase in Q1 2021.

“The proportion of secured loan applications approved decreased as lenders tightened the credit scoring criteria.

“Demand for total unsecured lending from households increased in Q4 2020 and is expected to increase in the Q1 2021.

“Lenders’ resolve to tighten the credit scoring criterion increased the proportion of approved unsecured loan applications in Q4 of 2020.’’

The quarterly survey is in furtherance of CBN’s mandate to nurture an efficient monetary and financial system toward promoting macroeconomic stability in Nigeria.

The survey covers secured and unsecured lending to households, lending to Public Non-Financial Corporations (PNFCs), small businesses and Other Financial Corporations (OFCs).

The latest edition of the survey presents trends and developments in credit conditions in the fourth of 2020 quarter and its expectation in the first quarter of 2021.

The results are usually based on lenders’ own response.

December 31, 2020
2021 will bring surprises – Archbishop Kaigama

…Kaigama urges corrupt leaders to repent

Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has advised corrupt Nigerian leaders and government officials to take advantage of the new year by repenting from their corrupt practices.

Kaigama said this in his New Year Message tagged “Relying on Divine Providence,’’ in Abuja on Thursday.

The archbishop said that those who misused government funds through corruption should repent like Zacchaeus, the tax collector, so that poverty will be conquered in the country.

“Those who rob others of their valuables should stop. Those who exploit helpless victims in our police stations, courts, institutions, highways and offices must stop.

“No matter the unemployment and poverty rate, compatriots should stop kidnapping fellow human beings for money, not to talk of taking their lives, because every human life is sacred.

“In this New Year, please, see a brother or sister in every Nigerian you meet.

“Promise not to hurt or look down on another human being,’’ he said.

Kaigama said that there must be an attitudinal change in the country for progress and development.

“Let both the ordinary poor Nigerians and the privileged and influential Nigerians behave and do things positively and differently, with the fear of God,’’ he said.

According to him, as Christians, we see the New Year as a symbolic anticipation of that eternal day when all things will be made new.

“Only if we keep Christ at the very centre of our existence can we ever hope to know the joy and happiness that nothing and no one can take from us.

“Undoubtedly, the New Year will bring its share of surprises. Maybe one of the surprises of 2021 will be that this New Year exceeds expectations.

“As we begin the New Year, I am optimistic that it will be a better year and the storms of 2020 will be over,’’ he said.

The Archbishop, however, encouraged the leaders to do more and not to be afraid of corrections and that the citizens should adhere to and be guided by words of the national anthem.

“Christians and members of other religions should be faithful and charitable.

“They should be charitable so that we can witness a transformation in all spheres of our private and national life, in this way, peace will flow like a river and justice and progress will follow,’’ he said.

Kaigama, however, urged Nigerians to be grateful for the gift of 2021 and to rely on God for the best in the New Year.

“We give thanks and praise to God for the beginning of a New Year, a brand new gift from the Lord. All things work together for good for those who love God.

“This consoling thought should be with us during 2021.

“The beginning of a New Year is usually a time for hope, a chance to make a fresh start.

“However, given all that the world has been through in the past year, the usual optimism that comes with a new year seems a bit diminished,’’ he said.

Kaigama said that 2020 had its bitter moments and more than enough ‘heartaches and headaches’ but had some joys, blessings and providence.

“In the face of an uncertain future, our hope as Christians is rooted in what in Christian spirituality we refer to as Divine Providence.

“Divine Providence is the term used to explain that God is so sovereign that everything takes place according to His purpose. The entire universe is governed by Divine Providence.

“If you affirm the providence of God, you are confessing, even in the face of all appearances to the contrary, that God cares for you and is in control of your life.

“It is worth reaffirming that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose, according to Romans chapter eight verse 28,’’ he said.

According to him, by providence, we mean that God looks after human affairs.

“One of the examples of providence occurs in Genesis Chapter 22, when God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

“As they were going up the mountain, Isaac saw the fire and the wood, but he wondered where the lamb was for the burnt offering.

“Abraham said, God will provide himself a sacrifice.

“Indeed, God did provide a sacrifice in the place of Isaac, and Abraham called the name of the place. The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14), which is where we get the name, the God who provides,” he said.

In addition, he said after God provided a sacrifice for Abraham, more than 2,000 years ago, He again acted to provide a sacrifice through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

“If God has given us His Son, He will surely see us through the coming year. We can trust in the Providence of God,’’ the archbishop said.

December 31, 2020
2021: Buhari gives marching order to CBN on food importation

President Muhammadu Buhari has given a marching order to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, not to give any money for food importation in the New Year (2021).

Buhari said his administration would keep a keen eye on food inflation in the New Year while giving a strong directive to the CBN.

Speaking at the fifth regular meeting with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council held on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja, President Buhari directed that the CBN “must not give money to import food. Already about seven states are producing all the rice we need. We must eat what we produce.”

In taking note of the strides made in agricultural production following the programme of diversification from over reliance on oil instituted by his administration, Buhari wondered where the country would have found itself by now in view of the devastating economic crisis brought about by COVID-19 if the country had not embraced agriculture.

“Going back to the land is the way out. We depend on petrol at the expense of agriculture. Now the oil industry is in turmoil. We are being squeezed to produce at 1.5 million barrels a day as against a capacity to produce 2.3 million. At the same time, the technical cost of our production per barrel is high, compared to the Middle East production,” he said.

The President emphasized the place of agriculture in the efforts to restore the economy but agreed that measures must be put in place to curtail inflation in the country.

“We will continue to encourage our people to go back to the land. Our elite is indoctrinated in the idea that we are rich in oil, leaving the land for the city for oil riches. We are back to the land now. We must not lose the opportunity to make life easier for our people. Imagine what would have happened if we didn’t encourage agriculture and closed the borders. We would have been in trouble,” he said.

The meeting, which was for a review of, and reflections on the global and domestic economy in the outgoing year, was attended by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as well as Ministers of Finance and Humanitarian Affairs and agreed on a number of measures.

In specific terms, it noted the sharp deterioration in international economic environment and its impact on Nigeria’s continuing but fragile economic recovery; that Nigeria’s economic growth continues to be constrained by obvious challenges including infrastructural deficiencies and limited resources for government financing.

It emphasized the need to make the private sector of the economy the primary source of investment, rather than government.

The meeting reviewed progress towards structural reforms in response to the economic crises, including the institution of the Economic Sustainability Plan, the changes in electricity tariff and fuel pricing regime, the partial re-opening of the Land Borders, the movement towards unification of exchange rates and budgetary reforms through Finance Bill 2020 and 2021.

It agreed that, to prepare the country for the challenges ahead, it is imperative to ensure Macro-economic stability, create certainty and re-build investor confidence in the economy. It emphasized the need to deepen structural reforms initiated by the administration as a basis for stimulating investments from domestic and international sources with a view to raising productivity in key sectors of the economy.

December 29, 2020
Chelsea ready to sell seven first-team players in 2021

Premier League side Chelsea are ready to sell as many as seven first teamers in 2021.

A number of players are currently surplus to requirements within Frank Lampard’s squad and chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia will be hoping to find buyers as the Blues’ rebuild continues.

Antonio Rudiger, Andres Christensen, Jorginho, Marcos Alonso, Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Victor Moses are all set to be moved on according to Sky Sports Italia journalist Angelo Mangiante.

Barkley is currently at Aston Villa, while Moses made the temporary switch to Spartak Moscow earlier this season.

Drinkwater remains at the club but saw his squad number given to Thiago Silva.

December 23, 2020
Insecurity: Nigeria will never remain the same from 2021 – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to aggressively address the nation’s security challenges, saying things will never be the same again in 2021.

He made this position known while reacting to the release of the abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, at his country home, Daura.

The president, who pledged never to betray the truth reposed in him by Nigerians, said he was very worried about the security situation in some parts of the country.

”It is our responsibility to secure this country for all the citizens to do their businesses without any problem. We haven’t achieved that yet, but, we will keep on trying

”I’ll continue to be loyal to this country. I have asked for this mandate; I got it, I must not advance any excuse for failing to perform.

”On the issue of insecurity, I’m extremely worried about it, and I hope next year it will be different. Those among the law enforcement agencies that would remain in charge would be extremely busy,” he said.

”We have a lot of works ahead of us and some of these things we may not say because I don’t want to compromise the security and efforts being put by the law enforcement agencies.

”But really we are accurately aware of our responsibilities. Our responsibility is to secure the country – so we have a lot of works to do.

”Armed forces know their job. I meet them, we have security meetings from time to time, they must be very clear of my instructions, and their effort is not good enough for me

”It is our responsibility to secure this country for all the citizens to do their businesses without any problem.

”We haven’t achieved that yet, but, we will keep on trying.”

December 18, 2020
FG speaks on introduction of new taxes in 2021

The Federal Government said on Friday that it was not planning to introduce any new taxes in 2021, but is making efforts to reduce the tax burden on the Nigerian people in view of the current economic situation occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall in the prices of crude oil in the international market.

Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed who dropped the hint at a public hearing on the 2020 finance bill currently before the National Assembly organsied by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance also said the bill will make comprehensive reforms in the nation’s tax laws which are aimed at exempting small companies from paying company income tax.

The Finance Bill is expected to pave way for the government to generate revenue to fund the 2021 budget.

The Minister spoke just as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila assured of a quick passage of the bill which he said was critical to the success of the 2021 budget, as it made provisions to support the recovery of the Nigerian economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister said further that the major reason behind the bill was to address issues that were lacking in the 2019 Finance Bill as well as deepen the innovations, adding that the 2020 proposal dealt largely with taxation and tax administration, adding that about 1740 persons representing various professional bodies, academics, International Development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector as well as key Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies took part in the process of drafting the bill.

She also said that the draft bill was subjected to serious debate before the Federal Executive Council and to the National Economic Council before it was transmitted to the National Assembly.

According to her, the principle that guided the finance bill is need to adopt critical counter-cyclical fiscal policy because we need to be able to adequately respond to economic challenges that is occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic and the crash in crude oil prices.

She stressed that “We also need to defer tax rate increases to the domestic economic sufficiently recover and reduce compliance burden on tax payers in line with the ease of doing business reforms

“The second principle is the need to reform fiscal incentives policies to help reduce proliferation of fiscal incentives by carefully assessing cost vs benefit of tax incentives and prioritize job creation, growth and incentives”.

She said further that “the government also need closer coordination of monetary, trade and fiscal, adding that this is necessary so that government will be able to align existing tax incentives for lending to agriculture with the recent CBN moratorium and interest rate reduction for agriculture and real sector loans, reform the stamp duty level on banking transaction and make provisions that will help harness funds in form of unclaimed dividends and an unclaimed bank balance that has been sitting idle”.

Ahmed stressed that when passed into law, the bill is expected to promote fiscal equity by removing double taxation on companies during commencement and cessation of business, simplify the basis for calculating minimum tax, and exempt profits that had been taxed from further taxation in the form of excess dividends.

The law she said aimed to align domestic tax laws with global best practices by introducing significant economic presence rules for taxation of non-resident companies, while also introducing tax incentives for infrastructure and capital market as well as support small business through tax exemption of small businesses from company income tax and reduction in VAT compliance burden for small companies.

The law will also increase revenue for the government as it supports the increase of VAT from 5 to 7.5 percent and will also introduce legislative backing for banks to charge stamp duties on electronic receipts.

She maintained that “What we don’t have in the finance bill 2020 is an increase in tax. There are no new taxes that are being introduced and there is no increase in taxes. There are also no new incentives that have been introduced in this bill and will introduce tax reform that has been introduced is geared towards supporting financial stimulus while there are also tax measures that are short, focused, and uncontroversial.

“The bill also makes provisions to create a legal framework for the creation of a crisis intervention fund that will address the crisis that may arise in future, while introducing provisions that allow for the recovery of donations made towards the Covid-19 pandemic and other potential crises.”

In his remarks, Gbajabiamila said even though the bill was only transmitted to the House about one week ago, the House was committed to ensuring speedy passage, but not at the expense of thorough examination of the various clauses.

The Speaker said the “the Finance Bill, 2020 seeks to support the implementation of the 2021 Budget by proposing key reforms to specific taxation, customs, excise, fiscal and other laws”, adding that funding the budget to support economic recovery and address other challenges, was the reason the House gave immediate attention to the bill.

He said, “The Finance Bill which we have gathered here to consider and to contribute to, will determine amongst other things, our ability as a nation to fund the 2021 budget, meet the obligations of government and implement policies to build infrastructure, address the problem of insecurity, grow the economy, and provide jobs that pay a living wage and lift families out of poverty.

“It is an important piece of legislation, deserving of thorough consideration, and reasoned debate by the parliament of the people, acting in the best interests of the people.

“We have a responsibility as legislators to meticulously review and examine every aspect of this Bill to ensure that we produce a legislative document that is clear in its objectives, thoughtful in the mandates it imposes, and reflective of the best aspirations of all our citizens.

“It is expected that over the course of this public hearing, citizens will advance ideas and make recommendations that will improve the quality of the legislation and ensure the varied interests and considerations of all Nigerians are taken into view before final enactment into law of this essential legislation.”

Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, said the proposed amendments to 18 tax-related and dividend laws were in line with the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House.

“The 9th House of Representatives in its legislative Agenda clearly identified as a priority to “Conduct a review of all Federal tax laws to encourage investment; to incentivize enterprise; ensure fairness and curb tax avoidance and evasion through the use of ICT in tax collection and administration.

“As encapsulated in the 9th House of Representatives Legislative Agenda, the priority economic strategic goals for the House of Representatives include the creation of an inclusive, thriving and resilient economy for Nigerians, attainment of substantive reduction in the percentage of poor and unemployed Nigerians.”

December 11, 2020