President Bola Tinubu In a bid to address concerns raised by manufacturers and other stakeholders regarding recent tax changes, President Bola Tinubu has signed three executive orders suspending major tax measures.The move comes as a response to the need for clarity and adequate notice for tax adjustments, as specified in the 2017 National Tax Policy.The President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, made the announcement yesterday at the Presidential Villa.The first executive order signed by President Tinubu was the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023. It defers the implementation of the changes outlined in the Act from May 23, 2023, to September 1, 2023, ensuring compliance with the stipulated 90-day advance notice for tax changes.The second order, the Customs Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, 2023, also adjusts the commencement date of tax changes. Originally scheduled for March 27, 2023, the changes will now take effect from August 1, 2023, aligning with the National Tax Policy guidelines.Furthermore, President Tinubu has issued an order suspending the 5% Excise Tax on telecommunication services, as well as the Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products.Alake said the decision reflects Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and alleviating the burdens faced by businesses and households in affected sectors.In addition to these suspensions, the President has also ordered the halt of the newly introduced Green Tax, an Excise Tax on Single Use Plastics, including plastic containers and bottles.Alake also said the Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles has been suspended.According to him, President Tinubu’s intention was to listen to the concerns of the Nigerian people and alleviate the negative impacts of the tax adjustments, rather than exacerbate the challenges faced by citizens. 62-year-old physically challenged man hacked to death in OgunA 62-year-old physically challenged man, Adetunji Ayaji, has been reportedly assassinated in his house in the Imasayi community, Yewa-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.The septuagenarian was reportedly macheted to death on Wednesday by unknown assailants who allegedly broke into his house after his family members had departed for work.The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omolola Odutola, confirmed this incident yesterday in a statement she issued.Odutola said the victim was macheted to death around 3:pm on Wednesday and the family members met his lifeless body in the pool of his blood upon their return.She said, “The command received the report of the machete to death of one Adetunji Ayaji, 62 years where unknown assailants gained entrance into the home of the deceased and murdered him.“The unfortunate incident happened yesterday (Wednesday) at about 1500hrs after the family members of the deceased went about their various daily business, leaving the physically challenged husband and father at home.“The Divisional Crime Officer of Imasayi, the police jurisdiction covering the area where the dastardly act occurred on his investigation confirmed the report.“The DCO observed the buzz line of the deceased and was taken away. His remains have been evacuated to General Hospital Ilaro where Mr. Adetunji Ajayi was certified dead, his corpse was deposited at Ilaro General Hospital for further examinations.“The Ogun State Police Command has no firm lead about the reason behind this extreme viciousness. However, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu has been briefed and he has assured the families that the killers, bloodthirsty and cruel-minded criminals will regret their actions.“He assured that justice will be done and the killers will definitely not go scot free but, justice must be done in respect of exposing the unfortunate perpetrators of this height of violence, condemning the senseless killing.“The Ogun State Police Command Headquarters sympathises with members of the families for their misfortune and painful loss, and further assures that investigation is at a double quick time to unravel the crime please.”
