Business
Alleged N919m fraud: EFCC, ICPC begin probe of suspended NHIS boss
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has begun investigations into allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office levelled against the suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf.
The EFCC stated this in a letter dated December 21, 2017, which was addressed to the current acting Executive Secretary of the NHIS.
The investigations by the commission started five months after Yusuf was suspended by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The ministry, four months ago, submitted the report of a panel on the allegations against Yusuf to the Presidency. In its report, the panel accused the suspended NHIS boss of N919m fraud.
The EFCC’s letter was titled ‘Investigation into activities of Prof. Usman Yusuf –suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme’.
Besides the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission is investigating the suspended executive secretary and four other officials of the NHIS.
The ICPC, in its letter dated December 11, 2017, and addressed to the acting executive secretary of the NHIS, stated that the officers were being investigated for “alleged violation of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Act 2000.”
The ICPC added, “Pursuant to Section 45(3) of the cited Act, you are hereby directed to recover the money advanced to the five officers (of the NHIS) and two staff from the Ministry of Health for the aborted trip to the Netherlands.
“You are further required to furnish the commission with the evidence of compliance by each of the beneficiaries.”
On its part, the EFCC stated that it was investigating suspected cases of fraud and misappropriation levelled against Yusuf during his tenure as the executive secretary of the NHIS between July, 2016 and July, 2017.
In its letter, with reference number CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/CTGI.2/VOL.15/ 237, and signed by its Director of Operations, Umar Abba, for the Acting Chairman, the EFCC is seeking information on, “All necessary documents relating to local and international training programmes sponsored by the scheme from July 2016 to July 2017.
“All documents relating to payment made to Katamaya First Call Hospital.
“All procurement documents relating to the e-library project of the NHIS. Documents relating to all NHIS-sponsored foreign trips embarked upon by the suspended executive secretary.
“All payments relating to the fuelling of the suspended secretary’s official vehicles. Disbursement of NEED assessment funds between July 2016 and July 2017.”
The EFCC requested documents relating to the audit verification conducted during the tenure of the suspended executive secretary.
The commission also said the NHIS should confirm if four other persons it mentioned in the letter were members of staff of the scheme and their current status.
The persons are Nasir Shinkafi, Shuab Mohammed, Suleiman Ilu and Yusuf Abdullahi.
The anti-graft agency stated that it was making the requests “pursuant to Section 38 (1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”
However, there were indications on Tuesday that the suspended executive had begun moves to return to his post.
It was gathered that Yusuf had contacted members of a cabal in the Presidency to reach out to the President.
A Presidency official, who confided in The PUNCH, said, “He has the sympathy of members of the cabal, who have assisted him in reaching out to the President. He feels that he is being victimised.”
The panel, set up by the Federal Ministry of Health to probe the suspended NHIS boss and other activities at the NHIS, had presented a damning report to the Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole.
The report was submitted to the President in August.
The report was received by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, on behalf of the President but the Presidency had remained silent on the report.
A top government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told one of our correspondents that the Presidency had so far not taken action on the report of the investigation initiated by the health minister because “a procedural error” was noticed.
The source claimed that contrary to the normal procedure, the Ministry of Health went ahead to prepare a White Paper on the report before forwarding it to the Presidency.
He said, “What I am aware of is that the ministry did not stop at investigating him, it prepared a White Paper on the report of the investigation. The Presidency has noticed this procedural error and has called the ministry’s attention to it.
“I don’t know if a fresh committee will be set up to investigate the matter all over again.”
The source added that the Presidency was also taking its time to ensure fairness in the case.
“You know that there are two legs to the issue. The suspended man has also made an allegation against the minister.
“He said he ran into trouble with the minister because he refused to provide a particular amount of money that he was asked to bring for the send-off of the ministry’s permanent secretary.”
When asked if the Presidency would investigate the minister before taking a stand on the matter, he said, “Like I told you earlier, I don’t know if a fresh committee has been set up yet.”
Presidential spokesmen, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, could not be reached on the telephone as of the time of filing this report.
In the report, which was compiled by senior officials of the health ministry, the Department of State Services and the ICPC, the suspended NHIS boss was accused of perpetrating fraud to the tune of N919m.
The panel described Yusuf as a public servant who “portrayed a holier than thou attitude but at the background, milked the agency dry” by conniving with others to perpetrate fraud to the tune of over N919m.
According to the panel, the N919m was dubiously given as payment to consultants for staff training.
The committee said as the head of the agency, Yusuf was personally responsible for all administrative, procurement and financial lapses.
The panel noted “his (Yusuf’s) deceitful attitude coupled with ‘name dropping’ of Mr. President as having sent him to sanitise the NHIS, but he caused more harm than good to the scheme.”
The committee, therefore, recommended that the EFCC probe the agency for diversion of funds and contravention of the Procurement Act of 2007.
The report states that Yusuf contravened the Procurement Act of 2007 through nepotism and other irregular award of contracts and should be sanctioned in line with the provision of the Act.
Explaining how the alleged staff training scam took place, the committee said in some instances, the number of trainees was far more than the entire number of employees at the agency.
It noted that in other instances, some employees were registered for the same training in two different states at the same time.
Most of the consultants were said to have charged about N250,000 per participant.
Business
Adron Homes at 14: From Shimawa to Over 60 Livable Communities, Building Cities Beyond Estates
Adron Homes at 14: From Shimawa to Over 60 Livable Communities, Building Cities Beyond Estates
Fourteen years ago, what began as a visionary real estate development effort in Shimawa, Ogun State, has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most recognizable housing success stories. Today, Adron Homes & Properties stands as a major force in structured urban development, with over 60 livable communities and estate dwellings spread across key regions of the country. Its journey reflects a deliberate mission that is not just to sell land, but to build functional cities where Nigerians can live with dignity, security, and a strong sense of community.
At a time when Nigeria faces rapid urbanization and an ever-growing housing deficit, Adron Homes has embraced an approach rooted in planning and affordability. From its earliest developments, the company adopted a city-building model that integrates structured layouts, accessible infrastructure, and community-focused design. Roads, drainage systems, green areas, and designated social spaces are incorporated into estate planning, transforming empty land into organized residential hubs.
The story of Adron’s growth mirrors Nigeria’s evolving urban landscape. Beginning in Shimawa, the company strategically expanded into major growth corridors, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and beyond. Its estates have not only provided shelter but have also influenced the emergence of new residential districts, encouraging organized expansion and helping to reduce the challenges associated with unplanned settlements.
Central to the company’s success is its commitment to affordability. Through flexible payment structures and innovative housing initiatives, Adron Homes has opened the door to homeownership for thousands of Nigerians who previously considered property ownership out of reach. This democratization of housing has empowered families, strengthened communities, and supported economic growth through increased property investment and local business opportunities within estates.
Beyond physical structures, Adron Homes prioritizes community building. Estates are designed as living ecosystems where families interact, children grow in secure environments, and entrepreneurs find opportunities to thrive. The emphasis on social cohesion has helped transform residential spaces into vibrant neighborhoods, reinforcing the idea that housing development should nurture human connection as much as physical infrastructure.
As Nigeria continues to urbanize, Adron Homes’ model demonstrates that real estate development can be both commercially viable and socially impactful. Its projects serve as reference points for emerging residential corridors, attracting further investment and setting standards for organized development across multiple regions.
Celebrating fourteen years of growth and innovation, Adron Homes remains committed to shaping Nigeria’s urban future through sustainable planning, inclusive housing solutions, and community-driven development. From its humble beginnings in Shimawa to a nationwide network of livable communities, the company’s journey stands as a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and a steadfast belief that cities are built not just with structures, but with people at their heart.
Business
14 Years of Democratizing Landownership: How Adron Homes Is Redefining Mass Housing in Nigeria
14 Years of Democratizing Landownership: How Adron Homes Is Redefining Mass Housing in Nigeria
For decades, homeownership in Nigeria remained an elusive dream for millions, restricted by rising rents, unstable housing markets, and mortgage systems beyond the reach of the average citizen. Fourteen years ago, Adron Homes and Properties Limited set out to challenge this reality with a bold and disruptive vision: to make land and homeownership affordable, accessible, and achievable for everyday Nigerians.
Founded on the principle that housing should be a right and not a privilege, Adron Homes has steadily emerged as one of Nigeria’s most influential mass housing developers. At the heart of its success is an affordability-driven model that prioritizes inclusion without compromising quality. Through flexible payment plans, low initial deposits, and extended installment options, the company has broken long-standing financial barriers that once excluded civil servants, young professionals, artisans, traders, and Nigerians in the diaspora from owning property.
Fourteen years on, this vision has translated into tangible impact across over 60 estates nationwide, strategically located in major and emerging growth corridors including Ibeju-Lekki, Lekki–Epe, Badagry, Shimawa, Papalanto, Sagamu, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger State. Each estate represents more than infrastructure, it reflects Adron Homes’ commitment to decentralizing development and expanding access to property ownership beyond traditional urban centers.
Through this mass housing initiative, thousands of Nigerians have successfully transitioned from tenants to landlords, many achieving property ownership for the first time. Unlike conventional real estate models that emphasize exclusivity and luxury, Adron Homes has consistently aligned its offerings with the real income realities of the Nigerian population, ensuring that housing solutions remain practical, inclusive, and sustainable.
Beyond affordability, trust has remained a defining pillar of the Adron Homes brand. The company places strong emphasis on secure land titles, transparent documentation, and regulatory compliance, protecting subscribers from land disputes and fraudulent transactions. This focus on integrity has strengthened customer confidence and positioned Adron Homes as a dependable gateway to long-term wealth creation through real estate.
As Adron Homes marks its 14th anniversary, its mass housing journey stands as more than a corporate achievement but a national intervention. By restoring dignity, promoting financial security, and transforming thousands of property ownership dreams into reality, Adron Homes continues to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s housing landscape and building a future where more citizens can truly call a place their own.
Business
Deadline of Compliance: Nigeria’s Urgent Call for Tax Return Filing
Deadline of Compliance: Nigeria’s Urgent Call for Tax Return Filing
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Shift or Structural Demand? A Declaration of Civic Duty in a Nation at a Fiscal Crossroads.”
In the unfolding narrative of national development and economic reform, few instruments are as defining as tax compliance. For Nigeria, a nation perpetually grappling with revenue shortfalls, structural dependency on a single export commodity, and entrenched informal economic behaviour, the Federal Government’s recent clarification on tax return deadlines is not mere bureaucratic noise. It is a deliberate and inescapable declaration: the social contract between citizen and state must be honoured through transparent, lawful and timely tax reporting.
At its core, the government’s pronouncement is stark in its simplicity and radical in its implications. Federal authorities, speaking through the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, have made it unequivocally clear that every Nigerian, whether employer or individual taxpayer, must file annual tax returns under the law. This encompasses self-assessment filings by individuals that too many assumed ended once employers deducted pay-as-you-earn taxes from their salaries.
This is not an optional civic suggestion, it is mandatory, backed by statute, and tied to a broader vision of national fiscal responsibility. Citizens can no longer hide behind ignorance, apathy, or false assumptions. “Many people assume that if their employer deducts tax from their salaries, their obligations end there. That is wrong,” Oyedele warned, emphasizing that the obligation to file remains with the individual under both existing and newly reformed tax laws.
The Deadlines and the Reality They Reveal.
Across the federation, state and federal revenue authorities have reaffirmed statutory deadlines in pursuit of compliance. The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, for instance, moved to extend its filing date for employer returns by a narrow window, reflecting the reality that compliance often lags behind legal timelines. The extension was intended not as leniency, but as a pragmatic effort to allow accurate and complete submissions, underscoring that true compliance rises above mere mechanical ticking of a box.
At the federal level, Oyedele’s intervention was even more fundamental. He reminded Nigerians that annual tax returns for the preceding year must be filed in good faith, with integrity and in respect of the law. This applies regardless of income level including low-income earners who have historically believed that they are outside the tax net. “All of us must file our returns, including those earning low income,” he stated.
Herein lies one of the most challenging truths of contemporary Nigerian governance: widespread tax non-compliance is not just a technical breach of law, it is a deep cultural and structural issue that reflects decades of mistrust between citizens and the state.
The Root of the Problem: Non-Compliance as a Symptom.
Nigeria’s tax culture has long been under scrutiny. Public discourse and economic analysis consistently show that a significant majority of eligible taxpayers do not file annual returns. Oyedele highlighted that even in states widely regarded as tax administration leaders, compliance remains strikingly low, often below five percent.
This widespread non-compliance stems from multiple sources:
A long history of weak tax administration systems, where enforcement was inconsistent and penalties were rarely applied.
A perception that public services do not reflect the taxes collected, eroding the citizenry’s belief in reciprocity.
An informal economy where income often goes unrecorded, making filing seem irrelevant or impossible to many.
Lack of awareness, with many Nigerians genuinely believing that tax liability ends with employer deductions.
The government’s renewed push for compliance directly challenges these perceptions. It signals a shift from voluntary or lax compliance to structured accountability, a stance that aligns with best practices in modern public finance.
Why This Matters: Beyond Deadlines.
At its most profound level, the insistence on tax return filings is about nation-building and shared responsibility.
Scholars of public finance universally agree that a robust tax system is the backbone of sustainable development. As the eminent economist Dr. Joseph E. Stiglitz has observed, “A society that cannot mobilize its own resources through fair taxation undermines both its government’s legitimacy and its capacity to provide for its people.” Filing tax returns is not a mere administrative task, it is a declaration of participation in the collective project of national advancement.
In Nigeria’s context, this declaration carries weight. With the enactment of comprehensive tax reforms in recent years (including unified frameworks for tax administration and enforcement) authorities now possess broader statutory tools to ensure compliance and accountability. These measures, which include electronic filing platforms and stronger enforcement powers, have been framed as fair and equitable, targeting efficiency rather than arbitrariness.
Yet the success of these reforms depends heavily on citizens embracing their civic duties with sincerity. And this depends on mutual trust, the belief that paying taxes yields tangible benefits in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and social services.
Voices From Experts: Fiscal Responsibility as a Public Ethic.
Tax law experts and economists, reflecting on the compliance push, have underscored a universal theme: taxation without transparency is inequity, but taxation with accountability is empowerment. When managed with fairness, a functional tax system can reduce dependency on volatile revenue sources, stabilise national budgets, and support long-term investment in human capital.
Professor Aisha Bello, a respected authority in fiscal policy, notes that “Tax compliance is not a burden; it is the foundation upon which social contracts are built. A citizen who honours tax obligations affirms the legitimacy of governance and demands better performance in return.”
Similarly, a leading tax scholar, Dr. Emeka Okon, argues that “The era when Nigerians could evade broader tax responsibilities simply because automatic deductions occur at source must end. For a modern economy, every eligible citizen must be part of the formal tax fold not as victims, but as stakeholders.”
These authoritative voices point to an unassailable truth: filing tax returns is both a legal requirement and a moral responsibility, an expression of citizenship in its fullest sense.
Challenges on the Ground: Compliance and Capacity.
While the rhetoric of compliance is compelling, the reality on the ground demands nuanced understanding. Many taxpayers (especially in the informal sector) lack meaningful access to digital platforms and resources for filing returns. For others, the fear of bureaucratic complexity and perceived punitive enforcement deters participation.
The government, for its part, has responded by promoting online systems and pledging greater taxpayer support. Tax authorities are increasingly engaging stakeholders to demystify filing processes, explain requirements and offer assistance. This mix of enforcement and facilitation is essential. As one seasoned revenue specialist observed: “The state cannot compel compliance through force alone; it must earn it through education, simplicity and fairness.”
The Broader Implication: A New Social Compact.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on tax return filing transcends administrative deadlines. It is an unequivocal declaration that national development is a shared responsibility, that citizens and state must engage in a transparent, accountable, and reciprocal relationship.
Tax compliance, therefore, becomes far more than a legal act; it becomes a moral claim on the nation’s future.
When citizens file their returns honestly, they affirm their stake in the nation’s destiny. When the government collects taxes transparently and deploys them effectively, it strengthens not only public services but civic trust itself.
In this sense, the deadlines proclaimed by Nigeria’s fiscal authorities mark not an end but a beginning; the beginning of a civic epoch in which accountability replaces apathy, participation replaces indifference and national purpose triumphs over fragmentation.
The road ahead will not be easy. But in demanding compliance, Nigeria is demanding more than tax returns. It is demanding commitment and that, ultimately, is the foundation on which nations are built.
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