society
LAND USE CHARGE: WE’RE READY FOR DIALOGUE- AMBODE
…Says Only 700,000 Out Of 8million Taxable Adults Paid Taxes In 2017
…As Dangote, Ovia, Elumelu Urge Lagosians To Voluntarily Pay Taxes
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said his administration is not oblivious of the hue and cry generated by the revised Land Use Charge Law, saying that the government is ready to dialogue to resolve the issues going forward.
Governor Ambode, who spoke during a well attended forum with the Organised Private Sector tagged “Lagos Means Business”, said the review of the law was not a deliberate attempt by the government to overburden property owners but a decision taken in the overriding interest of the future of Lagos.
The forum had in attendance major players in the business circle including former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke; founder, First City Monument Bank Group, Otunba Subomi Balogun; Chairman, Premier Lotto Limited, Chief Kessington Adebutu; Chairman, Eleganza Group of Companies, Alhaji Rasak Okoya; Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia; founder United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu; Chairman Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko; former Minister of Industry, Chief Nike Akande, Chairman, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, members of the diplomatic corps, top business owners, among others.
He said the Law, enacted in 2001 provides for an upward review every five years, but that the State Government had not carried out any review of the Law up until 2017, adding that the recent review was in line with the present economic realities.
He said, “The law was made in 2001. It provides that every five years, we should review it and also find a way to increase. 15 years after in 2017, the law has never been reviewed. Now, the question is this; those who are having commercial properties, the rental income they were getting in 2002 as against the rental income they are getting in 2017, is it the same? The level of infrastructure that existed in 2002 as against what has happened in the last 15 years, are they the same? Did it not come at a cost? So, why is the market value of the property that you built with one million naira, 15 years after, you are selling at N20million. Why do you think somebody who is a buyer will pay N20million for it? Is it not because of the facilities around the property? So, we have to sacrifice; that is how it works everywhere.
“So, somebody comes and say we have increased by 400 per cent. The question is the 400 per cent of what? You were paying N10, 000 before, now we say you should pay N50, 000 and you are calculating and turning statistics upside down by saying it is 400 per cent.
Explaining further, the Governor said that while the revised Land Use Charge law requires owner-occupiers to pay just 0.076 per cent, pensioners, churches, mosques, non-governmental organisations and government institutions are exempted from payment.
“So, who is the one that will take care of the ones that are free? If you are owner-occupier you don’t need to pay. So, it’s the commercial part that people are complaining about.
“Why have we increased the rate? We should have been doing this every five years but I am looking at it if I must sustain the level of my vision, I have to give something back to people. I don’t have to come and meet you if I continue to borrow money, but we are borrowing to punish you ultimately which is not what we want because it is even the taxes you pay that would pay the interest and the principal. Somebody needs to tell us the bitter truth for us to sacrifice together and that is what we have done,” Governor Ambode said.
Reeling out statistics to explain the challenges that would confront the State in the nearest future, the Governor said Lagos is projected to become the third largest consumer market in the world with a population of 35.8million, closely behind Tokyo and Delhi, while the population growth and rapid urbanization would put infrastructure and public services under pressure.
He said the State requires a minimum of $50billion over the next five years to bridge the gap of infrastructural deficit, adding however, that a special infrastructure fund that would be driven by the private sector to address social challenges is the way to go.
“Assuming the entire budget for 2018 is spent only on infrastructure development, Lagos will be left with a deficit of about N14.47trillion and also require an additional 19 years of similar expenditure to bridge the infrastructure deficit,” Governor Ambode said.
The Governor, also expressed concerns that out of the eight million taxable adults in the State, only about two million submitted their tax returns while only 700,000 actually paid their taxes last year.
“We are 24million; taxable adults in Lagos is 8million. The number of people that actually submitted tax returns in 2017 is 2million and then only 700, 000 people paid their taxes,” he said.
He said the current tax returns were not enough to cater for the capital projects ongoing across the State, adding that major cities across the world with thriving economies are sustained by the taxes paid by residents.
Thanking the business community for their support over the years, Governor Ambode said his administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that concerted efforts have been made to encourage investors to set up their businesses in the State, which according to him would have multiplying effects on the State’s economy.
“I invite you to come and own the economy. Whatever you say here would be taken seriously because this gathering is not just about knowledge sharing; it’s more about the future of Nigeria and not just Lagos,” the Governor said.
In his brief remarks, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote commended the Governor for deeming it fit to organise a forum to meet the business community in Lagos, adding that his (Governor) passion to make Lagos thrive was not in doubt.
He also said the economic drive by the State Government was one that required all and sundry to rally round the government and perform their civic responsibility of paying their taxes as and at when due.
“I am more convinced now and I think people should really be voluntarily paying taxes in Lagos. I think for people who are doing business here, Lagos is the most-friendliest States in Nigeria. If you really want to know, try other states and you will see hell.
“I am not advertising for Lagos but there is not a single time you go with a problem and the Governor will ask you to go and come back tomorrow because in most cases, he will call everybody and say let us sit down and sort out the issues. So, your Excellency, we congratulate you and assure that we will continue to support you,” Dangote said.
Also speaking, Ovia and Elumelu lauded the Governor for the massive infrastructural renewal projects across the State especially in the area of security.
Ovia, said that business owners now feel safe to invest in the State owing to the investment in security, just as he commended the Governor for sustaining the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), a public private partnership designed to enhance security in the State.
“Your Excellency, you have spoken today like a Chairman/CEO of a company to his shareholders. We are definitely one of your shareholders and we would renew your mandate in 2019 there’s no doubt,” Ovia said.
The duo promised to increase their donation to the fund, while also calling on others to contribute their quota to the enhancement of the State’s security architecture.
My plans for my people…. Professor Muhammad
Omolaja Professor Muhammad Omolaja is the president of the Yoruba Elders Union (YEU) which covers the entire Yoruba race in Nigeria and abroad. He is also a prominent member of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) which is another socio-cultural association of Yoruba Leaders. Professor Omolaja’s socio-cultural engagements go beyond the Yoruba Land as his network cuts across the entire north and south of Nigeria and beyond. For instance, he is the Ike Mba 1 of Africa and one of the National Patrons of the Nzuka Nd’Imo Organisation (NNIO) worldwide among other connections.The professor in this exclusive interview explained in details his mission and vision for his constituency and beyond if he gets the nod under the platform of the Social Democratic party (SDP) as a prominent member of the Party.
Excerpts:
Humbly introduce yourself, Sir.
I am Prof. Muhammad Ayinla Omolaja (MAO) – The Ike Mba 1 of Africa – from the Obe Royal family of Emado Quarters, Ayetoro City, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
What’s that position you are virying for and under what party?
Actually, this question is immature as (a) INEC has not issued out guidelines on the 2027 general election, and (b) I have been aspiring and contesting consistently for various positions under various Parties from 2007 up to date. I came out for positions including Federal House of Representatives (under the PDP), Senate (under the ANPP and DPA), Governorship (under the APC), up to the Presidency (under the ADP) in 2023 general election. This means that definitely, I will come out again in 2027 by the special grace of the Almighty God. However, I am still consulting. The decision as to which position I will contest for will be a joint one with my political colleagues and associates when the time comes. I am presently a strong member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which means I will be contesting under the platform of the great Party.
Are you coming under consensus or you are solely voted for?
For now, there is no information on this.What are your chances going by the fact that it’s APC that is ruling?
Definitely, Nigerians, including me, have suffered more than enough hardship of various magnitudes under the APC and PDP administrations over the years! We are now wiser! What we need now is a complete change of guards in the political arena, and the only Party that can do that as at now is the Social Democratic Party being the only Party that is settled. Other Parties in opposition are presently faced with one crisis or the other ranging from factionalism, court cases, unnecessary rivalry, hatred and jealousy, to mention but a few. Therefore, anybody that will contest for a position under the SDP in 2027 has a very high probability of winning the election.
If eventually you emerged as the party’s candidate, do you see yourself winning the general election?
For a person to win a general election, irrespective of the post, he or she must be someone that is popular and acceptable to the majority of the people within his or her domain; that is, his constituency. This depends on many factors including his upbringing, family background, education background, community participation or contributions to the community, his political activism, leadership quality, and of course, his financial stability to mention but a few. In all these criteria, I think I am up to the task!
What’s your plan for your constituency?
My plan for the great people of my constituency may be summarized as “To let the masses live in all ramifications! This depends on the post I will contest for, but my mission in governance includes adequate food supply, uninterrupted power supply, adequate security of life and property, quality education, youths and women empowerment, good intergovernmental relations, appropriate civil service reforms, fiscal and monetary policies, adequate reforms in the traditional settings, industrialization, as well as taking care of the elderly; the old people in our communities, and so on.
Is there any team you put on ground that make you believe you can win the election?
Yes! There are many. One of them is the National Liberation Patriots (NLP) of which I am the founder and National Chairman. It has membership in all the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The national political group parades the best quality of politicians that can be found anywhere in the world as members based on their level of political exposure and activism. The second group is the Omolaja Solidarity Forum (OSF). The OSF also spreads to the entire Nigeria covering all the six geopolitical regions of the country. This is followed by the Coalition for Sustenance of Democracy (CSD) which is also a national political association. Again, I am one of the National Patrons of Nzuko Nd’Imo Organisation (NNIO) Worldwide apart from being the Ike Mba 1 of Africa. Finally, I am the President of the Yoruba Elders Union (YEU) which covers the entire Yoruba race in Nigeria and abroad! I am also a prominent member of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE). With all these socio-cultural and political associations, and many more, on ground, I believe I can win election into any political office in Nigeria.
What is your message to the people concerning your ambition?
My message to the good people of our great nation is that the job of recovering, restoring and developing our much-cherished damaged country, Nigeria, is a task for all of us individually and collectively irrespective of our tribes or ethnicity, religions or our places of birth. We should forget about our differences in diversity and team up as one indivisible Nigerian family to recall our country back to life through the power of ballot papers during the forthcoming 2027 general election
society
Debegun Family Cries Out To Governor Dapo Abiodun As Notorious Landgrabber Lateef ‘Eleda’ Leads Violent Invasion in Shagamu
“Old Lies, New Excuses: How the Nigerian Government Continues to Insult Public Intelligence”
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a stunning yet all-too-familiar display of condescension toward the Nigerian people, the Nigerian Presidency has declared that “nothing new has been revealed” in the decades-old FBI and DEA reports implicating certain high-profile individuals in drug trafficking and money laundering. According to their recent statement, the information “has been public for over 30 years.” While this may be factually true, the real question is: does the age of a crime nullify its relevance or accountability? The answer, in any democracy with a shred of integrity, is a resounding no.
This is not just about dusty files or forgotten scandals. It is about integrity, national image, and the dangerous precedent of shielding political elites from scrutiny while expecting ordinary citizens to abide by the law. When governments trivialize criminal histories under the guise of “old news,” they mock the very foundations of justice and accountability.
1. The Facts: Public but Never Prosecuted
Let us begin with the basics. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released reports in the 1990s implicating several individuals—including now-prominent Nigerian political figures—in drug-related activities. Among these, the most infamous is the case involving Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current president of Nigeria. According to court documents from the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 93C4483), U.S. authorities confiscated over $460,000 linked to Tinubu as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
While Tinubu was never formally indicted in the U.S., the forfeiture of such a staggering amount, without any legal contest, is not a minor issue. In the U.S. legal system, civil asset forfeiture—especially of such magnitude—almost always suggests deep suspicion and probable cause. No ordinary citizen could forfeit nearly half a million dollars to the U.S. government without triggering career-ending investigations, but in Nigeria, it earns you the presidency.
2. If It’s “Old News,” Why Is It Still Relevant?
The Presidency’s attempt to dismiss the scandal by calling it “nothing new” is intellectually insulting. Crimes do not expire simply because time has passed. If anything, they become more pressing when perpetrators ascend to greater positions of power. Consider the case of Augusto Pinochet in Chile. His crimes against humanity were decades old by the time he was arrested in London in 1998. Yet, democratic nations supported his prosecution because the rule of law demands that no one is above accountability.
The same logic applies to Nigeria. The relevance of Tinubu’s past is not diminished by the passage of time; it is amplified by his current position. If someone once linked to drug money can become Commander-in-Chief without explanation or legal exoneration, what message does that send to the youth of Nigeria? That crime pays—especially if you’re politically connected?
3. The Global Impact: Nigeria’s Image in Tatters
The world is watching. International investors, diplomats, and foreign governments have access to these same reports. While Nigerian officials downplay the severity, external stakeholders are not fooled. The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International ranked Nigeria 145 out of 180 countries. The World Bank’s Governance Indicators show a steady decline in Nigeria’s control of corruption since 2015. These metrics are not coincidental—they reflect a system that promotes impunity and suppresses transparency.
When the President of a country is associated—even by forfeiture—with narcotics and financial impropriety, global trust in that nation’s governance plummets. Foreign direct investment dries up. Credit ratings drop. Diaspora professionals become hesitant to return. Tourists and scholars think twice before visiting. The long-term economic and diplomatic damage is incalculable.
4. Weaponizing Ignorance: An Assault on Intelligence
Let us not overlook the arrogance embedded in the Presidency’s statement. It assumes the Nigerian public is too ignorant or apathetic to care. It dismisses educated critics, legal scholars, and concerned citizens with the wave of a hand. “Nothing new,” they say, as if moral decay becomes acceptable with time.
But the Nigerian people are not fools. A new generation of politically aware youth, empowered by the internet, is beginning to ask hard questions. Why was this man not investigated locally? Why do we have an EFCC that cannot probe elite politicians but enthusiastically arrests poor youths for internet fraud? Why are pastors, professors, and professionals expected to maintain ethical standards, but politicians are allowed to skate through history with blood on their hands and cocaine in their past?
5. Silence from the Legislature: Complicity in Cowardice
Perhaps even more alarming than the Presidency’s defense is the deafening silence from Nigeria’s National Assembly. The job of any legislature in a democracy is oversight. Yet, our lawmakers have chosen to be quiet spectators, perhaps fearful of implicating their own skeletons in the process.
Contrast this with the United States, where congressional hearings have investigated presidents and vice presidents for far less serious allegations. In South Korea, two former presidents have been imprisoned for corruption. In Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was jailed, released, and had to go through rigorous legal review before being re-elected. But in Nigeria, once you reach a certain echelon, your past is magically erased, sanitized, and glorified.
6. The Judiciary’s Abdication of Duty
The courts have also failed Nigerians. When activist lawyers attempted to bring these issues to court during the 2023 election, the Nigerian judiciary found clever procedural ways to sidestep the real questions. Technicalities were prioritized over substance. Evidence was deemed “inadmissible.” And so, justice was not denied, it was simply postponed indefinitely.
A nation where the courts fear the political elite is a nation on the brink of democratic collapse. The judiciary must regain its spine and remember that its allegiance is to the Constitution, not the cabals who occupy Aso Rock.
7. Public Reaction: Indifference or Boiling Rage?
It is true that many Nigerians have grown numb to scandal. From fuel subsidy fraud to missing billions in defense budgets, corruption fatigue is real. But apathy is a slow poison. It turns citizens into spectators and societies into graveyards of hope.
We must resist this inertia. Every university lecturer, journalist, religious leader, and civil society advocate must keep this issue alive. Not because we enjoy the drama, but because the moral health of our republic depends on it.
8. Furthermore: Accountability Has No Expiry Date
The Presidency’s statement that the reports are “over 30 years old” is not a defense—it’s an indictment of the failure of Nigeria’s justice system. Time does not absolve wrongdoers; it only reveals the depth of institutional rot.
If we allow this to slide, we are telling future leaders that no matter what crimes they commit, power will wash them clean. That is not democracy. That is a kleptocracy wrapped in stolen garments of legitimacy.
To those in power: history is watching. The world is watching. And more importantly, Nigerians are awakening. You may dismiss the truth for now, but the pursuit of justice, no matter how delayed, remains relentless. Accountability may be slow in coming, but it is inevitable.
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