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LIRS Chief Clarifies Stamp Duty, Says It’s Revenue Stamp, Not Postage Stamp

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LIRS Chief Clarifies Stamp Duty, Says It’s Revenue Stamp, Not Postage Stamp

 

The Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Mr Tokunbo Akande has clarified the misunderstanding about stamp duty as he maintained that it is a revenue stamp and not a postage stamp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Akande made this known while featuring as a guest on The Tax Talk programme on Channels Television recently.

 

 

 

 

 

He said contrary to public opinion, stamp is not just for courier services as it is meant to certify the underlying transaction between two entities, whether they are corporate entities or individuals, thus, the framework for stamp duty is to verify the documents for underlying transactions and ensure that they are admissible in court in case any disputes arise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Akande noted; “It’s interesting to note that stamp duty, a tax law that dates back to 1939, is still in effect today. Although it was reenacted in 2004 and has been updated over time through the Finance Act, the basic premise remains the same.

 

“Stamp duty places the responsibility on those involved in certain transactions to provide documentation that explains the details of the transaction. For example, if someone purchases an item from another person, a receipt is given to show the transaction. This receipt must be stamped to be considered admissible evidence in court in case any disputes arise. In the past, the postal stamp was used to denote the stamp duty.”

 

Akande, who noted that Stamp duty has contributed significantly to revenue generation in Lagos State, as the state has generated over N5 million from stamp duty over the past few years, said the agency believes there is still room for improvement.

 

While stating that the agency is considering the introduction of revenue stamps for wholesalers and distributors for receipts over N10,000 in the state, he noted; “This approach was previously utilized in the 1970s, and we are eager to revitalize it. We are fully committed to engagement and process improvement.

 

He said the agency has taken the step of digitizing its stamp duty operation by transitioning from manual to electronic processes.

 

According to Akande, “The Joint Tax Board (JTB), which oversees all Internal Revenue Services (IRSs), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), customs, immigration, and other related bodies, has been at the forefront of promoting awareness about stamp duty in general.

 

“LIRS (Lagos State Internal Revenue Service) has also made significant efforts in this area by holding town hall meetings, issuing public notices and guidance notes, and engaging with professional bodies. However, despite these efforts, the message has not been fully received. It is important to note that the law requires that all transactions between two entities must be stamped, and even items such as cheques have a small stamp on them. This is because they may be admissible in court. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that any documents related to transactions above a certain level of expenses are properly stamped, as failure to do so renders them as ordinary paper.

 

He said LIRS has expanded its presence across various states, with offices conveniently located to better serve taxpayers as its officials are proud to offer assistance with legal proceedings and have desks located in all the courts of Lagos.

 

“Our team of experts ensures that all necessary documents are properly stamped and verified by the commissioner for stamp duty. We take record-keeping seriously, as it helps to ensure the authenticity of all documents that pass through our hands. Proper stamping of documents is essential, whether you’re borrowing money from a bank or renting a property. Failure to do so could render them inadmissible in court. We are here to help certify your documents and ensure they have the necessary stamps to make them legally binding,” Akande submitted. 

 

 

LIRS Chief Clarifies Stamp Duty, Says It’s Revenue Stamp, Not Postage Stamp

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Faruk Abdullahi: Energy Consultant, Financial Analyst and Entrepreneur

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Faruk Abdullahi: Energy Consultant, Financial Analyst and Entrepreneur

 

 

Faruk Abdullahi is a distinguished energy consultant, accomplished financial analyst, and visionary entrepreneur with over 15 years of diverse experience spanning energy, finance, information technology, and international business consultancy. Renowned for his leadership in Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) revolution, Faruk is a leading advocate for sustainable energy adoption and economic transformation in Nigeria.

 

Faruk Abdullahi: Energy Consultant, Financial Analyst and Entrepreneur

 

Advocacy in Energy and CNG Leadership

 

Faruk Abdullahi is a vocal and proactive proponent of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel in Nigeria. He frequently features on national television, using his media platform to passionately advocate for the widespread adoption of CNG due to its environmental sustainability and economic affordability. In May 2025, he led a delegation of CNG conversion center operators to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi), where he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his visionary leadership in the energy transition space.

 

 

Under Faruk’s leadership and frontline advocacy, the CNG initiative has attracted over $500 million in investments, created over 10,000 direct and 90,000 indirect jobs, and strengthened public-private partnerships in the energy sector. His work in this area positions him as a strategic voice and policy influencer in Nigeria’s quest for a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future.

 

Financial Expertise and Policy Analysis

 

In addition to his influence in the energy sector, Faruk is a respected financial expert and public policy analyst. He is widely recognized for his insightful commentary on Nigeria’s monetary policies, particularly during pivotal national moments such as the 2023 general elections. He was a strong critic of the naira redesign and associated cash scarcity, which he argued was poorly timed and detrimental to the average Nigerian.

 

 

Faruk also strongly advocates for exchange rate unification, a strategy he believes will eliminate market inefficiencies and attract foreign investment. Furthermore, he is a vocal supporter of policies encouraging the consumption of locally manufactured goods and services, positioning this approach as a cornerstone for improving Nigeria’s non-oil exports and foreign exchange inflows.

 

Entrepreneurship and Corporate Leadership

 

Faruk’s professional journey is a remarkable story of resilience, rising from modest beginnings to national and international influence. He is the Chairman of Ultimate Spectrum Ltd, a diversified firm with operations in energy, finance, and IT. He is also the Pioneer Managing Director of Farkim Oil & Gas Lt. He sits on the board of Kriskos & Associates, an immigration investment firm with a footprint across the Middle East and Europe.

 

His corporate experience includes serving as Chief Compliance Officer and Service Executive at Innovate 1Pay Ltd (Kano Branch)—a fintech company involved in foreign exchange operations in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria. He also made his mark in Dubai, where he rose from salesman to Executive Director at Metropolitan Insurance within a single year.

 

Academic and Professional Qualifications

 

Faruk holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Actuarial Science) and a Diploma in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He further earned a Master’s in Finance from Heriot-Watt University, Duba,  and another Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU, Zaria.

 

He is a Fellow of the:

 

– International Organization of Management Professionals (FIOMP)

– Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management (FCILRM),

– Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).

He also holds multiple certifications in forensic accounting, finance, and risk management, reinforcing his multidisciplinary expertise.

 

Faruk Abdullahi exemplifies a rare blend of visionary leadership, technical expertise, and patriotic dedication. His influence across Nigeria’s energy, financial, and entrepreneurial landscapes continues to grow, inspiring a generation of professionals and policymakers to pursue sustainable solutions, sound economic reforms, and impactful ventures. With an unwavering commitment to national development, Faruk remains a trailblazer in shaping a resilient and prosperous Nigerian future.

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My company paid N450bn in taxes in 2024 – Dangote tells Pres. Tinubu

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My company paid N450bn in taxes in 2024 – Dangote tells Pres. Tinubu

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, recently informed President Bola Tinubu that his group of companies paid a whopping N450 billion in taxes to the Federal Government’s coffers in 2024, thereby making it the highest tax-paying company in Nigeria. With this significant tax payment, Dangote companies are contributing more in taxes than all the country’s banks combined.
Dangote also revealed that, despite paying N450 billion in taxes last year, the Group is committed to spending additional N900 billion on road infrastructure across Nigeria. The Deep-Sea Port Access Road, he said, is one of several roads built and being developed by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme.
According to Dangote, the Deep Sea Port Access Road is “one of eight major road projects totalling 500 kilometres, including two in Borno State that will eventually link Nigeria to both Chad and Cameroon.”
He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a courageous leader whose administration has revived investor confidence in the private sector.
He also thanked the President for envisioning and implementing the Lekki Deep Sea Port project and assured him of the private sector’s support for expanding infrastructure nationwide.
Dangote then revealed that the road leading to the state-of-the-art Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road, in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Dangote refinery complex is, in many ways, your brainchild,” Dangote told the President. “Mr President, let me just say one thing — the main road leading into our refinery is now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road.”
Following the announcement, President Tinubu rose to shake hands with Dangote in a moment that drew applause from the dignitaries in attendance.
My company paid N450bn in taxes in 2024 - Dangote tells Pres. Tinubu

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Nigeria’s reforms have put the country on the global economic map By Abdul Samad Rabiu 

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Nigeria’s reforms have put the country on the global economic map

By Abdul Samad Rabiu 

As my country steadies itself, Britain, its Western allies and their companies should deepen this partnership

As ghosts of the 1930s haunt the global outlook, the scramble for trade deals has seized control of government agendas. The United States has leveraged its “tariff war” to secure better terms, driving both friend and foe to the negotiating table. British deals with the US and India have provided some refuge from the prevailing gloom.

Less reported – but with similar potential – was last year’s signing of the Enhanced and Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) between the UK and Nigeria , the former’s first such agreement with an African nation. Quiet in its arrival, the pact may yet echo louder.

As someone who has built multinational businesses across Africa, I know the vast opportunity the continent offers, and Nigeria in particular, which alone accounts for a fifth of sub-Saharan Africa’s 1.2 billion people. But I also understand the limitations we have often placed on ourselves when it comes to securing investment.

Lowering barriers to trade is crucial, and for that Britain’s ETIP looks prescient. However, investment and business potential will remain discounted as long as African nations cling to state intervention – from subsidies and price controls to exchange rate distortions – all of which have consistently bred dysfunction and economic instability. Fortunately, Nigeria has now decisively turned a corner, embracing market economics under a liberalising government.

In Morocco this week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated Britain’s position is shifting too. Setting out his strategy for Africa, he said British policy must transition from aid to investment. “Trade-not-aid” is no new idea – but it is the first time a British government has so clearly echoed the demand the African continent has voiced for years.

In making that shift, Nigeria is taking the lead for a continent to follow. So many Nigerian administrations I have known have been hostage to economic events, doubling down time and again on state intervention rather than having the conviction to reform. This administration is proving different. After two years of difficult reforms, Nigeria – under President Bola Tinubu – is now poised to fulfil the promise of its vast natural resources, rapidly growing population of over 200 million people, and strategic coastal location along the Gulf of Guinea.

First, the Tinubu administration removed a crippling fuel subsidy – the most significant policy reform in years. At 25 to 30 cents per litre, petrol in Nigeria was among the cheapest in the world. But the subsidy was bankrupting the government: by 2023, it consumed over 15 per cent of the federal budget – roughly equivalent to the proportion the UK spends annually on the NHS.

When President Tinubu ditched the fuel subsidy on his first day in office, criticism quickly followed. Prices, at least for the time being, have risen. However, statistics must be understood in light of the wide-ranging distortions the subsidy created.

Officially, fuel consumption in Nigeria has dropped by 40 to 50 per cent. But that is not because Nigerians’ petrol use reduced by this amount. In reality the country was subsidising the region, with cross border fuel smugglers profiting from arbitrage. The illegal trade was so blatant that on a visit to neighbouring Niger a few years ago, then-President Mohamed Bazoum even joked about it, thanking Nigeria for the cheap fuel. Though the move was politically unpopular, the subsidy had become unsustainable. Now, spending is being redirected toward development and infrastructure – laying the foundations for long-term growth.

Second, the country has moved from a fixed to a market-determined exchange rate. Previously, only select groups could access the official rate – especially those with political connections; the rest had to rely on a more expensive parallel informal market determined by supply and demand. But selling dollars at an artificially low rate only entrenched scarcity, a problem compounded by an opaque exchange mechanism that deterred foreign investment.

Every two weeks, we used to make the 12-hour drive to Abuja to seek dollar allocations for imports – camping out at the Central Bank for three or four days. Now, I no longer need to go. I’ve met the new Governor only once in two years – because I haven’t had to. Monetary orthodoxy has finally arrived, bringing with it the liquidity that both domestic and foreign businesses depend on to smooth trade and de-risk investment.

Third, the shackles of politics are being prised from business, bringing greater certainty, fairness and stability to the landscape. Five years ago, I woke up one morning to find that the port concession for a new venture of mine had been revoked. It turned out my company was outcompeting a friend of an official of the Nigerian Ports Authority. In the end, it took then-President Buhari’s personal intervention to save the enterprise.

Had I not been politically connected, the business would have folded – along with the 4,000 jobs it provided – at a time when job creation was, and remains, Nigeria’s most urgent challenge. Today, such connections are no longer necessary. The playing field is being levelled, flattening the political ridges and dips that once skewed the game.

Many of these reforms required political courage to withstand the force of criticism. Prices rose as distortions were removed, yet the administration held firm, even as vested interests co-opted public discontent for their own ends.

Indeed, many of the benefits of reform are still to be felt by the wider public. But economic fundamentals must be fixed before that becomes possible. That lead-time often tempts market reformers to reverse course, or avoid reform altogether. Now that Nigeria has made it through the toughest phase, its direction should be clear to investors.

For Britain, the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership with Nigeria was a strategic bet on reform, resilience and long-term reward. Nigeria is now delivering its part of the bargain. As my country steadies itself, the UK, its Western allies – and their companies – should deepen this partnership.

Nigeria’s reforms have put the country on the global economic map
By Abdul Samad Rabiu 

_Abdul Samad Rabiu is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist_

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