Babajide Sanwo-Olu Pledges Support for Women’s Growth

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2025

Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledges support for women’s growth, promising investments in businesses and empowerment to boost Lagos’ economy

The Lagos State Governor, represented by his deputy Dr Obafemi Hamzat, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the 2025 WAPA Connect conference held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Also read: Women in Nigerian Politics Urged to Rise, Lead – Sanwo-Olu

The event, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, focused on the theme “Investing in Lagos Women: Investing in Growth.”

Sanwo-Olu said the theme captured his administration’s vision of building a greater Lagos where women are active drivers of progress.

He emphasised that a women’s empowerment roadmap has already been rolled out to break barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive in business.

“WAPA Connect will unite women to our roadmap. Our policies are ambitious and clear, aimed at advancing women’s economic participation.

We are committed to improving data, strengthening alliances with stakeholders, and ensuring access to finance for women to build their businesses,” he said.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, described the conference as a platform for women from different professions to network and collaborate.

She stressed that empowering women has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the state’s economy.

Also read: Sanwo-Olu Enforces Lagos Council Autonomy, Bars Key Appointments

“When we empower women, we strengthen families and expand Lagos’ economy. WAPA Connect is about building bridges and empowering women to dream bigger. When women rise, Lagos prospers,” she said.

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NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

8 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

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The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.