Federal Government halts 1% stamp duty deductions by MDAs on payments to contractors
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal Government has instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies MDAs to immediately stop deducting one percent stamp duty from payments made to contractors, vendors, suppliers, and service providers. This directive, outlined in a Federal Treasury Circular dated June 15, 2026, and signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, is based on the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. The new tax law clarifies that stamp duty applies to chargeable instruments, not payment transactions, making the previous practice inconsistent with the current legal framework. The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation emphasized that this measure ensures compliance with the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and prevents the misapplication of statutory deductions. MDAs are now required to charge, deduct, or remit stamp duty only when explicitly mandated by the Act. Under the new regime, stamp duty will strictly apply to instruments and transactions specifically listed as chargeable. Stamp duties validly deducted before the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 commenced remain preserved. The Act, effective January 1, 2026, now governs stamp duty administration in Nigeria. Contracts awarded before January 1, 2026, will follow the old framework, while those after this date are subject to the new law. The Ninth Schedule of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 lists instruments still subject to stamp duty, including agreements for real property sales, annuities, assignments, bonds, bills
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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Deputy Inspectors-General of Police DIGs to their respective geopolitical zones, a move seen by security stakeholders as a strategic policing reform. This initiative aims to bring senior police leadership closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen the fight against various security threats like kidnapping and banditry. The deployment revives a policing model previously used by former Inspectors-General of Police Tafa Balogun and Ibrahim Coomassie, ensuring a stronger operational presence across regions. Security experts believe this will accelerate decision-making and operational response, fostering better police-community relations. Many deployed DIGs have extensive experience in their assigned regions, understanding local dynamics and cultural sensitivities, which is expected to build trust. This strategy aligns with community policing principles, encouraging collaboration between citizens and security agencies. Under this new arrangement, DIGs will work with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, traditional rulers, and other community leaders to address security concerns proactively. The initiative also supports intelligence-led policing, allowing senior officers to directly assess developments and gather real-time intelligence. Additionally, the IGP has introduced "Handshake Patrols" between neighboring states to counter criminals who exploit jurisdictional g
The Lagos State Government has organized a specialized HIV and AIDS sensitization program for individuals with hearing and visual impairments to promote inclusive healthcare services. The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency LSACA hosted the event, bringing together members of the disability community, healthcare stakeholders, and advocates to address HIV prevention, reduce stigma, and improve access to information and services. Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of LSACA, stated that the initiative highlights the government's commitment to ensuring equal access to quality healthcare and life-saving health information for all residents, regardless of disability status. She noted that persons with disabilities face unique challenges, including communication barriers, limited access to disability-friendly healthcare facilities, stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, which can hinder access to HIV prevention and treatment. The program aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, while reinforcing their right to non-discriminatory healthcare. Sessions covered the HIV situation in Lagos, stigma, discrimination, gender-based violence, and the rights of persons with disabilities, with practical demonstrations on HIV self-testing and condom use. LSACA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to HIV services and strengthening partnerships for disability-inclusive healthcare. Participants were urged to advocate for HIV preventio
Must ReadMotorcycles, while essential for mobility in Nigeria, have become a significant concern due to their use in banditry and criminal activities, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. A study from 2019 to 2025 indicated a 68% fatality rate in motorcycle-related road accidents. Bandits have increasingly deployed large numbers of motorcycles in attacks, as seen during the last Sallah when approximately 150 motorcycles were used in twin attacks in Sokoto State, resulting in 37 deaths. Despite this, some state governments have either failed to ban or have lifted restrictions on motorcycles. The Nigerian Army had previously banned motorcycle use in seven North-West states in 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. Examples from Mali show that restricting motorcycle movements in conflict zones can disrupt terrorist logistics. Former officials like Nasir el-Rufai and Babatunde Fashola implemented restrictions in Abuja and Lagos, respectively. Recent actions include Governor Seyi Makinde banning nighttime motorcycle movements in parts of Oyo State and the Kogi State Government banning commercial motorcycle operations in Bunnu District due to criminal use. Katsina has also banned motorcycles in two LGAs. The ease of procurement and deployment of motorcycles across difficult terrain makes them a preferred transport for criminals. States and local governments are urged to reinstate restrictions, aggressively intercept suspicious convoys, and ensure