Business
PenCom DG Advocates Inclusivity in Social Protection Services
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reiterated the importance of effective communication in strengthening social security systems, as its Director General, Omolola Oloworaran, participated in the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar held in Abuja.
The seminar, hosted by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund in collaboration with the International Social Security Association, focused on the theme: improving inclusivity and access to social security services through clear and effective communication. It brought together stakeholders from across West Africa to explore ways of enhancing service delivery and public engagement.
Speaking at the event, Oloworaran commended the organisers for convening the dialogue and highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand social protection. She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown commitment to social welfare by supporting vulnerable citizens through initiatives such as cash transfers, improved healthcare access, and the settlement of outstanding pension obligations.
The PenCom DG explained that while the Contributory Pension Scheme has built a solid institutional framework over the years, achieving real inclusion requires more than just expanding coverage. According to her, trust and understanding among contributors are critical, which is why the commission continues to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote the Personal Pension Plan, and expand digital communication channels.
She emphasised that communication plays a central role in the success of pension reforms and service delivery, noting that policies and benefits can only be effective when contributors clearly understand and are able to act on them.
The engagement, she added, reflects PenCom’s broader commitment to building a more transparent, inclusive, and responsive pension system, where clear communication helps bridge gaps in access, foster trust, and support long-term growth in the sector.
The post PenCom DG Advocates Inclusivity in Social Protection Services appeared first on Business Today NG.
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, saying the claims are false and misleading.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
It said the reports, which linked the proposed taxes to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria, do not reflect its position.
According to the government, the recommendations contained in the IMF report are advisory and do not constitute policy decisions or binding actions for Nigeria.
“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.
Fuel tax rules remain unchanged.
The government also clarified that existing tax arrangements on petroleum products remain in place.
It said the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel has not been removed and is still active.
It also explained that any fuel surcharge can only take effect through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, adding that no such action is being considered.
According to the statement, the current arrangements have helped cushion the impact of global fuel price changes on Nigerian households and businesses.
READ ALSO: NRS launches Rev360 to ease tax compliance
Telecoms excise duty
On telecommunications, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under the new tax laws.
It added that the tax is, therefore, no longer in force.
The ministry urged Nigerians, media organisations and businesses to disregard claims about new telecoms and fuel taxes.
It said Nigeria’s tax policy remains focused on improving revenue collection, supporting economic growth, and attracting investment, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
The ministry added that any future tax changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly in line with due process.
Business
Supreme Court Upholds APP’s Registration, Ends Deregistration Battle Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Supreme Court has brought an end to the legal dispute over the status of the Action Peoples Party (APP), affirming that the party remains duly registered and eligible to take part in the 2027 general elections.
The apex court struck out Appeal No. SC/CV/248/2026 after the appellant, Mr Blessing Elujiuba, voluntarily withdrew the case, bringing the challenge to a close.
This decision leaves intact earlier judgments delivered by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the party’s legal recognition.
The ruling was delivered on May 12, 2026, by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, who noted that the matter was withdrawn without objection from other parties.
The court subsequently dismissed the appeal following its withdrawal, formally ending the proceedings at the apex level of the judiciary.
The case involved the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), and the party’s National Chairman, Uche Kingsley Nnadi.
The initial legal action had sought to force INEC to remove APP from its register on the allegation that it failed to meet constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
However, earlier rulings had found that APP met the necessary legal conditions for continued registration, citing evidence of electoral participation and victories at local government level.
The courts also upheld the interpretation that fulfilling any of the conditions outlined in Section 225A is sufficient for a political party to retain its registration status.
With all tiers of the judiciary aligned in its favour, APP’s legal standing remains intact, clearing the party to continue preparations for the 2027 elections without any outstanding court challenge.
The post Supreme Court Upholds APP’s Registration, Ends Deregistration Battle Ahead of 2027 Elections appeared first on Business Today NG.
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