Business
PenCom Pushes States to Fully Implement Contributory Pension Scheme
From left: Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack and Director General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, during the event.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—National Pension Commission (PenCom) has intensified efforts to drive the nationwide implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the hosting of the maiden edition of its Bi-Annual Consultative Session for Heads of Service of states yet to fully adopt or implement the scheme.
The consultative session brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening pension reform implementation at the sub-national level and addressing challenges hindering full adoption across various states.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, stated that although 26 states have enacted pension reform laws, only seven states alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are currently fully implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme.
She emphasized the need for stronger commitment by state governments to ensure workers enjoy sustainable and secure retirement benefits under the CPS framework.
The event also featured the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as a special guest, underscoring the importance of collaboration between federal and state institutions in deepening pension reforms nationwide.
According to PenCom, the session served as a platform for meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, while also providing practical guidance and support to states yet to fully implement the scheme.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the benefits of pension reforms, operational challenges affecting implementation, and measures required to accelerate compliance at the state level.
The initiative forms part of PenCom’s broader commitment to promoting a sustainable pension system and expanding the reach of pension reforms across Nigeria.
The post PenCom Pushes States to Fully Implement Contributory Pension Scheme appeared first on Business Today NG.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has disclosed an insider transaction involving one of its directors, Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi, who sold more than 1.5 million shares in the insurance company in a deal valued at over ₦6.3 million.
The disclosure, signed by Jide Ibitayo, Company Secretary, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the investing public, showed that Ogunbiyi, a Non-Executive Director of the company, disposed of 1,507,309 ordinary shares of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc between June 3 and June 9, 2026.
According to the notification, the shares were sold at prices ranging from ₦4.20 to ₦4.33 per share, placing the total value of the transaction at between ₦6.33 million and ₦6.53 million.
The transaction was reported as an initial notification of insider dealing in line with regulatory requirements that mandate directors and other insiders of listed companies to disclose transactions involving the securities of their companies.
Mutual Benefits Assurance identified the financial instrument involved in the transaction as its ordinary shares, traded on the Nigerian Exchange under the ticker symbol “MBENEFIT.”
Insider dealing notifications are a key component of market transparency and corporate governance, providing investors with information on share transactions undertaken by directors, executives, and other individuals with access to potentially price-sensitive information.
While insider transactions often attract investor attention, market analysts note that such dealings do not necessarily indicate changes in a company’s outlook, as they may be influenced by personal investment decisions, portfolio rebalancing, or other financial considerations.
The disclosed transaction took place in Lagos, Nigeria, and was executed over a seven-day period between June 3 and June 9, 2026.
Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc remains one of the companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange that regularly complies with insider dealing disclosure requirements, reinforcing transparency in the capital market.
The post Insider Dealing: Mutual Benefits Director, Ogunbiyi Sells Shares Worth Over ₦6.3 Million 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.
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