Business
FG increases tax on cigarette and shisha
The federal government has increased the tax on tobacco products including shisha and cigarettes from 20 percent to 30 percent.
Olorunnimbe Mamora, minister of state for health, made this known on Tuesday at a media briefing in Abuja in commemoration of the 2022 World No Tobacco Day, themed ‘Tobacco: A Threat To Our Environment’.
He said the tax is aimed at discouraging consumption of tobacco products.
Mamora said the new tax took effect on June 1, 2022.
“This new regime increased the ad-valorem tax rate from 20 percent to 30 percent,” he said.
“In addition to the 30 percent ad-valorem, a specific excise rate has been increased from N58 to N84 per pack of 20 sticks of cigarette, and this will further be increased to N94 per pack in 2023; and then N104 per pack in 2024.
“Also, shisha is now taxed at the rate of N3,000 per litre and N1,000 per kilogramme and this will be increased yearly by N500.12.
“This pro-health tax is an effective public health control measure against behavioural risk factors as it has the capacity to reduce demand and consumption of tobacco products.”
Mamora further said the ministry had commenced screening and issuance of operational licences to qualified major tobacco businesses in the country with the view to profiling and monitoring tobacco industry activities nationwide.
He added that the tobacco industry must ensure that the unit packages of all their tobacco products have the approved text and pictorial/graphic health warning message so that the public, especially tobacco users, are made aware of the harmful effects of tobacco use.
At the event, the minister also launched the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI) dashboard.
The TCDI dashboard is a virtual system that would allow stakeholders and the public to access relevant and up-to-date data on tobacco control in the country.
He urged Nigerians to avoid tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke.
Business
Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.
Business
Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Business
Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
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