South Africa Invites Technical Tax Proposals As African States Intensify Revenue Reform Efforts

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19/11/2025

Ramaphosa 2 — President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa

By Jacobs Botha,

South Africa’s National Treasury has opened submissions for technical tax proposals ahead of the 2026 Budget Review, a move that aligns with a wider continental push to tighten revenue systems, close loopholes and strengthen tax governance.

Treasury is calling on taxpayers, tax practitioners and the public to identify technical anomalies, loopholes, and revenue leakages within existing legislation. These submissions — due by 28 November 2025 — are aimed at fine-tuning the tax framework rather than overhauling policy. Consequently, major tax policy shifts and rate changes fall outside the scope of this call.

Across Africa, countries are adopting similar strategies to modernise tax systems, strengthen enforcement, and curb illicit financial flows — challenges that collectively cost African economies billions in lost revenue each year. South Africa’s approach mirrors trends seen in Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria, where governments increasingly rely on collaborative consultation to refine their tax regimes.

In South Africa, the February Budget Speech by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlines national tax direction, with the Budget Review providing the technical detail behind policy decisions. While broad policy issues appear in Chapter 4, the technical adjustments — often key to improving compliance and closing loopholes — are contained in Annexure C, the focus of the current call for submissions.

To deepen engagement, Treasury will host virtual workshops on 11 and 12 December 2025, inviting all individuals and organisations who submit proposals. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will join Treasury in assessing the proposals before submitting recommendations to the Minister.

Treasury cautioned that engagement should not be interpreted as confirmation of inclusion in the 2026 Budget Review, noting that final decisions remain the exclusive prerogative of the Minister of Finance.

As African states expand domestic revenue mobilisation to fund development, reduce debt and strengthen fiscal resilience, South Africa’s technical tax review process forms part of a growing continental focus on cleaning up tax systems to boost long-term economic stability.

Nigeria: We Oppose Regionalism Under “One North”, Says Middle Belt Forum

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News Editor

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18/11/2025

2

…ACF Exist To Serve Interest Of Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri For Perpetual Northern Overlords

As Nigeria faces the unresolved national question with calls for regionalism gaining momentum, the President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu has cautioned that any move to merge the middle belters with the Fulani, Hausa and Kanuri ethic nationalities would not be acceptable.
He said presently, they are not opposed to regionalism but there is no way they are going to be grouped with the Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri in “One North” as it was at independence.
Dr. Pogu stated this on Tuesday at Ankpa in a paper titled ” Politics in The Middle Belt, The Way Forward” at this year’s National Prayer Congress of the Kogi East Christian Elders Forum.
He said they insist that the peoples and lands of the Middle Belt be given their own homelands in Western Middle Belt and Eastern Middle Belt which is the only way the concept of regionalism will fly with them.
The 2014 Constitutional Conference during Goodluck Jonathan Administration had recommended the creation of two geopolitical zones, Middle Belt West and Middle Belt East, but unfortunately, the Conference report, he said, was treated with supreme scorn and disdain by Late President Muhammad Buhari, a Northerner.
Dr. Pogu also noted with dismay that the political geography of the Middle Belt was redefined by the British colonialists to give the Muslim Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri territorial rights for the whole Northern Nigeria.
He emphasized that the only group of Nigerians who has been subjected to a different understanding, interpretation and application of colonial ethnography and geography are the peoples of Middle Belt .
“Even in their own ancestral lands, the Christian – Muslim minorities in the Middle Belt are at best, second class citizens”, he laments.
Dr. Pogu also believes that imposition of the will of the powerful or the majority would only inflame crises and conflicts adding that the powerful can have their will or interests, enshrined in a contrived state policy or legislation, but doing so only deepens the seed of crises and conflicts.
He stated that the response of the North to rising agitation in the Middle Belt for independence from internal colonialism has been the incidence of genocide unleashed by Fulani militias euphemistically couched as herder/ farmer conflict by officialdom.
Dr Pogu said Fulani militias since at least 2014 have traversed from One Middle Belt community to another in Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Niger and Kogi States unleashing blood, tears and sorrow.
On the emergence of regional groupings such as Afenifere, Ohaneze, Arewa Consultative Forum, Middle Belt Forum and PANDEV, the MBF President said their formations were direct response to national question.
He stated that the promoters of “One North, One Destiny,” came up with ACF exhibiting ignorance of the existence of a Middle Belt Forum, the natural successor to United Middle Belt Congress, UMBC formed in the First Republic.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF with all intents and purpose, he said, exists to advance the interest of Fulani and Kanuri Sultanate for perpetual Northern overlords.
Meanwhile, a stakeholders conference has been scheduled for December 9- 11 by the MBF to ease out its stance over what Dr Pogu described as the “Arewa political establishment which he observed, has rather been quiet.
“”The silence, more than anything else, tells us that, that establishment is cooking up some brew.
“Nigeria will be walking into a trap if it thinks that the North does not have an agenda which is not sharing with anyone at the moment”.
He stated that stakeholders from all the fifteen Middle Belt States would examine all the options available to them and determine which of the options best serve their interest as a people.
“After taken position at the Akwanga conference, it will be the responsibility of all middle belters to toe the line that would be spelt out”.
The Forum President observed that it was their inability as a people to toe the line since 2015 that opened them up to the great insecurity that they have lived in since then.

Rev. Hayab to Elders: You’re Spiritual Leaders, Anchors Of Community

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18/11/2025

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The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern States, Rev. Joseph John Hayab has admonished Christian Elders to see themselves as the spiritual leaders and anchors of their community where faith, prayers and wise counsel would inspire others to remain steadfast.
He said in times of trouble, their example of trusting in God’s refuge and strength could uplift the entire community.

Rev. Hayab gave the advise in a keynote address under the theme ” God Is Our Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46: 1-3) delivered at this year’s annual National Prayer Congress of the Kogi East Christian Elders Forum held on Tuesday in Ankpa, Kogi State.
He encouraged the elders to lead with confidence pointing out that their strength is not in worldly possessions or personal might, but in the Lord who is omnipresence

Rev. Hayab reminded the elders that in moments of difficulties, it was natural for them to feel overwhelmed or insecure, yet the heavenly Father assured that He is their refuge, a safe sanctuary where they found protection, comfort and peace.

The CAN Chairman noted that community has encountered various hardships, be it economic struggles , health cases, social tensions or personal trials, adding that these situations might shake their conscience but won’t shake God’s unwavering presence. “He is very present in our trouble, ready to uphold us with His mighty hand.
“Let’s remember that faith in God’s power transforms our prospective. We are called to trust Him fully knowing that even if the earth trembles or the mountains are cast into the sea, God’s presence remain unshaken, providing stability and hope”, Hayab assured.
By running to God’s name, he emphasized, the righteous find safety and are lifted above the dangers they face just as people would be inside a strong tower.
Rev Hayab who emphasized on constant vigilance and protection in times of difficulties, reassures that God is a vigilant keeper who would not slumber nor sleep, quoting several chapters in the Bible including Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 15: 13, Hebrews 10 : 23 and Thessalonians 5 16-18.
He. emphasizes that help is found in God, not in human efforts or earthly things like mountains, reassuring that through Faith, payers and unity, they would overcome their challenges.

President Bio Tells UN To Act Against Hunger As A Weapon Of War

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Africaprimenews

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18/11/2025

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President Bio Addressing the UN Security Council

By Sunday Elijah,

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority has urged the international community to recognize food security as a key element of peace and security.

Speaking at a high-level UN Security Council debate on “Conflict-Related Food Insecurity,” President Bio warned that hunger is increasingly being used as a weapon of war. He stressed that deliberately starving civilians constitutes a war crime under international law.

The President highlighted conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Sahel, which continue to destroy food systems, livelihoods, and worsen humanitarian crises. He described starvation as a “slow, silent, corrosive” form of violence that fuels instability and renewed conflict.

President Bio outlined three main messages: starvation is not collateral damage but a crime; food insecurity drives conflict and must be addressed in peacebuilding; and sustainable peace requires investment in agriculture, markets, and human capital, especially for women and youth.

He presented Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Initiative as a national example. The programme focuses on production, resilience, markets and value chains, and human capital. It aims to boost productivity, reduce import dependence, and build climate-smart systems for stable livelihoods.

At the regional level, President Bio highlighted ECOWAS efforts to link food security with peacebuilding, early warning, and trade frameworks. He pointed to the expansion of the ECOWAS Food Security Reserve and the ECOWARN early warning system.

He called on the UN Security Council to take six concrete actions: protect food systems in conflict zones, institutionalize early-warning mechanisms, safeguard humanitarian access, hold perpetrators accountable for starvation crimes, link peacebuilding finance to agriculture, and empower women and youth in food value chains.

President Bio emphasized that Africa seeks partnership, not sympathy, highlighting the continent’s vast arable land and youth-driven innovation. He stressed that preventing future conflicts requires making food security central to peace and security policies.

He concluded with a call to action: “Ensure that no child is starved into submission, no harvest held hostage, and no community driven to violence by hunger,” urging nations to act in line with international law and moral responsibility.

Nigeria Customs Seizes Fuel, Pharmaceuticals, And Wildlife Along Oron-Calabar Waterways

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Africaprimenews

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18/11/2025

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By Bon Peters,

The Nigeria Customs Service, Eastern Marine Command, says it has seized fuel, pharmaceuticals, and endangered wildlife during intensified operations along the Oron and Calabar waterways.

Comptroller A.B. Jaja, who led an on-the-spot inspection on Thursday, emphasized that the Command remained fully alert against illegal trade and economic sabotage.

This was made known in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, on Monday.

According to the statement, at the Oron Outstation in Akwa Ibom State, Comptroller Jaja displayed recent seizures, including 3,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), assorted pharmaceuticals valued at N12,049,612 in duty, and two large sacks containing parts of endangered species, such as chimpanzee heads, parrots, and helmeted hornbills, in violation of CITES regulations. All items were secured in the government warehouse in Calabar.

Comptroller Jaja praised the vigilance of his officers and the intelligence support from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka, noting that such collaboration had strengthened enforcement. He warned maritime operators that anyone caught smuggling goods or trading in wildlife would face prosecution, and passengers transporting wildlife parts would also be treated as offenders under national and international law.

He highlighted that the fight against illegal wildlife trade was a coordinated effort involving Customs, environmental agencies, and security organizations, and commended Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing both global and local wildlife regulations.

“Nigeria stands tall in the fight against trade in endangered species, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he added.

On PMS smuggling, Comptroller Jaja, who described the act as economic sabotage, stressed that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

Seized pharmaceuticals, including expired and illegally imported items, were handed over to the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NAFDAC, John Naeche, in accordance with regulatory procedures. Mr. Naeche commended the Command for its efforts and said NAFDAC would notify Customs of the scheduled destruction of the items.

Earlier in the day, Comptroller Jaja met with maritime stakeholders in Oron, urging compliance with regulations and lawful trade. He later visited Calabar, where he inspected the Command’s jetty and discussed operational strategies with Comptroller C.G. Ogbonna of the Cross River/FTZA/Akwa Ibom Command.

Comptroller Jaja reaffirmed that the Eastern Marine Command was committed to ensuring Nigeria’s waterways were safe, free from illegal activities, and supportive of lawful trade.

Nigeria: Gunmen Abduct Kaduna Priest, Kill One, Dozens Missing

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Africaprimenews

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17/11/2025

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By Sunday Elijah

Armed bandits launched a brutal attack in Kaduna State early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, abducting Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, killing the brother of another priest, and kidnapping many more in a chilling escalation of violence targeting Christian communities.

The assailants stormed the residence of Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, Parish Priest of St. Stephen Parish in Kushe Gugdu, Kagarko Local Government Area, seizing him amidst gunfire and chaos.

In the same assault, the brother of Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero was killed, and scores of parishioners were abducted, according to an official statement from the Archdiocese of Kaduna.

Church authorities immediately called on all people of goodwill to join in prayer for the safety and swift release of the hostages and for the peaceful repose of the dead.

This latest act follows a harrowing trend: According to Vatican News, Nigeria has witnessed 145 priests kidnapped and 11 killed in the last decade, with Kaduna State emerging as the nation’s deadliest region for Catholic clergy.

Religious leaders and human rights organizations point to systematic, ongoing religious persecution—confirmed by the United States government’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

The Archdiocese of Kaduna—along with aid agencies—warns of an acute crisis driven by organized criminality, religious intolerance, and escalating violence, with churches burned and worshippers slaughtered in broad daylight.

As authorities scramble to address this mounting threat, Christian communities across the region are left in mourning, fear, and uncertainty, demanding security and justice in the face of relentless attacks.

NGO Condemns Alleged Assassination Attempt on Lt. Yerima, Demands Urgent Investigation

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News Editor

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17/11/2025

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A Non Governmental Organization, Beyond Barracks Project, has condemned in strong terms the alleged assassination attempt on Lieutenant Yerima, the young military officer who recently had an encounter with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mohammed Thompson, the organisation, which advocates for the welfare and protection of military families, described the reported attempt on the officer’s life as “a grave threat to Nigeria’s security and a direct affront to the nation’s sovereignty.”

The group said it received the report with deep concern and warned that any intimidation, violence, or targeted attack on serving military personnel whether politically motivated or otherwise could undermine the morale of troops and destabilise the country’s security architecture.

According to the statement, “No one is above the law, and those allegedly behind the act must desist immediately, as further attempts could provoke avoidable national unrest and weaken confidence in the Armed Forces.”

The Beyond Barracks Project called on relevant security agencies to launch a full, transparent, and swift investigation into the incident, insisting that anyone found culpable must be held accountable, irrespective of their social or political standing.

It added that the military community nationwide is watching with anxiety and urged authorities to act promptly to prevent the situation from escalating.

The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with Lt. Yerima and all military personnel who, it said, “risk their lives daily in service to the nation and deserve full protection and respect of their rights.”

Nigeria Out, DR Congo Advances to FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff

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Africaprimenews

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17/11/2025

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Dr congo players celebrate after defeating nigeria — Dr Congo players celebrate after defeating Nigeria 4 -3 in a tensed penalty shootout (photo credit: CAF)

By Sunday Elijah,

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday as DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in extra time, earning a spot in the inter‑confederation playoff in March 2026.

The match at Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium started in Nigeria’s favor when Frank Onyeka scored in the third minute. DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute, with Meschack Elia capitalizing on a midfield turnover to equalize.

Nigeria dominated possession for long periods, with Victor Osimhen and the wing players pressing high, but DR Congo’s defense, led by captain Chancel Mbemba, held firm. Neither team could score again during regulation or extra time.

The match was decided in a tense penalty shootout. DR Congo held their nerve, with Mbemba converting the decisive kick. After the win, Mbemba told CAF, “We stayed focused and believed until the last moment. This victory is for our people, and we are proud to take our place in the playoff.” He added, “Penalty shootouts are always about composure. We trusted ourselves and our preparation, and it paid off.”

The victory keeps DR Congo’s World Cup dream alive for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Nigeria, despite an early lead and periods of dominance, failed to convert chances and will miss back-to-back World Cups.

Nigeria had reached the final after a 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon, while DR Congo beat Cameroon in the semi-final with a late goal from Mbemba.

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