By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has expressed worry that many international shipping lines have refused to comply with the tax obligations imposed on them since December 17, 2021.

They have, therefore, been compelled to do the needful or face stiff sanctions as prescribed by the law.

In a public notice released Monday, the apex revenue-generatiing agency warned international shipping lines, barge operators, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) operators concerned and directed them to undertake immediate regularization of their tax status with the tax body latest by December 31, 2023, or face sanctions.

As stated in a document signed by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Muhammad Nami, “This notice is published further to the FIRS circular no: 2021/14 dated 3rd June 2021 on the taxation of International shipping and air lines and public notice of 17th December, 2021 on the tax compliance of international shipping lines.

“The circular provides the basis for the taxation of International shipping lines in Nigeria and the public notice requested all International shipping lines to reqularise their tax affairs with the FIRS within three months of that publication.

“The FIRS have however observed that many International shipping lines have not complied with the tax obligation imposed by extant tax laws.

“Consequently, the FIRS hereby request all International shipping companies operating in Nigerian territorial waters in whatever capacity (Containerised, bulk cargo, fishing trawlers, crude oil or natural gas lifting vessels, dredgers, survey, FPSO’s etc) to immediately regularise their tax positions.

“All affected International shipping lines must conclude the regularisation of their outstanding tax returns at the Non-Resident Persons Tax Office (17B, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos) not later than 31st, December, 2023.

The FIRS boss stated that the agency is collaborating with relevant government regulatory and security agencies in the maritime sector to commence enforcement action on all defaulting shipping companies after the expiration of tbe grace period of 31st December, 2023.”

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

As the Healthcare Awareness Reach of Clifford Kidney Foundation International, a life-oriented organisation, takes place in Badagry, Lagos, September 24, 2023,
the organization has appealed for aid from partners and sponsors from the private and public sectors to help save lives of people battling with kidney challenges.

Promoters of awareness campaign say that presently, the Foundation’s capacity to deliver has become overstretched as it is difficult to cater for the needs of the ever-increasing number of patients.

Clifford Kidney Foundation has been in the business of paying for hospital bills and other needs of victims of kidney disease since 2019.

Citing the nature of some of the cases, Prophet Clifford Umeh, Executive Director/Founder of the Badagry-based Organisation, referred to the case of a young boy of 12 years with kidney issue.

“An injection written for him to buy is N70,000 per dose and he requires multiple doses to save his life.
The family does not have anything. The doctor called to say that the boy’s tummy is getting bigger and the family must buy the medicine as soon as possible if the boy must survive.

“When they came to my office, I saw it was a case my pocket could not carry alone and that is why we are seeking for support to save lives. There are several cases like that.

“We are soliciting support because we need to join hands together to save our brothers and sisters that have organ problems”, he appealed.

On the September outreach, Prophet Umeh, who is also the General Overseer, Divine Helper Deliverance Ministry, Okoafo, Badagry, said the reason is to create awareness and enlighten the local community about certain hazards they may not be aware of as regards their kidney and general wellbeing.

“We have done this in many places and we feel that as a community-based organisation located within the Badagry region, we are desirous to have this campaign to give the community the opportunity to take advantage of what we know and what we think they need to know about their healthcare.

He said the Foundation is grounded in the healthcare business, having conceived it years back even before it came to limelight.

“We feel that there is a lot we can give to the public on what they do not know, or what they should know about their healthcare and kidney health.

On the September date, he stated, there will be health talk/lecture conducted by health experts in addition to free medical screening.

“There is going to be an investiture ceremony. We will also recognize and appreciate personalities whose interests key into our mission and vision. They will be given award on that day.

“We want the public to know these individuals who have made so much impact within their community in particular and Nigeria in general”, Prophet Umeh said.

Clifford Foundation was conceived in 2014 when the Executive Director, Prophet Clifford Umeh, did what was unthinkable in this part of the world by freely donating one of his kidneys to someone that he never knew. It was at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The donation was without any pecuniary attachment but based on humanitarian consideration to one Mr Azubuike Uchendu who was down with kidney disease.

The foundation came onboard officially in 2019.

Clifford Kidney Foundation International is a non-governmental organisation with interest on healthcare, human development and special focus on treatment of kidney disease patients and advocacy.