By Fidelia Okafor

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has examined the ongoing reforms at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and commended the agency for what it described as significant progress in its core duties.

A Senior Economist at the Fiscal Affairs Department of the global body, Paulo Paz, gave the commendation on Wednesday at the opening of IMF-supported Headquarters Mission at the Revenue House in Abuja.

Paz said the IMF recognized the “good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens,” under its chairman, Zacch Adedeji, adding that the Bretton institution would continue to support the agency in delivering effective tax administration for the growth and development of the country.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said the mission of the IMF team to Nigeria was to explore areas the organisation could further support the agency in addressing the challenges that might arise, particularly with the recently signed tax laws.

According to him, the new tax laws will bring new impact to Nigeria.

“And we want to know how we can best support you with this new challenge. Our take on the four tax laws is first a recognition of the very good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens.

“You have at the same time the recognition and new responsibilities with these very powerful laws which will increase the relevance of the tax administration in Nigeria.

“I want to express our honour of being here and being a partner of FIRS. Thank you for your trust in our advice. We congratulate you for the good results so far. There is more to come, and we are here to help,” he said.

Adedeji, while welcoming the visitors, applauded IMF for journeying with the tax body, saying that the relationship would continue when the agency transits to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next year.

Adedeji, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, specifically lauded IMF collaboration with FIRS in portfolio management and compliance programme.

“IMF has gone on this journey with us, and I think we are in a good place to continue the journey together. We are working together either in digital transformation, VAT automation, looking at even the compliance programme and ability to automate some of those things.

“I am interested in corporate plan and the nexus of data portfolio management so that we have our strategy being dissolved into those manageable tasks. It’s very important that those things are well

In her own remark, Mrs. Bolaji Akintola, coordinating director, Corporate Services Group, explained that the IMF has been a critical stakeholder in FIRS’ journey towards tax system reforms targeted at improving domestic revenue mobilisation.

She said FIRS, with the support of the IMF, conducted two systemic evaluation exercises using the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) between 2018 and 2023.

“Each of these exercises was followed by a post-TADAT mission where a reform roadmap was developed to address the systemic weaknesses that were uncovered by the assessment.

“The fact that the results of the 2023 TADAT showed significant improvement on those of 2018 is indicative of the commitment of the Service towards institutional excellence.

“Let me assure you that if another TADAT is conducted today, the result will be better than that of 2023 because a good number of the weak indicators from the 2023 Performance Assessment Report have been addressed and some have been codified in the four tax reform laws recently signed by President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

LarryBravo Nwaiwu

Globally renowned author and public speaker, Chimamanda Adichie, has commended the positive developments in Enugu under the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, saying the state’s dark times were over.

She spoke during a courtesy call to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on the sidelines of the Things Fall Apart Festival 2025, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, at the weekend.

“Arriving in Enugu, there is a feeling of calm and very welcoming. This is the city that I have always loved. I think, in the past, it had some dark times. It seems to me that the light is back,” she said.

The literary icon also told Government House correspondents that she left the meeting with Mbah feeling very inspired by his long-term vision, people-oriented policies and programmes, and the impressive representation of women in his government.

“I have left this meeting feeling very inspired. Surprisingly inspired because I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I have to say that I am so inspired. I am filled with a lot of admiration for the governor’s vision; for his ability to think long term, which is something that I think we need more of in this country. And also for what seems to me very humane point and a kind of outlook that I think is borne from the desire to do well.

“By doing well, I mean to do things that touch the lives of the ordinary people in Enugu State. That’s for me very inspiring. It’s also inspiring to hear and see that the women are very well represented in his cabinet,” she stated.

She hailed the ongoing construction of Smart Green Schools in each of the 260 political wards in Enugu and the allocation of well over 33 per cent in the state’s 2024 and 2025 annual budgets to education.

“I have always felt very strongly that education has to be at the centre of any kind of forward-looking vision for any state in Nigeria. I was very impressed to hear about the Smart Green Schools. Of course, to value something, you have to invest in it. So, that the governor of Enugu State is investing bigger potion of the budget, more than UNESCO recommends, I think is something very powerful.

“So, the idea of trying to reach children in rural areas, who might not have the opportunity to get really very good elementary education, is again, a very inspiring example of the ability to think long-term about the problem that we have. I think it is a shining example of the way forward,” Adichie concluded.

Meanwhile, receiving the multiple awards winning author, who also gifted him an autographed copy of her latest work, “Dream Count,” Governor Mbah described her as a literary giant, inspiration to the younger generation, and an ambassador of Igbo and African cultures.

“Chimamanda is a proud ambassador of Igbo culture, who continues to elevate African narratives on the global stage,” he stated.

He said his government was investing heavily in education to be able to produce many more of her type and others, who would paint Enugu State, Nigeria, and Africa in glowing colours in various fields of human endeavors across the world.

 By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

As part of efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure inclusive participation in the November 8, 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State and future elections in Nigeria, the Anambra State Government is urging all eligible citizens to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a press release by Law Mefor, PhD,

Commissioner for Information,

Anambra State stated that the CVR exercise, commenced on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and will end on July 17, 2025, provides an opportunity for eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He noted that this is particularly important for:

– Young people who have recently turned 18 years old and are now eligible to vote

– Citizens who have relocated to Anambra State from other parts of the country and wish to transfer their voting rights

– Individuals who have lost or defaced their voter cards and need to replace them

He further stated that government encourages everyone who falls within these categories to visit their nearest registration center and complete the registration process. This is a crucial step in ensuring that our democracy remains vibrant and representative of the will of the people.

For further information, please visit the INEC website

Amaka Obiefuna

 UpSkill Universe today announced the launch of the Skills for Business programme, a new initiative to help 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa build critical digital and business skills for economic and business growth. Delivered in collaboration with Google, HP Inc and UpSkill Universe, the programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, in addition to having access to a range of courses on the HP LIFE platform.

UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage programme delivery and partner engagement. “Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change within their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. “We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI,  and rapidly changing customer behaviour. Through collaboration with HP Inc.  and Google, we see an immense opportunity to empower businesses with the practical tips, tools, and technology – including AI – they need to grow, scale, and succeed.”

Building on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, this new initiative will focus on action-oriented learning. Participants will gain hands-on skills through modules such as Unlock growth with practical skills in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce, which are designed to help SMEs boost their productivity, attract more customers, and grow their businesses online, complemented by access to HP LIFE  – the HP Foundation’s free global online business skills training program.

The programme is also committed to inclusivity, with a goal of at least 50% participation from women-owned businesses.

“The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online,” shared one SME from Lagos. “These skills make a real difference for us.”

Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, accounting for nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Yet despite their significance, many still face barriers to accessing the digital skills and tools needed to compete and grow in a changing marketplace. The Skills for Business programme aims to bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with practical, locally relevant training that meets the real-world demands of today’s market.

Google’s involvement brings additional expertise in digital growth and strategy for small businesses.

“Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. It’s more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow, especially as digital technologies transform business operations,” said Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing. “We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that enable entrepreneurs to translate their ambitions into lasting positive impact for their communities and economies.”

At the heart of the initiative is HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills training program, which is available in eight languages online, via mobile app, and offline. Small business owners and their employees will gain access to more than 30 practical training modules covering topics such as boosting productivity with AI, digital marketing essentials, and starting an e-commerce journey. This will be delivered alongside expert-led virtual workshops by Google and UpSkill Universe to ensure that SMEs can build the capabilities needed to grow their customer base, strengthen operations, and drive long-term success.

“When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation. “Since 2021, HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 by providing access to technology and digital skills content that enhances skills and economic opportunity. We are very proud to support this deeply impactful program, which will provide the support SMEs need to grow, scale, and succeed.

The Skills for Business programme aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, demonstrating the powerful role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and economic development.