IBAN warns against double taxation

Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has warned National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on the 2.5 per cent levy gross at source, Digital Switch Over (DSO), and amendment of the gross to net, among other issues.

This is contained in a statement issued by the newly elected Chairman of IBAN, Dr Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan. According to him, the decision was agreed at the just concluded IBAN Emergency Extra-Ordinary General Meeting and contained in its communiqué.

Ramalan said: “Regarding the issue of the DSO take off and the controversial 2.5 per cent levy at source being demanded by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from broadcasters, IBAN resolved that the DG of NBC and the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, should be approached for an urgent meeting to resolve the DSO issue with set-top manufacturers and IBAN’s members request for waiver and the urgent need to review the NBC code by all stakeholders to amend the ‘Gross to Net’ of incomes and other issues of disagreements.

“The meeting also agreed that the DG NBC be informed of the intricacies of his recent actions in view of the economic situations in the country as a result of government policies after which IBAN will approach the law courts challenging the action, which is seen as double taxation and legality of the NBC Code, which is in conflict with the Nigerian Constitution.”

Elected by consensus as executive council members of IBAN at the emergency meeting with Ramalan as Chairman, are: Vice Chairman, Tony Dara; General Secretary, Charles Maraizu Daniels; Treasurer, Kadaria Ahmed; and Publicity Secretary, Greg Odutayo.

Others are Legal Adviser, Habib Fasinro; Welfare/Logistics, Fidelis Duker; Chairman, South-South Zone, Chinyere Igwe; Auditor, Azubuike Oshimili; Chairman, South-East Zone, Christabel Cosmos; North Central Zone, Alhaji Shittu; and South-West Zone, Deji.

Also elected via consensus as Board of Trustees (BoT) members are Chairman, John Momoh; Osa Sonny Adun, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., Ben Bruce, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Mr Tony Dara, Toun Okenwale, Tatiana Mousali and Olalemi of TVC. Some members were also appointed into the committee for the forthcoming first Broadcasters Conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM), with Greg Odutayo as chairman.