Business
Group Lauds LIRS On Whistle-Blower Initiative
Vanguard for Transparency and Accountability, has described the recently launched Whistle-Blower Initiative of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, as an exemplary boost to the anti-corruption crusade

A civil society organisation, Vanguard for Transparency and Accountability, has described the recently launched Whistle-Blower Initiative of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), as an exemplary boost to the anti-corruption crusade.
The President of the anti-corruption crusade group, Paulycap Nnabuogor, said the initiative which subjects the operations of LIRS to public scrutiny, will promote openness, accountability and ultimately enhance citizens’ participation in governance, boosting their trust in the activities of a sensitive agency of government.
Nnabuogor said the anti-corruption group is convinced that the initiative is targeted at strengthening and re-invigorating frontiers in the fight against fraud and corruption and puts both the management and the staff of the agency on their toes to deliver their statutory roles in compliance with the global best practices.
He said, “We are not particularly surprised that the Lagos State government chose the LIRS as a pilot scheme for its Speak Up programme because of the reforms the Subair-led management of the revenue agency had carried out internally to boost its operations and enhance the capacity of its workforce. Undoubtedly, this initiative shows that the activities of civil society organisations like ours are beginning to bear fruit and Nigeria is the ultimate winner.
“Before the birth of the Whistle-Blower Initiative, we were aware of the efforts of the LIRS management to promote accountability within the system and the importance Subair particularly attached to the welfare of his staff. Our findings show that the LIRS maintained the payment of performance allowances to the staff, and doesn’t joke with the prompt release of other pay including wardrobe allowances, particularly to the staff at both the legal and relationships units all geared towards enhancement of performance.
“More so, we found out that the decision to introduce a computer-based test for promotion, which is handled by independent assessors, has encouraged high-fliers within the system to grow rapidly and underlined why the agency has maintained its status as the best-performing tax collecting board in the country. Subair’s Award of Recognition by the Joint Tax Board of Nigeria is a testimony of his achievements as the agency has always met its revenue target even during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Subair restated the commitment of the LIRS management to the welfare of its staff, strengthened by the belief that a motivated workforce will lead to greater productivity.
He said.” We take our workforce’s welfare and career development as a key metric in our journey to consistently deliver our statutory role as a revenue agency. In 2019, we approved a 70% salary increase for staff from Assistant Revenue Manager and below, and a 50% increase for Revenue Manager and above. This is the most significant salary review in the Agency to date. A total of 3,608 members of staff were promoted between 2017 to 2021 and all our staff do not pay for standard medical services.
“We also ensure that performance bonuses are paid to all staff, based on clearly defined and documented processes while Union dues are remitted timely and correctly with all other statutory deductions such as pensions.”
He added that the consequential adjustment of salaries has been agreed upon in principle and payment modalities are currently being worked out by management, stressing that all are geared toward ensuring that the agency serves the people of Lagos State effectively.
Business
LAFARGE AFRICA ACHIEVES RECORD SALES OF 697BN; OPERATING PROFIT At 192bN, UP BY 89%; PAT UP BY 96% TO CLOSE AT 100BN

( Net Sales: FY 2024 up 72% YoY benefiting from improved volume; Q4 2024 up 86% vs PY
( Operating Profit: FY 2024 up 89% YoY; Q4 2024 up 103% vs PY
( Operating Margin: FY 2024 28%, up from 25% PY; Q4 2024 31%, up from 28% PY
( Profit After Tax: FY 2024 up 96% YoY, driven by Topline growth; Q4 2024 up 263% vs PY
( Continued focus on Increased product range, Sustainability and Health & Safety
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturers of a range of cement brands has released its audited financial statement, recording a revenue of N696.76Billion for the 2024 financial year. The growth in revenue represents an increase of 72% from N405.50 billion that was recorded in the corresponding period in 2023. A breakdown analysis of the audited result also revealed that operating profit for the company in the financial year ended 2024 grew from N102.02billion in the corresponding period in 2023 to N193.01billion, representing an 89% significant rise.
According to the result released by NGX, the earning per share for the company for the 2024 financial year rose by 96%, moving from 3.17 to 6.22. A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi noted that despite inflationary pressure on purchasing power which has affected the business, the Nigerian Infrastructure and construction sector has witnessed tremendous growth.
Alade-Akinyemi described the company’s outstanding financial performance as a testament to its strong market positioning, strategic initiatives drive on Volume growth, decarbonizing its environment though emission reduction and converting waste into energy.
We also leveraged on innovation and operational efficiency to deliver strong products and solutions into the building market, drive cost improvement, creating a great environment for our people to thrive and delivering value to our stakeholders.
He explained that despite a challenging business environment, the company remained resilient,
leveraging innovation and green growth in line with its sustainability ambitions, while also delivering value to its stakeholders.
”Lafarge Africa Plc remains committed to strengthening its leadership position in offering environmental friendly building solutions, while driving long-term profitability,” he said.
“We maintain our positive outlook for 2025, with market recovery expected to continue at similar growth with 2024. We will continue to maximize volume opportunities across our markets and actively manage our costs. We remain committed to our sustainability ambitions and strategy of ‘Accelerating Green Growth’ through innovative building solutions and delivery of stakeholder value,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to its esteemed customers, employees and all other stakeholders for their commitment, despite the macroeconomic headwinds being experienced in the industry.
-END-
About Lafarge Africa Plc
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Sub-Saharan Africa building solutions company is a member of Holcim Limited, a world leader in building solutions accelerating our world’s green transformation. Listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group, Lafarge Africa is actively participating in the urbanization and economic growth of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.
Lafarge Africa has the widest footprint in Nigeria with cement operations in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North East (Ashaka, in Gombe State), South East (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State) with Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Lafarge Africa has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5Mtpa.
Lafarge Africa leverages on its innovative expertise to provide value-added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry in Nigeria. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com.ng
About Holcim
Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Our 63,448 employees are driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet across our regions to improve living standards for all. We partner with our customers to offer the broadest range of advanced solutions, from sustainable building materials ECOPact and ECOPlanet, to our circular technology ECOCycle®, all the way to Elevate’s advanced roofing and insulation systems.
Business
Maintain status quo on subscription prices – FCCPC tells MultiChoice

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, on Thursday directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
It should be recalled that the Pay-TV operator had announced a 21 per cent increase in subscription fees for its DStv and GOtv packages, effective from 1st March 2025.
However, on Tuesday, FCCPC vowed to investigate the price hike, summoning the company’s leadership to explain the circumstances behind the proposed increase.
MultiChoice Nigeria subsequently requested an extension of the date for its appearance before the commission.
In response, FCCPC, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said that while the request had been granted, “the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on 6th March 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.”
“Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of 27th February 2025, pending the Commission’s review and final determination on the matter.
“Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period,” the statement added.
Business
Dangote slashes petrol price to N860 per litre in Lagos

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a drop in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), often known as petrol, by N65.00, from N890 to N825 per litre, effective February 27th, 2025.
Under the new system, purchasers in Lagos will pay N860 per liter at MRS stations.
The price adjustment, according to Dangote was designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
This marks the second price reduction of PMS in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60.00 earlier in the month.
Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.
With the latest reduction, the management of the refinery said Nigerians will be able to purchase the Dangote petrol at the following prices in all our partners’ retail outlets.
“For MRS Holdings stations, it will sell for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East respectively.”
“The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East.”
The company assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand, as well as a surplus for export to enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
It called on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.
-
News1 week ago
Senator Natasha: Don’t be in position men will talk to you anyhow – Tinubu’s wife tells women
-
News7 days ago
BREAKING: Doyin Okupe is dead
-
News1 week ago
Why I lied at Ebuka Obi’s church – Woman speaks after fake N500m mansion testimony
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Why I can’t forgive nurse who injected my husband – Mohbad’s wife
-
Politics1 week ago
Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel in EFCC custody for alleged N700bn fraud
-
News22 hours ago
Lagos HoA Crisis: Let Obasa Stay, Tinubu Tells Lawmakers
-
Education1 week ago
Kano Govt. insists schools remain closed till April 6
-
Sports1 week ago
Ratcliffe invited me to his house – Mourinho on relationship with Man Utd owner, Amorim