https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/33 2026-05-17T14:55:27Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1786 Challenges of Informal Sector in Post Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria Okungbowa, Osaretin G.; Mustapha, Rafiu A. The recent removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government has an adverse impact on the livelihoods of the informal sector in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, 80.4% of Nigerians are employed in the informal sector accounting for over 70% of the Nigerian economy. Thus, the removal of the fuel subsidy had worsened the socio-economic conditions of the informal sector workers who are yet to recover from the adverse impact of the recent coronavirus pandemic and the Naira Redesign Policy. Against this backdrop, the following recommendations have been suggested for the consideration of the National Assembly to address the problems: (i) The National Assembly may move a motion calling on the executive to expedite actions on the palliative measures, such as the proposed introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses, Loans to MSMEs, Students Loans and New National Minimum Wage. (ii) The National Assembly may invite officials of the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) for interactive session to determine the credibility of the National Social Register. (iii)The National Assembly may sponsor a bill for an Act to establish a scheme for the welfare of workers in informal sector that will guarantee their social welfare. 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1785 Nigeria as a Partner Country to BRICS: The Prospects, Challenges and Areas for Legislative Interventions Mustapha, Rafiu A. BRICS is a global political and economic bloc, formed to foster economic cooperation and growth among developing nations. In various respects, Nigeria is highly qualified to have been invited as an originating member rather than joining by accession or conferment. The formal acceptance of Nigeria as a Partner Country underscores its commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships aligned with its development objectives. In other words, BRICS is provides a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries. Beyond the inherent prospects of the BRICS partner membership for Nigeria, there may be potential challenges, as the bloc’s agenda is perceived as being at odds with the G7 and supportive of de dollarization of the global economy. While Nigeria could benefit from improved foreign trade relations, enhanced infrastructure development, and potential technology transfer, its current ties with Western nations could be strained if it does not navigate its BRICS role carefully. Additionally, the weak competitiveness of Nigeria’s domestic goods may hinder the trade benefits that could otherwise accrue. The brief shows the current trade relations between Nigeria and the BRICS nations, underscoring the degrees of the existing trade relations between Nigeria and each of the respective members of the bloc. The prospects and challenges of the bloc is highlighted as well in the brief, while the conclusion and recommendations were also presented. The brief recommends that the National Assembly (NASS), through the Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment, may pass a motion urging the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment to formulate actionable policies for establishing bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with BRICS member countries. This is to facilitate an increase in the volume of trade for Nigeria and other members of the bloc. Also, the brief recommends that the National Assembly may pass a motion to call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, through its committees on foreign affairs, to embark on advocacy to sensitise the stakeholders and the public on the potential benefits for Nigeria as a partner country to BRICS. In conclusion, Nigeria’s admission as a BRICS partner could mark a turning point in its foreign trade policy, particularly if the country effectively leverages the bloc to boost its export volume and achieve significant infrastructural development through the New Development Bank’s funding. 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1784 Aligning the Regulatory Framework for Assessing the Quality of Petroleum Products in Nigeria Omoju, Oluwasola The proliferation of substandard locally made and imported products is one of the contemporary challenges bedevilling the country. Specifically, low quality petroleum products have economic and non-economic (social, safety, health and environmental) costs. The SON Act allows the organisation to undertake investigation as necessary into the qualities of facilities, systems, services, materials and products, whether imported or domestically produced. This is perceived to include petroleum facilities, materials and products. The Petroleum Industry Act also allows the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to monitor and ensure compliance with the standards for the processing of petroleum products in Nigeria. To avoid regulatory conflicts and overlap, it is recommended that the SON Act is amended to note that the quality compliance of some products may be beyond the expertise of the SON and hence the need to collaborate with the regulators of the specific sectors. 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1777 Derivation-Based Model for VAT Distribution: Issues for Legislative Consideration Omoju, Oluwasola The current administration has made efforts to improve the tax system to enhance the efficiency of tax collection and bolster economic competitiveness. In this context, it has presented four executive Bills to the National Assembly. However, one of the key provisions of the bills, a derivation-based VAT distribution model, has sparked controversy due to its perceived disproportionate effects on some states. While a derivation-based model could promote healthy competitiveness among states, several factors need to be carefully considered to ensure fair application and implementation. Challenges arise in assigning and sharing VAT from imports, VAT on international services and VAT for services rendered nationwide, all of which make it difficult to remit VAT directly to specific states. Challenges arise in assigning and sharing VAT from imports, VAT on international services, and VAT for services rendered nationwide, all of which make it difficult to remit VAT directly to specific states. Additionally, there is a need to address the allocation of VAT collected by corporations that provide services nationwide but remit VAT in the states where their headquarters are located. Further consideration should be given to states that produce VAT-exempted goods, such as agricultural products, to ensure equity in the distribution of VAT revenues. As it reviews the proposed tax bills, the National Assembly may take these issues into account. Engaging with the executive branch could also provide clarification on the remittance of VAT from imports, international services, and companies whose goods and services are widely consumed across the country. 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z