Until recently, Nigeria’s agriculture was neglected in favour of the oil sector.
However, falling oil prices, as well as the problems in the Niger Delta, has made the federal government to turn to agriculture as a new growth area.
The sector grew by an estimated 7.7% in 2007, compared to growth of 7.4% in 2006, and is expected to continue increasing.
Agriculture is dominated by traditional smallholders growing crops such as maize, palm oil, yams, cassava, rubber, ...cotton, soya bean and cashew nuts, tobacco, groundnuts and cocoa beans. Commercial farming is small and limited.
The federal government, faced with rising food prices and the large amounts of foreign exchange leaving the country to pay for imported food, has introduced several initiatives meant to revive and exploit the potential of agriculture. These include financial incentives (for companies processing food), subsidies (for farming equipment and fertiliser), and research initiatives into improved crop utilisation.
Inadequate processing capacity is one of the key structural deficiencies in the agricultural economy. Investment in this sub-sector consequently attracts pioneer status: tax holidays, tariff concessions, financing and export support. The country's agricultural products fall into two main groups: food crops produced for home consumption and exports.
If you are interested, please contact us for further discussions.
#Tentmakers
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Aquaculture & Mariculture
Given its cheaper price, fish has become an integral part of Nigerians' diet and remains the main product consumed in terms of animal protein.
Nigeria has become a major destination for imported seafood with total market demand growing to more than one million tonnes per annum. The domestic catch caters for more than half of the total fish demand. Lake Chad and the southern coastal waters are the main sources of fish, but large quantities are caught every year in pools in seasonal rivers of the northern states.
Fish farming is on the rise in country and tilapia and catfish are the major species farmed by local fish farmers.
Opportunities for investment exist in the various sub-sectors, especially in the areas of storage, processing and preservation of the captured fish and fish seed multiplication for aquaculture.
If you are interested, please contact us for further discussions.
Nigeria has become a major destination for imported seafood with total market demand growing to more than one million tonnes per annum. The domestic catch caters for more than half of the total fish demand. Lake Chad and the southern coastal waters are the main sources of fish, but large quantities are caught every year in pools in seasonal rivers of the northern states.
Fish farming is on the rise in country and tilapia and catfish are the major species farmed by local fish farmers.
Opportunities for investment exist in the various sub-sectors, especially in the areas of storage, processing and preservation of the captured fish and fish seed multiplication for aquaculture.
If you are interested, please contact us for further discussions.
Monday, May 19, 2014
BENTONITE
Investigations by the Nigerian Mining Corporation established the existence of bentonitic clay reserves of over 700 million tonnes in the country with the largest single deposit in Edo state.
Uses of Bentonite
- Used in Drilling Mud...
- Used as a foundry-sand bond in iron and steel foundries
- Used in decolorizing various mineral, vegetable and animal oils
- Used in clarifying wines, ciders, vinegar and others
- Can be used to adsorb oils and grease
- Can be used to line the base of landfills
Uses of Bentonite
- Used in Drilling Mud...
- Used as a foundry-sand bond in iron and steel foundries
- Used in decolorizing various mineral, vegetable and animal oils
- Used in clarifying wines, ciders, vinegar and others
- Can be used to adsorb oils and grease
- Can be used to line the base of landfills
TAXES AND LEVIES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Taxes in Nigeria are levied along the three tiers of government i.e. the Federal Government, the State Governments and the Local Governments.
Tax is usually calculated within a tax year and Tax Clearance Certificates issued after payment.
1. TAXES PAYABLE
The Federal Government is responsible for the collection of companies income tax; petroleum profits tax; withholding tax on companies; withholding tax on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja; withholding tax on non-resident individuals; value added tax; education tax; capital gains tax on residents of the FCT; capital gains tax on corporate bodies and non- resident individuals; stamp duties on corporate bodies and residents of the FCT and personal income tax in respect of certain government officials.
The State Governments are responsible for the collection of personal income tax (Pay-as-You-Earn) for individuals resident in their various states; withholding tax for individuals; capital gains tax for individuals; stamp duties on certain instruments; business premises registration fee; development levy etc.
Local Governments are responsible for other miscellaneous taxes such as tenement rates, shops and kiosks rates etc.
A summary of some of the above-stated taxes is as follows:
- COMPANY INCOME TAX: All companies in Nigeria are required to pay income tax on all profits accruing in, derived from, brought into or received in Nigeria at a rate of 30%. All companies incorporated in Nigeria are liable to pay tax on their profits.
- EDUCATION TAX: This is charged on the profit of every company incorporated in Nigeria at the rate of 2%. It is assessed by and payable to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
- STAMP DUTY: Stamp duty is charged on written agreements and other relevant documents to which a company is party. This tax is in two forms. The tax may be fixed or based on the value of the transaction.
- VALUE ADDED TAX: Value added tax is charged and payable on the supply of all taxable goods and services. It is chargeable at a flat rate of 5%.
- WITHHOLDING TAX: Where payment is due to a company in respect of goods or services it has provided, or payment is due to it in respect of dividend, loan interest, rent or royalty, the person making the payment is required by law to deduct a percentage of the payment as withholding tax and remit same to the relevant tax authority. It is payable at a rate between 5% and 10%.
- PAY AS YOU EARN (PAYE): For the payment of personal income tax, all employers are required to deduct from the employees’ emoluments, personal income tax payable by the employees. The deduction made is then remitted to the relevant tax authority. The tax is payable at a rate between 5% and 25%.
- CAPITAL GAINS TAX: This tax is payable on gains accruing from the disposal of assets. It is paid at the rate of 10%.
- CUSTOMS DUTIES AND TAX: This tax is charged on goods imported into the country. The rates are as shown in the Customs Duty Rate of the year or years in which the goods concerned are imported into Nigeria. The rates are amended from time to time.
- PETROLEUM PROFITS TAX: Companies engaged in petroleum operations are subject to the payment of petroleum profits tax at the rate of 85% of their taxable income
Tax registration is required with the relevant government authorities for payment of taxes.
MULTI-LEVEL TAXES
There is often a problem of multiple taxes for businesses, at the federal, state and local government levels. Investors are therefore advised to engage the services of professional tax advisors in dealing with this problem.
Tax is usually calculated within a tax year and Tax Clearance Certificates issued after payment.
1. TAXES PAYABLE
The Federal Government is responsible for the collection of companies income tax; petroleum profits tax; withholding tax on companies; withholding tax on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja; withholding tax on non-resident individuals; value added tax; education tax; capital gains tax on residents of the FCT; capital gains tax on corporate bodies and non- resident individuals; stamp duties on corporate bodies and residents of the FCT and personal income tax in respect of certain government officials.
The State Governments are responsible for the collection of personal income tax (Pay-as-You-Earn) for individuals resident in their various states; withholding tax for individuals; capital gains tax for individuals; stamp duties on certain instruments; business premises registration fee; development levy etc.
Local Governments are responsible for other miscellaneous taxes such as tenement rates, shops and kiosks rates etc.
A summary of some of the above-stated taxes is as follows:
- COMPANY INCOME TAX: All companies in Nigeria are required to pay income tax on all profits accruing in, derived from, brought into or received in Nigeria at a rate of 30%. All companies incorporated in Nigeria are liable to pay tax on their profits.
- EDUCATION TAX: This is charged on the profit of every company incorporated in Nigeria at the rate of 2%. It is assessed by and payable to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
- STAMP DUTY: Stamp duty is charged on written agreements and other relevant documents to which a company is party. This tax is in two forms. The tax may be fixed or based on the value of the transaction.
- VALUE ADDED TAX: Value added tax is charged and payable on the supply of all taxable goods and services. It is chargeable at a flat rate of 5%.
- WITHHOLDING TAX: Where payment is due to a company in respect of goods or services it has provided, or payment is due to it in respect of dividend, loan interest, rent or royalty, the person making the payment is required by law to deduct a percentage of the payment as withholding tax and remit same to the relevant tax authority. It is payable at a rate between 5% and 10%.
- PAY AS YOU EARN (PAYE): For the payment of personal income tax, all employers are required to deduct from the employees’ emoluments, personal income tax payable by the employees. The deduction made is then remitted to the relevant tax authority. The tax is payable at a rate between 5% and 25%.
- CAPITAL GAINS TAX: This tax is payable on gains accruing from the disposal of assets. It is paid at the rate of 10%.
- CUSTOMS DUTIES AND TAX: This tax is charged on goods imported into the country. The rates are as shown in the Customs Duty Rate of the year or years in which the goods concerned are imported into Nigeria. The rates are amended from time to time.
- PETROLEUM PROFITS TAX: Companies engaged in petroleum operations are subject to the payment of petroleum profits tax at the rate of 85% of their taxable income
Tax registration is required with the relevant government authorities for payment of taxes.
MULTI-LEVEL TAXES
There is often a problem of multiple taxes for businesses, at the federal, state and local government levels. Investors are therefore advised to engage the services of professional tax advisors in dealing with this problem.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
NETWORKING
"Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour." (Proverbs 19:4).
Many people read this and conclude that what it means is that when one has money, many people flock around them whereas no one wants to associate with a poor man.
That may be true but there is more in that scripture. There is a principle of wealth in that scripture - NETWORKING! The one that will be wealthy learns how to 'make many friends'.
Wealth is in people!
The more effective you are in relating with people and expanding your network, the more successful you will be.
Let God lead and guide you in improving existing relationships and expanding your network.
Have a blessed week ahead.
Many people read this and conclude that what it means is that when one has money, many people flock around them whereas no one wants to associate with a poor man.
That may be true but there is more in that scripture. There is a principle of wealth in that scripture - NETWORKING! The one that will be wealthy learns how to 'make many friends'.
Wealth is in people!
The more effective you are in relating with people and expanding your network, the more successful you will be.
Let God lead and guide you in improving existing relationships and expanding your network.
Have a blessed week ahead.
Friday, May 16, 2014
BAUXITE
Bauxite, which is processed to yield alumina, is abundant in commercially exploitable reserves in Nigeria (Delta, Benue, Enugu and Ekiti states).
Uses of Bauxite
Bauxite is aluminium-rich ore that is used for aluminium production (the metallurgical bauxites) and for production of refractory materials, chemicals or cements (the non-metallurgical bauxites).
Investment opportunities
Before suspending production in 1999, ALSCON was producing over 4,000 metric tons of aluminium ingots per day.
The Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) at the time imported all its bauxite input. Nigeria’s total aluminium consumption is estimated at over 35,000 tonnes per year, all of which is being imported.
If you are interested in Bauxite exploration and processing, please contact us for further discussions.
Uses of Bauxite
Bauxite is aluminium-rich ore that is used for aluminium production (the metallurgical bauxites) and for production of refractory materials, chemicals or cements (the non-metallurgical bauxites).
Investment opportunities
Before suspending production in 1999, ALSCON was producing over 4,000 metric tons of aluminium ingots per day.
The Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) at the time imported all its bauxite input. Nigeria’s total aluminium consumption is estimated at over 35,000 tonnes per year, all of which is being imported.
If you are interested in Bauxite exploration and processing, please contact us for further discussions.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
FORMS OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION
The following vehicles of investment may be considered for establishing a business enterprise in Nigeria.
i.SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP: This form of enterprise is for use by an individual doing business on his own account. Its statutory requirement is the registration of a business name. (Ref 1)
ii.PARTNERSHIPS: This form of enterprise is usually established between joint owners of a business who are personally liable for the obligations and debts of t...he firm. A partnership may be ordinary or limited. (Ref 1)
iii.INCORPORATED COMPANIES: An incorporated company may be incorporated with unlimited liability, limited by shares or limited by guarantee. By the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) (Ref 2), foreign companies intending to do business in Nigeria must be incorporated as a local entity in Nigeria. (Ref 3)
Accordingly, it is usual for foreigners intending to do business in Nigeria to incorporate limited liability companies in Nigeria. This type of company limits the liability of its members to the amounts
which is unpaid on the respective shares held by them. The advantages of registering a limited liability company include the limitation of the personal liability of its owners, perpetual succession of the company, the possibility of a 100% foreign ownership and the restriction on the transfer of shares. (Ref 1)
To register a limited liability company, a minimum share capital of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) would be required by a foreign investor. Personal details of the investors would be required and various statutory fees payable. Registration is to be done at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and may be done by a legal practitioner on behalf of the investor. A certificate of incorporation is issued by the CAC upon completion of the incorporation process. Also, companies are expected to comply with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) (Ref 2) after incorporation. Such provisions include statutory meetings to be held by the company, filing of annual returns and board resolutions and the keeping of statutory books and accounts.
As part of its development efforts, the Corporate Affairs Commission now offers a 24 hours registration service which is known as “special registration” for the registration of companies. (Ref 4) With the payment of a higher fee, investors can register a Nigerian company within 24 hours as opposed to the regular registration which takes an average of 5 days.
i.SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP: This form of enterprise is for use by an individual doing business on his own account. Its statutory requirement is the registration of a business name. (Ref 1)
ii.PARTNERSHIPS: This form of enterprise is usually established between joint owners of a business who are personally liable for the obligations and debts of t...he firm. A partnership may be ordinary or limited. (Ref 1)
iii.INCORPORATED COMPANIES: An incorporated company may be incorporated with unlimited liability, limited by shares or limited by guarantee. By the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) (Ref 2), foreign companies intending to do business in Nigeria must be incorporated as a local entity in Nigeria. (Ref 3)
Accordingly, it is usual for foreigners intending to do business in Nigeria to incorporate limited liability companies in Nigeria. This type of company limits the liability of its members to the amounts
which is unpaid on the respective shares held by them. The advantages of registering a limited liability company include the limitation of the personal liability of its owners, perpetual succession of the company, the possibility of a 100% foreign ownership and the restriction on the transfer of shares. (Ref 1)
To register a limited liability company, a minimum share capital of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) would be required by a foreign investor. Personal details of the investors would be required and various statutory fees payable. Registration is to be done at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and may be done by a legal practitioner on behalf of the investor. A certificate of incorporation is issued by the CAC upon completion of the incorporation process. Also, companies are expected to comply with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) (Ref 2) after incorporation. Such provisions include statutory meetings to be held by the company, filing of annual returns and board resolutions and the keeping of statutory books and accounts.
As part of its development efforts, the Corporate Affairs Commission now offers a 24 hours registration service which is known as “special registration” for the registration of companies. (Ref 4) With the payment of a higher fee, investors can register a Nigerian company within 24 hours as opposed to the regular registration which takes an average of 5 days.
References
1 “Investment in Nigeria”, 3rd Edition, September 2002 by KPMG Professional Services
2 Cap. C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
3 See Section 54 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and Section 19 of the Nigerian Investment
Promotion Commission Act, Cap. N117, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
4 See the Corporate Affairs Commission website
1 “Investment in Nigeria”, 3rd Edition, September 2002 by KPMG Professional Services
2 Cap. C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
3 See Section 54 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and Section 19 of the Nigerian Investment
Promotion Commission Act, Cap. N117, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
4 See the Corporate Affairs Commission website
BARYTES
Opportunity exists in the exploration of barytes in Nigeria.
A survey carried out in 1959 put the estimated reserve at 41,000 tonnes for the Benue valley deposits. Also the Nigerian Mining Corporation estimated a resource of 70,000 tonnes in the Azara deposit in Nasarawa State.
Recently the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency embarked on the evaluation of newly reported deposits in Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba States. The inferred resource estimated... for four of the states (Benue, Cross River, Nasarawa and Taraba) where mining is considered viable is 21,123,913 metric tonnes.
USES OF BARYTES:
Some Industrial Applications:
- For drilling
- Used in the manufacture of white pigment or extender in pigments and barium chemicals
- Glass industry
- Filler in leather, textile paper goods etc
A survey carried out in 1959 put the estimated reserve at 41,000 tonnes for the Benue valley deposits. Also the Nigerian Mining Corporation estimated a resource of 70,000 tonnes in the Azara deposit in Nasarawa State.
Recently the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency embarked on the evaluation of newly reported deposits in Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba States. The inferred resource estimated... for four of the states (Benue, Cross River, Nasarawa and Taraba) where mining is considered viable is 21,123,913 metric tonnes.
USES OF BARYTES:
Some Industrial Applications:
- For drilling
- Used in the manufacture of white pigment or extender in pigments and barium chemicals
- Glass industry
- Filler in leather, textile paper goods etc
Investment opportunities
- Applying for mineral titles with a view of wholly owning the mining rights for the barytes deposit
- Partnering with existing title holders for detailed exploration as consultants and specialists
- Partnering with existing title holders in a joint venture agreement to explore, mine and market the barytes resources
- Legal transaction in barytes won in quarries and operations for export
If you are interested in Barytes Exploration and Processing, please get in touch with us so we can discuss further.
- Applying for mineral titles with a view of wholly owning the mining rights for the barytes deposit
- Partnering with existing title holders for detailed exploration as consultants and specialists
- Partnering with existing title holders in a joint venture agreement to explore, mine and market the barytes resources
- Legal transaction in barytes won in quarries and operations for export
If you are interested in Barytes Exploration and Processing, please get in touch with us so we can discuss further.
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