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Man Butchered At KO

A man believed to be in his 40s has allegedly been butchered to death at KO in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, triggering a police investigation into the gruesome incident.

The body of the deceased has been conveyed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for preservation and autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.

Police have since commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the suspected killing. However, no arrest had been made as of the time of filing this report.

The latest incident has heightened concerns among residents over reported cases of deaths involving vulnerable persons in the Kumasi metropolis.

Less than a week ago, a toddler was reportedly dumped into a water closet (WC) toilet and later pronounced dead following police intervention.

The disturbing incident attracted public attention, with residents expecting the police to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Although there is no indication that the two incidents are connected, their occurrence within a short period has raised concerns about public safety in the metropolis.

Meanwhile, the identity of the deceased, the motive behind the suspected killing and the possible perpetrators are yet to be established as police investigations continue.

Sowore’s request to subpoena our lawyer as witness ploy to delay trial – DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that an application by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, to subpoena its lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, as defence witness in his ongoing trial on alleged cyberbullying offence was a ploy to delay trial.

The DSS, through its lawyer, Kenneth Cyril-Ita, told Justice Mohammed Umar that the subpoena was in bad faith and strange in law, especially in a criminal trial.

It further argued that under Section 192 of the Evidence Act, no legal practitioner is permitted to disclose any communication made to him in the course of his engagement unless with the consent of his client.

The DSS added that Sowore’s subpoena was an abuse of court process calculated to annoy and irritate its lead counsel.

Cyril-Ita, therefore, asked the court to set aside the subpoena issued against Kehinde by Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).

Sowore, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, SAN, had served a subpoena on the DSS’ lead counsel to appear in court to give evidence in respect of the trial of the defendant for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.

In his motion on notice against the execution of the subpoena, Cyril-Ita told the court that the evidence sought to be given through the subpoena witness is irrelevant to Sowore’s alleged cyberbullying trial.

The lawyer said contrary to Sowore’s claim, there was no application before the court to suspend or adjourn the trial till 2027.

‘By not setting aside the subpoena, the court is being invited to deprive the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a counsel of its choice in the prosecution of the matter as counsel cannot be a witness and counsel at the same time in the same matter,’ he stated.

According to him, the evidence of whether the complainant will ask for adjournment or not in the matter as shown in the publication sought to be tendered is a matter allegedly caught by Section 83(3) of the Evidence Act.

He, therefore, urged Justice Umar to set aside the subpoena and direct Sowore to continue his defence in the charges against him.

In his argument, Reuben Adakole, who represented Sowore, asked the court to uphold the subpoena against the DSS lead counsel as requested by the defendant to aide his defence.

After listening to parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until Nov. 9 for ruling.

Retirement big test: How to keep pension from running dry

For thousands of Kenyans, retirement is becoming a financial race against time, with pension savings expected to cover decades of living costs after the monthly salary disappears.

The danger is not only retiring with too little money, but exhausting what has been saved before death, as food, rent, healthcare and family demands continue long after employment.

A Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) survey of 427 recent retirees found that only 41 percent considered their pension benefits sufficient, while 83 percent were supporting dependants, including adult children and grandchildren.

The figures expose a growing pressure on retirement income as savings meant to support one person or a couple are often stretched across wider families, while the cost of living keeps rising.

Anna Manyara, the convener of the Group Life Committee at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), says retirement planning must account for the possibility that people will live much longer than the period their savings were designed to cover.

‘If on average you retire at 55, you are likely to live for another 30 years. Whatever you have saved, is it going to last you for those 30 years comfortably, taking into account the rate of inflation in terms of livelihood, you know, the cost of food, the cost of fuel, the cost of school fees and so on?’ she poses.

While a pension pot may look substantial on the day an employee leaves work, its value depends on how much is withdrawn, how the balance performs and how long the retiree lives.

The RBA’s 2025 assessment of the sector found that only 32.2 percent of pensioners said their retirement income met their daily needs, while pension income remained the main livelihood for 58.7 percent.

So, how do you ensure your pension serves you until death? Ms Manyara says a worker who earned Sh100,000 a month before retirement should aim for at least Sh80,000 in retirement income. Retirees who continue paying rent, supporting dependants or facing medical bills may need far more than those whose homes are paid for and whose family obligations have eased.

The biggest decision

For many Kenyans, this target becomes harder to sustain as expenses rise.

Once you retire, Ms Manyara says, the biggest decision is how to turn accumulated pension savings into a regular income without draining the fund too quickly.

While many opt for a lump-sum payout, some channel their retirement benefits into businesses they have little or no experience running, venturing into unfamiliar territory after years in formal employment.

Pension experts say an income drawdown allows a retiree to keep the balance invested while withdrawing money at intervals. The remaining funds can continue earning returns, but the retiree bears the risk that investment performance may weaken or withdrawals may be too high.

Drawdown

Ms Manyara warns against drawing down at a rate that matches the investment return, since the balance may then struggle to keep up with inflation and other costs.

‘If [your pension] is earning 12 percent and you draw at a rate of 12 percent, you’re likely to outlive that income,’ she says, advising retirees to withdraw at a rate slightly below the average investment return.

Kenya’s income drawdown framework sets a regulatory ceiling on withdrawals, with industry reporting on the rules noting a maximum annual withdrawal of 12 percent of the outstanding balance.

But the limit is a guardrail, not a promise that every retiree’s money will last for life.

A retiree who takes the maximum available amount may still face a shortfall if returns fall, prices rise, or retirement lasts longer than expected. A lower withdrawal rate can preserve more capital, but may leave a retiree with less income in the early years.

Annuities

Annuities offer a different trade-off. A retiree converts savings into a regular payment, with lifetime annuities designed to continue paying for as long as the person lives.

‘Annuities provide you with an income for life,’ Ms Manyara notes, describing them as a way to replace the salary that disappears at retirement.

Ms Manyara adds that retirees should examine how income payments escalate, whether they choose an annuity or drawdown, so that the amount received does not fall behind the cost of living.

The risk begins even before the monthly income is chosen. Many retirees receive part of their benefits as a lump sum, creating a temptation to spend, build or invest large amounts at once.

The RBA survey found that 91 percent of respondents had received benefits through a combination of lump-sum payments and monthly pensions.

Among those who spent their lump sums, 16 percent used the money to build a house and a similar share paid school fees, while 56 percent invested the money in farming, land, bank deposits, shares or businesses.

Failed business

Investing the lump sum can create another source of income, but a failed business or poorly chosen asset can leave a retiree with little to fall back on.

Leah Wakarima, chief operating officer at Invest with Hisa, says savers need to define what they are investing for and when they expect to use the money, noting that the strategy should match the goal.

She urges investors to spread their money across different assets rather than relying on one company, sector or market.

‘Understanding my goal, what my timeline is and what options I have, so that also comes to a question of diversification,’ she says.

‘Diversification is one of the biggest things, especially not only in the Kenyan market, but also in the US market, and also seeing how you can be able to complement both to be able to suit your portfolio.’

Diversification can limit the damage caused by a single investment falling in value, but it does not eliminate risk.

Old-age insurance

Healthcare is another threat to retirement savings, as a major illness can force retirees to redirect money meant for daily living to treatment, medication or insurance premiums.

The RBA survey found that 32 percent of retirees identified good health as the most important aspect of a positive retirement experience, while the authority has highlighted out-of-pocket medical costs as a burden even for retirees with cover.

Ms Manyara says insurance can help protect one’s income and family obligations in cases of critical illness, disability or death. Life covers and endowment products can also provide financial support for dependants.

According to Patrick Kuria, a partner at PKF Kenya, pension trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to manage scheme assets in members’ interests, while administrators should maintain accurate records and ensure benefits reach the rightful recipients.

‘There is a need to safeguard the interest of the members, be it at the scheme level or at the withdrawal level,’ notes Mr Kuria.

He urges members to track contributions and investment performance, attend scheme education sessions and read financial statements to understand where their money is held.

Pensions after new job

Poor records can also leave savings unclaimed. Laban Molonko, chief executive of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority, says people may lose track of investments when they change jobs, relocate or forget accounts, while assets can remain unclaimed after a person dies.

‘It happens that people forget things. You have invested in a pension fund, but over time, you forget it. Over time, death also comes along the way. You could also relocate; probably you’re doing a job somewhere in Kenya, then now you relocate to another country,’ says Mr Molonko.

The authority holds abandoned financial assets, including cash and shares, and allows individuals and beneficiaries to check whether funds are held in their names.

Oyo govt gives N100m support to Bode market fire victims

Oyo State government has redeemed its pledge to support victims of the Bode market fire disaster by donating N100 million to affected traders.

No fewer than 400 victims of the fire incident received N250,000 each at a disbursement ceremony held at the market in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Presenting the financial assistance to the beneficiaries, chairman of the local government, Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for providing the support.

He said the intervention would help cushion the effects of the disaster on more than 400 traders affected by the fire outbreak.

Akande described the gesture as a timely demonstration of the governor’s commitment to the welfare of residents, particularly traders whose livelihoods were affected by the unfortunate incident.

He added that the assistance would provide relief to the affected market women and other traders, helping them rebuild their businesses and restore their sources of income.

The council chairman urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial support, assuring them of the local government’s continued commitment to grassroots development and the welfare of residents.

Akande further stated that the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)-led administration in the state was committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to citizens at both the state and local government levels.

He, therefore, solicited support for the present administration and urged residents to vote for Governor Makinde at the federal level and Bimbo Adekambi at the state level.

In their separate remarks, the Babaloja and Iyaloja of Bode market, Adeniran and Fatima, respectively, appreciated Governor Makinde and the local government chairman for their support, pledging their continued support.

Those present at the ceremony included Honourable Saheed Akinade Fijabi, Chief of Staff to the chairman, Alhaji Abolaji Hassan Bello; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Information, Honourable Yinka Oladoyinbo; Senior Executive Adviser on Security to the Governor, Sunday Odukoya; Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tunde Taofeek Olagunju; Director of Education and Social Services, Mrs Justina Oluwayanju and Director of Administration and General, Mrs Titilola Amusat, among others.

The objective is to use AI to increase productivity of economy, FinMin says

The objective is to use artificial intelligence in a way that delivers a real increase in the productivity and competitiveness of our economy, Minister of Finance, Makis Kervanos, said on Tuesday, during his annual Lecture at the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Cyprus, in Nicosia.

”Artificial intelligence is the most significant technological revolution of the twenty-first century. Its applications affect work, the functioning of the state apparatus and of business, productivity, innovation and the flow and volume of information; it brings about profound changes in the structure of national economies and of the global economy alike; and it is driving a transformation of social organisation itself,” Keravnos pointed out.

He went on to say that ”the technological revolution brought about by artificial intelligence has begun to trigger a realignment of power, in which the technology giants now compete with major democratic powers for global influence.”

”This is clearly foreshadowed by the additional seats now being set at the summits of the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations, seats reserved for the heads of technology giants,” he added.

”The great question is whether that growth will be distributed evenly. It is difficult to answer in the affirmative when the major technology companies, through their comprehensive control of data and technological infrastructure, stand to acquire enormous power,” he further said.

”The result would be an oligopolistic structure of the global economy, extending into the shaping of political power itself, while we would see inequalities widening between workers and between small and large enterprises,” he noted.

”It is at this point that governments are called upon to play an active role: in the redistribution of the wealth generated, in the taxation of intangible capital and in support for education, lifelong learning and technological training,” the Minister added.

”At present, the United States leads in terms of the volume of investment in this field, with a 75% share; China follows at 12-15% and Europe at a mere 5%,” he said.

”For Cyprus, as a small and open economy, the adoption of new technologies can strengthen the competitiveness of our businesses, support the international outreach of our services sector and open up new avenues for diversifying our productive base,” he pointed out and stressed that “the objective, of course, is not simply to use artificial intelligence more, but to use it in a way that delivers a real increase in the productivity and competitiveness of our economy”.

Artificial intelligence can substantially strengthen every element of economic policy formulation, Finance Minister said, noting that AI can improve the monitoring and forecasting of economic developments, strengthen the design and implementation of appropriate fiscal policy, and improve the evaluation of economic policies.

Keravnos pointed out that ”technology is not a guarantee of more effective public administration. It requires appropriate digital infrastructure, reliable data, training of the workforce and a clear governance framework.”

”Artificial intelligence will replace certain tasks but not public servants. With artificial intelligence, however, the public service must design its work around serving the citizen, with speed and with simple procedures,” he added.

”The International Monetary Fund estimates that around 60% of workers in the advanced European economies are employed in occupations with high exposure to artificial intelligence,” Finance Minister noted. ”This does not mean that 60% of jobs are at risk of disappearing. Exposure to technology may mean either the potential for productivity gains or a greater risk that specific tasks will be substituted,” he pointed out.

”Education, lifelong learning and reskilling take on decisive importance. We need workers with digital skills, critical thinking ability, creativity and the capacity to adapt to a changing working environment,” Makis Keravnos said, adding that “at the same time, we must strengthen active labour-market policies and facilitate the transition of workers from shrinking occupations into new or expanding activities”.

”The challenges arising from the development of artificial intelligence cannot be addressed at the national level alone”, he noted.

IPOB: DSS frees Emele Ibe, others after four years

Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), has released four men arrested over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), approving ?20 million in compensation after investigations cleared them of the allegations.

The four suspects, identified as Emele Uduma Ibe, Berefgagha Appah, Ondokeyilemi Aggry and Oyeinmokebebeton Aggry, were arrested in May 2022 in Sampou and Akeddei communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.

Each of the freed men is expected to receive ?5 million as compensation for their wrongful detention.

Security sources disclosed that investigations by the DSS established that the men had been misled into believing they would receive monthly payments of ?100,000 under the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.

They were allegedly lured by individuals linked to IPOB, who are now facing trial.

The release of the four suspects is part of a broader review of inherited terrorism-related cases initiated by the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, shortly after assuming office in 2024.

According to security sources, Ajayi ordered a review of more than 300 inherited cases to identify individuals who might have been wrongly implicated or detained.

The exercise has reportedly reduced the number of detainees in DSS facilities to about 100, following investigations and the release of those found not to have committed the alleged offences.

The Service also disclosed that it had paid more than ?1 billion in compensation to individuals affected by operational mistakes and wrongful arrests.

Reacting to the release, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, counsel to the four men, commended the DSS for what it described as professionalism and commitment to human rights.

The lawyer particularly praised Ajayi for his efforts to ensure that the rights of suspects were respected while the Service continued its responsibility of protecting national security.

He also described the level of hygiene and professionalism within the DSS as the best he had witnessed in more than 20 years of interacting with its personnel.

The lawyer further maintained that President Bola Tinubu made the right decision in appointing Ajayi as the DSS Director-General.

Speaking on behalf of the freed men, Ibe described his release as the happiest day of his life.

He said the experience had taught him important lessons which he intended to share with others, while offering prayers for the DSS leadership.

A security source added that the four men would receive psychological and medical support in addition to the financial compensation.

The latest payment is not the first time the DSS has compensated individuals following investigations that established wrongful arrests or operational errors.

The report recalled that a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by DSS operatives in Plateau State received ?20 million in compensation, while his medical bills were also covered.

Similarly, Chineze Ozoadibe received ?10 million after being wrongfully arrested.

Sunday Ifedi was also paid ?10 million after investigations cleared him of alleged links to IPOB, while Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor received ?5 million after being absolved of similar allegations.

The DSS Director-General recently acknowledged that security agencies, like other human institutions, could make mistakes.

However, he stressed that such mistakes must be acknowledged and addressed.

‘Where we admit our mistakes, we offer compensation and seek ways to improve operations in tandem with the rule of law,’ Ajayi was quoted as saying.

The latest development highlights the delicate balance between national security operations and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, particularly in cases involving terrorism-related investigations.

2027: NDC speaks on Peter Obi’s health

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns about the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that he is in good health but needs enough rest due to exhaustion.

The party’s Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr Sam Omale, said Obi had been physically exhausted because of his busy schedule, frequent travels and commitment to his political activities.

Omale made this known during an interview on Channels Television, where he explained that the former Anambra State governor often moves between different locations within a short period while attending to several responsibilities.

According to him, Obi’s demanding schedule leaves him with little time to rest, despite the energy he puts into his political activities.

Omale said he sometimes wondered how Obi managed to keep up with his busy routine, considering the number of places he visits and the activities he handles daily.

Police arrest three suspected international human traffickers, rescue Nigerian woman from Mali

The Police Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) has arrested three suspected international human traffickers and rescued a 21-year-old Nigerian woman who was allegedly trafficked to Mali and forced into prostitution.

The police also disclosed that about 42 Nigerian women were being held in a makeshift camp within a remote gold-mining settlement in Mali, where they were allegedly subjected to forced prostitution, severe beatings and slave-like conditions.

The Commander of the FID Special Tactical Squad, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Ogbiede Victor, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

He said the operation, conducted between October 1 and 27, 2026, followed actionable digital intelligence and directives by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, particularly those of vulnerable persons.

According to him, the three suspects arrested in connection with the international human trafficking operation are Daniel Aondofa, 26; Orgba Solomon, also known as Terry, 28, identified as the gang leader residing in the Republic of Benin; and Thankgod Ocho, 25.

He said all three suspects were indigenes of Benue State.

Giving details of the trafficking operation, Victor said investigations revealed that the victim, identified as Miss Godiya Amos, not her real name, a 21-year-old woman from Akwanga, Nasarawa State, was allegedly lured by Solomon with promises of lucrative employment abroad.

He explained that on September 26, 2026, the victim was transported through Lagos and illegal border routes into the Republic of Benin before being moved to artisanal gold-mining camps in Mali, where female victims were allegedly forced into prostitution.

The police commander said that before her departure from Nigeria, Solomon confiscated her mobile phone and travel documents, thereby cutting off communication with her family.

She was subsequently handed over to other members of the trafficking network and allegedly sold for CFA 420,000, equivalent to approximately N770,000.

According to the police, her refusal to engage in prostitution attracted severe beatings, while she was allegedly forced to take a blood oath at a shrine before being compelled into sexual exploitation.

Victor said the breakthrough followed a report by the victim’s sister, which prompted FID-STS operatives to commence an intelligence-led investigation.

He disclosed that on October 18, 2026, Solomon returned to Nigeria to recruit more females for trafficking to Senegal and Mali.

During the operation, three other female victims, identified as Miss Martha Godiya, Miss Amina Usman and Miss Hadisa Yahaya, were rescued and reunited with their families.

He said further digital intelligence led to the arrest of Solomon and two other members of the trafficking network, Aondofa and Ocho.

The suspects, according to him, confessed to their involvement in the criminal enterprise and provided useful information that facilitated the rescue of Godiya Amos from Mali.

The rescued victim further disclosed that approximately 42 Nigerian females were being held in a makeshift camp within a remote gold-mining settlement, where they were subjected to forced prostitution and severe, slave-like conditions.

She reportedly told investigators that the women had their movements restricted and that escape from the camp was extremely difficult.

The police commander said the investigation was ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the trafficking network and rescue additional victims.

In a separate operation, the FID-STS arrested two suspected members of a criminal syndicate in Taraba State over alleged armed robbery, vehicle theft and receiving stolen property.

Victor said the suspects, Aminu Shafiu, 35, and Mohammed Yahaya, 33, both from Yola, Adamawa State, were arrested on October 16, 2026, at about 12 noon.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed their alleged involvement in armed robbery, vehicle theft and receiving stolen property.

He added that during interrogation, the suspects confessed and provided useful information about other members of the syndicate and their criminal operations.

The police commander listed the recovered exhibits as a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number ABC 81 AA; an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla without a registration number; a maroon Toyota Pontiac Vibe with registration number YABC 325 AM; a gold Toyota Sienna with registration number YMT 728 SU; and a white Toyota Pontiac with registration number ABJ 226 EX.

He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, establish the rightful ownership of the recovered vehicles and recover additional exhibits.

In another operation, the police said FID-STS operatives arrested three suspected gun runners and individuals allegedly involved in supplying logistics to bandits terrorising residents of the Funtua Zone of Katsina State.

Victor disclosed that the suspects were arrested on October 1, 2026.

They were identified as Musa Lawal, 30, from Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State; Bello Abubakar, 25, from the same address; and Abubakar Mohammed, 24, from Damaturu, Yobe State.

According to him, the suspects confessed to the crimes during interrogation, leading to the recovery of one fabricated pistol, three fabricated AK-47 rifles and eight rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition.

The police commander said investigations were ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had reaffirmed the commitment of the FID-STS to sustaining aggressive operations against all forms of criminality across the country.

He urged citizens to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

The unit, he added, assured the public that the coordinated operations would be sustained and replicated across all states of the federation.

APC’s court cases won’t affect 2027 election – Reps member

A House of Representatives member from Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has dismissed concerns that court cases arising from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on TVC News’ Beyond The Headlines on Monday, Abejide said only two cases were pending in court and expressed confidence that the disputes would not undermine the APC’s electoral prospects.

‘So, to me, only two cases are in court and cannot affect the election of APC. This I know,’ he said.

The lawmaker urged aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to embrace dialogue and consider future opportunities within the party.

‘I believe, you know, this party is larger than anything. So anybody that is in court now as a result of not making its candidate, I believe tomorrow is there for him or her,’ he said.

Abejide cautioned aggrieved members against allowing their grievances to damage their relationship with the party, warning that doing so could jeopardise future political opportunities.

He also defended his defection from the African Democratic Congress to the APC, saying the decision enjoyed the backing of his constituents.

According to him, supporters had urged him to join the ruling party because they wanted him in the political mainstream rather than the opposition.

‘Very, very happy. In fact, even before I came, there was so much clamour that I should please join the mainstream,’ he said when asked about his constituents’ reaction to the move.

Real relief is engineered, not announced

Every month, salaried Sri Lankans see tax leave their payslip before they see their pay. For them, the debate on income tax relief is a question of whether the household budget balances after food, transport, school fees and loan instalments. The Government has indicated a proposal to raise the monthly tax-free threshold from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 200,000 as revenue strengthens, with the timing and design still under discussion, and its stated medium-term policy is to lower tax rates while broadening the base and improving compliance. That intent is understandable and welcome. The real question is how relief is delivered.

Relief and the base must move together

The personal relief was raised from Rs. 1.2 million to Rs. 1.8 million from April 2025, and the first taxable band was widened from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1 million, with the 12% band removed. Some observers have reasonably cautioned that a further increase should be weighed against its revenue cost and the narrowness of the base. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously, and they sharpen the case for careful design.

The base is narrow. Of the 2,547,322 employees in the Inland Revenue Department’s employer returns for 2024/25, about 75.6% had no tax deducted, which is consistent with earnings below the taxable threshold. On my earlier estimate, drawing on IRD and Labour Force Survey data, the system reliably reaches only around a quarter of the employed population. For 2024/25, only 25% of individual income tax returns were filed on time.

Between end-2024 and end-2025, registered income taxpayers rose 19% to about 1.3 million, and registered VAT payers rose from 21,227 to 33,187. The task now is to build on this by bringing the informal sector and self-employed into the net, and by keeping collections balanced between individuals and corporates. Relief that is not matched by a wider base leaves the same compliant taxpayers carrying the load, or leaves a gap that is filled later through higher consumption taxes that fall hardest on ordinary households.

The IRD’s APIT data for 2024/25 show how concentrated the load already is. Of the 2.55 million employees on employer returns, 1.92 million (75.6%) had no tax deducted. Their average gross pay was about Rs. 528,000 a year, or roughly Rs. 44,000 a month, which fits earnings below the threshold. The 622,419 on whom tax was deducted paid about Rs. 308,000 each on average. At the top, the 83,397 employees earning above Rs. 3.7 million (3.3% of the total) accounted for Rs. 150.5 billion, or 78.4% of all APIT, an average of about Rs. 1.8 million each. The table also shows how steeply the average tax rises between income ranges. It describes employees covered by completed employer returns for 2024/25, under the earlier Rs. 1.2 million relief, so it is a guide to the distribution of the load and not a basis for costing any change.

Individuals and corporates: how the balance looks

The balance between corporate and non-corporate taxpayers is the other side of the same question. The IRD’s 2025 data show that corporate taxpayers contributed Rs. 669.6 billion, or 59% of income tax collections, up from 57% in 2024. Non-corporate taxpayers contributed Rs. 461.7 billion, or 41%, down from 43%. Corporate collections grew by about 15% over the year, against about 4.5% for the non-corporate group. The corporate figure includes corporate income tax, dividend tax and remittance tax, while the non-corporate figure includes individual and partnership income tax, APIT , AIT and withholding taxes. The split is therefore by type of tax, not strictly by type of taxpayer.

Why the slabs, not the threshold, should be the key change

Raising the threshold takes everyone between Rs. 150,000 and Rs. 200,000 a month out of the net altogether. Revising the slabs delivers relief to those carrying the burden while keeping them inside the system. Today the first Rs. 1 million of taxable income is taxed at 6%, and the rate then jumps to 18%. An individual reaches the top rate of 36% at about Rs. 358,000 a month, which is hardly an extravagant income in today’s cost-of-living environment.

Consider, purely as an illustration and not as any official proposal, reinstating an intermediate 12% slab on the next Rs. 500,000, with the personal relief of Rs. 1.8 million unchanged. The rates would then run: 6% on the first Rs. 1 million, 12%, 18%, 24% and 30% on each successive Rs. 500,000, and 36% thereafter. The 36% rate would begin at Rs. 400,000 a month rather than Rs. 358,333. The effect on three illustrative earners is shown below.

The relief is largest in proportion for the Rs. 300,000 earner, who pays about a fifth less tax. For higher earners the benefit is capped at Rs. 10,000 a month, or Rs. 120,000 a year, so the cost per taxpayer is bounded. The total cost depends on how many taxpayers fall in each band, which the available IRD data, based on the earlier 2024/25 structure, cannot show. The Ministry of Finance and the IRD are best placed to compute and publish that figure preferably before the Budget. Importantly, nobody is removed from the net and everyone above Rs. 150,000 a month remains a taxpayer.

A package, not a single measure

This is an illustration of design, not a finished proposal. The final width and rates are for policymakers, who must weigh the revenue effect and the available fiscal space. The principles, however, are clear:

1. Pair any relief with a credible plan to widen the base, including the informal sector and the self-employed.

2. Keep the burden balanced between individuals and corporates, as it broadly is today, so that salaried earners do not become the default source of new revenue.

3. Deliver relief by reshaping the slabs, so that it reaches the middle and keeps taxpayers within the net.

4. Publish the revenue cost and the distribution of benefits alongside the Budget, so that the public can judge the fairness of the system as well as its yield.

Tax relief that reaches the common man should leave him better off and keep the system strong enough to serve him. A revised individual tax slab structure, alongside a wider base, can do both.