ASUU/FG crucial meeting to prevent impending strike postponed
At the verge of another avoidable shutdown of public universities in Nigeria, a meeting that was scheduled for today between the Federal Government and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to mitigate the odds has been postponed.
FAAC: FG, States, LGs Share N906.955bn October Revenue
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared the total sum of N906.955 billion Federation Account Revenue to the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils for the month of October 2023. A breakdown of the amount according to a communique issued by the FAAC revealed that total distributable revenue comprises statutory revenue of N305.070 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N 323.446 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) of N15.552 billion, Exchange Difference of N202.887 billion and Augmentation of N60.000 billion. According to the communique, total revenue of N1,346.519 billion was available in the month of October 2023. Total deductions for cost of collection was N53.483 billion; total transfers, interventions and refunds was N386.081 billion. Gross statutory revenue of N 660.090 billion was received for the month of October 2023, lower than the N1,014.953 trillion received in the month of September 2023 by N354.863 billion. The gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N347.343 billion, higher than the N303.550 billion available in the month of September 2023 by N43.793 billion. Of the N906.955 billion, the Federal Government received N323.355 billion, State Governments got 307.717 billion and the Local Government Councils took home N225.209 billion. The sum of N50.674 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the relevant States as derivation revenue. From the N305.070 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N147.574 billion, the State Governments received N74.852 billion and the Local Government Councils received N57.707 billion. The sum of N24.937 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the relevant States as derivation revenue. The Federal Government received N48.517 billion, the State Governments received N161.723 billion and the Local Government Councils received N113.206 billion from the N323.446 billion VAT revenue. The N15.552 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N2.333 billion, the State Governments received N7.776 billion and the Local Government Councils received N5.443 billion. The Federal Government received N93.323 billion from the N202.887 billion Exchange Difference revenue. The State Governments received N47.334 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N36.493 billion. The sum of N25.737 billion (13% of mineral revenue) went to the relevant States as derivation revenue. The Augmentation of N60.000 billion was shared as follows: Federal Government received N31.608, the State Governments received N16.032 billion and the Local Government Councils received N 12.360 billion In the month under review, Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Value Added Tax (VAT), CET Levies and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased significantly while Excise Duties and Companies Income Tax (CIT) recorded considerable decreases. Oil and Gas Royalties decreased marginally.
FG To Collaborate With China On Technology Transfer, Intelligence Sharing
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government would collaborate with the Chinese Government on technology transfer, intelligence sharing and military training, in its quest to tackle insecurity in the country. The Minister stated this when he received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Ship House, Abuja. He said there has been a lot of working relationship with the Chinese companies on transfer of technology and talk on Military equipment production. According to him, the interest of the Government of China to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technology transfer and training was overwhelming. “I was in China to attend a forum which was very successful and we had a very good discussion centred on the transfer of technology, military training and the protection of the interest of China Corporations in Nigeria,” he said. Speaking further, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is passionate with Private sector involvement in the renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just signed the Defence Industry Act as a guide on the development of the Defence Industry. The Act provides a level playing grounds for all investors,” he said. He called on the Ambassador to encourage more investors into Nigeria economy. “We need serious investors in steel, power and energy to help actualize our defence industry technology. Mr President understand the need for development for private sector to prosper. We are open to power, steel and defence industry to have these investments actualized in the country. Chinese companies have the potential and technology to invest in our country,” he said. Earlier in his remark, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun said China has strategic interest on cooperation with Nigeria in areas of Military operations, economy cooperation and international cooperation. He said China and Nigeria have investment in security, education and economy, adding that; “Nigeria has great potential to develop new economy.” He opined that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that can support China Corporations based in Nigeria. “Nigeria is a large country just like China and we are willing to build our Military Industries in Nigeria to support local production of Military equipment,” he said. According to him, the Chinese companies would not only boost the fight against insurgency and other related crimes in Nigeria, but would also boost the Federal Government’s drive on employment generation.
Lottery Regulation Feud: Supreme Court Hears Lagos, Ekiti Suit Against FG, March
Fifteen years later, the Supreme Court on Monday, fixed March 13, 2024 to hear a suit filed in 2008, by the Attorney General of Lagos State against the Federal Government, in respect of who controls and regulates the gaming and lottery sector. Ekiti state was joined as co-Plaintiff in the suit following an order of the court made on October 6, 2020. The Attorney General of the Federation is the 1st Defendant while the National Assembly is 2nd Defendant. The Attorneys General of 34 other States, were joined as defendants by the Supreme Court on November 15, 2022. A 7-man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, fixed the date at a resumed sitting on Monday. Bode Olanipekun SAN, announced appearance for Lagos State Government while Adetunji Osho appeared for Ekiti state. The Federal Government (1st Defendant) was represented by Innocent Daa’gba, while Ifeanyi Mrialike represented the National Assembly. The Attorneys General of the 33 States were duly represented and announced appearances. However, there was no legal representation for Kwara state despite being served with hearing notice. The Supreme Court ordered Jigawa and Kaduna State Governments to put their houses in order by resolving the issue of legal representation before the next hearing date. Meanwhile, the apex court panel unanimously deemed all the processes filed out of time by the defendants as duly and properly filed, having been regularized. The application by the Attorney General of Oyo state to join as co- Plaintiff having been withdrawn, was struck out by panel. Justice Kekere-Ekun advised that all the State Governments that are on one side in accordance with their respective interests should present a common argument in order to save the time of the court on the hearing date. Speaking to judiciary correspondents at the Supreme Court, Innocent Daagba, said he had filed processes and submissions of the Federal Government since 2020, adding that the processes have been regularized by the court, which clears the coast for hearing of the matter. Recall that on 15 August 2022, the Federal Government (the Nigerian Lottery Regulation commission and the Nigerian Lottery Trust fund) won against Lagos and other States, on the issue of multiple regulation in the gaming sector. The Bookmakers association of Nigeria had initiated the lawsuit to determine the legitimate regulators of gaming businesses because they complained about paying multiple taxes and licensing fees to States and the Federal Government. In the Suit NO: FHC/L/CS/15992020, filed before Hon. Justice I.N Oweibo of the Lagos High Court, the Judge declared that the Federal Government should be the sole regulator of gaming business in the country as the constitution is clear on the position of lottery in the exclusive list and the National Assembly can legislate on lottery matters. Despite the judgement, there is still not an end to the back and forth bickering between the bookmakers and State Governments on multiple taxation and regulation. On July 19, 2023, Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos State ruled that the Federal Government, through the National Assembly, had the exclusive right to legislate and control lottery activities in the country. Few months after the FHC judgement, a Lagos State High Court delivered another judgement holding that matters pertaining to lottery and one-chance betting were subjects under the residual list in the constitution. By this, the judge held that Lagos State had the right to regulate the sector. However, by a further amended originating summons marked SC/1/2008, the Plaintiffs want the apex court to declare “that lottery is not one of the 68 items in respect of which the National Assembly has the Exclusive vires to make laws under Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). They are seeking a declaration that having regard to the clear provisions of Section 4(2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the National Assembly lacks the vires to legally and constitutionally make any Law to regulate and control the operation of lottery in Nigeria. “A declaration that having regard to the clear provision of Section 4(4)(a), (b) and Part ll of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), matters relating to lottery do not fall within items which the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly are concurrently empowered to make Laws with regard thereto. “A declaration that having regard to the clear provisions of Section 4(7)(a) and (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Lagos State Government, vide the Lagos State House of Assembly has the power to the exclusion of the National Assembly, to make Laws to regulate and control the operation of lottery within Lagos State. More so, the Plaintiffs are praying for, “A declaration that having regard to the clear provisions of Sections 4(4)(b), (7)(a) and 299(a) of the Constitution as amended, the power of the National Assembly to make Laws to regulate and control the operation of lottery is limited by the 1999 Constitution to only the Federal Capital Territory. “A declaration that Sections 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, made by the National Assembly are inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Further more, they want “A declaration that the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. In addition, the Plaintiffs want “An order nullifying Sections 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria as well as an order nullifying the entirety of the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Also, they are praying for “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st Defendant either by himself, agents’ privies, agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria or Federation of
FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism -Defence Minister
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country, especially in the North East geopolitical zone. He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization. Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia. He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts. The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said. The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens. The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency. The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.
Motorcycle Riders Union Cautions Nigerians Against Activities Of Impostors
The motorcycle riders union has called on Nigerians to be mindful of the activities of some impostors in their midst, while warning the Federal Government and even the general public to desist from dealing with them in whatever capacity. The National President of the union, Comrade Julius Ogenewevgba Bobi, FCPAN who stated this in a press statement made available to NIGERIAN ANCHOR, however stated that all those involved in trying to destabilize the union through their illegal action have all been suspended. He therefore pleaded with the Nigerian Government and the general public to desist from dealing with them in whatever ways that relate to the motorcycle riders union. He declared that all those involved in the palace coup are considered as impersonators, and have all been notified of their suspension from the union. He appealed to those concerned to desist from parading themselves as officials of the union, while threatening that failure to harcken to the appeal the union would be forced to take legal action against them. Throwing more light on the issue, Comrade Bobi maintained that having previously given approval to the Special National Delegates Conference to be held, his attention was drawn to the fact that such was in clear violation of the constitution of their Union. “In resorting to the constitution of the union to which I swore an oath of allegiance under penalty of perjury as was insisted by some members who wrote to draw my attention to it, I discovered that the supposedly fixed Special National Delegates Conference is in clear deviance to our constitution hence we do not have any provision for the appellation “Special Delegates Congress” as was tagged; in clear terms of which I wrote a letter suspending it until further notice pursuant to the power vested on me as the National President with reference to Rule 8 subsection 1 of our constitution which states that “a Special National Delegates Conference shall be held at such time and venue as the National Executive Council may decide on the receipt of a request from the National President or a resolution adopted by a two-third (2/3) majority of the State Councils calling for such a conference. The resolution shall be forwarded to the General Secretary and National President of the Union”. “To my greatest surprise, the “Special National Delegates Congress” still held with the firm support of the Assistant General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Denja Yaqub who, prior to the meeting and receipt of the notification for the cancellation of the meeting, staged an unwarranted argument with me, vehemently opposing its cancellation on grounds of late notification,” MOUN national President explained the effort he made to manage the situation but maintained that from everything that happened it was obvious that the situation was premeditated. “I must of necessity state very poignantly that I made all necessary efforts to settle the differences between us to no avail. Relentlessly too, I sent people who are aware of the feud to mediate between us, but they bluntly refused to grant them audience nor were available to meet with them; all because they have a clearly premeditated agenda of truncating the newly birthed union so they might be able to have their way as rebels,” he concluded.
FG Inaugurates Rafin Yashi Dam For Songhai Farming
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin multipurpose Dam in Minna, Niger State. The Dam project, which was initiated by the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, is aimed at providing water for Songhai Integrated Farming and Rafin Yashi Irrigation Project. Utsev, in a statement on Wednesday, said it was a deliberate effort by the ministry to boost food production in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure food security across the country. He called for more collaboration between states and the private sector in the areas of irrigation and water supply. According to him, it is the desire of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure food security in the country, saying no effort will be spared to achieve the target. The Minister had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Niger Governor, Mohammed Bago who was represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba. At the meeting, he informed the governor that the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority with its Headquarters in Minna, had dams in many locations across the state that can be used for irrigation farming. This, he added, could be a good source for water supply for the benefit of the state and the country in general. In his response, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government. He further said that in spite of the state possessing dams, it faced huge challenges to fully utilise them due to limited resources. He appealed to the minister to support the state in addressing water challenges, adding that assistance was needed in constructing additional water works for irrigation farming and personal consumption. This, the deputy governor said would help to tackle water scarcity in certain communities to enhance the state and country’s economy. Utsev also officially opened the Rafin Yashi Dam Road, inspected the Agro-Tourism Facility, Concrete Reservoir, and Songhai Integrated Farm. He also presented certificates to graduates of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority Empowerment Centre.
FG Mulls Triple Ground Rent Charges For Unoccupied Property
The Federal Government says it will start charging owners of completed unoccupied houses triple ground rents instead of the single rate normally charged from three months after completion. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa said this in an interview with journalists during the continuation of site visits of housing projects constructed by the government and its agencies in Abuja. The projects are the Suleja (Dikko) Prototype, Public Private Partnerships Cooperative, Gwagwalada National Housing Programme and Guzape Federal Housing Authority (FHA) also under PPP arrangement. Dangiwa affirmed that the issue of completed unoccupied properties was prevalent in the FCT and some states of the federation while many citizens were in dire need of accommodation. “What is important now is that we want to take stock of all those houses then we will interface with the owners and find out what they want. “If they want to keep the houses unoccupied, the government will start charging them triple ground rent instead of a single ground rent that we charge,” he said. On the supervision of projects across the country, the minister said all state controllers would be empowered and given the proper tools and equipment to carry out their functions effectively. “The second thing is the issue of supervision, we have state controllers in every state of the federation. We want to empower them by giving them the tools they need in supervising any project within their vicinity,” Dangiwa said. The minister expressed satisfaction with what he has seen adding that each of the locations had their own peculiarities and issues. Commenting on the issue of BUA cement that announced a reduction in the price of its product but survey showed that the cost had not been brought down. The minister lauded BUA Company for taking the initiative to reduce the burden on citizens. “They have reduced the prices of their cement but most of the people who sell at higher prices are claiming that they bought it at higher prices,” he further said.
Shettima Arrives US For AfDB’s World Food Dialogue
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the United States of America to participate at the African Development Bank (AfDB) World Food Prize-facilitated Norman Borlaug, International Dialogue slated for Iowa. Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Communications, Office Of The Vice President, disclosed this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. He explained that as the special guest, Shettima would deliver a keynote address at the event which would commence on Oct. 24. “In the itinerary of the Vice-President while in the U.S. are high stake meetings across some states of the U.S. with manufacturers, investors and top government officials. “On the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, Shettima will be joining the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s organisation, AGRA; World Food Prize laureates; Ghana President, John Kufuor and AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adeshina. “Others are at the event are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Presidents Felix Tshishiked and Joaquim Chissano; Joyce Banda; Ameenah Gurib – Fakim and IFAD President, Kanayo Nwanze as distinguished African leaders who in the past used the event to canvas support for agricultural development and food sufficiency in Africa.” Nkwocha said the vice president would use the platform to speak on the potentialities and endowments of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He also said that Shettima would woo investors and push for commitments in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s mandates and programmes for Nigeria’s agro-food sector.
FG To Build 34,500 Homes Under Renewed Hope Cities Project
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, says the Federal Government plans to build 34,500 homes in selected cities across the 36 states in the first phase of its Renewed Hope Cities Project. Dangiwa said this when he received the acting Controller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mrs Caroline Adepoju on a courtesy visit in Abuja on Saturday. He said increasing access to decent quality and affordable housing for all Nigerians was a major priority of the government. “Our Renewed Hope Cities will be inclusive and integrate all segments of Nigerians. They will comprise of one, two and three -bedroom affordable bungalows and multilevel flats catering for low to medium-income earners. “In spite of the challenges, we plan to build Renewed Hope Cities nationwide with the first phase dealing 34,500 homes in select cities and state capitals across the 36 states and the FCT. “For high-income earners, we will leverage Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers to offer the elegance of Terrace and Detached Bungalows and Duplexes,” he said. Dangiwa said the ministry had mapped out clear actionable steps to make this possible for Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. “A major focus is the reform of all federal housing agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), institutions under the supervision of the ministry tasked with delivering affordable housing to Nigerians. “While the FMBN focuses on affordable housing using single digit interest rates and long tenures of up to 30 years to contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, FHA has the flexibility to develop houses for high-income segment. “These two institutions should to able to meet and deliver on the goals of your agency to deliver affordable housing to all cadres of the hardworking immigration officers. “For high-income earners, we will leverage Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers to offer the elegance of Terrace and Detached Bungalows and Duplexes,” he said. The minister said for funding the ministry would leverage on resources from the FMBN. Earlier, Adepoju said that shelter was a major priority in any society. “So, we have come here to know how this new administration can benefit our personnel. I am aware that there are programmes in place where the immigration service of Nigeria can key into and benefit from. “Apart from that I have come to appeal to you sir to the rescue of our personnel,” Adepoju said.