NEWS
FCTA gets Shortfall in Allocation, as it disburses N2.6b to area councils, stakeholders
By John Danjuma
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has recorded a shortfall in allocation as it disbursed N2,648,651,923.16 to six Area Councils in the FCT and other stakeholders as its share of statutory allocation for the month of August 2022.
Dr Ramatu Tijani Aliyu
Special Adviser on Media To FCT Minister of State Austine Elemue in a statement presented a breakdown analysis to indicate the shortfall to be N243,430,007.13 as against the N2,892,081,930.29 disbursed to area councils and other stakeholders in the month of July 2022.
FCT minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who presided over the 169th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), used the occasion to challenge the area council chairmen on the need to make judicious use of the allocation despite the shortfall.
Aliyu, also emphasised the need to improve sanitation and primary healthcare in the area councils, especially now that political campaigns are declared open.
The minister said; “I know the revenue allocation for this month is small, but you should make judicious use of what you have.
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“I say this because this is the era of political campaigns whereby opponents are out to seize every little opportunity to blackmail those in power. Therefore, I urge you to pay attention to sanitation and primary healthcare in the area councils”.
However, a breakdown of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicates that the sum of N370,280,634.39 was made available for distribution to the six area councils. In contrast, the sum of N2,278,371,288.77billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N2,648,651,923.16billion.
Similarly, disbursement to area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N77,916,414.47million, while Gwagwalada got N52,800,000.91million and Kuje received N91,066,291.32million.
Other area councils include Bwari Area Council which received N47,017,877.83million, Abaji got N59,050,970.93million while Kwali received N42,429,078.93million, bringing the total sum to N370,280,634.39million disbursed to the six area councils.
The disbursement to other critical stakeholders includes Primary School Teachers which gulped N1,917,556,374.33billion, 15 per cent of Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57million, One per cent of Training Fund gulped N26,486,519.24million, while 10 per cent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63million, bringing the total sum to N2,278,371,288.77billion.
Those present at the 169th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting include the representative of FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, Director Human Resource Management Mallam Mohammed Bashir, Mandate Secretary Area Council Services, Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, FCT representative in Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mallam Abubakar Hussain, and Director Finance and Administration FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, Mrs Omolola Olanipekun.
Others include the chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Zaka, Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Sabo, Vice Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Saidu Abdullahi, amongst others.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
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Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
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