NEWS
Budget Scandal: Tracka Reveals Fraudulent Payments In Billions
In the 2022 budget expenditure, alarming revelations have emerged regarding fraudulent payments and questionable project allocations in Nigeria.
Tracka, BudgIT’s service delivery promotion platform, has brought to light several irregularities in the allocation and utilization of public funds.
According to Tracka, 12 transactions were discovered, mostly labeled as “payment of bulk stipends to the 2,802 ex-agitators of Ateke Tom camp in phase 1 as approved by the ia.” Additionally, 27 transactions were identified as “bulk payment to the 500 delegates of Boyloaf camp 2 phase 2 as approved by the ia,” with a total of N2 million paid to Ebikabowei Victor Ben.
It stated that these payments raise serious concerns as they appear to violate Section 713 of the Public Sector Financial Regulations, 2009, which strictly prohibits the payment of public money into private bank accounts.
Furthermore, Tracka’s analysis also exposed the misplacement of priorities in the budget allocations. It was discovered that a staggering amount of N81.7 billion was allocated to the construction of solar street lights, surpassing the combined allocations for schools and primary health centers, which amounted to N77.9 billion and N3.1 billion, respectively.
This disproportionate distribution of funds raises concerns, particularly given Nigeria’s pressing challenges, such as the high number of out-of-school children and alarming child and maternal mortality rates.
In addition, Tracka revealed that several agencies were assigned projects outside their mandate.
Notably, the Nigerian Army received N4.5 billion for the construction of the Dengi-Kwalmiya-Gagdi-Wawus Bauchi Road in Plateau State, the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research was allocated N1.2 billion across four projects to supply medical equipment to health centers in Ogun State, and the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, was granted N580 million for road and streetlight construction in Abia State.
This misallocation undermines the monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability of the projects as the agencies lack the expertise and personnel required for quality service delivery.
Tracka’s Acting Head, Ayomide Ladipo, expressed her disappointment over these findings, emphasizing that such practices result in under-delivery of projects and a waste of taxpayers’ money and scarce resources.
She said “the implications of assigning projects to agencies out of their mandate is that it undermines monitoring, evaluation, and the sustainability of these projects.
“These agencies lack the expertise and personnel to ensure quality service delivery of these projects, leading to projects under-delivery and a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money and scarce resources.An example is the News Agency of Nigeria which was allocated N200 million to construct solar streetlights in Rivers State. What business does NAN have with streetlights?” Ayomide added.
Tracka discovered a 21% reduction in the percentage of empowerment projects this year compared to last year, where N58 billion of N100 billion was allocated to empowerment projects in 2022, while N37 billion of N100 billion was allocated to empowerment projects in 2023.
According to tracka, this is progress as it is the first time in three years that the percentage of empowerment projects in the ZIP will be less than 50%.
NEWS
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
NEWS
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
NEWS
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.