NEWS
Defend 2024 Budgets Or Lose 2025 Allocations – N’Assembly Warns Agencies
The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has warned that it will deny budgetary allocations for 2025 to agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security whose heads fail to account for their 2024 budget performance and projections for the coming year.
The committee issued the warning during a budget defence session on Thursday in Abuja.
The panel insisted that only chief accounting officers of the agencies would be allowed to present and defend their budgets, expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of several agency heads despite a presidential directive mandating their presence.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Tinubu Congratulates Nigerians On Biden’s PECASE
DG Absence Sparks Backlash
The committee was particularly critical of the absence of Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Director General of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, who was scheduled to brief lawmakers on his agency’s 2024 performance and 2025 projections.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, criticized the DG’s decision to send a representative, stating:
“We are not going to attend to you. When the President came to present this budget, he made it clear that all heads of agencies must come to defend their estimates and should therefore call off any plan to travel… Why is it now that your principal chose to travel? Tell him that we are available tomorrow.”
He directed the DG to appear in person by Monday, January 20, warning that the committee would not tolerate further delays.
The committee highlighted alarming projections by the World Food Programme that 33.1 million Nigerians could face acute hunger in 2025, emphasizing the critical need to address food security. Senator Mustapha underscored the importance of increased budgetary provisions to combat challenges in the agricultural sector:
“The projection by the World Food Programme that about 33.1 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2025 is an indication that food crisis is what we cannot allow to happen and we collectively need to avert.”
Kaoje, the House of Representatives counterpart to Mustapha, reiterated the President’s commitment to tackling food security, referencing the 2024 declaration of a state of emergency on the issue.
He assured the committee’s support in addressing agricultural challenges.
“We will put our heads together with the appropriation committee to make sure that the renewed hope agenda of the President is achieved in the area of food security.”
The committee also heard complaints from agency heads about insufficient funding and operational difficulties:
National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC): DG Ishiak Khalid revealed that only 9% of the agency’s 2024 capital allocation was released, leaving it unable to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“Without quality seeds, it is difficult to have good yields,” he said.
Nigerian Agriculture Development Fund (NADF): Executive Secretary Muhammed Ibrahim disclosed that the agency had received no capital allocation in 2024 and was struggling with manpower shortages.
“About 15 months after we assumed office, we are yet to have a salary scale. Most of our staff members are contracted while some are deployed from other agencies of government,” Ibrahim stated.
The Joint Committee pledged to advocate for increased budgetary allocations and address manpower issues in the agricultural sector.
Senator Mustapha emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure food security and agricultural productivity.
The Appeal Court has affirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
The confirmation was announced through a post on the Labour Party’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
It read: “Barr Julius Abure remains the LP National Chairman, Appeal Court Rules.”
READ MORE: US Court Sentences Three Nigerians For Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Targeting Elderly
Further verification was provided by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, who confirmed the development in a phone call.
This ruling follows a previous judgement by a Federal High Court, which had also recognised Abure as the rightful leader of the Labour Party.
The latest decision by the Appeal Court solidifies Abure’s leadership and is expected to bring clarity to the party’s internal structure.
More details on the ruling are expected to be released soon.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced an increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol.
The revised price, which takes effect from Friday, January 17, 2025, sets the cost at N955 per litre for marketers purchasing between 2 million and 4.99 million litres. Those buying 5 million litres and above will pay N950 per litre.
This adjustment represents a 6.17% increase from the previous price of N899.50 per litre set in December 2024.
In an official statement, the refinery disclosed: “Kindly be advised that effective from 5:30 PM today, an upward adjustment has been implemented on the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit.
Quantity and Price Adjustments:
2 million–4.99 million litres: N955 per litre
5 million litres and above: N950 per litre
“Please note that all stock balances yet to be lifted as at the above-stated time are to be repriced at the new reviewed prices.
“We shall communicate with customers on their revised volumes based on the reviewed prices, in due course.”
This price increase has sparked discussions among marketers and stakeholders as it reflects a continued trend of rising fuel costs in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the completion of the Abuja-Kano Expressway within 14 months, underscoring his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking critical infrastructure projects.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during an inspection of the project site in Tafa, Niger State.
Idris, accompanied by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and members of the National Assembly, highlighted the President’s determination to ensure the project’s timely delivery.
READ MORE: China’s Population Shrinks For Third Year Amid Aging Crisis, Low Birth Rate
In a statement issued Friday by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris disclosed that sections of the original contract handled by Julius Berger PLC were revoked and reassigned to a new contractor due to delays.
He emphasized that the revised timeline reflects the President’s resolve to deliver the project on schedule.
“Mr. President is determined to see the completion of this project within the revised timeline. We will not allow any contractor to hold us to ransom.
“The target of 14 months is achievable, and we believe it will be completed on time,” Idris stated, urging stakeholders to prioritize the project as a matter of national importance.
The President’s decision follows his rejection of a proposed three-year completion timeline by Julius Berger, which included an increased budget from ₦797 billion to ₦1.5 trillion.
“The Honourable Minister of Works has set a 14-month target, and with the enthusiasm and determination of everyone involved, we believe this goal is achievable.
This road is essential for linking the Federal Capital Territory to Kano and other states. President Tinubu is resolute that this project will be completed, and nothing will stop it,” Idris added.
Enhanced Features and New Developments
Minister Umahi revealed enhancements to the project, including a 10.6-kilometre extension to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, a 5-kilometre extension towards Kogi State, and solar lighting along the entire stretch.
“I am happy to announce that we received a ‘No Objection’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement for a total contract sum of ₦252.89 billion. I am confident the Federal Executive Council will approve this in its next sitting,” Umahi said.
The expressway, segmented into three sections for efficiency, is a key corridor connecting Nigeria’s capital to Kano and surrounding regions.
Once completed, the project will facilitate economic growth, enhance connectivity, and prepare the road for an operation and maintenance concession.
Obong Victor Attah Accuses Obasanjo Of Blocking Power Distribution In Akwa Ibom
Obasa Missing As Meranda Leads Lagos Assembly’s First Plenary As Female Speaker
I’ll Campaign For Seyi Tinubu In 2027 Lagos Election – VDM
Appeal Court Upholds Julius Abure As Labour Party National Chairman
Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price To N955 Per Litre
Father Of Late Mohbad Demands DNA Test For Grandson, Calls For Reopening Of Death Inquest
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
