September 2023 Allocation: Federal Government, States, LGs Share N903.480billion.

September 2023 Allocation: Federal Government, States, LGs Share N903.480billion.

• Federal Govt got N320.543 billion.

• States got N287.071 billion.

• LGs got N210.900 billion.

• Oil producing states got N84.966 billion, as 13% derivation.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has saved N289 billion into the non-oil account for the month of September 2023. 

The FAAC has been operating the account since June 2023 as a buffer against hard times. It is different from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

This is contained in the statement at the end of the monthly FAAC meeting presided over by the Finance Minister.

According to the statement, N1.594 trillion accrued into the Federation Account for the month of September as revenue and from this amount, N903.480 billion was shared among the Federal and State Governments, and Local Government Councils.

The breakdown of the total distributable revenue reveals that N423.012 billion was attributed to distributable statutory revenue, N282.666 billion came from Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, N10.989 billion was generated from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and N186.813 billion was the revenue from Exchange rate Differentials.

According to the communique: “A total revenue of N1.594 trillion was available in September 2023. After deducting the cost of collection amounting to N54.426 billion, transfers and refunds of N347.857 billion, and savings of N289.000 billion, the remaining funds were distributed”.

Notably, the gross statutory revenue for September 2023 stood at N1.014 trillion, showing an increase of N123.019 billion from the previous month of August, which saw a revenue of N891.934 billion.

On the other hand, the VAT revenue for September 2023 was recorded at N303.550 billion, reflecting a decrease of N42.177 billion from the N345.727 billion generated in August 2023.

From the total distributable revenue of N903.480 billion, the Federal Government received N320.543 billion, the State Governments received N287.071 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N210.900 billion. Furthermore, an additional sum of N84.966 billion, representing 13 percent of mineral revenue, was shared with relevant states as derivation revenue.

Of the distributable statutory revenue amounting to N423.012 billion, the Federal Government received N190.849 billion, the State Governments received N96.801 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N74.629 billion. 13 percent of mineral revenue, totaling N60.733 billion, was also distributed among the relevant states as derivation revenue.

The distributable VAT revenue of N282.666 billion saw the Federal Government receiving N42.400 billion, the State Governments receiving N141.333 billion, and the Local Government Councils receiving N98.933 billion.

Also, the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) of N10.989 billion was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N1.648 billion, the State Governments received N5.495 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N3.846 billion.

From the revenue generated from Exchange rate Differentials which amounted to N186.813 billion, the Federal Government received N85.647 billion, the State Governments received N43.442 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N33.491 billion. Additionally, N24.233 billion, equivalent to 13 percent of mineral revenue, was distributed to the relevant states as derivation revenue.

In terms of revenue sources, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Oil and Gas Royalties experienced a significant increase in September 2023. However, Value Added Tax (VAT), Import and Excise Duties, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Companies Income Tax (CIT), and CET Levies recorded noteworthy decreases.

The Excess Crude Account (ECA) currently holds a balance of $473,754.57.

First Lady Express Concern Over High Incidence Of Cervical Cancer In Nigeria.

First Lady Express Concern Over High Incidence Of Cervical Cancer In Nigeria.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, raised concern over the high incidence of cervical cancer in the country during the national launch of the HPV vaccine introduction to the National Immunization Programme in Abuja on Tuesday, October 24.

This was contained in a statement signed by Busola Kukoyi, special adviser on media to the First Lady.

Tinubu emphasised that the initiative does not end with the introduction of the vaccine into the routine immunization schedule but there must be a focus on education and awareness about the virus.

The First Lady said regular screenings must be encouraged and there must be improved access to healthcare with behavioural interventions as well.

She noted: “For me, I will recommend that girls who are under 18 years of age and sexually active, avail themselves the opportunity of this vaccine, to avoid a future of ill-health and possibly, death.

“In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunization schedule is a significant step forward in our mission to protect the health and future of our nation’s womenfolk and it will lead to a structured and systematic way of achieving a cervical cancer free generation.”

She noted that the initiative goes beyond preventing cervical cancer but also demonstrates the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu GCFR’s administration to gender equity and empowering women to take control of their health.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof, Mohammed Ali Pate emphasized that the vaccine is safe, effective, and already in use in several countries of the world.

He stated: “No father or mother who really understands they can prevent a serious disease will stop their daughters from taking the vaccine, except they really do not understand.”

In their goodwill messages, the Sultan of Sokoto, health sector partners, and others, said the introduction of the vaccine will go a long way to enhance the health of the female folk in the country.

The First Lady later supervised the administration of the vaccine on the girls present at the event.

President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report ’ On Fiscal Policy And Tax Reforms.

President Tinubu Receives ‘Quick Win Report ’ On Fiscal Policy And Tax Reforms.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja received the ‘Quick Win Report’ on fiscal policy and tax reforms from the Committee tasked with improving the nation’s revenue profile and business environment.

Responding to a presentation by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the President commended their work and assured them of his support for the review and implementation of key recommendations.

”I have listened attentively to your report. Charting the critical path forward for Nigeria’s economic recovery is crucial to all of us. I want to say thank you to your delegation,” he said.

President Tinubu granted the request of the Committee to address a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and apprise cabinet members of their work and expected outcomes to facilitate economic growth.

The President directed Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, to coordinate with the relevant government officials for the session.

In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, pledged to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee, as they may apply, pending the approval of the President.

Mr. Adedeji declared that beyond supporting the fiscal and tax reforms, the FIRS will explore opportunities to diversify the nation’s revenue sources, as the historical overreliance on oil has made the economy vulnerable.

”Nigeria’s fiscal policy serves as the foundation of economic stability. It dictates how the government collects, manages and allocates resources for the betterment of our people. A well-developed fiscal policy is crucial for provision of infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services to our growing population. Tax reforms are an integral part of a robust fiscal policy.

”While our current tax system has contributed significantly to our revenue, there remains room for further enhancement; enhancement that can be driven with digital technology. To achieve this, we are collaborating with the Presidential Committee to streamline our tax laws, improve voluntary compliance, and expand the tax base to ensure equity and fairness,” the Acting FIRS Chairman said.

In his prayers to the President, Mr. Oyedele, among others, called for an emergency economic intervention bill (Executive Bill) and the issuance of Presidential Executive Orders to address the duplication of functions across the public service, and to ensure prudent public financial management in a bid to optimize value from government assets and natural resources.

Chieftaincy Tussle: Govt Approves Rotation of Traditional Title in Ekiti Community, Warns trouble makers.

Chieftaincy Tussle: Govt Approves Rotation of Traditional Title in Ekiti Community, Warns trouble makers.

To settle the festering crisis brewing over chieftaincy tussle and prevent possible bloodshed, the Ekiti State Government, has approved the rotation of Eesa Chieftaincy title in Ijurin Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The title, which is the second in hierarchy to the royal stool, according to the state government, is to be rotated between Eesa and Isolo clans based on the recommendations of the Ojurin-in-Council, chaired by Oba Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola, the paramount ruler of the community.

Eesa family, had a couple of months ago written a petition to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, accusing Oba Ajibola of allegedly planning to deprive them of the chieftaincy title, following the demise of the occupant of the seat, Chief Lawrence Akinbode, who was from their clan.

The family accused the monarch and members of his council of planning to pick the successor from Isolo Clan, which they described as antithetical to the history of the town that established the fact that only their family could occupy Eesa chieftaincy stool.

While mediating in the matter on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the monarch and other chiefs had been able to lay a rocky foundation, substantiating the fact that Isolo family was also entitled to the stool.

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, added that Oba Ajibola, the kingmakers and the Intelligence Report of 1936 written about Ijurin Ekiti chieftaincy , corroborated the fact that Eesa chieftaincy title are rotated between the two clans.

Mrs Afuye stressed that the accounts of history rendered by all the 15 clans that make up Ijurin Ekiti, also supported the fact that the title was not an exclusive preserve of Eesa family.

Subsequently, Mrs Afuye directed the two families to sign the document tagged : “Memorandum of Understanding”, prepared by Ojurin- in- Council to prepare a record for future reference that the future occupant of the seat will be picked from Isolo clan.

“I also agree with the position canvassed by Ojurin-in – Council that to douse the tension, the current vacancy will be filled by Eesa family with an understanding that the next one will go to Isolo because nobody should be deprived of his statutory rights.

“But the two families must sign this MoU and if any of them should fail, the community should pick the occupant of the seat from the family that complies with this directive in the interest of peace.

“What our Governor , Biodun Oyebanji has been preaching is love, peace and unity in all our towns and whoever wants to disrupt this will face the full weight of the law. So, all the parties must comply with this directive to entrench peace in your town”.

Mrs Afuye, also directed Eesa family to tender apology to Oba Ajibola over allegations of insults and threats to his person over the decision taken that the chieftaincy title be rotated.

Speaking during the parley, Oba Ajibola lamented how he was being allegedly threatened and harassed by some youths from Eesa community, describing this as a disrespect to traditional institution.

The monarch added that the decision taken that the title be rotated was based on available veracious historical antecedents articulated by his council from elderly people in the town and not based on enmity against Eesa clan as being touted by some people.

“My council had deliberated and taken a decision on this matter. The MoU indicating that the chieftaincy title is rotated between the two clans had been prepared . The two families must sign it, so that there won’t be rancour in the town in the future.

“History established it that Isolo clan had produced three Eesa before the other family was considered. They can’t be denied also in the interest of unity and peace. But we have agreed that the current selection will be done in Eesa family, that was our decision to pacify them”.

But the representative of Eesa family, Mr. Oke Akinbode, insisted at the parley that the family had been the sole occupant of the seat since 1917, when the first person took the shot from Eesa clan, describing the history the monarch was alluding to as unfounded and baseless.

Akinbode , however, tendered apology to the monarch over alleged insults and threats to him over the chieftaincy matter, saying the family will take all the necessary actions to atone for their misdemeanour.

Ekiti Government Seals Off Popular Eatery Over Unkept Premises, Stinking Environment.

Ekiti Government Seals Off Popular Eatery Over Unkept Premises, Stinking Environment.

 The Ekiti State Government has sealed off a popular eatery in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital over its unkept premises and the continuous stinking environment where they operate from.

Sealing off the eatery on Monday, the Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Ekiti State, Chef Mrs Tosin Ajisafe Aluko queried the recalcitrant attitude of the operators of the eatery known as Belloni’s Place located along the NTA road in Ado Ekiti for failing to heed to the warning notice earlier issued to them on their dirty premises. 

Speaking to the Journalists on the process that led to the closure of the quick service restaurant, on Monday, “the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Environment had two weeks ago, sent a warning letter to the management of the eatery, calling their attention to the ugly environment of the eatery”.  

She said, “Today’s visit is a follow up to a letter written by the Ministry of Environment two weeks ago about the shabby environment from where the restaurant was operating. But to my  surprise, till this moment when the ministry went to seal it off, nothing has been done to improve on the environment”.

Appointment of PTDF CEO Sparks Controversy In Adamawa Amidst Allegations of Alliance With Opposition Party.

Appointment of PTDF CEO Sparks Controversy In Adamawa Amidst Allegations of Alliance With Opposition Party.

The recent appointment of Hon. Ahmed Galadima Aminu as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Technology Trust Fund (PTDF) has stirred unrest, particularly among APC members in Adamawa State.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on (Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on October 17, 2023, it was announced that the President directed Aminu to serve in an acting capacity until he commences his fresh four-year term on December 26, 2023.

However, there is dissatisfaction over the appointment within the APC ranks in the state with allegations, suggesting that Galadima may have been a significant supporter of Atiku Abubakar's campaign teams in the state.

It was also alleged that Galadima has been in contact with the legal team handling Atiku's tribunal case against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and has been providing financial support to ensure Atiku's victory.

There are equally rumours in Adamawas state that President Tinubu has shown a tendency to empower his adversaries more than dedicated party members who worked tirelessly to secure his election victory; the sentiment Which had led some prominent grassroots politicians, notably Chieftains of the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) led by Hon. Umar Bello Jada (Calculate), to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Ahmed Galadima Aminu as the PTDF's Executive Secretary and CEO.

This development has ignited jubilation within the PDP camp in the state.

A member of the APC who underscored the significance of unity within the party remarked that there is a hope among Adamawa's committed APC members that Tinubu will not jeopardize his standing with them, given their unwavering dedication to the party, even as they faced opposition with a lesser voice in the state.

Adeleke suspends foreign trips for Osun officials.

Adeleke suspends foreign trips for Osun officials.

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has barred international visits for key officials in his government for the remainder of the year, with exceptions for emergencies.

To improve efficiency in the governance process, the governor also asked the Head of Service, Leye Aina, to produce a document outlining the relationship between the Commissioners and the Special Advisers.

Adeleke stated that excessive spending on recurrent and overhead expenses must be avoided during a meeting with members of the State Executive Council to deliberate on 2024 budget proposals from ministries, departments, and agencies as a prelude to the submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to the State House of Assembly.

While pushing cabinet members to make personal sacrifices, the governor stated that in light of the state’s dire financial condition, all members of the government must exhibit a willingness to sacrifice.

A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Monday, quoting Adeleke further read in parts, “Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorised by the Governor.

“We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.

“Our needs from office to accommodation are much, but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve.

“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and an accommodating spirit.”