COVID-19 funds: Reps order Federal Fire Service to refund N1.48bn.

COVID-19 funds: Reps order Federal Fire Service to refund N1.48bn.

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, directed the Federal Fire Service to refund the sum of N1.48bn within a week to the Federation Account, being the intervention funds it received for the COVID-19 health epidemic but which it cannot account for.

The Bamidele Salam-led committee issued the directive on Wednesday following the failure of the service to appear at the investigative hearing for the third time.

Deputy Chairman of the committee, Jeremiah Umar, moved a motion for the refund of the amount noting that “So many other agencies have appeared before this committee, and the investigation is ongoing. I don’t see any reason why (sic) the fire service will ignore a committee like this.”

Umar added that since the service could not appear before the lawmakers to clear the controversies surrounding its COVID-19 expenditure, the right thing to do is to refund the sum of N1.48bn it collected in 2020.

This came just as the committee issued fresh invitations to some other defaulting Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to appear and explain various queries standing against them from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation on the billions of naira allocated as COVID-19 an intervention funds.

Those invited are the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security -N50. 5 bn, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation- N33 bn, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, through the National Centre for Women Development-N625 million, National Centre for Disease Control-N25 bn, and the Federal Ministry of Health- N10bn.

In his remark, Salam lamented that the Federal Fire Service had snubbed the Committee’s summons thrice while the other affected MDAs did the same twice each, saying that the latter group had been given one week to appear, or face sanctions.

He said, “A public officer who fails to respond to the Auditor-General’s query satisfactorily within 21 days for failure to collect government revenue due shall be surcharged and be transferred to another schedule. Where an officer fails to give a satisfactory reply to an audit query within seven days for his failure to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officers handed over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

“This Committee has a lot of assignments before it. The COVID-19 probe is just one; we have to move to other assignments,” he added.

Customs generate N3.21trn in 2023, targets N5.08 trn in 2024.

Customs generate N3.21trn in 2023, targets N5.08 trn in 2024.

The Nigeria Customs Service generated a total sum of N3.21 trn in the year 2023, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adeniyi told members of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise on Wednesday.

Adeniyi who appeared before the committee accompanied by top officials of the NCS told the lawmakers that though the service targeted the sum of N3.67trn in the outgone year, it was only able to generate N3.21trn owing to a combination of factors.

This is even as he stated that all things being equal, men and officers of the NCS will work diligently to generate N5.08trn for the nation in 2024.

He said, “In 2023, the revenue target for the service was N3.67tran and remarkably, the service collected a total revenue of N3.21trn from January to December 2023.

“When we compare what we collected in 2023 to what was projected as our targets, there was a negative variance of N462.9 bn, which represents 12.62 per cent of what was approved as revenue targets.

“Though we didn’t achieve what we projected, but we want to say with all sense of modesty that we did our best. And when we consider all factors, we will appreciate the fact that we at NCS did the best we could.

My Adeniyi listed import of goods under the common external tariff, import duty exemption certificate, uncertainties and anxieties as some of the factors that contributed to the inability of the service to meet its revenue target for 2023.

“One of the factors was the huge import of goods under Chapter 99 of the common external tariff, which resulted in a revenue loss of over N2trn. When we compare this to the total revenue that we had, that was a whopping 63.35 per cent of our total revenue collection.

“Also, revenue due to import duty exemption certificates and other statutory provisions for the year (2023) was also in the region of N1.8 trn which was about 58.52 per cent of the total revenue generated. Cargo throughput dropped from 17.2 per cent to 15 2 per cent during the year,” he added.

“For 2024 fiscal year, this target stands at 5.079 trillion and this consists of 3.423 trn in federation accounts, N554.35 bn for non-federation accounts, and N1.101 trn for import Value Added Tax,” he added, noting that “When we compare what was targeted in 2023 and 2024, this year’s target is higher by N1.41 trn or approximately 27.75 per cent over the 2023 budget.

That said, the NCS boss identified some key assumptions he said would assist the service in meeting its financial targets for 2024, saying, “We are hoping that the 2024 fiscal policy measure would be rolled out in good time so that it would help the implementation. The second is tied to the issue of national single window. The project which has lingered on for quite some time is now being pursued very vigorously for better process ammonisation and standardisation. The inauguration of the steering committee has been approved by Mr President, and I’m very sure in the next few days, the steering committee will be inaugurated.

“The third driver is the introduction of the Vehicle Registration System and the Vehicle Identification Number valuation application, which has a huge potential for reducing undervaluation and vehicle tax evasion, thereby improving our revenue collection.”

Adeniyi also told the committee that NCS proposed a budget expenditure of N706.43bn in the 2024 fiscal year.

This sum, he noted would be sourced from multiple avenues, saying “We hope to start the implementation of drawing from the 4 per cent Free On Board in 2024 and from this source, we expect an inflow of N623.83 bn. From a 2% VAT share for NCS, we project N22.02 bn. The last is funds that we are rolling over from ongoing capital projects, amounting to a total of N60.58 bn. This will give us a total of N706.43bn.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Leke Abejide pledged the readiness of the lawmakers to help reposition the NCS in its task of realizing its revenue target for the nation.

He charged the NCS boss to prioritise e-customs and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in manning the nation’s border stations.

Tinubu charges EFCC to sustain fight against Internet fraud.

Tinubu charges EFCC to sustain fight against Internet fraud.

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to keep its flames burning against the scourge of internet crimes and other acts of corruption.

He gave the charge through Vice President Kashim Shettima, in Abuja on Wednesday, at a one-day public engagement on youth, religion and the fight against corruption and the launch of the Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, organised by the EFCC.

He noted that the disturbing contagion of cybercrimes has been a challenge and slur on the image of the nation and the EFCC should spare no effort in tackling it more frontally.

He said, “Our country is not a nation of fraudsters and the pejorative reference to internet crimes as the ‘Nigerian scam’ across the world is unfair, untenable and unacceptable. Cybercrimes are a global phenomenon. Today’s world is run in real-time on the internet.

“Governance, businesses, institutions and even individual domestic affairs are dependent on the Internet. Cybercriminals are, therefore, a threat to the rest of the world. This is why no effort or expense should be spared in confronting the evil. I want to assure the EFCC that the government will continue to offer its support in its quest to kill the dragon that internet offences have become”, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Shettima further expressed the federal government’s determination to give corruption hard tackles.

He noted, “We cannot be focused on growth and development and at the same time offer any breathing space to corrupt practices. No nation grows without breaking the fangs of corruption. The EFCC has been duly instructed to do its job at all times without any extraneous considerations. The Renewed Hope agenda of our government is impervious to corruption. We should all join hands together to move Nigeria in a new direction of purpose.

“We are aware of all the foul cries and unwarranted accusations against the lawful efforts of the Commission to bring fraudsters to book. We cannot fold our hands and watch our youths descend into morbid criminalities”.

In his remark, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi urged the EFCC to intensify its preventive method which according to him is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes.

Fagbemi said, “I believe that concerted efforts should be channelled towards the preventive aspect of the commission’s mandate as it is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes. The Commission’s mandate is beyond the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes which it has over the years pursued vigorously. The cost of investigating and prosecuting all species of financial crimes will significantly reduce with adequate preventive measures in place.”

The event, which was marked with the relaunch and unveiling of EFCC’s Interfaith Manuals and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs, and was well-attended by various political, religious, traditional leaders, including youth groups, academia, civil society organisations, anti-corruption agencies, among others.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon Olawande Advocates for Inmate Empowerment.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon Olawande Advocates for Inmate Empowerment.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande had an engagement visit to the Medium Correctional Centre, Kuje, to engage with inmates. The visit, according to the Minister, was instigated by the realisation that almost 90% of inmates are youth, a situation that makes the youth ministry a very important partner in order to enable better livelihood for inmates at various correctional centers across the country. 

The Minister assured the inmates of the intention of the Ministries of Youth Development and Interior to collaborate in the delivery of training for inmates, in both vocational and digital skills, as a means of assisting them to settle back into the society. He also noted that a wide range of sensitization programs will be initiated to give the public a better narrative and view of inmates and ex-convicts in the country.

Seizing the opportunity to also present the initiatives and programs of the Ministry, the Minister encouraged the inmates to seize the opportunities to better their lives and become productive citizens. Thereafter, he undertook a tour of the facilities at the Correctional Centre and purchased some items from the inmates who are engaged in shoe making, especially. 

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the SSA to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola; SSA to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Ms. Abiola Arogundade and the SA to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring & Delivery), Ms Titilope Gbadamosi.

Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA Seek Divine Intervention amidst rising Insecurity.

Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA Seek Divine Intervention amidst rising Insecurity.

The Association of Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State has turned to divine intervention in response to the escalating insecurity in the state, particularly the surge in kidnapping incidents.

Organized by the association's leadership, a prayer session was conducted at the Irepodun/Ifelodun Council Secretariat in Igede Ekiti.

Prayers were fervently offered for the protection of leaders at both state and federal levels, the safe rescue of kidnapped victims, and an end to the activities of kidnappers and murderers in the state and the nation as a whole.

In separate interviews, Chief (Mrs) Aduke Seriki, Chairman of the Association of Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Chief (Mrs) Adunola Aladetoyinbo, the Secretary, called on the administration of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to intensify efforts in ensuring the adequate security of lives and properties.

They emphasized the need for security agencies in the state to be more vigilant in their responsibility of protecting the residents of Ekiti, thereby fostering a peaceful environment.

Chief Mrs Seriki and Aladetoyinbo commended Governor Oyebanji's commitment to the overall welfare of the state, citing prompt payment of salaries and ongoing developmental projects.

Prayers were offered for Governor Oyebanji to sustain the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuity and to embark on more infrastructural development projects. The leadership also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all governors in the country to make decisions that would bring progress to Nigeria.

Commending the Iyalojas, Iyalajes, and Iyalodes for supporting the current administration, they appealed for its continuity. The leaders urged citizens to fulfill their tax obligations to enable the government to meet public needs and government objectives.

At the prayer session, the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi, expressed gratitude for the women's support and cooperation with the administration. He assured them of continuous assistance and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens' safety.

While promising a conducive market environment, Hon Oluwatuyi urged the women to pay their trading permits and market tolls to facilitate the government's objectives for them. The Chairman was accompanied by Vice Chairman, Engr Remi Alade, Secretary ,Dr. Sule Fatai Olatunji, Head of Local Government Administration Mrs. Kofoworola Rotimi, Director of Administration ,Prince Oladimeji Adegoke, Director of Finance Mrs. Christianah Ogundele, Director of Information and Civic Orientation Chief (Mrs) Bimbo Yusuf, and Chief Rate Officer, Mr. Samuel Ogunleye, among others.

Barr Shola Gabriel Sends Heartfelt Condolences and Sympathy to Governor Oyebanji Amidst Ekiti Tragedy.

Barr Shola Gabriel Sends Heartfelt Condolences and Sympathy to Governor Oyebanji Amidst Ekiti Tragedy.

In response to the recent tragic events in Ekiti State, Barrister Shola Gabriel Esq., a concerned son of the soil, has sent a heartfelt condolences message to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, expressing profound condolences and sympathy. The message addresses the alarming murder of two monarchs and the distressing kidnapping of school children in Emure Ekiti.

Barr Shola Gabriel, the Director, Legal Services/Company Secretary of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET)

Commending Governor Oyebanji's unwavering leadership and courage in spearheading efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, Barrister Shola Gabriel acknowledges the Governor's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Ekiti's populace.

In a letter signed by his Publicity Secretary, Dapo Omowaye and made available to journalists, Barrister Shola Gabriel, the Director, Legal Services/Company Secretary of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), includes heartfelt prayers for the families of the departed monarchs and the safe return of the kidnapped school children. Gabriel invokes God's strength and solace for the affected families during this difficult time.

In his message, Barrister Shola underlines the severity of the acts of violence, expressing confidence that, through collective efforts, Ekiti will surmount these challenges and emerge stronger.

Acknowledging Governor Oyebanji's leadership, Barrister Gabriel extends prayers for continued guidance and wisdom from God as the Governor navigates through these challenges.

He further appreciates the Governor's dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy, especially in ensuring the security of lives and properties. The message expresses undiluted solidarity with Governor Oyebanji, the people of Ekiti, and all those affected by these unfortunate events.

Insecurity: Increase security personnel in Ekiti State, Ekiti Obas tell FG.

Insecurity: Increase security personnel in Ekiti State, Ekiti Obas tell FG.

..…As traditional rulers commend Oyebanji for quality leadership.

…..Obas map out plans to flush out criminals from Ekiti forests.

Traditional rulers in Ekiti State under the aegis of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, have called on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to Ekiti in order to beef up security in the state.

The traditional rulers who stated that the state is under-policed also demanded that the State Government should empower them with adequate resources to police and secure their respective domains to compliment the efforts of the security agencies.

They also all traditional rulers to take necessary measures to ensure all forets currently occupied by bandits and kidnappers are flushed out immediately and that no bushes and forests should be occupied by anybody.

These were part of the decisions reached by the monarchs in a meeting with Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji at the State Traditional Council Chamber, Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

The meeting which was at the instance of the Governor to review security situation in the state and get the input of the obas, was attended by heads of security agencies and the Commander of Amotekun Corps in the State.

Governor Oyebanji in his remarks at the opening session of the meeting which was held behind closed doors, conveyed the condolence message of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the traditional rulers, who lost two of their colleagues –The Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin in Monday attack by some gunmen.

The Governor told the monarchs that investigations into the killings of their colleagues had begun, urged them to cooperate with the security agencies in the course of the investigations. He also told them to come up with an implementable road map for securing their localities, in line with government’s plan to get the local institution play some roles in safety and security of the environment.

“I know that this is a very sad moment for all of us, on behalf of the government of Ekiti state and the President of the Federation, I extend my condolences to all traditional rulers, Mr President asked me to personally expressed his condolences to all of us and he has given me his message for our royal fathers, he said, I should tell you that we are in this together. He said I should make a commitment that those behind this will be fished out as soon as possible. And he said I should also tell you that the children that were abducted, by the special grace of God will be back home unhurt.”

The Governor also stressed the need for collaboration among members of the various communities with the security agencies in the state to achieve the well desired security of lives and properties in the state. He also commended the unity among royal fathers even before the creation of the state which he said had helped in bringing peace to Ekiti.

He stated that the meeting with the traditional rulers was a way out of the present web of insecurity in the state as he believed the deployment of both formal and native security apparatus would bring out the desired result.

 “We have our own structures too, we should be in collaboration with our hunters, vigilante groups, with the local government, once I have those resolution and roadmap from our royal fathers, we will then agree with the local government chairmen on how to go about it.

 “I covet your support and advice that will help security agencies. Another thing I want to tell our royal fathers is that in an attempt to fish out perpetrators of this sacrilege in this state, a lot of arrests will be made, I will not want our royal fathers to get involved in begging, because, most of the time, when you pick people up, and you want to profile them, they will run to Kabiyesis and they will be pleading on their behalf that he knows nothing about it. I can assure you that if anybody is picked up, he will be profiled, if vindicated, he will be released after investigation. The Governor stated.

Briefing newsmen on the communique reached at the end of the stakeholders’ meeting, the Chairman, Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro commiserated with the bereaved families and communities of the late Oba Samuel Olusola Olatunji, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti and Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and the abducted school children and teachers in Emure-Ekiti same day Monday January 29, 2024.

The traditional rulers also commended Governor Oyebanji for providing quality leadership at this critical time and urged him to remain focused . They also called on patriotic Ekiti indigenes all over the world to generously support their communities to provide local security arrangements to protect lives and property in all communities.

Other decisions reached by the monarchs include the need for native security systems to work together to end all manners of criminality in the state.

The traditional rulers observed one minute silence in respect of the two traditional rulers that were killed before the commencement of the meeting.

Their recommendations are to be conveyed to the Governor for implementation.