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Revenue Generation: FCT Perm Sec Inaugrates Committee On Land Matters

Toyin Adebayo
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Revenue Generation: FCT Perm Sec Inaugrates Committee On Land Matters

In an effort to reposition land administration, improve service delivery and increase revenue generation, in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola on Wednesday Inaugrated high-powered committee on partnership with financial institutions on land matters.

The committee which was inaugurated is expected to invent ways of increasing the revenue profile of the FCT Administration and also FastTrack processes involved in the acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy and other title documents for various individuals in the Federal Capital Territory.

Adesola stated that in view of the dwindling revenue accruable to government as a result of plummeting price in crude oil globally and the increasing demands for social amenities and other infrastructural developments by the citizens, it has becomes imperative for the FCT Administration to think of creative ways of shoring up government revenue to be able to address these challenges.

He hinted that the administration spends fortune annually to keep the city clean but generate only meagre amount, urged residents to begin to pay for services such as sanitation and pipe borne water services the government is rendering to them.

Adesola, however, expressed optimism that the Committee would work assiduously to come up with far reaching recommendations with a view to addressing delay in the acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy, other title documents as well as unlock huge revenue stuck in land transactions.

He , therefore, assured residents of the territory that the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello would continue to address all challenges associated with the acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy and other title documents in nation’s capital city.

The Permanent Secretary gave the Committee one week to submit its report for the Administration to take immediate action, reeled out the committee terms of reference to include: review the current challenges related to payment of land fees in the FCT; identify sources of financing the payment of land fees by the title holders, develop framework for partnership with financial institutions by title holder and also come up with recommendations on any other matters related to the above.

Meanwhile , the Chairman of the Committee Barrister Harisu Umar commended the Permanent Secretary for the laudable and proactive initiative of thinking outside the box at a time the country is seriously confronted with acute financial challenges.

Umar assured the Permanent Secretary that the committee would work hard to achieve its terms of reference, while thanking the Permanent Secretary for the confidence reposed in them.

Other members of the Committee are: Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary; Mr. Adewinle Pius, Deputy Director; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Town Planner Adamu Adamu; Financial Adviser, Mr. Ayodele Olayinka; Assistant Director; Department of Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), Mr. Yusuf Jafar, Assistant Director; Mr. Kumatin Ikya, Department of Land Administration, Hassan Zakari, Assistant Director and Mr Abubakar Faskari, Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary.

FCT Minister Applauds Plan By Naval Officers’ Wives Association To Build 200 Bed Maternity, Children Hospital

Toyin Adebayo
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FCT Minister Applauds Plan By Naval Officers’ Wives Association To Build 200 Bed Maternity, Children Hospital

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has applauded plans by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association to build a 200 bed maternity and children hospital in the Territory.

While pledging that the Administration will identify a suitable plot of land to site the proposed hospital.

 
Saying, “We will definitely work towards identifying a proper location that you can really quickly move in and start development”. He also called for the possibility of increasing the hospital capacity beyond its proposed 200 bed spaces.

The Minister made this known when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z Gambo paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA .

Bello also commended the plans of the navy to open the primary and secondary schools located in its barracks at Pegi, Kuje Area Council, to members of the public as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility

He, however, expressed the appreciation of the FCT Administration to the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in the provision of security for the nation’s capital.

 
The Minister said that the Nigerian Navy always participated actively in the FCT Security Committee and the Commanders of its Units in the FCT, were in the forefront of providing the needed operational support during joint operations.

 
In the words of the Minister, “Your Commanders have been very active in our FCT Security Committee. In most instances, when issues come up that require joint operations with other agencies, your Commanders have always been in the forefront of providing the needed support and we thank you very much for that”.

 Eearlier, the Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged the cordial relationship that exists between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Navy especially in the task of providing security in the FCT.

 
Vice Admiral Gambo expressed happiness at the Administration’s efforts in rehabilitating the Kuje to Pegi road and said that its completion will improve security and commuting along that axis.

He also commended the efforts of the Administration on the construction of the Apo –Karshi road which he said will enhance movement into the city and equally improve the security situation within the city.

 
Also present at the at visit were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, Director of security, FCTA, Mr Adamu Gwary and other senior officers of the Nigerian NAVY and the FCTA.   

Governors Agree On Debt Reduction, Judicial, Legislature Autonomy

Roland Edet
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Governors Agree On Debt Reduction, Judicial, Legislature Autonomy

Governors have agreed to grant autonomy to the Legislature and the Judiciary.

This is in line with Executive Order 10 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

They however, gave two conditions to smoothen the implementation of the decisions. These are: Immediate termination of the ongoing strike by judicial workers and the disbandment of the Presidential Implementation Committee on the Autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary.

The governors said ending the strike would enable states to fine tune the legal framework to back the decisions.

They accused the Autonomy Committee of “acting as a permanent committee basically misguiding and overheating the relationship between State Governments and the other arms of government”.

These positions were taken at yesterday’s meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), presided over by its Chairman and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Other decisions taken at the meeting include the need to achieve debt limit and sustainability as well as support for the full deregulation of the downstream oil sector/withdrawal of subsidy.

The ‘Asaba Declaration’ issued after the Southern governors meeting was not discussed at the parley “because it was not on the agenda,” it was learnt last night.

The Asaba summit endorsed restructuring, national dialogue, total ban on open grazing and review of revenue allocation.

The communique of the meeting, which was signed by Dr. Fayemi, focused on several matters of national concern and how to reduce tension.

The communique reads in part: ”On the Executive Order 10, talks have reached an advanced stage with the Ministry of Labour, Conference of Speakers, National Judicial Council and the NGF.

“ All parties are working earnestly to resolve the issues surrounding the implementation of the order.

“ There are however legal aspects of the order that need to be tied up, but which cannot take place if officials responsible for these final processes are on strike.

“ Governors are happy to implement the demands of the Judiciary and the Legislature.”

After considering the report of a committee headed by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, they agreed that petrol subsidy was unsustainable.

The communique added: “His Excellency, Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai gave a briefing on the appropriate pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria, calling for full deregulation.” “He noted that between N70billion and N210billion is estimated to be spent every month to keep the PMS price at N162/litre, a situation that is completely unsustainable.”

Senate Gives NECO 24 Hours To Present Receipts For N7.2bn Expenses

Shehu Danladi
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Senate Gives NECO 24 Hours To Present Receipts For N7.2bn Expenses

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, on Wednesday, directed the National Examination Council (NECO) to present, within 24 hours, store receipts for N7.2billion it paid for examination materials between January and June 2017.

The Committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide gave the directive following its consideration of a query raised to that effect by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, in its 2017 report.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, in its report, alleged examination materials, which amounted to N7.2billion were paid for between January and June 2017 without evidence of receipt of the items into the store

But Registrar of NECO, Prof Godswill Obioma, in his response to the query, when he appeared before the Committee in Abuja, claimed that NECO examination materials are sensitive items that are kept and closely guarded to avoid leakages.

When the Chairman of the Committee demanded Store Receipt Vouchers (SRV) for the expenses on ‘sensitive materials’ by the examination body for 2017, the officials who appeared in company of the Registrar, claimed they have the receipts but were unable to present them for sighting by the Committee.

The Committee asked the NECO Registrar to provide the receipts to the Committee within 24 hours or be ready to refund the N7.2 billion to the Federal Government’s coffers.

Prof Obioma however enjoined the committee to explain the penalty since he was not the Registrar of NECO in 2017 when the purchases were made.

The query reads: “Examination materials in the sum of N7.2 billion were paid for between January and June 2017 without evidence of receipt of the items into store

“There was no evidence to confirm the receipt of the materials or their usage thereby contravening Financial Regulation 2402 which requires a store keeper to certify that such purchases have been received and taken on store ledger charge in the store ledger.

“Inquiry to verify the true position of items revealed that a committee was in charge of the receipt and distribution of examination materials.

However, despite the repeated request for documentary evidence in relation to the supply, the Committee failed to produce any document for verification.”

APC Govs Arrive Cross River To Persuade Ayade To Dump PDP

Roland Edet
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APC Govs Arrive Cross River To Persuade Ayade To Dump PDP

All Progressive Congress (APC) Governors on Wednesday evening arrived Calabar, the capital of Cross River to persuade Governor Ben Ayade to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They arrived two weeks after a delegation of Governors Forum of the PDP visited to dissuade him from leaving the party.

The APC delegation was led by Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, who is also the National Caretaker Committee chairman of the APC.

Buni arrived Calabar on Wednesday evening to join his Imo counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodima who had been on ground.

Ebonyi Governor Dave Umahai and a number of other Governors of the APC are also expected to arrive the state.

They are billed to have a meeting with Ayade on Thursday morning in the State Executive Chambers.

Sources informed our correspondent that the Governors will also meet with some stakeholders of Cross River politics on the benefits of joining the ruling party.

Buhari Assures Investors of Stable Fiscal Policies

Nnenna Nwankwo
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Buhari Assures Investors of Stable Fiscal Policies

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged investors to further explore vast opportunities of human and natural resources in Nigeria.

He also assure them of fiscal policies will be more favourable, predictable and measurably tilted towards creating harmonious business environment.

The President stated this on Wednesday in Paris, France, when he met with Chairman of Total, Patrick Pouyanne; Executive Vice President, AirBus, Silvere Delaunay; Chairman of the Board of a software company, Daussault Systems, Florence Verzelen; Chairman/CEO of General Engineering and Marketing of Telecommunications Operator, Francois-Regis Teze and Chairman/CEO, Donaflex Automotive, Dr Donatus Nwokoye.

At the meeting with the delegation from Total, President Buhari said the outlook and potentials for growth in the country have remained steadily positive, affirming the government’s commitment to scale up operating standards and policies that encourage mutual benefits.

According to him , ”We are very pleased with the evolving trends in technology, which is currently driving development across the world and Nigeria. Nigeria is more a gas country than a crude oil producing country. In the 80’s we generated more from gas, than crude oil. In the 80’s, we were earning more from gas for some years, and had put in place structures. We intend to further explore the gas sector. I am pleased with your consistency in staying in Nigeria.”

He also said investors should take advantage of the natural and human resources, saying that the demographics favour development, with more young people who are eager to be gainfully engaged and trained.

The President thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Total for the company’s consistency and expansion in Nigeria since 1956, assuring that the government will enhance fiscal stability that will favour investors.

”We need to educate the youth and encourage more skills in technology. Technology has been most impactful in all sectors, including the oil and gas, which has witnessed rapid transformation in exploration, processing and distribution,” President Buhari added.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, said Total had confirmed long term investments in Nigeria, and had consistently exceeded targets in gas production.

According to him, the NNPC had already designed solutions to some of the challenges in the oil and gas sector, particularly on tax.

Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of Total, Pouyanne told the President of the readiness of the company to stay in Nigeria, and further expand interest in oil, gas, solar and other commodities that will directly impact the lives of citizens.

He said investors had been eagerly waiting for the passing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as it will send a strong signal of more predictability.

Total is very committed to Nigeria. We have no intention of leaving Nigeria,’’ he said.

Also on Wednesday, President Buhari received in audience the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde who came to brief him on the regional security and political situation in the Horn of Africa.

We Won’t Interfere in 2023 Elections, Says Buhari

Nnenna Nwankwo
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We Won’t Interfere in 2023 Elections, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration will not interfere in future elections including the 2023 general election in the country.

He made this known at an interactive session with some Nigerians in Paris, France on Wednesday, the President assured Nigerians that the government’s commitment to free and fair elections will be followed through in every future election, explaining that the bedrock of democracy remains sustenance of the multi-party structure, with trust from citizens.

He noted that results from elections since he assumed office had been a mixed bag, with the people’s choice playing out, promising to keep the template that had brought more credibility to the electoral process.

According to him; “Free and fair election is a great concern. In the last elections, our party lost in some elections and it reflects our position of non-interference.

“Normally those in power will win by hook or by crook. We believe in free and fair elections. I have respect for Nigerians to choose their leaders. We have shown we respect our citizens by allowing them to choose their leaders.

“We gave instructions to security to deal with anyone who uses thugs to disrupt electoral processes. What I can assure you is that you can walk about and around with your head raised high that this administration is committed to multi-party system”.

President Buhari said he had watched Nigerians spend long hours in campaigns listening to candidates since 2003, 2007, 2011, when he contested elections and lost, and 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, which he won.

“Nigerians deserve respect. I have suffered before, so I know what it means. My duty is to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all my heart. I assure that in spite of the ill luck, with drop in resources, we will do our best,’’ he added.

The President said investments had been channeled into the agricultural sector, with visible results, explaining that the policy on border closure to neighbouring countries was to protect the economy and improve security.

“The future of Nigeria is in agriculture,’’ he noted.

On security, President Buhari said all the service chiefs were changed in order to inject new energy and ideas into protecting the country, adding that the security chiefs were also given clear targets and time lines.

We will educate people to develop our country. Our greatest resources are our people and educating them is a priority,’’ the President added.

Earlier in his remarks, Nigerian Ambassador to France, Kayode Ibrahim Laro, appreciated the President for always creating time to interact with Nigerians, describing him as the “most friendly President to Nigerians in diaspora’’.

At the meeting, Nigerians in Paris raised issues with the President on security, voting in elections, economy and education.

Wabba Will Never Return To Kaduna By The Time I’m Done With Him, El-Rufai Vows

Uche Kingsley
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Wabba Will Never Return To Kaduna By The Time I’m Done With Him, El-Rufai Vows

The Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has vowed that Comrade Ayuba Wabba and other labour leaders will never return to Kaduna by the time his government is done with them.

The protest of the organised labour in Kaduna is in its third day.

Governor El-Rufai, who stated this while addressing the 23rd Annual Tax Conference organised by the The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Kaduna on Wednesday, described the labour leaders as “criminals”.

He said actions of the labour union under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which prevented businesses like banks, petrol stations and others from opening is criminal, illegal and the government will deal with “the criminals”.

The Governor pointed out that his government was not against the right of workers to embark on strike, but such workers must walk out of their work place and allow it to function without them.

While he emphasized that workers or their unions do not have the right to stop any business or government establishment from opening, El-Rufai said those responsible for such were liable to be convicted on the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which attracts a minimum penalty of 21 years imprisonment.

He then apologised to the gathering on any inconvenience suffered due to the strike, saying, “All those that have broken the law to the fullest extent will never come back to the state again by the time we are done with them.”

He said, “There are efforts to prevent legitimate business to open, there are efforts to prevent banks from opening and also preventing petrol stations from dispensing fuel, this is totally criminal and illegal and we are going to take action.

“We are making efforts to provide security for all businesses that will wish to remain open.

“We are not against the right to strike, you are free to strike, but walk away from your institution and allow it to function without you.

“You have no right to stop any business from remaining open and we are going to take very strict measures against people that have tried to do that.

“What this strike is about is to answer fundamental questions, the first of which is this; should an employer, keep person of poor education, inadequate skills, qualifications and bad work attitude in employment, whether he likes it or not? Our answer in Kaduna state is in the negative.

“We, as the employer, are in a contract of employment with the employee and if he is not up to scratch, we will let him go and that is included in our contact of service.

“The second question is this, is the right to protest or to withdraw your services of an employee equivalent to the right to destroy the institution in which you work; shut it down or attack public infrastructure?

“Our position is very clear, law is very clear, you can walk out, you can strike, but you cannot shut anything down.

“Public infrastructure is a public asset belonging to the federation which belongs to all the people in Nigeria and you have no right to shut it down and if you do, you are liable to be convicted on either the Miscellaneous Offences Act which attracts a minimum penalty of 21 years imprisonment.”

He added , “I want to assure you that we will break the strike and deal with the criminals, prosecute all those that have broken the law to the fullest extent and I assure you that they will never come back to the state again by the time we are done with them.”

Panic As Eight Worshippers Burnt Alive, As Bandits Set Church On Fire In Kaduna

Uche Kingsley
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Panic As Eight Worshippers Burnt Alive, As Bandits Set Church On Fire In Kaduna

Building housing the Assemblies of God Church in Ungwan Gaida community, near Kurmin Kaso, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been set ablaze by armed bandits.

Not least eight persons were killed in the attacks while several houses were torched.

Meanwhile, Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, who confirmed the attacks, identified those killed as Samaila Gajere, Bawa Gajere, Bitrus Baba,Umaru Baba, Solomon Samaila, Sambo Kasuwa, Samuila Kasuwa, and Gideon Bitrus.

Aruwan said Governor Nasir El-Rufai condemned the attack on the place of worship, and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to carry out an urgent assessment of the damage done by the invaders.

Aruwan also said troops of the Nigerian Navy “neutralized three bandits” and arrested two accomplices after repelling an attack on Wakwodna community, near Kasso village, still in Chikun LGA.

According to him, the troops stationed at the Kujama checkpoint foiled the attack at Wakwodna following a tip-off.

He said bandits fled into surrounding bushes on sighting the troops, and abandoned some rustled cattle, which were rounded up and returned to their owners.

“The troops arrested a suspected bandits informant, Kapido Halilu, and a logistics supplier, Umar Maipashi. Food and medical supplies meant for the bandits were confiscated. The suspects were taken into custody for further investigation,” he said.

He said El-Rufai noted the report of the attack on Ungwan Gaida with sadness, and condoled the families of the slain citizens, as he offered prayers for the repose of their souls.

Power Restored In Kaduna After 3 Days Of Blackout

Uche Kingsley
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Power Restored In Kaduna After 3 Days Of Blackout

Power has been restored to Kaduna State at 9:50 pm on Wednesday night after three days blackout occasioned by the strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state.

This is CAM some hours after the NLC suspended its 5-days warning strike in the state.

Recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State had said his government was yet to see the evidence that the NLC was backing off from what it described as a campaign of economic and social sabotage against the people of the state.

“Power is yet to be restored after it was shut down on Sunday, 16th May 202 in a brazen violation of the laws protecting essential services and infrastructure,” he stated.

This was contained in a statement signed by El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye, stressing that the need for prompt restoration of electricity in the state and warned that Labour should not expect that it would be a matter for negotiation, much less being viewed as a precondition.

“Kaduna State Government will not participate in such a negotiation or countenance one whilst our people are still being denied their right to electricity,” he stated.

The governor stressed that withdrawing electricity as the NLC did had removed any basis for state government officials to meet the NLC last Sunday.

It added that “denying our people electricity about 18 hours to the advertised commencement of their organised sabotage was akin to putting a gun on the government’s head.

“Government has a lawful duty not to indulge blackmail.”

Earlier, the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company had welcomed the suspension of the strike action and stated that its technical team were on standby to restore power to its 11kv feeders in the state as soon as the Transmission Company of Nigeria does the same to the 33kv lines.

eventually, at 9:50 pm, electricity was restored to the state and was greeted with exciting screams of residents who have lived in total darkness since the early hours of Sunday.

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