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  • Atrocious criminality of 10th NASS against Nigerians – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Atrocious criminality of 10th NASS against Nigerians – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Amidst economic challenges; which are strangulating Nigerians’ lives, the National Assembly – a bunch of representatives elected by Nigerians to represent their interests, have done something very bizarre in the Federal Budget signed into law by President Bola Tinubu two days ago [January 1, 2024], by increasing their own budget with about  N200 billion.

    The National Assembly, made up of the Upper chamber [Senate] with 109 Senators, and Lower chamber [House of Representative] made up of 360 members, raised their allocation from N197 billion to N344 billion – highest ever in the history of the National Assembly.

    This means that in spite of all economic challenges, the federal lawmakers have raised their own allocation in the 2024 budget, to an unprecedented N344.48 billion – an increase of over 50 per cent on the N197 billion proposed by President Bola Tinubu for them in the budget proposal submitted to them in November 30, 2023.

    Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the federal budget on Saturday after increasing it from N27.5 trillion proposed by the president to N28.7 trillion, a difference of about N1.2 trillion.

    The increase in the allocation of the National Assembly is coming at a time Nigerians are being asked to endure pains due to the economic reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration.

    This shall not be the first time our political leaders – both at the Executive and the Legislative levels, are duping and cheating Nigerians. It has been long coming, except that this time around; under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it has become so astronomical that not too many Nigerians might survive the burden.

    And since this narration is strictly on the National Assembly, permit me to proceed with the lawmakers continued trend of arbitrary increment of their budgets irrespective of the economic situation facing the country.

    Between 2011 and 2014, the National Assembly had a fixed budget of N150 billion, but it was slashed in 2015 to N130 billion due to the crash in the price of oil.

    Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was in power between 2015 and 2023, the budget was further reduced to N125 billion, but was increased to N128 billion in 2021, N134 billion in 2022 and N228 billion in 2023.

    Many believe that the “stagnant budget” in the 8th Assembly (2015-2019) was due to the strained relationship between the leadership of the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The “rosy” and “robust” relationship between the Executive and Legislature returned, and the former president proposed a budget of N169 billion for the National Assembly in 2023, but the lawmakers increased it to N228 billion.

    One of the reasons given by the lawmakers was that “certain projects were not catered for in the initial budget.” In addition, the lawmakers allocated N30 billion for payment of severance allowance of their aides and ex-lawmakers.

    President Tinubu proposed N197 billion as budget estimate for the National Assembly in the 2024 budget thus reducing the 2023 budget by about N30 billion. However, the lawmakers upped their proposal to a record N344.5 billion, an increase of about N147 billion.

    There is need for you to see the breakdown of the National Assembly’s budget, and here it is under.

    National Assembly Office – N36.7 billion Senate – N49.1 billion

    House of Representatives – N78.6 billion

    National Assembly Service Commission – 12.3 billion

    Legislative Aides – N20.3 billion

    NILDS to get N9.09 billion

    Service-wide votes – N15.1 billion

    Senate Appropriation Committee – N200 million

    House Appropriation Committee – N200 million

    Public Account committees of Senate and House – N280.7 million

    NASS Library Take Off Grant – N12.1 billion

    National Assembly building (ongoing) – N4.2 billion

    NASS Liabilities – N8.5 billion

    NASS E-Library – N225 million

    Constitution Review – N1 billion

    Completion of NILDS HQ – N4.5 billion Construction of NASC Building – N10 billion

    Office of Clerks and Permanent Secretaries – N1.2 billion

    Alternative Power System – N4 billion

    NASS Zonal Offices – N3 billion

    Senate Car Park – N3 billion

    Reps Car Park -N3 billion

    Furnishing of committee rooms (Senate) -N2.7 billion

    Furnishing of committee rooms (House) – N3 billion

    Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of NASS Ultramodern Printing Press – N3 billion

    Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of the National Assembly Budget & Research Office (NABRO) – N4 billion

    NASS Hospital Project – N15 billion

    NASS Recreation Centre – N4 billion

    Procurement of Books for the NASS Library – N3 billion

    NASS Pension Board (Take-Off Grant) – N2.5 billion.

    Please, take note of the fact that the National Assembly’s allocated budget in this year – 2024, is higher than the allocation given to all educational institutions in Nigeria.

    Many Nigerians believe that President Tinubu may not have the moral leverage to caution the lawmakers because the presidency has not been prudent in its own spendings.

    We should not be in hurry to forget that earlier into the life of this 10th National Assembly, one of the first decisions the Legislators took was that of buying luxurious SUV vehicles – Landcruiser and Prado, for themselves. 

    In that suicide decision, that mocked all senses of normalcy and morality, the legislators appropriated and approved the purchase of Landcruiser cars to each member of the 109 Senators at the cost of 164 million Naira each – translating to total of Seventeen Billion, Eight Hundred and Six Million Naira [N17,876,000,000]. That was for the Senators alone.

    In the other hand, the 360 members of the Federal House of Representative got a Prado each, at the cost of 140 million Naira – translating to Fifty Billion, Four Hundred Million Naira [N50,400,000,000]. This was for the “Honourable” [or are they dis-Honourables?] members only.

    The Nigerian law makers – Nigerians should be forgiven if they call these dangerous dealers parading themselves as leaders as law breakers, resisted huge outcries of those that elected them, went ahead to purchase the SUVs. The fund for the purchase of the luxurious cars was from the loan of Eight Hundred Million American Dollars sourced from the World Bank by President Bola Tinubu’s Government.

    Nigerians slept on their rights as they lacked mobility in leadership to occupy the National Assembly because if they had done that, the dishonourable and extinguishable lawmakers probably would have a change of mind about the inglorious act – probably though. 

    Even more on this luxurious lifestyle of the law makers was their refusal to patronise Nigerian car manufacturers, like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and others. They instead, transported this huge money, in foreign exchange, across the Atlantic Ocean to Japan in preference of Toyota products. 

    Nigerians cried. President Bola Tinubu slept off in the Villa while Nigerians were shouting, wailing and weeping about this transaction. There was no organized labour – not the Trade Union Congress nor the Nigerian Labour Congress, could lead Nigerians to occupy the National Assembly against the looters. And the “thieves” absconded with their loots.

    Just the way the Nigerian political leadership cookie crumbles!

     

    Contact:

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    You can also listen to this author [Godwin Etakibuebu] every Monday; from 0930 – 1100 hours @ Lagos Talks 91.3 FM live, in a weekly review of topical issues, presented by The News Guru [TNG].

  • 2024 Budget: N20.3bn allocated to lawmakers’ legislative aides

    2024 Budget: N20.3bn allocated to lawmakers’ legislative aides

    … N9bn for N/Assembly car parks, books

    A total sum of N127.8 billion has been allocated for Senators and members of the House of Representatives legislative aides in the 2024 Appropriation Bill passed on Saturday.

    A breakdown of the budgetary allocation shows that out of the amount, the Senate gets N49.144 billion while the House of Representatives gets N78.624 billion.

    National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) was allocated N12.325 billion and the National institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies: (NILDS) gets N9.008 billion.

    Legislative aides to the lawmakers in both chambers were allocated N20.388 billion.

    The newly built National Assembly Library Complex was allocated N12.123 billion as Take-Off Grant while N3 billion was provided for the purchase of books for the library.

    National Assembly car park project in the Senate and House of Representatives was allocated N3 billion each while N4 billion was allocated for the building of a ‘Recreation Center’ at the National Assembly.

  • How NASS inflated 2024 budget by N1.2 trillion

    How NASS inflated 2024 budget by N1.2 trillion

    The National Assembly (NASS), composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Saturday passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill, being Nigeria’s 2024 budget.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Bola Tinubu had on November 29th presented a 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion before a joint session of the NASS.

    However, the 2024 budget passed by both legislative chambers showed an increase of over N1.2 trillion

    Reps pass N28.777 trillion 2024 appropriation bill as judiciary gets highest statutory transfer

    The House of Representatives on Saturday passed the sum of N28.777 trillion in expenditure for the 2024 fiscal year, following a report by Rep. Abubakar Bitch, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation.

    The approved sum is N1.2 trillion higher than the N27.5 trillion presented by the President during the joint session of the National Assembly.

    Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who read the breakdown of the report during plenary gave the National Judicial Council (NJC) the highest allocation of N341.626 billion under statutory transfer.

    The breakdown of the N28.777 trillion approved budget showed that the sum of N1.743 trillion is for statutory transfers and N8.271 trillion is for debt servicing.

    The sum of N8.769 trillion is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while N9.995 trillion is for capital expenditure for the year ending December 31, 2024.

    The N9.179 trillion fiscal deficit for the year under review is to be financed through asset sales and privatisation (N298,486,421,740); multilateral and bilateral project – N7,828,529,477,860.

    The total debt service of N8.271 trillion was approved for the year 2024, while the sum of N5.300 trillion is to be incurred through domestic debts, including ways and means, and N2.748 trillion through foreign debts.

    Also, the sinking fund for the retirement of maturing promissory notes stands at N223.662 billion.

    The statutory transfer was followed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with N338.925 billion after the NJC.

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) got the sum of N263.044 billion; the North East Development Commission (NEDC) got N131.836 billion; and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHPF) got N131.522 billion.

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure got the sum of N131.522 billion; the Public Complaint Commission got N14.460 billion; and the National Human Rights Commission got N5 billion, respectively.

    The breakdown of the National Assembly budget showed that the sum of N78.624 billion is for the House of Representatives, while N49.145 billion is for the Senate.

    Also, the sum of N36.727 billion is for the NASS Office; N30.807 billion for General Services; N20.388 billion for Legislative Aides; N15.189 billion for Service Wide Vote; and N15 billion for the National Assembly Hospital Project.

    The sum of N12.326 is for the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC); N12.123 billion for the National Assembly Library Complex (take-off grant); and N10 billion for the ongoing construction of NASC headquarters.

    Also, the sum of N9.008 billion was approved for the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and N4.500 billion for the completion of the ongoing NILDS building.

    The sum of N4 billion was also approved for the National Assembly Recreation Centre, while N4 billion was approved for the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the NASS Budget and Research Office.

    The sum of N3 billion was also approved for the procurement of books for the NASS Library, while N3 billion was approved for the Senate Car Park and N3 billion for the House of Representatives Car Park.

    The sum of N3 billion was approved for the upgrade of the NASS key infrastructure, and N3 billion was approved for the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the NASS ultramodern printing press, among others.

    From the total sum of N50.451 trillion approved for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, the Ministry of Defense got the highest allocation of N1.308 trillion.

    This was followed by the Ministry of Police Affairs with N869.121 billion, the Ministry of Education with N857.134 billion, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with N667.577 billion.

    Also, the Ministry of Interior got N362.552 billion, the Ministry of Youth got N201.467 billion, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) got N199.763 billion.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs got N140.456 billion, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security got N110.248 billion.

    Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) got N100.248 billion, and the Presidency got the sum of N97.913 billion.

    Senate passes N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill

    Meanwhile, on the floor of the Senate, the lawmakers passed a N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill, increasing the budget from the N27.5 trillion presented by President Bola Tinubu with about N1.2 trillion.

    The passage of the bill, followed the approval of a report of the Senate Committee on Appropriation at plenary on Saturday.

    Presenting the report the committee chairman, Sen.Solomon Adeola, said that the Committee adopted the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Paper (MTEF/FSP) approved by the National Assembly in preparing the budget.

    He said the committee adopted the 77.96 dollar per barrel oil benchmark 1.78 mbpd and 800 dollar exchange rate to Naira as against 750 dollars proposed by the executive.

    He listed the highlights of the bill to include a total aggregate expenditure of N28.7 trillion, statutory transfers of N1.7 trillion,recurrent expenditure of N8.7 trillion,while the capital expenditure component stood at N9.9 trillion.

    He said the committee in processing the bill worked closely with the executive harmoniously.

    He said through the close and harmonious appropriation process, the executive forwarded a request for additional funding of some items on expenditure that were not included in the bill as submitted by the President.

    He, however, said that the committee observed that the 2024 Appropriation Bill was presented to the National Assembly late.

    This, he said, was against the Fiscal Responsibility Act that required the Bill to be presented not later than three months before the next financial year.

    Adeola also said there were inconsistencies in the revenue of some Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

    He also said that there was removal of some agencies’ personnel costs from the Federal Government payroll and inadequate funding in some allocation of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs).

    Adeola said to ensure thorough scrutiny of budget proposals, the executives should comply with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

    He also urged the executive to ensure compliance with the provisions of relevant extant laws, as it concerns government agencies.

    He urged agencies removed from the federal government budget to step up their revenue generation, fund itself and remit more to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

    He also called for provision of additional funds to some MDAs not appropriately funded.

    He urged the executive to sustain the increase in capital component over recurrent to ensure developmental programmes across the country.

  • Why I pioneered PISE-P -Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Why I pioneered PISE-P -Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that his goal for initiating Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) was to foster peace, unity and development in the region.

    It will be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima officially unveiled the project at Bende Local Government of Abia State on Friday.

    The initiative ultimately canvasses the adoption of a non kinetic approach to resolving the problem of insecurity in south east.

    A statement signed by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted the deputy speaker as saying that project also aimed at promoting
    reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.

    He said: When I embarked on the South East Project, my vision was clear — to foster peace, unity, and development in our region through a non-kinetic approach. The South East has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and enterprising people. Yet, we have faced our fair share of challenges, including socioeconomic disparities, insecurities, political tensions, and occasional conflicts.

    “Our goals in the South East Project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts. We recognize the need to address the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political tensions. Empowering communities is another crucial goal of the project, providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development.

    “We also believe in the power of engaging youth in the peace-building process. By empowering young people with education, training, and leadership opportunities, we are investing in the region’s future. Inclusivity and social justice are core values we aim to foster, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

    “Cultivating a culture of peace is essential in our journey. We must promote dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence as core values within our communities. By working towards these goals, we aim to create a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive region for all its residents”.

    Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State added that the initiative represented a significant milestone in the journey toward lasting peace and development.

    He however called for inclusion and social justice in the political system.

    “It is a comprehensive framework that encompasses various strategies, programs, and projects aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting reconciliation, and empowering communities.

    “But let us remember that the journey towards peace is not a destination. It is an ongoing process, one that requires our unflinching commitment and dedication. We must continue to foster inclusivity, promote social justice, and empower our youth. We must invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. We must create opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development. And above all, we must cultivate a culture of peace, respect, and understanding.

    “As the Pioneer of Peace in the South East Project, I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of each one of you. Together, we have shown the world the power of unity, the strength of diversity, and the beauty of our shared humanity. Let us continue to build upon the foundation we have laid, to strive for a South East that is prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive”, Kalu said.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • NASS frowns at 2024 budget of petroleum ministry

    NASS frowns at 2024 budget of petroleum ministry

    The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has presented its budget of N9.641bn to the Joint Committees of Senate and House of Representatives on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream and Gas Resources).

    The presentation was part of 2023 budget implementation and 2024 budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to relevant National Assembly Committees.

    The ministry was represented by the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo.

    In his opening remarks at the sitting, the Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Sen. Jarigbe Agom, said it was their duty as a joint committee to ensure effective allocation of resources for the advancement of the country’s petroleum sector.

    Agom added that the oversight function of the committee was predicated on fostering transparency, efficiency and sustainable development within the Ministry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries.

    He urged all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and provide insightful inputs that would contribute to the formulation of a budget that aligned with national priorities.

    The legislators raised a number of reservations about some inadequacies and shortcomings of the budget.

    Specifically, they frowned at the paltry budget as it did not capture the refineries and its failure to include other initiatives aimed at alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians occasioned by subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    In his response, Lokpobiri explained that Ministry’s 2024 budget was a substantial improvement on the 2023 budget.

    Lokpobiri also emphasised that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was more of a policy-driven Ministry and did not execute projects that addressed given concerns.

    He cited the Host Communities Fund provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) targeted at addressing the concerns of oil producing communities.

    The minister explained that it had many agencies that were mandated to carry out different responsibilities, while the ministry provided policies that would guide the operations of the companies doing business in the oil and gas industry.

    He, therefore, assured the legislators that the concerns they expressed would be taken to the appropriate quarters so that those concerns would be addressed.

    In his remarks, Ekpo stated that the ministry as a policy making organ, was to provide an enabling environment for investment in the oil and gas sector for the good of the country.

    He called for synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government with a view to arriving at a level that would give renewed hope to Nigerians.

  • Budget 2024: HoR, Senate Joint committee recommends N967.4m for DMO personnel cost

    Budget 2024: HoR, Senate Joint committee recommends N967.4m for DMO personnel cost

    …as Senator Haruna Manu outlines ways and means of local and foreign debts servicing

    …domestic debt 5.4trillion. Current debt as provided in the appropriation is 2.7trillion making a sub total of 8.2trillion

    The House of Representatives and Senate Joint committee on Debt Management Office, DMO on Tuesday recommended NN967,400,842 for personnel cost in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

    Senator Haruna Manu who is Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts represented the committee chairman, Senator Aliyu Wamakko outlined DMO’s budget estimates and sources to be explored to service the debts.

    Manu while making the presentation gave a vivid breakdown which made Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan to applaud him describing the breakdown as excellent.

    Hear Senator Manu:

    “Our committee in accordance with section 81 of the Senate standing rule as it affects debt service and debt management, payment of local contractors, the joint committee of the House of Representatives and Senate met with the officials of the Federal ministry of finance, Debt Management Office in the course of considering the provision of payment of local contractors and debt servicing.

    “The joint committee has recommended as follows. The sum of N967,400,842 as proposed for personnel cost in the 2024 appropriation, however the amount required for the payment of salaries of the members of staff of the DMO is N1,43, 282,180.60 which implies a short fall of 75,881,338.01.

    “So Mr Chairman this is very important as you know personnel cost is very important, we have a shortfall of 75.8million.

    “OVERHEAD COST. The amount proposed for the DMO overhead cost in the 2024 Appropriation Bill is 467,829,497.
    The joint Committee sustained the provision of 247,736,642,470 for the 2024 appropriation.
    CAPITAL:
    “The amount proposed for DMO capital expenditure in 2024 Appropriation Bill is 249,919,000 which I believe is one of the least.

    DEBT SERVICE.
    “The Debt Management Office will continue to raise money during the financial year through issuance of bonds to finance deficit gaps in the budget.

    “In the course of budget defence the DG of DMO confirmed that appropriate provisions have been made for debt service in the annual budget to ensure that the federal government debt service obligations are made as at when due.

    “The important issue therefore is for revenue to grow significantly to reduce debt service to revenue ratio, to reduce to the level of new borrowins while also providing resources to the government in its provision for debt service in 2021 and 2022.

    “Domestic debts including ways and means as provided in the appropriation is 5.4trillion. Current debt as provided in the appropriation is 2.7trillion making a sub total of 8.2trillion.
    Therefore the joint Committee recommends as follows for 2024 Appropriation.
    Domestic debt 5.4trillion, foreign debts 2.7trillion making a total debt services of 8.2trillion. Recurrent as earlier mentioned Mr Chairman for personnel is 967,400,842.05. Overhead is 467,829,496. Capital is 249,919,000.

    “Mr Chairman the increase in allocation for debt service in the 2024 budget, domestic and foreign debt stock and the exchange rate of the naira this we have attached the details in our submission.

    “The provision of 10.9trillion for payment of local contractors debt in 2024 appropriation bill is expected to settle the backlog of outstanding to meet its financial obligations to local contractors and in turn we will expect a robust economy.

    “Therefore the joint Committee suggests that the payment of local contractors in 2024 Appropriation Bill should be made over the eight geopolitical zones.

    “The subcommittee recommends that the provision of 10.9trillion in 2024 Appropriation Bill is sustained.
    NEW BORROWING IN THE 2024 APPROPRIATION BILL.
    “The 2024 Appropriation Bill has a deficit of 8.8trillion. Let me read the full figure 8,880,443,964,174.

    “The DMO plans to raise funds for the new borrowing, domestic borrowing of 6,060,919,156,81 will be riased by issuing federal government bonds, Nigerian Treasury Bills, Federal Government Saving Bonds and perhaps Green Bonds.

    “The new domestic borrowing will be provided through the issuance of Federal Government Bond, Nigerian Treasury Bill, School and Saving Bonds and possibly Green Bonds in the domestic capital market.
    EXTERNAL BORROWINGS:

    “The options that will be considered for the new external borrowing of 1,767,610,321,779 are concessional source such as loans from export credit agencies, development financial institutions and financial source (Euro bonds and bonds from banks).
    THE JOINT COMMITTEE RECOMMEMDATIONS:
    “The joint committee unanimously sustained all provisions in the 2024 proposal as it relates to Debt Management Office, debt services and payment of local contractors.
    In conclusion Mr Chairman, Debt Management Office is discharging a crucial mandate of the Nation’s debt.

    “The subcommittee invites the committee of appropriation to approve the recommendations for the Debt Management Office for debt services and provision for payment of local contractors by the federal ministry of finance.

  • Speaker Abbas promises NASS will pass 2024 budget by December 30th

    Speaker Abbas promises NASS will pass 2024 budget by December 30th

    … orders chairmen of standing cttees to submit reports by 9pm today

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, revealed that the 2024 Appropriation bill would be passed on Saturday, 30th December, 2023.

    Hon. Abbas gave the hint on resumption from the two week recess to enable the Standing Committees interface with Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and heads of other federal government agencies and institutions for the budget defence.

    The Speaker therefore urged chairman and members of the House Committee on Appropriations as well as various Standing Committees to submit the reports of the MDAs’ budget defence by 8pm today, 19th December, 2023.

    The Speaker further noted that other budget related activities like compilation, processing and harmonisation would take place in the process.

    Details later…

  • Rivers State political logjam: Rivers NASS caucus cautions Boma Goodhead, says Rep went beyond her calling

    Rivers State political logjam: Rivers NASS caucus cautions Boma Goodhead, says Rep went beyond her calling

    …advises her to withdraw her uncouth statement against Wike or …

    The Rivers State caucus in the NASS has cautioned Hon Boma Goodhead to be civil and mind her utterances on the political logjam in Rivers State.

    Recall Boma Goodhead the lawmaker representing Akuku/ Asari Toru Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives had threatened the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and declared he should not dare step into a state he governed for eight years.

    Peeved by the unprofessional conduct, the State caucus in a statement signed by its leader Rt. Hon. Dunamenne Dekor noted that:

    “Goodhead went far beyond her calling by delving into a political issue that has no bearing with her person as if she has a personal beef with her former principal for eight years.

    “As a caucus we can’t sit and watch our members openly display and utter words that smirks of gutter behavioral patterns.

    “Hon Boma Goodhead should immediately tender an unreserved apology to her former principal.

    Those whose palm kennel was cracked by a benevolent spirit must not forget to be humble.

  • NASS committee defers petroleum 2024 budget defence

    NASS committee defers petroleum 2024 budget defence

    The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Petroleum Resources has adjourned hearing on the 2024 budget of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to Monday, Dec. 18 following the absence key officials of the ministry on Thursday.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Sen. Abdulaziz Yari (APC-Zamfara). Moving the motion, Yari said that the committee was constrained to adjourn following the absence of the ministers.

    He said the officials should be given a second chance to appear for the defence.

    Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee of Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Rep. Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano) said that the absence of the ministers was a sign of disrespect to the parliament.

    Doguwa said that should the ministers failed to appear on Monday, the committee would invoke relevant sections of the Constitution to compel them to appear.

    In his ruling, the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Cross River) said that the ministers should appear before the committee and account for the 2023 budget.

  • NASS to remove tertiary institutions from IPPIS

    NASS to remove tertiary institutions from IPPIS

    The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to remove tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), to enhance lecturers’ welfare and reduce the brain drain syndrome.

    Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker House of Representatives made this known on Thursday in Zaria at the 3rd International conference of the Gender Policy Unit, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.

    Tajudeen, represented by Dr. Abubakar Fulata, House Committee Chairman on Education, said the House would pursue the interest of academia and one of those issues in contention was the issue of IPPIS.

    According to him, IPPIS is a single minded computer programme that is anti-intellectual, anti-education and completely ignorant of the issues involved.

    “It is our determination to ensure that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education are removed from IPPIS.

    “It is also our determination to make sure that education receives a substantial portion in the national budget at least to meet up with the United Nations requirement of 26 per cent of the National budget,’’ he said.

    The speaker said that regrettably the system had downgraded education in the country to a level where teachers` survival was put at risk.

    He said the National Assembly had an engagement with the vice-chancellors across the country, and they were made to understand that a professor’s take-home after deduction was less than N450, 000.

    The speaker described such a salary (N450, 000) for the university professors as embarrassing to the education sector.

    He said fighting poverty, gender inequality and insecurity was not merely a moral imperative but a fundamental necessity for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

    Abbas was also a recipient of the Award of Excellence in the fight against poverty, gender inequality and insecurity at the conference.

    Earlier, Prof. Kabiru Bala, Vice-Chancellor, ABU, said the conference was another step towards realising the ABU’s aspiration of becoming a world-class academic and research institution.

    Bala was represented by Prof. Ahmed Doko, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration.

    He said the conference provides an opportunity for the professionals in the academia, security, and other stakeholders to engage in critical discourse on implications of insecurity to the SDG goals.

    The three-day conference has `Gender and Security in Africa: the Implications for Sustainable Development Goals’ as its theme.

    The conference was jointly organised  by the Gender Policy Unit of the ABU and Center for Gender Studies of Bayero University, Kano.