News

Reps committee summons CBN Gov over remita leakages

Published

7 months ago

February 28, 2024

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has summoned the Central Bank Governor to appear before it on Tuesday, March 5, unfailingly, regarding issues with leakages on the REMITA platform.

The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Bamidele Salam, conveyed the summons in a letter to the CBN Governor titled

RE: INVESTIGATION OF REVENUE LEAKAGES THROUGH REMITA PLATFORM AND NON-COMPLIANCE SUBSTANTIVELY WITH STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE AND OTHER ALLIED SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT 2023 (HR.373/11/2023).

The PAC Chairman stated that the CBN Governor’s failure to appear before the Committee and address the issues has significantly hindered the investigative process on revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.

According to him, “You are strongly advised to take advantage of this invitation and appear before the Committee on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 10:00 am in Meeting Room 446, House of Representatives’ New Building, to respond to the issues that will arise during the hearing session.

“You are also advised to bring along all relevant officers familiar with the issues at stake who may assist you in providing answers to any questions that could arise during the session.”

“Please refer to your representation before the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, by an Assistant Director without a written letter to that effect. Be advised that the Committee does not allow representation; all Chief Accounting Officers are to appear in person to defend their office.

“You will also recall that the Committee has sent several correspondences to your office on the same subject with Ref. Nos: HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/HR.373/11/2023/1/2, dated December 8, 2023; HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/HR.373/11/2023/1/31, dated January 19, 2024; HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/HR.373/11/2023/1/60, dated January 25, 2024, and HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/HR.373/11/2023/2/84, dated February 19, 2024. We observed your absolute disregard for its Constitutional mandate. Please find copies of the letters attached.

“Your failure to appear before the Committee and respond to the issues has significantly stalled this Committee’s investigative process on revenue leakages through the REMITA platform.

“Consequently, the Committee wishes to draw your attention to previous letters on various subject matters, to which you are yet to respond. Please find references below:

HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/QUE.2/29 dated January 23, 2024; HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/FA/1 dated January 23, 2024; HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/SE.3/34 dated January 30, 2024, and HR/PAC/SCO5/10NASS/SE.3/35 dated February 22, 2024. Please also find copies of the letters attached.

The Committee frowns at this and wishes to remind you of the relevant constitutional provisions in Sections 62 and 89(1) (a, b, c & d) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The Public Accounts Committee has the power to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence, produce any document in his possession and under his control.

It may also interest you to note that under Sections 89 (1) (d), the Committee has the power to issue a warrant to compel the attendance of any person who, after being summoned, fails, refuses, or neglects to do so.

Failure to comply with this civil invitation may leave the Committee with no choice but to issue a warrant of arrest against you in line with Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges Act 2017) (Sections 2 & 3) and the 1999 CFRN (as amended) in line with House Procedures.

Consequently, the Committee resolved to grant you one last opportunity to appear.”

News

Borno Flood: HoR Donates N100m to Victims

Published

9 mins ago

September 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has donated the sum of N100 million to support victims of the recent flood disaster in Borno State.

Naijablitznews.com reports that a.special delegation, led by the Chairman of the Northern Caucus, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, visited Maiduguri to express sympathy and solidarity with the state government and its people.

During their visit, the delegation met with Governor Babagana Zulum and presented the donation on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the entire House.

Speaking to journalists, Doguwa praised President Bola Tinubu for his prompt response to the disaster and assured the National Assembly’s commitment to working with the federal government on legislative and budgetary solutions to address flood impacts across the country.

He said: “We also pledge the National Assembly’s readiness to liaise with the federal Government to come up with a legislative framework or any possible budgetary intervention to help states government to address the impacts of flood disaster in the country,” Doguwa stated.

News

EducationUSA: In 2023 Over $30bn Was Awarded In Scholarships, Financial Aid To Nigerian Students – U.S. Ambassador

Published

39 mins ago

September 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr. has said that there is a strong relationship between the United States and Nigeria, especially in the area of education.

The U.S Ambassador who stated this at the 23rd Annual College Fair hosted by the U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA on Tuesday, in Abuja, disclosed that last year 2023, over $30 million (47.7 billion naira) in scholarships and financial aid were awarded to Nigerian students.

The event brings together representatives from 50 U.S. colleges and universities, providing Nigerian students with valuable insights into studying in America.

Ambassador Mills Jr. emphasized that there are more Nigerian who study in the U.S. than from any other African country, with over 17,600 Nigerians attending various institutions across all 50 states, with Texas being a popular destination.

He said: “Your presence here represents the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and Nigeria. It is wonderful to see the flourishing interest from Nigerians considering studying in the United States and from the representatives of U.S. colleges and universities who travel to Nigeria, to meet with prospective students.

“Our Embassy-sponsored College Fair provides you all with a great opportunity to obtain current information on studying in the United States and to discuss career possibilities.

“We are glad you are here, following in the footsteps of thousands of Nigerians who have traveled to the United States to study. More Nigerians study in the United States than from any other African country. According to the most recent data, more than 17,600 Nigerian students studied at over 970 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia last year. If you are wondering which state is the most popular – it’s Texas!

“Our annual College Fairs have significantly increased the number of excellent applicants to U.S. institutions and boosted financial aid and scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. Last year, over $30 million (47.7 billion naira) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships were awarded to students advised by EducationUSA Nigeria, with 73 students supported through the Opportunity Funds Program in Abuja and Lagos”.

The envoy also emphasized that education plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, improving health, advancing gender equality, and promoting societal progress in both countries.

“A prosperous and stable Nigeria benefits both Nigeria and the United States, and it all starts with education.

“Studying in the United States also creates new friendships that will last a lifetime. You will experience the tapestry of American culture and hopefully get to understand us as Americans better. And you will share your country’s rich and vibrant culture with your new American friends whose horizons will broaden as a result.

“Our Public Diplomacy team from the Embassy will be on hand to answer questions and guide you. We also have representatives from the U.S. Embassy Consular section here to explain their role in international education. I hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity today and that attendance at a U.S. college or university is in your very near future”, Amb. Mill Jr. added.

He therefore encouraged students to seize this opportunity, even as he noted that studying in the U.S. offers not only academic excellence but also a chance to build lasting relationships and share cultural experiences.

News

The Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barr Nyesom Wike has moved to ensure that the cost of construction is reduced in the Territory.

Published

41 mins ago

September 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

He took this position during an inspection tour to Zeberced Limited Quarry Saturday in Abuja which is the largest in the whole of West Africa.

Wike, who was amazed at the scale of operations, described it as a game-changer for the construction industry in the region.

He said: “It’s a factory right here in the FCT, and the Managing Director has always invited me to see the facility, which is the biggest quarry in West Africa. I had never been here before, but today, I’ve taken the opportunity to assess the environment and see firsthand the incredible work being done,” Wike remarked during his tour of the factory.

The minister’s visit comes amidst rising construction costs in the capital city.

Wike stressed that the abundant availability of raw materials within the FCT should, in fact, lower construction expenses, particularly when it comes to aggregates used in building roads and infrastructure

He stated, “That shows that ordinarily, the cost of construction ought not to be very expensive, particularly in the FCT. Apart from the equipment that is imported, the raw material is available here. I wonder why contractors should be talking about the high cost of aggregates as if these materials are imported they’re made right here.”

With over 800 workers directly employed at the quarry, Wike commended the company’s contribution to job creation and local economic growth.
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He further revealed that the same company is spearheading the development of an industrial park at Idu, a project the FCT Administration is fully supporting.

“I sent out a letter to the Ministry of Finance just yesterday to facilitate some tax credits, which will enable them to carry out the expansion of a single-carriage road to a double-carriage way, a project currently being handled by Salini Construction Company. We’re giving them all the necessary support to make this a reality,” Wike added.
The minister, visibly impressed by the quarry’s operations, expressed some concerns about the environmental impact but was reassured that all assessments were up to standard. “My only concern was the environmental impact assessments, but I’ve been assured that everything is in compliance. I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here.”

Wike’s visit underscores the FCT Administration’s focus on driving industrial growth while encouraging local manufacturing to support infrastructure development.

With local resources available, he emphasized the need for contractors to re-evaluate pricing structures, particularly in the FCT, to reflect the advantages of sourcing materials locally.

Wike’s endorsement of the quarry and the upcoming industrial park at Idu marks a step towards a more sustainable and cost-efficient approach to construction in the capital, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s vision for economic growth and infrastructural development.