News

NAHCON debunks report on poor feeding arrangements in Saudi Arabia

Published

7 months ago

May 28, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

NAHCON has denied a trending story on the social media networks indicating that poor feeding arrangements was made for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement issued and signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs stating that:

“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news on the Facebook page of one Babagana Digima, purportedly on the kind of breakfast being served Nigerian pilgrims after paying N8m as Hajj fare.

” After addressing the shared story from its root, we believe ethical journalism would not permit a sensible practitioner to lift a story solely from a Facebook source. What is more unfortunate is that the Facebook reporter is here in Nigeria, not in Saudi Arabia.

“Upon citing the story early this morning, NAHCON immediately drew the attention of the originator of the story privately and publicly to the inaccuracy of his claims to allow him to correct the wrong impression assuming he posted it innocently, unfortunately, he did not.

” Still several testimonies were posted on his page by pilgrims on ground in Makkah disclaiming the allegation with pictorial evidences, while NAHCON staff on the platform also provided a clear description of the actual meal that was served, proving that the picture was doctored and that it was a fake news conclusively.

” Unfortunately, the online medium ignored the responses and the free facts supplied on the page in preference for the sensational side.

“The medium simply amplified a lie it picked on Facebook with the doctored picture of today’s breakfast served to pilgrims of FCT in their hotel in Makkah, Nama Al- Asriya Hotel and spread it as news.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria urges the public to ignore the fake news being circulated pertaining the FCT pilgrims’ breakfast. The story is not only false but also appears to be malicious.

On another development relating to issuance of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to pilgrims NAHCON insists each pilgrim will eventually receive their due amount. As at 24th April 2024 when NAHCON paid BTA differential for the pilgrims, the Dollar exchange rate was N1,252 to a Dollar thereby N626,000 was paid to be exchanged at value of $500 (Five hundred Dollars). This is the figure that the Hajj stakeholders had agreed upon and which NAHCON declared and still stands by. However, information reaching the Commission currently indicates that the banks are issuing BTA at the current market rate of Naira to the Dollar causing a shortfall to the original value whereas pilgrims are supposed to be paid at the exchange rate obtainable on 24th April.

The Commission assures pilgrims to remain calm as it would not allow their interest to be jeopardized in any way. The Commission has already taken up the matter and hopes to be resolved soon.

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”