Economy
Okowa Signs 2022 Appropriation Bill of N479bn

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday in Asaba assented to the state’s 2022 budget of N479 billion.
The governor also signed five other bills, including the Delta State House of Assembly Service Establishment Bill 2021 and the Delta State Registration of Community Development Associations Bill 2021.
Others are Delta State Debt Management Bill 2021, Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Bill 2021 and Asaba Specialist Hospital Bill, 2021.
While assenting to the bills, Okowa assured that the state would strive to implement capital projects embedded in the 2022 budget as well as complete all ongoing projects before the end of his tenure.
He commended the House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the appropriation bill and said that his assenting to it before the end of December would avail the state government the opportunity to further plan towards its implementation in January 2022.
“You just witnessed the signing into law of six bills that were passed by the House of Assembly this last quarter of the year, 2021.
“We thank God for the good work the House has done; the very important one is the Delta State Appropriation Bill 2022, now signed into law.
“I must thank the House for giving speedy attention to the bill because with the signing into law today, it will help us to plan and to start early in 2022.
“I do know that it went through the full legislative process and I must thank the House for the great job that it did which enabled us to pass the bill on the 30th of November.
“I want to reassure the people that we will continue to do our best. We are very much aware that there are financial challenges in the country today, but we will continue to do our best within the limits of the resources available.
“We are very much hopeful that there will be a turnaround in 2022, and I hope that we will be able to execute the capital projects that are contained in our budget, both the new ones and the ongoing before the end of our tenure,” he said.
On the Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency Bill, Okowa said that the law would enable the government to tackle erosion and flooding issues in the state head-on.
“I want to also appreciate you for the passage of the Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency Bill, signed into law today.
“We are very much aware that there is a lot of devastation in the ecosystem in some parts of our state. This is following through the advice that was given to us by the World Bank.
“We can now actually focus more in dealing with flood and erosion challenges across the state,’’ he said.
According to him, the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Bill is very important for the smooth running of the service of the House of Assembly.
On the Asaba Specialist Hospital Bill, the governor said that the law was very key to the effective management of the hospital to enhance universal health coverage in the state.
He said Delta State Debt Management Law sought to regulate and manage the state’s borrowing and debt portfolio in line with international best practices, explaining that “It seeks to establish the Debt Management Department in the Ministry of Finance.
Presenting the bills, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Sherrif Oborevwori, said that they went through all legislative processes before being passed.
He said that with the timely presentation of the Appropriation Bill 2022 and its subsequent passage by the House, the state was on a good start for year 2022.
“I am confident that the budgetary provisions for 2022 will meet the yearnings of our people and the developmental needs of the state because it is indeed a realistic budget,” he said.
On the passage of Debt Management Bill, the speaker said the state had complied with the requirements of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme and the World Bank Disbursement guidelines. (NAN)
Economy
SEC Advocates Advanced Financial Inclusion by 2030

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stressed the need for Nigeria to harness its demographic dividend to advance financial inclusion through investments by 2030 for national survival or face deepening inequality.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama said this at the United Capital Asset Management Investment forum on Wednesday in Lagos.
Agama, in his keynote address titled: “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging
Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap,” said Nigeria must harness its demographic dividend to boost investment.
“Our theme, Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments, is not aspirational; it is foundational to national survival.
“We stand at a pivotal moment. By 2030, Nigeria can either harness its demographic dividend or face deepening inequality. The knowledge-wealth gap is not merely an economic challenge; it is a moral imperative,” Agama said.
He said the term inclusion should be reframed as active financial involvement, where access meets empowerment, and capital becomes a tool for transformation.
Agama said that closing the financial inclusion gender gap could lift 700,000 Nigerians from poverty.
He said, “Nigeria has a great population yet we have a tiny drop of this number of persons involved in the capital market.
“That one reason for poverty, because we are running from money. We have to do something. Our market capitalisation is an opportunity to do something,
We all have
“We need to change the narrative and move the market forward. We must reach out to make the difference. We are committed to protecting investors and developing the market. Our goal is to do the right thing no matter whose ox is gored. We will work by the principles of fairness and equity to change the market. We will provide a fair ground for everyone to aspire.
He noted that MTN Nigeria’s share offering drew 150,000 new investors – 75 per cent women, 85 per cent under 40.
Agama recommended a four-pillar strategy for bridging the gaps.
He listed the four-pillar strategy as democratisation of financial knowledge, catalyse MSME Investment Channels, blended Finance Vehicles: Partner with Bank of Industry (BOI) to de-risk loans for women-led SMEs.
“We need to educate people about finances. As we drive this market, we do so for a purpose, I enjoin everyone to be the disciple and the apostles. Getting this market to move is a deliberate action,” he added.
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Economy
NPA Assures of Over N1.27trn Revenue in 2025

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday assured that it would take into the coffers massive revenue of over N1.27 trillion in 2025, representing a 40 percent increase from the N894.86 billion it realized in 2024.
This ambitious target, the Authority said, was anchored on sweeping modernization efforts, the full activation of the Dangote Refinery’s marine operations, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to enhance port efficiency.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this in a presentation during his agency’s budget defence session wih the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, where he defended the agency’s 2025 budget estimates and provided insights into its 2024 performance.
“Our 2025 budget proposal is more than figures, it reflects our aspirations for a more efficient, globally competitive port system,” Dantsoho told lawmakers, adding that over 70% of the proposed expenditure will go into capital projects.
For 2024, the Authority surpassed its revenue target of N865.39 billion, posting an actual realization of N894.86 billion.
However, Dantsoho revealed that only N417.86 billion, less than half of the approved N850.92 billion expenditure, had been spent as of the time of reporting.
Despite this, NPA made a record contribution of N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double the N213.23 billion remitted in 2023. Of this amount, a staggering N344.7 billion was deducted at source.
“This shows our unwavering commitment to national revenue generation, even when our own operational liquidity is affected,” the NPA boss stressed.
Dantsoho said the projected revenue increase is premised on several key assumptions and developments, including: The full operation of the Dangote Refinery, which alone is expected to draw in over 600 vessels annually through its Single Point Mooring (SPM) system; the commissioning of upgraded terminals at WACT and OMT, which will enhance container traffic; the implementation of automation tools such as the National Single Window, Port Community System (PCS), and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); and increased cargo volumes stemming from global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has affected global trade routes.
He said the 2025 revenue is expected to come from the following key sources: Ship Dues, N544.06 billion; Cargo Dues, N413.06 billion; Concession Fees, N249.69 billion; and Administrative Revenue, N73.07 billion
Of the proposed N1.14 trillion total expenditure for 2025, N778.46 billion is earmarked for capital projects.
This investment, he said, will target the revitalization of critical infrastructure, including the Calabar, Warri, and Burutu ports and channels, and enhance towage services, channel depth, and compliance with international security conventions.
“Investments in infrastructure and technology are non-negotiable if we are to stay competitive regionally and globally,” Dantsoho emphasized.
He cited increasing competition from neighboring ports and aging assets across Nigeria’s coastal corridors.
The NPA also intends to address technology gaps by upgrading legacy systems and bolstering cybersecurity, ensuring Nigerian ports meet global standards for digital operations.
“We can say that with timely access to internally generated revenue and capital funds NPA would deliver the kind of impact Nigeria expects,” he said.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, urged the NPA to ramp up performance, improve port infrastructure, and play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s revenue and unemployment challenges.
Nnaji said the ports remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, and urged the agency to meet rising expectations despite operational challenges.
“No country can thrive economically without high-performing ports. They are the economic heartbeat of every nation, determining how buoyant a country is through the flow of imports and exports,” Hon Nnaji said.
The committee praised NPA for its performance.
Nnaji stressed that the NPA’s performance has implications beyond maritime activity, noting that increased port output can significantly boost job creation across several sectors.
“The Nigerian Ports Authority is not just a revenue-generating agency, it is a national asset in terms of employment and economic impact.
“We expect to see detailed strategies on how to improve revenue generation and expand employment opportunities through your 2025 budget,” he said.
The lawmaker also pointed to growing interest in the development of new ports across the country but cautioned against neglecting existing port infrastructure.
“As we welcome investment in new ports, we must not abandon the old ones. Maintaining and upgrading our existing ports, both in the Eastern Corridor and the Western axis, is essential to long-term sustainability,” he added.
The Committee called for a clear outline from the NPA on how its 2025 financial plan will address pressing national concerns and reaffirm Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global maritime trade.
Economy
Senate Sets N10trn Revenue Target for NCS, Urges Agency to Curb Smuggling, Illicit Drugs

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Senate, through its Committee on Customs has set a revenue target of N10 trillion for the Nigeria Customs Service for the 2025 fiscal year, instead of the initial N6.584 trillion given to her earlier on while urging the agency to clamp down on smuggling and Illicit drugs.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), who gave the agency the marching order yesterday in Abuja during the budget defence of the revenue driving agency however commended her for exceeding its 2024 revenue target of N5.
079 trillion.The NCS team led by Deputy Comptroller General, Jibo Bello who represented the Comptroller General presented the 2024 budget performance with a revenue target of N5.
079 trillion, stressing that the proposal was exceeded by over a trillion naira.The Committee, obviously impressed by the performance commended NCS before asking them to go ahead and present the 2025 budget proposal, which the agency tied at N6.584 trillion revenue target with an expenditure of N1.132 trillion.
Following their presentation, members of the Senate Committee on Customs unanimously approved the recommendation of the revenue target of N6.584 trillion and the expenditure of N1.132 trillion for the 2025 financial year.
The Committee will subsequently present the budget proposal to the Senate at plenary most likely this week as the red chamber resumes today after a long recess tied to Eid celebration.
In his final remarks, Senator Jibrin emphasised the need for the NCS to rise up in terms of its surveillance with respect to illicit drugs and smuggling “to ensure that, as much as possible, you should be on top of your game”.
He said there are so many illicit drugs flowing all over the place, which according to him “is contributing to the issue of banditry in Nigeria because most of these guys are on drugs. What I’m saying is that, in addition to your revenue drives, you should also be mindful of some of these other functions.