Connect with us

COVER

Federation Account Receives N5trillion in Six Months, Says RMAFC

Published

on

RMFARC
Share

By Tony Obiechina  Abuja 

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation And Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has disclosed that the total sum of N5,244,037,636,561.60 (Five trillion, two hundred and forty four billion, thirty seven million, six hundred and thirty six thousand, five hundred and sixty one Naira, sixty Kobo) has accrued into the Federation Account for the January – June period.

This was captured in the monthly report to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under the caption “CBN Federation Account Component Statement”.

 

In a statement signed by the RMAFC Chairman, Mr.

Mohammed Bello Shehu and distributed to newsmen in Abuja, the Commission reported on the total revenue that accrued into the Federation Account from January ­–June, 2023.

According to Shehu, out of the total gross revenue inflows into the Federation Account, the sum of N627,301,922,426.35 (Six hundred and twenty seven billion, three hundred and one million, nine hundred and twenty two thousand, four hundred and twenty six Naira, thirty five Kobo) was NNPCL JV Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) due, captured and recorded by the FIRS, but utilized by the NNPCL for other FGN obligations.

From the reports according to the Statement, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) remitted the sum of N823,512,065,893.15 (Eight hundred and twenty three billion, five hundred and twelve million, sixty five thousand, eight hundred and ninety three Naira, fifteen Kobo) while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) made a gross collection of N3,655,894,989,129.28 (Three trillion, six hundred and fifty five billion, eight hundred and ninety four million, nine hundred and eighty nine thousand, one hundred and twenty nine naira, twenty eight kobo) but remitted N3,028,593,066,702.93 (Three trillion, twenty eight billion, five hundred and ninety three million, sixty six thousand, seven hundred and two naira, ninety three kobo) retaining the difference as cost of collection. 

The statement further disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on its part remitted the sum N764,630,581,539.17 (Seven hundred and sixty four billion, six hundred and thirty million, five hundred and eighty one thousand, five hundred and thirty nine Naira, seventeen Kobo).

It, however, added that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) did not remit any amount into the Federation Account during the period either as profit revenue or other revenues as contained in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 as its revenue performance could not be assessed because neither its revenue target was disclosed nor its revenue remittance to the Federation Account was provided.

Furthermore, the statement added that the sum of N1,490,946,180,918.52 (One trillion, four hundred and ninety billion, nine hundred and forty six million, one hundred and eighty thousand, nine hundred and eighteen Naira, fifty two Kobo was realized as Value Added Tax (VAT), while the sum of N83,024,395,855.89 (Eighty three billion, twenty four million, three hundred and ninety five thousand, eight hundred and fifty five Naira, eighty nine Kobo) was realized from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) from which the sum of N3,320,975,834.23 (Three billion, three hundred and twenty million, nine hundred and seventy five thousand, eight hundred and thirty four Naira, twenty three Kobo) was paid to FIRS as cost of collection.

Additionally, the FIRS received the sum of N82,031,796,937.01 (Eighty two billion, thirty one million, seven hundred and ninety six thousand, nine hundred and thirty seven Naira, One Kobo) and N3,320,975,834.23 (Three billion, three hundred and twenty million, nine hundred and seventy five thousand, eight hundred and thirty four Naira, twenty three Kobo) as cost of collection on PPT/CIT and EMTL collections respectively in the period.

The report revealed that on VAT, the FIRS/NCS together received the sum of N59, 593,164,213.83 (Fifty nine billion, five hundred and ninety three million, one hundred and sixty four thousand, two hundred and thirteen Naira, eighty three Kobo) as cost of collection within the period under review.

Similarly, the report indicated that the sum of N16, 680,990,990.93 (Sixteen billion, six hundred and eighty million, nine hundred and ninety thousand, nine hundred and ninety Naira, Ninety three Kobo) was realized from the solid minerals sector.

The RMAFC Chair further revealed that total collections from VAT netted the sum

of N1,387,328,862,898.16 (One trillion, three hundred and eighty seven billion,

three hundred and twentyeight million, eight hundred and sixty two thousand, eight hundred and ninety eight Naira, sixteen Kobo which was shared to the 3-tiers of government in accordance with the approved VAT sharing formula.

“Furthermore, the sum of N1,117,075,572.57 (One billion, one hundred and seventeen million, seventy five thousand, five hundred and seventy Naira, fifty seven Kobo) was paid in the month of March, 2023 as Consultancy Fee on VAT”, it added. 

On the statutory allocations to the three tiers of government, Mr. Bello disclosed that the net sum of N3,069,594,889,669.74 (Three trillion, sixty nine billion, five hundred and ninety four million, eight hundred and eighty nine thousand, six hundred and sixty nine Naira, seventy four Kobo was shared to the 3-tiers of government in the period January to June, 2023.

In the area of payment of cost of collection to Revenue Generating Agencies (RGAs) from the Federation Account component, the statement revealed that the NCS received the sum of N53,524,140,707.73 (Fifty three billion, five hundred and twenty four million, one hundred and forty thousand, seven hundred and seven Naira, seventy three Kobo) while the NUPRC received the sum of N33,961,852,403.53 (Thirty three billion, nine hundred and sixty one million, eight hundred and fifty two thousand, four hundred and three Naira, fifty three Kobo) within the period under review.

In the same vein, the statement added that the sum of N48,105,698,218.35 (Forty eight billion, one hundred and five million, six hundred and ninety eight thousand, two hundred and eighteen Naira, thirty five Kobo) was paid to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). “This money was collected by NUPRC as penalty on gas flared. Revenues on gas flared penalty used to be Federation Account revenues before the PIA, 2021 which provided that such revenues should be paid 100% to the NMDPRA”.

In a similar development, the RMAFC Chair described the statutory deductions which constituted 32.27% of the total gross inflow into the Federation Account in the six month period as superfluous and constitute a drain on the Federation Account.

Shehu also disclosed that the sum of N1,692,591,243,111.06 (One trillion six hundred and ninety two billion five hundred and ninety one million two hundred and forty three thousand one hundred and eleven Naira six Kobo was deducted at source by the OAGF as approved statutory deductions; with a further deduction of the sum of N70,000,000,000 (Seventy billion Naira) by the FIRS under the name of FIRS Priority Projects in the second quarter.

The Chairman observed that the Nigerian economy at the moment required some pragmatic measures to enhance distributable revenues for the three tiers of government for the overall development and growth of the country.

According to the statement, the Commission made far reaching recommendations on the operations and management of the Federation Account with particular reference to: Payment of cost of collection to RGAs which should be tied to revenue performance where each RGA should receive cost of collection commensurate to the revenue generated against its revenue target in the Appropriation Act; the need for the government to review the payment of 100% (less cost of collection) revenue realized from gas flared penalty to the NMDPRA as Gas flared penalty was hitherto a Federation Account revenue component taken over by the PIA, 2021.

Other recommendations include the need to review, holistically, all legislations with

respect to statutory deductions to allow for increase in the amount to be shared

among the 3-tiers of government; Greater emphasis on the Solid Minerals sector to

improve revenue generation therefrom and further achieve economic diversification.

No further deduction should be made by FIRS in the name of ‘priority projects’ to

avoid a repeat of the situation under NNPC where large chunk of funds were

deducted as first line charge under similar name, i.e. ‘NNPC priority projects’; and

All accruals due on 13% Derivation should be deducted as at when due to avoid

refunds in future. 

“This is to guarantee accountability, probity and transparency in the management of

 the Federation Accounts and disbursements to the 3-tiers of government”.

To this end, the Commission also recommend that all NNPCL JV PPT should be paid to the Federation Account through FIRS, i.e. such taxes should not be retained by the company in the name of financing FGN priority projects; and NNPCL should be made to remit promptly all revenues due to the Federation Account as at when due in compliance with the provisions of the PIA, 2021.

The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation

and Fiscal Commission in ensuring the elimination of opacity in the management of the country’s Commonwealth and promoting prudence, transparency and accountability in line with the new administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises a new era for economic growth and development. 

COVER

NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price to Match Dangote’s N899 Per Litre

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

In what appears like a marketing war, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the petrol pump price from N1,020 to N899 per litre.

This pricing competition emerged in the downstream sector emerged on Saturday after NNPCL reduced its depot price of petrol.

This just few days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899.

The new price indicates a reduction of N141 or 13.

56 percent, from N1,040 per litre it sold to customers living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the price reduction was based on regional pricing scheme.

The association said under the arrangement, it would sell for N970 per litre in parts of the South South region.

A statement signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, and quoting a document released by NNPCL’s Commercial Department, said marketers could offtake products based on the regional pricing scheme.

The document indicated that marketers would buy the product at N899 per litre in Lagos State, matching the price offered by the Dangote refinery a few days ago.

Marketers purchasing from its Warri, Oghara, Port Harcourt, and Calabar depots would pay N970 per litre to offtake products.

The statement read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has taken a significant step in response to the competitive impact of deregulation in the downstream sector.

“The company recently reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit from N1,020 to N899 per litre.

“The price reduction by NNPCL is seen as a response to the competitive impact of deregulation, which has led to increased competition in the downstream sector.”

However, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, declined to speak when contacted.

But Obele noted that the price reduction by the national oil firm was a response to the competitive impact of deregulation, which had led to increased competition in the downstream sector.

He expressed optimism that PMS prices would drop further before the end of January 2025 given the global decline in crude oil prices and the naira’s recent gain against the dollar.

Obele described the trend as a price war and emphasised that the price reduction by the Dangote refinery and the NNPCL demonstrated the benefits of competition. He advocated the immediate privatisation of government-owned refineries.

The move is expected to spark a price war among oil marketers, ultimately benefiting consumers.

In his reaction, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, said Nigerians would get fuel at cheaper rates once the marketers start taking the product at the reduced rate from NNPCL.

“The two most critical stakeholders in the sector have already reduced the rate, which is a very good development for us.

“So once we start taking fuel at the reduced rate, we are going to reduce our price too. We will also apply the price reduction percentage of the NNPCL,” he stated.

Also, the National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Mr Chinedu Ukadike, expressed satisfaction with the price reduction.

According to him, the price adjustment underscores the benefits of healthy competition brought about by the deregulation of the downstream sector.

“It’s a welcome development. And that is the duty of deregulation. Once the competition is held, there will be constant reduction in price of fuel,” Ukadike said.

He attributed the price drop not only to NNPCL’s readiness for the deregulated pricing regime but also to a reduction in the foreign exchange rate.

“As we continue to have multiple choices, we will also have multiple chances of continuous reduction. So IPMAN is very happy, and as we are buying the product cheaper, we will also see it cheaper to the consumers,” he added.

Continue Reading

COVER

Tinubu Cancels Engagements after Stampedes Kill 39

Published

on

Share

By Johnson Eyiangho & Laide Akinboade Abuja

Following the tragedies that followed attempts to distribute food to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu yesterday cancelled all his official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta to mourn the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra.

Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi, his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement.

Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State Government and chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.

Commiserating with the victims of the incidents in Anambra and the FCT, Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.

Tinubu said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.

No fewer than 39 Nigerians have lost their lives following stampedes during food-sharing events in Okija, Anambra State, and Maitama, Abuja during the weekend.

In the struggle to get ahead and obtain the free food items distributed by organisers, the residents trampled upon one another, leading to the deaths.

While 10 residents died in Abuja, 29 were reported killed in Anambra.

These stampedes came days after a similar incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children lost their lives and several others were left critically injured during a funfair.

Similarly, 10 persons were confirmed dead at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja in a stampede, where a food outreach was held on Saturday.

It was gathered that the incident occurred around 6am during an annual charity event organised by parishes of the Catholic Church to distribute foodstuffs to the poor and the vulnerable in the community.

An eyewitness said the crowd remained orderly until around 5am.

He said, “Many people came from Mararaba, Nyanya, and Mpape areas to benefit from the church’s food distribution.

“To be honest, the church didn’t anticipate the size of the crowd that showed up. Although there were two security operatives on duty, they couldn’t manage the growing crowd effectively.

“Initially, everyone was orderly, but as the day broke, the number of people doubled. In their desperation to get the rice first, people began pushing and shoving.

“Before we knew it, we started hearing cries for help from those who had fallen or sustained injuries. The police came to rescue those injured and dispersed others who waited behind with the hope that the distribution would continue.”

 In Anambra, no fewer than 29 persons have been reported dead and many others injured during a stampede that occurred at the gate of the Charity Event at the Obijackson Centre in Amanranta, Okija, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

It was also gathered that the stampede, which occurred at the venue of the sharing of palliatives, including 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, and money, was a result of poor crowd control.

It was learnt that the victims, particularly elderly women and children, were trampled upon as they struggled to gain entrance amid a large and uncontrollable crowd.

It was observed at the scene that many shoes and slippers belonging to the victims were littered on the ground in front of the gate as security operatives battled to control the surging crowd, who were still forcing their way onto the premises.

Despite the stampede and the tragic incident, the sharing of palliatives continued, with beneficiaries going home with 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, noodles, and cash gifts from the foundation.

The palliatives were being donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson), on behalf of the Obijackson Foundation.

Eyewitnesses at the venue said many who collapsed were rushed to hospital, while those who died were taken to the morgue.

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed the incident.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also mourned victims of the stampedes, describing the development as a reflection of poverty and systemic failure.

Obi, in a tweet on his official X handle at the weekend said the desperate quest for survival in the harsh economy drove the people to the extremes in search of food at the cost of their lives.

He said, “While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organisers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.”

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the widespread food stampede in the country as a testament of an alarming level of misery, poverty, hunger, starvation, sense of hopelessness and desperation for survival by the citizens under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

The party said it was devastated that the APC-led administration had wrecked the nation’s once thriving economy and pushed millions deeper into abject poverty and hunger with many citizens, not being able to afford their daily meals, now resorting to desperate measures including slavery mission abroad and fighting for crumbs for survival.

In a statement by its Spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, yesterday lamented the tragic stampede at private events in Oyo and Anambra states as well as Abuja which claimed the lives of more than 60 vulnerable citizens including children in their desperate struggle for food as a result of the pervasive hunger in the land.

The statement called on Nigerians to hold the Tinubu-led APC administration responsible for the remote cause of those tragic occurrences for which it must recompense.

The PDP accused the APC of false performance claims including empty assurances of food sufficiency while deliberately failing to make the required investments to boost the productive sector, particularly in agriculture and food production.

It demanded the immediate review of all the ‘suffocating economic and tax policies’ of the APC administration which it said are bringing misery and death to Nigerians daily.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed deep concerns over the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items across Nigeria during the festive period.

The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IG had ordered the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to investigate the deaths for possible legal actions.

He stated that the organisers of this charity are liable for criminal offences, citing relevant provisions in Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes.

Continue Reading

COVER

Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Stampede Incident

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic incident at the Children’s funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.

Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement stressed the importance of determining whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful development, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

The president, who expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident on Thursday, extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.

The statement read, “In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.

“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.”

The president wants a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.

He called on event organizers to prioritize the safety of all attendees, especially children, just as he stressed the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

According to the president, “Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives.”

So far, police have confirmed that 35 children died while six others were critically injured.

According to a statement by the Oyo State Police Command through the spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, yesterday, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.

The police stated that the event was organised by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.

The police said they have commenced an investigation into the incident and have promised to bring those responsible to justice.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS6 hours ago

Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is...

NEWS6 hours ago

Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

Share The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property...

NEWS6 hours ago

NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

Share The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages,...

NEWS6 hours ago

CHAN: Nigeria, Ghana Clash Ends in Goalless Draw

ShareThe Nigeria, Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship ends a goalless draw in...

NEWS6 hours ago

FG Lifts Ban on Mining to Boost Zamfara IGR – Minister

Share Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in...

NEWS6 hours ago

Kaduna’ll be Secure During Yuletide-CP

Share The Police Command in Kaduna State said it  has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state....

NEWS6 hours ago

IG Visits Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody in Ilorin 

ShareThe Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death...

NEWS6 hours ago

2024 was Turbulent for us But God Strengthened us, Makinde Says

ShareGov. Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go...

SPORTS6 hours ago

NPFL: Late Penalty Kick Helps Kwara United to Narrow Win

ShareA penalty kick awarded late in the game on Sunday helped hosts Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin to a...

Missing N500bn: Probe CBN, Falana, Others Tell PMB Missing N500bn: Probe CBN, Falana, Others Tell PMB
POLITICS6 hours ago

Poverty, Behind Deadly Stampedes Across Nigeria, says Falana

ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Sunday attributed the deadly stampede that claimedmore than 105...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc