Menu
Search
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 554

FG Disburses N1.3bn To Support Small Businesses In Borno

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0
Zulum

Federal Government has disbursed N1.3 billion to support growth of small enterprises in Borno State .

The amount was disbursed under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme ,PCGS, to bolster nano-businesses in 27 local government areas of the state.

Gov. Babagana Zulum said this at the federal government’s town hall meeting on loans and grants scheme in Maiduguri on Friday.

Represented by Abubakar Muhammed, Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Service Matters, Zulum said the scheme was being implemented in collaboration between the state government and the Bank of Industry ,BoI.

He said the scheme focused on empowering traders, artisans, ICT operators, eatery operators and transporters, adding that each of the beneficiaries received N50,000, to enable them to improve their businesses.

According to Zulum, the gesture represents a critical component of the federal government’s commitment to support local economies and vulnerable groups.

“With a total of 810,945 beneficiaries nationwide, the programme ensures that Borno’s entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to thrive in challenging economic times.

“The PCGS initiative is expected to boost small businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic recovery of the state, which continues to rebuild in the aftermath of insurgency and other challenges”, he said.

Mr Muktar Musa, the BoI Manager in Maiduguri, said the federal government had disbursed over N40 billion out of the approved N50 billion, to support nano businesses across the 774 local government areas in the country.

Musa said the PCGS scheme, introduced as part of interventions following the removal of fuel subsidy targeted one million beneficiaries.

Highlighting progress of the scheme, Musa said that N10 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries in the North-West; North–Central N6.6 billion, North-East N5.9 billion, and South-East N4.8 billion to 96,000 beneficiaries across 95 LGAs.

Musa said the scheme also supported 117,000 beneficiaries in 123 local government areas in the South-South, and 146,000 others across 137 LGAs in South-West.

He said that a breakdown of the disbursements revealed that women and youth constituted 70% of the beneficiaries; 10% persons with disabilities, five per cent senior citizens and 15% other demographic groups.

The manager said the programme had so far empowered 810,945 Nigerians as part of the federal government’s commitment to support local economies and vulnerable groups.

Musa said the beneficiaries were selected based on criteria such as possession of BVN and NIN numbers as well as evidence of business premises.

Some of the beneficiaries, Atiku Babagana and Hauwa Bukar commended the gesture, adding that it would encourage growth of small businesses.

“The grant will enable me to expand my business, purchase additional stocks, and cater for my family’s needs. I am grateful for this opportunity”, Bukar said.

NCC To Introduce New Tariff Structure For Telecom Operators December 13 

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

By Charles Ebi 

Nigerian Communications Commission ,NCC, has announced plans to unveil a new simplified tariff structure for telecommunications operators on December 13, 2024.

This move is aimed at streamlining tariff plans, increasing transparency, and improving consumer experience.

The announcement was made during an interactive session with the media in Abuja by the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka.

Dr. Wada disclosed that the new tariff plan will limit operators to a maximum of seven tariff plans to address consumer concerns and dispel misconceptions about data and airtime usage.

“On December 13, 2024, we will announce the new tariff plan, replacing the original October 27 date.  

“After extensive consultations with stakeholders, operators will be limited to a maximum of seven tariff plans. This change aims to provide relief to telecom consumers and clarify misconceptions regarding the use of data and airtime”, he stated. 

The NCC believes that this tariff simplification will encourage fair competition among operators while making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about their telecom expenses.

The NCC has launched awareness campaigns through advertisements and advocacy to educate telecom users about the changes.

Addressing concerns about data depletion, Dr. Wada explained that thorough investigations had been conducted.

“We mandated operators to engage reputable audit firms, which found that data consumption varies across devices, especially Android phones. Consumers need to understand that data usage depends on device settings and the apps running in the background”, Dr. Maidanoted. 

As part of its broader regulatory oversight, the NCC has directed telecom operators to update their contact details with the commission by January 9, 2025.

This initiative aligns with the 2019 Licensing Regulations and is designed to strengthen regulatory processes in the telecommunications sector.

“This directive is part of the NCC’s efforts to enhance industry oversight and ensure the sector remains robust and well-regulated”, said Mr. Muoka. 

Operators have been warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in penalties, including fines, suspension, or the revocation of licenses.

The Nigerian telecommunications industry is facing increasing operational costs due to rising inflation and foreign exchange challenges, prompting calls for a review of current tariffs.

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers ,NATCOMS, has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission ,NCC, to approve a 10% tariff increase to help telecom operators sustain their operations and improve service quality.

Modupe Kadri, the Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasized that most telecom equipment is imported, making the industry heavily reliant on foreign exchange. He noted that this dependence, coupled with rising costs, has strained operators’ ability to maintain efficient services.

Kadri warned that failure to address pricing could lead to a decline in investment, drawing parallels to the challenges faced in Nigeria’s oil industry.

“If we are not careful, what happened to the oil industry, which led to the loss of investments, will happen to telecommunications”, he stated.

Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited pointed out that the telecommunications sector, which contributes 16% to Nigeria’s GDP, has not seen a tariff review since 2013.

He noted that while telecom prices have remained unchanged for over a decade, the cost of goods and services in Nigeria has increased significantly.

HIV: About 21.3m People Now On Antiretroviral Treatment – WHO

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

World Health Organization, WHO, said about 21.3 million people are currently on antiretroviral treatment,  raising their life expectancy in the African subregion. 

This is even as the global health body said Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status), have been recognized for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017.

WHO, in a message by its Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, ahead of the World AIDS Day 2024, commemorated every December 1, however, said:”Remarkable reductions in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are being recorded, with the number of new HIV infections higher outside of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in 2023.”

It said the  African Region is also implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods, with countries quickly adopting and implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations, and ensuring increased access to options such as oral and long-acting injectable PrEP, and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

Dr. Moeti’s message reads:”As we come together with the international community to mark World AIDS Day 2024 on 1 December, this year’s theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” is a timely reminder of our responsibility to safeguard human rights as we pursue the goal of HIV elimination by 2030.

“HIV is a complex health challenge, inseparable from social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence, and complicated by stigma and discrimination, especially amongst marginalized populations. Protecting human rights is a key component of achieving universal HIV care, and breaking down these life-threatening barriers to access.

“World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the achievements. African countries have made significant progress, with the change in the trajectory of the epidemic over the past decade evidence of the notable successes in HIV control and response. This is despite having the highest HIV burden globally, and comparatively fewer resources to fight the epidemic. 

“Remarkable reductions in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are being recorded, with the number of new HIV infections higher outside of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in 2023. The WHO African region is also the leading region globally in advancements towards the achievements of the 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets, aimed at closing gaps in treatment coverage and outcomes. 

“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76. 

“About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy. Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status), meanwhile, have both been recognized for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017.

“The African Region is also implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods, with countries quickly adopting and implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations, and ensuring increased access to options such as oral and long-acting injectable PrEP, and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

“However, despite the increased availability of scientific knowledge and tools for preventing new HIV infections, and effectively treating people living with HIV, the value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility. This is an issue that requires further investments and policy reforms going forward.

“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress.

“Given the achievements, it is indeed possible to eliminate HIV with the combined efforts of governments, partners, health care providers, civil society and, crucially, communities. Communities are key partners in co-creating strategies and jointly implementing interventions to address human rights-related barriers to care, and we must ensure their voices are heard.”

Bauchi Budgets N200m To Construct 35 Public Toilets

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0
BAUCHI GOVERNOR

Bauchi State government has announced a N200 million investment through the State Environmental Protection Agency, BASEPA, to construct at least 35 climate-resilient, user-friendly toilets across the state.

This initiative aims to support the declaration of some local government areas as Open Defecation-Free, ODF, and ensure that other councils attain this status in the near future, promoting healthier living conditions for all.

Director General of BASEPA, Dr Mahmud Bose, disclosed this yesterday while speaking with a team of journalists supported by the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office. The journalists were in his office to assess the impact of the ODF status in the LGAs.

“There are many offices that do not have toilets, thereby making issues of convenience difficult for the staff, particularly women. This is a very serious issue that we take, you know, very seriously in the agency. In fact, as part of our margin for 2025, we have a provision of about N200 million, which is budgeted for this issue of public toilet construction,” Dr Bose said.

He further emphasised that these toilets would not be ordinary but well-equipped with sanitary facilities and water supply, particularly to ease the experience for women during their menstrual periods. “And not ordinary toilets; they will be well equipped with sanitary and water supply for our women in order to make it easy for them, particularly during their menstrual period. They are going to be user-friendly and accommodating public challenges, for which we have a model in the state,” he added.

Dr. Bose also stressed the importance of menstrual hygiene, the dignity and safety of women and children, and inclusivity for people with disabilities, remarking, “The issue of menstrual hygiene, you know, the dignity and safety of a woman, you know, our children. So is a befitting model that is going to make it all-encompassing, including people with disabilities.”

Regarding the success of Bauchi’s journey towards becoming ODF, he noted that BASEPA has been a key stakeholder in this process. “So it’s a successful journey, of which BASEPA is part. We have some of our staff who are currently working with the stakeholders in terms of mobilisation, in terms of community sanitation. And so many issues in regards to attaining the ODF of the local government area. So BASEPA has been a key stakeholder in the journey, and also, as part of the effort of the agency, you know, we have been working on this management of the development,” he said.

Dr. Bose also highlighted BASEPA’s regulatory role in faecal sludge management. “We have identified both manual and mechanised operations in faecal sludge management and formed a union for operators. They are now registered with the agency and have undergone capacity-building sessions with RUWASA and other partners to improve their management practices,” he explained.

Further, he discussed efforts to establish faecal sludge management outlets, disclosing, “We also tried to come up with faecal sludge large management outlets, which is the first of its kind in the whole country. But they came up with the guideline, which was part of UNICEF support. After having the guidelines, UNICEF, through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, employs international consultants so that at least we can think of how to implement the document.”

Be Change Agents, Diri Urges Corps Members

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, has called on the 1,667 corps members deployed to the state to serve as positive agents of development in their host communities across all local government areas.

Speaking yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2024 Batch C, Stream 1 Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Boro Town, Diri assured them of a memorable experience in the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha, the governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to their security, welfare, and infrastructure development, describing Bayelsa as a “home away from home.”

He urged the corps members to embrace the ideals of national service with dedication and optimism, encouraging them to remain focused on their roles as future leaders.

He said: “As I welcome you to Bayelsa State, I also urge you to be agents of positive development in the communities you are deployed to across all the local government areas of the state.

“Our duty is to ensure your safety and welfare, and on your part, you are to remain committed to the ideals of national service.

“I therefore urge you to stay focused as future leaders of our great country and embrace this new chapter of your life with vigour and optimism.”

Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Charity, thanked the governor for his collaboration and other distinguished guests for their presence.

Charity highlighted the objectives of the orientation course and advised the corps members to approach the service year with the seriousness it deserves, as deliberate programmes have been well designed to adequately prepare and equip them for optimum performance.

She also urged them to shun all forms of social vices and actions detrimental to the image of the scheme during the orientation course and in their various places of primary assignment.

Terrorism: Court Acquits 50 IPOB Members

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0
IPOB

Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted 50 suspected members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, POB, charged for alleged terrorism.

Yesterday, trial judge James Omotosho ruled that the police failed to establish a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.

The trial judge upheld the no-case submission of the defendants.

Omotosho said the prosecution team failed to provide any credible evidence linking the defendants with the allegations.

The judge struck out the three-count charge filed against the defendants.

The Charge

The inspector-general of police had sued the 50 defendants in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024.

The police alleged that the defendants assembled themselves in a truck to engage in a meeting in connection with an act of terrorism.

The police claimed that the “gathering was for the purpose of promoting illegality in order to terrorise the people of Anambra”.

The police said the offence is contrary and punishable under section 12 of the Terrorism  (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

We’ll Reject Tinubu’s Tax Bills, They’ll Cripple North — Zulum

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0
zulum

Governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum, said he will rally lawmakers from the north to reject the tax bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking with BBC, Zulum said previous laws took years of debate, wondering why the proposed legislations are being rushed.

He said the bills would cripple the north and boost the economy of Lagos state.

The governor added that the reforms would lead to poverty, hunger, and hardship in the north.

Zulum said Tinubu should remember that the north handed him a chunk of the votes in the 2023 presidential election.

“He should not ignore our concerns and the rumours that the north is not in his favour,” he said.

He also asked the government not to pressure lawmakers into passing the bills.

“What we fear is that some lawmakers might secretly support the bills, and politicians might bribe or persuade their members to vote for them,” he said.

Zulum urged lawmakers from the north to remain vigilant and protect their interests, as the laws will harm them if passed.

Ali Ndume, who represents Borno south in the upper legislative chamber, has also vehemently opposed the tax reform bills at every opportunity — including on the floor of the senate.

In October, Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.

They include the Nigeria tax bill, the tax administration bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill.

The Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF), opposed the bills, while the National Economic Council, NEC, asked Tinubu to withdraw them for further consultations.

However, the president said the bills would not be withdrawn, adding that the National Assembly could make amendments as they deemed necessary.

On Thursday, the Senate passed the tax reform bills for a second reading.

Our Textile Industries Need To Thrive Again

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

Not many understand the capacity of the country’s textile industry which spanned several decades until it dimmed following unprecedented neglect and mismanagement by stakeholders.

It is indeed heart-warming that Nigerian governors, particularly those in cotton-producing states have been urged to establish garment industries to drive job creation and economic growth. This is not a new drive as many years down the line, not a few economic and industrial pundits have urged governments at all levels to reinvigorate the textile industry which once created millions of jobs across northern Nigeria and provided the ambience for economic growth.

Kaduna in North-West Nigeria was then the hub of our indigenous textile industry as it provided job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour. Several other northern states exhibited potentials for cotton production which is needed to enhanced the industry but due to lack of commitment from state governments and stakeholders, nothing tangible was achieved. 

It is indeed, salutary that Comrade Peters Godonu, President of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria ,NUTGTWN, during the union’s 36th Annual National Education Conference called for a rejuvenation of the sector where states can take a front seat.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Textile Garment and Tailoring Employers’ Association ,NTGTEA, was held at the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies ,MINILS, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Godonu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to industrial development and praised Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for establishing the multi-million Naira Kwara Garment Factory in Ilorin.

Just like Gondonu, we urge other governors to emulate this initiative, particularly through public-private partnerships, as a strategy for wealth generation and sustainable development.

It was particularly encouraging that participants at the conference toured the Kwara Garment Factory to have an insight into its operations as that could ginger more of the likes in other states.

We align our touts with Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of MINILS, who described the conference theme as timely and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in industrial revival. Representing the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Aremu highlighted the challenges facing the textile industry, including the importation of second-hand clothing, insecurity, and inadequate electricity supply.

Just like Aremu, we call on the government to protect existing textile factories and restore defunct ones to enhance job creation and reduce poverty. “The conference should aim to develop strategies for fostering effective partnerships amongst government, industry, and labour and identify the various roles of each stakeholder in sustainable industrial development.

It is worrisome that outside, the northern states where the textile industries once thrived, the ones in far apart states have either packed–up or are in limbo waiting for their ‘death knell’.

We must continue to encourage cotton farmers who are the ‘first bride’ of the industry to remain steadfast in the production of the basic ingredient imperative for the industry to thrive. Just like other sectors that being incentivized, this sector deserves no less since it would help cut down our dependence on imported fabric and enhance job creation and relatedly economic growth.     

Gov. Dauda Under Fire As Citizens Plead For Matawalle’s Comeback

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

A coalition of advocacy groups has urged the return of Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State governor, to continue his efforts in combating banditry and restoring peace in the troubled state.

“Matawalle is that doctor, and Zamfara must not abandon the cure before the disease is eradicated,” said Mansur Abubakar Gusau, spokesperson for the coalition, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

The group commended Matawalle’s tenure from 2019 to 2023, describing it as a period of innovative and inclusive solutions to the state’s longstanding security challenges. They called on residents and Nigerians at large to support his potential return in 2027 to “complete the vital mission of restoring lasting peace.”

Security Initiatives Lauded
The coalition highlighted Matawalle’s multifaceted approach to addressing Zamfara’s insecurity. Upon assuming office in 2019, the state was in disarray, with rampant banditry leaving communities vulnerable. Matawalle initiated peace talks with armed groups, engaged community leaders, and introduced socio-economic interventions to tackle the root causes of insecurity.

“These efforts led several bandit factions to disarm, release hostages, and reintegrate into society,” Gusau noted, adding that the administration supported those transitioning by providing vocational training, farming opportunities, and Islamic education.

For groups rejecting peace, Matawalle strengthened security forces, equipping them with vehicles and resources to protect communities. He also spearheaded regional collaborations with neighboring states, including Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger, launching joint operations to disrupt criminal networks.

Economic Reforms Address Poverty and Crime
Matawalle’s administration also addressed economic factors linked to insecurity. The Zamfara Social Investment Program (Z-SIP) provided stipends to youth and women, discouraging criminal activities. Additionally, he targeted illegal mining, a major funding source for armed groups, by advocating for a no-fly zone over Zamfara to curtail smuggling networks.

The coalition criticized the current state administration’s decision to lift the no-fly zone, warning it could reignite illegal mining activities and exacerbate insecurity.

“Matawalle’s foresight in implementing the no-fly zone addressed the economic roots of banditry,” Gusau said.

Call for 2027 Candidacy
The group described Matawalle as a leader who demonstrated that peace is achievable through courage and innovation.

“Insecurity is a disease that requires the skill of an experienced doctor,” the coalition stated, urging Nigerians to support Matawalle’s candidacy in the 2027 elections.

Inside Story: TETFUND Swims In Corruption

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

…Squanders 4trn Without Appropriation

…100 lawyers, 1,000 CSOs set for court battles, massive protest

  • …Sack ES tetfund now, says CSOs

By Dauda Isamail

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, originally established as Education Trust Fund, ETF, by the Act No 7 of 1993 as amended by Act No 40 of 1998 (now repealed and replaced with Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act 2011), is an intervention agency set up to provide supplementary support to all level of public tertiary institutions with the main objective of using funding alongside project management for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of Tertiary Education in Nigeria.

The main source of income available to the Fund is the two percent education tax paid from the assessable profit of companies registered in Nigeria. The Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, assesses collects the tax on behalf of the Fund. Despite being funded by taxpayers money, the agency has repeatedly been enmeshed in financial misappropriation scandals.

But successive administrations have been fraught with allegations of financial impropriety.

In the latest scandal, a group of 100 lawyers and about 1,000 Civil Society Organisation, CSOs say they are set for court battle and a massive protest as they called for the sack of the Executive Secretary, ES of TETFUND,
Sunday Sylva Togo Echono, OON, who assumed office in 2022.
In a petition dated October 14, and addressed to the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abass, titled: TETFUND’S ILLEGAL BUDGET PRACTICES: A RECIPE FOR ANARCHY, CSOS DEMAND SENATE ACTION OR FACE LEGAL AND PUBLIC RESISTANCE, members of The Trusfield Empowerment Initiatives, representing over 300 civil society organisations across Nigeria, highlighted the unconstitutional and illegal financial operations of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND, which has consistently refused to submit its budget for appropriation by the National Assembly for the past ten years.
The petition read: “As enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the powers of the National Assembly extend to scrutinizing, overseeing, and approving the budgets of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, of the Federal Government, including TETFUND. However, TETFUND has systematically failed to comply with this constitutional requirement, relying on misinterpretations of the TETFUND Act to avoid budgetary scrutiny. This petition seeks to correct this illegality, hold TETFUND accountable, and ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized transparently and effectively.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), explicitly outlines the responsibilities of the National Assembly in matters of financial oversight and appropriation. Section 80 of the Constitution provides that:
“All revenues or other monies raised or received by the Federation (not being revenues or other monies payable under this Constitution or any Act of the National Assembly into any other public fund of the Federation established for a specific purpose) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.”
The petitioners further pointed out that Section 81 mandates that the President must submit estimates of the expenditure of the federation year, which means that no expenditure can be made from any public fund unless it has been authorised by the National Assembly through appropriation.
They stated further: “TETFUND, as a government agency, falls under this constitutional obligation. Therefore, its failure to submit its budget for appropriation by the National Assembly for the last 10 years is a direct violation of this constitutional requirement.
“TETFUND has frequently cited Section 7(3) of the TETFUND Act as a justification for not submitting its budget for National Assembly appropriation. The section states that:
“The Board of Trustees shall administer and disburse the amount in the Fund to Federal and State Tertiary Institutions for the general improvement of education in Nigeria.”
They added that TETFUND has deliberately misinterpreted the word “administer” as a legal shield against budget appropriation by the National Assembly. However, a thorough examination of the TETFUND Act reveals that “administering” funds refers to the distribution and management of funds, not the exclusion of TETFUND from submitting to the oversight and appropriation authority of the National Assembly.
The petition further pointed Section 7(1) of the TETFUND Act which states: “The Fund shall consist of: (a) money disbursed to the Fund from the National Budget; (b) such money as may be received by the Fund from taxation, levies, gifts, and donations; (c) any other money that may be lawfully made available to the Fund.”
They added: “This section clearly outlines the sources of funding for TETFUND, which primarily includes allocations from the National Budget, contributions from taxation and levies, as well as any donations or gifts.”
The petition pointed out Section 7(2),
Section 7(3), Section 7(3) which TETFUND under the current leadership wilfully and deliberately flouted.
The petitioners then sent a warning to the Federal Ministry of Education thus: “We urge the Minister of Education and other relevant authorities to take immediate action. It is their duty to ensure that TETFUND operates within the legal framework and does not misuse its privileged position. The continued silence on this matter not only reflects negligence but also allows for misappropriation of public funds.’
Findings by AljazirahNigeria Newspapers revealed that in the last ten years, TETFUND has not submitted its budget for legislative appropriation, which is a clear breach of constitutional requirements as outlined in Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which states that, “No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.”
Therefore, TETFUND by not presenting its budget for approval has not only sidestepped the National Assembly’s approved oversight but has also failed to provide scrutiny on how public funds are utilized, violating both the spirit and letter of the Constitution.
Speaking to this medium, Umaru Usman , National Coordinator of Youths United for Governance and Accountability said: “It is disheartening that for over a decade, the National Assembly has allowed TETFUND to operate outside the legal framework for financial oversight. By failing to compel TETFUND to submit its budget for appropriation, the National Assembly has unwittingly endorsed the misuse of public funds, allowing taxpayer money to be spent without proper scrutiny.
“It is the statutory duty of the National Assembly to safeguard public funds by ensuring that all MDAs, including TETFUND, submit their budgets for examination and approval. The current situation represents a serious indictment on the National Assembly, which has allowed an institution handling billions of naira annually to spend public funds without legislative oversight.”
According to the petitioners, “It is worth noting that other Federal Government agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, regularly submit their budgets for appropriation, despite receiving substantial allocations.
“Other government agencies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, all receive allocations from special funds but still submit their budgets for National Assembly appropriation. It is, therefore, unacceptable that TETFUND, which controls substantial public funds, should continue to operate without similar oversight.”
They then demanded this: “In light of the gravity of these issues, we, as representatives of The Trusfield Empowerment Initiatives and over 300 civil society organizations, put forth the following seven demands:
“1. Immediate Suspension of All Unappropriated Expenditure: No expenditure shall be made by TETFUND henceforth without prior appropriation by the National Assembly.

  1. Submission of Previous Budgets: We demand copies of TETFUND’s budgets for the last ten years for thorough investigation. TETFUND must submit copies of its budgets for the past 10 years to the National Assembly and Nigerians for review and investigation.
    “3. Audited Report: An independent audited report of TETFUND’s financial activities for the past 10 years must be made available for public scrutiny.
    “4. Senate and House Committee Meetings on TETFUND: Reports and resolutions from the Senate Committee on Education and the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education regarding any discussions on TETFUND’s budgets must be provided.
    “5. Investigation of Former TETFUND Heads: A comprehensive probe must be conducted into the activities of all former heads of TETFUND, with the aim of identifying and prosecuting any cases of corruption or mismanagement.
    “6. 2025 TETFUND Budget: The 2025 budget of TETFUND must not be accepted by the National Assembly until the above issues are fully resolved, and all illegalities are corrected.
    “7. Accountability: TETFUND must be held accountable for the mismanagement of funds over the past decade, and those responsible for any financial irregularities must be prosecuted.”
    The petitioners then issued a 7-day notice for the immediate compliance with the above demands, and that they would take all necessary legal steps, including but not limited to filing a court case to compel the agency and the National Assembly to correct these illegalities. Furthermore, we will mobilize nationwide protests to draw attention to the gross abuse of taxpayers’ funds.
    An independent project assessment and evaluation tour conducted by AljazirahNigeria Newspapers across tertiary institutions in Nigeria showed that available projects fall short of expectations based on its funding. In a report that will be published soon, AljazirahNigeria shall chronicle project by project performance and financial cost in 17 tertiary institutions. The projects do not meet procurement standards and guidelines.
    A ranking member of the National Assembly equally spoke to this medium about the poor quality of projects executed across tertiary institutions, and that although Arch Echono had been invited on a number of occasions, he has so far refused to honour such invitations but rather send other staff to represent him.
    According to Barrister Joshua Ibimina, “I am surprised at how a laudable Federal Government initiative intended to benefit and ease the learning process for students across the country has continued to be marred in financial misappropriations.
    “I think if the relevant government institutions saddled with the responsibility of oversight lives up to their expectations, we would see a better TETFUND committed it’s ideals.”
    In like manner, another legal practitioner, Margaret Ibidun said: “Without enforcement, the existence of laws is a farce. I think if our laws are and have been enforced, successive heads of TETFUND would have avoided these scandals.
    “I therefore call on the National Assembly to ensure it carries out its oversight function with renewed commitment as this would make not only TETFUND, but other government agencies to better respect the Constitution.”
    It would be recalled that this is not the first time that TETFUND has been enmeshed in corruption allegations. This is despite the fact that agency has repeatedly distanced itself from such allegations. For instance, earlier in April, following a report by Premium Times detailing the controversial award of a N3.8 billion contract by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, arrested the agency’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Gloria Olotu.
    Senior officials at the anti-graft agency had said that Mrs Olotu, the Director of Human Resources and General Administration at TETFUND, Kolapo Okunola, and the agency’s Director of Information Communication Technology, ICT, Joseph Odo, were also invited for questioning at that time.
    In TETFUND’s response to Project 20 Million dated 16-10-2024, it stated that, “It has become expedient to inform you that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is an intervention agency established to provide supplementary support to all levels of public tertiary institutions with the main objective of using funding for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of Tertiary Education in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The sole source of funding is the three percent (3%) Education Tax paid from the assessable profit of companies registered in Nigeria. The funds accruing to the TETFund are neither from the “national budget” nor “levies, gifts and donations” as erroneously stated in your letter.
    “Furthermore, it is trite to mention that as enshrined in Section 7(5) of the TETFund Act 2011, only the President can approve the disbursement (budget) of the tax collected to all public tertiary institutions on recommendation of the Board of Trustees and the Honorable Minister of Education respectively. It follows therefore that the “disbursement of funds (budget)” is not appropriated by the National Assembly, on the strength of the provision of the TETFund Act 2011.
    “Finally, it is pertinent to state that the Sections quoted in your letter are totally incorrect and false fabrication that have no bearing with the TETFund Act 2011. Specifically, Section 7(1)(2)(3) as juxtaposed with the original TETFund Act bears no resemblance or congruency.
    “It is shocking that an Organization claiming to represent over 300 Million Civil Society Organisations will engage in such fallacious voyage and quoting fictitious sections of a subsisting law of the land. (Enclosed is a copy of the TETFund Act 2011 for guidance).”
    It then advised that Project 20 million to peruse the TETFund website for accurate information and better understanding of the operations and activities of the Fund at www.tetfund.gov.ng.
    From the Late Mal Tijani Ahmed Abubakar who served the then ETF from January 1994 to September 1999; Mal Mustapha Abba Jaji, mini who served from September 1999 to August 2007; Professor Mamood Ya kunu, the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, From August 2007 to August 2012; Mal Aliyu Na’Iya, September 2012 to April 2014; Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro, April 2014 to February 2016: Mal Aliyu Na’Iya who came back to serve from February to July 2016; Dr Abdullahi B. Baffa from August 2016 to January 2019; .then Professor Suleiman Bogoro who returned to serve from January 2019 to March 2022, and Arc Sonny S T Echono who took over in March 2022 and is still in office, TETFund hasn’t lived up to its expectations as critics, the media and concerned Nigerians have repeatedly exposed scandal after scandal.
    TETFUND had in 2021 reported on its website that the Federal Government had through TETFund, injected over N2.5 trillion in the development of infrastructure and staff development in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria in the last 10 years of establishing the Fund.
    In 2022, Arch Echono, had said each University will get the sum of N642,848,138.00, while N396,780,086.00 goes to each Polytechnic and N447,758,804.00 to each College of Education in the approved 2022 interventions for beneficiary institutions across the country.
    N320 Billion Intervention Budget Fully Allocated to Beneficiary. While in 2024,
    President Tinubu approved
    N683 billion for TETFUND.

.

1...553554555...1,075Page 554 of 1,075

About us

Your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth insights, and compelling stories from around the world.

Top Categories

The latest

Trump Urges Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks After Putin Call, but Ceasefire Remains Elusive

Foreign News 0
US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine would...

Water Ministry Collaborates With ICRC To Scale Up Water, Sanitation, Food Security Infrastructure

News 0
By Anthony Ochela, Abuja The Minister of Water Resources and...

FG Okays Licences For Gombe, Bauchi Oil Exploration Projects

News 0
...As Gov Bala positioned State, establishes oil and gas...

Subscribe

© 2024 Aljazirah News Nigeria. All Rights Reserved