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Alleged Fraud: “Will the masses finally reap the dividends of democracy, particularly at the state and local government levels?” questions arise as N1.1 trillion is shared among tiers of government from Federation Account revenue, yet, analysis suggests otherwise.
Allocation highest ever
N500b kept in savings
Yusuf: let gains of reform reflect on citizens
It was a huge “payday” for the tiers of government yesterday.
The federal, state and local governments shared a handsome N1.127 trillion from the N1.674 trillion collectable revenue in December 2023.
Over N500 billion was saved to take care of future needs.
It is the second consecutive month that the revenue shared from the central purse crossed the N1 trillion mark.
The first time it did was in September 2023.
From the N655.932 billion shared in May, the month that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office and pronounced that the “petrol subsidy is gone,” the revenue has been going up steadily (SEE TABLE).
The staggering figure, made available after the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting yesterday, is a reflection of the nation’s economic upward movement, analysts said.
According to them, it also presents an opportunity for the government at all levels to ensure growth and development.
Economists last night said with increased revenue, the people should begin to get the dividends of democracy, especially at the state and local governments.
The agreement by FAAC members to allow N500 billion in savings is indicative of financial prudence, a member said.
Breaking down the revenue accruals, according to a statement by the FAAC, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Value Added Tax (VAT), and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased significantly.
But there is a slight decline in oil and gas royalties, import duty and CET levies.
Despite the remarkable revenue gains, the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) remained static at $473,754.57.
The surplus in the federation account serves as a cushion for any unforeseen economic challenges that may arise.
A closer look at the activities surrounding the Federation Account has shown that N875.382 billion was received as gross statutory revenue for December 2023, which was slightly lower than the N882.560 billion received in November.
In terms of the Value Added Tax (VAT), December 2023 saw a significant increase compared to the previous month.
The gross revenue available from VAT stood at N492.506 billion, which is a N132.051 billion increase from November.
This surge in VAT revenue can be attributed to the improvement in economic activities and increased consumer spending during the festive season.
Further analysis of the revenue distribution revealed that the Federal Government got N383.872 billion from the total distributable revenue; states received N396.693 billion and the local government areas received N288.928 billion.
State collecting derivation funds from mineral revenue shared N57.915 billion, representing 13 per cent of the revenue.
Regarding distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N173.729 billion, state governments, N88.118 billion and councils, N67.935 billion from the N363.188 billion generated.
From the distributable VAT revenue of N458.622 billion, the Federal Government received N68.793 billion, state governments received N229.311 billion, and local government councils received N160.518 billion.
The Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) of N17.855 billion was allocated as follows: the Federal Government received N2.678 billion, states got N8.928 billion and local government councils received N6.249 billion.
However, the stagnant Excess Crude Account raises concern about the need for strategic investment of surplus funds into critical sectors.
The slight decline in statutory revenue and continued dependence on oil and gas require further attention.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
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The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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