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Finance Ministry bids farewell to dedicated public servant

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The Federal Ministry of Finance has honored the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo as he retires from the Federal Civil Service.

A valedictory session, led by Permanent Secretary Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, eulogised Mr. Udo for a remarkable career and invaluable contributions to the Ministry and the nation.
A statement by the Director information and Public Relations said the session was graced by top management staff, praised Mr. Udo’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and expertise, which have been instrumental in the Ministry’s success.
Mrs. Jafiya commended Mr. Udo, saying that his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate them and leaving an indelible mark on our work.”

The statement explained further that the valedictory session was a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Udo’s dedication and service, as valedictory session marked the last time he will participate in top management meeting before retiring next week. According to the statement the Ministry recognized Mr. Udo’s significant impact and wished him well in his future endeavors.

“This marks the end of an era, as Mr. Udo’s retirement concludes a remarkable chapter in the Ministry’s history.
“His contributions will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to shape the Ministry’s work.”

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Finance

FG, States, LGAs Share N1.727tr from November Revenue Amid Oil, Gas Boost

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Wale Edun

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed N1.727 trillion among the Federal, State, and Local Governments for November 2024, following a surge in oil and gas royalties.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun presided over the committee.
From the gross revenue of N3.143 trillion, the Federal Government received N581.856 billion, States got N549.792 billion, Local Government Councils received N402.553 billion, while N193.291 billion was allocated to oil-producing states as 13% derivation.

The substantial revenue, driven by increases in oil and gas royalties and CET levies, underscores the government’s focus on strengthening fiscal stability.
However, reductions in Excise Duty, VAT, Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), and Companies Income Tax (CIT) highlight ongoing challenges in non-oil revenue streams.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the allocations came about to bolster economic activities across the three tiers of government, to ensure there is delivery of essential services and infrastructure development.

The Communique issued by FAAC at the end of the meeting indicated that the Gross Revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the month of November 2024, was N628.972 Billion as against N668.291 Billion distributed in the preceding month, resulting in a decreased of N39.318 Billion.

From that amount, the sum of N25.159 Billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N18.114 Billion given for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds. The remaining sum of N628.973 Billion was distributed to the three tiers of government, of which the Federal Government got N87.855 Billion, the States received N292.850 Billion and Local Government Councils got N204.995 Billion.

Accordingly, the Gross Statutory Revenue of N1.827 Trillion received for the month was higher than the sum of N1.336 Trillion received in the previous month by N490.339 Billion. From the stated amount, the sum of N77.521 Billion was allocated for the cost of collection and a total sum of N1.294 Trillion for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds.

The remaining balance of  N455.354 Billion was distributed as follows to the three tiers of government: Federal Government got the sum of N175.690 Billion, States received N89.113 Billion, the sum of N68.702 Billion was allocated to LGCs and N121.849 Billion was given to Derivation Revenue (13% Mineral producing States).

Also, the sum of N15.046 Billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was distributed to the three (3) tiers of government as follows: the Federal Government received N2.257 Billion, States got N7.523 Billion, Local Government Councils received N5.266 Billion, while N0. 0627 Billion was allocated for Cost of Collection.

The Communique also disclosed the sum of N671.392 Billion from Exchange Difference, which was shared as follows: Federal Government received N316.054 Billion, States got N160.306 Billion, the sum of N123.590 Billion was allocated to Local Government Councils, N71.442 Billion was given for Derivation (13% of Mineral Revenue).

Oil and Gas Royalty and CET levies recorded significant increases, while Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy ( EMTL), decreased considerably.

According to the Communique, the total revenue distributable for the current month of November 2024, was drawn from Statutory Revenue of N455.354 Billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N585.700 Billion, N15.046 Billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and N671.392 Billion from Exchange Difference, bringing the total distributable amount for the month to N1.727 Trillion.

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Finance

FG rolls out Initiative to Boost Wheat Production with Subsidized Agricultural Support

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Wale Edun

In a bid to enhance local wheat production and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported wheat, the Federal Government has launched the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, aims to strengthen the nation’s food security and promote sustainable agricultural development.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, announced the launch of the program in his office in Abuja on Friday, highlighting its significant role in driving economic growth and improving agricultural productivity.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the scheme’s target is 280,000 smallholder farmers across 16 wheat-producing states.
Explaining further, the Statement pointed out that It is designed to provide vital financial support through subsidies on inputs, which include, 25% subsidy on certified wheat seed and 50% Subsidy on fertilizers, aimed at reducing the financial burden on farmers
To ensure the success of the initiative, the statement said farmers are expected to contribute resources for one hectare of irrigated land.
“In most states, farmers will receive 50kg of Urea and 100kg of NPK fertilizers. However, in Jigawa State, the subsidy package will be enhanced due to the state’s soil requirements and commitment to boosting wheat output.
“The program is already operational, with 409 redemption centres established, 281 of which are fully functional. As of now, 68,389 farmers have benefitted from the initiative, representing 24.42% of the targeted beneficiaries.
“The input distribution phase will conclude later this month, in line with the wheat planting season.
“To ensure smooth distribution, security measures have been put in place with personnel from the Police, DSS, and NSCDC stationed at redemption centres across the country.”
In his closing remarks, Edun commended the project team for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing that the initiative would bolster food security, support rural economies, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports.

“This scheme represents a monumental step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, empowering farmers, and ensuring the country’s food security. We are confident that this initiative will drive long-term economic benefits,” said Edun.

With this innovative initiative, Nigeria is poised to increase its domestic wheat production, reducing imports and fostering a more prosperous, food-secure future.

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Finance

FG Secures $2.2 Billion Eurobond Amid Surging Investor Demand

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Olayemi Cardoso, Wake Edun

The Federal Government has successfully raised $2.2 billion through a dual-tranche Eurobond issuance, underscoring renewed investor confidence in the country’s economic reforms. The bonds, maturing in 2031 and 2034, attracted peak orderbook subscriptions exceeding $9.0 billion, signaling robust global interest despite challenging market conditions.

The 6.5-year bond secured $700 million at a coupon rate of 9.625%, while the 10-year bond raised $1.5 billion at a coupon rate of 10.375%.
Investors from Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Nigeria participated, with demand coming from fund managers, pension funds, hedge funds, and banks.

“This successful issuance reflects the growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to stabilizing the Nigerian economy,” said Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the country’s improved liquidity and continued access to international capital markets. Proceeds from the issuance will be used to finance Nigeria’s 2024 fiscal deficit and other budgetary priorities.

Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) Director-General Patience Oniha highlighted the strong investor appetite, noting that the bonds were priced competitively, reflecting confidence in Nigeria’s credit resilience.
The bonds will trade on the London Stock Exchange, FMDQ Securities Exchange, and Nigerian Exchange.

This successful Eurobond issuance marks a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its funding sources and drive sustainable economic growth.

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