Finance
FG Moves to Strengthen whistleblowing policy with legal framework
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the development of a draft bill aimed at providing legal backing and protection for whistleblowers, marking a crucial step towards enhancing the effectiveness of its whistleblowing policy.
This initiative seeks to address the challenges that have hindered the policy’s full implementation and encourage more individuals to report corruption and misconduct within government operations.
A statement by the director of information and media relationMuhammed Manga quoted the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun while speaking at a one-day sensitization workshop on the policy’s implementation to have underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
Edun highlighted the successes achieved since the policy’s introduction in 2016, including the recovery of significant amounts of misappropriated funds.
“The whistleblowing policy has already shown promise, with recoveries totaling over N83 billion, $609 million, and 5.5 million Euros between 2017 and 2023,” the Minister stated.
He further revealed that the draft bill, which is expected to be presented to the National Assembly, is designed to establish a robust legal framework that ensures whistleblowers are protected, and their reports are handled with confidentiality and promptness.
Mr. Edun reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to pursuing the whistleblowing policy in strict compliance with the rule of law. “This government is committed to achieving transparency and accountability in governance, and the proposed legal framework is a testament to this commitment,” he said.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, highlighted the whistleblowing policy’s role in uncovering corrupt practices across both public and private sectors since its inception in December 2016. He noted, however, that the policy’s implementation has faced challenges, particularly in sustaining the initial enthusiasm that greeted its introduction.
“The momentum and popularity that heralded the policy’s introduction need to be reinforced and sustained,” Udo remarked, emphasizing the workshop’s objective to deepen understanding of the policy and foster cooperation among key stakeholders, including implementing teams, Civil Society Organizations, and the media.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, stressed the importance of protecting whistleblowers and safeguarding their identities to encourage more individuals to report corruption. Represented by Mr. Olusola Dada, the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Jafiya also called for improvements in the reporting mechanisms to make them more accessible, user-friendly, and effective.
“The journey towards an effective whistleblowing regime is a collaborative effort,” Mrs. Jafiya said. “Each of us has a role to play in nurturing an environment where integrity and accountability thrive. Let us take the knowledge and enthusiasm generated today and translate it into concrete actions that drive positive change.”
The workshop, themed “Issues, Challenges, and Way Forward,” concluded with a renewed commitment to reinvigorating the whistleblowing policy, ensuring that transparency and accountability remain central to the management of public finances in Nigeria. The draft bill is seen as a significant step in this direction, demonstrating the government’s resolve to fight corruption and promote good governance.
Finance
October 2024: FAAC disburses N1.411trn from N2.668trn Gross Total to FG, States, LGCs
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a total of N1.411 trillion to the federal, state, and local governments for October 2024.
This was announced at FAAC’s November meeting held in Bauchi, chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin S. Madein.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement issued on Wednesday indicated that the disbursed amount was drawn from a gross total revenue of N2.668 trillion, comprising Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and Exchange Difference (ED).
From the stated amount inclusive of Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Exchange Difference (ED, the Federal Government received N433.021b, the States received N490.696b, the Local Government Councils got N355.621b , while the Oil Producing States received N132.404b as Derivation, (13% of Mineral Revenue).
The sum of N97.517b was given for the cost of collection, while N1.159trn was allocated for Transfers Intervention and Refunds.
The Communique issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) at the end of the meeting indicated that the Gross Revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the month of October 2024, was N668.291b as against N583.676b distributed in the preceding month, resulting in an increase of N84.616b.
From that amount, the sum of N26.732b was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N19.247b given for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds. The remaining sum of N622.312b was distributed to the three tiers of government, of which the Federal Government got N93.347b, the States received N311.156b and Local Government Councils got N217.809b.
Accordingly, the Gross Statutory Revenue of N1.336trn received for the month was higher than the sum of N1.043trn received in the previous month by N293.009b. From the stated amount, the sum of N70.072b was allocated for the cost of collection and a total sum of N1.060trn for Transfers, Intervention and Refunds.
The remaining balance of N206.319b was distributed as follows to the three tiers of government: Federal Government got the sum of N77.562b, States received N39.341b, the sum of N30.330b was allocated to LGCs and N59.086b was given to Derivation Revenue (13% Mineral producing States).
Also, the sum of N17.824b from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was distributed to the three (3) tiers of government as follows: the Federal Government received N2.567b , States got N8.555b, Local Government Councils received N5.989 Billion, while N0.713b was allocated for Cost of Collection.
The Communique also disclosed the sum of N646.000b from Exchange Difference, which was shared as follows: Federal Government received N259.545b, States got N131.644b, the sum of N101.493 Billion was allocated to Local Government Councils, N73.318b was given for Derivation (13% of Mineral Revenue), while the sum of N80.000b was allocated to Transfers, Interventions and Refunds.
Oil and Royalty, Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT) increased significantly, while, Electronic Money Transfer Levy ( EMTL) and CET Levies decreased considerably.
According to the Communique, the total revenue distributable for the current month of October 2024, was drawn from Statutory Revenue of N206.319 Billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N622.312b, N17.111b from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and N566.000b from Exchange Difference, bringing the total distributable amount for the month to N1.411trn
Finance
Nigeria’s Economic Revival Strengthened as FAAC Meets in Bauchi for NACOFED 2024
In a bid to steer Nigeria’s economic recovery, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) gathered in Bauchi for the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) Conference.
With the theme “Fostering Economic Growth in Challenging Times: Strategies for Policies and Partnership for Fiscal Sustainability and National Development,” the event drew policymakers and stakeholders to discuss strategies for fiscal sustainability and development.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement on Monday quoted the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to have emphasized the government’s dedication to refocusing resources on vital sectors like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.
These he sais are aimed to reduce poverty and uplift Nigerians as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted direct support programs, such as biometric-based payments for vulnerable households, to mitigate the effects of ongoing reforms.
Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed praised the Federal Government’s vision, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving sustainable development. Discussions centered on forging partnerships across government levels and with the private sector to spur job creation and economic resilience.
The conference concluded with FAAC delegates committed to implementing strategies for Nigeria’s economic revival, underscoring the power of collaboration for national progress.
Finance
Edun Defends Key Economic Reforms, claims Nigeria witnessing Progress
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edu, defended Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, particularly the adoption of market-driven exchange rates and the sale of crude oil in Naira.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance, Edu highlighted the positive outcomes, especially in terms of increased government revenue.
Edu acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing the reforms but emphasized that the country is already beginning to experience the benefits.
According to him, he said the sales of crude oil in Naira, initiated by President Bola Tinubu, has been particularly impactful, contributing to a stronger domestic financial environment.
Edu’s remarks reflect a broader effort by the government to enhance fiscal management and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s economic policies.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, stated that the session was convened to assess the effects of these reforms on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2024-2026.
He said It also aimed to address concerns about shortfalls in revenue remittances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), particularly regarding the foreign and domestic excess crude accounts.
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