The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Seun Kuti: Police get four more days to keep singer

    Seun Kuti: Police get four more days to keep singer

    • Police, defence teams trade words over media trial

    A Lagos Chief Magistrates’ Court, Sabo, Yaba, yesterday, gave the police nod to keep Afrobeats singer, Seun Kuti, in custody for four more days.

    His further remand followed an ex-parte motion brought before the court by the police seeking the singer’s remand at the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID), Yaba, for four days, to enable the service conduct further investigation on the defendant.

    Kuti has been in police custody since Monday after he turned himself in following an order for his immediate arrest by the Inspector General (IGP), Alkali Usman, over his (Kuti’s) alleged grievous assault of an Inspector on the Third Mainland Bridge, Saturday.

    At the resumed sitting yesterday, Head of Chamber, Nigeria Police Force, DCP Simon Lough (SAN), announced he was lead an 11-man prosecution team.

    Other members of the team included Yetunde Cardoso, P.A. Egbunike, Umar Bello, Cyril Ajifor, Moruf Animashaun, Ayodele Oladiran,  S.A Adebesin, Emmanuel Eze, V.I Ekperezie and Idowu Osungbure.

    DCP Lough told the court presided by Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatubosun, that the filed motion ex-parte was supported by a 12-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one ACP Saheed Kassim, one of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) attached to SCID, Yaba.

    The senior lawyer said one exhibit was attached, adding that the motion was supported with a written address.

    He said the application was brought pursuant to Sections 264(1) (2),(3),(4) & (6) & 257 of Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2021 (as amended), Sections 4  and 10 of the Police Act, 2020 and Sections 6(6), 35(1)(C), (5) & (7)(9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “it is our humble submission that from the facts, nature and circumstance of this case, the applicant is entitled to the relief sought from this honourable court in the interest of justice, public order and morality,” Lough said.

    Responding, Femi Akinyemi, who held brief for Kuti’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, prayed the court to stand down the matter.

    But Chief Magistrate Olatubosun refused the prayer of the defence counsel to stand down the matter.

    She granted the prosecution’s prayer for extension of the remand order by four days and ordered that the defendant be so remanded.

    The Chief Magistrate reiterated that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), and adjourned the matter till May 23, for continuation of hearing.

    Earlier, Lough in a statement urged Kuti’s lawyers to desist from media trial/defence and allow the judicial process take its course.

    He also dismissed their allegations that the singer was paraded by the police, clarifying that all the police had done so far, with respect to the case, was in line with the law.

    He said: “It has become imperative to correct some misrepresentations being circulated on social media solely to garner sympathy from the public and to divert attention from the fact in issue.

    “First of all, there is no law that prohibits the use of handcuffs to restrain a suspect especially a suspect that has shown tendency of violence like Seun Kuti that has already shown act of violence by attacking and slapping a police officer in uniform and even threatened his wife in the process.

    “Secondly, Section 10(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State allows the taking of photographs of suspects arrested for identification and record purpose.

    “Seun Kuti was not paraded as erroneously alleged by his lawyers. It was his photograph, fingerprints, name and address that were taken as provided for in the law.

    “The Nigeria Police hereby assures the public and all law abiding Nigerians that the Force will not engage in media trial of the case but would carry out investigation in line with the law, professionalism and international best practices.

    “The Nigeria Police equally appeals to the defence team of Seun Kuti to desist from engaging in media trial/defence of their client and allow the judicial process take its full course.

    “The Nigeria Police reiterate its adherence to the rule of law and the protection of rights and liberties of the citizens.”

    Reacting to the statement by Lough, Kuti’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), said the police lawyer should have reached out to the defence team away from the media space, noting that the defence had only made cautioning responses to actions  of the police.

    Olumide-Fusika said although the law permitted taking of a suspect’s photograph and other details; it forbade the circulation of such material details to the public, reminding him that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in September, signed the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2021 into law.

    “Section 9(a) of the law states: “As from the commencement of this law, the police shall refrain from parading any suspect before the media”, he said.

    The defence lawyer also faulted Lough’s position that Kuti was handcuffed because he showed violent tendencies by slapping a policeman in uniform and also threatening his wife who made to calm him down.

    “Mrs. Kuti has instructed that you should be informed that she has never made any complaint to you as insinuated in your statement. I am also sure that the Police Commissioner to whom Mr. Kuti reported and submitted himself did not inform you that he suffered any violence or threat of violence from Mr. Kuti.

    “Mr. Kuti submitted himself to the Police so that he can go answer in court for the allegation of assaulting a policeman. It is the Police who, rather than taking this simple and straightforward step, has decided to create a circus and make a “national emergency” of the matter…”

    The lawyer called on the police to charge his suspect to court for the alleged offence and stop taking him from one station, location to the other.

    “Mr. Seun Kuti is patiently waiting to be charged to court for the alleged offence so that he can offer his defence. That should not be too much for a suspect to expect. I do hope that you will use your position as a lawyer, and indeed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, counseling the Police in this matter, to obey the order of the Magistrate Court to send the case file to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution for legal evaluation and possible charge and prosecution before a court of law.

    “As you can see from this very example, the “defence team of Seun Kuti” has never engaged in “media trial/defence” of its client. Rather, the team only makes cautioning responses to statements and briefings from the Police to the public against Mr. Kuti (at a time he is in police detention and unable to speak by his own mouth to the public).”

  • Troops kill 21 terrorists, IPOB member, rescueanother Chibok girl

    Troops kill 21 terrorists, IPOB member, rescue
    another Chibok girl

    • Destroy 38 illegal refinery sites

    Troops on operations in North East, North West and North Central Nigeria killed 19 suspected Boko Haram/ Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists between May 4 and 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday.

    It said the troops also rescued another abducted Chibok girl on serial 10 of the list, Saratu Dauda, while 25 terrorist logistic suppliers were arrested during the period.

    Director, Defense Media Operations (DDMO), Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, who disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja, said 511 Boko Haram terrorists/ISWAP and members of their families comprising of 99 males, 161 females and 251 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.

    He said: “On 6 May 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorist at Keta high ground in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and following the fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while others fled. Troops further exploited the general area and rescued 10 kidnapped civilians and recovered 1 RPG bomb, 108 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 telescopic sight and 1 boafeng radio.

    “Also, on 9 May 2023, troops had a meeting engagement with terrorists at Sauri hill in Tsafe Local Government Area of same state. Following the operation, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while other fled.”

    In the North Central zone, Danmadami said troops on operation killed two terrorists and arrested five others while responding to an attack on Kubu village in Mangu local government areas of Plateau state.

    Danmadami said: “In the South South, on 11 May 2023, following a tip-off, troops responded to info about one AK-47 rifle concealed by a suspected cultist who died during a clash at NKWOK Community in ETIM EKPO LGA of AKWA IBOM State. On arrival at the scene, troops conducted cordon and search operations at the residence of the late cultist and recovered the rifle, one empty magazine and two rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition.

    “Consequently, within the weeks in focus troops of DELTA SAFE in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations within the South South zone discovered and destroyed 38 illegal refining sites, 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens and 19 dugout pits.

    “Troops equally, recovered 551,500 litres of crude oil, 394,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 16 vehicles, four motorcycles, a tricycle, two pumping machine, one outboard engine, a generator, one speed boat, four weapons and 132 assorted ammunition, while 29 economic saboteurs were arrested. All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.”

    The DDMO said troops of Operation UDOKA have sustained the offensive against the outlawed Indigenous people of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal activities in the South East zone of the country.

    He said operational activities were conducted at different locations within Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, aimed at restoring peace and normalcy to the general area.

    “On 8 May 2023, troops conducted raid operation to identified Indigenous people of Biafra terrorist camp in Mpu village in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested five suspected terrorists,” Danmadami said.

    “On the same day, troops while on patrol made contact with suspected terrorist who mounted a road block along Ishiagu-Agwu in same Local Government Area. On sighting troops, the terrorists opened fire and following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the terrorist while others fled into the bush with gunshot wound.

    “Also, on 8 May 2023, troops responded to kidnappers’ attack on motorists along Nimbo-Opanda Road in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. On sighting the troops, the suspects fled into the bush with the kidnapped victims. Troops pursued the criminals and rescued the four kidnapped civilians. Troops also recovered a truck and two motorcycles.

    “Equally, on 10 May 2023, troops raided a suspected terrorists’ hideout within Ohafia general area in Abia State. During the operations troops arrested a IPOB/ESN criminal, who has been on the security watch list.

    “Accordingly, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered eight mobile phones, four motorcycles and one truck. Troops also neutralized two terrorist, arrested seven suspected terrorist and rescued four kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”

  • Olu Okeowo honoured

    Olu Okeowo honoured

    Bibraltar boss and real estate player, Sir Olu Okeowo is a big elephant in the construction industry is like stating the obvious; in fact, his construction firm has recorded many feats that have fetched awards for the businessman over the years.

     It was no surprise or shock when his professional association, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) decided to honour him with a special recognition award for his distinguished services and professionalism in the construction industry. At the glamorous awards ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the reclusive Sir Okeowo was there in all his glory. The Ijebu-born billionaire was presented the award by the president, NIESV, Johnbull Amayaevbo, who lauded him for his longevity and professionalism in the industry. Amayaevbo said that through the awards ceremony, the association seeks to recognise and celebrate individuals, government parastatals, and corporate organisations whose contributions to the development of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers sector have been immense.

     The honour is coming at a time when Gibraltar Construction Company Limited was fingered as the owner of the luxury building that collapsed in Banana Island, Lagos, recently. Investigations would later reveal that the property is owned by another firm entirely with no link to him.

  • Tokunbo Wahab’s loud impact at 51

    Tokunbo Wahab’s loud impact at 51

    Barrister Tokunbo Wahab exudes the greatness of Zeus the most powerful Greek god and goddess. No doubt his life has been woven with success and perhaps maybe it’s because he is a man born under the proverbial lucky star more reason anything he touches turns into Gold. If TW as he is fondly called was a clairvoyant; he would have predicted what the future holds. During his formative years, he didn’t wait for his father’s deep pocket nor his mother’s pocket money to survive rather, he gave in to hard work, and consistency and carved a niche for himself which has moulded him to become the man he is today. Become Babajide Sanwoolu’s administration’s proverbial ‘Swizz Knife’ with his ability to perform in different capacities under intense pressure and also provide sterling results.

     It’s almost impossible to hear anyone make adverse comments about him or his persona. Although he is human which makes him vulnerable to some mistakes but he is a near perfectionist who loves to do things with finicky and finesses like a copperplate writing style. If one thing the Lagos Special Adviser to the Governor on Education loathes with burning passion it’s the sight of those around him in distress; he is always ready to extend his warm helping hand to bring succour. This is one thing we gathered he imbibed from his parent who were opinion leaders and grassroots politicians in Epe.

     While many of his clout and calibre would complain vehemently about tasks; he is ready for the challenges with pragmatic solutions. The real reason why education under Governor Sanwoolu took a new dimension. While many schools across the country were shut from academic activities; Wahab ensured schools were up and running as they ensured no break in transmission in the academic calendar. He has also been lauded for assisting Mr Governor on reforms in the education sector with the upgrade of Lagos State Polytechnic to a full fledge University of Technology and Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education and and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education as a University of Education among others.

     When Wahab arrived on the 5th floor last year on the 17th of May; he was super excited as many were ready to share in his joy to celebrate his 50th birthday. His Banana Island, Ikoyi home was turned into a fun ground as two of the biggest Juju artists; King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey performed at his outdoor birthday shindig. The birthday boy in an elated mood danced like David danced as he showed appreciation to his creator.

    Those who attended could not stop commenting on the premium treatment they were given and the endless supply of the biggest French champagnes and Dublin-made 30-year-old limited edition whiskey like it’s going out of fashion. On Tuesday the 17th of May as he celebrates his birthday it was devoid of fanfare but he rather used the moment to pray for his creator and also hosted a few family and friends to a small celebration. The cosmopolitan debonair’s effort in Govern Sanwoolu’s re-election and also overall performance earned him a space in the transition committee. He has remained a loyal poster boy who put the current Lagos administration on the map. Many wonder how at the age of 51 his accomplishment has remained unprecedented like that of 80 years of man but he is a man committed and loves to shoulder responsibility that’s why he has remained highflying in all he has ventured into.

  • Who wants Sekinat Elegushi dead?

    Who wants Sekinat Elegushi dead?

    Weeks ago, a rumour filtered around town most especially on social media that Elegushi of Ikate land, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi’s wife Olori Sekinat was seriously ill and was in a critical state as a result of an alleged botched Brazilian Butt Lift BBL surgery. The rumour went around and started to gain ground until the Elegushi palace released a statement to clear the rumour that the Olori is fine and not in any way sick which put the sickness rumour to an abrupt end. But it seems  Olori Sekinat’s detractors went back to their drawing table to re-strategise and struck again. This time, they went ahead and announced that the light-skinned mother of three had kicked the bucket. This further threw caution into the air as people started calling and visiting the Ikate Palace to show concern and solidarity with her family. Alas, they were shocked to see Olori Sekinat in her full glare looking regal and ravishing as usual in her calm demeanour wearing a charming smile welcoming those who came. This served as a sign of relief to those who are scared.

    The false alarm of her alleged demise was raised by Toluwalope Olowolagba known as ‘Abike Jagaban’ who started the rumour on her Facebook live where she announced that she has a breaking story with a grapevine source that confirmed to her that Olori has transited to the world beyond as a result of complications from a BBL surgery.

     According to sources, Olori Sekinat was said to have embarked on a trip to visit one of her daughters who currently study in the United States which led to the rumour. For her well-wishers online, it took frantic effort from popular makeup artiste Banke Meshida Lawal to visit the Olori in her husband’s palace where she did a live video of the Olori to debunk the rumour.

     While the easy-going and affable Olori Sekinat has also been wondering why Abike will raise such a false alarm to mislead the public without confirmation many wondered why she would want her dead. According to close sources, she has been envious of Olori Sekinat’s magic wand as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, fashion connoisseur and wife of the revered monarch.

  • Fifi Ejindu still glittering at 61

    Fifi Ejindu still glittering at 61

    Billionaire businesswoman and popular Architect; Princess Fifi Ekanem Ejindu permeates Nigeria’s high society, like the proverbial breeze sweeping across fortune’s marsh and the spirited meadow.

    While boardroom giants and veterans of industry clutched at straws, on a steady free-fall to insignificance, the head honcho of Building Support System has remained afloat staging an enviable ascent on the ladder of fortune. Her business as a building consultant and architect; who boast of world-class medieval and renaissance type design with a touch of modern designs with housing projects littered in and outside the shores of Nigeria shows she is indeed a shining light in construction space. Many would compare her to the fresh verdure of the field that leads the dancing Naiads through the dewy meads. Her astronomic rise, according to those close to her, is actually worthy of her exertions and diligence in her patient, steady march along the path of ambition and entrepreneurship. Despite not being an ostentatious person in nature but she is delectable, enviable, jovial, cosmopolitan, loving, caring and of all she radiates grandeur laced with sartorial elegance

     While she enjoyed celebration all her life due to her originality and ability to break impeccable records living and thriving excellently in a male-dominated industry, The Starcrest Boss is down to earth as she believes all achievements were made possible by her creator more reason when she sauntered into age 60 last year she gave her creator all the glory. When many of her peers would have called praise singers and rolled out the drums in celebration mood to celebrate their birthday the graduate of Architecture from Pratt Institute School of Architecture, United States of America opted to keep it a very low-key affair where she evaluated her life and also look on ways to be a better person to serve humanity all her life.

    She opted for a very private celebration in a yacht sailing in the company of her close circle where she threw a small 60th birthday bash. While many think things will change as she clocks age 61 on Sunday, May 21, we gathered the Ibadan born Awka-Ibom woman will not celebrate amid fanfare rather she will use the occasion of her birthday for prayers and reach out to the needy.

    Despite working round the clock lately to deliver jaw-dropping state-of-the-art projects that will further cement her place as one of the best, she also wants to use the rest of her life to intensify her charity works, make an impact in the lives of humanity and serve her creator with much dedication. As she celebrates on Sunday, we gathered that friends and family who could not celebrate with her on her 60th birthday are planning to surprise the woman who loves celebrating others. Sources say; Princess Fifi will be using that opportunity to just give thanks cause it falls on a Sunday and she will also host a small parlour celebration for friends either at her Abuja or Akwa-Ibom residence.

  • Aliko Dangote’s game-changing venture

    Aliko Dangote’s game-changing venture

    An Africa, billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote deserves a gigantic monument that would be erected in different locations across African soil.

    Also his business strategies of staying afloat needed to be studied by students looking to get a degree in business-related fields.

    The generous moneybag does not court media attention needlessly. Yet, almost every move he makes, either in his business or private life, has never escaped the attention of newshounds. He has remained a delight to professional journalists and biographers across the continent. If you choose to scribble his uncommon feats as a businessman, you will come up with volumes of work that will most likely intimidate a bibliophile. In the same way, if you choose to document his philanthropic acts, in black and white, your hand may grow tired.

    Read Also : Tinubu, Sanusi, Dangote, others for book unveiling Saturday

     Although, his life in entirety is a compelling study in determination, focus and ambition. Like every creature, this amiable billionaire too has his own humble beginning. But his humble beginning, will inspire any ambitious soul, any day and any time. As a young man, he had a clear vision of what he wanted to do later in life and he pursued it with unwavering doggedness. Though he started out as a trader at 21, he is today Africa’s leading businessman. His chain of companies is spread across 16 countries around the world and he has over 15,000 people on his payroll.

     As an entrepreneur, he always sees vast opportunities, while others are bogged down by morbid fear of failure. A few years ago, in his quest of cutting out Nigeria’s import of refined crude products, he conceived the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The Forbes rated Africa’s richest man invested over $20b to ensure the project is complete to meet Nigeria’s crude need and also for exportation. The project will see Nigeria save $10 billion and also generate another $10 billion in export.

    As the project is set to commission for full operation by President on May 22, business pundit has averred that when production and operation take off at full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery will be a game changer that will put Nigeria on the world map and also open the country to more trade and life-changing opportunities because it’s designed to process large varieties of crude including many African crude, middle east crudes and the US light tight oil. Today, the visionary businessman has built the largest sugar factory in the whole of Africa, the largest cement factory in the continent, largest flour mill in the continent while his completed refinery is one of the largest in the world.

     Apart from his business acumen, he is also a philanthropist of note. He has collaborated with the Bill Gates Foundation to invest in the provision of health, especially the eradication of polio in Africa and other parts of the world, where the disease is still prevalent.

  • Abure, others, in bed with APC, Apapa-led LP faction alleges

    Abure, others, in bed with APC, Apapa-led LP faction alleges

    The breakaway group of the Labour Party (LP) led by the former Deputy National Chairman, Apapa Lamidi, has accused Julius Abure, the suspended National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure and other officials, of being in bed with the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The suspended former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abayomi Arabambi told the media that Abure and other officials used the opportunity of the opposition party as a money-minting front to enrich themselves.

    “They just want to deceive the youth of Nigeria to be following their deceptive nature and this was evidence yesterday, they accused our executive of collecting money from APC.

    “Yesterday, Akpabio and the deputy Chairman of the APC, went to visit them and they accepted him,” Arabambi told reporters.

    Read Also : LP crisis: Obidients almost killed me in court, says Apapa

    Arabambi’s allegation stemmed from a visit on Wednesday to the National Secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja by some senators reportedly lobbying across political parties for principal offices in the National Assembly.

    The former national publicity secretary of the Apapa-led faction had accused Abure and other party officials of accepting N500 million bribes from the visiting lawmakers, an allegation countered by Abure during a briefing on Thursday.

    Arabambi queried what the party leadership under Abure was doing with Akpabio’s quest for the Senate President in the 10th Assembly.

    He said it was curious that the presidential candidate of the party in the February 25 election, Peter Obi, couldn’t raise N1.5 million to secure the necessary documents from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cross the hurdle of the pre-hearing matter in its suit against the President – elect Bola Tinubu of the APC.

    Arabambi said the issue was suspicious and smirked of ploy to deny the party from defending its matter before the Court on the mandate given to LP presidential candidate, Obi.

    According to him, the development which was revealed by the Lead Counsel to Obi, Livy Uzuokwu, was deceptive and a ploy to deny Nigerians the mandate of the party in the presidential election tribunal hearing.

    He said if the party led by Abure failed to comply with the court directive on pre-hearing, it may impact negatively on the case of its presidential candidate.

    Arabambi said: “Something happened at the election Tribunal yesterday, it is unfortunate that the lead lawyer will write a letter to INEC that they do not have N1,500,000 to pay knowing fully well that the pre hearing session will terminate on Sunday.

    “That means if we fail to do the needful, our petition would be dismissed.

    “Now what will 13 SAN be doing till April 17 when they were asked to meet INEC, collect all necessary documents only for their lead counsel to say oh, I have just been able to get 30 percent of the documents requested for.

    “The INEC led counsel said they invited him on Friday, he said he was at a party. A learned silk, Professor Ananaba went on behalf of them. They asked him to come on Monday, they did not show up, Tuesday, they did not show up, only for them to come to court on Wednesday, where Prof. Livy was asking the court for extension.

    “Which the court ruled yesterday, that they will not extend it, in line with the electoral Act, that it will only take 14 days. And they told them the court will not sit on Saturday and Sunday, today is Thursday. We have Friday and Saturday.

    “So how do we now work together, how do we get all these documents and so that we can now go to the hearing session because once we fail to cross the hurdle of the hearing session our petition will be dismissed.

    “They know what they were doing, how can you say Obi cannot afford N1.5m. They are either working for PDP or working for APC.”

  • FAAC allocation drops to N655.932bn in April 2023

    FAAC allocation drops to N655.932bn in April 2023

    The money shared by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) from April 2023 revenue shrunk to N655.932 billion.

    This is contained in a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) at the end of the monthly FAAC meeting in Abuja.

    He said: “A total sum of N655.932 billion April 2023 Federation Account Revenue was shared to the Federal, States and Local Government as May, 2023 allocation.

    “Last month, N714 billion was and before then, N722 billion was shared among the benefiting entities.”

    According to Bawa, the reason for the fall in revenue was that “in the month of April 2023, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Oil and Gas Royalties, Import and Excise Duties, and Value Added Tax (VAT) all decreased considerably. Only Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased albeit marginally”.

    Read Also : FAAC shares N714.629b March revenue

    Mokwa stated: “the N655.932 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N364.654 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N202.762 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) of N14.516 billion, N50.000 billion augmentation from Forex Equalization revenue and N24.000 billion augmentation from the non-mineral revenue.

    In April 2023, the total deductions for cost of collection was N28.108 billion and total deductions for transfers and refunds was N120.287 billion.

    The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) still stands at $473,754.57.

    From the total distributable revenue of N655.932 billion; the Federal Government received N248.809 billion, the State Governments received N218.307 billion and the Local Government Councils received N160.600 billion.

    A total sum of N28.216 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13 percent derivation revenue.

    Gross statutory revenue of N497.463 billion was received for the month of April 2023. This was lower than the sum of N638.673 billion received in the previous month by N141.210 billion.

    From the N364.654 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N180.659 billion, the State Governments received N91.632 billion and the Local Government Councils received N70.647 billion. The sum of N21.716 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13percent derivation revenue.

    For the month of April 2023, Bawa Mokwa noted that “the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N217.743 billion This was lower than the N218.786 billion available in the month of March 2023 by N1.043 billion.

    “The Federal Government received N30.414 billion, the State Governments received N101.381 billion and the Local Government Councils received N70.967 billion from the N202.762 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

    The N14.516 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N2.177 billion, the State Governments received N7.258 billion and the Local Government Councils received N5.081 billion.

    The total revenue of N50.000 billion from Forex Equalization was shared as: the Federal Government, N22.916 billion; the State Governments, N11.623 billion; Local Government Councils, N8.961 billion and the sum of N6.500 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13 percent mineral revenue.

    From the N24 billion non-mineral revenue, the Federal Government received N12.643 billion, the State Governments received N6.413 billion and the Local Government Councils received N4.944 billion.

  • UK appoints New High Commissioner for Nigeria

    UK appoints New High Commissioner for Nigeria

    Dr Richard Montgomery CMG has resumed as the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

    Montgomery, on Thursday, presented his letter of credence to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja.

    He takes over from Ms Catriona Laing CB who recently concluded her four-year tenure in the country.

    The new High Commissioner is an experienced diplomat who has worked in different parts of the world, including previously in Nigeria.

    According to a statement by the British High Commission, Montgomery was the UK Executive Director at the World Bank Group Board from 2018 to 2022 in Washington DC, USA.

    Prior to becoming the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Montgomery held various senior positions in the Department of International Development (DFID).

    These included Director for Asia, Caribbean & Overseas Territories Division, Country Director for Pakistan, and prior to that Country Director in Nigeria from 2009 to 2013.

    Read Also : Buhari, U.S. condemn attack on mission convoy in Anambra

    Montgomery was one-time the Deputy Director for Corporate Human Resources and Deputy Head in DFID’s Top Management Group. Earlier in his career, he did postings in British High Commissions in Zambia, Bangladesh and India.

    He is married to Naheed with whom he has two children. He and his wife are looking forward to their second stay in Nigeria.

    Montgomery on his second coming to Nigeria, said: “It’s great to be back in Nigeria. I look forward to working with the people of this great country, including those in government, in the private sector and in civil society, to do all I can to help build a more prosperous Nigeria and strengthen the partnership between our countries.”