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FG, States, LGAs Share N731bn
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) on Friday in Abuja shared N731.133 billion to the three tiers of government for the month of March.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FAAC meeting.
“The distributable statutory revenue for the month is N500.460 million. There was augmentation of N123.308 billion which brings the total statutory allocation to N623.768 billion.
“Also distributed is the N7.617 billion refunded by the NNPC. In addition, the sum of N35.549 billion is proposed for distribution under the SURE-P programme.
“The total revenue distributable for the current month including Value Added Tax (VAT) is N731.133 billion,” he said.
A breakdown of the distribution showed that the Federal Government received N232.529 billion (52.68 per cent); states N117.942 billion (26.72 per cent) while local governments received N90.928 billion.
He said that a total of N55.008 billion, representing 13 per cent derivation was shared among the oil producing states.
He added that the gross revenue of N595.708 billion received for the month was higher than the N561.676 billion received in the previous month by N24.023 billion.
“This is partly to the receipt of the arrears of sales of crude oil and gas. Crude oil production and lifting operations, however, decreased during the period due to the “Force majeure” declared at Bonny and Brass terminals and maintenance work at Okono, Brass and Amenam,” he said.
Force majeure is a common clause in contracts that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term as act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, among others, prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations under the contract.
In practice, most force majeure clauses do not excuse a party’s non-performance entirely, but only suspends it for the duration of the force majeure.
The minister said that the gross revenue of N64.199 billion was collected as VAT compared to the N62.707 billion distributed in the preceding month.
According to him, the mineral revenue collected for the month was N518.389 billion, noting that the amount exceeded the budget of N465.057 for the month and exceeded N486.671 realised for the month of February.
Ngama noted that non-mineral revenue collected for the month of March was N77.319 billion, showing a decrease from the N85.005billion collected in February.
He said that a total of N95.248 billion was paid into the Excess Crude Account (ECA) out of the revenue generated for the month, bringing the total balance to about seven billion dollars
Our correspondent recalls that the account balance as at the last FAAC meeting was $8.061 billion.
It was reported that $2 billion was approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, to be shared among the three tiers of government later which reduced the balance to about $6.2 billion.
Speaking with reporters, the Chairman of the Finance Commissioners Forum, Mr Timothy Odah, said the meeting had extensive discussions on the drop in revenue collection
He said that all issues were resolved after long discussion and expressed concern over the decline in the non-oil revenue collections.
He stressed the need for the government to continue to boost the sector to help diversify the revenue generation in the country.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol