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NLNG Funds, Not For Salaries -Ahmed
Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said that the Federal Government had not given money to any state government to pay backlog of workers’ salaries.
Ahmed made the clarification on Thursday during a live radio programme, “Governor explains” of Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, in Ilorin.
He said that what Kwara got from the Federal Government was its share of dividend from Nigerian Liquified and Natural Gas (NLNG).
He said this money that ought to have been shared during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan was only released by President Muhammadu Buhari at a meeting with the governors.
Ahmed said that contrary to claim in some quarters, the Federal Government would not give money to any state to pay workers’ salaries.
He disclosed that Kwara received N2.1 billion from the NLNG funds while the 16 local government councils in the state received N1.4 billion.
He said that the ‘’NLNG dividend’’ was not supposed to be used to pay salary, but should be kept to augment federal allocations to meet government’s obligations to the people.
“But in Kwara State, we used part of the money to pay workers’ salaries, especially as the Sallah celebration was drawing nearer,’’ he said.
The governor said that during the meeting, three crucial issues were discussed with the president which included refund of money spent on federal roads in the state.
He said the governors also discussed sharing of all monies accruing to the federation account and bailout on the payment of existing loans taken by the state governments.
According to him, virtually all states in the country have incurred a lot of debt through bonds and bank loans.
This, he said, had really affected allocations coming to the states as loan repayments were deducted at source.
Ahmed explained that the Federal Government only offered to take over all loans taken by the states, adding that Buhari did not give them money as bailout.
According to him, the Federal Government decided to take over the loans to allow state governments to have more money for salaries and other projects.
He said that instead of paying back the loan in four years, it had been spread over 20 years, to give the state governments temporary respite.
“State Governments will now have to pay less on the loan monthly, and have enough fund to pay workers’ salaries and execute other projects,” he added.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment not to retrench any worker in the state even as the state planned to introduce new internal revenue generation system.
He also assured the people of the state that government would not introduce any new form of taxation, adding that what the government wanted from the people was total compliance to the new system.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
