Nation

FG, States, LGs Share N473.8bn For Oct

Published

10 years ago

November 30, 2015

Nigeria’s earnings from oil exports dropped further in October, with a loss of about $1.3 million (about N256.1 million), as the slide in global crude oil prices continued to negatively impact the country’s economy.
The loss was a result of drop in average crude oil price from $47.315 a barrel in August to $46.96 in September, said the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun.
However, compared to September, the revenue slide was relatively smaller.
Oil receipts which stood at about N213.128 billion in September, dropped by about N25.898 billion, to N187.23 billion in October, as the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, converged on Abuja on Friday to share the statutory allocation for the month.
At the close of trading on Friday, Brent crude oil price, which opened at $43.04 per barrel, dropped by 2.95 percent, to about $41.77, signalling no respite for Nigeria and other major oil producers struggling to keep their heads above the economic waters.
Members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC are already preparing for the 168th meeting of the group scheduled for Vienna, Austria next Friday to attempt to strike a compromise on how to stabilize the market and firm up commodity prices.
Members of the group are already jittery, amid fears that crude oil price may be heading towards the $20 per barrel mark, down from a peak of over $107 per barrel in June 2014, if steps were not taken to attempt to salvage the situation.
The N187.23 billion oil revenue in October would be the worst accrual from oil exports since the present administration took over power.
In May, FAAC reported a yield of about N225.2 billion, which increased to about N289.4 billion in June.
Although about N213.13 billion was realized as oil revenues in September, it was lower by about N2.85 billion than the N215.98 billion in August.
At the end of the FAAC meeting in October, the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, had explained that the drop in oil revenue was as a result of the negative impact of facility shutdowns for maintenance and production shut-ins at different periods and terminals during the month.
At the end of the FAAC meeting in Abuja on Friday, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said gross revenue received in October stood at N400.310 billion, which is higher by N78.314 billion than the N321.996 billion for the previous month.
Mrs. Adeosun said intermittent shutdowns of operational facilities and production shut-ins for repairs and maintenance at different terminals continued to negatively impact on crude oil and gas revenue during the month.
Besides, the Minister said the country lost about $1.3 million (about N256.1 million) as a result of drop in average crude oil price from $47.315 in August to $46.96 in September.
To make up for the drop, Mrs. Adeosun said non-oil revenue recorded a significant improvement during the month, with about N104.212 billion collection above the figure in September.
In addition, about N6.33 billion was received from the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation, NNPC, as refund for the N450 billion unremitted revenue since 2012, while another N6.995 billion came into the government coffers as exchange gain for the month.
Apart from a total of N57.789 billion realised from value added tax, VAT, collection, the Minister said the balance in the excess crude oil revenue account remained ta $2.258 billion.
Details of the revenue allocations to the three tiers of government for the month showed that the Federal Government took N200.662 billion, or 52.68 per cent; states N126.277 billion, or 26.72 per cent; local governments N95.303 billion, while 13 per cent oil derivation to the nine oil producing states was N24.141 billion.
On stolen funds, which President Muhammadu Buhari said recently that some public officials have started returning to the Federal Government, the Minister said such monies were not part of the revenues shared during the FAAC meeting.
“Recovered loot is not shared in the FAAC meeting,” the minister said. “We have no records of recovered loots. But, I am sure the process is on-going. When the accounts of such returns become available, they would be returned to wherever they were stolen from.”

Nation

World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.

This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.

Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.

“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.

She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.

“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.

She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

By John Bibor

Nation

Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.

In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.

He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.

Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.

According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.

Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.

He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.

The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.

He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.

Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.

“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.

The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.

John Bibor

Nation

Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

Tonye Orabere