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Senate Rejects FIRS N143bn Budget …Halts Works On Sovereign Wealth Act

Published

9 years ago

November 11, 2016

The Senate, yesterday, rejected the report by the Committee on Finance in which the N143.7billion budget of the Federal Inland Revenue Service was approved.
The lawmakers, while debating the recommendation of the committee during the day’s plenary, criticised the report as lacking details.
While some senators who spoke on the report said it was fraught with ambiguities, others cited duplication of projects in the proposed budget.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the plenary, asked the committee to work on the grey areas in its report and re-present it in one week.
On the proposed 2016 budget of the FIRS, the report said, “The Federal Inland Revenue Service projected to collect tax revenues to the tune of N4.082trillion in 2016.
“This comprises of N484billion oil and N3.597trillion non-oil revenues. The projected four per cent Cost of Collection on non-oil revenue is N143,904,640,000.
“The total projected available fund for the 2016 budget is N146,165,108,293, comprising of four per cent Cost of Collection and N2,260,468,293 or 20 per cent of 2015 operating surplus.”
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Enoh, while presenting the report to the chamber, recalled that the Senate on July 21, 2016, considered the request of President Muhammadu Buhari on the 2016 budget of the FIRS and referred same to the committee for further legislative action.
On the performance of the 2015 budget of the FIRS, the report said National Assembly’s joint Committees on Finance approved a revenue projection of N436trillion, comprising of N1.74trillion oil revenue and N262trillion non-oil revenue.
The joint committee also projected the four per cent Cost of Collection of non-oil revenue by the FIRS to be N104,723,880,000.
The committee stated the summary of the proposed 2016 expenditure of the service as follows: personnel, N64,491,130,526; overhead, N46,363,000,000; and capital, N32,868,300,000, bringing the total expenditure to N143,722,430,526.
The committee, according to the report, observed that the projected non-oil revenue collection had increased from the 2015 collection, thereby increasing the four per cent Cost of Collection to the service to N143,904,640,000bn from N104,723,880,000 in 2015.
The committee further observed that, “The total personnel costs are for salaries, wages, allowances, performance bonuses and social contributions. The 8,000 (members of) staff are proposed to be on the payroll during the 2016 financial year, which accounts for the increase of 19 per cent above actual staff strength of 6,748.
The projection presumes a recruitment of new staff in 2016.
It further observed that, “The overhead cost is very vital in driving the achievement of FIRS’ core objectives of tax revenue generation.
“The provisions in 2016 budget give more emphasis on availability of office materials, training, consulting and professional services and publicity.”
The committee added that, “The capital cost estimates proposed includes ongoing projects, which are to be completed during the 2016 financial year, as well as new projects to be carried out.
“These projects include new corporate headquarters and other prototype offices, construction of new offices nationwide and ICT projects.”
The committee, therefore, recommended that a total expenditure of N143,722,430,526 be approved for the FIRS in 2016, which the Senate rejected.
Meanwhile, the shadow of the past that prevented Nigeria from investing in the Sovereign Wealth Fund during the good days of Nigerian crude sale has again resurfaced as the Senate, yesterday, suspended the consideration of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, following protests by some senators who insisted that further legislative action on the bill would be prejudicial since state governors are already contesting in court, the legality of deducting funds from the federation account by the Federal Government through the agency.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Eno, at plenary presented the report of the bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), for debate but just before commencement of debate, the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, described any legislation on the bill as illegal, as he pointed out that there is need to await the judgment of the court on the matter.
Akpabio admitted, however, that it is proper for Nigeria to save for the rainy day, but insisted that there is need to strengthen the relevant laws relating to the agency to forestall possible abuse in the management of the agency.
According both him, the major reason why the governors had opposed the policy during the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan was because they wanted the major stakeholders to be involved in the regulation and administration of the agency.
According to him, since the funds will have a commencing seed of one billion dollars, to be deducted from the federation account, which constitutionally belong jointly to the local, states and federal governments, it is proper to have them well represented in the agency and its board.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in his contribution noted that there is need to save for the scarce moments but emphasised that it is unconstitutional to consider and pass the report on the bill without first adjusting the Constitution to accommodate the controversial sections of the bill.
He, therefore, advice that the Senate to suspend the consideration of the bill until the Constitution Review Committee amends the Constitution in line with those sections that are unconstitutional in it.
President of the Senate, Senator Saraki, trying to save the bill and to ensure its passage, however advocated that only sections (10) of the bill be stepped down since it is the only section that is not in line with the Constitution.
He said the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, headed by the Deputy Senate President, can address the constitutional issues raised by some lawmakers while reviewing the constitution, before the bill will be passed eventually into law.
According to Saraki, since there is a unanimous agreement among the lawmakers that Nigeria should save for the future, the Senate should go ahead to consider the report.
However, mid into the consideration of the report, the controversial section 10 came up again, seeking to allocate $1billion from the federation account to the NSIA, and became a road block for the debate as it would only be prejudicial to debate on an issue in court already.
At that point, the debate was suspended and the bill withdrawn.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, seeking to save ( Sovereign Wealth Fund) for the rainy day during the hay days of oil price through cuts from the federation account (local , states and federal governments) but was vehemently opposed by state governors, especially governors of the opposition party.

Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja

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PANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

8 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed the lifting of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members, yesterday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the State, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added.

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RSG Approves Full Rehabilitation of State Secretariat …Unveils Housing Scheme for Civil Servants, Honours Veterans

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Eteh Ibas (Rtd), has approved the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex to enhance efficiency and productivity in the civil service.

Ibas made the announcement at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday,.

He disclosed that “initiative is designed to transform the secretariat into a modern, efficient and conducive work environment, directly supporting the civil servants who form the backbone of the state’s governance.”

The Administrator also approved the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants in the State.

Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He stated that the awards ceremony was a symbol of deep appreciation for decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment.

“These interventions are designed to not only recognize your service, but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” the Administrator stated.

“We must build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he added.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of citizens.

He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and continuous training to build a civil service equipped for the future.

The Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, in her welcome address, described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed profound gratitude to the Administrator for his unwavering support and commitment to its modernization.“

“A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation,” Dr. Brown remarked, lauding the retirees as torchbearers of discipline and loyalty.

She pledged to build on their legacy through reforms and innovation, projecting that the Rivers State Civil Service would become a model of efficiency and transparency by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor,

expressed heartfelt appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For once, since the creation of the State, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, adding, “Our morale has been lifted.”

He pledged the association’s continuous support for government programmes, describing the body of experienced retirees as a resource available to contribute to state development.

The rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and the new housing scheme represent a major investment in the infrastructure and dignity of public service in Rivers State, signaling a new era of support for the civil servants who drive the government’s policies and programmes.

The Tide reports that the Administrator also conferred awards of meritorious service on retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State

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Rivers LG Poll: APC Wins 20 chairmanship seats, PDP Clears Three

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2025

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of the 23 local government areas in the just concluded local government election in the State, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched three local governments.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor