News
Confab: S’South Opts For 22.5%-50% Derivation
L-R: Chairman, World Pension Summit for Africa, Mrs Grace Usoro; Co-chairman, World Pension Summit, Mr Harry Smorenberg; Acting Director-General of Pencom, Ms Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Co-chairman, World Pension Summit, Mr Eric Eggink and Chairman, Senate Committee on Pencom, Sen. Aloysius Etuk, at the World Pension Summit in Abuja last Monday.
At last, the National Conference, Monday and yesterday debated the thorny issues of resource control, derivation principle and devolution of powers, as it considered the report of its Committee of Devolution of Power, with South-South delegates opting for between 22.5 per cent and 50 per cent derivation.
As fervent debates flourished during the plenary session of the conference following conferees commencement of debate on the report of the Committee on Devolution of Power, expectations were high, and tension beclouded the plenary but the sagacity of the Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutugi, who presided, doused the tension.
The committee’s slim-volume submission, loaded with serious issues, focused principally on devolving power from the centre to the federating units; and the issue of resource control.
The report was however applauded by the delegates shortly after it was presented by the co-chairmen, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, and the former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie.
Critically examined in the report, whose recommendations would be subjected to vote by the conference later, were the issues of resource control, derivation principle, revenue sharing formula, and the development and exploitation of mineral resources nationwide.
The report also examined 68 items cited in the Second Schedule, Part One of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with the Exclusive Legislative List; and 30 items contained in Part Two of the Fourth Schedule bordering on the Concurrent Legislative List.
While most delegates from the South, particularly, the South-South and South-East said derivation should be increased from the present 13 per cent to between 22.5 per cent and 50 per cent, others suggested that it should be reduced further from 13 per cent.
Resource control, perhaps, was the most debated aspect of the report.
Each delegate, depending on where he or she comes from, wanted considerable level of control of resources in view of the adoption of true federalism by the conference while others said the issue did not arise as far as they were concerned.
Those who canvassed the view that states should control their resources said they did so in the spirit of devolution of power which allows the states to only pay taxes or make appropriate financial contributions to the Federal Government.
Others argued that mineral resources in Nigeria are owned in law by the Federal Government as contained in Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Section 44(3) states that: “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oil and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.”
In its report, which is still subject to ratification by the conference, the committee said that after heated discussion on resource control, it unanimously agreed that the issue of derivation should rather be discussed instead of resource control.
It said its decision was informed by the emotive nature of the issue, which in the committee’s view was capable of destabilising the country.
On derivation, the committee said some delegates were of the view that derivation should be increased either in a quantum or gradual manner; while others were opposed to any form of increase.
Instead, some members had proposed the reintroduction of the off-shore/on-shore oil dichotomy in derivation payments; at the same time, while others kicked against it.
The committee said that even the abolition of intervention measures such as the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission and the Amnesty Programme were robustly discussed.
After long debates which spanned four days, the report indicated that a consensus was reached on the issue to the effect that the status quo be maintained in order to avoid upsetting the existing peace and equilibrium in the polity, which it described as a product of years of political engineering and craftsmanship.
On fiscal federalism which basically deals with how revenues are generated and distributed among the federating units in the federation, the committee concluded that the powers conferred on the Federal Government to keep custody of and determine the terms and manner of fund allocation from the Federation Account negate the principles of fiscal federalism.
The committee spotted what it called imbalance in favour of the Federal Government in the sharing formula, and maintained that the imbalance has adversely affected the performance of the federating units, and therefore asked for a review.
It recommended that the powers of the Federal Government under Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to prescribe the terms and manner of sharing national revenue should be exercised through the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The committee argued that RMAFC should at the same time consult the federal and state governments before presenting a draft bill on the matter to the National Assembly for enactment into law.
On vertical revenue sharing, which deals with how revenue is disbursed to federating units, the committee emphasised the need for equilibrium between the central government and the federating units, comprising states and local governments.
It said that it conducted examination of specific development challenges of states and local governments, and concluded that to a great extent, rapid economic and social development could be achieved in the country if the percentage of revenues allocated to states and local governments were reviewed upwards.
It recommended that the sharing formula for funds accruing to the Federation Account among the three tiers of government should be: Federal Government 42.5 per cent instead of the present 52.68 per cent; state governments 35 per cent instead of the current 26.72 per cent; and the local governments 22.5 per cent to replace the current 20.60 per cent.
The committee further recommended that the percentage given to population and equity of states in the existing sharing formula be reduced while that assigned to social development factor should be increased to a higher percentage to ensure accelerated development of all parts of the country.
The proposed sharing formula by the committee is based on: diminished emphasis on principles of equality of states and population; increased emphasis on social development factor; and internally generated revenue.
On mines and minerals including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas, the committee recommended that they should be retained on the Exclusive Legislative List as specified in the 1999 Constitution but should be amended to read thus: “The governments of states where the mining activities take place shall be involved in matters relating thereto; (and that) the government of the federation shall create a special fund to develop mines and minerals in states where such resources are undeveloped.”
According to the committee, the overriding need to bring all other mineral resources of the country, hitherto undeveloped, into the mainstream development by activating National Strategic Plan for exploitation of minerals to boost their contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), were considered in making this recommendation.
Still on mineral development, the committee recommended a constitutional provision for the establishment of a Special Fund for the development of mineral resources in the country.
It further proposed that 4.5 per cent of the total revenue accruing to the federation should be devoted to this special fund when established.
In addition, the committee wants the Special Fund to be in the form of a Venture Capital Fund, advising that a competent body should be established to administer the fund according to the guidelines that shall be specified by the National Assembly.
Before the presentation of the committee’s report to plenary, a delegate, Professor Awalu Yadudu, addressed the conference to “state his own part of the story” on the raging controversy of “consensus group and the existence of position paper”.
Yadudu debunked insinuations that he was primed to “scatter” the conference as claimed by another delegate but rather insisted that his decision to opt out of the consensus committee was informed by the fact that most of the decisions adopted in the position paper presented to plenary were not part of the recommendations of any committee.
Earlier, an elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, had addressed the conference, and harped on the need to put the interest of the country above sectional and personal interest.
Clark expressed regret that the consensus committee constituted to resolve contentious issues that may arise in the course of adoption of the recommendations of committees was “scattered” midway.
The Ijaw leader said he was sad that issues that could scatter or dent the credibility of the conference were being raised close to the end of the parley.
He said everyone must understand that Nigeria “is made up of equal citizens. Nobody is superior to the other. We came to this conference in order to have consensus on contentious issues.”
He appealed to delegates to see the National Conference as an ample opportunity to contribute their quota to the task of reforming Nigeria.
Justus Awaji, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
The President, who personally decorated Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, said the appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” expressing confidence in the new police chief’s ability to restore public confidence in the Force.
“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” Tinubu stated during the decoration ceremony on Wednesday.
The President, who drew on his personal knowledge of Disu from his tenure as Lagos State Governor, said he believes in the dedication the new IGP exhibited while serving in Lagos.
“I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State.
“Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the President said.
Tinubu outlined specific expectations for the new police chief, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.
“I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” he charged.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the President assured Disu of his full support.
“It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it.
“You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda.
“You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” Tinubu stated.
The President urged the new IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony.
“You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you.
“You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation.
“The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” he said.
Tge President expressed gratitude to the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun for his service while linking his legacy to the success of his successor.
“To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country.
“Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force.
“You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” the President said.
He added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor.
“Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.”
Tinubu noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun positioned him well for the new assignment.
“Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation.
“He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the President stated.
The decoration ceremony, which took place at 4:00 pm at the President’s office, had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.
President Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, marking the formal transfer of leadership of Africa’s largest police force.
In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, vowing to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance to corruption within the Force.
“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents.
He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
The new police chief emphasised that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate bosses of the police.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated.
Egbetokun, in his remarks, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to surpass his achievements.
“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun stated.
The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
The new Police Chief later proceeded to the Police Headquarters to assume duty following his decoration by President Tinubu earlier in the day.
He took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard and other officers at the Force Headquarters after returning from the Presidential Villa at about 4:15 p.m. He thereafter proceeded to the official handover ceremony with Egbetokun.
Disu outlined three priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.
However, multiple Presidency sources told our correspondent that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday evening at the Presidential Villa.
Disu’s appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain in office until 2030.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.
Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served for over three decades across multiple operational and leadership roles.
He rose to national prominence as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, where he served for six years. Under his leadership, the unit won the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.
On August 2, 2021, he was appointed to head the Intelligence Response Team, replacing the suspended Abba Kyari.
Before his elevation to IGP, Disu was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. He was also a Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide.
President Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.
The president said that the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.
He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.
The president commended the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Senate, saying that unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all.
Tinubu thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.
You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the president said.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the president for hosting the leadership of the Senate to the Interfaith breaking of fast.
He commended President Tinubu for providing the visionary leadership the nation needs at this critical time, stating that the administration’s bold reforms have now brought more revenue to governors at the sub-national level for the development of critical infrastructure.
The Senate President prayed for the administration, and for the nation’s peace and prosperity.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration has made significant strides in the health sector in the past two and a half years.
Fubara, who stated this on Tuesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, listed some of his notable achievements to include the revamping of health facilities, the establishment of the health insurance scheme and the employment of over 2,000 health workers to boost the manpower and efficiency of the sector.
The governor further disclosed that the administration has revived and expanded several abandoned health facilities, including the Zonal Hospitals in Bori, Omoku, Ahoada, and Degema.
He explained that the Ahoada Zonal Hospital is a 105-bed secondary facility that has capacity to cater for the health needs of the people in its catchment area.
In addition to the Zonal Hospitals, Fubara stated that his administration has also paid very close attention to the Primary Healthcare Centres across the state to ensure that citizens of Rivers State, especially those in the rural areas, have easy access to healthcare within their communities.
According to him, the administration approved the remodeling of 153 primary healthcare centers across the State to ensure their functionality.
“As an administration, we are very passionate about the health of every citizen and resident of Rivers State. When we realised that many people have been under stress as a result of economic hardship, we decided to introduce mental health services at the primary healthcare level. We are not just catering for those down with the common diseases such as malaria fever, we want to ensure that our people get the right attention to their mental health at the right time.
“At the tertiary level, we have also revamped the Intensive Care Unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and provided it with modern equipment, including monitors, ventilators, and scanners. Most of these innovations are massive and unprecedented,” he said.
On staff welfare, Fubara also disclosed that he approved the promotions for over 400 staff of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and recruited an additional 500 staff.
In the same vein, the governor said the number of scholarships for indigenes of Rivers State studying at the PAMO University of Medical Sciences has been increased from one hundred 100 to 150 under his watch.
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