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FG Withdraws N1.9trn From ECA To August Revenue Shortfall
R-L: Mrs. C.N. Nwokocha, Deputy Director Maritime Labour Department NIMASA, Mr. Peter Mgbemena representing the DG/CEO of NIMASA, Mr. Anthony Ogadi, Coordinator Eastern Zone of NIMASA and Mr. Charles Wame, MD Charkin Maritime & Offshore Training Centre at the celebration of the Day of the Seafarer organised by NIMASA in Calabar recently.
The Federal Government withdrew a total sum of N1.99trillion from the Excess Crude Account within the 2013 fiscal year, documents obtained from the Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) have revealed.
The BOF in its 2013 consolidated budget implementation report jointly signed by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Director-General, BOF, Dr. Bright Okogu said the amount was used to settle various obligations of the Federal Government owing to its inability to meet revenue targets.
The withdrawals for 2013 are marginally lower than the N2.07trillion taken in the 2012 period by N800million or 3.86 per cent.
It said while N1.99trillion was the total outflows from the ECA, the government was able to ensure that within the 2013 period, the sum of N855.41million was transferred into the account.
However, the total inflow for 2013 was lower than the N2.30trillion received in 2012 by N1.29trillion or 56.19 per cent.
The report, a copy of which was obtained exclusively by our correspondent said, “The ECA was set up to serve as a stabilization and savings account. Inflows into the ECA in the fourth quarter of 2013 amounted to N156.03billion.
“The inflow into this account in the fourth quarter was lower than the N181.34billion and N474.8billion recorded in the third quarter of 2013 and fourth quarter of 2012 by N25.31billion and N318.77billion respectively.
“Similarly, the total inflow for 2013 was lower than the N2.30trillion received in 2012 by N1.297trillion (or 56.19 per cent).
“A total of N510.98billion was withdrawn from the account in the fourth quarter of 2013 to bring the cumulative drawdown from the account as at 31st December 2013 to N1.99trillion.
“The report said of the N1.99trillion withdrawn in 2013 from the ECA, the sum of N1.08trillion was used to augment statutory revenue to the three tiers of government, while N505billion was used to settle payment of petroleum product subsidy.
It added that the balance of N405.6billion was transferred into the special intervention fund.
Giving a breakdown of how the N1.08trillion revenue was augmented among the three tiers of government, the report said the sum of N485.02billion was withdrawn in the first quarter of 2013.
For the second, third and fourth quarters, the report put the augmentation made to the three tiers of government at N434.82billion, N12.02billion and N154.75billion in that order, respectively.
On how the payment for petroleum subsidy was made, it stated that N50billion was paid to oil marketers in the first quarter while second, third and fourth quarters had N110billion, N110billion and N235billion, respectively.
For transfers into the special intervention fund, the report said the sum of N71.1billion was moved into the account in the first quarter while N106.65billion, N106.65billion and N121.23billion were paid into the account in the second, third and fourth quarters in that order.
The nation experienced huge revenue shortfall within the 2013 fiscal year which saw the ECA experiencing massive withdrawals by the government in order to augment the depletion in revenue.
For instance, crude oil sales which accounts for about 90 per cent of government revenue recorded a decline of N1.43trillion of 33.69 per cent from N4.24trillion in 2012 to N2.81trillion in 2013.
Similarly, findings revealed that gas sales of N255.12billion and rent of N180million fell below their corresponding annual projections of N359.58billion and N880million by N104.46billion (29.05 per cent) and N0.70billion (or 79.67 per cent).
The drop in crude oil revenue, according to the BOF was due to massive crude oil theft, illegal bunkering pipeline vandalism which persisted during the period under review.
Similarly, the non oil revenue receipts recorded huge decline of N637.93billion (or 22.37 per cent) to N2.21trillion as at December 31, 2013, below the annual projected estimate of N2.85trillion.
For instance, Value Added Tax of N795.60billion, Company Income Tax of N985.52billion and Customs and Excise Duties of N432.64billion all fell short by N149.68billion (or 15.83 per cent), N6.52billion (or 0.66 per cent) and N360.31billion (or 45.44 per cent) when compared with their annual projections of N945.28billion, N992.04billion and N792.95billion.
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