News
Senate Summons Seven MDAs Over Alleged Lopsided Disbursement Of N500bn Loan
Senate has commenced investigation over alleged uneven disbursement of half a trillion naira loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises scheme, (MSMEs) in the six geo-political regions by the Development Bank of Nigeria, (DBN).
The adhoc committee in furtherance of its mandate has summoned seven Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs for interface over the alleged lopsided disbursement.
The MDAs summoned are the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Ministry of Trade and Investment; Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Development Bank of Nigeria, (DBN) Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, (SMEDAN); Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).
The Senate had constituted an adhoc committee, following a November 16 resolution at the plenary on a motion titled: “Uneven Disbursement of half a trillion naira loan to six geo-political regions by the DBN.”
The mandate of the committee, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) was to carry out a holistic investigation on disbursement of the loan by DBN since inception of the bank.
Speaking at the maiden meeting of the committee on Tuesday, Senator Musa said the purpose of the meeting was to map out strategies and modalities that would assist the committee execute the onerous assignment.
He, however, said although the investigation seems very daunting, with patriotism, cooperation and commitment, the committee would succeed.
Senator Musa explained that the establishment of DBN was to drive the effectiveness of MSMEs and the environment they operate, adding that its establishment was a good idea by the Federal Government and its development partners.
The chairman added that the key objective of the DBN was to tackle constraints faced by MSMES through provision of finance and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries on a market conforming financial sustainable basis.
He, however, said that there are worries on the disbursement methodology employed by the bank and lack of awareness of its operation, saying that not every MSMEs in the regions , especially in the North knows about the bank.
According to him, the committee will effectively and thoroughly investigate activities and operations of the DBN to ascertain if it conformed to its establishment Act, followed due diligence in execution of its mandate.
Senator Musa said the committee was not out to witchhunt any one, but would evaluate the criteria that qualify MSMEs to access the loan and at what interest rate.
He said the committee would also review the total amount disbursed to beneficiary MSMEs from inception to date and total recovery if any.
The chairman also said the committee would examine the source of funding of DBN including contributions from development partners.
Presenting the motion on November 16, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), said the investigation was part of what was happening in the financial sector that government deliberately created to address poverty.
According to him, what happened in DBN was unfortunate, saying that his submissions on the motion on uneven distribution of the MSMEs loan was not an allegation but a fact that has not been disputed by DBN.
By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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