News
Non-Remittance by MDA’s: House of Reps Probe Revenue Leakages
By Lateef Taiwo
House of Representatives has resolved to probe none remittance of revenue by the Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDA’s over none remittances and leakages through the Remita platform.
To this end, the House has mandated its Committee on Public Account to undertake strict investigation of MDA’s and report back within four weeks, for further legislative actions.
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon Jeremiah Umaru and Hon Jafaruw Gambo, who urged for a probe of revenue leakages and alleged non-remittance of revenue generated through the Remita platform in the country.
Hon Umaru, in his lead debate informed the House that Remita, a software cum financial service platform owned by System-Specs, is in charge of responsible for managing Government Revenues. He explained that the platform has served as a gateway for the Treasury Single Account (TSA) of the Federal government since 2012.
The lawmaker added that since its inception, N8.7 trillion has been processed through the platform. He explained that prior to the deployment of the software, the government operated
over 15,000 bank accounts operated by MDAs.
The committee is expected to probe alleged non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and other allied
Service Level Agreements.
The agreements, according to the House, were signed among Deposit Money Banks, Office of The Accountant General, Systemspec, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN,
The lawmaker added that since its inception, N8.7 trillion has been processed through the platform. He explained that prior to the deployment of the software, the government operated
over 15,000 bank accounts operated by MDAs.
Umaru expressed concerns that despite the TSA, there is still a proliferation of account by MDAs, under multiple sub-accounts, in the CBN, thereby negating the policy.
According to him, “the TSA system has created a cashless economy, transparency and effective tracking of cash assets with attendant accountability. It has not indeed fully blocked leakages and abuses by
the proliferation of CBN Sub-Accounts.
A1% of the funds collected is charged as commission for making use of the platform and shared among SystemSpecs (owner), Deposit Money Banks(processor) and Central Bank of
Nigeria (License issuer) in the ratio of 50:40:10 respectively. This is alarming and unacceptable.
“Despite the benefits and reasons for on-boarding the Remita Platform, the rate of revenue leakages is worrisome apart from non-compliance substantively with Standard Operating Procedures
and other allied Service Level Agreements signed by parties.
“If this scenario continues unabated, the government will continue to experience a revenue shortfall and this will prevent the government from meeting the rising demand for good governance and infrastructural development from citizens. A larger percentage of deposit money banks has formed the habit of delay in on-ward remittance or sweeping of revenues collected to Central Bank of Nigeria.”,
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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