Connect with us

Business & Economy

TSA, BVN eliminating ghost workers in government – NITDA Boss

Published

on

Share

Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General (DG), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said  the use of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) have eliminated ghost workers on governments payroll.

Abdullahi revealed this during the 2021 Pre-Democracy day conference organised by the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) in collaboration with Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI) on Friday in Abuja.

The conference with the  theme: “Appraising the Impact of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anti-Corruption Fight on the Nigerian Economy since 2015”  was attended by several CSOs, anti-corruption agencies among others.

Abdullahi represented by Dr Usman Abdullahi, Director IT Infrastructure Solution at NITDA, said the use of ICT had also helped the government save lots of funds and made the fight against corruption easier.

According to him, ICT is critical towards the fight against corruption by making tracking of activities easier, thereby enabling government to save billions of naira.

“The implementation of the Treasury Single Account, Bank Verification Number has helped government save billions of naira, eliminated ghost workers and made tracking and tracing of activities of government especially the fight against corruption easier.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda is fighting corruption, insecurity, facilitating and diversifying the economic and this has been majorly achieved with the use of ICT.

“Though corruption has not been eliminated completely, but it limits it and makes it transparent because transparency and accountability is put to use.

” So if there is a success story for this administration, it is the TSA because it has made substantial impact. If not because of TSA we wouldn’t be where we are today.

“We know the challenges we have as a country in terms of funds, particularly in government that is why the government is not able to do those things.

” So with the little money, government was able to save through TSA and a lot has been achieved,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, highlighted the role ICT had played in curbing corruption in the country.

Pantami, represented by Dr Abimbola Alale, MD/CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT LTD) added that over N23 billion had been saved by the ministry on ICT projects under the current administration.

Also, Mr. Baba Ashiru,  Director, Public and Enlightenment Department at the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC),  said every individual in the country could participate in the fight against corruption.

Ashiru, represented by Mrs Kemebradikum Badejo, Head, Media and Events, ICPC noted  that Nigerians could be involved in the fight through any of its platforms based on their preference, specialties and qualifications.

“We have the Students Anti-Corruption cCubs meant for students in primary, secondary schools. Students Anti-Corruption Vanguard for tertiary institutions and the NYSC Anti-Corruption CDS Group.

” We also have the National Anti-Corruption Coalition meant for NGOs, CSOs, faith-based
organisations. Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitory Unit meant for MDAs functioning like a mini-ICPC all in a bid to ensure a corruption free society,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees and President of GICN, Edward Omaha, said the conference was convened to address the question of corruption as it affects the Nigerian economy.

Omaha said it also aimed at encouraging all to join hands in promoting good governance for sustainable development.

According to him, recent protests and uprisings in the country have sent clear messages that the people will no longer tolerate cynical and corrupt practices.

He said citizens had been demanding transformation of economic, legal and social structures indifferent to accountability.

“No doubt, corruption has disproportionately impacted women, children and the vulnerable, limiting their access to information and public resources.

“At the advent of Covid-19 pandemic, instances abound where inadequate oversight and or lack of transparency on the side of relevant Government Agencies led to the diversion of relief materials from those in need to warehouses or private residences.

“These corrupt acts when uncovered resulted in massive upheavals from citizens who felt cheated.

“Today’s Conference therefore, acknowledges the need for the government to restore public trust and faith in our social contract by taking concrete steps to eliminate corruption,” he said. (NAN)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business & Economy

Kaduna refinery will begin production in December – NNPCL Boss, Kyari

Published

on

Melee-Kolo-Kyari-NNPC-GMD
Melee-Kolo-Kyari-NNPC-GMD
Share

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL,Mele Kyari has disclosed that the refinery in Kaduna State will be ready for production by December 2024.

He disclosed this during a meeting with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

He disclosed that operations at the Port Harcourt refinery are scheduled to begin in two weeks.

According to Kyari: “We did a mechanical completion of the (Port Harcourt) refinery, that was what we said in December. We now have crude oil already stocked in the refinery. We are doing regulatory compliance tests that must happen in every refinery before you start it, and I assure you that this Port Harcourt refinery will start in the next two weeks.

“Completing the mechanical work means that you are done with the rehabilitation work, now you have to test to see how it works. Of course, we have also completed the mechanical work on the Warri refinery.

“It is also undergoing regulatory compliance; processes that we are doing with our regulator, and this will soon be completed and it will be ready.

“The Kaduna refinery will be ready by December. We have not reached that stage in Kaduna, but we promise Kaduna will be delivered by December.”

 

Continue Reading

Business & Economy

Edun Blames Economic Hardship On Free Printing Of Naira During Buhari’s Govt

Published

on

Wale-Edun
Wale-Edun
Share

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Sani Musa.

The Federal Government has disclosed that the free printing of naira notes for eight years, under the previous administration went into the hands of a privileged few, without corresponding productivity, resulting in the country’s current economic situation.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Sani Musa.

While elaborating on measures to revamp the economy, the Finance minister vowed to thoroughly audit the 22.7 trillion naira, and mop up the monies from the market and use it to pay the central bank to give the government a balanced book.

Responding to questions, the finance minister addressed the issue of waivers on customs duty running into trillions of naira, promising to overhaul the system, rejig it and implement a technology and payment system that would correct all anomalies in place.

He further disclosed that a total of 13 trillion naira was collected as non-oil revenue in 2023.

Continue Reading

Business & Economy

Harsh Economy: FG To Begin Distribution Of Grains Nationwide 

Published

on

Share

 

The Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday.

“Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting.

“Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute. We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled out this week.

“We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.”

The minister who hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people, urged them to back President Bola Tinubu’s government in its quest to address the challenges facing the country.

“I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times. Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria,” Kyari said.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.”

Continue Reading