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TSA, BVN eliminating ghost workers in government – NITDA Boss

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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)

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Business & Economy

Petrol Prices Rise to N1,040/Litre in Lagos, N1,080 in Abuja

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The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has increased to as high as N1,040 per litre in Lagos and N1,080 per litre in Abuja, following a recent adjustment by fuel marketers.

The development comes a day after the Dangote Refinery raised its ex-gantry price of petrol to N995 per litre.

Checks on Saturday showed that several retail outlets across Lagos and Abuja had adjusted their prices upward.

At retail outlets operated by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Ilasa, Apple Junction, and Ago Palace Way in Lagos, petrol was sold at N1,040 per litre, representing an increase of N47 from the previous price of N993 per litre.

Similarly, Emadeb Energy and PM Petroleum filling stations located along the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway were dispensing petrol at N1,040 per litre.

At a Techno Oil Limited retail outlet in Festac Town, the product was priced at N1,050 per litre, while stations operated by MRS Oil Nigeria Plc sold petrol at N1,057 per litre.

In Abuja, petrol was sold at N1,050 per litre at Gegu Oil Nigeria along the Kubwa Expressway, while Empire Energy filling stations dispensed the product at N1,080 per litre.

However, an outlet operated by Ardova Plc sold petrol at N959 per litre.

The latest increase comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have contributed to volatility in global crude oil prices.

On Friday, crude oil prices surged to $91 per barrel as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continued to escalate across the region.

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FG Bans Roadside Tax Collections, Orders Dismantling of Checkpoints

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The Federal Government has banned the collection of road taxes through roadside checkpoints and the use of tax stickers nationwide as part of sweeping tax reforms introduced in 2026.

The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) announced that all forms of roadside levies are now illegal, effectively ending a long-standing practice that required motorists to stop at checkpoints to make payments.

In a statement, the Board said the move is aimed at modernising tax administration, eliminating harassment of motorists, and improving transparency in revenue collection.

“This is a major win for motorists and a step toward transparent taxation,” the JRB stated, adding that security agencies have been directed to dismantle illegal checkpoints and ensure full compliance with the new law.

For years, motorists across the country were subjected to multiple levies under different designations, a situation that often created confusion and opened the door to alleged abuse and irregular collections.

Under the new framework, road tax stickers previously issued at state checkpoints are no longer valid, and motorists are not expected to make any payments related to road taxes on highways.

The government said the reform is designed to protect drivers from illegal collections, streamline tax administration under a centralised system, and promote voluntary compliance through a clearer and more accountable structure.

Security and enforcement agencies have been tasked with monitoring implementation to ensure that all roadside collections cease immediately.

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Ogun to Establish 5,000-Herd Dairy, Cattle Ranches in Ipokia, Yewa South — Abiodun

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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to establish what he described as the largest dairy and cattle ranches in Nigeria in Ipokia and Yewa South Local Government Areas of the state, with an initial capacity of 5,000 herds of cattle.

Abiodun made the disclosure on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta.

He said the projects would be sited in Ogun State at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, adding that construction work would commence soon.

According to the governor, the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen food security, boost local agricultural production, and deepen value chains across the state.

“The biggest dairy and cattle ranches will soon be established in Yewa South and Ipokia Local Government Areas. This is at the instance of Mr. President. These farms will start with 5,000 herds of cattle, and work will begin very soon,” Abiodun said.

The governor commended Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, noting that the policies had stabilised the foreign exchange market, eliminated multiple exchange-rate regimes, and increased Nigeria’s foreign reserves to about $45 billion.

Abiodun also acknowledged what he called the President’s goodwill towards Ogun State, citing federal interventions such as the reconstruction of the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road, funding support for the Eba oil discovery, and the resuscitation of the OKLNG project.

“There is nothing I have asked Mr. President for Ogun State that he has not approved,” he said, adding that the President consistently directs investors to the state when they express interest in Nigeria.

The governor said the administration’s performance at the federal level had rekindled hope among Nigerians and strengthened public confidence in the ruling APC.

Highlighting achievements of his administration over the past six years and eight months, Abiodun said the state had recorded progress in education, infrastructure, job creation, youth and women empowerment, healthcare, agriculture, housing, technological innovation, industrial growth, and economic expansion.

He disclosed that over 1,700 kilometres of roads, including major highways, had been constructed across the state, more than 7,000 housing units delivered, and over 400 Primary Healthcare Centres upgraded and equipped.

Abiodun also stated that Ogun State was on the verge of becoming an oil-producing state.

He said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to review progress and strategise ahead of emerging political challenges, urging party members to remain united as the state approaches another electioneering season.

“As we approach the upcoming congresses, they must unite us, not divide us. A united APC is an unbeatable APC,” he said.

Dignitaries at the meeting included former Governor Olusegun Osoba; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; Senators Solomon Adeola and Shuaib Salisu; and House of Representatives Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka.

Also present were Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaka Salako; State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi; former deputy governors; lawmakers; local government chairmen; and other party stakeholders.

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