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Anti-Corruption: International IDEA, Stakeholders Advocate for Domestication of Fiscal Responsibility Act in North Central States
Anti-Corruption: International IDEA, Stakeholders Advocate for Domestication of Fiscal Responsibility Act in North Central States
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders in Anti-Corruption and Accountability in public funds have called for the domestication of Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Commission Act in the North Central States of Nigeria to promote transparency and accountability.
The call came during the North Central Zonal Summit of Fiscal Responsibility Institutions funded by the European Union and being implemented by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) held in Jos the Plateau State Capital.
The two-day engagement with the theme: ‘Integrating the Citizens into Fiscal Decision-Making in States and Local Governments: Insight from Fiscal Responsibility Act’ is aimed at ensuring the dividends of democracy reach the people as expected with prudence in financial management.
Addressing participants at the summit, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, harped on the need for citizens’ participation in fiscal decision-making, stressing that such will promote transparency and accountability, which are essential components of good governance.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Chris Uwadoka, the FRC chairman said that the essence of the summit was to facilitate the domestication of the Act by sub-nationals.
He maintained that the theme of the summit underscores the importance of strengthening fiscal responsibility and promoting citizen participation in public finance management at the sub-national level.
He said, “Transparency and accountability are essential components of good governance. The public has the right to know how public funds are being allocated, spent, and managed. This includes information about budget proposals, expenditure reports, and audit findings.
“By promoting transparency, we can empower citizens to hold public officials accountable and ensure that public resources are used efficiently and effectively.
“Recent initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Sustainable Fiscal Frameworks (SFF) have made significant strides in promoting citizen participation and accountability in public finance management. These reforms aim to strengthen transparency, enhance public oversight, and improve service delivery.”
The Plateau State Coordinator of RoLAC Programme of International IDEA, Mr Pwanakim Mantin Dala, said citizens’ participation in the management of resources is key for any government operations across various levels, especially at the grassroots level.
“The Fiscal Responsibility Act looks beyond releasing budgetary information to the public; it looks at how the fund is being applied. It also looks at what the funds were allocated for and whether the funds were properly utilized for the purposes. So that you’re not spending so much for so little and that’s what this engagement is all about.”
On his part, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Mrs Grace Dongkum, assured that the state was already in the process of domesticating the Fiscal Responsibility Act to further strengthen government operations.
He said, “Fiscal Responsibility is an integral part of government, especially financial management, because it is about transparency.
“One thing about transparency is that you manage the resources in such a way that it meets the critical needs of sectors and still have resources for future use. Fiscal Responsibility and Act wants to ensure that we don’t finish everything we have right now; we think of the future.
“So, in decisions that we will make, we are being transparent, and we situate projects or services in such a way that they will have long-lasting effects and also ensure that the future benefits from the decisions that are taken now.”
Anti-Corruption: International IDEA, Stakeholders Advocate for Domestication of Fiscal Responsibility Act in North Central States
Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed attackers suspected to have come from Bandawa Gwenzo community have invaded a herders’ residence at Yompi in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing several livestock.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred late on Monday, July 7, at about 10:45 p.m., was reported by a resident of the community who said the assailants stormed the settlement and began shooting indiscriminately.
According to preliminary findings, two cows and eight sheep were killed in the attack, while four other cows and eight sheep sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Security operatives visited the scene on Tuesday morning to assess the damage and commence investigations into the incident.
Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack. Residents of the affected area have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock
BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State
By:Michael Mike
Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL) has concluded plans to construct and operate a 500,000 barrel per day (BPD) refinery at the Sunshine Industrial Park in Ogboti, Eruuna and establish the Sunshine Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The refinery, a joint venture with the Ondo State Government represented by the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), will cost $15 billion, with phase one expected to be completed within 48 months.
BINL is exploring partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to facilitate the delivery of this ultra-modern crude oil refinery.
According to a statement on Wednesday. BINL has scheduled a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on July 14, 2025.
BINL and the Ondo State Government represented by ONDIPA, will then formally execute memoranda of understanding on July 15, 2025 to kick off the delivery of these projects.
According to BINL, a multi-sectoral infrastructure development company with offices in Abuja, London and Zug, this project will be phased commencing with a 100,000 refinery.
BINL’s Vice President for Corporate Services, Mr Wale Adekola, said the BINL refinery will provide petroleum products for local consumption, feedstock for other local industries and petroleum products for the international market.
The refinery project includes the construction of roads, storage tanks, loading bays, terminals and handling equipment. The scope of the Free Trade Zone Project includes the development of the required infrastructure and facilities for the effective operation and management of the Free Trade Zone.
The development framework includes a comprehensive and strict governance structure the development of the local community in compliance with international standards and relevant laws.
According to Adekola, these projects will contribute significantly to reducing Nigeria’s trade deficit, conserving foreign exchange reserves, increasing government revenue and economic development.
He said at the state and local levels, these projects will create local jobs, stimulate the local economy through increased demand for goods and services, noting that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy includes community engagement programmes, such as education initiatives, local employment quotas, and infrastructure development for surrounding communities.
He revealed that the company is engaging local stakeholders early to mitigate potential opposition to the project.
BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State
Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one
By: Zagazola Makama
A deadly attack by unknown gunmen along the Bantang–Dogon Fili highway in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State has left one person dead, three others injured, and one abducted.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 7, when armed assailants ambushed commuters traveling in a Toyota Picnic vehicle.
One of the victims, identified as Iliya John, aged 38, from Dogon Fili Village, was reportedly attacked with machetes and other weapons and later confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Kafanchan. Two other occupants of the vehicle, James Ishaya, 39, and Elisha Mallam, 38, both from Antang Village, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Another victim, Danladi Idris, 35, from Lere LGA, who was driving a Zevera vehicle was abducted during the attack and taken to an unknown location.
Following swift intervention by a combined team of security operatives and community vigilantes, the kidnapped victim was successfully rescued and has been receiving medical attention.
The body of the deceased was handed over to the family for burial in accordance with Christian rites after the family declined a post-mortem examination.
Security operatives have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Gunmen attack commuters in Kaduna, kill one, injure others, abduct and release one
Gunmen attack herders’ settlement in Taraba, kill livestock
Operation Safe Haven warns vigilantes against unauthorized missions in Plateau, says 8 vigilantes lost their lives not 70
BINL to Build $15 billion 500,000 BPD Refinery, Establish Free Trade Zone in Ondo State
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