Senators, Reps query NCC over secret recruitment, arbitrary funds increase - Newstrends
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Senators, Reps query NCC over secret recruitment, arbitrary funds increase

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Federal lawmakers on Monday queried arbitrary increase in the financial provisions for payment of consultancy service of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and N29.195 billion proposed for payment of salaries and wages in the 2021 fiscal year, against the sum of N16.850 billion approved in the 2020 fiscal year.

Members of the Joint Senate and House of Representatives’ Committee on Telecommunications, who raised the red flag during the 2020 budget performance and 2021 budget defence presented by the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Umar Dambatta, also demanded an explanation over the increase in the consultancy services of N1bn proposed for 2021 against the sum of N394.331 million approved in the 2020 Appropriation Act.

One of the aggrieved lawmakers, who queried the Director of Finance and Administration’s report on the wide variance between the proposed N29.195 billion salaries and wages for 2021 and N16.850 approved for 2020 in relation to the 300 staff recruited by the commission, alleged that “you employed people but it was done through the backdoor.”

Hon. Siaka Adekunle Ayokunle alleged that “a lot of things are shredded in secrecy here”, expressed concern over the difference between the projected revenue and expenditure,

Senator Emmanuel Orker-Jev who expressed concern over the recruitment of the 300 workers, stressed the need for the commission to provide the nominal roll with a view to ascertaining the actual number of employees and adherence to federal character policy.

Dambatta, who was asked by the Director of Finance and Administration to provide details of the budget performance for the year under review, had said the budget performance as of November 30, 2020 showed the total budget of N140.383 billion, but the actual came to N79.660 billion.

He said, “For the expenditures (recurrent), a total recurrent expenditure that was budgeted was N39.297 billion and what was spent was N28.5 billion.

“Under the capital project, the total capital expenditure was budgeted at N8.129 billion and the actual as at 30th November was N1.427 billion.

“For special projects, the total budget was N20.863 billion and what has been spent so far is N13.65 billion.

“For total capital project, the budget was N28.9 billion and what was spent was N1.4 billion; Transfer to USPF, N7.5 billion was projected and N5.583 billion was spent.

“For Transfer to Federal Government of Nigeria, N64.208 billion was budgeted and N35.7 billion was remitted.”

On the revenue side, the commission realised total sum of N167 million out of N1.5 billion budgeted for licensing fees; realized N51.5 billion out of N68.5 billion for annual operating levy; realized N22.778 billion out N47.653 billion budgeted.

From the documents presented to the joint committee, proposed total revenue expected for 2021 stands at N112.810 billion and an additional sum of N49.527 billion from funds for broadband infrastructure and transfer from reserve (totalling N162.067 billion for 2021), against the sum of N123.132 billion and an additional sum of N17.252 billion from funds for broadband infrastructure (totalling N140.384 billion) for year 2020.

The total recurrent is also expected to rise from N39.297 billion in 2020 to N61.541 billion in 2021; total capital and special expenditure are to rise from N28.993 billion in 2020 to N51.524 billion in 2021; showing an overall increase in the Commission’s total expenditure from N68.290 billion in 2020 to N113.065 billion in 2021 as proposed.

The commission’s projected transfer to the Federal Government for the year 2021 is N42.002bn against N64.208bn for the year 2020 out of which N29.697bn has so far been remitted, in addition to N5.5 billion paid recently.

Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. Akeem , said, “Legislative approval to budget proposal is a cardinal ingredient of democratic practice. It provides a window of checks on the expenditure profile of the Executive, so the people, through their representatives have a say on how the Executive arm of government runs the government as part of the checks and balances of governance.

“It is pursuance to this that we are here to examine your proposal for 2021. The extent to which your commission was able to meet its 2020 budget responsibility will also be examined to identify if they were problems and how to resolve them where they exist.”

Adeyemi who directed the NCC management team to provide the nominal roll for further legislative action, said the “Committee will call for interactive session sometimes next year with the view to addressing some of the concerns raised.”

Dambatta promised that the nominal roll would be made available to the committee as requested.

Business

NNPCL, Marketers Increase Petrol Price Again Within 24 Hours After Dangote Refinery Hike

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supply stabilization

NNPCL, Marketers Increase Petrol Price Again Within 24 Hours After Dangote Refinery Hike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and several independent filling stations across Nigeria have increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the second time in less than 24 hours, following a fresh hike in the gantry price by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The development has led to another round of adjustments at retail outlets nationwide, with petrol prices now exceeding ₦1,040 per litre in some parts of the country, particularly in major cities.

Dangote refinery gantry price triggers increase

Industry sources said the latest increase was triggered after Dangote Refinery raised its ex-gantry price of petrol to about ₦995 per litre, up from around ₦874 per litre, forcing marketers and distributors to adjust their retail prices.

The gantry price refers to the amount marketers pay to lift products directly from the refinery before adding transportation, distribution and retail margins.

Following the adjustment, many filling stations immediately reviewed their pump prices upward.

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New pump prices across stations

Checks at filling stations in Lagos, Abuja and other cities showed that:

  • Some NNPCL retail outlets now sell petrol at about ₦1,040 per litre.
  • Independent marketers are selling between ₦1,050 and ₦1,057 per litre, depending on location and logistics costs.
  • A few stations are already approaching ₦1,080 per litre in high-cost distribution areas.

The adjustment represents the second increase within 24 hours, reflecting the rapid reaction of marketers to rising depot prices.

Rising crude prices and market pressures

Energy analysts attribute the price hike to several factors, including:

  • Rising global crude oil prices
  • Increased operational and logistics costs
  • Market-driven pricing under Nigeria’s petrol deregulation policy

Since the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government in 2023, petrol prices have largely been determined by market forces rather than government-controlled pricing.

Public reaction

The latest increase has sparked concerns among motorists, transport operators and small businesses, many of whom say the rising cost of petrol will further increase transportation fares and the general cost of living.

Transport unions in some cities have already hinted that fares may be reviewed if the price trend continues.

Economic analysts warn that persistent increases in petrol prices could worsen inflationary pressures, given the heavy dependence of Nigeria’s economy on petrol-powered transportation and generators.

NNPCL, Marketers Increase Petrol Price Again Within 24 Hours After Dangote Refinery Hike

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Railway

NRC seeks state backing for railway police, unveils plan to electrify rail lines

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NRC seeks state backing for railway police, unveils plan to electrify rail lines

 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has called for stronger collaboration between state governments and the railway police, warning that safeguarding rail infrastructure is central to protecting Nigeria’s mobility corridors and sustaining economic growth.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a flagship programme on Channels Television, on Saturday, Opeifa said the railway police currently operate in 26 states and should be treated by state governments as an integral part of their local security architecture.

According to him, rail lines cut across multiple states and serve as critical national assets whose protection requires coordinated security efforts beyond federal agencies alone.

“The security of railway infrastructure is tied to the security of our mobility corridors,” he said, urging state authorities to actively support the Railway Police to prevent vandalism and other threats to the network.

Drawing from his experience as a former commissioner in Lagos, Opeifa recalled how Railway Police personnel once assisted the state government during the cleanup of the Oshodi transport hub, describing it as an example of how inter-agency collaboration can protect strategic public infrastructure.

“The history of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is the history of Nigeria itself,” he said, noting that the challenges facing the rail system often mirror broader national development issues.

Opeifa traced the current wave of railway modernisation to 2015, when the country began shifting from narrow gauge to modern standard gauge rail lines under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that several landmark rail projects were delivered during that period, including the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Warri–Itakpe line, Abuja Rail Mass Transit and the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, while work also began on the ambitious Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor.

The NRC boss also highlighted the constitutional amendment that moved railway from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, saying the reform has opened the door for states such as Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Plateau to participate more actively in rail development.

He disclosed that the corporation has developed a national rail map that shows how emerging state rail projects can connect with the national rail network to create a more integrated transport system.

As part of its long-term strategy, Opeifa revealed that the NRC plans to electrify major rail corridors within the next five years, starting with Warri and Lagos where gas resources could support power generation for electric train operations.

He said electrification would improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and align Nigeria’s railway operations with global best practices.

Beyond infrastructure expansion, the NRC chief also addressed operational challenges such as ticket racketeering, attributing the problem largely to high passenger demand.

To curb the practice, he said the corporation has introduced a double verification process for passengers—one check at the waiting area and another during boarding—which has significantly reduced illegal ticket sales.

Opeifa further assured travellers that security on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor remains strong, noting that train operations and station activities are monitored from a central control room. He added that the corporation plans to replicate similar monitoring systems on other routes.

In response to rising passenger traffic, he disclosed that the number of daily trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service has been increased to three.

Looking ahead, Opeifa said the corporation is also exploring ways to harness the tourism and entertainment potential of railway services, promising that the NRC will continue expanding operations while positioning rail transport as a key driver of national integration and economic development.

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Auto

Jetour shakes Compact SUV segment with loaded X50

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Jetour shakes Compact SUV segment with loaded X50

 

Jetour Nigeria says its aim at introducing the current X50 model is to disrupt the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in the nation’s automobile market. And that it s currently doing.

The Jetour X50 stands out as a feature-rich compact SUV, designed to deliver a high level of safety, technology and comfort for everyday driving.

Built with a strong focus on occupant protection, the vehicle is equipped with multiple airbags for the driver and passengers, ensuring all-round safety while on the road.

Supporting these passive safety features are advanced electronic systems that enhance stability and control. Vehicle Stability Control helps the SUV remain balanced in challenging conditions, while the Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold system improve ease of use in traffic and during parking.

Driver confidence is further boosted by the availability of a 360-degree surrounding camera and parking sensors, which provide improved visibility in tight spaces.

To address common on-road safety concerns, the X50 incorporates a range of intelligent driver-assistance features. Blind Spot Detection reduces the risk of unseen vehicles, while Lane Change Assist and Rear Traffic Alert offer added protection during lane changes and reversing.

Additional security features such as automatic door locking, an alarm system and power windows contribute to peace of mind.

Inside the cabin, comfort and convenience take centre stage. Smart entry with a push-start button simplifies vehicle access, while selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal and Sport—allow drivers to adapt performance to different driving conditions.

Cruise control adds extra comfort on longer journeys.The infotainment system features a 10.5-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, voice command, phone mirroring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the move.

A wireless charger keeps devices powered without cables. Premium interior appointments include leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an electric sunroof option and a six-speaker audio system.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel efficiency.

With its aerodynamic design and practical five-seat layout, the Jetour X50 combines modern features with everyday usability, backed by reliable after-sales support and technical assistance.

Its accredited dealers spread across Nigeria are Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

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