Business
Senate suspends Buhari’s request to approve N23.7trn extra-budgetary spending
The senate has suspended a request by President Muhammadu Buhari to approve N23.7 trillion spent without the approval of the national assembly.
The senate resolved to suspend the request after a rowdy session on Wednesday.
Senators Betty Apiafi and Thompson Sekibo had argued that the request was not constitutional.
They also demanded that before the upper legislative chamber could approve the request, the senate must have the details of what the funds were spent on.
Last week, Buhari had written to the senate, seeking approval for the “ways and means advances”.
“The ways and means advances by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the federal government has been a funding option to the federal government to cater for short term or emergency finance to fund delayed government-expected cash receipt of fiscal deficit,” Buhari had said.
“The ways and means, balances as at 19th December 2022 is N22.7 trillion.”
Following the rowdy session and a closed meeting that lasted for nearly an hour, Solomon Olamilekan, chairman of the finance committee, moved a motion asking his colleagues to step down the request.
Olamilekan also recommended that N1 trillion from the “ways and means advances” be used to fund the N819 billion supplementary budget already passed by the senate.
The recommendations were adopted unanimously after it was put to vote by Ahmad Lawan, senate president.
Lawan appointed Ibrahim Gobir, majority leader, to lead an ad hoc committee to liaise with the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to get details of the aforementioned funds spent.
The committee is expected to report back on January 17.
Business
Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.
Business
Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Business
Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
-
Business1 week ago
Lagos state government to commence upgrade of major junctions in Ikeja axis, seeks residents’ cooperation
-
Politics1 week ago
DSS operatives arrest man with bags of cash during Ondo guber
-
Special Features3 days ago
Iyabo Ojo, Brainjotter, Dayo Oketola, Penzaarville, Tomiwa and others to speak at the Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0
-
News1 week ago
Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence
-
Health1 week ago
Five ways to rid your home of ants
-
News1 week ago
Alice Loksha, abducted UNICEF nurse, escapes captivity after 6 years
-
Education1 day ago
Akwa-Ibom to probe 26 schools as video depicts poor nutrition at boarding house
-
Politics1 week ago
Aiyedatiwa takes commanding lead in Ondo guber poll after winning 15 of 18 LGAs