Federal Government refutes claims of hidden spending and revenue diversion based on World Bank report
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Government has rejected media reports alleging hidden spending and diversion of federation revenue, stating these claims misrepresent findings from the World Bank's latest Nigeria Development Update. In a statement, the Federal Ministry of Finance, signed by the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that interpretations circulating in some media platforms wrongly characterize statutory fiscal processes as leakages. The ministry explained that such claims reflect a misunderstanding of Nigeria's fiscal structure and how revenues are distributed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee FAAC. It emphasized that FAAC deductions, which include statutory transfers, savings, investments, security-related expenditures, cost-of-collection charges, refunds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs, and transfers to subnational governments, are legitimate fiscal flows. The government also noted that commentators are using outdated figures and ignoring recent reforms implemented in 2026, including a new Executive Order to safeguard petroleum revenue remittances. The World Bank report, according to the ministry, acknowledges these reforms, which are projected to improve transparency and increase distributable revenues by about 0.4 percent of GDP annually. The ministry highlighted that the overall tone of the World Bank report was positive, contrary to interpretations suggesting fiscal distress, pointing to diversified economic growth, easing infl
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The Federal Government has urged the seven regional development commissions to prioritize economic diversification and self-sufficiency. This directive emerged from a two-day retreat organized by the Ministry of Regional Development in collaboration with the commissions in Benin City, Edo State. The retreat, themed "Generating Fresh Ideas to Unlock the Potential of the Regions," aimed to accelerate regional development by strengthening governance systems, enhancing institutional collaboration, and unlocking new financing pathways. Participants emphasized adherence to governance frameworks like the Public Procurement Act and international accounting standards to restore transparency and accountability. Resolutions included strengthening oversight functions of governing boards, institutionalizing capacity-building programs, and aligning procurement plans with budget cycles. A key focus was on economic diversification, with commissions directed to invest in revenue-generating assets beyond statutory allocations and scale up skills acquisition in agriculture and small-scale enterprise development. The need for structured stakeholder engagement across regions, involving governors, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women's associations, was also highlighted. Infrastructure development, including investments in electricity generation, intermodal transport systems, industrial clusters, and logistics networks, was identified as a critical priority to boost trade and regional compe
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, a prominent sports administrator and community leader from Kano, who passed away on Saturday at 78. In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his condolences to Galadima's family. Galadima held various roles in the Kano State Government and the Federal Government, including chairman of the Kano State Sports Council and a two-time commissioner. He also served as president of the defunct Nigeria Football Association from 2002 to 2006. After his active service, he was turbaned as the Galadiman Fagge, the community head of Fagge in Kano State. President Tinubu described Galadima's death as a significant loss to sports administration and Nigeria, acknowledging his lasting contributions to Nigerian football at both grassroots and elite levels. The President offered his sympathies to Galadima's family, the government and people of Kano State, and the wider sports community.
Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, a former Kano State Governor, has resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, citing a strategic political realignment. His resignation, effective April 19, 2026, was communicated in a letter to the PDP Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Shekarau stated that the decision followed extensive consultations within his political group and was made in anticipation of joining another political party. He expressed gratitude to the ward-level party leadership. The letter was also sent to the Kano State PDP Chairman and the PDP Chairman of Nassarawa Local Government Area. This move follows months of speculation regarding the PDP's internal crises. In April, during a visit from APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Shekarau indicated his impending departure from the PDP, describing the party as ineffective due to its problems. He informed APC leaders that consultations on his political future were nearing completion, emphasizing that his decisions, along with his Shura Council, supporters, and associates, are based on a "Kano First agenda." While there are rumors he may join the ruling party, Shekarau has not publicly confirmed this.
The Sokoto State Government and UNICEF have reinforced their partnership on child health with a combined N200m intervention to combat severe malnutrition. This initiative includes N100m from the state government, matched by UNICEF, for the Child Nutrition Fund. UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Dr Rownak Khan, commended Sokoto's commitment, noting that over 260,000 children in the state suffer from severe acute malnutrition. She emphasized a holistic approach to child health, integrating nutrition, immunization, and maternal care, and highlighted the state's 100 percent reconciliation of nutrition commodities. UNICEF Sokoto Field Office Head, Michael Juma, stated the intervention will broaden access to Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and other vital supplies, urging a focus on preventive nutrition and dietary diversity to prevent malnutrition from undermining education. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Faruk, affirmed Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s dedication to addressing hunger and child mortality, citing surveys indicating up to 85 percent of children in the state are affected by malnutrition. He warned against the diversion of supplies, detailing a multi-level accountability framework to ensure transparent distribution to verified beneficiaries, including malnourished children and vulnerable pregnant women. The Child Nutrition Fund, supported by partners like the Gates Foundation and FCDO, aims to scale domestic investment and ensure shared accountability, with