Connect with us

News

NNPC To Deliver Zero FAAC Remittance in May As Subsidy Payment Eats Deeper

Published

on

NNPC Nigeria

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that its projected monthly remittance to the Federation Accounts allocation committee (FAAC) for May will be zero.

This implies that the three tiers of government, federal, states and local governments, are in for tough times next month as they may get less from the Federation Account.

Already, the NNPC, which is being made to bear the cost for the price differential between the market price and pump price of petrol on behalf of the federation has served a notice that it will not be able to remit any funds to the Federation Account in April for distribution in May.

In a letter by the corporation to the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris,

NNPC said it posted a value shortfall of N111.966 billion in February 2021, which will ultimately impact on its ability to contribute to the joint account shared by the federal, state and local governments.

A copy of the letter, signed by the corporation’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Umar Ajiya, and dated April 26, 2021, was obtained by the media yesterday.

The minister of finance, budget, and national planning; the director-general, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; the director, home finance; and the chairman, Commissioners of Finance Forum were copied.

The implication is that the zero remittance from the NNPC may affect the monthly allocation to states, which may ultimately struggle to meet their statutory obligations, including payment of salaries and pensions.

The NNPC, in the letter, attributed the N111.966 billion shortfall to the rising average landing cost of petrol, which jumped to N184 per litre in March as opposed to the existing N128 ex-coastal price.

According to the corporation, the N111.966 billion incurred as landing costs would be deducted from April oil and gas proceeds due to the federation in May.

It stated: “Further to our previous correspondences on the above subject, we wish to advise on the projected remittance to the Federation Account for the months of April (May FAAC) to June 2021 (July 2021 FAAC).

“The accountant-general of the federation is kindly invited to note that the average landing cost of petrol for the month of March 2021 was N184 per litre as against the subsisting ex-coastal price of N128 per litre, which has remained constant notwithstanding the changes in the macroeconomics variables affecting petroleum products pricing.

“As the discussions between government and the labour are yet to be concluded, NNPC recorded a value shortfall of N111, 966, 456, 903.74 in February 2021 as a result of the difference highlighted above.”

The corporation said a projection of remittance to the Federation Account for the next three months had been sent to the Office of the Accountant-General.
It added: “Accordingly, the AGF is invited to note that the sum of N111,966,456,903.74 will be deducted from April 2021 oil and gas proceeds due to the federation in May 2021, which will translate to zero remittance to the Federation Account from NNPC in the month of May 2021.”

The corporation stated that the move was to ensure the continuous supply of petroleum products to the nation and the guarantee of energy security in the country.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, had earlier raised the alarm over the rising landing cost of the product, saying that the NNPC could not continue in that trajectory.

However, earlier this month, Kyari assured the nation that there would be no price increase, even till May, as negotiations between labour and the federal government was continuing.

Also, during a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, Kyari had said the NNPC had continued to shoulder the burden of paying subsidies, adding that in a deregulated pricing system, the product would be selling above N200 rather than the current N162 official price.

“The price could have been anywhere between N211 and N234 to the litre. The meaning of this is that consumers are not paying for the full value of petrol that we are consuming and, therefore, someone is paying that cost,” he said, adding: “As we speak today, the difference is being carried in the books of NNPC and I can confirm to you that NNPC may no longer be in a position to carry that burden.”

In March last year, when the international price of crude oil was low, the federal government announced that it had deregulated the downstream sector, which meant that the pump price would be determined by market forces.

That policy was implemented for months until crude oil prices rose again, and the eventual return of subsidies’ payment, which the NNPC has put at about N120 billion monthly.

Continue Reading
Comments

Sport Business

Usyk Claims Victory Over Fury in Historic Bout, Becomes Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Published

on

Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.

The highly anticipated bout, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased the remarkable skill and determination of both fighters, culminating in a split-decision victory for Usyk.

From the opening bell, the tension was palpable as Fury, the reigning WBC champion, and Usyk, the unified cruiserweight champion, squared off in the ring.

Fury, known for his towering stature and formidable punching power, sought to impose his will early on, using his reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.

However, Usyk, undeterred by the size disparity, showcased his superior footwork and technical prowess, darting in and out of Fury’s range to land precise counterpunches.

As the rounds progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth between the two fighters, with each landing significant blows and demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

Fury’s powerful punches tested Usyk’s chin, while Usyk’s speed and agility kept Fury on the defensive.

In the pivotal moments of the fight, Usyk delivered a masterful performance in the later rounds, capitalizing on Fury’s fatigue to unleash a barrage of punches that rocked the defending champion.

Despite Fury’s valiant efforts to rally back, Usyk’s relentless pressure and pinpoint accuracy earned him the judges’ favor, securing a split-decision victory and etching his name in the annals of boxing history.

With this triumph, Usyk joins the ranks of legendary heavyweight champions, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis more than two decades ago.

His victory not only cements his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes but also signals a new era in the heavyweight division, characterized by fierce competition and unparalleled skill.

As the boxing world reels from the electrifying showdown, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the prospect of a rematch between Usyk and Fury. With both fighters showcasing their championship pedigree, the stage is set for another epic clash that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

In the aftermath of his victory, Usyk expressed gratitude to his team, his country, and his faith, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.

Meanwhile, Fury, while disappointed with the outcome, vowed to bounce back stronger and reclaim his title in the anticipated rematch.

As the boxing world celebrates Usyk’s historic achievement, his victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and the unyielding pursuit of excellence in the noble art of boxing.

Continue Reading

Education

JAMB Releases 36,540 Withheld UTME Results, Dismisses Cyber Breach Claims

Published

on

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has quelled concerns over the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results by releasing an additional 36,540 previously withheld scores.

This move follows earlier revelations of withheld results and assertions of a cyber security breach.

Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, confirmed the release of these results in a statement issued late Tuesday in Abuja.

This latest batch of released scores, when combined with the 531 previously unveiled, brings the total number of results made public to 1,879,437.

Benjamin took the opportunity to address circulating rumors regarding the security of the UTME results.

He categorically dismissed claims of a cyber security breach, saying that the examination outcomes remain intact and securely stored.

He stressed that the results are not stored in any cloud system and thus cannot be compromised by external entities.

At the time of the UTME release, JAMB had disclosed that certain results were withheld pending further investigation.

Subsequently, 531 of these results were recently unveiled with the remainder still under scrutiny.

Benjamin explained that any candidates implicated in examination malpractice are undergoing thorough investigation.

The examination board intends to meticulously review footage from CCTV cameras installed across all accredited centers to ascertain each candidate’s involvement.

Benjamin urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation originating from sources not affiliated with JAMB.

He attributed the discrepancies in minimum admissible scores to variations among tertiary institutions. Some institutions, he noted, proposed lower minimum scores than others, resulting in varying benchmarks.

Benjamin clarified that these benchmarks are determined collectively by all Heads of Institutions during the annual Policy Meeting on Admissions, ensuring uniformity across the country.

Also, Benjamin cautioned religious organizations against overstepping their designated roles.

He warned against the dissemination of false information to governmental bodies for personal gain.

Continue Reading

Travel

British Airways Owner IAG Prepares for Summer Surge Amid High Travel Demand

Published

on

british-airways

As the world gradually emerges from the grip of the pandemic, the travel industry is witnessing a resurgence in demand with British Airways owner IAG SA gearing up for a busy summer season.

Despite lingering challenges, the airline conglomerate remains optimistic about the outlook, citing strong demand for travel within Europe and across the Atlantic.

In a recent stock exchange filing, IAG disclosed an adjusted operating profit of €68 million ($73.3 million) for the three months ending March.

According to Chief Executive Officer Luis Gallego, the group’s core markets, including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and intra-Europe routes, have shown robust performance, positioning them well for the upcoming peak travel period.

With vaccination rates increasing and travel restrictions easing in many parts of the world, consumers are eager to resume travel plans, fueling the surge in demand.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. While travel within Europe and across the Atlantic remains strong, other regions present a more complex operating environment.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has dampened demand for certain destinations, while airspace restrictions resulting from geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have disrupted flight routes to East Asia.

Despite these hurdles, IAG remains resilient, banking on the strength of its core markets and the performance of its brands to weather the storm.

The company’s strategic positioning and proactive measures to adapt to changing circumstances have positioned it to capitalize on the rebound in travel demand.

As the summer season approaches, IAG is focused on ensuring operational readiness to meet the surge in passenger numbers.

With travelers eager to reconnect with loved ones, explore new destinations, and embark on long-awaited vacations, the airline group stands ready to facilitate safe and seamless travel experiences.

As vaccination campaigns progress and travel sentiment rebounds, IAG’s proactive approach and strategic investments position it as a key player in the aviation industry’s recovery journey. With optimism on the horizon, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending