By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A nationwide data verification exercise to review the factors and proxies used in the sharing of revenue among states and local governments has commenced.

The revenue allocation framework initiative is being conducted by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The goal is to ensure that the distribution of national resources accurately reflects the current socio-economic realities across the federation, a statement signed by the organisation’s Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Ms Maryam Umar Yusuf, stated.

In the statement issued on Thursday, the chairman of the commission, Mr Mohammed Bello Shehu, was said to have posited that the exercise would strengthen fiscal federalism and enhance national development planning across the country.

According to him, credible and verified data remains the foundation of a fair and sustainable revenue allocation system.

“The commission is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework reflects the realities on the ground. Accurate data is the backbone of fairness, equity, and national cohesion.

“This nationwide exercise represents our determination to build a more transparent and responsive revenue distribution system that serves the interests of all Nigerians,” he noted.

Mr Shehu urged the state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to provide full cooperation to the agency’s verification teams, emphasising that the outcomes of the programme will have far-reaching implications for national planning, fiscal management, and balanced regional development across the federation.

As part of its nationwide rollout strategy, it has scheduled region-by-region data verification exercises across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The exercise will involve systematic collection, validation, and reconciliation of critical socio-economic and infrastructural data used in determining revenue allocation indices for horizontal revenue sharing.

It was disclosed that the focus would be on key indicators like education and health provision, internal revenue generation capacity, and infrastructure development across the states and local government areas.

Stakeholder engagement sessions will also be conducted in each state to ensure transparency, build trust, and promote collaborative participation among government agencies and local communities.

Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework relies on specific indices, including those of population, landmass, infrastructure, and socio-economic development indicators, all of which must be periodically reviewed to reflect changing realities.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu, has been congratulated by President Bola Tinubu on his 65th birthday.

In a statement released by the State House, the former Governor of Abia State was praised for his multifaceted roles and his service to the nation.

Mr Tinubu said his longtime friend and political ally has worked for the growth of Nigeria, having served as the Senate Chief Whip and currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

The SEDC is one of the regional development commissions established by the administration of President Tinubu to accelerate infrastructure, economic growth, and overall development across the South East geopolitical zone.

The President highlighted the lawmaker’s significant contributions during his tenure as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, as well as his continued dedication to the progress of the state and the nation at large.

He also acknowledged Mr Kalu’s accomplishments in the private sector, describing him as a media mogul and Chairman of SLOK Holding, who continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development.

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s vision, resilience, industry and service to the nation and commitment to the progress of Abia are noteworthy,” President Tinubu remarked.

“I wish him long life, greater strength and increased wisdom as he continues his service to the nation,” the President concluded.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed Paradise Estate in Life Camp Extension, Abuja, following serious allegations of consumer rights violations.

The action was taken due to the estate’s alleged failure to deliver housing units to buyers despite receiving full payment.

The FCCPC also cited multiple public complaints and other offences as grounds for the enforcement.

According to the commission, numerous complaints had been lodged against Paradise Estate, but the management repeatedly failed to comply with regulatory directives.

The non-compliance prompted the FCCPC’s visitation and eventual sealing of the premises.

Speaking to reporters, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance, Marvin Nadah, noted that the developer was given a seven-day window to respond to an official summons but failed to comply.

In its defence, Paradise Homes’ Head of Legal, Mr Aloysius Ezenwa, argued that the transactions were protected under the existing “Contract of Sale.” The company expressed its dissatisfaction with the sealing, maintaining that the dispute is a contractual matter that should be settled before a tribunal.

However, the FCCPC maintained that its actions were lawful and that it had not been served with any court appeal to halt the process.

The commission reiterated its stance on prioritising the rights of Nigerian consumers and ensuring developers are held accountable.

It noted its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices and warned other real estate developers to adhere strictly to contractual obligations and consumer protection laws.

The FCCPC’s involvement in a housing complaint comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the organisation has the powers to investigate consumers’ complaints involving banks and other financial institutions.

The banks, the court ruled, are answerable to FCCPC. It dismissed a suit filed by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and slammed N2 million on it.

The decision has been described as a big win for bank customers.

In a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs Director, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s chief executive, Mr Tunji Bello, said, “This is a big victory for bank customers.”