Business

FG Launches Project Phoenix To Enhance Revenue Generation

Published

2 weeks ago

September 29, 2024

Joel Ajayi

In its renewed determination to revitalize the nation’s economy, the Federal Government has launched Project Phoenix, a transformative initiative designed to enhance revenue generation and collection in the lottery and gaming sector

In an inaugural meeting of the Joint Committee for the implementation of the Revenue Assurance Platform (RAP), which will oversee reforms in Nigeria’s lottery and gaming sector, presided by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun in Abuja today, informed that Project Phoenix aims to establish a transparent and efficient revenue collection system that maximizes government earnings and protects citizens from fraud.

The project will also strengthen regulation, ensure compliance, recover outstanding revenues from operators, and implement advanced monitoring systems to safeguard consumers.

The project’s key deliverables include the successful implementation of the Revenue Assurance Platform (RAP), recovery of outstanding revenues, and policy recommendations to further improve the sector.

In his remarks during the meeting, the Honourable Minister emphasized the importance of boosting domestic resources to support Nigeria’s economy and social programmes.

He explained that the lottery and gaming sector, through RAP, will ensure transparent revenue collection while protecting consumers from fraudulent activities.

HM Edun, therefore, urged all committee members to work collaboratively, assuring them of the government’s support in achieving the project’s goals.

As Nigeria’s gaming sector is poised for growth, this initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Thus, with Project Phoenix, Nigeria is taking a significant step towards harnessing the potential of the lottery and gaming industry to drive socio- economic development of the country.

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Business

Traditional Council Pillars of Stability and Development – RMAFC Chairman

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Chairman Revenue Allocation Mobilization And Fiscal Commission Mohamed Bello Shehu OFR, has described the traditional rulers as not only the custodians of tradition and culture but Pillars of Stability and Development in Nigeria.

The Chairman made this remark when some traditional rulers from Nasarawa State, led by His Royal Highness Abdullahi Amegwa, the Osana of Keana paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

He said, ” Prior to the colonial era, the system of government that existed in Nigeria was controlled by the traditional rulers in our various societies. The remarkable role they played not only as custodians of culture and traditions but also as development agents in various societies that formed what is known as Nigeria today can not be overemphasized. “

He therefore stressed the need to recognise the rightful position of the royal fathers and accord them a better role that will enable them to perform optimaly.

According to Shehu ” We did not get things right with the Local Government (LG) reforms of 1976 and we did not get it right with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as ammended) but I only hope and pray that the present attempt at reforming the Constitution will place a bigger role on the traditional rulers and be able to also find a way not only to fund it but to sustain it so that they will be able to hold the society together as they have done over the years”.

Earlier, Dr. Samson Gamu Yare, the Chun Mada of Akwanga who spoke on behalf of the leader of the delegation, disclosed that the inter – face with the Commission emanated from the deliberation of the Council of Chiefs in Nasarawa State, which was endorsed by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule .

He explained that they were in the Commission to request that the 5% of the allocation to local governments, which is constitutionally approved for traditional councils, should be deducted from the source and allocated directly to the respective traditional rulers to ensure proper accountability and compliance.

The royal father said, “Even with the improvement in statutory allocation, the 5 percent allocated to Traditional Councils has continued to experience decline and that for us is a serious concern. This called for the interface and pleading from the traditional council for the commission to consider deducting the 5% charge from the source and disbursing it to the traditional councils.

“Past experiences show that the Modus operandi of deductions where any kind of formular is applied with regard to the implementation strategy is unacceptable. “

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the resilience and courage to identify with the grass root to ensure that the third tier of government is given its rightful place of pride following the Supreme Court ruling, which granted financial autonomy to Local governments as provided in the constitution of Nigeria.

He also congratulated the Chairman of the Commission and the Hon. Members for being found worthy to serve the Country in this capacity.

Speaking on the issue, some Members and Directors of the Commission at the occasion emphasised the need for clear a policy on the deduction and allocation of the 5% entitlement to the traditional councils.

After an exhaustive deliberation, the royal fathers were advised to formally write a letter to the Presidential Committee on Local Government Autonomy and copy the Commission for actionable recommendation to the Committee.

Other members of the delegation were His Royal Highness, Mahmoud Umar Bwalla, the Sangarin Shabu and His Royal Highness, Pham. Luka Panya Baba, the Esu Karu.

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