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House Committee Slams Communications Ministry over Inefficient Budget Preparation
The House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications yesterday took a swipe at the Ministry of Communications for its inefficiency in the preparation of the documents on the Ministry’s 2017 Budget performance and 2018 budget projection.
The Committee which was on an oversight visit to the Ministry decline further discussions on the presentation after some of its members discovered many irregularities in figures quoted in the scanty documents meant to explain the performance of last year’s budget as well as the 2018 budgetary projections.
After the Minister, Barrister Adebayo Shittu made his presentation, a member of the Committee, Hon. Anayo Edward faulted his claim that the 2018 revenue projection of One Billion, Three Hundred Million Naira (N1,300,000,000) doubled the revenue projection in the preceding year which was Six Hundred Million Naira (N600,000,000).
The minister had said that “it is projected that revenue generation from sale of forms, spectrum licenses and renewal fees and other sources in 2018 would rise to about N1,300,000,000 (One Billion Three Hundred Million Naira), twice the size of last year because of the envisaged installation of Radio Monitoring Equipment”
Hon. Anayo said it was wrong to say the 2018 revenue projection doubled that of 2017 because the difference between the two figures is more than half. He said such assertion is misleading.
Another member, Hon Abiodun Awoleye pointed out lack of correlation in figures on pages of a document served members while he also criticized non-clarity of some of the figures quoted.
Hon.Kehinde Odeneye queried the ministry for not stating the status of the Rural Telephone Project for which money was appropriated in last year’s budget, adding that the minister did not specify where the projects are located and if they are working.
Two other members were not comfortable with irregularities in figures quoted on pages of another document presented.
Hon Anayo asked the chairman to discontinue the presentation because it is against parliamentary procedure to work on an incorrect or uncompleted document because doing so will be efforts in futility. He urged his colleagues to reject the plea by the Committee chairman, Hon Saheed Fijabi that the Minister should be given the chance to answer questions raised by members.
Hon. Awoleye who specifically pointed that this would not be the first time the Ministry will be making an un-coordinated presentation and submitting incorrect documents to the Committee added that it would be wrong for the Committee to entertain further comments on the presentation. Rather, he supported the suggestion by Hon. Anayo that the Ministry make a re-presentation.
On his own part, Hon. Odeneye said it is amazing that in a few pages documents, almost ten errors were detected. He said it is wrong for members to be making corrections on the document, rather, he said the ministry should correct the documents and re-present them during budget defence at the National Assembly.
Apparently arm-strung by his members’ decisions, the chairman, Hon. Fijabi succumbed to members request for a re-presentation. He said, “I think there would not be any room for the discussion of the document based on irregularities discovered. Like my members have said, I think the ministry has to correct the documents and present it again during the budget defense.
“ As I said earlier, our visit is a basic parliamentary one in furtherance of our duty to look into the books of the ministry. We are here to perform our duty, nobody is here to witch hunt anybody”, he stated.
Admitting the errors and taking full responsibility for the irregularities, Barr. Shittu on behalf of the ministry apologized to the House Committee, saying that there was no justification for the inefficiency.
The minister said, “I want to apologise on behalf of the Ministry. I want to take full responsibility for these mistakes and want to assure you that we will put our house in order.
“I want to assure you that before the end of this week, we must have made necessary corrections present a correct document to the office of the Committee chairman”, he promised.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggages
Michael Achimugu, director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos.
Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The NCAA said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
eTranzact International Plc has called for increased adoption of digital payment solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying access to technology is critical to improving business efficiency, financial inclusion and growth.
The company also said it was deepening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand digital access and financial literacy among small businesses across the country.
In a statement, the Divisional Head, Merchant Services, eTranzact, Mrs. Abimbola Reis, stated this at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement in Lagos recently, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs Leveraging on Fintech Innovation.”
Reis described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector comprises almost 40 million businesses and contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation.
However, she said many businesses continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inefficient payment systems, weak financial reporting, cash-flow constraints and inadequate access to digital platforms.
She added that trust concerns also affect businesses’ ability to access finance, while heavy reliance on cash increases exposure to theft and makes payment reconciliation more difficult.
Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Prof. Yinka Fisher said the town hall was aimed at generating practical ideas and solutions that would support the growth and expansion of MSMEs.
“The essence of this engagement is to share ideas and concepts that will help MSMEs thrive and expand. Our partnership with eTranzact is about expanding the frontiers of MSMEs and ensuring they continue to grow,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Praise Adedigba said businesses could no longer depend solely on hard work to remain competitive.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
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