States Govs want $1b from excess crude account

There seems to be no hope that Nigeria’s fuel crisis will soon end.
The Federal Government has N100billion outstanding subsidy claims to settle, after paying N881billion this year as subsidy claims.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which lasted about five hours, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), with whom were Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Martins Elechi (Ebonyi) and Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shagari, said verification of claims by the suppliers was still ongoing.
On the governors request for $1billion (N157b) from the excess crude account in spite of the fact that both parties (Federal Government and states) agreed that the case should run full course at the Supreme Court, Shagari said the money is needed by states to offset some of their debts. He said some of the states are indebted to their contractors.
He however said a final decision has not been reached on the matter, adding that since the case is still before the Supreme Court, the Attorney General has been asked to advise the council on the request.
“It was agreed that the court issue should continue so as to finally lay the issue to rest and this should not be as a dispute between the Federal Government and states.”
On the external borrowing, the council asked states involved to appear before the National Assembly to defend their borrowing plans.
Fayemi also said council reassured states of the readiness of the Federal Government to reimburse them for rehabilitation of federal roads within their states.
According to Fayemi, payment to states will commence next year. He said all monies due the states will be paid.
He also said the verification has been concluded.
Also, Council approved the setting up of complementary security outfit.
Besides, the council warned against improper usage of number-plates.
For security reasons, the governors said council agreed that henceforth, “No one should drive around with an unidentified number plates.”
The decisions was reached after receiving briefing from the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, on the establishment of security outfits in the states as part of measures to improve security in the country.
Council also urged security agencies to procure tracking equipment to support their operation.
Fayemi said the NSA and the Council had extensive discussions on abuse of siren by security personnel by government officials, with council urging the Office of NSA to proceed to collaborate with states and expedite action on stopping the use of siren.
Council also urged states to submit preliminary plan on grazing land to curb clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
It endorsed Nigeria’s centenary celebration.
The celebration which will commenc early next year will end early 2014.
Council agreed to set up a committee on multiple taxation on telecommunication services.
Members are: governor of Gombe as chairman, governors of Kwara, Oyo, Abia, Edo, vice chairman NCC, minister of communication Technology, FIRS and four members each of telecom operators.
It also endorsed the building of a national broadband and ICT infrastructure.