Headlines
NCC denies incurring N17bn deficit in 2021 budget
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied incurring a deficit of N17 billion by allegedly spending N35.2 billion on personnel costs and consultancy fees.
KANO FOCUS reports that NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Muoka said that the commission was concerned with the inability of an online publication to accurately interpret the contents of its 2021 Annual Reports which had been made public.
He said, as a result, the publication gave a wrong impression that the commission incurred a N17 billion deficit, saying: ”This is far from the truth.
“Though the statement of the financial performance of the commission for the period ended December 2021, clearly indicates that the sum of N17.3 billion was a surplus/deficit retained for the period).
“This does not imply that the commission incurred a cash deficit as the expenditures in its financials were both in cash and accruals applicable to the year.
“If the publication had inquired of the constituents of our expenditures, it would have learnt that the expenditures for the year 2021 included accruals for items undergoing procurement at the end of the year.
“Like the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative, (SABI), being implemented by the commission which was standing in the sum of about N24 billion in the financial report,” he said.
Mouka said that the commission also remitted an Operating Surplus/Spectrum Fees of estimated N197.7 billion to the Federal Government under the same Financial Performance Reporting period.
He said the cmmission had a bank balance of about N46.97 billion, erasing any doubt that there was any deficit spending.
Mouka added: “The commission, therefore, disclaims the wrong impression created by the online publication and subsequent misinterpretation of our financial report in the publication may have had in the minds of the public and stakeholders.
“The commission reiterates its commitment to the effective and transparent processes in all its regulatory, management and financial activities.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
