FG recovers N5.2trn from 10 MDAs via project lighthouse

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The federal government has successfully retrieved a total of N5.2 trillion in aggregate debt from 10 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its ‘Project Lighthouse Programme.’ Aisha Omar, the Director of Special Projects at the Ministry of Finance, shared this information during a one-day sensitization program held in Gombe State for the North-East Geopolitical Zone. She explained that this debt recovery initiative utilized big data analytics technology, which identified the debts owed by over 5,000 debtors across ten MDAs. The primary objective of Project Lighthouse is to leverage advanced data technology to block revenue loopholes, discover new revenue opportunities, optimize existing revenue streams, especially those related to non-oil revenue, and enhance fiscal transparency. This initiative’s essence lies in recovering debts owed to the Federal Government by both individuals and companies through the capabilities of Project Lighthouse’s engine.

Bridget Molokwu, Deputy Director of the Special Projects Department at the Ministry, spoke on behalf of the director and explained that the system used in the Project Lighthouse Programme collects, integrates, and analyzes data from revenue-generating agencies. This data analysis provides valuable insights for making improved decisions regarding debt recovery. The project’s significance lies in its ability to leverage big data technology for several purposes: preventing revenue loopholes, identifying new revenue opportunities, optimizing existing revenue streams, particularly those unrelated to oil, and enhancing fiscal transparency.

Molokwu revealed that many companies and individuals who owed government agencies and failed to fulfill their obligations were still receiving payments, mainly through government platforms like GIFMIS and the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This occurred due to a lack of visibility over these transactions.

She further elaborated that the debts encompassed various forms, such as debt liabilities to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), refunds to the government from companies that did not deliver on projects despite payment, unpaid credit facilities granted to both corporate entities and individuals by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA), judgment debts in favor of the government, and debts owed to the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) by insurance companies, among others.

Molokwu emphasized that debt recovery efforts would reduce the country’s indebtedness, enable tracking of daily revenue generation, provide an accurate profile of the debt recovery portfolio, and help in preventing revenue leaks and loopholes. The Project Lighthouse initiative has been instrumental in this recovery process.

Abraham Atteh, the Project Consultant, explained that the program’s primary goal is to track, retrieve, and recover government debts. He added that with this initiative, every entity engaging in business with the government would be responsible for paying their debts to the government. Systems will be implemented to address any potential loopholes created by these entities. Atteh also highlighted that the government is actively deploying various technologies to recover debts owed by private and corporate entities, with a commitment to tracking these debtors using existing technology.

8.
MTN Nigeria has been designated as the exclusive telecommunications partner for NPFL Live.

After the recent announcement of the joint venture between Nigeria Premier League Ltd, GTI, and Propel Sports Africa to livestream Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) games, Propel Sports has now partnered with MTN Nigeria for the exclusive broadcast of these games on mobile devices within the MTN Network. This collaboration will bring eight live games each weekend to viewers, totaling over 300 games per season.

Basil Kabbani, Chairman of Propel Sports Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, particularly highlighting MTN’s professionalism and enthusiasm for NPFL content. The deal, facilitated by Propel Sports Africa President Edward Simons and MTN Chief Operating Officer Hassan Jabar, will include real-time in-game and post-game highlights delivered to MTN subscribers through the NPFL Live OTT platform.

Victor Okobi, Propel Sports Africa’s in-Country Director, emphasized the significance of partnering with MTN to showcase Nigerian soccer on NPFL-Live.

Hassan Jaber, Chief Operating Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasized their commitment to sports development in Nigeria, expressing confidence that this partnership will positively impact the reception and appreciation of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

GTI’s Group Managing Director, Abubakar Lawal, praised the partnership’s potential to elevate the NPFL on a global scale and create value for all stakeholders in the football ecosystem.

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of NPFL, expressed excitement about the partnership’s potential to enhance the league’s visibility and engagement. He noted the shared commitment to bringing football excitement closer to millions of Nigerians, promising an elevated viewing experience for football enthusiasts nationwide.

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