News

Plateau: Shock as Gov Mutfwang Inherits N1.1Billion, with N11Billion unpaid salaries

Published

3 years ago

June 12, 2023

vicky

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has raised alarm over the dire financial situation he inherited upon assuming office, revealing that the state government had a meager 1.1 billion naira in its coffers while facing a staggering 11 billion naira in unpaid salaries.

Governor Mutfwang made these remarks during a Democracy Day program organized by the Plateau Radio Television Corporation in collaboration with the office of the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor. The event, titled “Unpacking the Time is Now Vision of HE Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang,” took place at the PRTV TV Studio in Rayfield, Jos on June 12, 2023.

In his address, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the significant role played by Plateau State in Nigeria’s democratic history, from the time of Chief Solomon Lar to the nominations of MKO Abiola and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. However, he lamented that the state had deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers in recent years, necessitating the “Time is Now” campaign mantra during the election.

The governor highlighted the pressing challenges facing the civil service, stating that out of the 2.9 billion naira wage bill for February 2023, only 900 million naira had been paid. He disclosed that the state currently owed salaries amounting to 11 billion naira, while inheriting a mere 1.1 billion naira in government funds.

Governor Mutfwang expressed his commitment to finding solutions to these financial difficulties, stating that he refrained from pressuring workers to return to their duties until he could secure sufficient funds to pay a portion of their salaries. He assured the public that with the help of God, the situation would improve by the end of the month, enabling the payment of stipends to workers.

The governor also highlighted the shocking revelation that no security meetings had been held in the state for the past year, which he believed contributed to the recent upsurge in insecurity. He reassured citizens that he had discussed the security challenges with President Tinubu and pledged to revamp the security apparatus in Plateau State.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized the need for unity and bridge-building among communities, irrespective of tribe or faith, as the state grappled with poverty and underdevelopment. He pledged to prioritize the revitalization of the Agricultural Service and Training Centre (ASTC) to boost Agriculture and internally generated revenue.

The governor further addressed recent developments, including the dissolution of local government chairmen in the state, which he stated was an intervention made in good faith following the advice of the State House of Assembly. He also mentioned the suspension of recent recruitments by the previous administration, with ongoing investigations to ensure adherence to legal procedures.

Governor Mutfwang concluded by announcing plans to launch a Plateau rebranding project later in the year, aimed at showcasing the beauty of the state and attracting investment.

As Governor Mutfwang grapples with the financial challenges and security issues plaguing Plateau State, the public remains hopeful that his administration will take decisive action to address these pressing concerns and bring about positive change.

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News

NPFL: VAR Is Not A Luxury, Technology Is Taking Over – Avonda Richard

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 11 06 at 8.02.51 PM.jpeg

Avonda Richard, an ardent supporter of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) based in Ogba, Lagos State, has called for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the domestic league, insisting that Nigeria must embrace modern football technology to improve officiating and strengthen the credibility of its football competitions.

Speaking during Sports247’s Let’s The Fans Talk programme, Richard expressed concerns over the standard of refereeing in Nigerian football, acknowledging the efforts of match officials while pointing out the challenges affecting their performance, particularly inadequate training and facilities.

“To be honest, the Nigerian officiating sometimes is really, really poor. But I must also give it to them; they are trying their best,” Richard said.

He argued that some referees lack the necessary professional training and access to adequate facilities to prepare them for the demands of the game, stressing that officiating should be treated as a serious profession that requires proper development and continuous education.

Richard maintained that introducing VAR into the NPFL would help reduce officiating errors and bring Nigerian football closer to the standards of other competitive leagues.

“VAR is not a luxury because technology is taking over. So VAR is something that Nigeria needs to introduce in the Nigerian Premier League,” he stated.

Beyond the introduction of technology, Richard also called for improved television coverage of the domestic league, noting that Nigerian football deserves greater visibility and should be accessible to supporters in the same way they follow major European competitions.

“We should be having a Nigerian professional league that people can watch, just like when we watch Premier League, Italy and Germany on the screen,” he added.

He believes that increased broadcast coverage would attract more attention to the NPFL, create greater awareness among football supporters and encourage accountability within the league.

Richard’s comments highlight the growing conversation around the need for improved refereeing standards, investment in modern technology and greater visibility for Nigerian football as the NPFL continues to seek stronger recognition within African football.

Business

CBN issues regulations for non-security virtual assets, effective November 5,

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The apex regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday issued regulations for the Operations of Non-Security Virtual Assets in Nigeria, setting out a framework for licensing, regulating and supervising stablecoins, virtual asset service providers and related activities.

According to a circular to virtual asset service providers and stakeholders in the financial services industry, the apex bank said the regulations are meant to promote responsible innovation, strengthen the integrity of the Nigerian financial system and provide an appropriate framework for emerging digital payment instruments.

The CBN said the regulations are issued under the CBN Act, 2007, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and other applicable laws. It described them as a comprehensive, risk-based framework covering the licensing, authorisation, regulation, supervision and oversight of non-security virtual assets in Nigeria.

The framework covers stablecoins, Deposit Money Tokens, virtual asset service providers, virtual asset payment services, platform-facilitated peer-to-peer services, and custody, transfer, remittance, clearing and settlement activities.

The regulations also set requirements on the classification and designation of regulated tokens and activities, and on the licensing of issuers and providers of non-security virtual asset services. Other areas covered include capital, reserve-backing, liquidity and redemption; corporate governance, risk management and internal controls; and technology risk, cybersecurity and operational resilience.

They further address the safeguarding of reserve and customer assets; customer protection, disclosures and complaints management; and anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing obligations. Sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, counterparty due diligence, regulatory reporting, supervisory access, information sharing, enforcement, administrative sanctions and orderly wind-down arrangements are also included.

The CBN said the regulations apply to persons carrying out regulated activities in or from Nigeria, those directing such activities at persons in Nigeria, and those whose activities may materially affect the country’s payments system, financial system, foreign exchange market or financial stability. They may apply whether or not the person has a physical presence in Nigeria.

The apex bank said the regulations do not displace the statutory mandate of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other competent authority. Activities involving security virtual assets, securities, investment contracts or other capital-market products remain subject to the capital-market regulatory framework. Where an activity involves both non-security virtual assets and matters under another authority’s mandate, approvals must be obtained from each competent authority.

All affected institutions, issuers, service providers, operators, promoters and other stakeholders are required to familiarise themselves with the regulations and comply fully with the applicable requirements.

The regulations take effect from November 5, 2026. The circular was issued by the CBN’s Payments System Policy Department.

The post CBN issues regulations for non-security virtual assets, effective November 5, appeared first on Business Today NG.