By Stanley Onyekwere
The FCT Administration has disbursed the sum of N6,316,621,045.37 billion to the six area councils and other stakeholders as statutory allocation for the month of March, 2024.
The amount represent geometric increase of approximately 40 percent when compared to N3,938,092,102.92 billion shared in the month of February, 2024.
However, a breakdown of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicates that the sum of N3,814,043,951.50billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,502,577,093.87billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N6,316,621,045.37billion.
Similarly, distributions to the six area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N796,985,326.39million, while Gwagwalada got N606,666,131.20million and Kuje received N635,903,823.41million.
Other area councils include, Bwari Area Council which received N598,406,880.71million, Abaji got N564,901,838.77million while Kwali received N611,179,951.02million, bringing the total sum to N3,814,043,951.50billion disbursed to the six area councils.
On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders include: Primary School Teachers which gulped N2,115,855,089.92billion, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57million, One percent Training Fund gulped N52,394,108.75million, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63million, bringing the total sum to N2,502,577,093.87billion.
Those present at the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting include the Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy to FCT Minister of State, Dr. Abdullahi Isa Kauramata, Mandate Secretary Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Bitrus Garki, Permanent Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Dr. Olusa Olusegun, Ag. Director of Funds, Mr. Muhammed Aris, Commissioner FCT Revenue Mobilization Fiscal Allocation Commission, Hon. Ismail Ajaka and the representative of the Accountant General’s Office, Mr. Muhmud Nasiri.
Others include the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Maikalagun, Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya and representatives of the chairmen of Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Council amongst others.
According to the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who presided over the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), expressed satisfaction over the increase.
She, therefore, urged the Area Council Authorities to justify the monthly allocation by embarking on meaningful projects.
Mahmoud said; “the allocation to the area councils as its stands today goes beyond payment of staff salaries. It is, therefore, high time for the chairmen to embark on people orientated projects to justify the resources that goes to the councils”.
