The need for investment in the intellectual development of staff for the growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory has been canvassed by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mamoud.
The Minister made the call at the maiden edition of the FCTA book exhibition organised by the Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RC&SI).
A statement by the special adviser Austine Elemue quoted
Mahmoud to have identified books as windows to the world, offering insights, knowledge, and perspectives that transcend boundaries and time, stressing that the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated.

The Minister who was represented by the permanent secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Hajia Asma’u Mukhtar, called on the staff to equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges of the present situation and to enhance the value proposition to provide the needed services to the residents of the FCT.

“This book exhibition serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of learning and growth within our administrative framework.

“It is a reflection of our belief that investing in the intellectual development of our staff is not just a noble endeavor but a strategic imperative.

“The diverse array of books on display covers a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from public administration and governance to urban planning, sustainability, economics, and beyond.

“Each volume holds within its pages the potential to inspire, educate, and empower us to become better leaders, decision-makers, and agents of positive change,” she affirmed.

Speaking in the same vein, FCT Head of Service, Dr. Samuel Attang, said books have always been a cornerstone of knowledge and wisdom, and their role in shaping minds and societies is unparalleled. 

Represented by the Permanent Secretary Women Affairs, Mr. Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawale, the Head of Service said the theme of the exhibition; “Enhancing Intellectual Capacity for Effective Service Delivery” underscores the critical link between knowledge and performance.

According to him; “As public servants, educators, and community leaders, we understand that the quality of our service delivery is directly proportional to the depth of our understanding and the breadth of our skills.

“Intellectual capacity is not merely about acquiring information; it is about nurturing the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions that benefit our communities”.

He used the occasion to applaud the good leadership of the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for their developmental stride to make FCT a heaven on earth. 

Earlier, the Ag. Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvements, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, stressed that the exhibition was to enhance the professional capabilities of civil servants in line with the 6th Pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25).

She emphasised that by investing in intellectual development, civil servants would not only enrich themselves, but also enhance their value proposition as individuals and as an organization. 

In her words; “By embracing life long learning, we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead”.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has paid out the sum of N6,316,621,045.37 to the six area councils and other stakeholders as statutory allocation for the month of March, 2024.

Special Adviser on Media To FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue in a statement indicated that the March allocation is said to be 40 percent higher than the N3,938,092,102.92 paid out in the month of February, 2024.

According to the Statement the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting was presided over by FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who expressed satisfaction with the 40% increase.

She, urged the Area Council Authorities to carryout meaningful projects to justify the monthly allocation

“The allocation to the area councils as its stands today goes beyond payment of staff salaries. It is, therefore, expedient and instructive for the chairmen to carryout people orientated projects to justify the resources that goes to the councils”.

Thebbreakdown analyses of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicated that the sum of N3,814,043,951.50 was made available for disbursement to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,502,577,093.87 was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N6,316,621,045.37.

Similarly, distributions to the six area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N796,985,326.39, while Gwagwalada got N606,666,131.20 and Kuje received N635,903,823.41.

Other area councils which includede, Bwari Area Council received N598,406,880.71, Abaji got N564,901,838.77 while Kwali received N611,179,951.02, bringing the total sum to N3,814,043,951.50 disbursed to the six area councils.

On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders included Primary School Teachers which gulped N2,115,855,089.92, 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57, One percent Training Fund gulped N52,394,108.75, while 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63, bringing the total sum to N2,502,577,093.87.

Those present at the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting included 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 included 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.

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has promised to continue to support relevant agencies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to foster synergy aimed at boosting revenue generation in the FCT.

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Service, Mr Haruna Abdullahi gave the indication while handing over office furniture and desk computers to the Department of Development Control through the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) in Abuja.
Head, Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, in a statement in a statement quoted Abdullahi to have indicated that conversation has been ongoing with the Development Control in terms of how the Service could support them to enhance their operations and further strengthen the collaboration between the two organisations

“We feel it is high time we started, we have to begin, you know, baby step and this small number of computers we are about to present to you is nothing compared to what we intend to do and what our vision is for the Department of Development Control and other relevant agencies in the FCT . This is very little in terms of what we hope to be doing to boost revenue in the territory.

“We are glad to be here and it is also an opportunity to meet you personally to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the Coordinator AMMC” the chairman stated.

In his remarks, the AMMC Coordinator, Mr Felix Amechi Obua expressed appreciation to FCT-IRS for the kind gesture and pledged to continue working in synergy with the Service with a view to enhance revenue generation in the FCT.

Obua said he was delighted to receive the FCT-IRS team and also happy to be in partnership with an organisation like FCT Tax Authority adding that the donation of these items would go a long way in making their work easier for them.

Similarly, the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima
thanked the Service for fulfilling its promise and keeping to its words adding that the doors of the department are open for a continuous collaboration with FCT-IRS.

He said with the new leadership they currently have, he was certain that the revenue generation would be boosted stating that there were a lot of untapped resources at the satellite towns in the FCT that needed to be harnessed.

According to him, they have been challenged in terms of human and technological resources and with a collaboration like this, it will help in no small measure to boost their revenue and by extension enhance the revenue of the territory.