By Nse Anthony-Uko
(Sundiata Post) — The Federal Ministry of Finance on Tuesday cleared the air on the $2.689 billion Paris Club refund approved for the 36 States of the Federation.
The statement, however, failed to mention controversies surrounding rumours that it recently made additional but discriminatory release of funds to Osun State Government where governorship election is holding next weekend.
The Ministry, in a statement signed by Director (Information, Mr Hassan Dodo, said that that only 50 per cent of claims made by as approved by President Mohammadu Buhari under the Paris Club Refund approved for the 36 States of the Federation.
Recall that the issue of Paris Club loan over-deduction had been a long standing dispute between the Federal Government and the State Governments which dated back to the period of 1995 to 2002.
“In response to the dispute, President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the claims of over-deduction should be formally and individually reconciled by the Debt Management Office (DMO). This reconciliation commenced in November 2016.”
It noted that as an interim measure to alleviate the financial challenges of the States during the 2016 recession, the President had approved that fifty percent (50%) of the amounts claimed by States be paid to enable the States clear salary and pension arrear, which was released between 1st December, 2016 and 29th September, 2017 and formed part of the Government’s fiscal stimulus to ensure the financial health of Sub-National Governments.
“The Ministry further said the DMO led the reconciliation process under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance and
the final approval of US$2.689 billion is subject to the following conditions:
(i) Salary and staff related arrears must be paid as a priority;
(ii) Commitment to the commencement of the repayment of Budget Support Loans granted in 2016, to be made by all States;
(iii) Clearing of amounts due to the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative,
(iv) Commitment to clear matching grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) where some States have available funds which could be used to improve primary education and learning outcomes.
The payment of the approved amount is to be made in phased tranches to the States.”