JUST IN: FG Stops ‘Repayment’ Of Paris Club Debt By States

Federal Government of Nigeria has agreed to stop further deductions from the accounts of state governments for repayment of Local Government Councils London/Paris Club obligations.

Gatekeepers News reports that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Aminu Tambuwal disclosed that the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed gave the promise of stoppage of the deductions.

He added that the Minister also promised to ensure the refund of what had been deducted before now.

While reading the communique, Tambuwal also announced the emergence of Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as the new Chairman of NGF.

He added that the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has also been announced as the Vice Chairman of NGF.

The communique reads: “Members were briefed by the Chairman of the forum that the Hon. Minister of Finance has granted the request of the forum to immediately stop further deductions from the accounts of States to meet Local Government Councils London Paris Club obligations and the monies so far deducted be paid back to the States.

“On the leadership of the forum, the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emerged the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum through a consensus, and the Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde is now the Vice-Chairman.

“Members expressed satisfaction with the success of the just concluded Induction for new and returning Governors that took place between 14 and 19 of May 2023. Members committed to sustained collaboration among the states through enhanced peer review, learning at the sub-national level and deepening the relationship with the Federal Government and other institutions.”