Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has solicited the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria towards the establishment of a Security Trust Fund aimed at boosting the fight against crime in the Territory.
Speaking when the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele paid him a visit in his office at the weekend, the minister said that the apex bank could assist the FCTA in the area of working out a good financial framework for the operation of the trust fund.
Senator Bala said that the CBN could assist through the window of its corporate social responsibilities, adding that the administration is already taking measures towards establishing its own Internal Revenue Board. He said that when operational, the board would enable FCT to float bonds as part of measures to strengthen it to operate the security trust fund.
“I know the CBN has been the front runner in terms of giving corporate social assistance so that people will sleep with their eyes closed. We are doing so well and we want to make sure we establish an institution that will access funds from security services.”
He said that with such method, his administration would be in good stead to lend its support to security organizations so that they can provide effective surveillance, monitoring and closed circuit television (CCTV) networking.
He added that the security protocol would be such that corporate institutions and individuals are supposed to comply with.
Senator Bala said that the FCT Administration would approach the CBN for the needed support once the security protocol is approved “so that you can see visible areas and we will establish a trust fund that you will be part and parcel of. “We must leverage on your presence in our capital to maximally benefit from your generosity and economic buoyancy that you are associated with.”
Emefiele had earlier commended the Minister for providing a conducive environment for the apex bank to operate.
He said that since he resumed as CBN Governor five and half months ago, he had witnessed a lot of transformational developments across the FCT.
According to him, there are certain projects that the CBN is doing in Abuja apart from banking transaction and services.
“I want to thank you for the excellent job you have been doing. As the Governor and Mayor of Abuja, you have transformed the city. You have ensured that the growth of Abuja is in line with the master plan.”
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