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Appeal Court refuses bail for ex-FCTA director jailed for N319m fraud

The Court of Appeal has rejected bail application of Mr. Garba Mohammed Dukku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for the diversion of public funds amounting to approximately N319 million.

Mr. Dukku had approached the Court of Appeal seeking to be admitted to bail pending the determination of his appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to a total of 24 years imprisonment for corruption and money laundering offences, J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC, said in a statement on Thursday.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the Appellant/Applicant failed to show any exceptional circumstance to warrant the exercise of the Court’s discretion in granting bail pending appeal.

The Court consequently refused the application.

The Court, however, granted an accelerated hearing of the substantive appeal in order to ensure the expeditious determination of the matter.

Mr. Dukku was convicted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on six counts bordering on corruption and money laundering.

The ICPC had told the court during trial that between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Dukku fraudulently diverted a total sum of N318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account in various tranches, including N56.25 million, N71 million, N53 million, N54 million, N46 million, and N36.3 million.

The Commission further proved that the diverted funds were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.

Although Dukku claimed during trial that the funds were handed over to his superiors, the Court dismissed the defence for lack of credible evidence and held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho consequently sentenced the convict to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, amounting to a total jail term of 24 years.

The court also imposed an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount involved in each count, totaling approximately N1.6 billion.

‘The ICPC welcomes the decision of the Court of Appeal refusing bail pending appeal and views it as a reaffirmation of the principle that applications for such relief must be supported by exceptional and compelling circumstances.

‘The Commission remains resolute in its commitment to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the protection of public resources from abuse and misappropriation,’ Odey said in the statement

Budget Minister reaffirms FG’s commitment to Agri-food system transformation

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agrifood system through stronger collaboration, institutional reforms, science-driven agriculture and increased private-sector investment to achieve national food security and reduce poverty.

Speaking during the second biannual meeting of the Agrifood Systems Working Group (ASWG), convened by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, Bagudu commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for leading the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026-2035.

He noted that the continental framework aligned with Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to building a resilient and inclusive food system.

The Minister of Budget stressed that although the African Union’s agricultural agenda runs from 2026 to 2035, food security remains central to Nigeria’s development agenda and is enshrined in the Constitution, which describes agriculture as a shared responsibility of the Federal, State and Local Governments within the country’s cooperative federal system.

Bagudu highlighted the scale of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, disclosing that the country has more than 42 million agricultural households, predominantly smallholder family farms, which he described as the backbone of the nation’s food system.

He said supporting these households to become more productive and profitable remained critical to ensuring food security, generating surplus production, reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth.

‘The success of Nigeria’s food system depends on empowering our millions of farming households with the support, technology, financing and market opportunities they need to produce more efficiently and improve their incomes,’ he said.

According to a statement by the minister’s media team, Bagudu reiterated the strategic importance of agriculture and cited key institutional reforms, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the integration of fisheries into the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to strengthen specialised interventions across the agricultural value chain.

He also highlighted ongoing government initiatives to de-risk agriculture, including increased support for the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), to expand agricultural financing, improve land development and promote climate-resilient farming practices.

Bagudu emphasised that agriculture must no longer be seen solely as the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, describing it as a sector that requires coordinated contributions from science, technology, finance, women, youth, research institutions and the private sector.

He underscored the need to modernise agricultural production through innovation and scientific research, noting that improved technology would increase productivity and profitability while attracting greater investment into the sector.

Describing Nigeria’s agricultural sector as predominantly private-sector-driven, the minister said government policies were focused on creating an enabling environment that allowed farmers and agribusinesses to thrive, while ensuring coordinated support across all levels of government.

Bagudu further called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address domestic and global challenges affecting food systems, including rising fertiliser and energy costs driven by international conflicts, as well as trade distortions that threaten local agricultural production through subsidised imports.

While acknowledging that security challenges had affected agricultural productivity in parts of the country, he said significant progress had been made in restoring farming activities in previously affected communities, particularly in the North-East, where improved harvests demonstrated the resilience of Nigerian farmers.

State Police: Reps set to consider constitution review report today

House of Representatives is expected to take a major step towards establishing State Police Services in Nigeria during Thursday’s plenary, as lawmakers prepare to consider the Constitution Review Committee’s report on the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution.

The report, which seeks to alter the Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and other related matters, was formally laid before the House during Wednesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Ahead of Thursday’s consideration, Hon. Kalu invited members of the Constitution Review Committee to an emergency meeting in his conference room shortly after plenary, a move believed to be aimed at fine-tuning the committee’s position before the report comes up for debate and possible adoption by the House.

The proposed legislation initiated by the Presidency is one of the most significant constitutional amendment bills before the 10th session of the National Assembly, as it seeks to decentralise policing by creating State Police Services alongside the existing federal policing structure.

The report follows extensive deliberations by the Constitution Review Committee, which earlier this week harmonised its position with the Senate’s version of the proposed State Police legislative framework.

After formally opening its meeting on Monday, the committee recessed into an executive session to review the Senate’s report and resolve outstanding issues regarding the proposed constitutional amendments.

With the report now before the House, lawmakers are expected to carry out clause-by-clause consideration of the Committee’s recommendations during Thursday’s plenary before deciding on the proposed constitutional amendment.

Further details are expected as proceedings unfold on the floor of the House.

ABSE 2026: Analysts push PPP model for airport renewal

STAKEHOLDERS in aviation industry have said the future of the nation’s airports depends on em-bracing well-structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Speaking at Airport Business Summit, held in Lagos, they insisted that government alone can no longer fund or manage airports to meet global standards.

A former Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Richard Aisue-beogun, described airport concession as ‘inevitable’ if Nigeria is to modernise its airports, attract investment and turn them into engines of growth.

Drawing lessons from Europe and Latin America, Aisuebeogun said airports perform better when run as commercial enterprises under carefully regulated concessions.

He noted that private operators bring in capital, assume investment risks and introduce global best practices, while government retains its role as regulator.

According to him, ‘airports are strategic national assets, but they must be managed as business-es’ to improve efficiency, customer service and national economic development.

The position was reinforced by Chief Operating Officer, of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Mr. Remi Jibodu, who warned that the future of airport development is no longer about bigger terminals, but smarter ones.

He said technology-driven airports, powered by artificial intelligence, facial recognition and smart security, will reduce congestion, improve passenger experience and boost revenue.

Mr. Jibodu stressed that stronger public-private partnerships are essential to deliver such trans-formation.

Also speaking, Regional General Manager, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, (NAIA) Abuja, Mr. Ahmed Danjuma, represented by the International Airport Manager, NAIA, Alhaji Abdullahi Lawal, identified ageing infrastructure, inadequate funding, cybersecurity threats, climate dis-ruptions and growing passenger demand as major obstacles confronting airport operations.

He maintained that greater investment, digital transformation and public-private partnerships are critical to building resilient and competitive airports.

Eradiri replies Abati, defends Wike’s performance

A former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has dismissed criticism of his positive assessment of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

He insisted that the minister’s performance speaks for itself and has exposed the shortcomings of many governors.

Eradiri was responding to comments by veteran journalist and television presenter, Dr. Reuben Abati, who questioned the favourable rating that Eradiri gave Wike.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new IYC executive council, Eradiri argued that his position was based on measurable development and not personal sentiment.

He said: ‘I think Reuben Abati was more emotional, probably because of his relationship with Wike. The truth is that I am a man who stands for development. I stand for action. I like people who do their job.’

The former IYC president applauded Wike’s ongoing inauguration and commissioning of projects in the FCT, describing it as evidence that effective leadership could deliver tangible results within a short period.

He said: ‘Wike has made the Niger Delta people proud because the position he has been given, he has used it to show the world that leaders can truly get the job done. What Wike is doing in one day is what some governors do in eight years.’

According to him, the scale of projects being delivered in the FCT should compel governors across the country to account for how they utilised public funds.

‘I said that with what Wike is doing, 30 days of inauguration and commissioning projects, governors need to explain to the people what they are doing with the resources in their states,’ he added.

Eradiri also dismissed suggestions that Wike’s achievements were made easier by the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), stressing that governors received their allocations directly.

‘I saw somebody talk about the Treasury Single Account. Governors are not under TSA. Their money comes straight to them. Any serious governor will turn the tide in his state,’ he said.

Hailing governors of Lagos, Enugu, and Abia states for what he described as commendable performances, Eradiri criticised some governors for failing to translate available resources into meaningful development.

‘There are some who are a disgrace to leadership. The President is doing his best by generating money for them, but they are not injecting that money into their states for meaningful projects,’ he said.

Responding to insinuations that his support for Wike was politically motivated, Eradiri maintained that he was an accomplished professional who could not be influenced by any politician.

‘I think Reuben Abati doesn’t know me. I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. I am a practising engineer. I run my own company. I pay staff. I contribute to Nigeria’s GDP. I pay taxes. I am too expensive an individual to be a praise singer to any politician,’ he stated.

Eradiri acknowledged that Wike had supported the IYC during his tenure as its president but insisted that such support had never prevented him from speaking out whenever necessary.

The former IYC president also argued that Wike’s performance had become one of the strongest selling points of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has many things to offer in the next election, because Wike is making his government visible. That is the truth, and we must commend him,’ Eradiri said.

He stressed that Wike’s achievements were more remarkable because he serves in an APC-led administration despite being a member of the opposition.

Reaffirming his admiration for the FCT minister, Eradiri said: ‘This is not the time to throw stones at someone who is working. I am not unemployed. But Wike is my man because he is a performer and an achiever and I like him.’

5 reasons your solar underperforms during rainy season

Many homeowners invest in solar energy expecting reliable electricity throughout the year. While solar systems continue to generate power during wet weather, it is common to notice a significant drop in performance when the rainy season arrives.

Meanwhile, if your batteries seem to charge more slowly or your inverter reports lower energy production, the weather is usually the biggest factor. Understanding why solar underperforms during the rainy season can help you manage expectations and improve the efficiency of your system.

Therefore, in this article, Tribune Online examined how a temporary decline in output does not necessarily indicate a fault with your solar installation.

Reduced sunlight reaching the panels

The most obvious reason for lower solar production during the rainy season is the reduction in solar irradiance.

Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy. When thick clouds cover the sky, less sunlight reaches the photovoltaic cells.

According to solar energy research and performance data, heavily overcast conditions can reduce solar output significantly compared to clear-sky conditions because the amount of available sunlight drops sharply.

Even though solar panels can still use diffused sunlight, production levels are often much lower than on bright sunny days.

This is why many households notice reduced battery charging during prolonged periods of rainfall.

Longer periods of cloud cover

Rain itself is not the biggest problem. The real challenge is the persistent cloud cover that often accompanies rainy weather.

Solar panels continue producing electricity during light rain and cloudy conditions, but performance declines as cloud density increases. Studies and industry observations show that heavily overcast skies can reduce output to a fraction of normal production levels.

In regions that experience several consecutive rainy days, energy generation may remain below average for extended periods.

Dirt, pollen, and surface build-up

Many people assume rain completely cleans solar panels. While rainfall can wash away some dust and debris, it does not always remove stubborn dirt, pollen, or residue.

Research from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that rainfall alone may not fully clean solar panels, especially when pollen accumulation is involved. Residue left behind can continue affecting performance even after the rain has stopped.

Regular inspections and periodic cleaning remain important, particularly in areas with high dust levels or heavy vegetation.

Poor panel positioning and shading

Rainy seasons often make existing shading problems more noticeable.

Trees, buildings, utility poles, and nearby structures can block already-limited sunlight from reaching solar panels. According to energy performance data, panel orientation and tilt play a major role in determining how much solar energy a system can capture.

A system that performs reasonably well during the dry season may struggle during cloudy months if the panels are not positioned optimally.

Battery and system capacity limitations

In many cases, solar panels are not the only issue.

If your battery bank is undersized, it may struggle to store enough energy during periods of reduced generation. Similarly, older batteries often lose storage capacity over time, making rainy-season performance appear worse than it actually is.

A properly designed solar system should account for seasonal weather variations. Homes with higher electricity demand may require additional battery storage or larger solar arrays to maintain consistent performance throughout the year.

How to improve solar performance during the rainy season

Although the weather cannot be controlled, system efficiency can be improved.

Regular panel maintenance, proper battery management, routine inspections, and professional system sizing can all help maximise energy production. Some homeowners also benefit from adding extra panels or increasing battery capacity to compensate for seasonal reductions in sunlight.

It is normal for solar to underperform during the rainy season because solar panels depend on sunlight to generate electricity. Reduced irradiance, persistent cloud cover, dirt accumulation, shading issues, and battery limitations all contribute to lower output.

However, a drop in performance does not automatically indicate a faulty system. With proper maintenance and realistic expectations, solar energy remains a reliable and cost-effective power solution throughout the year, even during extended periods of rain.

In Maguindanao, women, youth enterprises unite communities

In the heart of Talitay town, Maguindanao del Sur, the aroma of freshly made banana chips is everywhere. These snacks have transcended their simple origins to become a symbol of resilience and innovation for the local community.

The snack food, produced by an association of some 50 women and youth who experienced being internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to man-made and natural calamities, has become an important part of the community’s economic and social revival.

‘What began as a modest endeavor has grown into a significant force for change,’ says Maguindanaon Rahma Amilil, a 42-year-old mother of two and a leader of the community-based organization Magapas Agricultural Farm Product Association in Talitay.

‘It’s more than just a business; it’s a symbol of our collective efforts and resilience,’ she added.

The group has been a recipient of livelihood assistance package and home-based equipment provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (Mafar) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with funding support from the Australian government.

The group launched its product in August 2024 during the ‘Bai the Best’ trade fair in Cotabato City, which promoted community-based women and youth enterprises.

Lifeline for families

In Maguindanao, hundreds of families have been repeatedly displaced due to conflicts between warring clans. Prolonged conflict, displacement, and recurring natural disasters have severely impacted their economic stability and social cohesion, with women and youth particularly vulnerable to such disruptions.

‘Flood levels have always forced us out,’ said Guimelan Sayutin, 49, a mother of three and a leader of women’s organization Sigay Nu Mga Babay, in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Her family was displaced in 2008 during clashes between government troops and Moro separatists. Since then, they have been unable to return home since floods have also grown more frequent and severe in her village.

The Sigay programs have, however, ‘provided a lifeline to my family,’ said Sayutin. ‘Through initiatives such as resilient gardens, vertical farming, and food processing, we have gained the knowledge and resources needed to rebuild our lives and communities.’

‘We’re now able to transform locally grown crops, which we previously only sold raw, into high-demand products like banana chips, various condiments, and sweet treats,’ Sayutin added. ‘We’re looking forward to creating a reliable source of income for our community-based organization.’

She also expressed gratitude to the Australian government for the support. ‘Through this project, we’ve learned that even in uncertain times, our skills can help us find ways to support our families and continue our education,’ Sayutin said.

Productive young women

Likewise, ‘Receiving this equipment has transformed our ability to produce and market our products. It has not only provided us with a source of income but also brought our community closer together. FAO and Mafar have given us the confidence to continue growing and reaching more people with our healthy, locally made snacks,’ she said.

BARMM’s labor ministry has provided community groups guidance and resources, including registration as community-based organizations.

Maila Dimatingkal, a 29-year-old member of a youth organization, said such assistance ‘has given us hope and a clear path. We are learning skills that will stay with us for life, and we are contributing to the well-being of our entire community.’

‘The knowledge and tools we received have empowered us to grow our own food,’ added Hasana Sampayan, a 45-year-old mother and leader of a community organization. ‘I’m happy to see our gardens flourish and provide for our families.’

With the support of FAO and Mafar, their group received home-based food processing equipment worth P3 million.

‘We are now able to process our harvest into healthy snacks and meals. This has not only improved our nutrition but also created new income streams,’ Sampayan said.

The community groups now also advocate serving only healthy food in schools, and encourage parents and teachers to shift to healthier snacks.

The banana chips project, along with other products like baling, kangkong chips, and chili garlic sauce under the ‘Bai The Best’ brand, helps the community unite and work together on shared goals.

‘We gather to prepare, cook, and package our products,’ Amilil said.

‘This collaborative effort has not only strengthened our bonds but has also helped us share in each other’s lives and challenges. Through shared laughter, storytelling, and mutual support, we have forged a more connected community,’ she added.

Food safety and quality are paramount in this initiative. ‘We follow rigorous hygiene practices to ensure that our products are safe and of high quality,’ Amilil stressed. ‘Our commitment to these standards has earned us the trust of our customers and solidified our reputation.’

Economic stability

Helen Roxas, team leader of ‘Resilient Livelihoods Development for Women and Youth Internally Displaced Persons in Maguindanao’ project, said that at the broader level, the project ‘addresses immediate food security needs and fosters long-term economic stability.’

Amilil said that after over a year of their enterprise, their families now earn more and are no longer mainly dependent on the income of their husbands from fishing in the Ligawasan marsh.

Their participation in food exhibitions and trade fairs have also paid off in terms of greater exposure to potential clients. Through a recent international food exhibition at the World Trade Center in Manila last May, they gained orders from several clients.

But the worsening flooding in Maguindanao, according to Amilil, is hampering their supply of raw bananas for chips processing. Still, she remains optimistic. ‘Our success (so far) shows the power of unity and perseverance,’ she said.

For Salha Salik, 41, a community-based leader in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, these community activities are all about being resilient to challenges.

‘Resilience is not just about bouncing back from hardships; it’s about moving forward with strength and unity,’ she said.

Badria Dalanda, 33, a woman leader from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, added: ‘For us, resilience means creating opportunities where there were none, and supporting each other through thick and thin.’

PRA opens bid for P208 million e-buses

Bidding for a P208-million contract to purchase electronic buses and charger units in the Bay City Loop project has been opened by the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

At yesterday’s Kapihan sa Manila Bay, PRA chairman Alex Lopez said a budget has been approved for the acquisition of electric buses and charger units.

An invitation to bid has been published, Lopez confirmed.

The PRA will implement competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary ‘pass/fail’ criterion.

‘The manner of the bid opening shall be based on the lowest calculated and responsive bid,’ the PRA said.

Qualified to bid are Filipinos or sole proprietorships, partnerships or organizations with at least 60-percent interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Transcorp Hotels records N13.7b profit in first half

Transcorp Hotels Plc recorded considerable improvement in profitability in the first half, with pre-tax profit rising to N13.7 billion within the six-month period.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Transcorp Hotels for the first half ended June 30, 2026 released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that profit before tax rose from N12.2 billion to N13.7 billion. Net profit after taxes grew by 21 per cent from N8.7 billion to N10.5 billion. Total revenue stood at N44.4 billion in first half 2026 compared with N46.9 billion in comparable period of 2025.

The company’s operating expense margin improved by three percentage points, demonstrating continued operational efficiency and prudent cost management.

Managing Director, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzoamaka Oshogwe said the first half 2026 results validated Transcorp Hotels’ resilience and focus on operational excellence, cost efficiency, and customer-centric innovation, reinforcing its leadership in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.

She said: ‘Our second quarter 2026 performance reflects the resilience of our business and the disciplined execution of our strategy in a dynamic operating environment. While market conditions remained challenging, we continued to deliver strong profitability by staying focused on operational excellence, commercial agility, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests.

‘We remain committed to strengthening our market leadership, investing strategically in our business, and delivering sustainable long-term value for our shareholders’.

Chief Finance Officer, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Oluwatobiloba Ojediran, said the company’s disciplined approach to cost management, revenue optimisation, and operational execution was responsible for the double digit growth in pre and post tax profits.

‘These strong financial results reinforce the resilience of our business, provide a solid platform for sustainable growth, and position us to continue investing strategically while delivering long-term value for our shareholders,’ Ojediran said.

He noted that beyond the numbers, Transcorp Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of iconic assets with Transcorp Hilton Abuja remaining one of the company’s flagship properties, while Transcorp Centre, one of West Africa’s largest purpose-built event and conference venues, is fast becoming a landmark for business, tourism, and world-class events in Nigeria.Since its launch, Transcorp Centre has hosted several landmark gatherings, further cementing its position as a premier venue for high-profile corporate and social gatherings.

Transcorp Hotels Plc is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, one of Africa’s leading listed companies with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors.

Gov’t earmarks P22.79-B savings for Middle East crisis assistance

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has identified P22.79 billion in government savings that will be used to finance assistance programs for vulnerable sectors affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, according to Malacañang.

Palace press officer Claire Castro on Thursday said the savings were identified following the issuance of DBM National Budget Circulars Nos. 602 and 603, which require government agencies to pool surplus and unused funds.

The circulars were issued in April and May directing national government agencies to consolidate surplus and unused appropriations to help finance economic and energy relief measures.

According to Castro, government will prioritize the use of the pooled savings to fund the expanded Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) Assistance program, which provides assistance to farmers, workers, commuters, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and Filipino families affected by the Middle East conflict.

She said the funding for the expanded P12.375-billion Uplift package for 7.5 million poor and near-poor Filipinos families recently announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was financed through the identified savings.

According to Marcos, 1.5 million low-income workers and their families whose records have been verified by the Social Security System (SSS) will receive P2,000 per month from July through December – or P12,000 for the entire six months.

The same amount of assistance will also be received by the 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

Meanwhile, a one-time additional cash assistance of up to P2,000 will be granted to 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program.

According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, first payout will be done manually, which shall be done in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) for the schedule and venue.

During the manual payout, beneficiaries will be asked about their preferred digital payment mode for the next five months