Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • MAN Calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to Address Industrial Shutdown in Lagos State

    MAN Calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to Address Industrial Shutdown in Lagos State

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to urgently intervene in the recent closure of several factories by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO). 

    MAN described the action as unjust, ill-timed, and detrimental to the manufacturing sector.

    According to a statement issued by the association, LASWARCO sealed factories over allegations of non-payment of exorbitant water abstraction fees, which reportedly exceed N100 million per company. 

    MAN criticized the move, stating that it undermines ongoing negotiations and agreements reached between the association and LASWARCO, including plans for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set to commence in January 2025.

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    “This action is both inappropriate and disruptive,” said Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN.

     “It comes at a time when manufacturers are already grappling with a harsh economic environment characterized by unsold inventory, high borrowing costs, and rising energy expenses.”

    MAN noted that the closure of these factories poses a significant threat to the state’s economy, including potential job losses and a decline in investor confidence. The association highlighted that manufacturers nationwide are already burdened with over N1.2 billion in unsold goods, borrowing costs of over 30%, a 250% increase in energy expenses, and multiple taxes and levies from various tiers of government. 

    The association further warned that the imposition of excessive water abstraction fees by LASWARCO could set a troubling precedent for other states, exacerbating the challenges faced by private businesses.

    MAN has urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to direct the reopening of the affected factories to allow for a logical resolution of the ongoing discussions. 

    The association emphasized the importance of concluding the MoU to establish a fair and sustainable framework for addressing water-related fees.

    “We appeal to the Governor to act decisively to protect the manufacturing sector, safeguard jobs, and promote a business-friendly regulatory environment,” Ajayi-Kadir added.

    As manufacturers await action from the Governor, MAN expressed hope for a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

  • Benue State Shuts Down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes

    Benue State Shuts Down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes

    Benue State authorities have shut down a microfinance bank and a leisure park owned by a member of the House of Representatives, Asema Achado, due to unpaid registration fees. 

    On December 23, officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, along with law enforcement, sealed off City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank in Makurdi.

    Despite an initial payment of N20,000 for registration and an additional N219,000 for default fees, the authorities demanded another N20,000 before unsealing the premises. 

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    After this was paid, a new enforcement team arrived, resealing both businesses and reportedly using excessive force, including tear gas, which caused distress among visitors.

    Achado criticized the actions, claiming the businesses were sealed without court authorization, and pointed out the undue harassment, especially towards vulnerable customers. 

    The BIRS stated that its role was limited to collecting revenue, and that the ministry had overseen the enforcement.

  • Kwankwaso Plans to Shrink APC’s Support in Kano by 2027

    Kwankwaso Plans to Shrink APC’s Support in Kano by 2027

    Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, has expressed confidence that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) will significantly reduce the All Progressives Congress (APC) support in the state by 2027.

    During a meeting with party members in Tsanyawa LGA on Wednesday, Kwankwaso stated that the APC will receive fewer than 15,000 votes in the upcoming elections.

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    In the 2023 gubernatorial race, the NNPP received over one million votes, surpassing the APC, which garnered nearly 891,000.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with only around 16,000 votes.

    Despite entering the political scene late, Kwankwaso credited NNPP’s strong showing to the party’s rapid rise.

    Looking ahead, Kwankwaso urged his supporters to stay united, promising a focused effort to weaken APC’s influence and secure a win in future elections.

  • Dele Farotimi Freed on Bail

    Dele Farotimi Freed on Bail

    Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been freed from custody in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he was held for three weeks following his arrest on defamation charges. 

    Farotimi’s detention stemmed from a petition by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Aare Afe Babalola regarding claims in Farotimi’s book on Nigeria’s criminal justice system.  

    After a legal battle, the activist met the bail conditions set by the Chief Magistrate’s Court on December 20.

    These included a N30 million payment, two sureties, and restrictions on public commentary. 

    His release was announced by Omoyele Sowore, who confirmed Farotimi’s return to Lagos. 

    ALSO READ: I’ve Never Lied Against Anyone Says Dele Farotimi After Regaining Freedom

     Writing under his confirmed X account @YeleSowore stated, “I am pleased to report that @DeleFarotimi Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues! Happy holidays to you all!”

    Farotimi, a vocal supporter of Labour Party’s Peter Obi and a critic of the current administration, is also facing separate trials in Abuja and Ibadan on similar allegations.

    An Ekiti Magistrate Court had granted him bail some days back but under certain conditions that delayed his immediate release.

    Dele Farotimi ran into trouble with a powerful colleague and senior citizen, Afe Babalola after the latter accused Mr. Farotimi of criminal defamation in a book titled, Nigeria and it Criminal Justice System.

    Subsequently, Mr. Babalola arranged with @NGPolice in Ekiti state to get Farotimi arrested in a Gestapo-like manner at his Lagos office by a group of policemen attached to the Ekiti State Police Command on December 3 and transported to Ado Ekiti.

    Upon arrival and subsequent detention and arraignment at an Ekiti Magistrate Court, Mr. Farotimi’s ordeal began to unravel very rapidly.

    Dele Farotimi was released this morning after meeting bail conditions. 

  • Avoid Panic Buying: There is sufficient Fuel – IPMAN  

    Avoid Panic Buying: There is sufficient Fuel – IPMAN  

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reassured citizens that the country has an adequate supply of petrol and urged them to avoid panic buying.  

    In a move aimed at reducing transportation costs during the festive season, Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently lowered the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N899.50 per litre.

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     This development is expected to bring relief to Nigerians and foster healthy market competition.  

    IPMAN also encouraged its members to adjust their pump prices to align with the new rates, noting that this will attract more customers and eliminate queues at filling stations. 

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    Many marketers have already begun implementing the price change, reflecting a shift towards smoother fuel availability nationwide.  

    This follows an earlier reduction in November, when Dangote Refinery lowered the price of petrol to N970 per litre.

  • Tinubu Encourages Pilgrims to Uphold Values During Israel, Jordan Visits

    Tinubu Encourages Pilgrims to Uphold Values During Israel, Jordan Visits

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian pilgrims heading to Israel and Jordan to prioritize their spiritual mission and act with integrity throughout their journey. 

    Addressing the attendees at the flag-off ceremony held in Ikeja, Lagos, Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, reminded pilgrims of the importance of using the opportunity for reflection and prayer.  

    The president urged travelers to pray for Nigeria’s progress, the success of his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, and the well-being of families and communities. 

    He also cautioned against absconding during the pilgrimage, emphasizing that measures have been put in place to ensure accountability and security for all participants.  

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has chosen the theme of restoration for this year’s pilgrimage, inspired by the scripture Joel 2:25-26. 

    The NCPC assured pilgrims that the journey would focus on intense prayers for national revival and hope for divine breakthroughs in 2025.  

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    The event saw contributions from Lagos State’s First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who highlighted the pilgrimage as an opportunity for personal and societal transformation.

     Pilgrims were reminded to represent Nigeria positively and return as agents of positive change.  

    The pilgrimage, which begins with 354 participants, will continue in batches until May 2025.

  • NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price to N965 per Litre in Abuja

    NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price to N965 per Litre in Abuja

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has implemented another reduction in the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets in Abuja, lowering the cost to N965 per litre.

     This adjustment comes shortly after a previous decrease from N1,060 to N1,030 per litre earlier this month.  

    This marks the second time in two weeks that the state-owned oil company has revised petrol prices downward, signaling efforts to make fuel more affordable for consumers amid ongoing economic challenges.  

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    The new price was observed across NNPC’s outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, and customers have already begun to enjoy the reduced rate.

    Dangote Refinery Ltd led the price cut when it partnered MRS filling stations nationwide, December 21, 2024 to offer fuel at N935/litre as part of Christmas give away.

     Many residents have expressed relief at the development, as fuel costs have been a significant concern for households and businesses alike.  

    While no official explanation has been provided for the price adjustment, it is speculated that recent changes in market dynamics and competitive pricing strategies could have influenced the decision. 

  • Port Harcourt Refinery Remains Fully Operational – NNPC 

    Port Harcourt Refinery Remains Fully Operational – NNPC 

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has addressed circulating reports suggesting the shutdown of the old Port Harcourt refinery. 

    Refuting the claims, NNPC emphasized that the refinery remains active, producing petroleum products as intended since its recommencement of operations in November.

    Following a major rehabilitation effort, the refinery began crude oil processing on November 26, achieving a functional capacity of 70%. 

    It has since been producing 900,000 liters of kerosene and 1.5 million liters of diesel daily. 

    The facility also generates 2.1 million liters of low-pour fuel oil (LPFO) and additional volumes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), alongside the blending of naphtha to produce 1.4 million liters of petrol per day.

    NNPC clarified that the refinery’s operations were verified by former Group Managing Directors during a recent visit.

     The company attributed the false reports to attempts by certain individuals to create panic and disrupt market stability, potentially causing artificial fuel scarcity.

    The national oil firm assured Nigerians that preparations for loading petroleum products are ongoing and dismissed the allegations as baseless.

     It encouraged citizens to rely on verified information regarding the refinery’s activities, highlighting its critical role in the nation’s energy sector.

    Despite skepticism from some quarters over the blending operations at the refinery, NNPC reaffirmed that such practices align with standard procedures to optimize output.

     The company reiterated its commitment to ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products while dismissing fears about operational inefficiencies.

  • 30 Dead In Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    30 Dead In Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    Two separate stampedes in Anambra and Abuja on Saturday left a combined total of 30 dead and several others injured.

    In Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, 20 people lost their lives during the annual Christmas rice distribution by the Obi jackson Foundation. 

    The event, known to attract large crowds, turned deadly as people surged forward when distribution began. 

    Victims, mostly women and youths, had gathered from early morning.

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    Many were rushed to a local hospital, where chaotic scenes were captured in a viral video.  

    In Abuja, a food distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed 10 lives, including children.

    Over 3,000 residents, primarily from Mpape and nearby settlements, gathered to receive palliatives. 

    The stampede occurred early in the morning as the crowd pressed forward.

    Security forces were later deployed to restore order, and the church suspended further distributions.  

    Authorities have urged organizers of such events to prioritize safety and notify security agencies in advance to prevent future incidents.

    The latest incidents in Abuja and Anambra brings to 65, the number of persons that have been killed at stampedes arising from the rush to collect foodstuff in one week.

    Earlier, 35 children were reported killed in a stampede at Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria as funseekers rushed to collect foodsuff at a funfair, Wednesday, this week.

  • PDP National Secretary: Appeal Court Declares Ude Okoye New Leader

    PDP National Secretary: Appeal Court Declares Ude Okoye New Leader

    The Appeal Court in Enugu has removed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), confirming Rt. Hon. Ude Okoye as his replacement.

     The decision follows a previous ruling by the Enugu High Court, which found Anyanwu’s continued claim to the position unconstitutional after he pursued the party’s governorship ticket.  

    Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, delivering the lead judgment, ruled that Anyanwu’s appeal against the High Court’s decision lacked merit, noting that his actions violated PDP’s internal regulations.

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    The court recognized the South East PDP Executives’ nomination of Ude Okoye to fill the vacancy created when Anyanwu resigned to contest in the governorship race.  

    Reacting to the judgment, the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition expressed satisfaction, describing the ruling as a turning point for the PDP.

     They pledged support for Ude Okoye and criticized the outgoing leadership, accusing it of undermining the party’s progress.