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Category: News

Market realities forcing price of fuel up, explains NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol to the current market realities.

The company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari, stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a private meeting with the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Kyari explained that the increase in the price of PMS has nothing to do with supply issue, adding that there are robust supply of the product in the country.

”I don’t have the details this moment. You know we have the Marketing Wing of the company and they adjust prices depending on the market realities.

”And this is the meaning of making sure that the market regulates itself so that prices will go up and sometimes they will come down also and this is really what we are seeing in reality; this is how the market works.

”There is no supply issue completely when you go to the market you buy the product you come to the market and sell it at prevailing market price; there is nothing to do with supply we don’t have supply issues.”

”There are robust supply, we have over 32 days’ supply in the country, that’s not a problem. What I know is that the market forces will regulate the market as prices will go down sometimes and sometimes it will go up but there will be stability of supply.

He assured Nigerians that the policy was the best way for the country going forward.

”And I am also assuring Nigerians that this is the best way to go forward so that we can adjust prices when market comes.

”I know that a number of companies have imported petroleum PMS so many of them are online. Market forces have started to play, people have confidence in the market and the private sector people are now importing products.

”And there is no way they can recover their cost if they cannot take market reflective costs,” Kyari explained.

On his part, Alhaji, Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said the authority doesn’t set the price of the product but it was market determined.

”As a regulator you know I told you back in May we are not going to be setting the price as the market will determine itself and as you saw back in early June, when prices came out it was based on the cost of importation plus other logistics of distribution and of course, the profit margin by the importer.

”This market is deregulated and is open to all participants. As I mentioned also yesterday (Monday) when I was in Lagos, we have about 56 marketing companies that have applied for and obtained licenses to import.

”Out of those, 10 of them have indicated interest to supply within the third quarter which is July, August and September. And out of those already, we received some cargoes from some of these Marketers.

Prudent Energy, AYM Shafa and Emadeb Cargo is arriving tomorrow (Wednesday), So, this is like just an encouragement to see that the market is liberated and everyone is free to import, so long as you are working within the framework, especially in terms of quality.”

He insisted that the authority as a regulator would not put cap on the price because it was not part of those importing the product.

”But the pricing as a regulator we are not going to put the cap on the price because we are not part of those importing, we are not a marketing company, we are just a regulator.

”So when you say market forces are working basically what it means is that you can see the price of the Crude Oil going up, couple of week ago recovering around 70 dollars per barrel now is around 80 dollars per barrel

”So of course, the crude price also drives the product price; you know because the imposters are importing they are basing it on the course of importation plus other cost element in terms of local distribution,” he said.

07/18/2023
Islamic New Year: Northern Christian Clerics felicitate with Muslims

Ahead of the upcoming Islamic New Year celebration in 2023 known as Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, a team of Northern Christian Clerics has extended its warm wishes to all Muslims across the 36 states of the federation.

Its greetings also went to Muslims across Africa and the Arab world as they prepare to celebrate the arrival of the new Islamic Year.

Pastor Yohanna Buru conveyed this message when a team of Muslim youths and scholars visited him at his residence on Tuesday in Sabon Tasha, southern Kaduna, predominantly inhabited by Christians.

They urged Muslims to intensify prayers for peace and unity not only in the country but also in West Africa and the world at large.

He said the visit was to foster friendly relationships with him and other Christian youth organizations in the area, promoting peace-building.

Pastor Buru, known for sending thousands of peace messages through his Facebook page and social media platforms every year on Islamic New Year, emphasized on the importance of these messages in promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among Muslims and Christians.

He also extended his heartfelt wishes for a joyous Islamic New Year celebration to every Muslim in the state and around the world, urging residents of the state to continue living harmoniously and peacefully together to promote tolerance and understanding in support of government’s mission to foster peace and unity among its citizens.

Buru acknowledged that this year’s Muharram celebrations, beginning on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, coincided with the high cost of living.

He called on Nigerians to demonstrate tolerance, forgiveness and support government’s efforts in addressing all forms of ethno-religious, political, and regional differences that disrupt peace and stability in the country.

Buru appealed to Muslims to remember the less-privileged in the society, encouraging assistance to orphans, widows and orphanages.

He also called on Muslims and Christians to engage in ceaseless prayers for an end to the security challenges affecting peace, stability and economic development.

He called on the federal government to declare every day of the new Islamic Calendar as a holiday, allowing Muslims to celebrate their day with joy and happiness.

Similarly, Pastor John Joseph of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha, also emphasized the importance of peace and harmony in southern Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole.

Mallam Gambo Abdullahi, youth leader in the state, during the visit, emphasized that the celebration of the Islamic New Year is not limited to Muslims alone but extends to all of humanity.

He expressed gratitude to the Christian leaders for sending messages to Muslim youths, congratulating them on the new Islamic Year.

Abdullahi acknowledged Pastor Yohanna Buru and other pastors for visiting Muslims during Eid al-Kabir prayers and for their assistance in clearing grass for Muslims to pray.

He also appreciated Buru for the distribution of foodstuffs to thousands of poor Muslims during Ramadan, and prayed for the continued strengthening of the Christian-Muslim relationship for peace and unity in northern Nigeria.

The Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar and the start of the new Islamic year, holds great significance for Muslims.

“They are instructed by the Prophet of Islam to observe voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th days of the month, known as Tashua and Ashurah, which is Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July.”

07/18/2023
Police nab 11 suspects for rape, defilement in Anambra

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, said the command has arrested and detained 11 suspects in various cases of rape and defilement reported in the last week.

In a statement issued in Awka by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesman, decried the rate of moral decadence in the society.

He urged parents to pay greater attention to things their children were exposed to.

“On July 11, an obscene video clip that went viral showed a young lady, aged 19, being gang raped by a group of boys. Investigation revealed that the incident happened at Orama-Etiti, Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area.

“The police at Otuocha collaborated with the local vigilance group in the area to arrest six suspects involved in the criminal act.

“They are Chinua Obikezie, 17, Collins Ogbodo, 19, Ifeanyi Chijoke, 17, Abuchi Ikechukwu, 17, Ezenwa Afam, 18, and Sunday Okafor, 27.

“Three other suspects implicated in the ignoble act are still at large. During interrogation, all the six suspects confessed to having taken part in the crime,” he said.

Adeoye said that in a similar development, the Police while on patrol with a local vigilance group in Abagana on July 8 arrested three suspects on the allegation of raping a 15-year-old girl.

He said that the suspects were Chimezie Odugwu, 21, Nnamdi Anodebe, 19, and Jude Onua, 48.

From the confession of the suspects, the victim was wandering around Abagana Junction when Chimezie lured her to Nnamdi’s house in the same locality and both of them had carnal knowledge of her.

“She left the suspect’s house in tears and the elderly suspect, Jude, on the pretext of sheltering her brought her to his house and raped her before she was rescued by the police and vigilantes,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police said that police operatives from Ekwulobia Division arrested one Chinenye Ezemehege, aged 41, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

According to him, the suspect, who claimed to be a security guard at the market, confessed to the act and stated that he had been paying the girl between N500 and N1,000 for her ‘service’.

“Preliminary information revealed that the parents of the girl normally send her to get firewood at the Ekwulobia Market before she fell prey to the suspect.

“Police operatives attached to Atani Division on July 13, also arrested one Odimako Ikenga, aged 38, from Ossomala village in Ogbaru LGA.

“The suspect has been on the Police Wanted List in an ongoing investigation of a case of defilement of a 12-year-old girl reported to the police on Aug. 28, 2022,” he said.

Adeoye commended police operatives and vigilantes for being alive to their responsibility to society and expressed his determination to tackle the menace of sexual crimes and gender-based violence in the state.

He assured residents that there would be no hiding place for sexual predators, especially those who prey on minors.

According to him, all the suspects indicted in the course of the investigation will be arraigned.

07/18/2023
My vision is to make Gombe a model state– Gov Yahaya

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has said his vision is to fast-track the development of the state and make it a model for others in the country.

Yahaya, who stated this in Gombe while inaugurating the state’s Advisory Council in Gombe, said it was in view of this that his administration conceived a comprehensive 10-year development plan known as DEVAGOM.

He said that the formation of the council showed his administration’s commitment to collaborate with citizens of the state and other critical stakeholders in developing the state.

According to Yahaya, his administration is working to harness the collective wisdom and expertise of the state’s most exceptional citizens, who have consistently demonstrated outstanding accomplishments across diverse fields of human endeavours.

“I believe we can embark on a transformative journey to turn challenges into opportunities and provide effective solutions to the problems facing Gombe State.

“By fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and embraces diversity, we will create a thriving ecosystem where every citizen can flourish.

“Upholding the principles of equity and justice, we will ensure that Gombe State stands as an exemplary model for the entire nation.

“Together, let us forge ahead, guided by our collective vision, to build a state that not only meets the needs of its people but also inspires and sets new benchmarks for progress and prosperity.

According to him, the council holds a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the state, saying: “You, as trusted members, will serve as the driving force behind our shared vision.

“Your invaluable recommendations and insights will shape the formulation of impactful policies, transformative initiatives, and progressive programmes that are essential for fostering inclusive development, sustainable peace, robust economic growth and long-term prosperity.

“Through your guidance, we will chart a course towards a future that uplifts every citizen and ensures a thriving and harmonious Gombe state for generations yet unborn”.

The State Honorary Advisory Council has nine members with Prof. Idris Mohammed as the Chairman and Dr Muazu Shehu as Secretary.

Prof. Abubakar Njodi was sworn in as the Secretary to the State Government.

07/18/2023
NNPCL increases fuel pump price to N617 per litre

*Brief queues surface at NNPC stations in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has once again raised the pump prices of Petrol, also known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), from N537 to N617 per litre. This comes after President Tinubu’s inauguration speech, where he announced the removal of fuel subsidies, triggering a previous price increase from N195 to N537 per litre in May.

Following the recent price adjustment, NNPC filling stations in Abuja experienced short queues, with the station located along Murtala Mohammed Express road, Kado, temporarily closing for a few hours to recalibrate their fuel pumps to reflect the new N617 per litre price.

The move to remove fuel subsidies has been driven by the high cost of subsidizing fuel prices. In the first half of 2023 alone, Nigeria spent N3.6 trillion on fuel subsidy. The Federal Government estimates that discontinuing fuel subsidies will result in savings close to N6.7 trillion.

Notably, Nigeria has expended a staggering N13.7 trillion on fuel subsidies over the last 13 years, according to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

The developments in fuel pricing continue to impact citizens and the economy, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of fuel in the country.

07/18/2023
Subsidy Removal Palliative: Publish names of expected beneficiaries, centre urges FG

The Ugwumba Leadership Centre for Africa has urged the Federal Government to publish the names of expected beneficiaries of the subsidy removal palliatives before disbursing funds.

Mr Uche Nwosu, the President of the centre, made the call during a virtual news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nwosu said that there was the need for the government to publish the names of the expected beneficiaries of the palliatives before the disbursements for transparency and accountability.

“There are a lot of things that will not be acceptable by majority of Nigerians as it was during the COVID-19 palliatives disbursements.

“What the president needs to do now is to form a committee made up of people that have integrity and that are ready to serve.

“The committee members should be from the Nigeria Labour Congress, farmers association, traders and market women associations, students and traditional and religious leaders.

“The committee will be responsible for identification and compilation of beneficiaries from all wards and local government areas.

”The names of the beneficiaries must be published before the disbursements and not after. This will members of the society and the immediate communities the opportunity to confirm the names on the list before the disbursements to curb funds diversions and fraud,” he said.

He also urged the federal government not to rely on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Nwosu further urged the federal government to also partner with Non-governmental Organisations, Civil Societies groups for technical advice and monitoring of the entire process to ensure a transparent and accountable.

He advised the government to make plans and intensify efforts to introduce other long-term palliatives to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

Nwosu also urged Nigerians not to politicise every government effort towards the citizenry but to be patient and cooperate with the government to ensure a people-centric government.

The Senate on July 13 at plenary approved the request of President Bola Tinubu for a N500 billion palliative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Consequently, the upper chamber approved the sum after amending the 2022 supplementary Appropriation Act to accommodate N500 billion for the provision of palliatives for Nigerians, following the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Accordingly, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary session, read the letter on the floor of the apex legislative Assembly and thereafter amended its rules to consider and approved the request the same day.

President had clarified in the letter, that the request became imperative, to enable the government to provide palliatives for Nigerians to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.

The letter read, “I write to request for the amendment of the 2022 supplementary appropriation act. The request became necessary among other things, to source funds to provide necessary palliatives to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on Nigerians.

“Thus, the sum of N500 billion only has been extracted from the 2022 supplementary appropriation act of N819 billion, 536 million, 937 thousand 803 naira only for the provisions of palliatives for Nigerians to cushion the effects of subsidy removal”, Tinubu said.

Tinubu implored the Senate to give his request “expeditious” consideration and approval to enable his administration to provide palliatives for Nigerians.

President said the request was to scale up the national social safety net programme.

He assured that the federal government will transfer the sum of N8,000 monthly to 12 million poor and low-income households for six months.

He said the money would be transferred directly to identified beneficiaries’ accounts.

07/18/2023
Oyo State Judiciary welcomes 15 new Magistrates

On Monday, in a significant development for the Oyo State Judiciary, Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima presided over the swearing-in of 15 new Magistrates.

The ceremony took place at the State High Court premises in Ring Road, Ibadan. During the event, Justice Yerima emphasized that the addition of these new Magistrates would greatly enhance the Judiciary’s performance.

Over time, the Oyo State Magistracy had faced challenges due to a shortage of magistrates. At present, there were only 19 magistrates assigned to preside over the various Magistrates’ Courts, which were spread across all the magisterial districts within the state.

This shortage sometimes led to certain magistrates handling multiple magisterial districts simultaneously.

However, with the induction of the 15 new Magistrates, Justice Yerima expressed her optimism that the situation would soon improve.

The appointment of these magistrates marked a positive step towards addressing the shortfall and would likely lead to a more efficient and effective judiciary in Oyo State.

“With the appointment of more qualified legal practitioners as magistrates, I am confident to state that the judicial arm of government will be many steps closer to responding adequately to its statutory responsibilities aggressively.

“This will ensure that justice is not only done but seen as done to all and sundry,” she said.

The chief judge charged the newly appointed magistrates to exercise their authority with fairness, impartiality, honor, and utmost integrity.

“You have the power to shape lives and communities through the decisions you make; with this power comes even greater responsibility.

“Remember that the scales of justice are balanced, and it’s your duty to ensure that they remain so,” Yerima said.

The new magistrates are: Adebola Adedoyin, Olasumbo Kudirat, Raji Oluwaferanmi Ayomide, Adelabu Olajumoke Victoria, Rufus Adeoluwa, Ige Oladipupo and Jimoh Kazeem.

Others are, Amin Aminat, Adebiyi Aderemi, Atanda Moyosore, Fasasi Kabirat, Oladele Gladys, Ayanfe Kaosarat, Tolani Sofiat and Macus Omolara.

Dignitaries present at the event include the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Evelyn Akintunde, as well as serving and retired judges.

07/17/2023
Environmental activists tackle FG over Green Tax suspension

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has bemoaned the suspension of Green Taxation on Single-Use Plastics by the federal government.

According to FoEN, the action by the federal government will turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for plastic waste products.

The federal government had last week suspended tax on Single-Use Plastics, including containers and bottles.

The government had said the suspension was in line with its commitment to create a business-friendly environment.

Green Tax was introduced as part of the government’s efforts to address the growing concern over the impact of plastic waste on the ecosystem.

The Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams said the new development will hasten the prediction that plastic products in the ocean will surpass the number of fish by 2040.

According to him, “the Nigerian government is supposed to enact policies that will put an end to the invasion of plastic on our oceans and water bodies, not promoting policies and laws that increases the production of more plastic.

“At a time like this when the world is set on improving the consciousness of the public on the need to end the use of plastic, it is unfortunate that our president is increasing the importance of plastic products, when Nigeria is being ravaged by a plastic tsunami.”

“Nigeria is supposed to be signing a law that promotes the phase out of plastic. This suspension may seem that the government is not committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on the reduction of the impact of climate change from the waste sector.”

He called on the government to deliberately program itself into a zero waste society where no waste is generated, or all waste generated are seen as resources.

Also speaking, the ERA/ FoEN Project Officer of Waste Management, Melody Enyinnaya pointed out that Green taxations are eco/environmental tax foisted on activities that pollute the environment, as Single-Used Plastics have become a major source of pollutants of the environment.

She said, Green taxation on SUPs incorporates the negative expanse of the adverse effects of SUPs on the environment and the idea surrounding green taxes is to increase production costs for corporations, thereby bringing about higher prices on plastics, which will have the effect of discouraging consumers from purchasing them, further reducing their pollution rate on the environment.

“The key implication here is that this suspension will impede the efforts in reducing SUPs pollution, especially for a country like Nigeria that do not have effective policies guiding SUPs production, consumption and disposal.

“The government should revisit the suspension of green taxation, while considering the environmental and health implications of such polices at heart,” she said.

07/17/2023
Gov Yahaya swears-in Prof Njodi as Gombe SSG

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn-in Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as the Secretary to the Gombe State Government.

The Governor had recently reappointment Professor Njodi as SSG having served meritoriously in the same capacity during his first tenure between 2019- 2023.

The Governor described Professor Njodi as a seasoned administrator who contributed immensely to the modest achievements already recorded in the first spell of his administration.

While congratulating the newly sworn-in SSG, the Governor tasked him to redouble his efforts towards consolidating and projecting his administration’s insatiable quest to deliver effective service to the people of the state.

In his response after taking the oath of office and that of allegiance, the Secretary to the State Government remarked that he has gained so much experience working with Governor Inuwa Yahaya in the last four years, describing him as a distinguished fellow who has the love and the interest of the state and its people at heart.

Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi expressed confidence that the second term of Governor Inuwa Yahaya will witness more developmental strides across all sectors in tandem with the yearnings and aspirations of the people and in line with the vision of His Excellency.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for finding him worthy to occupy the exalted office of the SSG again, committing that “to whom much is given much more is expected”.

“I’m very mindful that as Secretary to the state government, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that Government programmes and policies are implemented efficiently and to the latter; this, I’m committed to doing it continually”.

The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly who was represented by his Deputy; Chief Judge, and the Grand Khadi; State Chairman of the APC who was represented by the State Party Secretary; Head of Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries; Local Government Caretaker Chairmen; Mai Kaltungo, Engr. Saleh Mohammed and other royal fathers; Heads of Security Agencies, friends, associates, and family members of the SSG among others.

07/17/2023
Alleged N5bn fraud: Court arraigns Stella Oduah July 21

A Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed July 21 for the arraignment of Senator Stella Oduah and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after EFCC’s counsel, Hassan Liman, SAN, prayed the court to allow the defendants to take their plea, having filed the charge against them on Dec. 17, 2020.

The EFCC had sued Oduah alongside Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere.

Others include Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd, and others.

The senator, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly, was scheduled to be arraigned on alleged N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation while she served as Minister during the Jonathan Administration.

In the 25-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/316/2020, they are accused of conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank.

Upon resumed hearing, Liman said that on June 15, the court drew the attention of counsel to a letter or petition written to the chief justice of Nigeria against Justice Ekwo and the judge gave a directive to the EFCC to carry out an investigation with a view to unravel the identity of the persons.

He said the commission had carried out the investigation and was able to trace the identity of the person via the telephone number.

According to the lawyer, he is said to be one Mr Okolo Obinna Johnson, a promoter of two companies.

He said the effort was made through the search and linked BVN of the alleged person via the telephone number submitted and that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) cooperated with the EFCC.

However, Liman said that the anti-graft agency made all efforts to track the physical person, in conjunction with other security agencies, but were yet to be successful.

“This is how far the commission has gone in carrying out the directive of the court,” he said.

He assured that the EFCC would not leave any stone unturned in bringing the culprit to book.

A Defence lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, said he would not be silent when the court was threatened.

“No one should threaten our judges. It is up to the work of the judges that this country continues to survive,” he said.

Ogwu James, SAN, said that the issue was not about the petition but the contact they made with the court.

He said though anybody had the right to write petition, sending a message to the court was the issue.

The EFCC’s lawyer then said that the commission had gotten the call log of the number through their investigation.

The judge, who wondered how the person got his phone number, said, “that character was sending messages to me, thereby, breaching my privacy.”

Justice Ekwo, who said that the order to arrest the person was still subsisting, said “the order was find him, bring him to court and let me deal with the matter.”

He said the order given to the deputy chief registrar, Litigation of the court to get the certified particulars of another organisation involved in the matter at CAC had been carried out.

He asked if there was anybody representing the organization in the court but no one stood up.

The judge then said that the organization’s letter, the phone number, and their names would be given to the EFCC so as to arrest them and bring them to court.

He expressed displeasure in the manner the trial was allowed to degenerate, saying “The court is never without an option, but out of respect to you, I will not take those options.”

He said that the matter would be tried and tried to conclusion.

Justice Ekwo held that any defendants that is not in court anytime the matter is fixed for trial, would be ordered to be arrested and remanded in detention.

Liman, therefore, appealed that the defendants be ordered to take their plea, even as the investigation continued with the persons behind the letter and the text messages.

But all the defence lawyers disagreed, saying the matter was adjourned for report.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until July 21 for the plea.

07/17/2023