HURIWA Criticizes Tinubu, Calls for Immediate Removal of Power Minister After Latest Grid Collapse

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the recent collapse of the national electricity grid, which occurred on October 14 and 15, 2024. In response, HURIWA has called for the immediate removal of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, citing his “gross incompetence” and lack of qualifications for the role.

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, expressed frustration over what he described as a revolving door of ineffective politicians in the Ministry of Power over the last two decades. According to Onwubiko, these ministers have repeatedly failed to deliver on the promise of reliable electricity, leaving Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure suffering from chronic power outages.

The group criticized President Tinubu for appointing a politician without expertise in power management to such a crucial ministry, emphasizing that electricity is essential for economic growth, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises. HURIWA argued that the government’s excuses for frequent grid collapses—citing system disturbances or infrastructure issues—fail to address the core problems, with no concrete action plan in sight.

The latest grid collapse marks the seventh in 2024 alone, worsening an already challenging economic situation as Nigerians continue to face increased outages and higher electricity tariffs with no noticeable improvement in power supply.

NNPC Agrees to Sell Petrol to IPMAN at ₦995/Litre Following DSS Intervention

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reached an agreement to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at a price of ₦995 per litre. This agreement comes after the Department of State Services (DSS) intervened in ongoing disputes between the parties.

Hammed Fashola, the National Vice President of IPMAN, expressed appreciation for the DSS’s role, which helped resolve several issues. Additionally, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has agreed to settle IPMAN’s outstanding ₦10 billion and address concerns regarding the direct purchase of petrol from the Dangote refinery.

While the ex-depot price of ₦995 is expected to reduce petrol prices slightly, Fashola mentioned that factors such as transportation costs would affect the final price in different locations. IPMAN aims to close the price gap between independent marketers and major marketers, which has led to higher prices and fuel queues.

Fashola also confirmed that IPMAN plans to meet with Dangote to discuss direct petrol supply, following a recent government directive allowing marketers to buy directly from local refineries.

Naira Appreciates as Dollar Turnover Drops by 44% in Official Market

Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, appreciated significantly on October 14, 2024, gaining N10 in the parallel market, trading at N1,680 per US dollar compared to last weekend’s rate of N1,690. In the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the Naira also strengthened, reaching N1,552.92 per dollar, a gain of N88.35 from last weekend’s rate of N1,641.27.

Despite the Naira’s gains, dollar turnover in the official market saw a sharp decline, dropping by 44% to $343.71 million from the previous $616.73 million traded on Friday. This led to a growing disparity between the parallel market and NAFEM rates, which widened to N127.08 per dollar, up from N48.73 last weekend.

Nigeria Extends Deadline for Private Jet Owners to Verify Import Duties Compliance

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the deadline for private jet owners to complete the mandatory verification process regarding unpaid import duties. Initially scheduled to conclude on October 14, 2024, the deadline has now been moved to November 14, 2024, allowing an additional month for compliance.

This extension was confirmed in a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The verification aims to recover unpaid import duties for private aircraft that were allegedly brought into the country illegally. Failure to comply could result in sanctions, including grounding of the aircraft.

It was previously reported that the government had plans to ground over 60 private jets due to the unpaid import duties, which amount to billions of naira. The NCS enforcement of these regulations was expected to begin on October 14, 2024. However, the new extension provides an opportunity for aircraft owners to regularize their payments and meet the legal requirements without facing immediate penalties.

In a press release, the NCS emphasized its commitment to promoting transparency in the aviation sector. The agency is actively working to recover outstanding duties and ensure that all aircraft operators comply with the law. The NCS statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the general public, particularly operators of privately-owned aircraft, that the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private aircraft has been extended by one month, from Monday, 14th October 2024, to Thursday, 14th November 2024.”

The extension is aimed at providing a final window for jet owners who have expressed their willingness to regularize their import status. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, reiterated the importance of compliance and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of stakeholders. He also stressed that failure to meet the new deadline would lead to enforcement actions and possible penalties.

The NCS urges all private jet operators to take advantage of this extension to ensure they are in full compliance before the November 14 deadline.

TCN Clarifies Partial National Grid Collapse, Begins Power Restoration

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the national grid collapse on Monday, October 14, 2024, was only partial. The incident, which occurred around 6:48 PM, led to a significant power outage across the country, with zero load allocation reported to all eleven Electricity Distribution Companies.

The TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the Akwa Ibom Generating Station was “islanded” to continue supplying power to certain areas, preventing a total system collapse. Power was maintained through substations in Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and Itu. Mbah confirmed that system recovery efforts were underway and had already made significant progress.

Electricity distribution companies, including Enugu, Abuja, and Eko, also confirmed the grid collapse, but as of the time of the report, power had been restored in some parts of the country.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate Hits N1700 on October 15, 2024

On October 15, 2024, the dollar to naira exchange rate in the black market (also known as the parallel market) reached N1696 for buying and N1700 for selling, according to reports from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Lagos.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains that it does not recognize the black market for foreign exchange transactions and encourages individuals to seek forex services through official banking channels.

Meanwhile, the official CBN exchange rate for the dollar stood at N1625 for buying and N1626 for selling.

In related news, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is preparing for discussions with Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding petrol pricing. IPMAN anticipates a potential drop in petrol prices as competition within the downstream sector increases with marketers gaining direct access to lifting petrol from local refineries, including Dangote’s state-of-the-art facility.

FG Completes Upgrade of Maiduguri Airport, International Operations Set for January 2025

The Federal Government has successfully upgraded Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, with international operations scheduled to commence on January 1, 2025. This was confirmed in a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, Director of Press for the Minister of Aviation.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the strategic importance of the airport in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, as a commercial link to the Middle East. The upgrade is expected to boost the region’s economic potential.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum welcomed the development, praising the Federal Government’s efforts in enhancing the aviation sector. He also called for the establishment of a national air carrier to benefit Nigerians.

Presidency Urges MDAs to Honor NASS Invitations for Renewed Hope Agenda Success

The presidency has called on heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize invitations from the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for cooperation between the executive and legislative branches. This appeal comes after the Senate Committee on Ethics warned of issuing arrest warrants for officials who ignore its requests.

Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, highlighted that such collaboration is key to achieving the goals of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on efficient governance and delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Lado acknowledged that scheduling conflicts may arise but stressed the importance of MDAs demonstrating accountability by engaging with Senate committees. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to facilitating cooperation for responsible governance.

President Tinubu Welcomes Super Eagles Home After Libya Ordeal, Calls for CAF Investigation

President Bola Tinubu has warmly welcomed the Super Eagles back to Nigeria following their difficult experience in Libya. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the unsportsmanlike and inhumane treatment the team endured at a Libyan airport.

The President praised the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the team’s safe return. He also urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible.

Tinubu lauded the resilience of the players and called for united efforts in preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Libyan Football Federation President Resigns Amid Super Eagles Controversy

Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, the President of the Libyan Football Federation, has stepped down from his position following a routine General Assembly meeting. Al-Shalmani announced his resignation on Sunday, citing his unwillingness to be associated with the ongoing challenges in Libyan sports.

In his statement, he expressed dissatisfaction with the state of sports in Libya, saying, “I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports.” Despite the difficulties, he thanked members of the General Assembly and highlighted his achievements in international and African sports bodies.

This resignation comes in the wake of a growing controversy surrounding the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who were stranded at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport for over 16 hours ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifier. Libyan authorities have attributed the delay to logistical and air traffic issues, denying any malicious intent.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have returned to Kano, Nigeria, following the ordeal, casting uncertainty on the scheduled qualifier match.