Oil marketers in Nigeria may begin importing petrol following a statement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that it will only purchase petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery if international market prices exceed Nigeria’s pump prices. This is contrary to previous claims by Dangote that NNPCL would be the sole off-taker of its petrol. Marketers now plan to source petrol from the most cost-effective suppliers, be it through importation or local purchases, amid ongoing delays in negotiations between Dangote and NNPCL.
Bishop Gifts Okada Riders Free Fuel in Enugu
In a heartwarming gesture, the Methodist Bishop of Nsukka, Rev. John Eze, provided free fuel to motorbike riders in the Eha Amufu community, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. The initiative was in response to the ongoing economic challenges in the country, aiming to ease the burden on commercial motorcyclists and support commuters.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Eze expressed his joy in helping the riders, stating, “As a church, we are committed to serving the community and making a positive impact on people’s lives.” The distribution, held at the Eha Amufu Motor Park, was met with gratitude, with many riders praising the bishop for his generosity.
President Tinubu to Reshuffle Cabinet, Introduce New Talent
President Bola Tinubu is expected to dissolve his current cabinet in the coming week, aiming to inject fresh perspectives and address stagnant performance issues. According to a source close to the presidency, the move is meant to revitalize the administration and comes just ahead of Tinubu’s planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The president is reportedly dissatisfied with the performance of several ministers and is ready to make significant changes. A new list of candidates is already being prepared to fill the vacant positions.
While some speculate that the recent resignation of presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale is tied to the reshuffle, insiders have dismissed this claim, asserting that Ngelale’s exit is unrelated. There are also rumors that a former minister from the Buhari administration may return in a new ministerial capacity.
Nigerian Army Arrests Informant and Girlfriend of Notorious Kidnapper in Taraba and Benue
The Nigerian Army has apprehended Grace Markus, an alleged informant and girlfriend of a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who has been terrorizing communities in Taraba and Benue states. Markus is accused of aiding kidnappers, including her involvement in the abduction of Malam Saidu in Ukum LGA, Benue State. She was arrested on September 6, 2024, in Sondi village, Taraba State, after an intelligence-led operation.
In a separate operation on September 5, troops intercepted a vehicle on the Wukari-Jalingo highway and found an AK-47 rifle hidden inside. The driver fled, leaving the vehicle behind. Investigations are ongoing to connect these incidents to broader criminal activities.
Captain Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the 6 Brigade in Jalingo, emphasized that these actions are part of a larger effort to reduce violent crime in the region. Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commended the troops for their professionalism and urged residents to support the military with relevant information.
NAFDAC Investigates Prophet Jeremiah’s Miracle Water and Soap Claims
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries, led by Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, for allegedly promoting unregistered miracle products. These products, including “Miracle Water” and “Miracle Soap,” claim to heal ailments and cure conditions like infertility.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the products are not approved by the agency. After receiving complaints from concerned citizens, NAFDAC initiated an investigation and found that the ministry was using the agency’s name to mislead the public. Despite evidence of the products being sold, the ministry denied involvement.
The investigation revealed that the ministry had entered an illegal production agreement with Globod Table Water, which has since been sealed by NAFDAC. The agency urged the public to avoid purchasing the unregistered products and warned faith organizations against producing regulated products without meeting legal requirements.
Dangote Refinery May Focus on Exporting Fuel Amid NNPC Dispute
The Dangote refinery might shift its focus to exporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) due to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) refusing to become the sole buyer of its products. The NNPC stated it would only purchase Dangote’s fuel if it were cheaper than international market rates.
While the refinery was ready to supply petrol locally, Dangote’s plans have stalled following the NNPC’s stance. In response, Dangote may start exporting its petrol to international markets, leaving Nigerians disappointed after hoping the refinery would reduce fuel prices domestically.
Despite negotiations, the NNPC emphasized that it would not fix prices for Dangote’s fuel, and the refinery was free to sell to other marketers. Meanwhile, independent marketers, represented by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), have expressed readiness to buy from Dangote at any price.
As the dispute continues, black market fuel prices have skyrocketed in parts of Nigeria, while NNPC-controlled stations maintain slightly lower prices.
NDLEA Seizes Cocaine and Opioids Hidden in Sanitary Pads and Hair Cream
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted several consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids concealed in sanitary pads and hair cream containers. These illegal substances were en route to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, and were seized at three courier companies in Lagos.
In a statement on Sunday, the NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed that officers recovered 30 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.1 kilograms, hidden in hair cream containers destined for Ireland. Another consignment, weighing 862 grams, intended for the UK, was also intercepted.
The agency also seized 525 pills of tramadol and MDMA hidden in sanitary pads headed to Cyprus, as well as a shipment of promethazine and pentazocine injections concealed in food items destined for the UK.
Further drug-related arrests and seizures were made across Nigeria, including the destruction of over 100,000 kilograms of cannabis in Ekiti State, and multiple arrests in Kaduna, Jigawa, and other states.
Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s VAT Hike, Predicts Economic Strain for Nigerians
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning regarding President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. Atiku cautioned that this move could have devastating effects on Nigeria’s citizens.
The former vice president expressed concern that the government is opting to impose further financial burdens on an already struggling population. He criticized Tinubu’s administration for focusing on raising taxes instead of seeking solutions to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
In his Sunday statement, titled “The increase in VAT is set to become the blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people,” Atiku argued that raising the VAT rate from 7.5% to 10% would worsen the cost-of-living crisis and harm Nigeria’s fragile economy. He also pointed out the detrimental effects on businesses and job losses, especially within the manufacturing sector.
Atiku further criticized Tinubu’s decision to remove import duties on key agricultural products like rice and maize, claiming it threatens local farmers and jeopardizes food security. He urged the government to focus on long-term sustainable solutions instead of policies that could escalate the country’s economic woes.
Seven Arrested Amid Fuel Hike Protest in Kwara
On September 5, 2024, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) arrested seven individuals during a fuel hike protest in Ilorin, Kwara State. The arrests followed reports of theft and violent behavior associated with the protest.
According to NSCDC spokesman Ayoola Michael, the suspects were apprehended after an attack on Olusegun Taiwo, who reported having her bag, phones, and other valuables stolen by a group of youths on motorcycles. The protest, organized by commercial vehicle operators, was reportedly hijacked by these individuals, leading to widespread theft and unrest.
The NSCDC’s investigation revealed that the suspects were linked to a group responsible for causing disturbances in the Sango area of Ilorin. The situation exacerbated tensions in the city, with the protest being marred by criminal activities.
Petrol Price Hike Forces Car Owners to Opt for Motorcycles and Tricycles
In response to the rising cost of petrol, many car owners in Kano have started abandoning their vehicles and switching to motorcycles and tricycles for daily transportation. The sharp increase in fuel prices, following the removal of the subsidy, has made it increasingly difficult for residents to cope with the high costs.
Malam Tukur, a local resident, shared that his daily fuel expenses have surged from ₦3,000 to ₦5,000, prompting him to buy a motorcycle to save money. Similarly, Abdullahi Kano stated that switching to a bike has helped him cut costs by over ₦4,000 daily. Muhiz Yakubu also parked his car in favor of using commercial tricycles due to the combined burden of fuel prices and increased vehicle maintenance costs.