Nigeria Times

Nigerians are facing growing concerns as the price of petrol approaches ₦1,000 per litre in several states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The erratic supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has led to widespread fuel shortages, with many filling stations across the country unable to provide the product.

In Abuja, some independent petrol stations are selling fuel for nearly ₦1,000 per litre, while motorists endure long waits at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has attributed the ongoing shortage to a lack of direct supply from NNPCL, forcing members to purchase from third-party vendors at inflated prices.

Similar situations have been reported in Lagos, Kano, and Oyo, with fuel prices ranging from ₦568 to ₦950 per litre. The crisis has sparked concerns among commercial drivers and citizens alike, with many unable to afford the steep prices. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the federal government’s response to the issue, accusing NNPCL of benefiting from the crisis.

Despite the challenges, the NNPCL has yet to release an official statement addressing the worsening fuel scarcity.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that recent flooding has affected 27 states in Nigeria, displacing 227,494 individuals and damaging 32,837 homes. Additionally, 16,488 hectares of farmland have been impacted.

NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, announced that the agency is intensifying public awareness on waste management and drainage maintenance to mitigate future flooding. She urged at-risk communities to relocate to higher ground and emphasized that State Emergency Management Agencies should be prepared for rapid response.

NEMA is coordinating relief operations and damage assessments to provide necessary support to affected areas. The agency’s response is part of a broader strategy to address Nigeria’s recurring flooding issues, which are worsened by poor infrastructure, deforestation, and climate change.

Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, the Chinese company involved in a legal battle with Nigeria, has initiated actions to seize Nigerian assets in eight countries, including the UK, USA, Belgium, Canada, France, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands. This follows a court injunction that allowed the firm to ground three Nigerian presidential jets in Europe. The dispute stems from a terminated 2010 agreement related to the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone. Despite a $74.5 million compensation awarded to the Chinese firm, Ogun State has yet to make the payment, leading to ongoing legal actions across multiple jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has vowed to protect its foreign assets from further threats.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that Nigerians can now access eleven key initiatives established by the Federal Government. These initiatives cover various sectors, including education, transportation, business, housing, and skills acquisition.

In a post on X, Idris highlighted these opportunities, urging Nigerians to take advantage of them. The Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, also shared details about these initiatives and their respective registration websites.

The National Orientation Agency emphasized the government’s efforts to address economic challenges, particularly focusing on youth relief.

List of FG Initiatives and Registration Websites:

1. Student Loan Scheme: nelf.gov.ng
2. Consumer Credit Corporation: credicorp.ng
3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative: pci.gov.ng
4. Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDiCE) Program: boi.ng/idice
5. Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA): supa.itf.gov.ng
6. National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP): natep.gov.ng
7. Housing Initiatives: fha.gov.ng/ongoing-project
8. Nano-Business Support: tucnigeria.org.ng
9. Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA): niya.ng
10. Micro and Small Business Loans: boi.ng/micro-business
11. NDDC Internship Scheme for Niger Delta Youth: nyis.nddc.gov.ng

Amidst ongoing public protests over economic conditions, President Bola Tinubu has appealed for patience, highlighting these initiatives as part of his administration’s efforts to address the nation’s challenges.