Shagaya Disassociates from Controversial Coalition Statement on NNPCL Leadership

Tolani Shagaya, the House of Representatives member for Ilorin West and Asa Federal Constituency in Kwara State, has publicly disassociated himself from a controversial statement issued by a coalition named “1 AGENDA.” The statement, which Shagaya was allegedly linked to, called for the resignation of key figures in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In a clarification issued on Monday in Abuja, Shagaya emphasized that he was neither a member of the coalition nor aware of its existence prior to the publication. He expressed his concern over the unauthorized use of his name and urged the public to disregard any claims associating him with the coalition. Shagaya further demanded a retraction and public apology from “1 AGENDA,” stressing the importance of due process and fair hearing in legislative matters.

Widespread Condemnation Follows Raid on NLC Headquarters by Security Agents

A raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters late Wednesday night by security agents has sparked a wave of outrage across the country. Although the Department of State Services (DSS) was initially implicated, the agency quickly denied any involvement.

Reports indicate that the raid, which occurred around 10 PM, was possibly linked to the recent nationwide protests against economic hardship. The DSS, however, distanced itself from the operation, with its spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, stating: “The DSS did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja.”

Key political figures, civil society organizations, and international bodies, including former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Amnesty International, and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), have all expressed their condemnation of the raid.

The NLC, in its response, called for an international inquiry, labeling the incident as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Benson Upah, stated that the staff were directed to stay away from the office following the invasion, which has drawn disbelief and outrage from affiliates worldwide.

Atiku Abubakar condemned the raid, calling it a breach of civil liberties incompatible with democratic principles. He stressed that such actions, without a court order and carried out in secrecy, suggest a drift towards militarization under the current administration.

Peter Obi echoed these sentiments, describing the raid as an attempt to intimidate the NLC and an action unbecoming of a democratic society. He emphasized that proper channels should have been used if the security agencies had any concerns.

The ITUC demanded an immediate investigation and the return of any property taken during the raid, urging the Nigerian government to respect labor and trade union rights. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also denounced the invasion, calling it a violation of fundamental rights and demanding accountability.

Amnesty International described the raid as a “sinister and calculated attack” aimed at intimidating the NLC. The human rights organization reiterated Nigeria’s obligation under international law to protect the rights of trade unions.

Prominent lawyers and activists, including Mike Ozekhome and Femi Falana, also weighed in, with Falana urging the Inspector-General of Police to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the raid. He warned that such actions are reminiscent of the repressive tactics used during Nigeria’s military dictatorship.

In a broader criticism, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and activist Deji Adeyanju expressed concerns about the government’s disregard for democratic principles, arguing that the raid signifies an alarming erosion of civil liberties under the current administration.

The incident has raised significant concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, with calls for the government to respect the rights of citizens and labor unions.

Innoson CEO Pledges to Deliver CNG Buses Following Meeting with Tinubu

Innocent Chukwuma, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, has assured that Nigerians will soon benefit from more affordable transportation options through the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. This announcement came after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr. Chukwuma emphasized the advantages of the government’s CNG initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking solution for the country’s transportation sector. He revealed that Innoson had already begun producing CNG kits even before the government’s official announcement.

“The government’s initiative on CNG is the best idea for transportation in this country because CNG offers many benefits for Nigeria. That benefit is what I recognized before I started the factory to produce vehicles that run on CNG,” Chukwuma explained.

This meeting comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s recent nationwide address, where he promised to distribute a million CNG kits at low or no cost to commercial vehicles, which currently consume a significant portion of imported fuel. The CNG initiative, Tinubu argued, would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, saving the country over N2 trillion monthly, and redirect those funds towards healthcare and education.

Mr. Chukwuma also urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, expressing optimism about the positive impact of these new policies.

Nasarawa Labour Unions Issue Three-Week Ultimatum for N70,000 Minimum Wage Implementation

The organized labour unions in Nasarawa State have issued a three-week ultimatum to Governor Abdullahi Sule, demanding the commencement of the N70,000 minimum wage payment. They also called for the settlement of outstanding workers’ entitlements, totaling N250 million.

Ismaila Okoh, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Nasarawa State, delivered this message during a press briefing in Lafia on Thursday, following an emergency meeting with state workers. Okoh warned that failure to meet these demands by the end of August would result in an indefinite strike.

“Civil servants in the state have made enormous sacrifices for the development of the state, so it is important for the state government to act fast in improving the welfare of workers,” Okoh stated.

In response, Abigail Waya, the state Head of Civil Service, acknowledged that the government has not yet finalized plans for the new minimum wage implementation but reassured workers of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare.

The situation has created a tense atmosphere among civil servants in Nasarawa, with growing unease and uncertainty as they await the state’s action on the new wage policy.

NUPRC Plans Amendment of Domestic Crude Supply Regulations

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced its intention to amend the Domestic Crude Supply Obligations (DCSO) Regulations 2023. This move is part of a broader review that includes updates to the National Data Repository Regulations.

In a notice issued by NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, the commission invited input from various stakeholders in the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector. The consultation process is mandated by Section 216 (1) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which requires stakeholder engagement before finalizing or amending regulations.

Stakeholders, including lessees, licensees, permit holders, and host communities, have 21 days from the publication date to submit their input. The proposed regulations can be reviewed on the NUPRC website.

The commission emphasized the importance of these consultations to ensure that the amendments align with the objectives of the PIA 2021. All submissions must follow a specified format available on the NUPRC site and be directed to Kingston Chikwendu, Head of Regulations and Statutory Compliance Unit, at regeon@nuprc.gov.ng.

This initiative comes amid concerns about noncompliance with the existing DCSO regulations by crude producers.

Tinubu’s Announcement of N573 Billion Disbursement to States Clarified as Pre-existing World Bank Loan

The N573 billion reportedly released to states by President Bola Tinubu, as mentioned in his recent nationwide address, is not new funding from his administration but rather part of a pre-existing World Bank loan aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his broadcast, President Tinubu stated that the funds had been disbursed to all 36 states to support vulnerable citizens and expand livelihood programs. However, checks have revealed that the funds were part of the NG-CARES (Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus) program, initiated during the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN) and others have since called for transparency on how the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) utilized these funds. The N573 billion in question includes an initial N112 billion disbursed by the Buhari administration, with the remaining N438 billion being part of a $750 million World Bank loan that will be repaid by Nigeria.

Contrary to some reports, the funds were not a free grant from the Federal Government but rather reimbursements for funds already spent by the states and FCT on the World Bank-backed NG-CARES program. The initiative, which started in 2020-2021, was designed to support small-scale farmers, businesses, and vulnerable households affected by the pandemic.

Sources have clarified that the funds came from the World Bank, with the Federal Government merely facilitating the disbursement. States were required to meet certain preconditions, invest their own resources, and then be reimbursed after verification.

It was also noted that not all states participated in the program; for example, Anambra State opted out due to the loan conditions, while Imo State was also hesitant.

The program was part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to alleviate the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. The clarification is crucial to dispel the misconception that these funds were newly allocated by the Tinubu administration to address recent economic challenges.

OPEC: Dangote Refinery to Shake Up Europe’s Oil and Gas Industry

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has highlighted that the Nigeria-based Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is set to disrupt Europe’s oil and gas market, particularly affecting the Northwest Europe (NWE) Gasoil sector.

In its June 2024 Oil Market Report, OPEC identified the Dangote Refinery as a major new supplier of diesel and jet fuel that could challenge Europe’s existing oil industry dynamics. This shift is expected to have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy.

Reports from Standard & Poor Global have also indicated that the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, which began operations in January, is already influencing international crude flows, with potential for greater disruption as it reaches full capacity.

OPEC’s report notes that increased production from the Dangote Refinery, along with supplies from the Middle East and Mexico’s Olmeca refinery, is likely to pressure NWE gasoil performance in the coming months. Europe’s reliance on imports from Asia and the US grew after the EU banned Russian diesel, making the continent vulnerable to new market entrants like the Dangote Refinery.

Owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the refinery has already made significant inroads into the European market. Despite challenges at home, including limited support from the Nigerian government, the refinery has exported 90% of its 3.5 billion liters of jet fuel and diesel to Europe.

BP has begun transporting its first jet fuel cargo from the Dangote Refinery to Rotterdam, indicating the scale of its influence. OPEC also observed that the supply of jet fuel from Dangote is already affecting pricing and market dynamics in Europe.

In its first six months, the refinery has scaled up to a production capacity of 400,000 barrels per day, supplying diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and fuel oil to both domestic and international markets. Gasoline production is expected to begin by mid-August.

The refinery’s operations are impacting crude oil markets, particularly in Europe, which is a major consumer of Nigerian light, sweet crude. The Dangote Refinery’s focus on Nigerian crude, alongside imports like US WTI Midland, is tightening supply in these markets, leading to potential disruptions.

Aliko Dangote has emphasized that while the refinery was built to process Nigerian crude, it is also open to sourcing from other countries, including Libya, Angola, and Brazil, to maintain operations.

The refinery marks a significant shift for Nigeria, which has long exported its crude oil and imported refined products due to a lack of domestic refining capacity. With the Dangote Refinery now operational, Nigeria is poised to become a key player in the global oil and gas industry.

UAE Pro League Club Shabab Al Ahli Set to Sign West Ham Defender After Troost-Ekong Deal Falls Through

Shabab Al Ahli Club from the UAE Pro League has reached an agreement with West Ham United to sign French central defender Kurt Zouma, according to Sky Sports UK. This development follows Shabab Al Ahli’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, who instead opted to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.

Troost-Ekong had been a target for Shabab Al Ahli, where he would have reunited with his former coach Paulo Sousa, who managed him at Salernitana during the 2022-2023 season. However, the deal fell through as Troost-Ekong chose to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

Both Zouma and Troost-Ekong, nearing the later stages of their careers, are seeking lucrative contracts in the Gulf region as they aim for one final major payday.

West Ham is set to release Zouma from his contract a year before it was due to expire. The Frenchman is expected to undergo a medical with Shabab Al Ahli before the week ends, with his official unveiling to follow shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong, who has been a key player when fully fit, was recently an unused substitute in PAOK’s 2-2 draw with Malmo in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round. Reports from Greece suggest that PAOK plans to keep Troost-Ekong until the second leg against Malmo on August 13, after which they will finalize the paperwork for his transfer to Al-Kholood.

Focus on Farming to Secure Food Supply, Minister Urges Nigerian Farmers

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called on Nigerian farmers to prioritize their agricultural activities amidst ongoing protests in Abuja. He stressed the importance of bolstering food security as food prices begin to decline, urging farmers, particularly the youth, to concentrate on farming instead of joining protests.

Kyari highlighted the federal government’s efforts under President Tinubu to address the challenges posed by rising food prices through various policies and programs aimed at boosting food production. He noted that these initiatives are already showing positive results, with a nationwide decrease in food prices.

The minister warned that continued protests could disrupt food production and the supply of perishable goods, leading to financial losses for farmers and further exacerbating food security issues.

Governor Mohammed Criticizes Federal Government Over Hunger and Poverty Amid #EndBadGovernance Protests

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has sharply criticized the federal government for its failure to address widespread hunger, anger, and poverty in Nigeria. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Bauchi State LGA election campaign organized by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he urged the federal government to cease making excuses and find effective solutions for the nation’s issues.

Governor Mohammed condemned the recent violence during the #EndBadGovernance protests and called for peaceful dialogue. He attributed the economic hardships to the APC government’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which he claimed have worsened inflation and devalued the naira.

The governor pledged that the PDP would bring the much-needed change and criticized the current administration’s handling of the economy. He urged support for the PDP in the upcoming elections and highlighted his administration’s efforts in Bauchi State, stressing the need to continue these initiatives for better governance. The event was attended by key PDP figures, including Senators Bala Kariya and Adamu Ibrahim Gumba.