The federal government says increasing halal exports will add $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027.
Aliyu Sheriff, the special assistant to the president on export expansion, announced on Monday in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to the vice-president, in Abuja.
The halal market refers to the global trade in products and services that comply with Islamic law.
Halal also means permissible or lawful in Arabic, hence halal products and services refer to goods and services that are produced and provided in accordance with Islamic law.
The halal market encompasses a wide range of sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, garments, tourism, finance and banking.
Sheriff said the government will unveil a comprehensive strategy on September 17 aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading player in the $7 trillion global halal economy.
The project, he said, is part of initiatives to diversify the economy and tap into the burgeoning global halal market- products and services that meet Islamic standards of permissibility and embody ethics, integrity and universal values that resonate across cultures and regions.
“The Halal economy represents a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to diversify our economy, generate foreign exchange, and achieve sustainable growth,” Sheriff said.
“By increasing our Halal exports and focusing on strategic import substitution, we project an addition of nearly $1.5 billion to our GDP by 2027.”
According to the presidential aide, the initiative will bring together government agencies, private sector leaders and international partners with a view to capitalising on Nigeria’s position as the eighth-largest domestic halal economy globally.
“The success of Sukuk bonds and the growing appeal of Islamic banking demonstrate that Halal principles are compatible with global economic standards and can benefit all Nigerians,” Sheriff said.
He added that a strategic focus on the halal economy opens up new avenues for Nigerian businesses to compete on the global stage.
Sheriff said it is not just about tapping into a market but elevating Nigeria’s standards and practices to world-class levels.
The ongoing nationwide fuel crisis has forced the Independent National Electoral Commission to increase its financial commitment to the transport unions that would be involved in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, The PUNCH has exclusively learnt.
The adjustment, one of our correspondents learnt, was in response to the recent surge in fuel prices, which has impacted the operational costs of transport companies.
The decision followed a meeting held last Friday at the INEC State Office in Benin-City, the Edo State capital, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told The PUNCH on Monday.
The meeting, chaired by INEC boss, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had the electoral body holding discussions with representatives of the three major transport unions – National Union of Road Transport Workers, National Association of Road Transport Owners and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
The discussions, which culminated in a new Memorandum of Understanding that addressed various concerns related to the election logistics, came after concerns were raised about the availability and cost of transportation for the timely distribution of election materials such as ballot boxes, voting machines and other sensitive resources.
Oyekanmi noted that the revised funding aimed to ensure the unions effectively contributed to the smooth conduct of the election.
He further noted that the unions would mobilise their resources and workforce to support the election process, pledging their cooperation to ensure a successful outcome.
“The meeting, held last Friday at the INEC State Office in Benin-City between the INEC team led by the commission’s chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the national/Edo State officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, National Association of Road Transport Owners and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigerian agreed on all areas of concern,” Oyekanmi said.
“INEC agreed to increase the amount payable to them due to the increase in per litre price of fuel, and the terms of the MoU were agreed upon.
“The three unions thereafter gave their commitment to work hard for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship election.”
Meanwhile, with just four days to the election, Edo political landscape witnessed a new twist on after the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, filed a N20bn defamatory suit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole of the All Progressives Congress even as he dared the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, saying the ex-Rivers governor had no power to determine his fate in the poll.
Ighodalo, through his counsel, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, sought an immediate retraction and apology for the comments made by Oshiomhole on the defunct Planwell Scheme – which allegedly scammed many Edo People in the 1990s – during an All Progressives Congress ahead of the poll.
A letter by Ighodalo’s lawyers, dated September 16, 2024 and addressed to Oshiomhole read, “It is our information that at a campaign rally of your Party on Saturday, 14th of September, 2024, you (Oshiomhole) made statements to the effect that our aforesaid client, Dr. Ighodalo, was associated with or participated in an alleged pyramid scheme known as ‘PLANWELL’ in which numerous Nigerians were defrauded of their hard-earned funds.
“This false and unfounded statement of yours was broadcast live on television and has received extensive exposure on electronic and social media.
“It is sad to note that despite your status as an elder and holder of a public office, you appear to have developed a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain purely for the achievement of your political ends.
“Our client is an accomplished Nigerian legal practitioner and a corporate leader whose impressive resume from birth up till the current day is entirely in the public domain and our client has absolutely no connection with and could never have been involved in any manner whatsoever with the purported ‘PLANWELL’ scheme with which you have seriously defamed our client’s reputation.”
The letter stated further, “In consequence of the foregoing, therefore, our client demands the following: i) an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for your false, defamatory and malicious statements which should be published in at least two National Television Networks and three nationally circulating newspapers.
“Pay to our client damages in the sum of 20 billion Naira for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements referred to herein.
“Take Notice that it is our client’s instructions that we immediately institute appropriate proceedings against you for damages in the sum of Twenty Billion Naira (N20,000,000,000.00) for your said false, malicious, irresponsible and damaging statements made against our client without any foundation whatsoever in fact.
“Further take notice that such action will be instituted without further notice or correspondence to you in that regard whatsoever,” it added.
In a similar move, Ighodalo, on Monday, stated that Wike didn’t have the power to determine the next governor of Edo.
The contestant’s statement was a response to Wike’s claim that he told Governor Godwin Obaseki he won’t back Ighodalo during the governorship poll.
Ighodalo expressed disappointment in the position of the FCT minister, saying that wasn’t exactly the outcome of the meeting he earlier had with him.
He said, “Sometimes when gentlemen talk in some kind of privacy or arrangements, we don’t voice out what has been said. But it is not correct that (former) Governor Wike said he wasn’t going to support us. That’s incorrect. But events may have overtaken his decision at that point and he is free to change his mind.
“I believe, as a gentleman, he would adhere to the word he gave me. But if he changed his mind, so be it. When he and I spoke, we deliberated on issues around fair governance, and how we can create a better country and Edo State. At the end of the day, we ended the conversation at a point where Wike said he would mind his business and Edo State is not part of his business.
“Again, if he has decided to change his mind, that’s fine. But the decision as to who becomes the next Governor of Edo State is the decision of the people. It is not his or anybody else’s to make.
“Whether you are a governor or a minister, it is only Edo citizens and residents who have their PVCs who can take that decision with the support of God Almighty. I fear no man, I only fear God.”
Continuing, the lawyer emphasised that he would concede defeat and congratulate the winner if his party lost the political contest but expressed strong conviction that he would defeat his political opponents.
“Honestly, if we lose this election and we know we’ve lost it fairly and squarely, I will be the first to concede. But I know we can’t lose this election if there is a level playing field for everybody.
“We have related with the people of Edo State and told them what we plan to do for them. They trust us and will vote for us. All the polls and indicators (seen so far) support us. So I have no fear,” he stated.
Peace Accord discord
On Monday night, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki said the PDP will sign the Peace Accord if arrested members of the party were released.
Obaseki, who stated this after the party’s caucus meeting at the Government House in Benin City, said granting bail to the arrested members would allow them to come back home to their families and participate in the democratic process.
“We are hoping that when the courts resume tomorrow (today), all our people who have been detained in Abuja all these weeks will be released. If they are granted bail, allowed to come back home to their families and participate in the democratic process, we would consider signing the Peace Accord,” Obaseki said.
The Governor added that the PDP was pleased with the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetoku, and INEC boss Prof. Yakubu in ensuring a free, fair and credible election in the state.
He said, “As a caucus, we are pleased with the current utterances from the security agencies in Nigeria. We want to particularly appreciate the statement issued by the Inspector General of Police, making a commitment to support the peace process, ensuring that there is a level playing field for all the players and we endorse his efforts to draft a lot more men to Edo to support the elections on Saturday.
“We are also pleased with INEC so far and have every reason to trust the authorities of INEC and what they are committed to doing. So, our leaders are going to various local governments to continue mobilising for citizens to come out and support our candidate who clearly stands shoulder high above other candidates in the governorship race.”
With just four days to the Edo State governorship election, the leading political parties, the PDP, APC, and the Labour Party on Monday began massive wooing of voters across the state.
After the grand rally of the PDP and APC on Saturday in Benin City, and the road show of the LP last Friday, all the parties are back strategising for the big day.
The APC kicked off their ward-to-ward campaign, consolidating their support base and winning new voters to its fold.
Media Director of the APC Campaign Organisation, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, said, “As I speak to you now, we are doing unit-to-unit and house-to-house campaign, soliciting for votes from the electorate for our candidate. This is what we will be doing in the next 48 hours.
“The moves have been very successful. It was easy to sell our ideas to them because where we went to, there was no government presence there. The only presence of governance in those places was the project done during Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure as governor of the state.
“The school built, road constructed, primary health centre and farm road graded under Oshiomhole were still the only signs of development in those areas.
“We had to apologise to the people of Ovia North East and other people who we sold Governor Godwin Obaseki to in 2020 because of the poor state those area are in.”
The Public Relations Officer of the Labour Party, Sam Uruopa, said the party candidate, Olumide Akpata, visited the riverine areas in the state to seek votes.
He said, “The Olumide Akpata Campaign Organisation visited the riverine areas on Monday. That is the first time a candidate is visiting the people and he has shown that he has their interest at heart.
“The welcome by the mammoth crowd was overwhelming and they have also vowed to vote for Akpata. They are tired of PDP and APC and were happy to welcome him at the jetty.”
The Deputy Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council Management, Olu Martin, added that the party had embarked on unit-to-unit and ward-to-ward campaign to strengthen its support base.
He said, “The election is ours to lose, so, campaigns are going on unit-to-unit and ward-to-ward. Even though the open campaigns have been slowed down, there are strategic meetings going on. The idea for us is to defend our votes.
“It is obvious that 70 per cent of the Edo voters have the name of Asue Ighodalo on their lips and on September 21, they will put their thumbs on the ballot papers for Ighodalo.”
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo has filed a N20bn defamatory suit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole over comments on the Planwell scheme.
Ighodalo, through his counsel, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, also sought an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for the false, defamatory, and malicious comments which should be published in at least two (2) National Television Networks and three (3) nationally circulating newspapers.
The PDP candidate noted that the allegations by Oshiomhole are baseless, false, and malicious, describing them as another of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the recent past.
He added that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story is a figment of Oshiomhole’s imagination, intended to denigrate his good character and reputation for the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of Oshiomhole’s party and candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
A letter by Ighodalo’s lawyers dated September 16, 2024, and addressed to Oshiomhole reads, “We are counsel to Asue Ighodalo, who is the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election. It is our information that at a campaign rally of your party on Saturday, September 14, 2024, you made statements to the effect that our aforesaid client, Dr Ighodalo, was associated with or participated in an alleged pyramid scheme known as ‘PLANWELL’ in which numerous Nigerians were defrauded of their hard-earned funds.
“This false and unfounded statement of yours was broadcast live on television and has received extensive exposure on electronic and social media. It is sad to note that despite your status as an elder and holder of a public office, you appear to have developed a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain purely for the achievement of your political ends.
“This baseless, unfounded, false, and malicious allegation has become another in a long line of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by you in respect of our client in the recent past. Our client is an accomplished Nigerian legal practitioner and a corporate leader whose impressive resume from birth up till the current day is entirely in the public domain our client has absolutely no connection with and could never have been involved in any manner whatsoever with the purported ‘PLANWELL’ scheme with which you have seriously defamed our client’s reputation.”
Ighodalo further noted, “It is clear that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story regarding the purported involvement of our client in the said ‘PLANWELL’ scheme or any other financial scheme whatsoever, is a figment of your imagination and a story fabricated purely to denigrate the good character and reputation of our client for the achievement of the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of your political party and candidate in the forthcoming Edo State Gubernatorial elections.”
The letter added that Ighodalo was determined to ensure that the allegations against him do not go unaddressed.
“Our client has been inundated with calls and other contacts from concerned members of the public who heard your said allegations on electronic and social media as a result of which our client has suffered enormous unwarranted reputational damage arising from the lies and baseless fabrications of which you have become the purveyor.
“Our client is determined to ensure that these defamatory lies and fabrications which you have put in the public space do not go unchallenged.
“In consequence of the foregoing, therefore, our client demands the following: i) An immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for your false, defamatory and malicious statements which should be published in at least two (2) National Television Networks and three (3) Nationally circulating newspapers.
“Pay to our client damages for 20 billion Naira for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements referred to herein. Take Notice that it is our client’s instructions that we immediately institute appropriate proceedings against you for damages in the sum of Twenty (20) Billion Naira (N20,000,000,000.00) for your said false, malicious, irresponsible and damaging statements made against our client without any foundation whatsoever. Further take notice that such action will be instituted without further notice or correspondence to you in that regard whatsoever,” it added.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, yesterday reported that the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, disbursed N3.473 trillion to the three tiers of government in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting an increase of N46.77 billion (1.42%) compared to the first quarter of 2024.
NEITI in its latest Quarterly Report on Federation Account Revenue Allocations for Q2 2024 showed the Federal Government received N1.102 trillion, representing 33.35% of the total allocation.
The 36 states received N1.337 trillion (40.47%), while the 774 local government councils shared N864.98 billion (26.18%). Additionally, nine oil-producing states received N169.26 billion as their derivation share from mineral revenue.
Compared to the previous quarter, the Federal Government’s allocation decreased by N41.44 billion (3.76%), while state governments saw an increase of N58.13 billion (4.29%), and local government councils experienced a rise of N30.82 billion (3.57%).
The report highlighted an upward trend in revenue allocations in the latter months of 2023 and early 2024. Total monthly disbursements increased from N1.094 trillion in January 2024 to N1.098 trillion in February but then declined slightly to N1.065 trillion in March.
On state-by-state allocations, Delta State received the largest share of allocations in Q2 2024, with a gross allocation of N137.357 billion, including oil derivation. Lagos State followed with N123.282 billion, and Rivers State came in third with N108.104 billion. Nasarawa, Ebonyi, and Ekiti States received the least, with N24.735 billion and N25.404 billion, respectively.
At the local government, Alimosho in Lagos State received the highest allocation at N5.721 billion, followed by Ajeromi/Ifelodun (N4.592 billion) and Kosofe (N4.541 billion). Ifedayo received the smallest share of N661.82 million.
Tje report indicated that nine states benefited from 13% oil derivation revenue, with Delta State leading at 40.153%, followed by Bayelsa (38.112%) and Akwa Ibom (36.117%). Rivers State recorded a derivation ratio of 27.272%, while the other oil-producing states had ratios below 20%.
The report also noted that solid minerals-producing states did not receive derivation revenue in Q2 2024 due to insufficient revenue generation from the sector.
According to the report, Bauchi State recorded the highest debt deductions in Q2 2024 at N6.49 billion, followed by Ogun State. Anambra State had the least deductions at N115.6 million, while Lagos and Nasarawa recorded no debt deductions for the quarter.
Commenting on the report, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, emphasized that “The Quarterly Review aims to highlight the sources of funds into the Federation Account and the factors affecting the growth or decline in revenues and distributions over time.
“The ultimate goal of this disclosure is to enhance knowledge, increase awareness, and promote public accountability in the management of public finances,” Dr. Orji stated.
The NEITI Executive Secretary urged the citizens and civil society organizations, particularly those involved in revenue and expenditure monitoring, to show interest and strengthen their capacity in budget tracking and monitoring of allocations and disbursements to all tiers of government.
The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, were identified as the main revenue-generating agencies for the Federation Account.
Their contributions included oil and gas royalties, petroleum profit tax, company income tax, value-added tax, and import & excise duties.
as NNPC set Dangote petrol price at N950 per litre
Hopes for a potential reduction in petrol prices, following the commencement of supply from Dangote Refinery, were dashed, yesterday, as NNPC Limited released a new pricing template that raised pump prices by about 11 per cent to N950 per litre.
The pump price of petrol was increased by over 45 per cent two weeks ago, apparently in anticipation of the refinery’s output.
But amid disagreements between NNPC and Dangote Refinery over price of the product, a statement by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that Dangote petrol will not sell cheaper.
A document, titled “Estimated pump price based on Dangote Refinery September 2024 PMS supply”, showed that petrol from the refinery will have a base cost of N898 per litre.
Additional costs such as Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, charge of N4.495, Midstream and Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) charge of N4.495, distribution and logistics cost of N42.45 all added up to bring the effective pump price in Lagos area to N950.22 per litre from the current rate of N855 per litre.
NNPC also adjusted the price of the product across the country for its stations with Abuja now at N992.22 per litre from N897. The price for Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto has also increased to N992.22 while consumers in Borno area will pay the highest pump price at N1,019 per litre. Prices in Port Harcourt and Imo have been increased to N980.22 per litre.
NNPC insisted that it loaded the product at N898 per litre from Dangote and challenged anyone with contrary figures to make it public.
The company stated: “The NNPC Ltd also wishes to state that in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, PMS prices are not set by government, but negotiated directly between parties.
“The NNPC Ltd can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in dollars for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024.
“The NNPC Ltd assures that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100% to the general public.
“Attached to this statement are the estimated pump prices of PMS (obtained from Dangote Refinery) across NNPC Retail stations in the country, based on September 2024 pricing.”
NNPC completes lifting 16.5m litres
Meanwhile Vanguard findings yesterday, showed that the NNPCL has completed lifting of 16.8 million litres of petrol allocated to it.
A competent source in the refinery said: “NNPCL has completed lifting the 16.8million allocated it. The product would be discharged into retail outlets, thus assisting to ease shortage in the country.”
Meanwhile, checks indicated that depot owners and oil and marketers have not started to take delivery of the product.
A depot owner, who spoke to Vanguard said: “We are still lifting imported petrol from NNPCL at N766 per litre. We don’t know what price the Dangote Refinery product will be sold to us. We look forward to discussing with the NNPCL.”
Also, an independent marketer, who pleaded to be anonymous, said: “We have not started selling Dangote Refinery petrol. In fact, we are not even sure of what the price would be. But I can confirm that we are still lifting imported product from depot owners at N875 per litre.”
Consumers should expect N1, 200 per litre — Marketers
On his part, with NNPC selling at almost a thousand naira in Abuja, the Public Relations Officer, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, IPMAN, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, said consumers should expect to pay as much as N1,200 per litre in outlets operated by other marketers.
“You can expect the price to be significantly higher than what you have at NNPC stations. Depending on how much depot owners are getting from NNPC, price may rise to between N1, 200 and N1,300 per litre in most parts of the north.
“We don’t know yet how much NNPC will sell and for independent marketers, things will even get more difficult because we don’t have direct access to products from NNPC. We have to buy from those who bought from NNPC,” he stated.
He had earlier lamented that the continued closure of NNPC Retail portal meant they would not be able to get access to petrol supplied by the Dangote Refinery through NNPC Limited.
Ukadike explained that the group which owned the majority of petrol stations across the country had also not been informed by NNPC of how it would get supply.
“We are happy that Dangote’s supply has commenced and we have another source of petroleum product supply. We are also not against the policy of selling the product to NNPC. The independent marketers are saying we also want the refinery to deal directly with us. We have the highest number of filling stations and will be the best partners for the refinery.
“We have not heard anything from NNPC. We are still waiting for their portal to open, so we can make purchases because since the issue started, NNPC has not opened its portal.”
When contacted to know the price NNPC Limited will be supplying other marketers as the sole off-taker of petrol from Dangote Refinery, Mr Soneye said the company was in discussion with the marketers.
Similarly, IPMAN National Welfare Officer, John Kekeocha, stated: “If Dangote products becomes higher than the imported products, then it doesn’t make sense. What is esence of the celebration we have been having all this while?”
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Breakfast programme yesterday, he said the government should try to address all downstream problems and deliver petrol to consumers at an affordable rate.
Dangote keeps mum
However, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Refinery, Anthony Chiejina, did not respond to enquiries on the new facts yesterday.
But in his earlier statement Chiejine said Nigerians should “await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars.”
Sector requires increased transparency — DAPPMAN
However, Olufemi Adewole, Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN, said: “The downstream sector needs to operate transparently in a manner that gives all stakeholders the opportunity to thrive and contribute significantly to the quest of ensuring availability, reliability and accessibility of petroleum products nation-wide.”
We’ve supplied more than 48m barrels to Dangote refinery — NNPCL
Meanwhile, the NNPCL, yesterday, said it has so far released 48,622,741 barrels of crude to Dangote refinery for processing.
In a document titled – Number of barrels of crude made available to Dangote Refinery, NNPCL, stated that 3,424,584 barrels, 3,477,214 barrels and 3,290,723 barrels were supplied in December 2023, February 2024 and March 2024, respectively.
The company said 3,330,537 barrels, 3,021,368 barrels, 5, 108,050 barrels and another 5, 108,050 barrels, were supplied in April, May, June and July 2024, respectively.
It also maintained that 4,797,215 barrels, 5,350, 000 barrels and 11,715,000 barrels were supplied to the refinery in August, September and October 2024, respectively.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Visits Borno State, Pledges More Support For Citizens, Creation Of Disaster Relief Fund
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Visits Borno State, Pledges More Support For Citizens, Creation Of Disaster Relief Fund](/media/k2/items/cache/6419096b2625ae0f94e7bcd904d36b48_M.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a disaster relief fund Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to assist Nigerian citizens impacted by floods and other disasters.
He said the relief fund is already expedient as the climate becomes more unpredictable and many places in the country are vulnerable to its vagaries.
President Tinubu announced this at the Borno Government House when he visited the state to sympathise with the government and people over the recent flooding from Alau Dam.
He urged the private sector to contribute to the fund.
Senate president Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President on the visit, said the National Assembly will collaborate with the executive to establish the Fund.
Tinubu visited the Shehu of Borno, an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disaster.
President Tinubu said: “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change.
“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.
“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said.
The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others.
He said that Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity.
The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government's continued support for victims of natural disasters.
“For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured.
The President commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives.
“I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden.
“This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.
“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth," he added.
President Tinubu commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in the state.
The Governor of Borno State thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military's Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims.
At the palace, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked the President for the honour of visiting the state after the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, had earlier represented him.
The Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the cause of the Alua dam collapse and overflow into the town to prevent a recurrence.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Nigerian government has begun a free programme to convert petrol-powered commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Ibadan and Zaria, as part of efforts to promote cleaner energy and reduce fuel costs after the removal of subsidies.
In Ibadan, around 100 vehicles were converted at three locations, including a Mobil filling station on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and two other sites in the city.
Louisa Afu, Business Development Executive of the Presidential CNG initiative, said the project aims to help vehicle owners cut costs while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Afu noted that the initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s push for sustainable energy, would expand to other regions. “Gas is cheaper, more sustainable, and safer,” she said, adding that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves made CNG a viable alternative to petrol.
Local transport officials praised the programme as a positive step for the sector, though some, like CNG user Sowole Jayeola, called for further reductions in conversion costs to encourage more widespread adoption.
In Zaria, the government also launched its CNG initiative, starting with 50 vehicles. Dauda Suleiman, Team Lead at the National Institute for Transport Technology Centre, said the conversion kits were being provided for free to commercial drivers in the region.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it purchased premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in dollars.
In a social media post on Monday, the NNPC said naira transactions would commence on October 1.
“The NNPC Ltd can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024,” the statement reads.
NNPC also released the estimated pump price of petrol based on prices set by the Dangote refinery.
On September 14, Wale Edun, the minister of finance, had said from October 1, the refinery would supply PMS and diesel to the domestic market in naira.
“From October 1, NNPC Ltd. will commence the supply of about 385,000 bpd of crude oil to the Dangote refinery, to be paid for in naira,” the minister had said.
“In return, the Dangote refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, to be paid in naira.”
On September 15, the NNPC commenced petrol lifting at the refinery’s gantry after an extended period of price negotiations.
The development followed the deployment of a fleet of NNPC’s trucks to the refinery on September 14.
At the close of loading on Sunday, the NNPC had said it bought petrol from Dangote refinery at N898 per litre.
However, the Dangote refinery countered the claim, describing it as “both misleading and mischievous”.
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Maiduguri to commiserate with the government and people of Borno state over the recent flood incident.
On September 10, flood displaced many residents in the Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.
No fewer than 30 people have been reported dead from the flood which occurred following the collapse of the Alau dam.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima had visited Maiduguri shortly after the incident, describing it as the “most catastrophic” flood in Borno state in the last three decades.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment, Shettima said the impacts of the floods “exceeded estimation”.
Tinubu had directed the immediate evacuation of victims of the flood while he was away from the country.
The president left Abuja for China on August 29 but stopped in Dubai before arriving in Beijing on September 1.
After six days in China, Tinubu left Beijing for London where he met with King Charles III on September 12.
The President arrived Nigeria just before midnight on Sunday, September 15, and was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by some members of the administration and heads of security agencies.
[TheCable]
Despite steady rise in commodity prices across the country, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that headline inflation rate further eased to 32.15 per cent in August 2024 relative to the July 2024 headline inflation rate of 33.40 per cent.
The August 2024 headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.25 per cent points when compared to the July 2024 headline inflation rate at a time the country grapples with high cost of food items, fluctuation in exchange rate and shortage to the food supply chain occasioned by insecurity.
However, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.35 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in August 2023 (25.80 per cent).
“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year on-year basis) increased in August 2024 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., August 2023)” the statistics bureau said in a report released on Monday.
According to the NBS, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in August 2024 was 2.22 per cent, which was 0.06% lower than the rate recorded in August 2024 (2.28 per cent).
“This means that in August 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in July 2024,” NBS said, making nonsense of the current high cost of living in Nigeria, driven by over 354 per cent increase in gasoline.
More...
In a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and trademark cap, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has likened the fate of the President’s political symbol – the broken shackle – to the swastika’s historical transformation from a symbol of good fortune to one of oppression.
In a piece titled “De-cap-itated!”, released to journalists Monday in Abuja, Shaibu drew parallels between the swastika, which was used by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, and the broken shackles symbol that Tinubu and his supporters adopted during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Historically, the swastika symbolised nationalism and good fortune, representing hope across various cultures. However, its association with the Nazi regime turned it into a global emblem of fascism and hate.
Similarly, Shaibu argued that the broken shackle, initially seen as a representation of freedom and human rights as popularised by Tinubu, has now morphed into a symbol of oppression under his leadership in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu, in a campaign soapbox in Ogun State where he made the infamous Emilokan remarks, which is a selfish and arrogant ownership claim to power, has since made the broken shackle a symbol of oppression and political rascality,” Shaibu stated.
The Emilokan mantra, which translates to “it is my turn” in Yoruba, was once celebrated as a rallying cry for Tinubu’s supporters. It was worn proudly on caps adorned with the broken shackle symbol, known as ‘Emilokan’ caps.
During the campaign, the caps symbolised Tinubu’s promise to protect human rights, boost the economy, and replicate Lagos success across Nigeria.
He said the President’s supporters believed in his democratic credentials and ability to transform the nation into a prosperous economy. However, as Shaibu suggested, the reality has been far from the initial promise.
“Everyone now knows that Emilokan is not about shared prosperity for all but about a rabid appropriation of state assets to personal ownership,” Shaibu remarked.
He further accused Tinubu of building personal wealth by exploiting Lagosians, debunking the widely held belief that Tinubu’s governance was responsible for Lagos’ economic growth.
“Tinubu didn’t build Lagos. Rather, Tinubu built his wealth through the sweat of Lagosians,” he added.
The Atiku’s spokesman said the disillusionment with the Emilokan symbol has become so widespread that the caps, once proudly displayed by vendors and supporters, are now gathering dust.
“The once-eager vendors who proudly displayed the Emilokan caps at bustling traffic lights and strategic street corners now find themselves burdened by them,” Shaibu pointed out.
Once a sought-after item, he claimed that the caps have become an embarrassing relic for many of Tinubu’s supporters, representing broken promises and a political regime that has shifted towards authoritarianism.
In his analysis, Shaibu also compared Tinubu to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, an iconic figure in Nigerian politics known for his progressive ideals.
According to Shaibu, Tinubu’s supporters initially likened him to Awolowo, believing he would follow in the legendary leader’s footsteps by delivering a prosperous and inclusive government.
However, Shaibu dismisses this comparison as a “political impersonation fraud of grand proportions.
“Everyone now knows that Tinubu is not Awolowo,” Shaibu asserted, arguing that the notion of Tinubu as a progressive leader has crumbled in the face of his administration’s actions, which appear more focused on personal gain than on the collective good.
“The disappointment with Tinubu’s administration extends beyond the political sphere.”
Shaibu claimed that the Emilokan caps, once a potent political symbol, have now become a source of embarrassment for many Nigerians.
Just as the swastika was banned from public display after the defeat of Nazi Germany, Shaibu believed that the Emilokan caps have become relics of “political deception and disappointment.”
For Shaibu, the transformation of the Emilokan symbol is emblematic of Tinubu’s broader failure to deliver on his promises. What once represented hope, freedom, and prosperity has become a reminder of missed opportunities and growing disenchantment.
Shaibu concluded his critique by noting that the political reality of Tinubu’s presidency has fallen far short of the expectations set during the campaign.
“As Nigeria grapples with the Tinubu administration’s unfolding reality, the Emilokan symbol’s fate poignantly reflects the country’s current political climate,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has ordered probe into the alleged detention of naval personnel for six years without trial.
The Naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas is alleged to be held in custody for over six years on the orders of a senior officer.
The wife of the rating disclosed this while featuring on a popular Human Rights radio in Abuja.
The CDS gave the order in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau while reacting to wife’s revelation which has now gone viral.
He said, “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has taken notice of a circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years.
“The DHQ wishes to assure the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The military court-martial process, though meticulous, ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in accordance with established military procedures and the law.
“In response to this allegation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed an immediate investigation into the matter. The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course”.
He urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading “unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing”.
He further assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will ensure a speedy and transparent investigation.
National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegations made against him by the chairman of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi.
DAILY POST recalls that Aziegbemi had in a statement on Saturday, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election.
The statement alleged that the FG was using Ribadu and the Department of State Service, DSS, to rig the gubernatorial election.
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.S Dollars to the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.
In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
The letter sighted by NAN said: “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered’.
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, ‘$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies'”.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputation and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added.