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![[OPEN LETTER] Beyond The Condemnation Of Trial Of Minors For Treason - Femi Falana, SAN](/media/k2/items/cache/f311870fa5e6efc38fee41b39f0279f1_L.jpg)
Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN,
The President,
Nigerian Bar Association,
National Secretariat (NBA House),
Plot 1101, Mohammadu Buhari Way,
Abuja, FCT.
Dear Mazi Osigwe SAN,
Beyond The Condemnation Of Trial Of Minors For Treason
I commend the Nigerian Bar Association, under your able leadership, for condemning the arraignment of malnourished children for treason and allied offences at the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on the 1st day of November, 2024.
The arraignment of three groups of 130 #endbadgovernance protesters by the Nigeria Police Force constitutes a gross abuse of prosecutorial powers. It is hoped that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who has since taken over the cases, will terminate them without any further delay.
Having fought and won the legal battle that culminated in the judicial recognition of the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens to protest against unpopular policies of governments, we have decided to lead the legal defence of the 130 #endbadgovernance protesters. Even though we are convinced that the frivolous charges will be withdrawn by the Federal Government or dismissed by the trial court, it is pertinent to review the massive infringement of the fundamental rights of citizens for protesting against the implementation of the neoliberal economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration.
However, it is common knowledge that the fundamental rights of children and other citizens to dignity, liberty and fair hearing are regularly violated by security agencies in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. To that extent, the Nigerian Bar Association should go beyond the condemnation of the arraignment of the #EndBadGovernance protesters including malnourished children.
It is high time that the Nigerian Bar Association took advantage of the provisions of the Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and relevant international human rights instruments to put an end to the reckless violations of the fundamental rights of poor and vulnerable citizens in the country.
As you are no doubt aware, section 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and section 70 of the Police Establishment Act, 2020 have imposed a duty on every Chief Magistrate to visit all police stations in their jurisdiction at least once a month.
During the visit, the Chief Magistrate is empowered to grant bail to detainees or order that they be arraigned in a competent court. Any officer found to have violated the rights of suspects and other detainees shall be reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary disciplinary action. In the same vein, High Court Judges are empowered to conduct visits to all other detention facilities in their jurisdiction with a view to protecting the rights of detainees therein.
But due to the failure of Chief Magistrates and Judges to perform the duty of visiting police stations and other detention facilities in the country, the illegal arrest, detention and extortion of poor and vulnerable citizens have been on the ascendancy throughout the country. We are therefore compelled to urge you to prevail on the members of the Human Rights Committees of the 128 branches of the Nigerian Bar Association to accompany Chief Magistrates and Judges to visit police stations and other detention facilities in the country.
In addition, the Nigerian Bar Association should, as a matter of urgency, prevail on the Police Service Commission to employ and assign a legal practitioner to monitor the observance of human rights in each of the 5,000 police stations in Nigeria in accordance with section 66 of the Police Establishment Act, 2020.
Furthermore, by virtue of section 21 of the Correctional Services Act of 2019, official visitors of custodial centres in Nigeria include the Heads of Courts and the President and other executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association. The official visitors are required to visit and inspect the wards, cells, yards and other apartments or divisions of the Custodial Centre; receive the complaint, if any, of the inmates; and call the attention of the Superintendent to any irregularity in the administration of the Custodial Centre or structural defects which may require urgent attention.
Since the law was enacted in 2019, the President and other members of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association have never visited any correctional centre in the country. Therefore, you are requested to mobilize the members of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association and other prison visitors to protect the rights of convicts and other inmates in all correctional centres in Nigeria in accordance with the Correctional Services Act.
In view of the foregoing, the Nigerian Bar Association under your leadership should make a difference by ensuring that the statutory duties of Judges, Chief Magistrates and lawyers are carried out in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Police Establishment Act and Nigerian Correctional Services Act.
While awaiting your response to our requests contained in this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.
Yours sincerely,
FEMI FALANA, SAN
Nigeria’s major oil marketers have significantly benefited from the Federal Government’s recent policy to eliminate subsidies on petroleum products. This change has allowed marketers to operate in a more market-driven environment, leading to substantial financial gains.
In the first nine months of 2024, four prominent oil marketers reported significant revenue gain, earning a total sum of N1.3tn from the sales of petroleum products to Nigerians.
Despite the considerable costs involved in fuel imports, the oil firms spent N833.86bn on the importation of petroleum products within the period, making their gross profit on petrol sales hit N465.92bn.
This is according to the nine months’ financial statements of the companies as listed on the Nigerian Exchange.
The oil companies include Total Energies Marketing Nigeria, MRS Oil Nigeria, Eterna Plc, and Conoil Plc.
The firms also navigated rising operational expenses, achieving more than 100 per cent year-on-year growth in their nine months’ net profits, thanks to subsidy removal.
In May 2023, the current administration announced the removal of subsidies, jacking up petrol prices and resulting in more revenues and profits for major oil marketers. The petrol price has hovered from N200 per litre since late May 2023 to over N1,060 per litre in November 2024.
The statement showed that the four companies posted a cumulative profit after tax of N45.3bn, representing a significant 146 per cent year-on-year growth from the N18.5bn posted in the corresponding period of 2023.
A breakdown of the results showed that the companies spent a total sum of N833.86bn to import fuel between January and September 2024, representing an increase of 99.4 per cent or N415.76bn from N418.1bn within the same period of 2023.
While revenue from petrol sales increased by 98.4 per cent or N644.57bn from N655.2bn recorded in 2023 to N1.29tn in 2024.
TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria, posted the highest amount on fuel import, spending a total sum of N234.68bn on fuel import in the first nine months of 2024. This represents an increase of 84.95 per cent from N126.88bn spent to bring in the products in 2023. It also made a revenue of N634.1bn from N326.38bn in 2023.
This means the company made a gross profit of N399.4bn in 2024, an increase of 100.21 per cent from the N199.49bn gross earnings in 2023.
Similarly, Conoil Plc spent N220.53bn on bringing in fuel products in the first nine months of 2024. The oil firm spent N117.13bn to bring in the same product in 2023.
However, its revenue from these sales increased by 82.96 per cent to N244.53bn in 2024 from N133.65bn revenue in 2023. This indicates a gross profit increase of 45.27 per cent.
Eterna Plc spent N179.51bn on fuel imports but made a revenue of N203.18bn in 2024. In 2023, it spent N98.49bn on fuel imports and made revenue of N109bn. This indicates a gross profit increase of 125.21 per cent.
MRS Oil Company spent N199.14bn on fuel imports but made revenue of N217.98bn in 2024. In 2023, it spent N75.58bn on fuel imports and made revenue of N86.17bn. This indicates a gross profit increase of 77.9 per cent.
The oil company in its statement explained that its average monthly revenue value has increased by about 200 per cent when compared with revenue performances before the deregulation.
It added that sales volume improved in the last quarter of the year, and the business achieved performance above budget expectations for the year.
It noted however that the policy significantly affected the working capital requirements of the company by more than 180% and consequently increased our finance cost on bank credit lines for product purchase
“The implementation of deregulation policy on Petroleum Motor Spirit immediately after the inauguration of the new government in Nigeria had a significant impact on our industry. This product line alone contributes about 94 per cent of the total revenue of the company in the year. The policy significantly affected the working capital requirements of the company by more than 180 per cent and consequently increased our finance cost on bank credit lines for product purchases.
“Subsequently, in the first three months immediately after the policy took effect, our sales volume decreased by about 40 per cent compared to the average monthly sales volume of the months before the policy. Also, due to the increase in the pump price resulting from the subsidy removal, our average monthly revenue value in the last three months of the year increased by about 200 per cent comparatively with revenue performances before deregulation. Sales volume also improved in the last quarter of the year,” the statement partly read.
This remarkable performance underscores the financial impact of the subsidy removal and the potential for increased profitability in the oil sector.
The shift in policy has not only transformed the landscape for oil marketers but has also raised questions about the implications for consumers and the overall economy. As these marketers continue to navigate the new market dynamics, industry analysts and policymakers will closely monitor their performance.
While the oil firms had benefitted significantly from the subsidy removal policy, several manufacturers had to count their losses due to soaring energy costs.
Four large-scale manufacturers including Dangote Cement, BUA Foods, BUA Cement, and Dangote Sugar spent N550.36bn on fuel purchase in nine months. The amount represents an increase of N282.92bn from N267.44bn spent in the same period of 2023.
Meanwhile, the four marketers have stated that the Federal Government through the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority currently owes the firms a total of N36.56bn in bridging claims.
Bridging claims relate to reimbursable from Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for the costs incurred on transportation of Petroleum Motor Spirit from supply points to the retail stations.
The firms said TotalEnergies is owed N22.68bn, Conoil (N4.58bn), Eterna (N1.93bn), and Mrs Oil (N7.38bn).
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced the suspension of their nationwide indefinite strike over withheld salaries.
The unions disclosed that the suspension will take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
In a joint statement signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions stated that their decision follows a period of industrial action that began on October 28, 2024.
The unions had embarked on the strike in response to what they described as the “government’s insensitivity” to their demands regarding unpaid salaries.
The unions expressed that the strike was a necessary step to draw attention to their plight, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring fair treatment and timely payment for their members across institutions nationwide.
The statement reads, “The National leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU acknowledges and commends our members in the Universities and Inter-University Centres for their unwavering resolve, unrelenting determination and steadfast support for the ongoing strike action.
“You will recall that the ongoing strike action foisted on us commenced on the Monday, 28th October, 2024 as a result of Government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands
“During this industrial struggle, we have had several extensive and exhaustive deliberations with the officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the leadership of the Department of State Services
“These high-level engagements culminated into extracting an irrevocable commitment from the Federal Government that the 2 months of the 4 months withheld salaries would be paid in staggered form. One month by the end of October, 2024 (which has largely been done), then the second month to be paid by the end of November, 2024.
“Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new minister and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one- month effective Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.
“Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint Congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 4th November, 2024 and intimate members of these development and urge them to resume work on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.
“We wish to also reiterate that discussions on the remaining 2 months, the N50 billion Earned Allowances, Arrears of 25/35 per cent and the Wage Award have been revisited and are undergoing deliberations.
“Thank you for your usual understanding and cooperation in this regard; we appreciate your total commitment and resoluteness during this struggle.”
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent out a message to President Bola Tinubu about the minors being detained by for being alleged traitors.
SERAP urged Tinubu to use his “leadership position and good offices to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to take urgent steps to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all the #EndBadGovernance protesters including the 32 hungry and malnourished children.”
SERAP said “these children and other protesters are detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.”
SERAP urged him “to direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate law enforcement agencies to promptly investigate the circumstances surrounding the grave violations of the human rights of the children and other protesters in detention, and to identify and bring to justice those responsible, and ensure justice and remedies for the victims.”
SERAP also urged him “to direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate agencies to ensure the immediate access to medical treatment for all the protesters including the 32 hungry malnourished children for their apparently deteriorating health.”
In the open letter dated 2 November 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Bringing charges against children and detaining them simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights is clearly not acting in the ‘best interests of the child’.”
SERAP said, “The detention of the 32 hungry and malnourished children also infringes their right to education. These children ought to be in school, and not languishing in detention.”
According to SERAP, “The apparent ill-treatment of the protesters including the 32 hungry and malnourished children have shined a light on the appalling conditions in Nigeria’s prisons which continue to put lives at risk.”
The letter, copied to Dr. Matthew Gillett, the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, read in part: “The continuing arbitrary detention of the protesters creates a climate of fear, discouraging other citizens from freely exercising their human rights, leading to a broader chilling effect.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“SERAP is concerned that Nigerian authorities are weaponizing the criminal justice system to curtail the rights of the children and other protesters to liberty, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
“We are concerned that the rights of the protesters to life, health, and safety are being violated in detention. Bringing charges against the protesters and detaining them is neither necessary nor proportionate.”
“The conditions in which these children and other protesters are being detained are utterly inadequate and substantially below international standards.”
“Children have the right to express their views freely in matters affecting them. Children’s ability to engage in political and public affairs depends largely on the extent to which their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.”
“Your government has the obligations to ensure and uphold the rights of Nigerian children including to life, liberty, education and development, as well as to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of dignity and worth.”
“Your government also has the obligation to provide a safe, enabling and empowering environment for young people to promote human rights.”
“Your government has the obligations to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate and appropriately punish those responsible for grave human rights abuses against the protesters in custody and to provide the victims with access to justice and effective remedies.”
“Any decision concerning a child must take full account of the child’s best interests including by protecting the children from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and ensuring that the detention of a child is used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time.”
“The Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Nigeria is a state party recognizes that children are entitled to a heightened duty of care because of their special status as children, which requires specific measures that take into account their level of development and evolving capacities.”
“The Convention and the Child Rights Act impose binding legal obligations on your government to take specific measures for the development of children taking account of their evolving capacities, best interests and without discrimination.”
“Articles 37 (b) and 40 (2) (b) (ii) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child also provide that every child arrested and deprived of his or her liberty should be brought before a competent authority within 24 hours to examine the legality of the deprivation of liberty.”
“SERAP notes that rules 1, 24, 27 and 118 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) provide that all persons deprived of their liberty must be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, including by receiving appropriate medical care.”
“Rule 22 of the Nelson Mandela Rules guarantees the right of all detained persons to receive food of wholesome quantity and drinking water.”
“According to reports, 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters including 32 children, were recently arraigned in court for allegedly participating in the nationwide protests in August. The protesters, who have been in detention for three months, were reportedly arrested in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja); as well as Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states.”
“Four children/young persons collapsed on the courtroom floor, writhing in pain before being removed to get medical help.”
“The protester were arraigned on 10 counts bordering on ‘treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria and inciting to mutiny’. However, the protest was against economic hardship and poor governance, as protesters called for reduced governance costs, the reinstatement of petrol subsidy, and food security.”
The Chairman, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, has presented a cash gifts of N200,000 to the overall winner of the Best Senior Secondary School Teacher category in Nigeria, Mr. Kassim Yusuf Adegboyega.
Princess Animashaun who made the presentation of the gift to the teacher at her office in Ita-Marun, Epe, Lagos State, said she had no doubt in Adegboyega’s ability to bring his wealth of experience into the public service.
She said, “Mr. Adegboyega has made the Epe LG proud in his outstanding performance in the Senior Secondary School category teachers competition through his unwavering dedication, commitment to education and his contributions to the community.
“I do not doubt that with his wealth of experience, and having distinguished himself as someone who knows what he is doing, he will definitely add value to our schools in the council area.”
Animashaun, who congratulated Adegboyega for his feat, called on other teachers in the public service to strive to be the best they could be.
She said the feat achieved by the overall best teacher in the senior secondary school category in Nigeria should be an inspiration to other teachers in the council area at large.
“I want to encourage other teachers in the LG area to continue to strive to be the best in their chosen profession, this should be an inspiration to all teachers across the length and breadth of the council. We are indeed proud of him.”
In his remarks, Adegboyega commended the Chairperson for the presentation of the cash gift, noting that it is a privilege to serve in the local government council area.
“I want to commend the Chairperson for her laudable project and support for education. Those of us in schools see what is going on, and we are encouraged by all what the Chairman is doing. Indeed, our Chairman is a silent achiever.
“If there is any privilege to serve too in the public so that I can plough back, I wouldn’t mind because I can now do my beat. In public schools, we have the student population, and I can really help as an expert in education,” Yusuff said
The ceremony was witnessed by guests and special personalities, including councillors, supervisors, special advisers, and members of the management staff.
Urges PDP leaders to unite against external control
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday declared that the 2027 general election will be between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Nigeria, and not between the ruling party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde has also urged the leaders of the PDP to unite against any form of external control that may prevent them from uniting and forming a strong opposition ahead of 2027.
Speaking during the inauguration of the South-west PDP Zonal Office, which he built in honour of the late former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-west), Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo-Oluwatukesi, and donated to the party, Makinde stated that Nigerians would be the ones to determine the next leadership of the country.
He urged the PDP leaders to look inward, work together, and salvage the country.
He said: “People have been complaining; they have been talking; they have been making a lot of speculation. Let me say this again, and I will say it myself: Nobody will set an agenda for me apart from myself.
“They have also been talking; the ruling party and other parties. Let me say this: If you are accusing the ruling party of interfering with other parties to prevent them from uniting and forming a strong opposition for 2027, my position is that there are certain things within our control.
“Whether Governor Adeleke (Osun State governor) and I will cooperate for the growth and benefit of our party in the South-west is beyond the ruling party. It is between me and Governor Adeleke. So, please, let us work together and unite our base; that is all we need to do.
“The next election will be APC versus Nigerians. It is not even about APC versus PDP. So, let us do our bit to unite our party and our base, and let the people of Nigeria speak.
“The people spoke in Oyo and Osun states. They will do it in Nigeria. So, don’t fret. Don’t think external people have control over what will happen in our party. Yes, they may try; they can only succeed when we allow it.
“I want to admonish PDP members all over the country; let us unite and the way to demonstrate it is if you know one or two people in Ondo State, call them and tell them that the PDP is united. Tell them that the Ondo election coming up two weeks from now would be an indication of where Nigeria would be in 2027,” Makinde added.
Makinde said despite the clamour for him to join the 2027 presidential race, he had not assigned anyone to campaign for him.
“Please, let us all work together and unite our bases. That is all we need. The next general election would be APC versus Nigerians, not even APC versus PDP. But, let us just do our own bit to unite our party and bases and then allow the people of Nigeria to speak when the time comes.
“I am glad we are opening this House. It is a demonstration of our unity. I am also glad that our Acting National Chairman is here. The kind of story they would have loved to hear is that the suspension and counter-suspension saga is still on, but that is behind us.
“We are even more united to move forward. So, I thank you all for being here,” Makinde added.
He tasked all PDP members to work together and unite for total victory in the Ondo State governorship election coming up on November 16, 2024.
He spoke on the cooperation and cordial relationship between himself and his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke, assuring that they would work hand-in-hand to unite the South-west
“My brother, Governor Adeleke, I want to thank you today for being here.
“We had our issues; we were fighting ourselves, especially for the control of Zonal Executives. My dear brother, Governor Adeleke, thank you for being part of this; it shows your magnanimity. That means whatever has happened in the past is behind us.
“Dr. Eddy Olafeso is here. We fought. That is the spirit of PDP. Let me also specially recognise my brother, the next Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Agboola Ajayi.
“This time, two weeks from today, Ondo State people will be in the process of electing him as their next governor.”
Makinde added: “Those of you thinking that the only way to achieve your dream is for a division to be in the PDP – well, the South-west of Nigeria is leading the way. My brother, Adebutu, your own time will also come. I said before that when we look at Nigeria, if the South-west is united, Nigeria will unite.
“The two PDP governors who are in the South-west are here together,” he added.
He acknowledged the presence of former governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Samuel Ortom of Benue State.
On his part, Governor Adeleke also stressed the need for the PDP leaders to be united.
“We must forget the past divisions and unite for the good of our dear party. We should resolve conflicts inside the Government House rather than outside. We must refocus on building strong administrative and operational structures,” Adeleke added.
Also speaking, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Iliya Damagum, said with unity, the PDP can reclaim all South-West states and the entire country.
He described the late Adagunodo as a kind and down-to-earth man whose contributions added value to the party’s successes in the country.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has commended the Executive Chairman, Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, for her equitable distribution of developmental projects across the eight (8) wards of the council in the last two-and-half years of her administration in the council area of Lagos state.
The Chairman, House Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftain Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Ganiu Babatunde Okanlawon made the commendation during the oversight function on activities of the Local Government Council Area in Lagos.
Okanlawon, representing Kosofe Constituency I, noted that the Council Chairman has done very well in the area of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, noting that the infrastructural facilities were not left out in her area of developmental strides.
He added that Animashaun has also empowered students, indigent youths, artisans, market men and women through disbursement of funds to boost their businesses and marketing strategies, noting that the Chairman has to intensify efforts on the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), as it has become a global market.
He said: “We have visited three LGAs, LCDAs, and what we saw there were better, but not comparable to what we saw here in Epe LGA, indeed, very encouraging. It is remarkable because we know what happened to the local governments in terms of the paucity of funds.
Okanlawon further commended the leadership style of the Council Chairman, especially in the area of reconstruction and rehabilitation of access roads across the local government area, noting that Councillors and Supervisory Councillors had gone on foreign trips on capacity building, as well as staff and management of the council.
“It is worthy of emulation that the council could have done all these, indeed, she has developed the council's hospital, maternity centres, schools, farmlands for farmers and many others, I think that is commendable and the synergy that is existing between the management and workers is also commendable.”
Okanlawon said the oversight functions provided an avenue to interface with the local governments and understand the relationship that exists between the workers and the management of the council.
Responding, Princess Animashaun applauded the members of the committee for their oversight visit for them to assess the work on the ground.
She disclosed that her administration had been able to complete some projects, including reconstruction of a comprehensive health centre, schools and renovation of some dilapidated roofs in schools, provisions of bursary award to indigent students of tertiary institutions among others.
Princess Animashaun noted that the council had been able to positively influence the grassroots in the area of education, healthcare service delivery, enabling environment, infrastructure, sports, arts and tourism, welfare packages and many more.
“We have been passionate about the development of the youths and students through our monthly grant of N10,000 to assist in entrepreneurship and bursary for the indigents student of tertiary institutions.
“We have also taken the security of our people into cognizance, and in this regard; we have donated security vehicles to the police station around us and also motor cycles for vigilantes.
“We have been able to showcase some of our ongoing projects, and I think the judgment is for members of the committee to make. We will continue to do our best as far as grassroots governance is concerned,” she said.
The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to inform the Command of the commencement of the year 2025 Hajj exercise, just as it sought support towards a hitch-free operation.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, during the visit to the Command at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, described the NIS as one of the key stakeholders that plays an important role in the yearly exercise, informing it on the need to fast-track issuance of intending pilgrims’ passport to enable the Board meets the deadline for the pilgrimage.
While appreciating the Command's past cooperation and support, Alhaji Ajibola, in a statement signed by Hajia Lateefaht Ayoola, Press Officer, OGMPWB, expressed hope that the NIS would sustain the annual assistance for the success of the Hajj exercise.
The State Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Ogun State Command, Mr. Aliyu Akadiri, in his response, said the agency was conversant with the programme and assured that necessary efforts would be made to prevent delay in the issuance of passport for intending pilgrims.
He advised the Board to urge prospective pilgrims requesting International Passports to commence early and come with proof of payment to expedite the process.
Also speaking, Deputy Superintendent Immigration (DSI) Osinusi Omoowo, tasked the Board to inform intending pilgrims of the requirement in the issuance of passport, such as, validated National Identity Number (NIN) and correct information, warning that incorrect details would attract additional fees.
In the same vein, the Board called on the Nigeria Port Health (Quarantine) Services, at Federal Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Alhaji Taiwo informed the health agency of the Board’s preparation towards the Hajj, enjoining it to ensure speedy issuance of Yellow Cards to intending pilgrims, to facilitate seamless Hajj procedure.
Remarking, State Coordinator, Port Health (Quarantine) Services, Mr. Abdul-Lateef Alaaya, pledged that the agency would give necessary assistance and prayed for a successful 2025 Hajj operations.
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has distanced itself from what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s bias for the Yoruba in federal appointments.
The group insisted that they do not support Tinubu for appointing Yorubas as head of all arms of the criminal justice system and other sectors.
Afenifere shared its reservations in a statement by its leader and the National Publicity Secretary, Ayo Adebanjo, and Justice Faleye, respectively, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday.
They insisted that the development threatened the age-long inter-ethnic relationship and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
The statement partly read, “We can never condone the outrageous bias by Tinubu to make Yorubas head of all arms of the criminal justice system (EFCC, DSS, Attorney-General and Chief Justice); the economy (Coordinating Minister of the economy, CBN, Finance, Blue Economy, Digital Economy, Trade, Industries and Investment, Bank of Industry, Solid Minerals); as well as the forces (army, police, customs, immigration, DSS).
“Afenifere can’t use several decades to fight against Fulani hegemony only to support Yoruba or any other hegemony. Afenifere bitterly complained that President Buhari’s northern hegemony can’t remain mute on ethnic hegemony, as being perpetrated by Tinubu.
“Buhari was accused of bias for the North, with three regions, not to talk of Tinubu bias not for the South, but a single ethnicity and single region. Our progenitor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo once threatened to curse anyone that tied Afenifere to Yoruba only.”
The group explained that it adheres to clear-cut principles of being social democrats and would not support autocratic leaders.
“By the virtue of our name, Afenifere, meaning those that want good for all humans, and as omoluabi Yorubas, we won’t support any government that engages in undemocratic practices. Nor would we support a government whose first year pushed over 14 million people into poverty with anti-people policies.
“President Tinubu is no stranger to Afenifere, but having backed him into power in 1999, and witnessed his 24-year precedents in Lagos, it would have been wicked and morally irresponsible to support him into power as President.
“This was why the true Afenifere supported Peter Obi and was in charge of his presidential campaign headed by Akin Osuntokun, an Afenifere chieftain,” the statement added.
President Bola Tinubu says the tax reform bills will not be withdrawn from the national assembly as recommended by the national economic council (NEC).
In a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu received NEC’s recommendation, however, the president said the legislative process should continue.
On October 3, Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.
The bills include the Nigeria tax bill, the tax administration bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill.
Tinubu is also seeking to repeal the law establishing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Reacting to the development, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF)opposed the proposed bills, following a joint meeting with the northern traditional rulers council at the Kaduna government house on October 28.
The governors asked the national assembly to reject any legislation that may harm the region’s interests, calling for equitable and fair implementation of national policies and programmes to prevent marginalisation of any geopolitical zone.
Following the opposition from the northern governors, the presidency on Thursday assured them that the proposed laws were not recommended by Tinubu to disadvantage any part of the country as they were designed to improve the lives of Nigerians and optimise existing tax frameworks.
On the same day, NEC asked Tinubu to withdraw the tax reform bills to give room for consultations.
However, Onanuga said Tinubu urged the NEC to allow the process to take its full course.
“President Tinubu commends the National Economic Council members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their advice,” Onanuga said.
“He believes that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.”
Tinubu also welcomed further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the national assembly considers them for passage.
“When President Tinubu set up the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023, he had only one objective: to reposition the economy for better productivity and efficiency and make the operating environment for investment and businesses more conducive. This objective remains more critical even today than ever before,” he said.
“The committee worked for over a year and received inputs from various segments of society across the geopolitical zones, including trade associations, professional bodies, different Ministries and Government Agencies, Governors, traders, students, business owners, and the organised private sector.
“The tax reform bills that emerged were distilled from the extensive work of the Presidential Committee.”
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TAX REFORM BILLS
The special adviser said the tax reform bills aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, completely overhaul the nation’s tax operations, and align them with global best practices.
Highlighting the purpose of the bills, Onanuga said the Nigeria tax bill “seeks to eliminate multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide”.
“The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB): This Bill proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions to ease taxpayers’ compliance and enhance the revenue for all tiers of government,” he said.
“The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill: The Bill seeks to re-establish the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect its mandate as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government.
“The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill: This Bill proposes creating a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all state tax authorities. The fourth bill will also establish the Office of Tax Ombudsman under the Joint Revenue Board, protecting taxpayers’ interests and facilitating dispute resolution.”
He said the bills’ overarching objective is to effectively coordinate federal, state, and local tax authorities, thereby eliminating the overlapping responsibilities, confusion, and inefficiency that have plagued tax administration in Nigeria for decades.
According to Onanuga, under existing laws, taxes like company income tax (CIT), personal income tax (PIT), capital gains tax (CGT), petroleum profits tax (PPT), tertiary education tax (TET), value-added tax (VAT), and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks.
The special adviser said the proposed reforms seek to consolidate the numerous taxes, integrating CIT, PIT, CGT, VAT, PPT, and excise duties into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation.
“While there may be differences in approach or specific provisions of the new tax bills, what is not in contention is the need to review our tax laws and how we administer them to serve our overall national development agenda,” he added.
Onanuga assured that Tinubu will continue to respect and welcome the advice and recommendations of the NEC.
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Oil marketers, on Friday, revealed that the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was between N1,015 and N1,028/litre depending on the quantity being purchased.
Based on this, the dealers vowed to import the commodity and sell it below the Dangote refinery price as well as the price being sold by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on Thursday showed that the landing cost of petrol was N978.01/litre as of October 31, 2024.
It stated that the landing cost of diesel was N1,069.97/litre, while that of aviation fuel was put at N1,119.67/litre.
The landing cost of these white products is the unit price of the imported commodities on landing on Nigeria’s shores.
Since the Dangote refinery commenced the release of refined petroleum products domestically, it had refused to announce the cost of the commodity despite several demands for the price.
However, a major marketer, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed that the cost of petrol from the Dangote refinery was higher than that of imported PMS.
According to the official, the refinery currently sells to oil marketers making bulk purchase at N1,015/litre and small buyers at N1,028/litre.
The major marketer also disclosed that three cargoes carrying petroleum products recently arrived and had been discharged at seaports along the nation’s borders.
“Dangote is selling to bulk buyers at N1,015/litre, but to marketers who are not buying in bulk, the refinery is selling at N1,028/litre.
“But imported PMS is cheaper than the cost of Dangote’ own, and that is why he is doing all he can to ensure that the government stops the importation of fuel,” the dealer stated.
Commenting on the development, marketers under the aegis of the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria vowed that they would sell imported petrol below the price offered by the Dangote refinery.
The association said its PMS would also be cheaper than that of the NNPCL.
The PETROAN Publicity Secretary, Dr Joseph Obele, however, told Saturday PUNCH that the price of Dangote PMS might be higher because the refinery was still producing with the imported crude it bought at a premium.
He said the association had struck deals with some international fuel suppliers to import PMS at a good price, adding that the product would arrive in Nigeria at a price around N800/litre.
“PETROAN is an association, but we have incorporated our limited liability company called PETROAN Limited. We have got the licence from the Corporate Affairs Commission, and we have applied to the NMDPRA to licence us and give us authority to import. So, as we get that authority to import, I think we will import from the best market.
“And it is good also for the general public to understand that the landing costs in all the nations are not the same. PETROAN has got a partner from the international market, that the product will arrive here at close to N800/litre. So, since PETROAN has the best value for Nigerian citizens, we are calling on the regulatory agency to release our authority to import in no distant time so our first stock will come in.
“And we assure you that PETROAN will sell far less than Dangote. It will sell at prices far less than NNPC. Right now, NNPC is selling to us at N1,040/litre. PETROAN will not sell like that, because we have negotiated. And all our partners and foreign counterparts are on standby to make sure we give Nigerians the best value,” Obele said.
The associations spokesperson stated that he would not be able to disclose the exact quantity to be imported, but stressed that PMS imported by PETROAN would be cheaper.
Obele explained that Dangote was only selling to NNPC directly, while NNPC sold to marketers.
“I am telling you that that the position of NNPC as a middleman is still active till tomorrow. NNPC has refused to announce how much Dangote is giving. Dangote has also refused to announce how much he is selling to NNPC. So, I think there is an agreement that they don’t announce it.
“All we know is how much NNPC is selling it to us. However, the transaction between the two is not in the public domain. NNPC has refused to mention it. And the general public has said, please make these things open,” he said.
Speaking on the landing cost of N978/litre, he emphasised that the landing cost differs from country to country.
“N978 to N1,000, that’s the landing cost. It was about N1,100 as of last month. But because of the drop in the selling price of crude oil in the international market, PMS has witnessed a downward review in the international market too. So, I think we should also witness a downward review,“ he said.
When reminded that the NNPC just jerked up its price, Obele responded, “No, the issue we have is that the only functional refinery we have is the Dangote refinery. And Dangote has announced to everyone who wants to hear that the crude oil stock he is still working on was the one he bought from the international market; that the naira-for-crude stock, he has not started refining that. So, we don’t expect a downward review from someone who bought old stock when crude oil was selling for $80 and $78 per barrel.
“So, now that it has dropped to $72, we are not expecting to review the price automatically. Because you can put it to us that it is still trading with the old stock. But recently, the price of crude oil has dropped. We hope that whoever is buying the new stock of this new trade should review the price downward. But if what Dangote has used to refine the stock available is the old stock got when crude oil was still selling at $80 per barrel, we don’t expect him to review downward.
“Until the refinery commences production with the stock it just received last week in naira, that’s when people can criticise it. But at the moment, I think the selling rate reflects the former cost of crude oil.”
Meanwhile, the National Assistant Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Yakubu Suleiman, also stated that the cost of Dangote petrol was higher than the imported commodity at the moment.
Suleiman, speaking in an interview with Arise TV, on Friday, stated that the price of fuel from Dangote refinery was higher than the cost of commodities imported.
According to him, the price of petrol at Dangote refinery was set at around N995 and higher than other sources.
Suleiman also accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote refinery, Aliko Dangote, of sidelining key stakeholders in its fuel supply strategy, claiming that limited engagement with independent marketers had hampered their ability to lift petrol from the facility.
When contacted, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina, said the figures being bandied were not correct.
He described reports on Dangote petrol price as fake news, wondering where they emanated from.
“This is fake news. People are just posting what they like,“ he said.
Chiejina, however, declined to give the actual price.
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has announced his intention to “step aside” following a significant defeat of his party in the recent general elections, as indicated by preliminary results.
Naija News understands that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the diamond-rich nation since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, faced a challenging electoral outcome.
While the official results from Wednesday’s election are anticipated to be released by the electoral commission later on Friday, initial counts reveal that three opposition parties have collectively secured at least 31 out of 61 seats in the national legislature.
According to Botswana’s electoral regulations, the first party to achieve 31 seats will be declared the victor and will have the authority to appoint its candidate as president.
“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi told journalists during a press conference Friday morning, adding it had been “a good journey”.
Masisi, who took office in 2018, said he would “begin all administrative work to facilitate the transition.”
“We are quite happy to retreat into being a loyal opposition and to hold the government accountable,” said the 63-year-old leader who had been confident of securing a second term.
The opposition coalition, Umbrella for Democratic Change, which leans towards the left, has obtained over 24 seats, as reported by party official Mike Keakopa to AFP.
The coalition is striving to achieve a total of 31 seats in order to secure a definitive victory.
Should this be validated, their candidate, Duma Boko, a human rights attorney educated at Harvard, would assume the presidency.
Additionally, the other two opposition parties, the Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Patriotic Front, collectively garnered approximately a dozen seats.
…We can only suspend action if we get alert — SSANU
Striking members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, yesterday turned down persuasions from the Federal Government to call off the strike.
The workers insisted that until they got an alert on the withheld salaries, the industrial action would continue.
Recall that the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of the two non-teaching staff unions had embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday on the expiration of the ultimatum they gave to the government on the withheld salaries.
President Bola Tinubu had recently approved that 50 per cent of the four months’ withheld salaries be paid, but several months after the approval was made, nothing has happened.
Worried by the effect of the ongoing strike, the Federal Government convened a meeting with the aggrieved university workers yesterday, with a view to persuading them to suspend the strike.
Speaking to Vanguard on the outcome of the meeting, the President of SSANU, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, said: “The conversation was very cordial, very fruitful, very frank. So like I said, it was chaired by the outgoing Minister of State for Education at the instance of the Minister of Education, who joined the meeting virtually.
“So, they related the position of government that they have extracted commitment from the Minister of Finance that the payment will be made.”
Asked when the government promised to make the payment, he said: “They said before the end of the month. Today (yesterday) is 31st, so, we are still on 31st and we told them that until then, the mandate we have from our people is that we can only suspend when the money is paid.
“Remember, so many other promises were made before and so that’s our position. So we left on a very cordial note. There was this clear understanding that we’re waiting for payments, we can only suspend until we get the payment.”
On whether the government made any attempt to persuade them to suspend the strike, Ibrahim said: “What will they say? They will not say anything new.
“There were a lot of persuasions but like I told you, we went there with the mandate of our people, and the mandate given to us was that we must make sure we get the payment because there is already an approval.
‘’It’s not something that has not been approved. There’s an approval of the President. So, it’s the release that is the problem.
‘’If the President has approved, those in charge should be able to release the money and they promised to release it. Since they did not say they will not release the money, we said okay, until then.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Thursday night clarified that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products.
A statement by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Group, said “although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, it is misleading to suggest that they (IPMAN members) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from our Petroleum Refinery, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. Consequently, we cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities.”
The statement noted that “the payment in mention has been made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not us. In the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved, nor authorised us to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.
“We would like to emphasise that we can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. At present, we can load 2,900 trucks per day and we have also been evacuating petroleum products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payment as we have more than enough petroleum products to satisfy the needs of their members.
“Furthermore, we believe it is instructive for all stakeholders to refrain from making unfounded statements in the media, as that could undermine the economic re-engineering efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Conducting business through public speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.
“In the interest of our country, we encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and heed the advice of President Tinubu, while promoting a unified approach, rather than engaging in media conflicts and needless propaganda.”
It would be recalled that the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) stated that its members are unable to load petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, despite having paid N40 billion to the NNPCL.
IPMAN President, Abubakar Garima, revealed this on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday.
This was in response to Aliko Dangote’s claim that marketers were avoiding his refinery in favour of imported petrol, noting that IPMAN members are eager to purchase from Dangote if allowed to do so directly.
“We have over N40 billion in outstanding debt with the NNPCL. I was surprised when Dangote said he has over 500 million litres of PMS. We are ready to buy the product from Dangote if he is ready to sell it to us directly,” Garima stated.
He added that his members are not importing petrol, contrary to Dangote’s suggestion.
Instead, Garima argued, the Dangote Refinery should register independent marketers directly, bypassing the NNPCL, to allow for easier loading.
“If he (Dangote) can sell the product directly to us, we can buy because we pay upfront before loading. Currently, we have N40 billion with the NNPCL, yet we can’t access the product.
“Recently, some marketers were sent to load at the Dangote Refinery but were unable to load even after waiting four days with their trucks,” he explained.
On Tuesday, Aliko Dangote met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, announcing he had over 500 million litres of petrol in storage at his refinery, but that marketers were not using his facility.
However, Garima noted that IPMAN, representing over 20,000 marketers, has already paid N40 billion to NNPCL but is still unable to load from the refinery.